One For the Books

Yesterday was Pentecost, and the day was truly inspired in many ways...a beautiful morning liturgy, a safe, fast half marathon race for Kevin, fab naps for Monica, and an evening barbecue with friends. However, I think the Holy Spirit Inspiration award goes to Kevin for suggesting that I go kayaking on a local river by myself. Pure bliss. In the B. K. days, we went kayaking, hiking, and snow shoeing as much as possible. I miss that part of my life very much, and spending a few hours paddling around to my heart's content on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon was just what I needed. Ahhh...

I arrived at the canoe livery only to find it very busy--and by busy I mean that there were a bunch of foul-mouthed 20ish year olds sporting Corona swim suits, faux-hawks and retro 80s sunglasses. My happy-bliss bubble was burst on the spot. Fortunately, the dumb luck ended with the obnoxious co-eds. I used to work for this particular park, and a former co-worker treated me to a free kayak. I also got on the river fast enough to beat out the crude and seemingly inebriated canoers.

The short down-river trip I took was just beautiful. There were so many people at the parks along the river sunning themselves and just enjoying the day. I think the best part was seeing some Renaissance fair types dueling at one of the riverside parks. (I really wish I would have had my camera!) They had shields, metal helmets (one complete with a Rohirrim horse hair tail), breast plates and blunt looking swords. It was like Medeival Times on the banks of the Huron. I think there were even some Ladies in Waiting weaving tapestries and embroidering pillows. Kind of weird, but entertaining nonetheless.

It was one of those rare days that everything comes together: quality time with God, with my husband and daughter, with friends, and even with myself. In a word: fabulous.