Sunday, March 28, 2010

Mountain-ish

Cowee View

We got back from the weekend at the mountain house tonight. My mom and dad were up there, and Dave and Kate drove down from DC. For an instant party, add hot tub water. Or vodka.

How did I not take any pictures of anything? Nevertheless, here are some good things that happened:
  • I got to listen to Dave play the guitar for a while, and we sang along. You know that Tom Petty song that goes, "One more time down South/I'm gonna find my daddy's mistress/Gonna ask for her forgiveness/Gonna pay off every witness"? Love that.
  • We hiked up to the top of the ridge and looked over both sides. Then on the way down, just as my toes were sliding into the fronts of my shoes and I was in danger of getting a blister, Dad appeared and drove me back to the house.
  • Then I took a two-hour hot tub with Laura and Katie. Two hours and two beers.
  • I slept until 11:00 both mornings.
  • Laura read aloud from Little House in the Big Woods to Hank and me.
  • Kate gave me a box filled with beauty goodies, including some Kiehl's stuff and this awesome Laura Mercier eye brightener. I am ALL ABOUT the eye brightener.
  • I started a new book of Ron Rash short stories that Mom and Dad gave me, plus Zeitoun, plus I actually looked at every page of three magazines.
Long story short, it was a typical great weekend up there. One bit of it I was trying to put into words for myself: Friday night was clear and the moon was bright. In the bedroom we sleep in, there is a door to the back porch, down on the bottom level. Late at night, Matt got out of bed to let the dog out, and he stood there for a minute with the door cracked. Where he had been in bed, there was a big patch of moonlight on the white sheet. I opened my eyes and looked at it, and the light on the bed combined with the rush of cool air from the open door seemed like a completely new thing, just a combination of sensations that was strange in its forcefulness--so strange I almost forgot where and who I was. It was an uncanny thing, a mixture of startling and familiar, a fresh impression, newly arriving. My instant thought was, "Oh! Where has this moment been?" And I thought about how much I love my life and all the parts of it.

Do you ever have those moments? And I swear that I was not drunk.

And I'm not drunk now. Though Matt just went out and bought me ice cream, and now he is cleaning the kitchen, and the pleasure of all that is making me feel a little lightheaded. I hope y'all had a loverly weekend. Muchas smooches from the conkisstador.

19 comments:

Erika W said...

The one similar moment that comes to mind is when we were swimming in the ocean in Tulum, Mexico. The clear blue water and air were the same temperature, and I was floating way out past the waves and looking back onto shore. It was so quiet and so still and even though I was far away from the land and people, I felt totally secure, like everything was perfect. Thank you for reminding me of that moment and for sharing yours.

Also, is it bad that I'm a little turned on by Matt cleaning the kitchen. Cuz that is HOT.

Amy said...

That sounds like a perfect weekend. With some of my most favorite folks. And dude, I can't remember the last time I slept till 11! Good on ya.

I love the moment you described--I have those moments occasionally, but not as often as I'd like. For me, it's like God is saying, "Hey there, I see you--where you are and who you are, and I did this thing just for you." xo

Maggie said...

You really do have a lovely life. I agree with Amy, those kind of moments feel like messages from God. I will be thinking of you this week. We love you.

Meg said...

What a beautiful weekend. I think we all forget to take the time to take it all in don't we? Glad you had fun!

The Dental Maven said...

Sounds like the weekend was just what was needed. Hope that good feeling carries on into your week!

Ginny Marie said...

I'm glad you had such a beautiful weekend! Those moments are priceless, like the commercial says.

I spent my weekend dealing with colds, a little one with an ear infection. Not fun! At least we're starting the week with a good supply of antibiotics!

Michele said...

A man that brings you ice cream and cleans the kitchen is priceless. I'm jealous of your mountains. Texas just doesn't seem to have any.

kathy said...

The mountains enjoyed with favorite people washes away life's stresses. There is nothing like it!
I also agree with Amy. There have been times when the reality of God's love for me, and the beauty of His creation pore into my being and there is a peace that transcends understanding.
You're in my thoughts and prayers throughout every day, and will continue to be in the days ahead.

Viki said...

Oh, those mountains look so beautiful. Glad you had a great time.

Jenni said...

That is quite the moment.

Scott said...

Oh how I miss those mountains.

Anonymous said...

so glad you had a restorative weekend. I have not slept until 11 since college days--and I'm 43. NICE! I can't wait to be in the mountain air soon.

Maureen@IslandRoar said...

As my dad would say, "Lucky duck."
Sounds perfect!

Leciawp said...

I'm so glad to hear about your weekend Becky. And I agree with Amy - it's like God tapping you on the shoulder. Those moments are special, and usually few and far between.

gretchen said...

I'm really serious about this letting-your-parents-adopt-me thing. Y'all's family gatherings make me weak with jealousy. My family's all dead, and gatherings of Jimmy's family always involve hysteria and obsessive compulsion. Tell your parents that I'm clean, and a good cook. That should clinch the deal.

Anonymous said...

Keep thinking those good thoughts this week!

Amy said...

I love thinking that you knew to be so good to yourself this weekend. xo

Sara said...

I'm feelin' ya. Best stuff on earth. xo

Casey said...

I love Tom Petty, he's coming her soon. Come on down and I'll treat you to a show.

Yes, I've had those moments of clarity and bliss. Usually when my kids are actually playing together vs killing each other.