There’s an old phrase, You Can Never Go Home Again. I’m not sure who coined it but I thoroughly disagree with it. I would guess whoever came up with this was viewing “home” as some static thing frozen in time instead of a bond that is more fluid and continues to evolve throughout a lifetime. I tend to believe the latter.
Late last week I took a very early morning flight to Columbus, OH and spent four days with my Mom. Unfortunately, my brother and his family could only join us for one of those days but we made the absolute most of it. Despite my parents having moved away from the house they raised us in in 2003 (and having moved three times since) whenever I walk through the door of their house, I experience an overwhelming sense of wellbeing that feels to me like home. Although we lost my Dad to Covid in 2020 it very much feels like his spirit is still there.
We all had a great time together – catching up, reminiscing, eating, laughing, visiting a lot of the parts of town that hold memories for us.
We began the trip with a great lunch and an excellent IPA at Three Tigers Brewing Company in Granville right after I dropped my bags off from the airport. Granville, Ohio is an idyllic college town about forty minutes East of Columbus. If you didn’t know better you would think you were in New England. The town definitely has an East Coast vibe and is worth a visit if you’re ever in the Central Ohio area.
We made the most of the twenty-four hours my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew were in town. My brother and I have managed to stay close despite almost thirty years of living apart. My nephew, Ryan, is growing up way too fast and has changed a lot since they all spent a week with us in Sedona, AZ this past February.
No visit is complete without making a batch of Cincinnati chili. If you’ve never tasted this kind of chili it’s very different from the flavors of a traditional chili con carne. The sauce is still tomato based but the recipe calls for cinnamon, clove, allspice, and dark chocolate and this makes it taste kind of similar to a Mexican mole sauce. We whipped this up Saturday for dinner that evening. We served it, Skyline style, over spaghetti noodles and topped it with raw onion and a nice, sharp cheddar cheese.
This is the main intersection of downtown Columbus, Broad and High Streets. As I travel the world and experience more of it Columbus looks a little bit smaller with every visit back. I remember as a child downtown Columbus seemed as big and bustling as New York City to us. It’s funny how time and experience changes us in that respect.
A rainbow I captured during one of my walks around the neighborhood.
My Mom’s townhome is built on the edge of a patch of woods in Johnstown, Ohio. She feeds the deer once a day in the evening. They start peeking their heads out from the edge of the woods at around the same time every afternoon (4:30) for their dried corn and apples. Sadly, “progress” is encroaching on the area and soon the deer will be forced to move away. Intel, the computer chip manufacturer, is moving into the area and causing an explosion of development.
This photo was taken at a restaurant near downtown Columbus called, Bendi. My Mom and I stumbled on it during one of my last visits and found a real gem. Their green coconut curry is one of the best I’ve tasted in my life. It was a great way to close the trip.
Goodbyes are never easy but this little guy made my afternoon a little brighter. As I was sitting, working on my laptop at the airport, he and a few of his friends kept visiting me and, of course, I had to share some of the oatmeal bar I was eating. I’m always amazed by how quickly you can get through security at the Columbus airport. I was through ticketing and security in under ten minutes. It almost makes it feel like a private airport compared to our airport in Minneapolis.
I’ve been visiting my family now for twenty-seven years and leaving has never gotten any easier. But the one thing we've all learned is to be appreciative for the time and the new memories that we have the opportunity to make together. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
It’s also helpful to look forward to future visits. Being so far away for so long forces you to appreciate each moment you’re together and take none of it for granted. This has been a great lesson to apply to other areas of life as well. It's always been grounding and a sort of reset for my soul. I leave invigorated, grateful, and ready to tackle whatever project is next.
So much of the satisfaction we get out of life (or not) depends upon the lens in which we view our life experience through. Yes, goodbyes, they are difficult but I’m already looking forward to the next time I can go home again.
Be well and enjoy your week!
Poetry should move us, it should change us, it should glitch our brains, shift our moods to another frequency. Poetry should evoke feelings of melancholy, whimsy, it should remind us what it feels like to be in love, or cause us to think about something in a completely different way. I view poetry, and all art really, as a temporary and fragile bridge between our world and a more pure and refined one. This is a world we could bring into creation if enough of us believed in it. This book is ephemera, destined to end up forgotten, lingering on some dusty shelf or tucked away in a dark attic. Yet the words, they will live on in memory. I hope these words become a part of you, bubble up into your memory when you least expect them to and make you feel a little more alive.
Pick up a copy of Ephemera today on Amazon.
Most of us have experienced a moment of perfect peace at least once in our lives. In these moments we lose ourselves and feel connected to everything. I call these mindful moments. Words can’t describe how complete they make us feel.
