We are getting rather close to our DESIRED departure date (JUNE 11th!!!) and trying not to totally STRESS OUT! If the JOURNEY is the DESTINATION, then I know that these days are as important as the ones to come. Today was an excellent reminder of this. It poured BUCKETS of rain on the roof and as we ran in circles getting things done and mopping up the water streaming in through the roof hatch (I think there are maple tree helicopters jammed in the vents - gotta check that!) I caught myself and my tone with the kids. I went into mom and dad's house to take a break and interact with everyone and it was a moment I will carry with me always. The kids were laughing and engaging with my parents and my parents were equally enjoying themselves in ways that wouldn't have happened if we hadn't parked in their driveway. I may inadvertently paint our lives as being rosy and sunshiny trying to focus on the positive and the inspiration, but there are definite swings as with every family. This, however, was a moment that made it all seem important and worthwhile. Confirmation that we are on the right track - which is not something you get all the time. At least not if you (me) are too caught up in everything else.
These two, of course, share a brain. Equally enjoyable to spending time with my parents has been spending time with the various community around them. Their friends and neighbors, most of whom I've known all my life. Being here on a daily basis means visiting with the same people they visit with - something I wouldn't do unless at a family wedding, funeral, etc. How could I not consider these people my friends? They know me often better than I know myself. And spending time with them is like wearing familiar gloves or breathing in the scents of a childhood blanket. I am so blessed to know them now as an adult.
And there is always the ever-precious cousin time. (Ask me sometime about my outfit here. It is an AWESOME story!!!)
We have decided to sneak this one onto the bus with us :)
There is also the occasional visit from the animal world. Luckily so far it has only been a dog, a sparrow, some ants/bees/spiders, and a few chickens and roosters. We have even gotten an egg laid in the back window by our bed...twice! Talk about breakfast in bed!
The roof of the bus got hosed off and scrubbed.
Some muddy children got hosed off.
My husband got hosed off.
And then there was paint.
And a little man far too eager to assist.
Right now we are just trying to streamline things and get ourselves in a good position for the end of the school year and the shove off. Adding some shelving and storage, thinning out non-essentials, fixing a leaky toilet, paperless billing, adding an occasional paint splotch. Should you wish to see the bus we may not have time to entertain, but would love to see you just the same if you don't take offense to us working while you're here. Any adults interested in adding paint to our work-in-progress bus canvas, feel free. The paint is on a wagon in the barn and there are some roof sun rays that need painting, a Ganesh trunk on the front, some faeries, bugs, flowers, fish, etc. Children also welcome who don't require my supervision or direction (I already have too many of those and cannot divert my attention!).
Thanks for walking through our crazy woods with us! I'll keep you posted. See you on the trip side!!!
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