New Hampshire Lake House Family Trip

We did a family trip to Lake Sunnape in New Hampshire.

It had been since 2019 that we were back as a family

to visit with Jeff's parents. 

And if

 losing both of my  own parents

has taught me anything

it's time is a precious thing.

I wanted to make sure my kids 

had an opportunity to spend time with their remaining grandparents.

And I really wanted Jeff's parents 

to be able to spend time with their 

West Coast Beardsley family.

Four generations of Beardsley men.

I am of an age

to see this as the incredible sight to witness.

It seems like yesterday Jeff and I were the young parents

spending time with Jeff's  Pop Pop and Grandfather.

The fact we were all together

in the most beautiful area

made me literally

Savor and Enjoy

every single moment

because my heart is all too aware 

of the running clock.

Sometimes I feel like I am straddling 

the here and what's next every day.

Loosing both of my parents

is an ever present reminder of the brevity of life.

Sometimes my heart catches on the fact that they are both gone

and 

it hurts so bad 

I feel like I can't breathe.

But it usually is right after this moment

that I reach further down

and 

remind myself

that I have a very finite time remaining myself.

That I want to find all of the meaning, love

 and

 beauty

there is to be found

in my one life here.

To do good where I can.

To document sweet moments of love.

To witness beautiful life beginnings ...

 

and

 precious moments of togetherness.

Precious magical moments

that will live in my heart forever.

Because the flip side of grief

is a heart honed

to see clearly

the beauty and miracles  of life.

The  simple heart moments

that make up a 

A Life Well Lived

Like Jeff's dad 

having the opportunity

to share the boat he spent years refurbishing

with his son 

and

 his son's family.

Creating the most beautiful memories 

for us all.

Having an opportunity 

to rock a new grandson to sleep!

Seeing the loving relationships

my children have with their spouses.

I am continually in awe and gratitude

with the people who have come into our family

and the love that abounds!

Visiting Jef'f's parents house

is always a highlight for my artistic eye.

Everywhere you look are curated vignettes.

Like the collection of heart rocks

his parents collected on beach walks.

They have a relationship 

in which their intense love for each other

still shines

even after 60 years of marriage!

Talk about a life well lived!

Painting leaf sun catchers with our darling grand daughter

was certainly a highlight for me!

Kayaks on our dock

also filled my days with pinch me moments.

Being on the water whether ocean of lake

always fills my heart with joy!

Seeing Jeff love on his grand children

is always heart filling.

I will forever 

hold this family trip to the 

New Hampshire Lake House

tenderly and gratefully 

in my heart.

As a reminder

that we can create the most

beautiful

Life Moments

when we open our heart

to really see

the beauty and precious moments before us.

I am so grateful to my kids and their wonderful spouses

who made the trek to New Hampshire

and 

shared their wonderful selves with us.

Jeff's parents for all they did 

to make this trip so meaningful.

And to my parents

who I miss everyday

in ways I never, ever expected.

But now I know

never to take time with family

and 

those you love

for granted.

Instead 

I hope to use my remaining days

loving on my family and friends

in the hope of leaving 

a legacy of love

and 

a life well lived in beauty.

As always my friends

I wish you love and joy

as you style your life