This month we were supposed to set out to repeat last year’s epic road trip. I am disappointed that we can’t do that anymore, but with Brett’s slow recovery from surgery, it’s just not in the cards. However, it did work out that the kids and I will be able to head to Michigan for a little while, and I’m looking forward to seeing my family this weekend, feeling soft Midwestern grass again, scouring Northern Michigan for some good adventures and filling my soul cup to the brim. It helps that we are heading out when we’re on around our eighth day of heavy gray skies and rain. Seattle, how do you do it?
So, there are two suitcases that I’m now unpacking because I am the worst overpacker in the history of mankind. If I don’t whittle down our stash, I will be the girl unzipping her suitcase in front of the check-in kiosk, embarrassingly pulling out random things to get the weight down. I once carried a hair dryer and two pairs of boots in a grocery bag on a plane because it saved me four pounds and fifty bucks. The endless possibilities of spending time with my brother and sister and cousins make it nearly impossible to pack sensibly. I mean, what if we follow through on our dream of remaking the Thrift Shop music video? We’ll need props. And a DeLorean. And what if we go dancing? We’ll need dance clothes. And what if the little kids want to put on a talent show? We’ll need leotards and boas and click-clack shoes. Needless to say, I am excited. And pre-weighing my suitcases.
*****
With that said, a friend sent me this quote this week, and it was such a gift to me, I’m throwing some tissue paper over it, taping a new card to it and re-gifting it to you:
“Our life’s work is to use what we have been given to wake up. If there were two people exactly the same-same body, same speech, same mind, same mother, same father, same house, same food, everything the same- one of them could use what he has to wake up and the other could use it to become more resentful, bitter, and sour. It doesn’t matter what you are given, whether it’s a physical deformity or enormous wealth or poverty, beauty or ugliness, mental stability or mental instability, life in the middle of a mad house or life in the middle of a peaceful silent desert. Whatever you’re given can wake you up or put you to sleep. That’s the challenge of now: what are you going to do with what you have already – your body, your speech, your mind?
May we all learn that pain is not the end of the journey, and neither is delight. We can hold them both – indeed hold it all – at the same time, remembering that everything in these quixotic, unpredictable, unsettled and unsettling, exhilarating and heart-stirring times is a doorway to awakening in our sacred world.” ~Pema Chödrön
And a few happies for your weekend – some of your Enjoying the Small Things moments:
More from Michigan soon.
You know what I’m going to do when I get there?
I’m going to make some flower wreaths for our hair. ‘Cuz it’s summer.
And I’m going to savor some really, really big hugs.
Happy Weekend Friends.
priest's wife says
what a beautiful quotation! Thanks for this gift!
Nicola says
Good good good wonderful quote, I remember ages ago (or maybe in Bloom) you wrote about people going through something, or growing through something, it really stuck with me!
Have the best time making some Michigan memories for Dash (maiden voyage, how exiciting!)
N
http://www.mindfulgrateful.blogspot.com
Kaylee says
Ever since I moved away from Michigan I feel that same pull of finding Up North adventures… I want t go search for that great waterfall and explore those trails that no cars could fit down! I want to see and breath and feel Lake Huron again so bad.
Give Michigan my love when you’re there. I miss it too much.
Monique says
thank you for the quote…so needed it right now.
happy safe travels to your home away from home. savor those hugs and all your family moments. and yes, me thinks that you should pack your props for the Thrift Shop video…:)
Monique
Tiffany says
I hope you accomplish all your what-ifs this trip and think of more for your next visit. I wish you a great trip back home.
Susan says
Welcome to Michigan……I live north of Detroit but have family in Gaylord as well. Word of warning and I’m sure your family has advised but like many states, weird weather here and much much cooler than we are use to….last night was down in the upper 40’s so you can imagine how cool in Gaylord. Tomorrow is 73 and sunny but still way cooler than usual. Enjoy your trip.
Lindsay says
Safe travels friend. You deserve every minute of it!
A Girl Without A Name says
Thanks for the quote! Hope you enjoy your time in Michigan!
Stacy Monaghan says
Have a great trip! And yes, more family videos please – they are a gift that keeps on giving!
Argyrie says
Have a safe trip…can’t wait to read your Michigan blog and see lots of photos!
Katy says
When I was a wee little girl click-clack shoes were called tippy tappers.
Tammie says
Safe travels to you all and continued good luck to Brett for his slow but sure recovery 🙂
Wendy says
Ha,ha, There is this joke in Seattle:
question “what are you doing this Summer?”
reply, “it depends which day it falls on…”
The rain gets gloomy for sure and when we vacation in Florida our eyes hurt for a few days until we are adjusted, it’s just not right!
