I love words. I love reading words well written. I like writing words. Honest words. Words spoken in conversation with friends. Words that convey learning. Words spoken with intention. I wont get into ill spoken words though they certainly fly around too. What a gift when well chosen and true.
The Herb Conference in Black Mountain, NC was big. Interesting, fun, tiring, education filled, beauty-full. I learned a great deal, danced, walked, camped on a mountain side. Ate delicious local, organic meals lovingly prepared by someone else... Mmm... Then I visited friends in Asheville. Dude. I stayed in a Holiday Inn for $85 (after checking in at many other more conveniently located, fancier digs... Someone at one of the desks pointed me in this direction). Oh. The luxury! Clean sheets. Big beds. Hot baths in a nice tub. Hell, I even used a hair dryer for the first time in two years because well, it was there. Then on to Charlotte, NC to see friends because This Life is Blessed and Im going to Celebrate (Ok. I totally borrowed that from the singer Brett Dennen.) Stopping home, along the way home, to visit with friends, walk, tea and swim in a lake.
Now i am home again for a few weeks. I am actively working as the property manager. Working. Physical labor and some left brain activity as well. Phew. Thank god, I swear Ive been lilting to the right.. And this week I began volunteering at my childrens school.
I have someone coming to look at buying stuff tomorrow. And an antique fair to set up at in a few weeks.
My grandmother, Emma, is nearing the end of her life. Emma, Martini was her maiden name. When i divorced I took her name. 86 years old. She has volunteered at the hospital 26 years; up until two months ago. Walking there and back, a mile each way, two and three days a week. Now shes home, tired. Pancreatic Cancer and today she says 'I keep moving, you just gotta keep moving'. Shes tired. She knows. And shes thankful for a life well lived. And she cant believe the care and compassion she is receiving from the hospital and doctors she has lovingly worked for, for years. Well. Yeah. OK, Grandma. You're amazing. And i love you. I need to head there soon. November.
Hope this finds you well. Many blessings.
K
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Hi Kristen.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed your retreat. I will keep your grandmother in my prayers. After reading your post I felt compelled to tell what happened to me a few weeks back. My grandmother died in Nov 2006. Of all the people in my life she had the most influence on me. A few weeks back I was feeling down. I was especially missing her wisdom, presence and prayers. A bit later I was looking through some things and I found a picture of me when I was 8 years old. On the back in my precious grandmothers handwriting was "I love you Shunda, Granny Jenkins." I knew at that moment she felt that I needed her. I carry that picture in my purse as a reminder of her love. Take care and be strong!
Shunda
Thats so awesome Shunda. Nice.
ReplyDeleteKristen! Love that you are blogging more and now I am too! Miss being close enough to you that we could hang out if we wanted to! You remind me of why I live the way I do :)
ReplyDelete~tricia
Tricia - When you roll this way again, well be sure to meet up with the children.
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