I was never one to Thelma and Louise it. Push it way too far. Not with my car. Not with myself. I tried to keep both “tanks” filled. I wasn’t always successful, but my self care was knowing when to pull over.

My friend Deb and I had a favorite place — Cottagewood. When life, love, work, got a bit too much, and meeting for coffee just wasn’t enough, we would take the 10 minute trip from the city, and back in time, to this simple, slow, beautiful place. Only one general store, one gas pump, and a few easy steps to the sandy beach. Nestled in Deephaven, Minnesota, it was indeed just that. Kids played in the street. Birds sang. Squirrels squirreled. We sipped and laughed. Slowly. And time had no choice but to gather in beside us on the wooden bench. 

Perhaps that sounds all too easy, but shouldn’t it be? Shouldn’t we all have a place of rescue — our last chance Texaco to refuel before getting on the road? I think we need it. 

In moving a country away, I knew I wouldn’t be able to visit. So I painted a piece of it. The gas pump now rests in our French home. A haven of sorts. 

I took Dominique to see the real pump. Kids were playing outside. A young girl was twirling round and round in her driveway, explaining to her young brother that before he shot the basketball he need to spin. He was having none of it. A squirrel ran away as the basketball rolled into the streets with no cars. We walked to the sandy beach — the beach slowly waiting for summer’s return. It would come soon enough.

I know it’s a Monday, but maybe as you rush head first into the week, you can take a minute. Find your Cottagewood. Pull over and just listen.