I wrote this (below) in December 2011 when I was visiting Greece. I never posted it because suddenly the difficult and all-encompassing holidays were upon me, and then, before I knew it, my book “Worth Fighting For” was released, and I was swallowed up. But I opened this up just yesterday and I liked it, and thought it was worth a visit back to Thursday, December 15th…
A beautiful and enticing promo shot for the island, Santorini, Greece.
Here I am, sitting in the Athens airport in Greece, waiting to board my flight to the island of Santorini (voted best island in the world this year, I’ve been told). We are delayed because the winds in Santorini kicked up, and are beyond the landing capability of the aircraft. Actually, we were already on the plane when the weather had turned, and were taken off, and put back in the terminal – where we now wait for updates on the weather every twenty minutes, or so.
The scoreboard at the Athens Airport.
And oddly, I feel . . . comforted, like, “I know how to do this.” I know how to adapt when I’m traveling, and I love this curve ball I’ve been thrown. It feels like adventure. Why? Because it’s not going according to plan.
It reminds me of so many experiences flying in our Cessna 414. My husband, Patrick, and I would take that plane cross-country, which is pretty ambitious for a 414. I flew it on my own, coast to coast, a few times. And I always said – if you’re going to be flying a small plane, you’d better be ready for adventure – because you never know what might happen, and where.
We once sat on the ground in Memphis, Tennessee, while we waited out a squall line of thunderstorm for three hours in the middle of the night before we could resume our trip into Washington National airport (we were the only plane that got in that night).
And in a podunk town in Oklahoma, I thought I was grounded for good when I landed for fuel, and found all of the oil from my left engine spewed across the wing. It turned out to be a small hole near the top of the dipstick, and under pressure, this tiny pinpoint was big enough to empty the entire contents of my engine. Luckily, it was expertly soldered by the local mechanic, and I was on my way the following morning.
So, this delay makes me feel…happy. I actually get more stressed out when I have a long, detailed list of to-do’s to make a trip a happy one. It makes me feel like I’m under pressure. A little like how I feel about New Year’s Eve parties, and why I avoid them – you show up with a “result” in mind – the It’s-New-Year’s-Eve-and-I-need-to-party-whether-I-like-it-or-not syndrome.
Ah, so now, the pressure is off. I sit in an airport, waiting. And Santorini can wait while I enjoy this detour. Now I don’t have to worry about scheduling myself, squeezing every moment out of my short trip there, and being in one of the most romantic places in the world by myself.
Hi Lisa
Wow what a beautiful place, such wonderful pictures Lisa, looks like a real dream of a place to get lost in the wonder of. It reminds me of a fairytale place so full of colour and romance as the sky looks so warm and wonderful the place where dreams come true, and theres a lovely prince charming in the land of true happy ever after fairytales.
I love places like this as Austria also makes me feel this way with its beauty too.
These lovely places and memories can bring comfort and peace in bad times as they can pick you up and make you feel the passion for life and the strength to carry on.
Hold on to all your beautiful memories God bless and love to you, take care love julie XXOX
Wow…Santorini looks like such a gorgeous place! My Granny (the one who passed from PC in 2003) traveled to Greece, and I can remember her telling me how beautiful it was! Wish I had some of her pictures!
As always…Much love to you, Lisa. XXX
PS. Your “Chica de Mayo” pic was adorable! What’s her name (if you don’t mind me asking)? We have a dog “Max” that looks so much like her! 🙂
Her name is Murphy, ike the tV show character, Murphy Brown. We didn’t name her, she was a abandoned puppy that was picked up by some friends of ours.
Thanks for sharing, Lisa. How sad that she was an abandoned puppy. But, thanks to your wonderful friends, Murphy sure is blessed with a loving home now!
Hello Lisa!I Greece must be very beautiful place.Thank you for sharing it.Sending you a big hug
Hi lisa
I’am truly amazed at the spirit and determination you show,you are such a strong amazing lady,even though your heart as been broken from the loss of your husband,the love of ur life, you show great strength in trying to move on , the best way you can.
You are one amazing beautiful lady and i wish you all the luck in the world .
Big hug as always from me to you. kelly x
ps beautiful picture of murphy, sooo cute!!
I’ve put one of my beautiful baby boy on twitter not sure if you can see it or not. xx
Hope u like is a magical place
Wow Lisa, what a breathtaking pic.I especially love the last pic of the sunset. Did you take this while flying? Who on earth was manning or should I say womaning the plane? Jk ; ) I would definitely say you could add freelance photographer to your list of talents. You sure have an eye for beauty, but then again we already knew that, afterall look at you taste in men, namely… Patrick. You’re lucky girl. Patrick is truly missed for his talents, sensitivity, kindness and down to earth demeanor. We all feel your loss. Keep on keepin’ on. Sending rainbows of hope your way.XOXO Nadine
Wish I could claim credit for the two Santorini pictures, but there are promo shots I got off the Internet!
Beautiful nonetheless. You have great taste and an eye for beauty. Love your blog.
XOX Nadine
You are amazing Lisa!! What most people would see as something to complain about by being delayed by a flight, you see as something that makes you happy…… It takes the pressure off……….. Gary and I sure do know how you feel about New Year’s Eve parties, as we feel the same. We are so very happy that you were able to see such beautiful sights!!! You are very blessed to have earned your pilot’s license and to have a plane to fly…… What a wonderful way to “escape” when you feel the need!! You surely are an amazing lady!!
Dear Lisa,
It was a realy good idea to grub out the Santorini blog with this nice pictures. Thanks for sharing. I realy hope you had a good, relaxed time there and are still full of wonderfull memories. Couse to wallow in beautifull memories can realy help one to make the day.
When I was on vacation on a small guest ranch last year, I was thoroughly happy one evening when I managed to do something I did not belive I could do in a million years. I kept this moment of happyness deep insight me to haul it out when I have a bad moment. Than I see this scene like a movie in my head and become smiling.
Whish you lots of those moments of happyness that help you to make the days (and nights) and keep you going.
Many huggs,
Kerstin