I know it has been a while since I posted anything. The last few weeks have been busy and have flown by at warp speed.
In those last weeks we said goodbye to the Kramers and Hello to the newly married Ast-Martins. That is by the way, one of the best last names going. It sounds like the chicest new cocktail or boutique hotel in London. "Good Evening Madame, welcome to the Ast-Martin. Allow me to take your bags" If it were a cocktail, it would be effervescent yet earthy, served neat and enjoyed in formalwear, drunk directly from tacky wineglasses whose stems depict a bald eagle perched upon a tall tree. The perfect blend of brains, beauty and fun just like the Ast-Martins themselves, Shari and Shad, our great friends. We had a activity filled weekend of outdoor yoga, the farmer's market, wakesurfing and plenty of good wine and food. Next year, make my Ast-Martin a double, for a single weekend (like the perfect cocktail) is never enough.
So that brings me to today. Another beautiful sunny morning, cool weather and a glass blue lake to look onto. A strong cup of coffee, occupied children and many many thoughts and feelings to address. Inside my heart is breaking a little and I find myself bursting into tears at the slightest provocation. My suitcase is open, on the floor of my bedroom and I am beginning to fill it. It's funny. Most of the clothes I am packing up I never wore this summer. They are Phoenix clothes. A little fancier. A little more expensive. Stylish. Shoes with heels on them. Worn to the office or out for a nice dinner with clients. Clothes that are appropriate for my other life. The life of a business mans wife. A frantic mother of two shuttling between schools, work, swimming lessons, storytime and a crammed calendar while getting up at 4 AM to train for an upcoming race.
My clothes up here are a little older, cheaper, worn, but comfortable in all the right places. A little more forgiving, as if they know that my time up here is destined to be filled with good food, wine and laughter. After every summer I leave a little more round and full. I'm a bear storing fat for the winter. I store the good stuff. The great meals Mark and I prepare together. The wine we drink every night on the deck while looking at the stars and listening to the sound of the lake. The extra sleep enjoyed in a room of open windows filled with clean air. The amazing food grown by farmers that have been here their whole lives. The flowers and the creatures and the trees. I eat it up. All of it. So while my jeans may be a bit snug, I am full of the good in the hopes that it will sustain me through the long desert and concrete autumn that lies in my near future.
It has been a great summer. Busy. There is always that moment that we have where Mark and I look at each other and say "I wish I .....had more time on the lake/did more fishing/went to the artwalk/ rode my bike/ cooked more..... There is always a list because there is never enough time. But the fact of the matter is we did so much and had so much fun the time went by too quickly. The things I am happiest about are pretty simple. The weather, which has been amazing this summer. More mild and wonderful than the last two summers combined. Having my family here for the fourth of July was really special. The wildflowers that have gone crazy in the front yard making the house so beautiful. Wakeboarding. The farmer's market- the perfect Saturday morning. Riding the Centennial Trail. Taco Tuesday. The Red Barn. Paddleboarding. The list is endless.
I don't want to leave. I know I have too. I am a little excited to get back to Phoenix and get the girls back in school and see all my friends. I have missed you all so much.
I am looking forward to a busy but exciting year. A trip to Venice in September. Another race. Fall festival. October birthdays. Halloween. Paella Party. Thanksgiving. Christmas. The great winter weather. The PHX Open. Superbowl. Valentine's Day. Bella's birthday. Spring Break. Easter. Anniversary. End of School. Back to Idaho. It will go fast. They always do.
Thanks to all for taking time to read about and share in our summer. This has been a fun way for me to remember all that we have done up here. I am signing off for now. I have a house to clean and packing to do. I return to Phoenix batteries charged and fired up for the year ahead. Goals set. Schedules in place. Diet begins Monday. (of course right? No one starts a diet on a Wednesday. Why is that?) School Supplies ordered. New fall handbag (got to LOVE Marc Jacobs - I swoon) Girls Wine night organized. I'm ready steady go.
Now if only my flight were cancelled.....................
