While we were away my sister took photos of me in the light. We took a photography course by Joy Prouty together and in taking our photos while we were away we were so thankful for all we learned. Capturing light has taken on a whole new meaning for us and I know we both are grateful for the gifts imparted to us by Joy.
We just had one full day at the cabin and we made the most of it. After eating we cleaned up and then our brother stopped by to visit with his dog. I had not seen him for quite a long time and it was so great to see him. We planned to go see his family later that day and cook at their home (and take showers :). So after reading for a while and planning the menu for that evening we headed into town making sure the fire would keep the cabin cozy for us. It was going to be a very cold night with the temperature the coldest of the year so far. Going to our brother's was so special. We spent time with his family and they are so precious. We made delicious food and ate together. There is something about eating a good meal together in joy that is powerful. We had dessert and then just spent time together.
When we got back to the cabin the stars were so bright and it was warm and cozy inside. I prepared for another sleepless night hoping for the best but once again laid awake most of the night. The next morning something magical was waiting for us. I looked out the window and saw that there had been the first heavy frost of the year. The light was just coming through the trees and I dragged my sister out of sound sleep. It was so cold outside but we got our winter gear on and headed out. If only I could explain in words...the beauty. The light was reflecting off the frost like Christmas light jewels. It was so incredibly lovely to be in amongst. We tried to capture it and just soak it in.
Last weekend my sister and I packed up and headed out on an adventure. To put this in context as to how big a deal this was for us....we went away without a single child in sight. For my sister (who's children are well out of babyhood) and for me (whose youngest is almost four) this was a very big happening as we had not left our children overnight with just their fathers. This might seem ridiculous to you but it's just how it's been and as of last weekend that changed. We went up to a cabin with no electricity or running water or plumbing. After I had planned this trip I found myself wondering what I had been thinking! Why didn't I go to a spa or something? However, it turned out to be the perfect thing for us to do.
We did the four hour drive in the evening in the rain and it was quiet and uneventful. I realized anew how not exactly young I am and that my eyes are not loving driving in the dark anymore...sigh...When we got there it was much colder than it is where we live and we had a wood stove to light. So my sister tried chopping wood for the first time. It was pitch dark and cold and she chopped wood like it was zero effort. I was so impressed. We laughed hysterically when we realized she had been chopping the wood with the axe cover on but nothing was holding her back! I mean it was dark there was not much we could see. We got a fire going and got everything unpacked and settled in to sleep.
I think my sister slept really well the two nights we were away. I however slept right next to the woodstove on a narrow couch that had cushions that did not want to stay put. I didn't really sleep at all but it was quiet and I was not sharing the bed with anyone and no one kicked me so really I didn't mind.
The next morning we woke up to golden magical light that drew us outside. We had brought cameras and the place where we were had beauty everywhere! We put our coats over our pj's and ended up outside for well over an hour hiking and taking photos. It was so beautiful and peaceful.
My sister loves to bake and cook (totally opposite to myself) and so she brought lovely food. She set up a camping stove outdoors in the cold and made the most delicious meals. I tried to be supportive but let's be honest I did nothing but really appreciate the good food.
Meals consisted of a breakfast hash with peppers, onions, tater tots, eggs, cheese and sausage, we had fresh sourdough bread, blueberry lemon muffins, pumpkin scones (all baked by her) farmer sausage soup, cornbread (which we never even got to eat), homemade hamburgers and the list went on. It was so SO delicious. Please go to part two to read about the rest of our weekend away. And thanks Laura for going to so much effort to make this time away delicious and nourishing!
