Sanctuary

Wyoming Squint

Bon Jour, Y’all’s. I have been away from EveryDayBloom for so long, it is a little weird coming back. What will I find here? I have ghost town anxieties, dust bunny fears. Before I left a couple of weeks ago, I felt connected, part of a widespread (and amorphous) yet friendly community. Which connections require conversation—but for days and days, I have been silent. I’ve both missed the connection…and worried that I’d lose it. I could have returned a few days earlier, some filial and parental responsibilities having met their expiration dates last week. But (maybe procrastinating a bit?) I chose to catch up with my gardens this weekend instead of rummaging through hundreds of digital photos (each worth a thousand words) and the still tingling memories of my daughter’s departure. Gardening means sanctuary to me, among many other things.

(A Thousand Words)

a thousand words

Another sanctuary is family. Before Maurya left, my family (children, husband, siblings, parents, some cousins, some nieces and nephews) gathered in her honor…and just to be together. Maurya will be gone for eighteen months (that’s two pregnancies’worth of days…I’m feeling the irony). Dad has a friend who rents out a huge lodge on a huge ranch in Wyoming… his lodge was our haven for five days. My haven, my distraction. And it was unbelievable, almost heartbreaking generosity. Almost too good to be true, so beautiful. Perfect for the occasion, on so many levels.

Maurya, Wyoming

Now that I’m back, I thought I’d share glimpses of Wyoming first. You know how it’s sort of awkward when you arrive home from a long journey? What to say…no, what to do first? And everything spills out at once from your luggage, your pockets, and your head? This is me, metaphorically throwing my luggage in a corner and digging for silly little gifts. I have so much to show and tell, I just don’t know where to start. Wyoming seems like a good place.

One Day in Wyoming

A walkabout. Windblown hair, borrowed sweatshirts, comfortable shoes. With lots of each others. I’m on the left, then cousin Marissa, then cousin Melody, then sister Leah. There would have been a dog somewhere nearby. And children.

team nature walk

Proof that sweatshirts were traded (we just saw Melody in Maurya’s…or is that Maurya in Melody’s?), plus Marissa is in my jacket. Sign of healthy relationships: we wear each other’s clothes.

who's wearing my clothes?

Some hiked, some fished (some did both). My dad (he’s actually graying! I can’t remember when it started…) loves that his grandkids are passionate about fishing. It’s a passion he’s fostered.

gone fishin gone fishing: gonna miss herfishing in Wyoming

Below, my sister’s daughter, who I’ve dubbed Miss Congeniality for obvious reasons. We walked far, sometimes uphill; she was almost always at the front. She’s small but charismatic; spunky, sweet.

hiking with attitudespunky hiker

Rest at the top. This hill was a wee bit challenging for some of us. There’s so many ways to finish a hill…Marissa mellows out, Meisha looks back, Leah snaps a shot, I tie a shoe. Frank and Mitch talk business in the background. Annie the dog wags her tail.

hiking uphill reach the top Wyoming Vista smiling with friends Leah's laughter laughing with friends group hug Marissa's hug

Can you see Sanctuary here? I love these people.

I’ll be back soon with more (seems like I promised a painting somewhere back there…also, tales of a long lost roommate reunion)!

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Andie June 5, 2013, 9:01 am

    Thank you for sharing these memories, gives me a moment to recapture them. I, also, I’m mystified by the absence of Big Foot. In some ways, he was the star of the show. Love ya!

    http://empowermentdiet.blogspot.com/

    • Lynaea June 5, 2013, 10:30 pm

      Bigfoot’s defining characteristic, besides the largeness of his feet, is his elusiveness. I’m just trying to honor that. (=

  • nancy Wilson June 4, 2013, 9:54 pm

    Love the photos, and the time we all had together. So glad we have photos to remind us of every sweet detail. thank you for sharing. Love Mom

    • Lynaea June 5, 2013, 10:30 pm

      Thank you Mom.

  • Benjamin June 4, 2013, 3:54 pm

    It looks soo fun! Glad you were able to enjoy it together!

    • Lynaea June 5, 2013, 10:32 pm

      Thank you Ben! I’m glad too. I think you would have enjoyed it…we could have used your help with our Bigfoot mockumentary. (=

  • Leah June 4, 2013, 9:40 am

    So glad you rummaged through the luggage to find this gift! The moments, in some ways, are twice as sweet, twice as poignant in retrospect. If only I could wrap my arms around them . . .

    I am surprised, however, to see no trace of BigFoot in any of these shots. We know he was there
    because we never saw him.

    • Lynaea June 5, 2013, 10:34 pm

      Wait for it, Sistah. (= And yes, I love how photos keep memories like bottled messages. Not a great metaphor… but anyway.

  • Tabetha June 4, 2013, 4:08 am

    Everyone deserves a break Lynaea, no worries! We are glad to have you back again– & what gorgeous photos!!
    Tabetha recently posted…How Tos-Day: Mr {& Mrs} Roboto~*My Profile

    • Lynaea June 5, 2013, 10:35 pm

      Thank you Tabetha. Glad to find a friend around when I got back…

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