Waking up to sunshine streaming in the windows is one of my favorite things! What better way to start the day, then to be kissed by her rays so gently? I adore.
I've just returned from a fabulous trip to see friends in Washington. It was a whirlwind trip, each day packed with activity. There were new friends that I made, and old friends that I missed. I have accepted that there is no way to see everyone, and extend a huge hug to those I missed out on during my time there.
There was so much connection and warming conversation. A lot to catch up on, during one conversation my friend Kim related something that a friend had told her, "There is pain in great joy." This struck a chord with me, as I look back on the past months of my life. There have been moments of such overwhelming joy that I literally feel pain in my heart, and the intense need to feel the earth beneath my feet. It took time to realize that it was joy that I was feeling, but that it is. Such gratitude in my heart. (Side note: the only thing I've felt beneath my feet for some time is snow, but upon arriving in Washington, I spun and danced barefoot in circles in the lush green grass. It was beautiful! [It was also 2 in the morning but it had to be done!])
I was able to meet some beautiful women who've moved on from the church that I was raised in. Another friend asked why it is that I feel the need to meet with these women. Not something I'd really thought about until then, I realized that it's the connections we make and the support to be had. There is a desire among humans to be with like people, no matter what the likeness is. Leaving the church was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made (as well as being the best decision I've ever made), and having women who understand completely was of huge support. We connect on so many levels, and the friendships being created are sure to last a lifetime. A huge THANK YOU goes out to each and every one of you strong and dynamic women! My people! :)
In addition to the friends I spent time with, some of the highlights were: an excellent French dinner at Le Pigeon, burgers and fries at Red Robin and Little Big Burger, long walks, great talks, succulent salmon at Beaches, drinks at Teote, food at BJ's, plenty of wine, good laughs, warm hugs, 4 dogs, above freezing temperatures, coffee overdose, green grass, and the list goes on. A wonderful trip, to be sure.
As always, time flies. I leave Saturday morning for some time in Costa Rica! The study abroad experience lasts about 8 weeks, but I haven't yet purchased a return plane ticket. If things go well I may be moved to spend a little extra time there, we shall see!
I hope all is well in your worlds, and wish happiness to each and every one of you.
Peace, and love ♥
I've just returned from a fabulous trip to see friends in Washington. It was a whirlwind trip, each day packed with activity. There were new friends that I made, and old friends that I missed. I have accepted that there is no way to see everyone, and extend a huge hug to those I missed out on during my time there.
There was so much connection and warming conversation. A lot to catch up on, during one conversation my friend Kim related something that a friend had told her, "There is pain in great joy." This struck a chord with me, as I look back on the past months of my life. There have been moments of such overwhelming joy that I literally feel pain in my heart, and the intense need to feel the earth beneath my feet. It took time to realize that it was joy that I was feeling, but that it is. Such gratitude in my heart. (Side note: the only thing I've felt beneath my feet for some time is snow, but upon arriving in Washington, I spun and danced barefoot in circles in the lush green grass. It was beautiful! [It was also 2 in the morning but it had to be done!])
I was able to meet some beautiful women who've moved on from the church that I was raised in. Another friend asked why it is that I feel the need to meet with these women. Not something I'd really thought about until then, I realized that it's the connections we make and the support to be had. There is a desire among humans to be with like people, no matter what the likeness is. Leaving the church was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made (as well as being the best decision I've ever made), and having women who understand completely was of huge support. We connect on so many levels, and the friendships being created are sure to last a lifetime. A huge THANK YOU goes out to each and every one of you strong and dynamic women! My people! :)
In addition to the friends I spent time with, some of the highlights were: an excellent French dinner at Le Pigeon, burgers and fries at Red Robin and Little Big Burger, long walks, great talks, succulent salmon at Beaches, drinks at Teote, food at BJ's, plenty of wine, good laughs, warm hugs, 4 dogs, above freezing temperatures, coffee overdose, green grass, and the list goes on. A wonderful trip, to be sure.
As always, time flies. I leave Saturday morning for some time in Costa Rica! The study abroad experience lasts about 8 weeks, but I haven't yet purchased a return plane ticket. If things go well I may be moved to spend a little extra time there, we shall see!
I hope all is well in your worlds, and wish happiness to each and every one of you.
Peace, and love ♥