Roots are deep in friendship

Life is full of milestones. Throughout the course of our lives we'll more than likely experience different part of our lives with different clusters of friends and family members. People do come in go in our lives and that used to bother me, but instead I find gratitude for those I've encountered who have challenged me as a person, enriched my life and have brought joy.

Returning to Jersey over a decade ago I was hesitant about how fully rooted I would be with people new and old. Now, eleven years later I am in awe of those God has placed in my life, friendships and memories that are nothing short of awesome.

I'm gonna miss her...

I don't consider myself a materialistic person. There's no yearning for name brand labels or swanky jewelry. It's not my speed. What I've found most value in are the things that bring me true joy and have a tendency to have serious sentimental value. 

There's the the first surfboard I ever had made for me hanging in our living room. It didn't cost a whole lot, but I wouldn't sell it for anything. I have my old rainbow sandals that need to be retired, but they fit just right and serve their purpose. Then, there's my jeep. Tried and true, she's been with me since 1997. 

I have always found her to be a thing of beauty, pretty dependable and my form of free therapy. No matter what the day had thrown at me, once I started the ignition, all the troubles of the world sort of melted away. 

In my neighborhood for the past few years it has been a bit of an eye sore in the eyes of my neighbors. It creaks, sputters and with age a few rust spots have surfaced. The funny thing is, none of that bothered me. 

Yesterday, the old jeep was towed away destined for a new owner. Handing over the keys to the seventeen year old girl who was beaming with excitement knowing her first car was a jeep. She had the same outlook I did and that made the loss not so bad. 

As the tow truck carted her away I realized how much of my life the jeep had been with me for. From driving along Hatteras Island scoping out the stars, driving on the beach in search of the perfect wave or to sitting in park talking with my sisters to the late hours of the night it held so much meaning. Sometimes it's hard letting go. I am grateful to have had so many memories that run so deep and so far back into the chapters of my life.
So I may be driving my FJ Cruiser every day, but in my heart I'll always be driving a jeep. 

Summer Lovin'

The past eleven weeks have been nothing short of amazing. I'm not sure I could have soaked any more out of the summer of 2014. From Give Kids the World, celebrating my Grandmother's 94th Birthday, exploring Honduras, hanging on the farm, sending the kids off to college and ending a summer as empty nesters it really has been a summer of milestones. 

With Labor Day gently reminding me that summer is fading with the return to school and a crazy schedule it was truly an amazing two months. I am thankful for time with family, friends and having the opportunity to decompress in ways that have me very ready for a new school year. 

It has been strange adjusting to a home without kids, but we're doing ok. From dinners in the backyard, afternoon yard sale endeavors, treks to Ritas and coffee on the couch we are adjusting pretty well. Every stage offers new experiences, memories and opportunities to grow. So although it's an adjustment, we're taking it in stride. 

Flipping through pictures of the last few months I can only smile and think of the million memories that have been created. Lots of serious goodness that has brought so much joy to my heart.