Oregon

I stopped in Eugene, Oregon on my way home to visit my mom and Bill. At the time it was a curious twist of events that had ended me there. But with the manic pace of my life over the past few months, I realize now that it was something my soul really needed. You know when life gets crazy, there are occasional indulgences: pedicures, spa days, girl's trips. Then there is an other worldly kind of relaxation called Being At Your Mom's House. I'd honestly forgotten what it feels like be TOTALLY TAKEN CARE OF. It was like visiting a planet that I used to live on. One where someone says, "Just sleep until you wake up", and where delicious food miraculously appears before you. Where it's okay to talk or be quiet. To stay in your pajamas. Or read. Or nap. Where the end of the day is celebrated with a nice glass of wine, and lengthy stories about your life and heart. Oh yes. It was much needed.

Like muffin tops. Yep, tops. Because sometimes one needs to edit out the stuff that sucks. And that would includes muffin bottoms.  

My mom has been collecting heart rocks for the last 17 years...so long that she's quite the snob about it if you ask me. Like, she has rules...you can't LOOK for heart rocks. They have to find you. Each one of these symbolizes a particular memory that she can tell you all about. And what's so neat is that they're not all as monumental as an anniversary or birthday. Some of them just say "grow" or "freedom". She's really cute like that.

This shot is blurry because I barely grabbed it. It's Bill dancing with himself spontaneously. And I'm posting it because it so perfectly shows the spirit of who they are. My mom and Bill are like Experts At Enjoying Life. It never matters where they are, who they're with, even in the most dire circumstances...they will find SOME way to make it meaningful, and have fun. I wish I was more like that actually.

I bought this candle for my mom when I was in Canada because it was guava-scented. When we were little in Maui, we used to for walks and pick guavas from the sides of the road. The funny thing was that the candle actually smelled more like a lilikoi. But it was okay because I think it's been 17 years since either one of us had smelled one of those either. 

Us. At one of the most beautiful wineries I'd ever been to. 

Dinner. Where much uninterrupted conversation was enjoyed.  :)

Thank you Mom and Bill. Love you. xo

Comments

[Liz]

You got me laughing and crying...between glorying in the muffin tops and trashing the bottoms to being grateful for those who love well.
~Liz

[Nancy]

You are the best, Maile. You completely capture the homeyness of your mom and your melting back into her world.
And I love seeing all the pictures of Billy dancing and Ginger's heart-shaped rocks (I've heard about the collection, but never seen it!),
and the dinner through the wine glass and you and Ginger hugging. What a delightful, loving time, so lovingly captured.

Lots of love to you and your family!

[Leah]

ohmigoodness!! You look just like your mom! (And that is awesome.) So glad that you were on the receiving end of some mothering; I've recently learned that even "big" girls need a little every now and then.

[dd]

I love you and your mommy!! You both are such creative and wonderful people. Just looking at your mom's house makes me want to go visit her. She seems like the kind of mom that's banking bread and always has a story to tell. I love it!!!

[Maya Laurent]

I'm sure that stop was wonderful to refresh yourself. It sounds like you mom and Bill are very inspiring to be around.