Friendships

The friendship week continues (and is still going for a few more days) ...

Lunch at a friend's house was lovely. Her gardens are beautiful and there's something so nice about someone cooking a meal for you. I brought tomatoes from the farm stand and cucumbers from my garden -- "just right" little something to bring.

Our friend who lost her husband was there and it's hard to know what to say. She's deep in grief and I questioned so many things that I said -- was it right? too much? too little? I'll keep showing up and doing the best I can. I understand why people pull away when there's such intense grief. You feel like you're not helping or you're doing it wrong or you're making it worse. Of course, that's going to happen because everything hurts for her right now and she doesn't even know what she needs moment to moment. We want to make it hurt less and we can't. 

Friday was a long meeting at our standing coffee -- small group this week, but lots of laughs. My friend made me cucumber gazpacho with pineapple (my cucumbers). Another meal gift and it was fabulous. 

Not too sweet, bit of heat
from a jalapeño.

I baked a loaf of GF bread from a mix my DIL gave me at Christmas. Trader Joe's has been out of their GF sliced bread. Proofed "rustic" hahaha, but tasted great. Tomato sammie for dinner. Worth the long drive to get the tomatoes. 

Soft warm bread.

Incredible texture.

Proofing a bit wonky.

Excellent mix with the yeast
packet included.

Today is a full day. 

We're having a local protest in town. ICE raids are unacceptable and awful. It probably won't be a big crowd since it's last minute and not a national protest, but I'm going to support a friend who organized it AND, of course, support human rights. It'll be full sun and very warm -- can't wait for the weather to break a bit. 

Then switching gears a hard 180 and getting a color analysis with my DIL (same one who gave me the bread). Coffee after to chat about it. Looking forward to the afternoon. Am I a summer? a spring? Stay tuned.

Hubby is back by evening. 

It's been a good week. This was such a nicely balanced week too -- plenty of easy social and plenty of solo time. I'm eating better (feeling a little better). Getting outside. Spent more time in appreciation for this week. It was a kind of who's who of friendship week -- I'm very grateful for these women. 

I'm also grateful for the work I'm doing to sort out friendships, sort out where I put my energy and time. Understanding I'm not for everyone and everyone isn't for me. I can evaluate and trust my gut. I'm also better at accepting seasons of friendships. Realizing my energy attracts similar energy. Intentionally building. Lots of learning at this stage of life. Still struggling with the letting go aspect, but I'm keeping at it.

I know I haven't talked much about my birthday review and year going forward. I haven't forgotten ... stay tuned sometime soon-ish. 

I'll end with the best part of this morning ... HEAVY rains yesterday and I moved all the porch pots into the rain. NOTHING needs to be watered today. Why is this such a relief and a joy?!?! Summer is plants and more plants -- inside, outside, and everywhere. I love them though!!!!!

Have a good Saturday. I'm heading out for a sunrise run. It's been a minute. Lots of walk breaks to keep my back and shoulder happy (fingers crossed). I just typed this and checked the calendar, I'm running TOMORROW. Geez. Today is strength, balance, long meditation ... and a dog walk. I did a longer walk (4 miles) and a short run (one mile) with him yesterday. Easing back into running so my regular run waits until tomorrow. Glad I write things down hah!

Later gators.