Words of Barrett

“…sometimes one needs to get off the bus for awhile, grab something cold to drink, and go to the loo…”  the words of a wonderful therapist I knew back in the day.

I was younger and filled with angst. I kept asking when the pain and worry would stop.

“It’s a process, not a task. It takes as long as it takes.”

I just HATED that answer. I wanted an answer, a specific date, or at least a ballpark figure.  She never gave me one, but she was right. It got better–eventually.

Birthdays often make me think about the past in order to get perspective on how I arrived at this point in my life. That will be a story for another day. This year I was fortunate enough to be invited to spend a few days with friends in North Carolina.  They fed me wonderful food, exotic drinks, and toured me around to see grass, trees, and flowers.

We talked and laughed as we shared a glass of wine or a breathtaking recording of music.  We enjoyed frolicking dogs, the hum of lawn mowers, a chorus of bird songs and a majestic thunderstorm. After sleeping soundly each night, awaking to coffee,  I was treated to down home breakfasts at the local diner.

The first night we had grilled pork tenderloin with pirogi’s.

Birthday morning–champagne! the-best-french-toast  Ever! country ham and potatoes.

one of my gifts was an antique drawer with delicate old fashioned ink wells (now sitting above my desk)

Birthday dinner was marinated steak, fresh green beans, cheddar mashed potatoes, a great red wine, and…

Evenings on the screen porch with a cocktail and snacks….

There are so many more memories which will flicker to the surface for days and months to come.  Thank you, my friends, for an unforgettable holiday.

And thanks to all who sent messages with your good wishes. I am very grateful.