Living Life

Hello all you dears and dear dears!

It’s been two months since my last entry. (hmmm… sounds in part like a confessional litany, were I Catholic….)

My family let me know in no uncertain terms how remiss I have been about updating here in OD. “Every day we check…but there’s nothing from you.” they said in accusing tones.

“But-but-but… I’ve been LIVING!” said I. And still they crossed their arms and harrumphed at me.

So.

All this living has included an incredible week with three amazing young women at the International Thespian Conference. 4,000 theatre kids from around the world. Need I say more? I came back thrilled and brimming with all that I learned and experienced. WAY too much wonderfulness for words.

Before that was a Japanese wedding I did the floral work for—BUT in the panic to get it all done and delivered, I took no photos. Auuugh! Let’s see what else…Dr’s appointments, drew a portrait for a gift, filled an order for 150 Itti-Bitties…then there was the 4th of July…various odds and ends, and THEN off for 3 weeks in ND!

I have just returned from a fabulous full family reunion in my parent’s dear tiny town. Cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, siblings, grandparents, in-laws…..the (nearly, but sadly not quite) full pack of family.

As is often the case when diverse and strongly opinionated folks gather together, there were many possibilities for potentially volatile conversations. We transcended most of that sticky potential in part by following Mom’s request for a “ban on Religious or Political discussions”.

By (nearly) eliminating those two subjects, we were able to totally relax and enjoy one another on many other levels for the time we were together. Pam facilitated a big story telling circle with all 35 of us–which was moving and often hilarious as we shared our memories. Lots of “sibling revelry”, laughter and tears.

The little bowling alley was opened especially for our families—(the perks of a small town). The kids swam in the pool across the street, the golfers golfed, and we spent hours simply enjoying one another. Because it was so hot and muggy during the days, we cousins went on twilight walking tours through the town, the woods, and down to the river.

During the rest of our days together we talked endlessly, poured over old photos, and (unfortunately for me) ate lots of food. There was marvelous music played and sung, crafty art projects worked on, and rather glorious mayhem over all.

The following weekend was the reunion for Dad’s side of the family. This was a smaller gathering and we met and bonded with cousins we had never gotten to know as we were growing up. We had a beautiful intimate memorial service for Dad’s sister at the lovely old cemetery and buried her ashes on top of their mothers grave.

As the sun set in the West, a full peach moon rose on the opposite horizon. Somehow there are those Moments in life that just seem to stand still in sheer perfection, and that close time was one of those Moments for many of us.

Too soon it was all over, and we found ourselves back down to our original family numbers. We were all rather stunned and amazed at how wild and yet how well it all went. It was a blessed time.

There are more details and you-had-to-be-there moments involving tornadoes, startled toads and rubber thumbs. Oh, and Otis who when he went missing, always seemed to somehow show up in the refrigerator. Karma for past crimes, I’d say. Those stories I will try to record for personal family memories.

As I flew home to Colorado, the pilot guided the small plane in a slight detour safely around two dangerous but magnificent thunderheads—and we looked with awe into the billowy blue-gray chasms beside and below us. I was filled with the recognition of witnessing yet another Moment.

(Life is full of Moments when we pay attention, ya know?)

As is so often the case, I do want to try and write more—and to catch up with many of you favorites. But as usual it will be a slow process, as I have lots of “living” to do in the next few weeks!

Later, m’dears!

:)xo

Adagio