Many First Days...First Times

What a week it has been! T'was my first trip ever...for five days...without kids…without husband...I have friends that do it often to keep their marriage in check; I have some that don’t. Different styles work for different relationships. I have intentionally chosen not to travel without my little ones until they reached a certain age. I guess the time has come.

I have to admit I was nervous about leaving them and worried if they would be okay without me. Leaving was harder for me than them. I was at a four-day intense workshop in Hood River with tons of fun experiments and new friends (another post in my crafty blog, another day.) Off I went...

(Pictured Right: Mt Adams and mouth of White Salmon River--bridge is Washington State Highway 14 crossing White Salmon.) I spent five days in my new spinnerati friend Mary Alice Wagner's lovely home in White Salmon--a beautiful, rural town situated on the bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge area in southern Washington. The views from my private studio are quite spectacular. From the bluff looking south I can see the truly majestic Mt. Hood. Looking northeast I can catch a glimpse of Mt Adams. Taking its name from the nearby White Salmon River, the City was named by the Lewis and Clark Expedition when they observed the river teeming with salmon whose color had turned white after spawning. The area is well known for windsurfing, biking, hiking, white water rafting, salmon fishing, and many more outdoor activities. Next trip I'll be sure to include some recreation fun. I had no idea how valuable the decision would be...and my neck, back, hip, thigh and joint still ache from spinning, standing, and driving.

How I used to love the first day of school! I have fond memories even of those tense, excited breakfasts in elementary school when my dad would tease me about my new teacher for next grade would be Mrs. Awful. “Really, Dad?” “Yes and I hear she’s awful.” Quivering lips and plaintive glances at my mom who’d remind me it was only, after all, Ms. Lee. I remember great new outfits in apple green, with new knee hi, and heading off to school with a new lunchbox. And I remember, years later, poring over Seventeen in search of just the right plaid jumper for a cute new back-to-school look and having my mom help me put pennies in my new loafers. Part of becoming a homeschooled-mom, I’m sure, has to do with my fondness for this rhythm of the year, this sense of September beginnings, of autumn promise. But this year, there are just too many first days/first times. Instead of feeling like a fond old hand, I’m just a nervous little kid, each new day turning my stomach upside down again.

My first ever...not only taking a class, but, a four FULL-DAY workshop.

My 13-year-old teen wants to be a part of a school band...what if she doesn’t like it...things don’t work out...what if she likes it and want to be in school full-time...

My first crossing a steel bridge, alone, over the Columbia River Gorge from Oregon to Washington

Though short...but seemed forever! Coming back to Oregon side was a breeze
...I had a target to follow. Thanks, Kristin, for coming to the rescue :D
Leaving the kids with MIL for another week while my partner and I make time for each other here at home. We are different alone as two people should be. We’re different when we are in family mode--I love that place--it gives our life meaning. But, I like who we are when it’s just the two of us too.

I am motivated to do something new…a way to break away from routine work ^:^ There's plenty of fun excitement in amidst the whirlwind while enjoying the Summer Harvest Of Goodness.