This weekend my incredibly handsome (sexy wonderful fabulous generous loving) husband took all of our boys away for the weekend. Okay, he took the littles – the bigs had left last week by train for a holiday in Canada. I have never had the entire house to myself. ever. And let me tell you, I was looking forward to it. That man is pretty great.
It took me about 12 hours to really get into a space where I could completely chill. However, in that 12 hours I cleaned the house, did loads (and loads and loads) of laundry, organized boys’ rooms, and took care of some farm chores. Then, it was game on! Girls weekend baby~
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One of my dearest darling lovelies came to spend the weekend with me and I want to tell you – I feel so incredibly blessed to have people like her in my life. Truly – she is a gift. We did everything that I would have wanted to on a weekend dedicated to being girls – we shopped, and we ate, we talked, we enjoyed bellinis, we perused vintage markets and we ate some more.
We also spent a few hours laying on the hammock, with miss gracie and george playing below us, nibbling at our fingers or feet as they hung off of the hammock. We had pillows and vintage quilts, more bellinis, and dinner – all enjoyed under those apple trees, swinging in the breeze and talking about everything that had been on our minds since our last visit.
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There is something about conversations with Tiffany that recharge me – not only in terms of motivation, but they recharge my soul. Our conversations often revolve around where we are in our lives with regards to photography, blogging, our families, and running our homes. I think friendships like ours are so vitally important as they enable us to say out loud many of the things that we often run through in our own heads. Sometimes hearing it out loud helps me find clarity, or figure out exactly what it is that I am looking for in what I do. This weekend was wonderful because we were able to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly and find resolution – or the beginning of it, with some of those things.
We talked about what drives us, what motivates us to keep traveling the path that we are on, and what other paths we have considered. We share feedback on how we see each other, how we see the world around us, and how we want the world we live in to be. We discussed how we wish that we really could live a European life, as I wrote about here, and how we could support each other in bringing some aspects of it to our lives here in the states. We shared some of our favorite posts from blogs we read – posts that had inspired us and stayed with us long after we had read them. Posts like this, and this, and this.
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The house seemed quite when she left this morning. Granted, it was quiet, as I was alone here, another six hours before handsome husband and #4 returned. (#s 1-3 are away all week) But it was also that feeling of a balloon being emptied – the moments after someone so bright and so vibrant, who’s positive energy and enthusiasm has surrounded you for the past two days suddenly is gone. And then the moment passes, and I am left with the thoughts and ideas and inspiration that were shared, and I think about moving forward, maybe on the same path but with a new outlook and more motivation. Or maybe venturing out on a different path, filled with the excitement that comes with a new adventure.
Wishing you all a wonderful week mes amies – may it be filled with rich moments and laughter~
xx
You guys look adorable!!! It sounds like a fantastic weekend!!!
I am heading up to Northern Ontario to a cottage on a private lake with my best friend (since I was 7!) and I know just what you mean Kimberly. We need to hear our thoughts said out loud to friends sometimes for them to sift together well, I hope I can do that for my friend as she recently lost her husband. So happy you had a great weekend (your friend looks like a fun gal) and hope the boys are enjoying a bit of Canada. Much love XO
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am that you can get together with your girlfriend. With each move it seems that I found one soul mate that I cling to with increased appreciation. I found one here in Houston and when we get together we laugh and laugh and laugh. I miss each and every one of the others as we have moved from one state to another. Facebook helps but its just not the same as in person. I love moving…I am a true wanderlust…but I do imagine what it is like for girlfriends who have grown up together or have visited with each other for years and years…and go through life really together. Have a wonderful end to the weekend and keep dreaming of France!!
Every woman needs a special girl friend and a girls weekend! What a wonderful post, I will have to check out the posts that inspired you. Love the painting of the cow, can I ask who it is by?
Have a wonderful weekend!
The painting was done by Leah Anderson who lives just outside of Portland~
xx
Sounds like you recharged your batteries this week-end Kim and Tiffany sounds like the perfect person to do that with. I love that kind of friendship where you can say anything and not be afraid to speak the truth. When you get a chance can you send me your bellini recipe?? xo
That sounds so glorious Kimberly. I’m so happy that you had that time. I often forget how badly I need those conversations until I have them and I walk away feeling renewed, refreshed and completely inspired. They are like little pats on the back when the job seems too challenging. So, so lovely.
what a fantastic way to spend a weekend & what a blessing you each have in each other!!
ps- that image of you two has been one of my most fave friend images
xo
So glad you two got together!! The only thing missing was ME!!
I am missing you girls like crazy. So much to catch up on. I am loving your food imagery, Kim…really beautiful. You are blossoming like crazy!!!
love you-
Lara
Love that photo ~ it says it all ~ you both radiate love and happiness!
xoxo
How blessed to have a true blue friend to share the path of life with!
Smile to think of Gracie & George nibbling at fingers and toes…
Thank you for sharing your dreamy weekend with us
One of my besties and I are going on a road trip next weekend to Napa and we are so excited to have some girl time to spend together! Sounds like your weekend was fabulous! (and your husband sounds wonderful!) xxoo
Where do I begin, and what can I say that can possibly do justice to what you have written? You captured the feeling of the weekend beautifully. The only thing you forgot to mention is that YOU are truly one of the most amazing and wonderful people I have ever met. Friendship is never hard or difficult with you. It comes so naturally and freely because of how you give it. This is truly a gift, one that I don’t think you even know you posses. Not only do I know first hand what a wonderful friend you are, but you also are a wonderful mother, wife and homemaker. Constantly considering feelings, needs and providing such a wonderful environment in which everyone can flourish. I could have written all of this in a private email to you, but I would rather let others know that there can be wonderful, uncomplicated, mutual nurturing relationships out there, and when you find them, treasure them, protect them, and count your blessings every day that you have them. Work hard to keep them that way and don’t ever take them for granted! Thank you Kim, for giving me that. I love you!!
xoxoxo, Tiffany
PS, When is our next girls weekend???? I don’t think I can possible wait
sounds completely wonderful… and you are both just darling… isnt God so good????? xoxo