Dear reader, you know how you sometimes report on your weekend and carefully siphon off the lovely moments, glossing over the times you threatened your children with martial law, looked in the mirror and thought it was over at forty, ran through every room of the house and had your worst fear confirmed: that indeed you do live in a hamster cage?
Well, this weekend was not like that.
This weekend was pure loveliness, and every moment of every day seemed worthy of exclamation, of pleasure, of joy.
I guess that's what happens when you are hanging out with real American royalty.
Some of you have expressed an interest in knowing more about my husband's aunt. Her life certainly does read like something from a great American novel: Southern belle, family names like Peagram and De Sales (these are first names, darling), summer camps, finishing schools, society, a stint in the Big City, a hint of the bohemian, a strong mind tempered by an exceedingly gracious manner...from the first time I met her I felt I was crossing paths with someone from my imagination.
And her husband is also a gem. Believe me, his story is just as good.
Our visit was filled with fabulous weather, long walks, board games, storytime, an auspicious cake, fresh bread, movies, concerts, soccer games, musical performances, sing-alongs, dear friends, and a steady stream of family.
It didn't feel too busy, but it did seem one good thing led to the next without much room in between.
Not to pour syrup all over this thing, but perhaps the best part of the weekend was it brought to my heart a greater sense of gratitude to be on this earth and sharing the journey with so many wonderful people. Everyone and everything, really. The whole lovely, messy deal.
When I stand back and look at it all, it really is something to think about.