Oh dear friends, I’m sorry to have left you postless for the month of June. I was so busy experiencing joy that I did not take the time to write about it. Here is the story.
Glee and her award for greatness on the water
I went to the Smoky mountains of North Carolina at the beginning of June for a week of kayaking with strangers in my age range. What we had in common was that we have all been through difficult illnesses. We spent four days on the water and one day hiking and hanging out. At night we had dinner–made by loving volunteers–and campfires. I met some amazing people and really showed myself how much I am capable of–even if I’m utterly exhausted afterward. I wish I had some photos of the mountains to show you. I feel so connected to the mountains. The air is different there, more cleansing. I love driving up and down and around the bends in the road and the surprise of an opening in the trees that offers a stunning view of mountains and lakes.
Side story about camp–after I got back, Glee (pictured above) sent me a message saying that she found a box in her room that I had mailed to her a year and a half ago. I had read her blog posts about looking for a marrow donor and sent her a care package (to California) because it sounded like we had a lot in common and I wanted to pay forward all the love I received when I was in the hospital. We had never met or talked, and at camp neither of us had any idea who the other person was. You never know how small the world is and how you are connected to others…
The day camp ended, I drove a rather scary road called Tail of the Dragon or The Dragon, where photographers were set up along the side of the road to take pictures of motorists and motorcyclists coming around the hairpin curves and publicizing the websites where the photos would be for sale. I was taking this road to get to Maryville, TN for my friend’s wedding that evening.
where the wedding took place
The wedding was absolutely lovely. It was real, intimate, and full of heart. There was singing and dancing and laughter and eating. There were lightning bugs and paper lanterns that we let float up into the sky. I even met a new friend (who was also having trouble finding the wedding–we drove around together looking), and it turns out that she just moved from the town where I live and also didn’t know anyone else at the wedding. I had a great time talking and dancing with her.
The best part, though, was to see Josh and Alison look at each other. My goodness, it makes me feel so good to know that this kind of love exists. The world must still be an ok place to live in, and made even better by their union.
Alison and Josh
I had a few days after these adventures to do laundry and do what I call “life maintenance” before heading back to the mountains for a weekend family reunion. The following Monday I began a women’s writing workshop at Meredith College. I got a lot out of the week. I wrote some material I am going to keep working on, and was reminded that writing happens best when one does not think while writing. I’m hoping that the exercises and readings and discussions I had during the workshop will help me keep writing even after I start school–and write better.
amazing wire sculptures at Meredith College
Then, my friend Brett came to visit from Charleston. We went to a movie after 9 at night! That in itself was such a treat. I don’t remember the last time I went to a late movie. It was so much fun. The next day he was patient and kind and went with me to a wedding. Then we stayed up late and watched Harry Potter while eating cupcakes I made. It was a wonderful, wonderful visit.
A day and a half later I drove to Virginia to visit my dear friends and their dear daughter H. I learned a lot about insects by reading lots of books to little H. We got along very well–she even made me tea before I left! We grown-up kids got to stay up talking after H went to bed. Our time together also included going to the children’s store (toys! books! crafts! yay!) and the park and the bagel shop. That visit was so precious to me… no matter how far away these friends are or how frequently we talk, they are very close to my heart and our time together feels good and right. They are examples of the kind of parent and person I want to be.
H and me
So here I am, friends, finally back in my own apartment after a month of spending time with people I love, adventuring, learning, and basically wearing myself out. I’ve had a week to do some resting and a lot of work. I’ve discovered the joy of doing enough laundry to see the bottom of my clothes hamper and cleaning my room without leaving piles of stuff along the walls. I’ve been able to cook and bake and just hang out with my roommate and friends, which I love to do. Trying to have more of those Peach Cobber Moments.
(photo courtesy of Iimay)
ADD JOY 