Sunday, May 31, 2009

Day 28 - { my lake isle of Inisfree }

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And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow. . . ."
The Lake Isle of Inisfree, William Butler Yeats

We are at my parents' home in rural Arizona.

The boys are pretty much chained to the Foozball table, Ruby is enjoying hanging out with Dad's dachshund Molly (as long as Molly's not going for her jugular), and pretty soon all my siblings except two, and their families, will be here. It's so awesome. Family is the greatest joy.

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(all pictures are from last summer)

Just being here in the desert again is bringing me great joy.

I grew up in the outskirts of Tucson, and my heart belongs to the Arizona desert. There is nothing more soothing to me than to be outside in the early morning, hearing the mourning doves coo, and feeling the cool, dry breeze, and seeing the enormous blue sky everywhere I turn.

My parents don't live in Tucson anymore, but I find that same clear open comfort here in the high desert of the White Mountains.

There's not much that ails me that being here can't cure. Or at least help! :)

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Early monsoon storms

A huge variety of new and interesting snacks to soothe my ever-cranky tummy :)


Swimming with the boys in a chlorine-saturated pool, with their shrieks echoing off the stucco walls

Long conversations with Mom while she cuts up fruit for breakfast


Sitting on the enormous rock that holds Benjamin's memorial, full of peaceful, thankful thoughts tinged with tears


A warm cat on my belly while I study the scriptures


Helping my dad plant the garden, harvesting rocks and tumbleweeds first


Watching a rainstorm slowly approach from 30 miles away


If you've never been here, it's hard to describe the sheer openness. You can see the horizon in a complete circle. And then there's the intense quiet. At night, the gazillions of stars.

We've only been here a day and a half, but I can feel already the strength beginning to return to me after a difficult couple of months. I am filled with gratitude for the peace I can find here.

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8 comments:

Deaton Adventures said...[Reply to comment]

Just reading your post makes me long to go there and feel the peace of it all! I will be having a very emotional next few weeks and hope I can find a place to escape to like you did. Thanks for sharing!

Vauna said...[Reply to comment]

I'm so glad you have such a wonderful place of peace and comfort. And such a wonderful family to share it with.
I am SO looking forward to seeing you all very soon and having your boys splashing in my chlorine saturated pool!

Amy said...[Reply to comment]

Oh, Michelle! You did such a wonderful job describing my home. I am now homesick, but I do take comfort in the fact that you enjoying it so much. You deserve it girl! Us girls can always use a good talk with our moms.

Unknown said...[Reply to comment]

Love, love, love, this brought a peaceful feeling to me just seeing, thinking, and drinking in the words, pictures, and family love!

Andrea said...[Reply to comment]

I loved this post. There is something to be said for going home again. Do you think we will feel that way when we again reach heaven?

Anonymous said...[Reply to comment]

I love that first pic with the beautiful sky! That is awesome! What a peaceful place! God' creation is so glorious!

Annalisa said...[Reply to comment]

Looks so peaceful in a photo. Smiles to you all.

Candace Driggs said...[Reply to comment]

Michelle,
I have visited your blog before, but not recently. I found where I had written down the address to it the other day and have been meaning to leave a message for you. I am so thrilled about your baby news!!!A special baby #5, hand chosen by Heavenly Father (with a little help from big brother Benjamin, I suspect:) I can tell you from experience (twice!) that December babies bring such a sweet, different spirit to the holidays. Can't wait to hear more news on him/ her! Hope you're feeling well!
Candace