It’s always bittersweet getting to the end of a really good book. If you’re anything like me, you get attached to the characters and might even delay finishing the last chapter just to prolong the experience. But the ending is inevitable, and usually provides some relief and resolve. A space to reflect and let it all sink in.

I find I’m able to get to this final place of reflection only after I’ve finished the book and put it away on the shelf. 

Even though I felt some internal resistance, I kept moving through this final chapter of my time in Bend. And now I sit on a 10 hour flight to Japan with plenty of reflecting to do, finally.

This last week at “home” was not boring. I set myself up for a lot of overwhelm by deciding in a week’s time I would pack for both of my upcoming trips, move out of my house, and take a three-day avalanche education course in the backcountry. Not to mention all the last minute logistical tasks and trying to get some solid hangs in with each of the Bend friends (the best characters of em all!).

So the emotions came out all over the place as I felt the carpet slowly being pulled from under me. It didn’t help that Sam was 9 times zones away in Nigeria and had shitty WiFi, only creating the illusion of connection yet with no fluid dialogue. It was a struggle, but definitely something we have to expect in signing up for an international partnership. He’s in Cape Town now where there is much better WiFi bandwidth. The distance is definitely making me appreciate the little things!

My last week in Bend ended with more love and support than I could have ever asked for. I was happily reminded how everything is better with friends; skiing, packing, potlucking, teaching yoga, and going to the airport. I have so damn much to be grateful for, and now I’ll take the gratitude with me my globetrot. Luckily it fits in my carry-on ;)

Grateful for my sweet, sunny room which held me through a lot this past year.

Grateful for this perfect storage space at Sam’s mom’s place.

Grateful for these hilarious, supportive, beautiful, big-hearted humans.

Grateful for scoring a window seat on the mountain-facing side!

Grateful for this opportunity... so, so grateful. Let the next chapter begin 📖