This is my house -- a landmark in Honolulu simply termed "The Star House."  And right now I'm finding it appropriately named, as I followed my star and found my way home for the holidays.  

In the last 12 months, I've been traveling (3 months in SE Asia) - home (3 months) - traveling (2-month surf trip) - home (2 months) - traveling (2 months in the Caribbean and South America) and now that I just returned home again (this time only for 1 month), I can honestly say there is nothing like it.  

No longer must I be aware of the zippers on my backpack or of the locks on my suitcase.  

There is something about the familiarity of the road leading to my house (as if I could drive it blindfolded, be pulled right into driveway), the temperature of the air (the winter crispness in it), the smile on neighbors faces (only in Hawaii is there such friendliness) that provides inexplicable happiness, comfort, and relief.  

There is something that tells me I should stay, rather than leave again on another adventure.  Yet, I perservere.  I must keep moving--to see-do as much as I can in the limited space that is life.  

So, my dear star house, my one true constellation, will continue to serve as only a temporary safety net.  But boy is it good to be home.

Happy holidays, Matador community.  May this season bring your own constellation of warmth, peace, and love.