Full

You know that feeling after a good meal where you’re full, but just right full? Not uncomfortable, not regretting all of your life choices and sad you took that extra serving. Not that kind of full. Bryan often told the story of his Norwegian housemate, Rolfe, a non-traditional WSU student who had worked in the oil fields a lifetime before coming to college. According to Bryan, Rolfe would say at the end of a good meal, “I am replete.”

This month I got to travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to visit my bestie, her husband, and her two beagles, Doug and Travis. We got to go on adventures, relax, play pool, watch the Great British Baking show, and eat and drink marvelous things. And I got abundant puppy snuggles. It was such a nice change of scenery and a restful experience to be with a person who loves me no matter what.

Despite the travel hiccups on the return trip, it was also wonderful to come home. My first meal back was half a burrito from Tacqueria Mi Pueblito (albanil, duh!) and an Alaskan Amber walking around my house in the all-together doing laundry–elemental, grounding. This whole week has been full of most excellent moments.

Friday, I got to visit with friends who have also returned from travels, for them France and Portugal. We got to catch up on our respective adventures while enjoying a delightful pasta dinner. During the day Saturday, I wandered around Walla Walla, basking in all its autumnal glory. Last night we all caught up with more friends around a fire pit. Chili and cornbread and salad and Bright’s caramel corn–a warm, convivial evening with people who make me smile.

The weekend isn’t over yet. There’s still a pot of potato corn chowder to be made at some point. Hopefully a visit with my uncle and a walk with a dear friend will be added to today’s itinerary as well. It is possible to be aware of the troubles of the world, be heartbroken by war atrocities, floods, fires, and disaster at every turn and also be full-hearted over the simple joys of good food, friends, and a life of deliberate connection.

Rolfe, I too am replete.