From Breitenbush, with Love

Breitenbush Hotsprings is a revered niche to Oregonians. When you say the name 'Breitenbush' people usually let out a little sigh of love with a little nod of the head and a dreamy, faraway look in their eye. I've noticed this curious reaction many, many times over the years and had often wondered what all the fuss was about. I've also silently wondered if all of these Breitenbush fanatics hadn't inadvertently hijacked any sort of great experience for me; sort of like when person after person talks up a movie or a restaurant and you expect to come away with your hair blown back, your life figured out, and some ecstasy to boot, only to be sorely disappointed by your own high expectations and other people's bad taste. (I'm lookin' at you, 'The Hangover, Parts I and II'.)

Anyway, Hubby Tim whisked me off to Breitenbush over the weekend for a romantic getaway. And although his earliest romantic overture involved rolling my finger up in the car window, only to be  skillfully followed up by kicking me square in the face, a'la WWE Smackdown, while getting himself comfortable during a group meditation (ohhh yeah, he's a smoooooooth operator), it actually ended up being an absurdly enchanting weekend.

Breitenbush (and all that happens there) just might be a little glimpse into heaven. If you like (respectfully) soaking naked in hot springs with complete strangers, then it definitely is.

I won't spoil the many surprises that Breitenbush holds, but I will say that if someone told me that the food they serve there was really made by cherubs and elves, I'd totally believe it.

Kindred Spirits

You're the strangest person

I ever met, she said

& I said you too

& we decided 

we'd know each other

a long time.

'Kindred Spirits' by Brian Andreas

Although they live scattered here and there, I'm grateful to have gotten to spend time with so many of my favorite people in the world already this summer. I love you all so very much! (And yes, I am buttering you all up to keep you from telling people our adventurous stories from this summer.)

Julie

Amy

Dee

Jimmer

Neil

A Generation of Trouble

My Big Fat Czech Family

Dee and Jen (I wish this photo was bigger. I also wish I'd seen Jen more than just when this picture was taken)