These moments are usually fragile, evaporating in seconds. What if there was a way to train your mind to experience more of them? It’s deceptively easy and requires nothing more than a subtle shift in mindset. My new book, Mindful Moments, will teach you to be much more content despite the chaos and imperfect circumstances continuing to unfold around you. Upgrade your life experience today for only $15.99 on Amazon.com.
Let’s Keep In Touch
This most fully conveys the essence 💜
It's always that way for me. I usually have renewed energy too. I hope your week is going well!
It looks like you had a really great time. I still feel like Columbus is big and I have been to NYC and Chicago. I guess that is just the way things are when you live in some small town in middle america :) I think I have been to softball games in Granville, but probably never actually visited the town. It sounds familiar anyway. My parents still live in the same house I grew up in, so I definitely get the nostalgia you feel when you walk in the door. The chili looks tasty!
It was fun! Columbus is fairly big, definitely spread out. They've incorporated a lot of former suburbs into the city so the footprint is huge. I remember when I lived there it was nothing to drive forty minutes to the other side of town but here in St. Paul even a twenty minute drive seems far. Granville is well worth a side trip if you're in the Dublin area, especially for the fall color. It's great that your parents still live in the house you grew up in! Unfortunately the neighborhood I grew up in is really crime-ridden now, to the point I probably wouldn't even drive down the street at night. I'm so glad my parents got out when they did. The chili wasn't bad this time. Even though I follow a recipe it's a little different every time.
I've actually never had that style of chili for the number of times I have been down in Ohio. We got Raising Cane's for dinner the second night after being at the diamonds all day. I was happy about that, we don't have them up this way. I'm always surprised when they have a game like forty minutes away but you are still in Columbus. I honestly wish my parents would move. they are out in the country and there just isn't a quick way to get to them when they need something. I'd like them to be closer to where I live.
I'll shoot you the recipe. It's super easy to make. When I lived in Columbus I would usually drive 15k+ miles per year but here in St. Paul I'm lucky to drive 5k a year. It's crazy how spread out everything is. It didn't help that I lived on the East Side and everything I did was on the North Side or in downtown/German Village. I've never tried Raising Cane but I need to. Yes, it's so important to have them nearby as they get older. My Mom will likely move up to the Canfield, OH area (NE) to be closer to my brother sometime next year. We're looking for options for her now.
That is good that she is going to move closer. I think my sister is moving back home from the Indy area in the next year which will be helpful. Sounds good on the chili recipe. I usually make a batch each year, but I don't have a set recipe that I follow. I kind of just make it up as I go. It's always a little different from year to year. I think I still have some from last year frozen in the freezer.
It'll make everything a little easier if she decides to move closer. Plus, the Johnstown area is changing and will be much more developed in the coming years. It's a constant construction zone now. I used to "wing it" too when making chili but that drove my wife crazy because it was a little different each time. I finally found a decent recipe so I keep that handy on my phone so it's there when I need it in the kitchen.
That makes a lot of sense about the chili. I can see how that might be frustrating! I wish my mom and dad could find a nice independent living community, but I think they might not be mentally ready for that yet.
There is still a saying that says no place like home which is very much true because you can't feel much comfortable where your not used to than where you've grown to adapt with. Spending time with family is awesome and thanks for sharing.
There's no place like home, that is definitely true. Thanks for reading!
I finished reading with a knot in my chest: undoubtedly we have to show love to our parents while they are alive. I remembered your post about your father's death. He is already a year old? It's lovely that you visit your mother every so often. I'm sure she will miss your father and your visit will make her feel less lonely. The stew looks delicious and the mix of ingredients is fantastic: there's nothing like home cooking, the kind that reminds us of home. As for the images with animals, I find them beautiful and I find it so gratifying that there are places where you can live with nature. Well, a big hug full of good energy and blessings. Greetings , @ericvancewalton
Ah, Eric, remember that Dorothy, in the Wizard of Oz, can return home just by closing her eyes, clicking her shoe heels and saying, "There's no place like home." Whenever you want to go home, close your eyes and you're sure to return to it even if it's in memories. I embrace you
Hi Nancy! My Dad passed in November of 2020 so we're coming up on two years already. Hard to believe! My Mom is doing really well, she still misses my Dad terribly but she's made a small group of friends in her neighborhood and that's helped her tremendously. We always have such a great time when we get together. Both of us are kind of laid-back, we just go with the flow so visits are easy and fun. I do remember that scene in Wizard of Oz! Memories make that very much possible. I make sure and look at my Facebook Memories every day for that very reason. : ) Thanks so much for the comment and I hope you enjoy your week!
