ISRAEL: THREE WEEK VACATION TO RETURN TO MY SOUL
I am now in Israel. I am here for three weeks, visiting for the first time in this most incredible of countries. My boyfriend has a home in the artist quarter of Jaffa/Tel Aviv overlooking the oldest port in the history of civilization. I have been trying to visit this beautiful land for quite a while, but have been prevented in doing so due to Covid restrictions.
This is an extremely much-needed vacation for me. Over the past four years, I have been through several serious and stressful situations, major life changing events. The constant effort and strength it takes in the face of such life changes to remain a positive role model for my children and to take care of my much appreciated clientele is, apparently, not an inexhaustible resource. I must admit, now from a distance, that my life had become somewhat of a grind…waking up at 5:30, hitting the easel by 7 AM and then painting till I drop, usually around 10 PM.
Hurricane Ian was the cherry on top of the stress sundae. I am so grateful that I had this vacation already paid for and on the books. I may not have come, given the situation back in Florida and with still a few commissions to wrap up, but after so many attempts to come during the Covid times, and being prevented in doing so, I couldn’t let this opportunity slip by. Thank God. I am feeling my body learn how to relax again. I am able to sit and enjoy. Just sit and exist in the moment rather than constantly doing. I am bringing back into my life the practice of transcendental meditation, which somewhere along the line over the past years, I let slip away.
The incredible history of this place, the intensity and authenticity of its people, the mix of cultures, the stunning beauty, phenomenal fresh food, are all incredibly healing to this woman’s soul. Jogging along the Promenade, biking around Tel Aviv, walking along the ancient lanes….Heaven.
The creativity that will come out of this experience will be invaluable to me. Everywhere I look, every photo I take, is a potential painting. However , I have vowed that I will not touch a paint brush until I return to Florida. This is my vacation and I am enjoying it to the fullest.
L’Chaim!