And...breathe

Last week I tried to take a mini vacation.

It was kind of a disaster, but it had some bright spots.

1. I hiked the Appalachian Trail (okay...a very, very small portion of it).
2. I got to see some beautiful butterflies and tiny little flowers on moss by a river in another state.
3. I bought an adorable pair of teal shoes.
4. My mom gave me two dresses, a shirt and a couple of sweaters.
5. I now have my dad's axe (well, my hardware store has it, and is tightening the handle and sharpening the blade.
6. I bought a vagabond healer a glass of white wine, and she lifted the hurt from my heart and the heaviness in my soul (she also asked to stay at my house, which I declined, and when she handed me her card, she told me about her PayPal account...a savvy entrepreneur if you ask me).
7. I sat by a fire.
8. I sunned myself on a bridge by the French Broad River.
9. I bought a super cool bottle opener.
10. I drank the best water I've ever tasted from a faucet.
11. I had a wonderful, heartfelt hug.
12. I cried more than I have in years.
13. I lost 3-4 lbs without trying...but was really, really hungry.
14. I learned that communication is important, and needs to go both ways.
15. I was honest with an old friend.

It was a lot of driving, and my car suffered for it, but I am ultimately glad I went. Next time, I'm getting a hotel room in advance and booking some time at the spa and hot springs. That way, all of my expectations will be met and anything else will be icing on the cake!