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We think that the point is to pass the test or to overcome the problem, but the truth is that things don’t really get solved. They come together and they fall apart. Then they come together and they fall apart again. The healing comes from letting there be room for all of this to happen: room for grief, for relief, for misery, for joy.

Pema Chödrön

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Virginia Woolf, The Years

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ultimately i think we all want someone who will tenderly wipe the blood off our face

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Tom and I made it to Chico State’s family day to visit Ruby. Kelly and I only mildly embarrassed her. I was thrilled to see the campus (which is lovely) and spend a little time with my family. I’m so proud of you Roo!

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A few captured moments from Alison’s wedding in San Fran. It was gorgeous and the DJ meant business. We all danced our hearts out and acted like we were back at SDSU for a night. 

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A few pics from our visit to Yosemite. 

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Some pics from Kelli and Bryan’s wedding in SLO at the end of September. 

The ceremony was heartfelt and the venue was straight out of a dream. We had a blast celebrating them and joining in on the love.

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My cousin and her wife Amanda came to visit back in August and I had a blast showing them around. We went to the top of Mount Bachelor, Crater Lake, Smith Rock, and to some of my other favorite places. I loved having them out here and was trying hard to sell them hard on Central Oregon in hopes they’d want to move west one day. It might have worked but only time will tell. Fingers crossed!

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Some miscellaneous summer pictures. 

1. Hanging in the backyard with friends

2. Tula surviving a paddle board adventure

3. The Pritchard family reunion in Sunriver

4. Tula being the best guard dog while camping

5. A peaceful afternoon at my favorite bakery 

6. The Rolling Stones in concert in Seattle

7. The bounty from my mother-in-laws garden. 

8. Laurel’s baby shower 

9. Dave and Katy in Sisters

10. Joanna visits Bend

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In July I had a bachelorette party in Palm Springs and was lucky enough to be able to tack on some extra time to visit Holly in her new city/ home, and visit my dad in 29 Palms. Holly and I decided to check off a life list item and visit Hogwarts at Universal Studios too. The trip was everything I could have wished for and more. Going back to my hometown and spending time with my best friend of a million years (or 21) always grounds me and brings me back to my roots. The bachelorette party for Alison was pretty fun as well. ;)

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Our summer was so action packed that I didn’t have any time to actually post about it. Now that we are a few days into October things have slowed down a little and I have some time to reflect. We are so lucky to have so many loved ones to visit and host. Since June we have been traveling all over the west coast seeing friends and family, attending concerts, weddings and other events. We’ve had visitors from Utah, New Jersey, California and Scotland come and stay with us. We also tried to make as much time as possible to hang out with our friends here and enjoy the benefits of living in Bend. Although it was exhausting at times (lots of back to back events) it was reaffirming. I value my relationships more than anything else in life and to have so many strong and long-lasting ones makes me incredibly grateful. 

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In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.

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AHHHHHH, my darling niece, the gal who made me an aunt 17.5 years ago, graduated from high school over the weekend. I can not believe she is already old enough to head to college! EKKK

I feel so fortunate that I was able to attend because not only did I get to see her walk, but I also got to see my nephew Charlie promote from jr. high. These kids need to slow their roll. They are growing up way too fast, in my opinion. My sister and Erin planned a weekend full of fun family time and I tried to soak up every moment. I really wish we lived closer but I’m grateful I’m able to head to California so frequently to see everyone. I just love these people so damn much.  

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We went to see Brandi Carlile in The Gorge (WA) and she did not disappoint. This was our third time seeing Brandi (we love her!!!), but my first time visiting the stunning Gorge Amphitheater. I might be a little too old to sleep in a two-person tent right next to the car in a sea of partying concert goers, but I have no regrets. The show ranked in my top two favorite concerts of all time and watching the sun set over the beautiful gorge didn’t suck either. 

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Over the years I have really come to love Memorial Day weekend. It’s not only the unofficial kick off to summer, but also the weekend in-between mine and Tom’s bday. A few years ago we started a tradition of going to Eugene to celebrate and this year was no different. If you haven’t gleaned it from my previous posts, Eugene is pretty much our favorite weekend destination. We go for long walk, hit up Ninkasi (this weekend we went two days in a row to play cards and drink beer), and relax in Tom’s parents backyard. Tula is always in heaven and mostly off leash. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and very restorative. Here are few pics from our weekend this year. 

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Here are a few pics from Moni’s baby fiesta last weekend. It was a taco and margarita infused celebration that included a lot of churros and presents...obviously. I can’t wait to meet this little bean when he/she makes their world debut next month. 

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Laurel and Babs came to Bend. Yippee! I count my lucky stars that these gals are in my life and we’ve been friends for over a decade. They are so intelligent, driven, and compassionate. They never ever fail to amaze me. Here, here to incredible friendships.