New Hampshire

Each year our church spends a weekend at a camp in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We stay in these tiny old cabins and come together for meals in a big farmhouse. We hike, swim, canoe, kayak, walk, explore, play, make fires, cook s'mores, laugh, drink all the coffee, run, stargaze, read, hike a second mountain, run into the lake, snack, swing in hammocks, and have good long conversations. With all the transitions this year I was hesitant to drive up for the weekend, but goodness I'm glad I did. The cool night air helped me sleep, the exercise felt good, the adventure of canoeing seven miles down a river in Maine is one I won't soon forget. James joined in a huge capture the flag game and in order to get the other team's flag he crawled through a culvert pipe in the road and broke a fence jumping over it--I don't know why these things surprise me.

This is a special place. One of those places that seems to be set out of time and the daily drudge of life. Suddenly the things that don't matter, the trivial things I make priority in my life, fall away and I can see clearly again.

Flavors of Summer

1. A Boston lighthouse--our race was cancelled last week due to a lack of wind, so we went out of the harbor toward the cooler ocean air. The sea was glassy and calm that night. 2. Sunday night dinner was full of laughter and friends around the table. We're staying with the Olsen Family for the next few weeks--there are six of them--so plus guests is a party all the time. We occupy our time with projects, games, badminton, walks and hikes, tea, and good books. 3. Another green space that convinces me every children's book is inspired by New England. 4. My salad from dinner a few nights ago. Locally sourced produce and seasonal vegetables inspire me lately. 5. My feet and the Atlantic--summer sailing is everything.