The Comings and Goings of Life - Days...far too many to count

The comings and goings of the last few weeks have left me with a severe case of writer's block.  The times have been good...very good.  And the times have been sad...very sad.  I am wrestling with where to start, what to say.  Finally an overused Nike mantra popped into my head this morning..."Just Do It!".  So do it, I am.

Let's start with the very good.  For the last year I have been looking forward to 9/30/2011.  This was the day two of my favorite "young old souls", Morgan and David were tying the knot in Banner Elk, NC.  Two beautiful people joining together in a beautiful place.  What's not to like?!

Morgan and David are not only young old souls wise beyond their years, but creative ones as well.  The event was a feast for the eyes from the breathtaking venue on the side of a mountain to the thoughtful tablescapes Morgan foraged to put together over the last year to the whimsical napkins hand screen printed by David.  It was perfection.

A cold front moved through that magical evening with high winds, damp air and chilly temps, but it only made the fire pits more inviting, the S'more Love more tasty and the night more charming.  Guests were wrapped in blankets, chunky sweaters, puffy coats, whatever they had handy.  They huddled together, danced, laughed and basked in the warmth of the night.  Words do not do this evening justice.  Pictures do a better job, but still aren't quite right.  It was an evening that made a permanent impression on this brain of mine.  I will recall it whenever I need an extra dose of happiness.

In fact, I will pull it out right now to get me through recounting the sad event that followed. 

Winnie Stocks, my friend and co-worker, was best described as a beautiful "old young soul".  By old, I don't mean ancient.  She lived 62 wonderful years with the exuberance of a teenager.  She loved life, her family, her friends and her Pittsburgh Steelers.  She could light up a room with her smile.  She could make you smile with the clog of her fun, funky shoes clapping down the hall.  Man, how I miss that sound!

Winnie suffered a brain aneurysm on Sunday, 9/25.  She passed away one week later on Sunday, 10/2.  We celebrated her life last Friday with a church service and a happy hour.  Winnie would not have it any other way.  She was in the hearts of all of us and her big beautiful smile showed up on our faces.  What a beautiful legacy...a Winnie smile.

Live each day like Steve Jobs did...like it was your last.

Many hugs,
Kathy