Live life. Today.

My friend had always wanted to go to Venice.

And so when she finally got there, it was like her dream.  come.  true.

I told her that I've always wanted to go to Venice, too.

Since I was a little girl.  Back then, when I thought of Europe, I thought Venice.

When I dreamt of traveling, it was Venice on my mind.

But, when I finally got to Venice, years ago, I was so sick ...

high fever, chills, aching body ~ the works ~

Honestly, I couldn't fully enjoy Venice for all it had to offer.

But I tried.  Took strolls along the canals.

Watched the gondolas.

Even appreciated the swarm of pigeons. 

But still, I was disappointed.  In my poor, sick self.

My body (and mind) just couldn't enjoy the moment.

Even in Venice.

So, I promised her (Venice) that I'll be back one day.

I didn't ride the gondola, so that I could go back one day to ride it.

I haven't gone back.

But, I think I should go soon.

My friend told me that it's time to do things,

rather than just dream about them.  Or promise to do them one day.

She's right.

I know she is.

Because things come up.

And next thing you know, time passes ....

I just came back from the hospital.

My mom was taken to the ER.

And the doctors wanted to keep her for further observations.

As I was driving to the hospital,

I thought about my stepdad.

And I thought about what my mom said when he passed away.

About all the trips they wanted to take, but didn't.

And by the time they realized it, he was too sick to travel.

I thought about the story my friend told me

about an old couple she met on her trip.

The woman carried around a folding chair everywhere they went,

for her husband who walked with a cane.

My friend said that every time the husband needed to take a break,

the woman opened up the folding chair for him.

The woman told my friend that her husband almost died last year.

And his wish had always been to go to Rome.

So, when he got better after the near death experience,

they packed up their bags, and took off.  Hence,

they were there to tell my friend their story.

My friend told me that the woman never complained

about carrying that folding chair everywhere.

They just looked really happy.

So, tonight, on my way home, I told myself,

take that break.  Live life.  Stop putting things off.

Plan Venice.  Then, go.  Soon.

And in the meantime, buy that ticket

to the concert you've been wanting to go to.

Go watch a movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Take that hike up the Silverlake stairs. 

And continue to smile often.  Even on days like today.

Love fully.  Tell people you love that you love them.

That you miss them.  And that you want to see them.

Tell my mom I love her. 

I don't know what I would do without her.

Embrace every moment.

Photo via