Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Word-Filled Wednesday

Being back home in Franklin has been an exercise in revisiting every emotion I can name.  I wake up every morning and look out at the rolling foothills I have missed for 30 years.  I can take my sweet Dora for a walk at the family farm where I can inhale the comforting and clean air.  I also have bouts of "What was I thinking?"  This is when I allow myself to wallow in the memories of my Connecticut life.  My friends there.  (Hi!  I miss you!)  My established life.

I moved to New York City in the Spring of 1982.  Thirty years ago.  I built a life on the East Coast.  A Big Life.  And here, the life is not so big.  Yet.  But I am not the least bit stymied by this.  I do have my moments of longing, but they are being eased by my reconnections here.

Ingelein and I became best friends when we were 9.  We shared many misadventures and great, fun  times.  A lot of these events will go to our graves with us because that's just the way it is with someone you've spent so much time doing so many things with.  You know those Facebook sayings about best friends and how they will come burn your diaries if you die?  That's how Ingelein and I were.  Then I moved, and we both got on with our lives and raising our children.  We kept up through Christmas cards and Happy Birthday's!  But it's difficult.

We are now busy making up for lost time.  And while she lives three hours away, she spends a lot of time here because her mother and a daughter are nearby.  And this past Saturday, we all got together for an evening of good food, wine, dancing, and general frolicking in our finest duds at the Heritage Ball.  If you click on the link, you will see Ingelein's mother (89 year-old Inge Smith) dancing with her 'friend' Bill!  "Miss Inge" was the Headmistress of our grammar school; I could write a book about that, but I digress.
Ingelein and Lauren

In 1977, if you do the math, that is 35 years ago, when we were seniors in high school, Ingelein and I were hostesses at this soiree.  We may have a few of those grave-taking stories from that night, but I'm not saying anything else about that one.  We have both been back a handful of times since then, but not at the same time.  Until Saturday.  It was magical.  It was one of the most beautiful parties I have ever been to, and I am still smiling.  I was really home.

I am sitting here this morning, looking out at those hills, and I feel content.  I miss parts of my Connecticut life, and at the same time, I feel more connected here each day as well.  Life really is a journey, no?


12 comments:

Gypsea Nurse said...

Life is a journey..... and you have great tales.... but I must ask.. Franklin where? NC?

Enjoy your week sweets..
Cat @ Gypsea Nurse

Grandmother Mary said...

Life's a journey and it sounds like you're on a satisfying part of yours. Good for you! Enjoy!

Sally said...

Yes, a journey for sure!

You are brave!

You are strong!

You are woman, I think I just heard you roar!

XOXO

joanne said...

that it is my friend, indeed. so glad that you are finding your peace in your new/old home.

Unknown said...

It really is a journey Mama!! I love how more relaxed you are back home. It shows. :)

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

yes!!

Daryl said...

missing you but knowing you are reclaiming a life you love makes the missing less because thats what you want for a friend .. happiness

Debbie said...

First, I love that you got wordy!

Your friends are a plane ride away and I know you love to travel. It won't be long before Daryl is on your doorstep :)

I'm happy you connected with your old friend and may I say you both look gorgeous! TN definitely agrees with you Lauren...

You are a wonderful woman and will have oodles of friends and men lining up at your door soon!

I'll look forward to living vicariously through it too!

abb said...

xoxox

Noe Noe Girl...A Queen of all Trades. said...

That journey suits you well mama! xoxo
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Snooty Primadona said...

I'm so thrilled that you reconnected with your long-ago-best-friend. Several months ago, the same thing happened to me & life has been a real hoot since then.

Viva la friends!

Joanie said...

How wonderful to reconnect with your friend, and roots. I have wondered what prompted your move.