I don't know who said that, but I agree with you, it sounds like complete BS. I think that's the point of family, really, that there's someone who'll always take you in. I think someone said that, too. Sounds a whole lot better to me ;) Moving is just... a bunch of places, you know, they only hold the value you've given them.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time, it's so great to see everyone bonding. Reading those last paragraphs is so refreshing <3 I'm glad you see all that. You have a very special mind, I think. Or soul. Or both.
Yes, you kind of carry "home" within you to a certain degree, don't you? Especially if you're tumbleweeds like us. : ) I think revisiting home in the physical presence of family is more like an energy exchange. Some family members have such similar energy to us that it feels comfortable, like a warm blanket.
It was a lot of fun, the transition back to the routines of life can be a little tough at first but I have lots of practice after all these years. Thank you @honeydue! I hope all is good with you. Are you still traveling? We're heading out to Portland, Maine for a long weekend at the end of this month. The seafood is supposed to be amazing there, I can't wait to experience it.
Aww. I love it. Home is where the heart is. My mom sold my childhood house a year after dad passed, so four years ago now. But she has made her apartment into the same type of home, eliciting those same feelings of comfort and family :)
This may be part of the reason you and I are kindred, we have very similar family bonds and feelings about them.
Did the birds make it into your poems? ☺️
Home is certainly where the heart is, true. The heart pretty much is home now that I think about it. Does your Mom's apartment have the same scent as the house you grew up in? It's been that way each and every place my parents moved to.
We certainly are kindred spirits, there's no denying it. No, the birds didn't make it into the poems but they kind of warrant their own. Maybe I'll work on that this week.
We often keep contemplating homecoming. This is the perfect example of how your mind plays out at the subconscious level. You seek something, and you are quite getting there, the journey to get there and getting there brings a state of equilibrium and this also filled your mind with a sense of contentment. That's the homecoming. So I can say you can go home, not just once but rather again and again.
At a micro level, I think, mental well-being is the most important amongst all. The physical capital and all other accomplishments, if do not cater to your relationship, or your mental well-being, they are nothing, regardless of what monetary value they have. They are needed only up to a certain point.
I offer my condolence. I can understand, how it feels. I also lost my Grand Father during Covid-19 time.
That's the immutable soft home and a beautiful home. Family bonding and relationship are really beautiful things.
I really love the wide space and the street, really beautiful and neat & clean.
You are absolutely right, mental wellbeing is the most important thing. Without that everything else is inconsequential. Thank you, I send my condolences for your Grandfather. What a horrible two years that was, so many were lost and so many lives were altered forever.
I totally agree with your disagreement, you can absolutely go home again. Even after huge change there is a comfort in going home and a feeling like no other.
That beer looked bloomin awesome. A good brewery by the looks of it!
So true @meesterboom. Not being able to go "home" would be devastating, whomever coined that phrase is a gloomy bastard. Lol.
The beer was awesome. The one I had was their West Coast IPA. Check out this list: https://threetigersbrewing.com/beer
Damn those gloomy bastards, trying to ruin it for everyone. :0D
Hot damn, every single beer on that list sounds absolutely amazing. I would have a field day with them!
We are lucky in that respect here in America, in most decent-sized cities there are plenty of microbreweries serving up really good craft beer. Apparently, a little beer buzz helps us get through the chaos of the day in the old US of A.
It has really kicked off here too. Although I dare say with the greater land mass and pop you might edge it on the sheyet number of them.
I think a craft beer helps with the situation in most places now!
I'm going to have to visit a few microbreweries the next time we're in England! We may be heading over there in the next year.
You defintootly should! That will be cool. I hope if you do you visit all the good places!
Very interesting article for me to see. What's up dude, I haven't seen you in a long time. I've been a bit busy lately too. And on this very happy occasion of course I am very happy to be able to see again such a perfect post that you shared.I hope that my friends are always in good health. And for the family there, it's always healthy and everything is made easy.And for the family there, it is always healthy and everything is made easy.Thank you very much friend.
All is good here. I don't post every day anymore but try to do a few posts per week. I hope all is well with you! Thank you.
very grateful you are in good condition, I am happy to see your post again.I still have many things that I need to learn, may I take this opportunity to ask a friend something.What do you think if we have a little HP or Hive Power. is it good for us to delegate or how to speed up development on my account. maybe a friend who is very senior here can give me advice on this.Thank you very much friend @ericvancewalton Thank you very much friend @ericvancewalton
What a beautiful family picture, my friend. Whenever you can share moments with your beautiful mother, do so. Those good times become treasured memories and are what sustain our lives when we no longer have them by our side. My mother died a little over fifteen days ago and my aching soul is sheltered in the wonderful moments we had together. I enjoyed reading you and knowing that you are full, full of emotional well-being. I greet you with love.
