A long time gone

So it’s been a couple of months since I’ve posted. Long enough that most of you have probably quit checking it and only those of you who still have me on your rss feeds will ever see it. But that’s ok, since I mostly write this for me. There is no profound or significant reason for my severe neglect of this blog, other than I’ve been out living life. Between friends, school, and some pretty great summer weather, I’ve had much more desire to be out doing things than sitting at home thinking about them.

But now I’m on vacation, visiting my sister in Bend, and for the first time in awhile I actually have completely free time. Jamie is at work and as I sit in the sunshine and breath deeply of the cool, fresh air, I find myself in a thoughtful mood. One that was probably just waiting in the wings until I had enough free space in my life to let it slip in. With all the transitions that are happening in this season of my life it seems the perfect kind of mood to be in. Quiet, mellow, relaxed, and wondering what this next year carries. Many changes that’s for sure. I’m a nurse now, though still not at the point where I really feel like I can say that. Maybe after I actually start working it will be a little easier. I guess that’s really only a matter of weeks. But for now, I’m simply being. And it’s great!

It’s good to be back on the West Coast. While part of my sense of peace is likely due to the fact that I slept a good 12 hours (!) last night and woke up to a delightful cup of French Press coffee, homemade pumpkin bread, and the company of my sweet sister, there is something about being surrounded my mountains and evergreens that just causes my soul to stretch out. I am at home here. Which gets me thinking about me and my collection of homes. Philadelphia has no doubt become one of them, and one that I love, but the West will always be the home of my heart I think.

Bend is beautiful. I arrived last night to Jamie and Jon’s cute house and we grilled out with their roommates John and Stacy. It was a truly Oregon experience with Ben, Dave and the crickets playing in the background, a selection of microbrews on the table (including Jon’s very own), and the cool night breeze coming through. We then took a stroll through town, down along the Deschutes River as the sun was setting. It is amazing here. The town in full of restaurants, galleries, breweries and cafes. It’s surrounded by mountains, trails, and every outdoor activity imaginable. Yes, I’m feeling a little bit in love:) Ok, Jamie’s home and we’re making dinner for 12, so I gotta run. But hey, I’m back!