This is why.
To live in the midst of surprises such as this is what has drawn us to this place. The season that originally summoned us has arrived, to be followed by its even more beautiful sister, if one can even imagine that such a thing is possible.
And yet, our true selves linger somewhere between the life we knew and the dream that is being revealed. Between shafts of reality that cut us to the core, and flashes of faith that breed hope for the future.
We yearn for the familiar. For laughter with daughters and the ease of good neighbors. For the companionship of mothers and the solace of aunts. For the comaraderie of the office and the gift that is friendship. For book clubs and rock bands and mountains to hike. For the home we made so beautiful.
And yet, we revel in the blessings of our new life. There are no alarms. No regular commutes. No extracurricular commitments. There are wood chucks that forage, wild turkeys that gobble, frogs that sing, birds that warble, and now, deer that surprise. There is an ocean, there are farmers' markets, and there are our beloved Eds.
But most of all, we are absorbed in healing and discovery. We grieve the loss of our past lives in an effort to make room for the new. We are gathering unto one another, harvesting our bonds, while burrowing deep into ourselves in an effort to decipher our new reality.
We watch the moon and wake with the sun and marvel at the quiet.
We work side-by-side and eat lunch together and take tea breaks at four.
We've been to the ocean, we've walked through the woods, we've paddled a canoe.
We are half-way through a year, and looking ever forward to more surprises such as these.
Wow! How special!
Posted by: Jean Marmo | June 03, 2011 at 10:32 PM
So very cool!! We have a group of deer that live down the street and I love seeing them. This time of year it is much later, but during the winter it is about the time I get home. Thanks for sharing this amazing photo!
Posted by: StacyC | June 03, 2011 at 11:12 PM
This is fantastic!Thank you for sharing-it brightened my day.
Posted by: Beth W | June 04, 2011 at 12:18 AM
Beautifully written. Very evocative.
You've done something very bold and courageous, yet bittersweet. Kudos for exploring and enjoying every aspect of the journey.
Posted by: KathiR | June 04, 2011 at 12:39 AM
Such an inspiring entry.........if someone were thinking about making a move, this sure would give them a "push". The picture of the doe and her fawn is absolutely spectacular. Who would not want to look out their window and see this? Love hearing about your new life!
Posted by: jo | June 08, 2011 at 08:52 AM
What a beautiful photo, Cath. Sounds like you are enjoying your new life...so happy for you! I wish you and your family the joy and special surprises such as this forever and a day! HUGS, dear friend :)
Posted by: Helen F. | June 10, 2011 at 10:30 PM
Wicked! Writing and photo...reminds me of once watching a mother sea lion suckling her offspring amidst the bustle of a Sea World day. Nature nurtures, surprises, and settles us. Have you hiked Walden Pond yet? You might just be a Thoreau fan?
Posted by: Debstamps | June 16, 2011 at 09:35 AM