The One In Which I Return To The World

I spent most of yesterday gluing little tiny pieces of the Farmer's Almanac from 2014 into a sketched landscape in my journal for Moonshine (a lesson that will go live tomorrow or Tuesday depending on how much of it I can finish today), and then, when I could glue no more for going cross-eyed from the gluing, I showered, put on make up, and made my way to Imbibe Food & Drink to meet my sisterfriend, Caroline and her new beau, Will for dinner. My kid just happened to be playing from nine to midnight, so my return to the world after two weeks of being house and bed bound was made all the more special.

I solemnly swear I am up to no good. Mascara, lipstick, and a twinkle in my eyes. Watch out world!

My lovely daughter-in-law-to-be. (One can hope. :))

Me and my Little.

Jeremy & Nat.

If I taught this boy anything, it's how to love, and that's a win.

My bardic friend, Curtis, whose soul is as deep as the ocean blue.

My Angel Baby, singing Lilac Wine.

The line where friends and family gets really blurry. Caroline.

Caroline and her new beau, Will, who is absolutely perfect for her. I approve.

It was a good night to be out in the world. I met a man who walked the Camino - something I've been wanting to do before I turn fifty, and he encouraged me to give it a go. He suggested that it can be done in fits and spurts - an idea that really appeals to me. Go walk for a week. Go home. Return. Walk for a week more. That kind of pilgrimage feels more doable somehow than a five week trek.

The food was awesome. We had braised ribs with goat cheese polenta. The music was (of course) beautiful. I got hugged a million times and there were even a couple misty moments. My other angel baby, James, put in an appearance, too, and though he did not get snagged into the round of 'we-sies' for Instagram, his smile lit up the room all the same. Rebecca was there, too, and we discovered that I wear a pendant that matches a tattoo she has on her collar bone. That girl is my soul child, I swear.

Gushing. I know. But I missed being in the world, and I wanted to share my overflowing cup with you.

My morning started with the realization that it is practically balmy out there. I grabbed a cup of coffee and headed down to the end of the garden to sit perched on the hill above the trail and creek.

The local rooster made an adorable ruckus that had me grinning from ear to ear. The creek babbled merrily. The dog sniffed and rolled in the leaves (she likes to wear them as accessories).

I feel alive in the world, and that is a really wonderful way to feel.

In Other News

I'm really excited about the portfolio I made for 12 Artsy Ornaments. Have you seen it? The lesson goes up next week, and the class itself is only $24.95!

Essentially, I took a mailer from Amazon (you know - the cardboard envelope thingies that books are delivered in?) and embellished the heck out of it until it looked like Christmas exploded! It was so fun, and it's a great way to store your holiday cards once the season is over. Check it out!