Here I Go...

Whew! Whatta whirlwind. Albuquerque-Atlanta-Columbus-Dothan! Tonight is our last night in Dothan before heading back north. Just one overnight in Atlanta (to gather stuff and break up the ride) and then we will be IN ASHEVILLE (can we hear some triumphant music)? I would really prefer to be journey-oriented rather than goal-oriented in my life, but I can’t help but feel enormous relief about reaching Asheville! Sure, a lot of it is that I’m sick sick sick of traveling. I am absolutely a homebody and would almost always rather be home than out and about. I love visiting friends, but only as long as I have a place to come home to. Honestly, almost every time I set out on a trip (even the ones I am SUPER excited about and have TONS of fun on), I find myself counting down the hours until I’m home again. Okay, okay, you get the point: I miss having a home. SO I’m excited to have a real home again, a place to settle into, but I’m also excited about what Asheville means. Hillary and I have always wanted to live there, our friends are there, we’re back EAST… oh, and being for-real about becoming a midwife. Yeah, that.

Highlights from further adventures in the SE:

Birthday presents! Hillary got me two books about identifying wildflowers/edible plants in the SE. One of them has great pictures (future tattoos?). The necklace has a pendant of Saint Brigid who is a patron saint for midwives. AND she made me a lino-cut print of shepherds purse. She’s great.

SOA is as always (but smaller)

Got to see this awesome lady

Yeah, my grandma has purple hair. Pokeberry!

I can’t say enough just how grateful I am to have her as a real friend in my life. We definitely do not have a traditional relationship and I am so so glad. She is making it possible for me to participate in The Matrona program next year and I am so honored to get to involve her in my life like this.

Onto Dothan:

Reunited and it feels so good.

Yesterday, we held BABIES! Hillary’s mama’s friend had twins six weeks ago and that single mama needed a nap! So we selflessly gave up our day to hold these little friends… completely without personal gain… in no way enjoyable, of course… this is just pure, good, kind sacrifice. Right there.

And there.

Then we made a million of those. That was for-real selfless. We had to put them in the oven to hide them from hungry mouths (AKA Gulliver) and then I accidentally baked them when I pre-heated the oven for the bread to bake. Whoops…

Happy Thanksgiving.