She came. Martha Sutro, who's presence is felt on this blog in the comments, actually came to MIssoula with her family. To me, she feels like a true friend, though we had never actually "met". We texted and talked on the phone as we inched closer to the same spot at the Farmer's market on Saturday, describing our clothing with butterflies in our stomachs, and then...I looked up to see this vibrant, gorgeous woman pointing excitedly at Elliott. She recognized Elliott first.
We rushed to hug each other.
How utterly delightful and strange and precious, to become friends in a deep and honest way, and then to meet. The market was wild as we flung a few words to each other while rushing past in opposite directions to follow our children. Thankfully, she ambled herself and Amos to our playgroup a few days later. Here, we folded her into our group of friends and she and Nathan and Natalie and I got to BE together. I can still feel the light of Amos' smile. And the sparkling truth of conversation with this poet mama who has, from the very start of her showing up here, opened my world in life-quenching ways.
Martha. and Amos and Bill. I am so very glad to know you.
Love this. So awesome.
Posted by: dig this chick | August 15, 2011 at 10:35 PM
beauty queens.
Posted by: Joanna | July 30, 2011 at 10:02 AM
Oh, gosh. How great, that photo, and everything you said. Thank you! It;s true about the butterflies and excitement, for me, and how that all faded as we fell into conversations and just soaking up the sensations of being together, sensations I can still tap into, even all the way over here in New York. I like how Nathan describes it, "This is already how it is between us, isn't it?" YES. I miss you all.
Posted by: Martha | July 29, 2011 at 11:57 AM
So glad I was able to come to playgroup that day too!
It winds up feeling a bit like deja vu, only with a live person -- not in a "Hey haven't we met before" kind of way, but more like "This is already how it is between us, isn't it?". Though we've just "met" we're also already intimate, and aligned. You don't *usually* get that at the moment of shaking hands.
It'd be nice if we did...
Posted by: Nathan | July 29, 2011 at 12:25 AM
That is so amazing!! I love when these kinds of meetings happen. Fun!
Posted by: Teri | July 28, 2011 at 10:14 AM
I hope you are next, Paulina! We talked about you and I feel closer to you because of being closer to Martha. Sending you love.
Posted by: kris laroche | July 28, 2011 at 08:44 AM
oh how wonderful! what a great moment and beautiful photo -- such big smiles!!
Posted by: Paulina | July 28, 2011 at 06:53 AM