I have been in thought mode lately, this is why I haven’t written much. Also with the loss of my beloved laptop I have not been able to sit and ponder life’s most pertinent questions on my equally beloved lazy boy recliner. But ,with loss comes realization and disconnecting for a while from the digital world is like forgetting to pack your underwear when you go to the gym. It is equal parts uncomfortable and freeing all at the same time!

I am left with a short thought tonight, and that is to describe my walk this morning.  I woke in a small yet extremely quaint room at the Grand Lodge about an hour outside of Portland Oregon. I was sharing a room with my Dad, where we had laid down our heads after a wonderful night and a 4 day weekend spent celebrating my cousin Stephanie’s wedding. We had the chance to meet our relatives from Canada, wax politics, laugh about old times and get to know some truly fascinating people.  It was amazing, fun and rejuvenating. I woke early today to take a hot shower, sit in my terry cloth robe, and enjoy a  hot cup of coffee. It was quiet first thing in the morning at the motel, there were only 2 other people in the main waiting room, the coffee was fresh and while stepping out onto the front porch of the old colonial style mansion I was greeted with the fresh morning fog and a layer of yellow orange leaves covering the concrete walkway outside. I took a 30 minute walk alone, the air was frigid and amazingly fresh, it was so quiet, I was delighted in the moment.

I was reminded this weekend of the love and value of family. Of the true nature of living within ones means. How great it feels to receive a hug, and then to return the favor. The joy of travel, and how life long learning can be infinitely enhanced in a day or even a couple of hours. The kindness of strangers, the complexity of an artist, the nature of unconditional love, the tenderness of a tiny shoulder resting on my lap.

We should all be so lucky to have a weekend like this!