I'm back

Hi everyone. It's been so long and now this blogland seems foreign to me. The break from blogging was much needed. I miss all of you, don't get that wrong, but this past month and a half has been a period of immense change and it has thrown me for a loop. It's been a cycle of big highs and big lows and even some in between. There are many, many changes happening in my life and with them I am coping, learning, growing. I'm also slowly learning to trust in the universe...that everything will be o.k. I've had the strangest feeling lately and I can't completely describe it...like riding on a bike with a blindfold in a hilly, foreign town with no map. But, I suppose that is life!

The trip to California (and Michigan in between) was incredibly fun and healing. It was wonderful to be around family again. A big dose of my mom and dad is exactly what I need when the going gets rough. In Califnornia (with mom) we managed to see so much I still can't even believe it. I went to San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Lake Tahoe, Sausilito, and Sacramento. We drove up the 1 from Big Sur to Half Moon Bay (so insanely beautiful that I still can't get over it.)

Natural Bridges State Beach near Santa Cruz

Often, when my mom and I have time together, she is still working or at least has her head is in work. She's very successful, dedicated, and her work requires a lot of flexibility. This time, however, things were a little slower for her which allowed her to really relax and enjoy herself...something I haven't seen her able to do in so long. I'm so glad we were able to spend that time together. I think it was important for both of us and it's a time I will cherish forever.

Back in Michigan with my dad, we did a lot of relaxing...something that is always nice at his place. He is fortunate to live on a lake so many of our activities focus around water. My dad is a creative, fun, social person and we always have a great time together. We went sailing one night and it was the most perfect night, a subtle breeze and calm waters just before dusk. On the way back to the dock the wind gently pushed us back home. It was so relaxing that my dad fell asleep while driving our little sunfish.

View from the boat on the lake at my dad's

Family is a wonderful gift and I feel so fortunate to have one as great as my own. I'm not sure how much I will be on here...I'm still trying to regain my energy and enthusiasm. But when I do, I'd love to share some of my experiences with you. And if you'd like, you can take a look at my flickr stream to see some of the pictures from my trip. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!