Thursday, June 23, 2011

up on the mountain

 

robert and i took my brother and sister hiking yesterday, up a little mountain about an hour away. we drove up and back in the VW bus, playing classic songs from the 90s, including the little gem "i saw the sign" by ace of base. it was sweet. with the windows open and the highway rumbling beneath the heavy old beast, i looked back at them. with their boyfriends and girlfriends. with the table propped open and legs sprawled across the seats. and i felt protective. responsible. but so, so blessed that the line between family and friends was so blurred.

once we reached the top of the mountain, we ate supper and watched as a little storm came blowing in. it never poured, but the darkening sky and the cool breeze was nectar to my soul. nectar, i tell you! climbing up those rocks, i saw firsthand the direct relationship between food and energy. my lunch at work yesterday was far from filling, and i felt utterly spent on the ascent. however, after supper i ran back down the mountain. with a speed unknown to myself in so many years. food=energy. let me rephrase that. good, healthy, simple food like turkey wraps and apples=energy.

we got home around eleven. driving away from  my  parents' house, i thought about how lucky i was. my siblings still think i'm cool.

the day is fast approaching when my sister will be married. with a little house and new life of her own. and my brother goes to college next year. and this little cocoon of time, when we're all living in the same town at the same time, is precious and fleeting. so as often as i can, i gather them. in my bus. in my arms. and we travel together into the night, against the speed of time close at our heels.

16 comments:

American in Bath said...

I had completely forgotten "I Saw the Sign." Can I please please please now get it out of my head? I'm looking forward to such trips with my niece and nephews. I wonder what they'll want to do when they are that big.

Anonymous said...

This is awesome! I think that this bus you guys got was the best purchase ever. Think about how much joy it's brought you just this week!

~Tiffany
http://tiffanyd22.blogspot.com

kate said...

what a sweet family :)

Blondie's Journal said...

I love making new memories every day. Your pictures are breathtaking! And you are brave...I am so afraid of heights!!

XO,
Jane

Haley said...

it makes me so happy to hear that you're working to savor every moment with your siblings while they live close!!

the hike looked beautiful!! and what is it about an approaching storm that is so majestic? :) Oh, and amen to [good, healthy] food = energy!! especially fresh produce...oh i love summer :)

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you got to have that time, and you remembered to take photos. That's the one thing I need to get better at, taking photos of ones that I love, and my time with them. Sounds like you had a fabulous time, and got to share your new bus with them! I love hiking! Don't you?!

kimbirdy said...

aw, that sounds like such a great time with great people in your life. i especially like your mini road trip to the mountain with your 90's soundtrack. so fun! :)

Steph said...

Sounds like a great little getaway. Awesome pictures!

Amber said...

ace of base?!? I remember making up dance routines with my friends to The Sign. So cool :)

Southhamsdarling said...

How lovely my friend, that you are making the most of this precious time when you are still all together. I bet they loved the trip in that wonderful camper van!! Fantastic pictures, and what a view from the top of the mountain.

Eleanor at Mirror Of My World said...

that looks so beautiful!! and so much fun. you are such an amazing writer... and photographer xo

Amy @ AGirlCalledBeloved said...

That looks so fun! The view is beautiful and too fun that you listened to the 90s! I adore your bus!

Unknown said...

The first trip in your bus! How exciting, Courtney! :)
To cherish the moments you still have with your siblings is wonderful - I can imagine that years from now, when you all gather for a reunion, all of you will look back on this trip with smiling faces...

Wonderful post, my Love. The view atop the mountain is breathtaking!

♥ Bibi

Unknown said...

What a perfect trip! I'm so envious of you being so near and dear to your family. I'm close with my family but not distance-wise and it hurts. But now we'll be with my husband's family, whom I love dearly, and my family will have a comfortable bed to sleep in whenever they visit.

becca said...

aw. siblings are the best!

Shalyn said...

I want a ride in your bus so badly! That sounds amazing!

Post a Comment

thank you for stopping by! have a blessed day:)