Spring Break in Portland

What a fantastic trip we had in Portland last week! Thanks to all our family and friends who joined us at various times throughout the week for a visit or to share a meal. Even though we are moving back in less than 3 months, the fact was that we hadn't been home in 9 months and that's a very long time to be away. It did our hearts and souls a lot of good to share hugs and kisses and to hear that we've been missed. This family, each of us - has been through our own personal challenges and we needed a trip home more than a trip off to another confusing country. It was so relieving not only to enter our own country where we knew the language and culture, but our own neighborhood where knew the haunts and favorite restuarants, etc. We didn't need our navigation system, to find and check into hotels, wonder where to eat and what tourist excursions to drag the kids on. It was great to be in town and not have domestic or career activities to drag us down. We got to do nothing but see, friends, eat, shop, a few doctor and dentist appointments and the like and then see more friends and family and eat again.

Special Thanks to John and Carole Vranizan, Menendez', our camping buddies (McBarrons, Loux's, Mackies, Osborns and the Hehns), The Fitzpatricks, McCarters, James', Reunerts, Garnands, McDonalds, Linda McCarter, Benschings, Panet-Raymonds, and everybody at Rieke Elementary.

Back in Denmark now for 5 days. My head stayed behind and is slowly catching up with my physical body. The girls adjusted to the time zone very quickly but Craig and I have had several sleepless nights. We should settle after a week or so.

Upon arrival to Copenhagen airport, during the cab ride home and into our house we had an eerie sense of belonging and familiarity that we weren't expecting. We traveled 12 hours around the globe to walk into our house and be "home". It was easy and comfortable this time. Not like the first arrival 9 months ago when we slept on air mattresses in a completely empty flat. We had the same feeling of relief after coming back from our fall trip to Spain, but this spring trip was even stronger. Even though our hearts are in Portland, I can begin to see how we could begin to feel connected to Denmark, or any country for that matter, simply by the sheer fact of time: The longer one spends in one place, the easier it is. (Ergo my 3 generations of family in Portland.)

Maya and Molly instantly jumped back into friends and school with no hesitation. We had Easter Monday off before school and work and the girls quickly arranged playdates. They seem more vibrant, interested in school and excited. Maybe it's their comfort level is better, maybe they are more confident, maybe this spectacular spring weather (that could raise a dead man from the grave!)or maybe they are looking forward to the return to Portland or it could be all of the above.

Craig and I have noticed phenomenal changes in Maya's demeanor. For the first time in her life she's talking about her fears, her feelings and her issues with no prompting from us at all. She's speaking with a mature understanding and clarity that almost seems like it's been incubating inside of her for years. This experience has challenged her and has brought out a new, bolder girl with less anxieties. She has found her voice. Her fifth grade will end with a 6 week long exhibition-project that has begun this week. She seems determined already.

Molly struggles with growing up and still being the baby. She's had to go through a lot for a little girl and hasn't quite reached the threshold where she's comfortable making her own decisions. She constantly needs reassurance. However, at school, she is a leader and empathetic friend. Molly needs to be active and playing all the time. She'll be fine wherever she goes, as long as there's someone to play with. And not her sister. These sisters are sick of each other.

In addition to riding and working out almost daily, I'm planning day trips and weekend excursions for the rest of our stay here. Lots of time checking ferry and train schedules, car routes, sightseeing books, etc. This weekend we're going to the white cliffs of Mons Klint (kind of like the white cliffs of Dover, England - but Danish style) and probably hit Tivoli Amusement park as well. The weather is so uplifting and streams of daylight and sunshine. If you even want to visit Denmark, do it in April - June.

These blog postings are getting harder and harder to write because as time goes on there's less tangible transitions in our day-to-day lives to report about. There's more internal changing that is stewing within that often takes weeks or months to think about and ponder before final oration. The way I feel one day may evolve into another the next. I feel as if I'm practicing "svadyaya" - one of the 8 branches of yoga that involves self study. This practice involves watching and paying attention to your life as you are living it, like writing your manuscript while experiencing it. Often, I need to step away from analyzing and just live. If I blog too much, then I spend more energy on trying to understand instead of on simply living.

Regardless, this experience has been a blessing in our lives and I am grateful for every challenge and joy. Thanks for reading,
Love and Light,
Mary Jo
comments to: thecohen4dk@gmail.com