Of Gypsies and Cowboys

Hello!
To truly communicate the experiences and feelings of the past week would require you to step within my mind and heart; witnessing new sights, feeling new and deep emotions, and processing startling points of faith, relationship, and trust. These days have been overwhelming. They have been affirming. They have been terrifying. All in all, the past several days have held some of the most unexpected and foreign steps of this year. Within them, I am finding a tapestry of hope and fear and need; recognizing just how tattered I have become through the past season and how desperate my need is for peace, rest, and a sense of home.

We are here, settling into our new home. It is a beautiful and wild place, built on land that is unfamiliar to my family. Framed by ponderosa pines, lakes, and roaming cattle, we are in the heart of cowboy country. Our visit into town this morning included my first purchase of Carhart pants, a red bandanna for our black lab, and a pair of hiking shoes able to navigate the varied terrain. It's a whole new life, all over again.

As I write this, J is putting more sheets on the line from the last guests while the dusk and dew settles on the lake and the loons come home. It is surprisingly cool out though the sky is still lit. The lodge is quiet and the baby is snuggled in for the night.

I'm off to sit and breathe for a moment. Good night.