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Friday, January 11, 2019

"Travelling for a few months..." 30 years on

Hola,

30 years ago, yesterday, I left Ireland to live in Amsterdam "for a few months," so to mark the occasion, here's 30 pictures, some memories and a few thoughts.

[Wonders why everyone suddenly runs, screaming for the hills!]

If you know me, or read my blog posts over the last seven years, I've led... eh yeah, an interesting life, to put it mildly. The friends I made and saved, and those few friendships I ruined. The true love I have, and the ones I lost, and walked away from, too. The jobs earned and career opportunities missed.

Moving, moving and moving again. Not even in a Witness Protection program! Nearly sixty moves in thirty years, but I have peace now and understand why I ran so much. Three boys, and one true love later, I'm truly blessed to be here -- and have them in my life.



I'm moving to Holland soon... in 1989

After Holland, it's Spain for me...

...To work as a hotel entertainer in 1991 :)

Years spent in England, contemplating the meaning of life.

Then, the U.S. and my first car in 1997.

Chicago. Y2K. A good place with great people...

...And I even met the Greatest of them all!

Fantastic times when an old friend from EuroDisney came to visit in 2003.

My byline in a newspaper for the first time in 2005.

Time with Oma in 2006, telling her I would soon be a Papa.

Discovering baseball and one day meeting my favorite player

Blessed with this miracle baby in 2007

...Wondering how I'd ever cope!

Still smiling after a ride in Fat Albert with the Blue Angels.

Driving across the U.S. again. Amazing road trips.

The other Angels won a play-off game in 2009 (very rare these days!)

A second, seriously squishable boy in 2010.

Who took after his brother :)

Somebody's happy to see Papa finish another marathon...

Time to move again in 2010


But brought me Ma to see the back of the Statue of Liberty first.


Started 2011 off like this...


And nearly finished the year with this view...

But the last day of 2011 gave us this present :)

No. I don't scream like my brothers!

While they played in the waters of Hawaii in 2014...
...I managed to publish a book in 2015. Bucket list item: Done!


Chilling at the Florida pool in 2016

My 3 big lads in Virginia in 2017

And, I got engaged to my One in 2018. 

With only a handful of deep regrets, (I can't wish different the past no matter the depth of the stare at the now-empty glass,) I let it go. Mostly. If my boys read this one day, I hope the photos offer a small, added insight into my good, bad (and several) ugly adventures on the road from Rialto to Reality.

Even better if we're lucky to all sit down one day when they're older. I'll share the dodgy stories not pictured here, answer the real questions and enjoy another day surrounded by the ones I love most - and who love me.

9 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

A heartfelt and lovely post. I do hope you CAN share time and stories with your boys.

Anonymous said...

@E.C. Don't worry, I do - and I will. (In fact, heading to see them in less than 2 weeks :)

Yolanda Renée said...

You definitely have me beat, but I do have over 20 moves on record. Now in Myrtle Beach, and enjoying the sunshine and the ocean waves. Still, I'll always miss Alaska.
Happy New Year, Mark!

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I have had a seriously boring life compared to yours. I bet you do have some fun stories to share!

CWMartin said...

I hear Johnny Cash singing, "I've been everywhere..."

Lisa said...

You have so much to reminisce about. That’s the sign of a life well lived and nothing to be ashamed about. I’m sure we all have dodgy bits we’d rather not think of...You are a good man and I love your stories and your photos! Thanks for sharing...

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mark - I can relate to the moving life-style ... certainly not as many as you. Dodgy life-style I can relate to too ... I managed to avoid the screamers - but perhaps now I should have made a plan.

Good luck with your new love and your kids will understand and I'm sure love their time in the future with you - and all your stories of them and for them ... cheers and a very happy New Year and future ahead - Hilary

Jo said...

I thought I had moved a lot but nothing compared to you. I am sure your boys will enjoy the stories. Life happens, no matter what.

Debra Renée Byrd said...

Such an adventure! It's good to see you still moving!

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