today, in celebration of my 30th (yes, 30th) birthday my beloved and I gathered some blankets, sweet books, spring jackets and delicious banana bread (thank you Kevin & Christina) to spend a day in the woods and largest prairie (Goose Lake Prairie State Park) east of the Mississippi (a fact we learned on our little adventure today). upon reaching the wet-lands and marsh prairies of Goose Lake we enjoyed a long walk together and later enjoyed a picnic in the park. not long after we found ourselves wandering throughout the DesPlaines Conservation Area where we basked in the sunlight walking alongside riverbeds, lakes and blossoming wooded areas. hand in hand we enjoyed exposing hidden treasures (two beautiful feathers, hibernating insects, an in-tact skeleton of an unknown small creature, varieties of nuts & beautiful lichen), exploring indigenous prairie birds and plants, climbing abandon barns, conversing, tossing a few rocks with our new slings, and often finding out feet quite soggy from the receding flooded plains. it was such a joy to scout out new trails and places for retreat.
this one is for those of you who know Jake and love him for exactly this reason...afterwords, we headed back to chicago for or spiritual gathering and found ourselves having dinner with Andre, a young 17 year old boy who has taken some time (by AWOL) off of his residential treatment to "get some fresh air." such a good kid.
to bring a perfect conclusion to this day of celebration my cherished friends had prepared a yummy vegan cake, vegan banana split cupcakes (from Vegan Cupcakes take Over the World - both creations of Amy) and showered the evening with inspirational gifts and laughter. thanks friends!
as for the rest of the evening - we are home after a wonderful day's journey with sun-kissed skin, dirty toes (and hands) with another decade waiting to be explored. thanks to each of you for your wonderful birthday wishes, sweet messages, e-mails & notes.
and to tickle your appetites for what's occurring in our backyard...
8 comments:
i thought of calling you today, but didn't want to interupt your time...i'm so glad i didn't! of course you know you were in my heart throughout the day :) I'm really not sure how you fit all of that stuff into your day, though, and already have it posted on here!
i love you.
today i got to see one of my orphans from Ukraine, who used to call me 'Bef'. It was beyond beautiful.
Jake had to study for an exam last night which allowed time to post the sweet delights of our day... it was a most magical birthday.
i would love to hear more about your meeting with Sasha!
Jessica...
I haven't been reaading blogs since when oh about November 30th when I got a precious present... But I've been thinking about you and your upcoming birthday... I was going to leave a message for you last week, but didn't get to the computer... And just now a day late I finally remembered... HAPPY BIRTHDAY my dear friend! I will go back and read your blog entry when I have more time, but didn't want to miss wishing you a Happy Birthday...
Much love going your way...
Dearest Jess,
I didn't have Internet yesterday and my phone died (an ideal day for you two, I would imagine) so I didn't get to wish you a happy birthday on the bless-ed (said in two syllables) day.
So happy day after, Jess! See you when the time is right.
love,
me
I have to admit, those vegan cupcakes look delicious!
happy belated birthday - life is good! We are back to the lake!
papa
xoxo
oh my, this is WONDERFUL!!
It was great to be able to see you the other day!
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