I *heart* Oregon (a story in photos)

You know how sometimes, you are just too tired to keep moving forward? Your body is exhausted from the constant movement, from the persistent demands, and your mind is weary from keeping it's frenetic pace, day after day after day. You know, deep down you know, that you can't sustain this type of pace, that you will break if you don't get some relief. You ache, you physically ache, for a respite, for some sort of reprieve, and for someone else to shoulder your load for just a day or two?

And then, at just the right time, it happens. Your biggest responsibility is assumed by another for a few days, and you know she is safe and she is loved, and so you go. You seek a small bit of adventure, by exploring a corner of the world that is unknown to you.

And you let your senses soak in new sights, new smells, new sounds and you marinate in the change of scenery.
And you serendipitously are upgraded into the car you've always wanted to try out.
And you meet a new friend, one that instantly feels like you've known her forever. And you tell each other your stories. And you laugh and you cry and are grateful for the amazing people you continue to meet on your way.
And you soak in the friendship of one of your favorite people, and with each hour spent in shared laughter and deep conversation, you find more to admire about her heart and her soul and her mind.
And you eat really good food (a lot of really good food).
And you are reminded of some simple truths.
And you are given words of comfort and solace and counsel and you know, you know, that you are held by something much bigger than yourself.
And you pay attention to the little things that make you ridiculously happy.
And you sit on the beach and watch the families enjoy each other, and you hope that one day you and your little one (and maybe, just maybe, a couple more) can enjoy the same sense of togetherness in this magical place. And you take the time to marvel at the beauty and the goodness that surrounds you.

And in the midst of all of this, you find a deep, calm, abiding sense of peace and the knowledge that everything is exactly as it should be. And then the weekend is over and it's time to return to your regular life. And because you have laughed and loved and explored and shared and rested, you are ready to return to it. You are rejuvenated and revived and you know, you know, that that life you have...the one you've created for yourself....

It's pretty damn amazing.



**the composition of many of these photos was shamelessly stolen from Amy M. I learned so much from her this weekend.