The other night, my friends Rick and Karen had a small get together in my honor. We all brought food, talked for a long time, ate, and then talked some more. We sat in Rick and Karen's living room until late--and I found myself listening to other conversations, looking around the room at my dear friends, and otherwise memorizing the evening's warmth and laughter.
The kids popped in and out, relaxing in the living room with us for periods of time before running off to the back room to watch t.v. and play.
I've said this frequently this summer: in blogs, in conversation, in person. I love these people. They are my community--and their affection buoys me as I embark on my next adventure.
Samina helped me pack today. Andre arrives tomorrow. Toni will make dinner for us and my best friends. And then it's one more day of errands and packing before I go. I suspect that my next blog entry will be written in an airport or in Oslo itself.
But for now, I walk around my home, focusing on the present, feeling contentment, and reflecting on my summer.
I'm ready.
