While a sense of community is nice in that people become familiar and may even remember my name, last week, after four years, I was greeted by name and and given hugs at my old local haunt in North Miami Beach. I always thought Hemingway said the best way to make friends is by leaving a big tip, ensuring that your face is remembered at the bar, though I don’t recall paying enough for this type of annuity.
I took advantage of the break in my sublease here in NYC to visit H in Phoenix, and on my way back, made pit stops in Philadelphia and Miami, reinforcing the fact that I do have community in a few different places.
I visited my favorite cousins in Philadelphia for the 16th Annual John D. McDonald Memorial Golf Outing. These are the same cousins I connected with on a road trip twenty-six years earlier.
I hung with my travel-cuz and stayed with two of my cousins for whom I officiated their marriage five years ago. While Philly isn’t for me, I know I’ve got family there. In fact, I’m passing through in a few weeks to pick up my guitar and take a few lessons. Hey, who’s doing Thanksgiving?
In Miami I reconnected with countless friends from a variety of circles. We caught up over yoga or a meal, danced ‘til dawn and fished our way down to Key West.
The last evening I was there, my dear friend hosted a debriefing of my Spiritually Promiscuous travels with a discussion group of friends old and new.
Among a trusted group of wise people, I told of some observations, as well as a few techniques to incorporate into their own spiritual portfolios. The energy in these re-connections was so powerful that I know I will be back to Miami soon.
As I’ve pined before, it is nice to have a place to tether my kite. I’ve settled into Clinton Hill for a few weeks, and will commit to a longer term place come August.
This sense of settling has also given me the opportunity to structure some migratory routes, spending time along the way with friends and clients.
Having a base allows me to be able to visit others and have a home to which I can return.
How do you tie remote community into your schedule?
You can connect with me on the following channels:
Actively Dying 
If there is another discussion group gathering in Miami, especially somewhere in the Keys, I wonder if brand new friends might be invited. I share your feeling about Philly; it was so much “not for me” that one day I just shoveled snow off my car, scraped ice from the windshield, and started driving south. Palm trees and ocean breeze, and sunset in the Keys – yes!
How wrong was Hemingway. I enjoyed reading this piece. Thank you.
Hey Peter. It appears we have a bit in common, not the least is guitar playing and a love of travel. Look forward to exploring more of your blog. Cheers from down under.
Dear Peter, I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I love your blog, and I sincerely hope you accept the nomination. You can see the rules in my post Sunshine Blogger Award https://koolkosherkitchen.wordpress.com/2016/07/17/sunshine-blogger-award/
I don’t travel much, but this is such a nice write, I had to like! Miami-Key West is beautiful, great pictures.
Thanks for sharing this post! I was having some “home base” pains earlier today. I spent the first 16 years of my life in the same, beautiful house. Since then, I haven’t lived in the same place for over a year, and while I love travelling, I am excited for the day when I find another forever home (or, as you so playfully put it, another place to tether my kite)!