Lately, I’ve been thinking about running away. Now, I know the whole concept seems silly. A grown man running away. I’m certainly not being hunted. The FBI doesn’t even know my name (I think). I haven’t done anything illegal. The IRS isn’t after me. I pay my taxes; too much, if you ask me. And there’s no one out to get me (we did have a guy in the family who was a contract killer in the 1950s with the mafia—but he’s long dead now). I’ve lived a good life and, for the most part, behaved myself. Plus, I have plenty of friends and a husband whom I love. So what the heck is going on? What am I trying to escape from? Is this just an existential crisis philosophers love to write about? I hope not. The last time I took a philosophy class was in college, and I’m still not sure what Spinoza was talking about. Or am I just bored, searching for adventure? No—I’m not the adventurous type. I’m more the “sit in a comfortable chair and read a good book” type. That’s plenty of adventure for me.
Is This About Aging?
I’ve spent years (more accurately, decades) feeling young. Oh, I know. I never acted young. I was always the “oldest man” in any group. Young people like to dance in the rain. Not me. They like to jump into a pool. Uh, uh. They like staying out late and partying. I didn’t even like going to parties. Too many people. Too much alcohol. Hmmm. Maybe that’s why I’ve received so few invitations over the years. If those parties had offered hot cocoa, I’d have been the biggest partygoer ever. And now that the late nights are well behind me—I have an itch to run free. Not nude. I believe in being fully dressed at all times. But I do want to change the scenery. As if doing so will distract me from whatever I’m avoiding. This must be why some men act like little boys when their wives die or they get divorced or hit middle-age (I know, seventy is not midlife—but I’ve always been a late bloomer). Who knew one could age into being a runaway while still being happily married?
Let’s Pack a Bag Together
I’ve never been one to enjoy travel, though I’ve traveled extensively due to my husband Jeff’s wanderlust. Still, I’m a homebody, which really makes running away totally impractical. And to be clear, I’m also an introvert. I recharge in my own company, and best, in my own space. But that doesn’t mean I always want to be alone. I don’t. Despite rumors to the contrary, I like people. People are good. But I do get overwhelmed easily. At least, I think I do. And so, to heck with the crowds at the airport and train stations. I still want to run away. I’ve told my husband that if I suddenly disappear, overcome by the need to escape, I’ll leave a note on how to reach me. Of course, I’d want him to join me as soon as possible. I can’t imagine my life without him. Oh, I know what you’re thinking. That makes no sense. Hey, no one ever said “feelings” had to make sense.
And Now for Something a Little Extra!
This month, we’re participating in a Cozy Mystery Giveaway. Just click here and check out the many free ebooks available for your reading pleasure. And if you haven’t grabbed a copy of my award-winning second novel, After the Fall, this is your big chance. You’ll meet Rikki, a teenage girl, who goes on a journey to learn the truth about what happened to her mother. Very twisty-turny. You’ll love it. So, until we meet again, have a terrific November. Enjoy Thanksgiving. I know that I’m looking forward to it!
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