Missing....

I'm back in the familiar... but the place I've known only as an in-between, a temporary space I occupy for holiday breaks and summers. A place I love and consider home in so many ways, but with so few memories.

And I miss Belgium.

A sudden flash, the image of a sun-filled living room, the feel of fresh air moving around me from the open door, the smell of flowers on our table.

A moment I laugh to myself, silently or perhaps out loud, and take a breath to say "this one time, in Belgium..." and stop myself, becuase I know the people who would understand are hours, or perhaps continents, away.

A receipt found in a pocket or purse, from Carrefour or the GB, that makes me think, "Oh, Boitsfort."

A run on the roadside, or the black-tar paths, that makes me long for the packed dirt, trees, and shade of the Foret de Soignes.

A realization that that stage of my life is over.... I know it was always meant to end, but really, that doesn't mean I miss it any less.

I'm back in the States! After being awake for almost 24 hours, it was great to see my family and my best friend waiting at the airport... although I almost didn't recognize my "little" brother, he's grown so much!

This week is more than a little crazy, as I'm getting ready for the movers to come for my (admittedly small amount of) stuff, getting paperwork taken care of, etc etc. After this week I should have a little time to relax!

I still do a double-take when I realize I can fully understand every conversation I hear around me....