Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Predictions


I was sitting quietly listening more to my own thoughts than the giggles of children running rampant in their s'more induced joy.  Or of the conversation brewing on the other side of the campfire that I think included the words "Obama" and "right winged conservatives."  Instead I thought of my younger self and what that younger version of me saw as her future. 

At 21 I took LSATs and sent applications out for higher education.  And chose a school in the big city.  Where I had my own apartment, adopted a kitten, studied late into the night and supposed I had it all figured out.  Study hard.  Make Law Review.  Intern at the prosecutor's office.  Network.  Graduate.  Earn a decent living. 

That is about as far into the future as my thoughts went.

Well, except that those plans always included Razor.  His apartment was only a block away.  And he would help me memorize anything I asked him to.  And since he was in school too we tended to keep similar hours and spend most all of them together.

Back at that smoky fire ring, the back of my head rested on his chest as his arms encircled me and rubbed at my goose bumps.  He nodded in agreement to political talk and gave more than one bugged eyed, throat clearing warning to our children headed for yet another marshmallow.  There we sat with over fifteen years behind us.  And as my thoughts flitted between my present and past selves I felt amazed at the journey we've taken and the life we've made. 

Never planned.  Never predicted.  Supremely perfect.

His arms around me.

I know how strong I am. 

I know how strong he is.

And I love the view from here.

-dana

32 comments:

**nicke... said...

i love you! your talent with words amazes me. you need to write a book. reading it would be like listening to beautiful music. thank you for the lovely look into your love.

Kristie said...

tears in my eyes :-)

I agree, usually the best things in life are unplanned.

beki said...

awesome! so beautifully put :)

SoSarahSews said...

I was going to have a one word comment: "Beautiful" but someone else beat me to it. I'm glad you love your life :)

amylouwhosews said...

*CLICK*
that was me pressing the like button.

Anonymous said...

Such a freeing feeling to be aware of one's own strength and the strength of your partner... and see that together both are even stronger. Thanks for sharing a beautiful moment.

Dirt Road Quilter said...

What a beautiful post and your writing is exquiste!

Pattie D said...

NICE! isn't wonderful how it all works!

AnnieO said...

Beautiful campfire thoughts, memories, and love. You are lucky!

One Shabby Chick said...

Lovely...and I love Amy's comment :-)

Leslie said...

that was so beautiful

Alice said...

I have to agree--LIFE IS GOOD! I think it is having that strong supporting chest to lean on everyday.
L,A-

DebbyMc said...

Simply beautiful. Amazing how good the destination of the twists and turns in the road can end up being...

Elissa said...

sniffling and smiling all at the same time. happy next fifteen :-)

brown robin said...

Congratulations, Dana! So beautifully written. Love with the right person is amazing. I was surprised to hear 15 years because in Aug will be our 15 years of together... small world and such a lovely one!

dolores said...

Aw kiddo....you wax so poetically!;)

xo

Sara said...

THAT made my day lady Dana!!!

sallgood said...

Joy in the Journey! Thanks for sharing so sweetly..

CitricSugar said...

That is some kind of awesome. And beautifully written.

No wonder I can't help but pop by. :-)

Salem Stitcher said...

Funny how it all works out - not as expected but better than we could have ever known at 21.

eva said...

i believe i am swooning????

xo
eva

Molly said...

Dana,
I love how you end this post--it reminds me also to appreciate all that we have here too after 22 years together..
Thanks for the sweet reminder.

Kim said...

You are blessed.
(Aren't you amazed how fast 15 years go by?)
I love how you find such joy in the simple things in life, hiking, camping, playing in the creek, sitting in the arms of the man you love.

Happy Sewing

In Awe of Applique said...

that is awesome...congratulations to the two of you! And isn't that just testament to how the plans we make in life aren't really plans at all because it's really not in our control?!

Artfulife said...

I think this is one of my favorite posts. So perfect & true.

Colleen said...

This is such a wonderful post!! I love visiting your blog!

Mama Said Sew said...

So sweet. :)

Alyson said...

So well said! Just beautiful. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Dana,

I know we don't know each other, but I follow your blog about your sewing and your family pretty regularly.

I just wanted to say "Thank You" for this post.

Tonight I was working myself up about some insignificant events that have happened at the office recently, and after I spent some time brewing, I logged onto my reader, read this post and it brought it all to a screeching halt.

Thank you for reminding me that my job is not my life. And I should eat more s'mores...

Colleen

Corinnea said...

And in 15 more years some of those giggles may be your grand-kids, the grown ups with you will be your children, who are some of your best friends and there will be more moments so perfect your heart could break.

yarnivorous said...

Idyllic.

sarah, rsm said...

i love your thoughts...i love your feelings...i love your words...i love you!