A Ticket to Ride

This world is very full of wonderful places. It is abundant with clear blue water, sandy beaches, mountains and countries galore. However, I have to say that the trips I most remember do not involve a packed suitcase or standing in line at the airport.

I am a small town girl from West Virginia. That would make me a hillbilly. I will take that name tag and wear it well. I have seen nature at her most beautiful. I have witnessed waterfalls and untouched places that would indeed bring a smile to even the most adventurous soul. I have found one place amongst all of my travels that has been vital to me. This place has it all. Blue skies, clear water, mountains, interesting people, great loves and even friendships. I could share a meal with an old friend. Visit a new friend and help them through a troubled time. Listen to stories of childhoods. I can be a guest at a gay wedding all within a few hours of each other.

I have a ticket to ride this train. I can fly off to my destination at a moment's notice. You may ask . . . "What is the cost for such a trip." Now, sit back and listen and I will give you a complimentary ticket. You can use it whenever you wish. It is right at your fingertips. All you need is your imagination and the ability to read. The understanding and lessons will come free of charge. It will take you places you have never been or bring you back home. It is really entirely up to you.

With the click of a mouse and the stroke of the keys you will be there. Climbing a mountain. Running through a field. Carrying your hopes and dreams instead of luggage. You can connect with new people, understand different cultures, take a trip across the sea. Just sit back and learn of people and their relationships with lost loved ones. It is a real roller coaster ride of emotions. It is truly a ticket to your wildest dreams. We can all "gather" together there. I will meet you on top of a mountain and within moments we can wisp ourselves away. We can find a new recipe for lunch. By dinner time we will be ready to meet up with some others for a beach party. We can set sail to places unknown. We have no limits here. It is all up to us.

The next time you want to visit a far off place, You wish to see a beautiful sunset. You long to smell a flower . . . Just Pick up the mouse and be off to your adventure. Travel the place where the world "Gathers" together and you may find the lost part of yourself. After all, "Home is where your heart is." Most of the hearts that are worth knowing call gather their home.

Life is too full for most of us, we do not have time to get away for a weekend. Even more lack the finances or the ability to get out into the real world and make our adventure. Our limits restrict our lives. However, Gather is handicap accessible, financially affordable, and will meet our needs just as well. Gather is a "trip" in itself. We do not have to leave the comfort of our chair in order to enjoy its benifits. High gas prices are not an issue. Friendly people are in abundance. What a great vacation from our everyday lives. We can even be home in time to read the children a book. What a reward we have here. What a vast world of places and experiences we can share.

"All Aboard!" This train is leaving for your destination.

2645 words

Lisa Marchal