Spent the weekend in Butterfly Valley for my cousins wedding. This is the country where I was born. It's located deep inside the feather river canyon and it's lush, green, rocky mountains are split by smooth water formed rocks that are carved by the massive river that winds between. Every-time I come home, I am grounded by the roots by which I came, although I hardly resemble the landscapes of my past.
Uncle Keith the man who conducted the ceremony at my wedding. I got his licensee on the internet!! Universal church of Life. And he put it to good use again marring his son!
Auntie Lori who also delivered me! No she is not a doctor but she did a smash up job!
My family with all their quirks and charm, might on the street view me as a creature that is unrelatable to their world, but as we sit over a glass of wine with the meadows surrounding us, it's all so clear. These are the people that formed the core of who I am. And although they laugh as a talk about my city frolics, shoe obsessions and over priced hair appointments, they see the girl that I am. When my soul feels depleted they have the ability to refill it. And when I need spiritual guidance these are the people I turn too, as their understanding of the universe and of human goodness can be rivaled by no other.
On Friday I felt reluctant to go. Tried my hardest to get out of it, but when I saw how angry and upset it made my Mother, I hopped in the car, begrudgingly, and set my course North East. Sometimes it's as if the universe knows what's good for me, even when I am at a loss. When I arrived at the step of the canyon I could feel myself calm. As I drove further up those winding roads to the little road leading to the Valley it felt beautiful to be back. I could not believe it had been two years.
It's amazing for those of you that know me well, but I was most excited to hang out with my little second cousins Kaya and Rohan. I have never been the type of girl to obsess or fawn over babies and although I adore my nieces and nephew without a doubt, these two little kids always have my heart. At the wedding I couldn't be bothered my much else, but to sit with them on the couch, read books and snuggle. They both fell asleep on top of me and I insisted they come home with me and spend the night. They did not protest. We spent the next day together and I kept threatening to bring them home with me. As I departed and Kaya asked if she could come home with me, I almost started to cry.
My sweet Kaya, who hopefully come visit soon so we can go to the ballet together!
Rohan the cutest preemie baby growing up with the most loving little soul in the world. Also and amazing artist.
Home now and it felt good to get back to the gym this morning, but as I took a run through the valley yesterday and passed the big meadow full of horses, one of my aunts mares ran beside me along the fence until she could run no more...and I was thinking, I could really get back in to this whole nature life full time, if I could only figure out how to walk in sleet, snow and mud a little bit better in my high heels!
XO
Aunties House!
No relation but man I dug his style!!!