It’s Got to be The Going…

written by Tom Damoth | Florida

July 17, 2023

If you close your eyes and think of retirement, what comes to mind? Visions of sunsets on the beach, endless golf, taking a leisurely cruise to an exotic land? So far, my retirement has been a little different. I’m on a walk-about and live out of Airbnb’s.

There’s an old saw that goes “In like a lion, out like a lamb”. It describes March in Michigan to a tee. So, with January purring outside, I started looking for a warmer alternative. I like to hike and bicycle, enjoy mild temps, and being near a major city so I have some culture options. As I explored Florida with Google maps, the little town of Madison drew my attention.

Madison checked all the boxes.  It’s near Tallahassee, near the Four Freedoms Bicycle Trail, and usually has spring temps in the 60’s and 70’s. Perfect! Now to find a place to stay.

A little searching on Airbnb revealed several places in Madison. One home was near a small lake called Lake Frances, so I looked a little closer. The comments left by other guests were all positive, and the house rules were reasonable. So, I messaged the host to see if they have cats (I’m allergic to the little guys).

I learn a lot from these little exchanges. Some hosts are all business, while others are warm and friendly. I planned to spend a month in Madison, so having easy interactions with the host was important.

Katie, the host here, responded that they don’t have cats but asked if I understood theirs was a vegan home free of animal foods. She wanted to be sure I could respect that. My diet is mostly plant based anyway, and the tone of her message was kind and warm, so it was an easy yes.

I’m still new to Airbnb, but one thing I’ve learned is there are two basic kinds. You can rent an entire place, basically like having a short-term apartment, or you can rent a bedroom in your host’s home and share the bathroom, kitchen and living areas. The idea of sharing space with total strangers pushed my comfort zone. But if I don’t step out, how will I ever grow? I reserved my room.

Located on the northeast side of Florida’s panhandle, Madison is a quiet, easy-going town. It reminded me of another favorite town, West Branch, Michigan. Both have quaint, Victorian era buildings with a touch of modern architecture. They are friendly, inviting, walkable places.

In their Airbnb Bio, Katie had mentioned they practice Yoga. Yoga is something I’ve studied and done on and off for years, but I soon realized Katie and her husband Haggai were at another level. Somehow, a random connection via Airbnb was about to create an adventure I’ll never forget.

It's got to be the going,

not the getting there...

that's good...

-Harry Chapin

I admit, I was a little shy about sharing spaces with total strangers. But one day as I checked to see if anyone was in the kitchen Katie motioned me into the room. “The kitchen is a great place to really get to know someone. What are you making for lunch?” she asked.

As we talked and made lunch together, my thoughts jumped to childhood and my grandmother’s kitchen. Prominent in the room was a table full of family talking. In the background, a radio high on the wall, would softly announce the play by play of a Tigers game. Around the table everyone shared stories of work, school, sports, and the neighborhood. I can still see my grandmother orchestrating it all and talking with us as she cooked. It’s one of my most treasured memories. And, after so many decades, here it was again.

Around their table, I had long conversations with Katie’s husband Haggai. The usual topics of political monkey business, or world events didn’t come up. Instead, the exchanges probed human nature, relationships, and compassion. I started noticing other things too. Like people softly chanting mantras as they went about their chores or did yardwork.

In one of our conversations, Haggai told me of his dream of creating a place where seekers could gather and grow. We talked about beliefs, choices, the greater good, and helping one another experience happier lives.

This was a home very different than the one I’d grown up in, yet at its core quite the same. In this simple, uncomplicated place, people asked important questions like “who am I, what kind of person shall I be, how do I get there, and how can I help others?” It reflected my parents’ values: seek to understand others, be compassionate, serve the community.

In Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, one of the lessons the shepherd boy Santiago learns is "All things are one."  

All things are one.

In his travels Santiago meets a king, a thief, a merchant, an Alchemist, and the love of his life. He learns the Soul of the World connects all people, all things, and each of us to our heart and dreams.

Perhaps it was the Soul of the World at work, but I had a vision of Haggai and Katie with Lake Frances in the background. They were gracious enough to pose for me so I could create this picture. It’s now a bookmark in my life. A pleasant reminder as my walk-about continues.

Where will I be tomorrow?


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