Excerpts from It Was Nice to Meet Me Again
Chapter 3: Meeting Happiness
I used to resent Rolf’s need to ride alone rather than doing it as a family. Occasionally, we did ride together, though. I liked it, but I did not feel secure with rolling hills and had difficulty keeping up. I used to watch my husband and my sons Stefan and Mattias race down the slopes carelessly and thrillingly while I kept my hands tight on the brakes with much fear of falling. The boys would ask me, “What takes you so long? You have gravity working for you!” I had to explain that all my efforts went into slowing down, and I would feel tense because I did not feel safe. In time, by riding alone, without any pressure, I improved my skills and learned to enjoy and feel confident. It did not take long to understand Rolf’s passion for riding his bike alone, finally. It is a form of meditation .Chapter 4: Equestrian Love and the Enchanted House on the Hill
When I arrive at the farm, I get a royal welcome. Tucker perks up his ears, nickers, and walks toward me. Daisy raises her head, belts out a hee-haw, and approaches me with a determined step. The chickens come running while clucking cutely, and the cats come from different directions to rub against me and cry for attention. I am not much of a cat person, but these cats won me over. I’m especially fond of the striped one who follows me around even in deep snow. Who could ask for a better welcome party?
I had never been around donkeys and had no idea they were such affectionate beings. If I am feeling down for any reason, I just have to visit Daisy, and she’ll give me a tight hug and fix my mood, like magic.
I sometimes play soft piano music on my phone and meditate on the first floor of the West barn. Daisy comes and stands next to me as if listening with me.
Chapter 13: Adopting Rio
There is something incredibly delightful about watching a happy and enthusiastic 3-legged dog run every morning, afternoon, and evening with his ears flapping up and down like little wings. It feels as if he will take off any moment into the skies above. It’s also notable that he always stops at the creek to listen and watch the water flow. He doesn’t miss a bird song, a leaf flying in the wind, or a squirrel running around. If that’s not mindfulness, I don’t know what is. I’m not sure if I believe in angels, but if they do exist, Río is one of them. Río reminds me each day to navigate and flow with the river of life, just like him.