This has been a busy and emotional week. All really good stuff but none the less...a few tears have been shed. :-)
On Friday of this week, I will be traveling to Baltimore, MD to hang out some absolutely fabulous friends, Hope, Kari and Cassondra! OMG! I am SO thrilled about this trip and can't believe the time is just about here! We have been planning this trip ever since our wonderful time last year.
The four of us have each met and come to know each other on separate occasions over these last few years; however, through these visits, online conversations and secrets shared, we realized there is a wonderful magic in our friendship and, speaking for myself, tremendous joy, happiness and inspiration happens when I am with these three beautiful souls!
Cassondra, me, Kari and Hope
When we took the picture above at Art in Ashland in August, 2008, little did we know we would be setting a precedent. When these lovelies visited me in Portland last year, we recreated this pose when we were at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden (during the golden hour, I might add).
Cassondra, Kari, me and Hope
Hmmm...where will our next picture be? :-)
In preparation for this trip, Kari sent each of us a book to use as our souvenir journals. Does she know us or what? I've been working on mine, trying to build "blank" pages so that while I am on my trip, I can fill it in.
Also working on a group project with these three girls that involves a special word near and dear to our hearts. I won't share that; however, until I'm back from this trip.
And then there's also a few little prizes that I'm bringing along for the other adorable girlies that I get to see on this trip...Cammy, Kelli and Pam!
So on to the good thing that has me keeping the tissue handy....my bright and shiny daughter graduates Yoga Instructor school next week. She is leaving this Thursday to start her journey southward to the school's headquarters in California. Glen and I are SO proud of Miranda for not only starting this program and finishing it, but her committment and growth as a woman and human along this path has been remarkable. She is amazing and I'm so proud and impressed by the depth of her knowledge.
So far none of this is tissue worthy, right? Well, it continues. After Miranda graduates, she will be staying in California! Indefinitely and with the only plan to continue growing, learning and making her life meaningful. Miranda is a member of WWOOF and will be exploring that as one of her goals is to live in an intentional community. Sigh...
So even though I am going to miss my beautiful, accomplished daughter like I'd miss my right arm, the thrill and joy I am experiencing in having raised this young woman to be adventurous and confident is extremely rewarding. She is bravely taking the path less traveled and I couldn't be more proud of her!
have fun my friend ! you'll have a blast for sure. and give miranda a big 'congrat's hug from me. so very proud of her too, even though she's your girlie :) love you.
Posted by: jill | April 14, 2011 at 09:03 PM
That is wonderful news, Michelle. You deserve to be proud. I think living in an intentional community is a great thing to do. Enjoy your time with your soul mates. We are carrying on here. Jud is in chemo. Feeling good on his weeks off.
Hugs,
Suz
Posted by: Susan Reaney | April 15, 2011 at 05:46 AM
What a beeautiful post Michelle...I have tears in my eyes... to have bonded such a beautiful friendship with the girls....and the joy & love & proudness that you have for your daughter radiates through the computer...congrats Miranda & sending blessings on your new journey of life enJOY every step of it... Have a honey of a day ~ Marlene ;O) xox
Posted by: Marlene | April 18, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Wonderful news about Miranda, Michelle. She is a lovely soul and I wish her well. Where in California will she be located? Maybe I'll get you to visit me in Humboldt County yet...
Posted by: ilene harris | April 18, 2011 at 11:58 AM
awww Michele so sorry that your little bird is flying the coop i know my Mom was so sad when I was going to move to Colorado. Where in California is Miranda moving?
Posted by: denise hahn | April 23, 2011 at 06:07 AM
I hope you enjoyed your trip, Michelle! There's nothing like getting together with kindred spirits.
Congratulations to Miranda. And! To you. I can imagine that her departure will be bittersweet for both of you! She will miss you tremendously, too.
xoxo.
Posted by: Jessica at Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping! | April 27, 2011 at 03:53 PM
Oh my, what a gift to have raised such a girl! I have four girls of my own, the oldest is 19, and I'm not looking forward to the tearful goodbye I know is on the brink. . . . My youngest is 11, so I have some time. . . .
Kudos on raising an awesome girl!
And I look forward to hearing about your upcoming trip to be with friends! How awesome!
Posted by: fancyscrapper | April 30, 2011 at 03:39 PM
Well done Mama. Such a harder thing than it initially sounds, to see our birdies fly off! A friend reminded me that is exactly what we raise them for. We can still cry a little I think:) Sending you peace and art time...........lots and lots of art time!
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | May 04, 2011 at 01:35 PM
Oh yes, teary for sure, but what joyful, inspiring reasons. I have been lucky enough to meet 3 if not 4 of those smiling faces before and they all just lit up the room (that includes you, missus!) and what an amazing woman you have raised! She just might save the world!
Posted by: Kelly | May 13, 2011 at 09:09 AM