Out of My Element

Have you ever had that feeling where you're fully committed to something however, you just aren't quite sure of how things are going to turn out;  maybe you're just out of your element?!  Okay, anyone that has children has felt that on more than one occasion  I am confident (we'll tell some of those stories another day)!  BUT, outside of the sometimes overwhelming responsibility for another being, I'm talking about the day to day times when you think, "What was I thinking?  Was this really a good idea? Now what?"

Well, I've had a few moments like that in recent months!  This morning I got up thinking about a some of them and realized......what a great life!  Sometimes being uncomfortable in a situation really allows you to be there, in the moment, and not get caught up in moving on to the next task.  (Oh yeah, I'm bad about completing tasks and missing the "a ha" part!)

Soooo, recently when I was in Colorado Springs, I had an experience when I thought......Hhhmmm.....

It all started here.

My sister, Erin, loves to travel and spent several of her college semesters abroad including one in Morocco.   I also consider myself fairly well traveled;  I've been to 48 of the United States, several different continents, and spent time in many foreign countries so, when we saw a sign for a Morrocan restaurant in Manatou Springs, we decided to give it a try.  Now, I should probably mention, well traveled or not, I'm really just an American country girl at heart.  When we walked through the doors and were immediately asked to remove our shoes, I became a bit skeptical.  Here's where the "Hmmmm....." started!  I looked around and thought, how many feet have walked on this carpet and how hard is it to get rid of foot fungus? But instead I said, " I think I'll wear then to the restroom first.  I'll be right back."  I took a deep breath, washed my hands, and came out with a smile.  I stored my shoes and followed the host into the dining room to take my place on the cushion on the floor.

After we ordered our food, the waitress brought a silver kettle and bowl and asked us to wash our hands.  As our food arrived, I realized we had no utensils.  Yep, no utensils.......eat with your hands!  Another Hmmmmm moment!  Luckily, I ordered artichoke (imagine that!) and chicken; both easy to pick up with your hands.  My sister however, ordered coucous and vegetables.  (Coucous is a grain similar to rice, grits, or cream of wheat but with very little liquid.) Ever the ingenious one, Erin reached over, snapped off an artichoke leaf, and scooped the coucous like she was using a spoon!


My initial trepidation about removing my shoes was quickly replaced with enjoyment in the different sights, sounds, and surroundings.  Then it got even better.....there was a Belly Dancer!!  Now that's something I don't see every day in Huntsville, Alabama!  Especially in the places I hang out....Wal-Mart, Target, the ball field!

And the fun continued!  As we were finishing up they brought our dessert (my favorite part of the meal), baklava, AND.....it was served on one of my favorite types of plates!  You will find that I have a weakness for dishes but, vintage restaurant ware (Buffalo China) is one my favorites.  It is sturdy with clean lines and can handle any situation (dishwasher, oven, table, children); I love it!  

Don't mind the missing Baklava......

I am so glad I decided to take off my shoes and just go with the moment!

SO, I was thinking..... I love being able travel the U.S., see the sights, experience the different cultures that make this great land, and still feel the comforts of good old American made products from home!  Does it get any better than that?  And to think, I would have totally missed out if I hadn't felt a little out of my element to begin with!  (Thanks Erin)

Can you think of a time you have felt like this recently?  There are many more I can come up with, like.....

starting this little adventure with Artichoke Alley!!!  That will have to be a blog for another time.  I have furniture and paint calling me! Have a great Thursday....try to catch those moments while completing your tasks.

Lisa