Travel, I've had my share man. I've been everywhere.

Leesburg, DC, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Cape Cod, Boston, and Philadelphia

Family and friends in each of these stops made the last month or so like an episode of "This is your life".

I saw friends in the DC suburbs that I hadn't seen for about 17 years-it was really random that we managed to meet up for dinner. What a hoot! They've traveled the world teaching and volunteering and they really inspire me.

I spent time with a friend in Manhattan that I hadn't seen since Seattle 7 or 8 years ago. She too has been working and traveling in some of the world's most dangerous places. Her life's work truly amazing.

I saw family and soon to be family in Brooklyn and the Cape. Swam in 'ponds" in Welfleet and strolled the galleries of Ptown.

I met my nephew up in Boston where we went to see my first ever Pearl Jam show at Fenway Park.

I spent time with some of my very best Seattle friends who recently moved to Boston. We ate and ate and ate.

And laughed.

More family in Philadelphia. Much more eating.

And a dinner with my very first best friend from about 45 years ago. We last saw each other about 9 years ago. 

All of this visiting was joyful and reminded me again that there are connections out there, I only need to reach for them.

During this time I also made it past our wedding anniversary, the second to pass.

I also heard about the losses and the joys my friends and family have experienced.

I am reminded that we all have our own story to tell. Mine is only unique to me, but it isn't unique to the universe.  Everyone has some level of joy and some level of grief over the course of their lifetime.

In those shared life experiences we should find common ground.