more weekend haps.

Ken

Shaina and Karen

Jonna and Melissa

Captain Ken

Every now and then, people come into your life and you just know their path crossing yours was not a coincidence.  The Stock Family By Choice ("brought together by chance and kept together by choice") are those kind of people. Our paths crossed over a year ago when I met my friend Jonna in a bar where I rescued her from the creeper beside her - not that she needed rescuing. We became fast friends and are kind of like the college roommates we never had.  I was honored to spend a girls weekend with her, cousin Melissa, our friend Shaina, and Jonna's mom Karen at their family cottage on Black Lake.  Her dad, Ken, who lives for his "kids", joined us on Sunday after we requested his presence.

From star gazing to strawberry peach pie, the weekend exceeded all expectations.  I spend a lot of time and energy nurturing my girls and work hard to give, push, and hopefully inspire. But, this time, it was I who was nurtured.  We arrived Friday night to a softly lit cottage resembling the pages of Pottery Barn.  Karen escorted us to the Three Little Bears Room - a large space with three beds, each of them topped with fluffy pillows, lofty down comforters, and a basket to carry our toiletries to the bathroom and back.  And, in the bathroom, small antique milk jars awaiting our toothbrushes.  The main living area was open yet cozy with low ceilings and exposed wood beams.  Below them were two couches intimately placed across from each other and close to the fireplace.  There were blankets and books and smooth stones from beach combing.  A wall of windows separated the main living area from the front room - an airy space with white painted knotty pine walls that climbed to a high, skylighted ceiling.  White wicker chairs provided the perfect spot for morning coffee and lake watching.  On the table nearby were newly sharpened colored pencils and cottage journals that told stories of summers past. Colorful kayak paddles and a wooden canoe oar rested in the corner, beckoning for a ride on the water.  No stone was left unturned as Karen took care of us throughout the weekend, pouring wine, preparing coffee, and dishing up food.  She listened, inspired, and even pushed as she demanded criteria for future dating candidates.

After sleeping in like adolescents, we awoke Saturday to hot coffee, fresh fruit, and homemade granola.  The rest of the day consisted of lounging, laughing, and a whole lot of pasta salad.  Evening arrived early and we headed to the lodge to meet the locals and listen to live music.  By Sunday morning, we were all missing Ken, even though I had never met him.  After hearing such news, he of course got in the car, pulling in the driveway around noon.  A boat ride was in order, complete with gin and tonics, imports, and a frog - but that's another story for another day.

When we returned to the cottage, Ken insisted a trip back to the lodge for appetizers, his treat.  After all the wings, poppers, and fries one could eat, we came home for a lakeside bonfire surrounded by adirondack chairs where we laughed some more.  Before long, the roaring fire and laughter died down, sending us inside for coffee, tea, and leftover pie.  As we sat on the couches and sipped, I read some recent stuff I've written while they listened intently and gave feedback.

As I fell asleep that night, I couldn't help but think of the words of a favorite author...

"...Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force.  Think how the friends that really listen to us are the ones we move toward, and we want to sit in their radius knowing it does us good, like ultraviolet rays.  This is the reason: when we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.  Ideas actually begin to grow within us and come to life...it makes people happy and free when they are listened to...that is why, when someone has listened to you, you go home rested and lighthearted."  Brenda Ueland, The Art of Listening

As I reflect on the weekend, I am feeling rested and lighthearted - and inspired...to slow down, live more deliberately, and be a better listener.

Many thanks to Ken and Karen (who make me look forward to my sixties), along with my girlfriends, for such a lovely weekend.

For more on the art of listening, click here.