I’m here visiting my parents at their home in the idyllic setting of Ontario’s Georgian Triangle. I’m here to help them out as much as I can (making meals, cleaning up, driving to hospital) but I’m also here to refresh myself. To step away from my own life and take a few weeks to get rooted again, with the people who helped me send down those roots in the first place.
I find my parents’ home (dubbed “The Mountain” by my neice, because it’s perched near the top of Talisman Resort on the Niagara escarpment) to be utterly grounding. I used to think it was because my Mom and Dad tended to look after me when I was here, but now that I’m towing my own weight and (hopefully) more, I see that it’s not that simple. And it’s not that this is the family home, either, because my parents only moved here full-time less than five years ago.
So if it’s not because I grew up here, and it’s not because I’m being waited on, what makes “The Mountain” such a place of peace and spiritual renewal for me? Well, certainly the setting is inspiring, with big picture windows and a sunny deck overlooking the beautiful Beaver Valley. And whenever I’m here, I am — at least partly — on vacation; that sure doesn’t hurt either. But I think in the end it’s more fundamental than place or peace. I think, in the end, it’s as simple as this: I fit in here. When I visit my parents there’s a nearly 40-year history between us. We know each other’s quirks and foibles, and we love each other despite of (or maybe even because of) them. There are so many things that just don’t need to be said, and we can sit in the same room in companionable silence or raucous conversation for hours. When I visit my parents, it feels like I just slide in and join their lives and it feels (I tell myself) like one of my own daughters, coming to sit beside me and snuggling in under my arm for a while. Fleeting, but always welcome.
So here I am, just doing my best to live in the moment, enjoying the scenic view and the bursts of sunshine from behind the clouds. I’m taking time to enjoy my parents’ company, and to practice yoga, my favourite physical activity. Sometimes I even get to do them all at once – yoga on the deck in the sunshine with my mom.
Hmmm… sound I like I have some shopping to do.
I recently went to the most wonderful yoga retreat. There will be another in the fall… shall I let you all know when? It will probably be held at this wonderful place called Swallows Bridge, Eat Vegetarian, do Yoga, Hike, Relax and Sleep for 2 days. Was a marvelous blessing. Google Swallows Bridge Yoga Retreat…
Kath (and Jen and Alla),
I think it’s unconditional love.
How lucky we are to have received it, and how lucky our children are to receive it.
xoxo
Erin
AnitaE – another great and comfortable pant is the “comfort pant” from Reitmans. Inexpensive, stretchy and comfy. They range from snazzy black pinstriped dress pants to khakis to jeans. They feel like lulus but look like “real” pants. You might like those, too.
Oh, and Kath, relish every moment.
I’ll give my two cents too. I love lulus whether I’m in my high gear running mode – toned and fit – or in my (current) “squishy” phase. They are comfortable, flattering, and durable. Everything a busy mom needs!
Hi AnitaE – glad to have you here! My advice on lululemon? I love lululemon. For a lot of reasons. First of all, as you can see from my picture (above) I am also blessed with curves 😉 Despite the numbers of their sizes, lululemon pants can accommodate a larger, curvier figure very comfortably. They are durable and will last years even with frequent wear (don’t put them in the dryer, though). They are perfect (IMHO) for “doing the Mom thing” – also for walking (I don’t run either) and — especially — for yoga, which is what they were created for in the first place. All this and they’re Canadian, too. They will set you back about $100, but you’ll find it’s good value – my first pair of lulus are nearly 3 years old now and still look and feel almost new. And their hoodies rock, too.
And no, they don’t pay me to say that…I just really do love them!
Hi Kath…I found your blog when searching about lululemon pants! I live in a small town, but I’m heading into a larger centre and thinking about joining the lululemon craze. That being said, I have not because I am “blessed” with curves and am a pear shaped person and can’t face not fitting into anything there. I am looking for pants to wear doing the Mom thing – so something not sweat pants, but not jeans either. I have a great pair of running pants (I walk not run) that I wear a lot but they have reflective stuff on the back so I think there is something better out there. Anyway, looking for advice on the lululemon thing. Thanks!