Places in the Heart

Some days the temporary nature of this time can overwhelm our hearts, but whenever those feelings arise and threaten to consume us they seem to be swiftly followed by time spent with people we simply adore. The joy, love and honesty found in these friendships, which span so many seasons of our life journey, renew our strength and encourage us to a place of thankfulness and hope. 

We had a birthday celebration at the beach for Carrie, Leah's college friend of eighteen years (!). The Eacker family has been our rock these past couple of months, offering endless friendship, support and playdates. We love them!

An afternoon in the pool with the Rice family segued into an adult dinner out, which then became an impromptu family slumber party (a perk of friends with a guest house), which was then followed by a picnic at the beach. It was a total indulgence (and fun for all of us) to embrace the carefree spirit of the weekend and just play.

Lauren came up to Santa Barbara for a couple days. Leah savored a round of wonderful talk-therapy and strolling up and down State Street with her Lolo the way they had countless (countless) times in their pre-kid, pre-real grown-up life.

Our mini-excursion to Santa Monica to see “Our Jan” was filled with a night-walk along the beach, a much anticipated Ferris wheel ride, a viewing of Yellow Submarine, a toy store treat, a long elevator ride with incredible views at the top…and most of all time with a dear, beautiful, wise, loving friend.  The kids are so smitten with Jan and we have to say, we are too.

 

Clara’s favorite spot in the house: time in Judy’s art studio “helping” Juju.

It was an honor to be able to visit the cemetery where Erik and Jordyn Kester are buried this week of Erik’s birthday. We went to the farmers market for flowers, made our bouquets, then walked among countless markers of people loved and lost, to find our people loved and lost. To stand looking at a brother and sister laid side by side, a spot where we have shed so many tears over the years, but now with Ben and Clara there too- it was overwhelming in every way. Together we said a prayer, tenderly laid the flowers and looked out at the foggy coastline with pain, love and hope in our hearts. (We love you Debi and Phil—so much).

All of these relationships, all of these memories, all of these marks upon our hearts, it makes a complicated time suddenly simple— all you need is love.