Sometimes the oddest moments will change the direction of your life. For me it happened last night on another social media site, when I came across a friend's simple post. My friend posted a picture of her first pineapple. It seems her brother came to see her and as a bit of a spoof he planted the top of a pineapple in the backyard. The resulting plant produced this pineapple.
*used with permission
The picture is simple, but as soon as I saw it, an idea formed. "I want to grow a pineapple". On the surface it sounds like a simple thought, but I knew the idea was already planted, beginning to take root, in my brain. The desire was so strong, I knew it wouldn't simply pass. I woke up thinking about it again this morning. I want to nurture the idea for a bit to see how it grows.
*cauliflower
The restlessness has been there for a while. I don't attach to houses and areas, my attachments are with people, ideas, and experiences. The longest I have ever lived in one house is 7 years. We have been in this one for 3 years and the restlessness has already started. The kids are grown up and pursuing their own lives, families and activities. The last three summers have been filled with smokey haze, dry crackling weeds, blowing dust and weather extremes. The past winter was frigid and snowy, my mind and body long for tropical beaches and sounds of the ocean.
*stock photo found millions of places on the internet
The restlessness is political and crypto related as well. My state (WA) has passed so many restrictive laws most of the exchanges will no longer accept residents of WA as customers. The Nation is stuck in conflicts that do not make sense to me, and run by people who remind me more of circus clowns than leaders. (Both sides) I feel powerless to create any change. The arguments are handed to the population via mainstream media and day-after-day I listen to the arguments growing more confused and ... restless.
*clip art
My work is as mobile as my laptop and an excellent internet connection, although I do like that I live centrally to most of my clients, so if I have to visit I can drive. In the company I used to work for I got so burnt out on travel, I don't enjoy the idea of getting on a plane. There are always compromises though.
I've always thought I might like to live in Texas, but until now I have never considered moving out of the country. I have never seriously looked into the idea of relocating somewhere completely new. If you have already left the US or are in the process, I would love to hear about your experience. Help me pick a place to plant a pineapple. I am not saying I am going to move out of the country, but it is an option, an option that is sounds fun to consider.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions, conversations that haven't been had, decisions to make, but I see pineapples in my future.