This time is what you make of it

Sant’ Erasmo, Palermo

A few years ago, but I can’t remember exactly when, I was visiting with friends. After being in their home for a number of years, they had many of the cool kitchen appliances someone like me, who can cook approximately three dishes none requiring anything special, irrationally desires. I expressed how much I would like to have a home of my own one day, if only to have a place to keep all my kitchen gadgets.

My friend wisely advised me to not place much importance on acquiring, say, an immersion blender.

When you live a life of moving around a lot, you try not to have too much to bring with you. While I have given away many things when I realized they wouldn’t be fitting into my suitcase, or passed up buying things in the first place altogether, I can honestly look back without any regret. I have everything I need, and in fact, more; hence the tendency to read Marie Kondo’s books every few months.

But the other day, I finally did it. I bought an immersion blender.

Moving to Palermo is the first time since I left home for university almost nine years ago that I have moved with the intention of not leaving anytime soon after. It’s the first time I have begun to move more than just clothes with me from my home in Ohio.

Maybe this is what it means to begin settling down. Or perhaps I haven’t settled down at all, and in fact, am just passing through. One can never know what the future holds. But the intention is clear. I intend to stay. I intend to make the most of this chapter, however long it will be. I will sit in the sunshine on my balcony, and reread my favorite books that I brought from home. I will enjoy the city, the seaside, my friends, and the fresh air. I will grow a garden of herbs and flowers. And I will make hummus. And it will be good.

love,

greer