So glad your getting out of dodge. Enjoy your trip!
Wendy
Raelyn says
Kelle….
Enjoy your “Plan B” trip!! ;-D
Love. Love. Love. That. Quote!! 😉
–Raelyn
Sydney says
Fantastic quote, enjoy your trip!!
Carol-Anne says
While I wish you well on your trip, I have to admit that I do find it a bit weird that you’re leaving your recovering husband at home, again, and are off. Non-stop visitors and hubby-free travel….sorry, just doesn’t seem right.
Crystal Kupper says
As a Pacific Northwest native, I’ve always wondered how you Floridians deal with all that sun! It would drive me batty! 🙂
Sarah says
Great quote, thanks for sharing! Hope you have a awesome time on your midwest adventure!
Ade says
Enjoy your time in Michigan…I do love some UP myself…
…and I wonder, Carol Anne, if it is actually nice for Brett to have a little quiet time where he can just focus on his healing? I try to make it a habit to be careful that I don’t decide whether someone’s shoes fit or not when I haven’t worn them myself.
Mandi Wolfswinkel says
Excited to see the pictures and hear about your trip! Looks like Poppa’s got a pretty sweet surprise for the kiddos! Safe travels Hamptons!
Julie says
Brett might like the quiet time, Ade. However, I can’t imagine he’s been a fan of the revolving door of guests since Dash has been born and his hospitalization. When has he had time to bond with his children? To rest? Relax? Heal?
Donna O. says
Safe travels and bring some cozy clothes (hope this doesn’t require you to unpack again!) for the cool nights we’re having up here in our mitten. Was up north yesterday and it was chilly! Sunny – but chilly! Enjoy ~
notjustanothermom.com says
Fantastic quote. Just what I needed to read/hear tonight. Thanks for the re-gift! 😉
Safe travels, have a wonderful trip!
amysrecipefordisaster says
Yay! I live in MI – down in Kalamazoo. I love hearing your stories about your adventures in this fun state. Also, thanks for sharing the quote, perfect timing for me to read this! Wishing you and your fam safe travels and I completely understand the whole over packing and my carry-on weighed about50 million pounds!
Emily H. says
Just got home from Michigan! The weather was AMAZING. Enjoy your trip!
Emi says
http://preserveourparadise.org/
i saw this an immedietly thought of both you and of Glennon M. I knew you both would be extremely concerned at the possibility of fracking going on in your beautiful corner of the world. I dont know if youd heard, but you and G both are such powerhouses, I knew you could help shine a light on the situation, get some momentum going to stop this before it begins. Good luck, from one activist mama to another!
Erin in SC
Melina says
This is how seattle does it:
skiing. coffee. escape. coffee. coffee. and finally, moving away.
xoxo
I love you!
lina
Muriel O'Connor says
I love to read your posts. Check out my etsy page https://www.etsy.com/shop/Thehardwearshop
xxoo
Win says
Oh man, you touched my soul today. I love you and I love that family you so lovingly share with us. And I check in often, smiling at the beauty of it all. Every post must touch someone in a meaningful way, reading a word, or many, that speaks to the soul, seeing a picture that they needed to see and didn’t even know it. Today, I am reminded gently of things I needed to know- thank you.
Meg says
Ahhh! I live in MI! Oh how I’d love for our paths to cross!!
Catherine says
Oh, Kelle! Thank you so much for this quote! It was exactly what I needed right now… Thank you, thank you, thank you, for your wise words, always! Have a great trip!
Angela says
travel safely! i love your MI trips! and thanks for featuring my “little sponge” <3
Melody says
If you’re going to be back in Lewiston, please please bring your girls to Country House Ice Cream. I live in CA and that place is my favorite memory of visiting Lewiston (I was just there a few weeks ago because my grandpa died.) I know you’ve said you like Buddy’s, but this is the cutest place ever. So many memories with my family (and grandpa) there.
dede says
YOUR friend’s quote made me think of MY friend’s quote…
“The next 86,400 seconds will bring me back to this time tomorrow.
Can’t get it back – Have to spend it.
Enjoy it. Waste it.
Love in it or hate in it.
See the sun rise and see the sun set.
See the bad and ugly or see the Beauty and the Glorious.
Be healthy in it or unhealthy in it.
Give in it.
Hurt in it.
Play in it.
Sing in it.
Cry in it.
It’s all mine to spend, just mine.
It WILL be spent.
Up to me to value it …. or not.”
Happy Travels!
KM says
Poor Brett. I hope he is feeling better very soon.
KM says
Poor Brett. I hope he is feeling better very soon.