We are now settled in our new home and routine in Husøy. We will be here for a month which is the longest we have been in one place since we left Alaska. It is hard to describe how good it feels to run the same road, get caught up on work and see the kids really dive into a school routine again.
Last night we talked about how quiet and peaceful it was here listening to the waves hit the edge of the rocks nearby. This may be the coolest, quietest place we will visit this year; this place is the closest thing to paradise I can imagine. The house is right on the ocean with blueberry and cloudberry bushes everywhere. We are surrounded by miles and miles of spectacular mountains to roam and explore with or without trails.
We recently read the Alchemist. There is a character in the book who does not want to search out his personal legend and go to Mecca because his unfinished goal keeps him moving forward. I had this pang of sorrow last night wondering, "Is this it? Did I find my paradise, and everything after this will be more challenging and disappointing? Should we have saved Norway for last?" I realize that each new step has brought me delight and surprise in some way; I now understand more completely that the goal of this year was not to find our perfect place but to grow as a family and as individuals. This is where we are right now; this is the moment and place in time we occupy. It is like opening a Christmas present which was not what you asked for but was exactly what you didn’t realize you really needed and wanted.
The hike right up from the house is full of berries, steep cliffs on both sides with big drop-offs and a bright yellow bike almost at the top. This is an an impressively easily climb for the reward and has been a part of my morning runs.
We all had our chance to play on the bike!
Riding this bike was harder to do than it looked- there was no chain and flat tires didn't help.
Filling out the book on the top. In the background you can see our little island and our home for the month.
Big One working on her math with the world behind her.
Our place in this moment in time.