I am proud to report that I successfully rode my snowboard for two days and only detected minimal rust, noticeable mostly at the top of the chairlift when I'd strap both feet into my bindings then have to rely heavily on my abdomen - that same one that has stretched to accommodate the growth of two full-term fetuses - to tighten up and pull my whole self upright, on a downhill slope. That part caused me some sweat. But once up, I pointed downhill and went, following my family, following Theo.
At times I would make huge "S" turns, taking up the width of the run. Other times, I tightened up my line and hugged the trees the whole way down. I breathed deeply, so grateful for open space, fresh air, a quiet perspective, just right for clearing my head of the little things that have been feeling "off" lately.
Riding in the chair behind Theo, Eric, and a little one in ski school who needed to share the chair, filled me with enough peace to last a long time. Watching Sully exit the magic carpet and glide down on two little skis stretched my heartstrings even more.
Checked off the bucket list: ice skating with my little ones.
We pulled on to the interstate headed for home, this truck in front of us full of pine beetle kill wood. I wondered what the logs will become? I thought about the three raised beds made of pine beetle wood that my neighbor friends and I will be putting in this spring, side by side, even more opportunity to garden together, grow together, sip herb garnished mojitos together.
Family, friends, seasons, breathing space...
Always, so very grateful.
