Monday, August 10, 2009

Old Friends, New Memories


silver falls state park, oregon
Nearly 10 years is too long! We've just returned from a visit to Portland where we had something of a family reunion with my dear friend Susan. We moved to Australia, she moved to Portland and the time between visits has been far too long. Susan and I have known each other since we were young mothers of under fivers. In fact when I looked into her daughter's face I could clearly see the 6 month old baby I once knew. Ah, but she is such a beautiful adult now.

What a wonderful time we had and I am totally smitten with Portland. The city center reminds me of the life and vibrancy of Brunswick Street in my old Melbourne home. The Alberta Street last Thursday happening was a cornucopia of visual treats and fun. The layers of green in the Japanese garden and the hush of it's quiet beauty, the cool breeze on Manzanita beach, picnic and walking at Silver Falls....so many things, so many new memories.

But best of all were quiet evenings under the pergola in Susan's back garden. It was as if time had stood still for us and the years apart had never happened.


Seems that Susan has developed something of an obsession with photographing feet to remember special times. It somehow seems so appropriate that our five feet, hers, mine, her partner, my partner, and her daughters have all been captured in a circle on our last day. With old friends life is a circle. You move apart, but that loving circle of friendship remains intact.


And I would be completely remiss if I didn't mention Jack. Susan's first dog, a rescued border collie mix with a ton of energy, a love of belly rubs, and total devotion to Susan. Our brand new friend.

11 comments:

Katie said...

Welcome home! I'm glad you had a great time catching up with old friends in Portland! I've never been, but everything I've ever seen makes it look like somewhere nice to visit...

SummersStudio said...

Hi, Katie. It's actually pretty good to be home, especially having my little dog buddies around. Portland is fantastic and you should go sometime if you can.

Cristi Baxter Clothier said...

Hi Leann! Looks like you had a wonderful time in Oregon. I've been wanting to visit there for years. I've seen pictures of the Oregon coast and they look grand!

Hugs,
Cristi

SummersStudio said...

Cristi, the coast is amazing! I loved it.

sharon said...

Hi LeAnn!! Really missed you...but somehow new you would have the most beautiful story as this one to tell!! I am thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful time, and you can always carry that in your heart now!

The Joy of Nesting said...

Welcome Home LeAnn!!!!

Reconnecting with old friends is one of the most wonderful things we can do for ourselves!!! It seems like we always have so many of those "I wonder what ever happen to..." It just must feel nice to have one less in that column and one more in the friends always column!! :)

SummersStudio said...

Sharon, you know I missed you too and I'm trying to catch up with all of you.

Patti, at a certain age (I'm not sure what that is) that reconnection is one of the most beautiful things you can do. I'm grateful we get those opportunities.

Cindy said...

LeAnn it sure looks like you had a great time full of new memories. The shoe picture is great...and I like the analogy you gave. Now that you're back... I would love to see more of your "pots"! :-)
-Cindy
www.sweetbeadstudio.com

Nena said...

How interesting to see your pictures of your feet. I do the same thing with my kids! I have a large book case with several of these pictures. I even made a painting of one. I also want to thank you for your help with the kiln. I'll post pics soon.

SummersStudio said...

Cindy & Neena, at first the shoe/feet thing seemed a little weird to me but now it seems so right. Our feet are really what bring us places and documenting that seems so perfect. Neena, good luck with the kiln/firing and any little thing that I could do is a great joy to me.

Unknown said...

I have family & friends in Portland and it is one of my favorite places to visit. So beautiful!

Glad you got to catch up with old friends. Always a wonderful repeat surprise that time does not change good friendships!