Assortment

The Solace of Beauty

 

When a wave hits, wicked and unexpected. When you become numb and motion feels frozen and stiff. When breath is an effort. When the pendulum of time nearly demolishes you. When you cry like you haven't in a very long time.

When the sun shines on a new day, and you have assurance that all will be well. When eyes are open and lips break a smile.

When the heart yet quivers. 

That's when beauty comes by the armload. 

You saw it there, blooming in the distant neighbor's yard, a mass of fragrant blooms. And you didn't hesitate. You walked right up their drive, smiled and said hello. 

Then, you asked. Asked for much; for a large bouquet. You asked for an abundance. Right there from the garden of perfect strangers. 

And the kind lady looked into your eyes and said yes, most certainly.

Yes.

You were quiet as you snipped those blooms, and you nearly cried. A mass of beauty piled at your feet, solace scooped up and cradled in your arms for the slow walk home. 

The evening sun touched warm, lighting the edges of everything golden. Through the glass, across the blooms, into your world.

 

The Way Home

  

 

Let's hear it for rolling down the curving mountain road toward the little town that's nestled in the foothills, the little town where the little white house sits beside that creek, where the beds are fresh and ready to welcome tired travelers home (thanks to great friends who stayed here while we were gone, and left good things for our return).

It's sort of amazing, when I think of it, just how much we packed in to just five days on our Wyoming road trip. Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, a state track meet (where our middle guy placed 3rd in the 800!), breathtaking sights along the Wind River range, white water rafting on the Snake River, and wildlife viewing in our own mountains on the way home. We still think KOA kabins are the best (Well, mostly. Sometimes you end up with one that you wouldn't choose again, but really, that's part of the adventure, right?). 

It's so vivid for me these days, just how much I want to cherish the moments, to make the memories, to bottle up this summer and keep it in that special place. Because we won't have this one again. Not ever. 

And so, when I'm tired from the final garden-planting push, from the Big Project, from the preserving, the prepping and the packing, not to mention the hours of driving, I choose to dig for the energy to play ping-pong, to throw the aerobie, to watch these boys do things that we're all so proud about. I know rest will come for me in snatches and pockets as I need it, but the moments with my guys won't wait. 

This gets me over the hump of listening to rap music (rather loudly) in the truck for longer than I would choose. It helps me when the brother bashing goes beyond the boundaries. It balances the life-lessons that are a regular part of our days. 

Goodness, I love this life.

 

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Summering

 

 

And we're off on the first official road trip of the season! Around, through and between we'll be seeing some great Wyoming country, watching a boy run, and having an adventure, for sure. Have a great summer weekend, wherever you may roam!

 

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