Thank you! I try to make it there as often as possible. She's afraid to fly so we always have to go down there, which makes it a little more difficult. You never quite get over the loss of them but I believe as you so eloquently phrased it, my aching soul is sheltered in the wonderful moments we had together. I appreciate your comment and I wish you a wonderful week!
Well, whenever I am away from my home for a few days, I miss my comfort there. However, as the years pass by, I think it might be a necessity to change home or the place where you live. I have started to think so recently 🙄
After a certain age I think home becomes more like a collection of memories that we can take with us.
Nothing in this life indeed is for granted, and making the most of every opportunity to be with our family and loved ones are little treasures. We should make the most of them and create more memories that will nourish us when we are not close.
By the way, I have never tried it, but I love Mole, and that looks delicious.
So true! If you like mole, you would really like this Cincinnati Chili.
Sometimes returning home is difficult for some. I mean their return to their origin. People's culture has become affected. Many do not ask about their relatives and are preoccupied with the maze of life.
Have nice moments
Yes, sometimes it is difficult to return to the physical place we were born/raised but home is so much more than that. Not maintaining contact with relatives would eat away at me and life would feel incomplete, I think. Thank you! I hope you have a great week.
I loved your story, the dishes are a delight, through these photos; they invite you to eat. That book you mention there is true that it is for sale and can be purchased at that price through Amazon. com.
Thanks! Yes, most of my books are available on Amazon.
ok.
Being with family is the best feeling in the world. Love to read it.
It is nice to travel with your loved one and live the most unforgettable memories. When I was sad I prefered to travel alone It's the best medicine to change the routine of life. Ohio is very beautiful.
Thank you! Solo travel is a great way to clear your head and figure things out. I used to do long road trips in the car to Ohio and that gives you many hours to think.
I am pretty much sure you guys had a lot of fun which I can view from the pictures shared.
Much fun was had!
I like coastal cities. I usually go to visit my relatives to try delicious meals. I love discovering other cuisines. I am so excited to taste this hot pepper 🌶️
I prefer to be by the ocean too. It's much healthier. Although it's called "chili" it's not a chili pepper, in the West the dish we refer to as "chili" is chili con carne. It comes in lots of varieties.
Great post!
Thanks my friend!
Going back to my parents' home was always comforting for me as well. I'm so glad you were able visit your Mom again and see your brother.
Special times like this is something to cherish.
Hope you're having a good week Eric, although winter is on its way I would imagine.
Thank you Lizelle! We made lots of good memories with this trip. My brother brought the Oculus virtual reality headset too and I got to try it for the first time. It was crazy how realistic it was. I rode a virtual rollercoaster (and got nauseous in real life) and toured Mount Vernon (George Washington's house). The week is going well. I'm working away and taking the occasional break for bike rides and walks. The leaves are beginning to show lots of color now. It changed a lot in the four days I was out of town. Temperatures are dropping close to freezing at night too. I hope you're having a great week!
It sounds like you had a wonderful time Eric!
My oldest son also has one of those virtual reality headsets, our youngest son nearly punched the tv the first time he had it on, he was fighting monsters and could not stand still, jumping all over the living room, made us laugh so much!
I can imagine they'd make the rollercoaster ride very scary, definitely would give me vertigo, Mount Vernon sounds more my style😊
We're having another sudden cold spell, much better than the heat!
Have a lovely weekend Eric and keep warm!
It was such a nice visit. I see a lot of videos of people punching the TV or falling down when they have the headset on. I was shocked by how real it felt, it really does trick your brain. I'm glad it's been a little cooler for you there. We have a small warm up through mid week and then our highs are in the 40's (F) from there. Snow isn't far away! Thank you Lizelle and I hope you enjoy what's left of the weekend!
I would have loved to try the headset but there was no time, the boys were having too much fun😀
We had a lovely day at my brother's yesterday with all his in-laws as his mom-in-law turned 88, such an awesome fun family, there was much laughter!
Enjoy your Sunday Eric!
I highly recommend trying one if you have a chance. I wouldn't ever buy one because I'd be afraid I'd spend too much time using it. I'm glad you had a chance to spend time with family! Thank you Lizelle, have a good week.
Some people say that "home is where the heart is", and I agree with them. Home is not a fixed place, and not necessarily a house or a building either. Anything can be a home.
I agree with that definition of home as well!
Hi Eric, of course it's great to come back to my hometown. Lots of memories stored there.
Everyone, of course, feels very happy when they can meet their mother and other brothers and sisters again. May your mother always be healthy. Have a nice day.
Thank you Eliana! I wish you a wonderful rest of your week!
There is nothing like home.
Seems like you had a great time.