Sanctuary

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)!