Bliss

Hello my friends, I have been home a couple of hours now and am still trying to warm up. We had a wonderful weekend just wonderful. We arrived at 9 o'clock Saturday morning, put our overnight bags away and sat down with a cup of coffee for orientation.....it was very basic, our beds were wooden bunks, we shared one bathroom, kitchen and a huge conversation room. The conversation room had big, over stuffed chairs and many sofas. The focal point of the room was a massive fireplace surrounded by a rock wall....it was all made by the natives and you could see their hard work and pride in every nail and in every craft......these are are the most wonderful, spiritual people I have ever met. Before each meal a native elder said grace....more like a prayer really and when the meal was finished another prayer was said......our meals were simple and everything had been grown on their property. We had many fruits, vegetables, homemade bread/muffins and soups, no meat or even fish yet the meals were delicious in their simple form.

We walked through the woods and along the riverbank....we did yoga, we said good night to the sun as it set and welcomed its return this morning.....I spent my weekend in awe of our first nations people and their creative arts but I also spent much of my time in prayer and reflection.....I thought of the young soldiers and their families that were killed and wounded on Thursday....I thought of how blessed I was to feel so safe at this precious retreat and prayed that all those involved in Thursday's horrible event would eventually feel the safety, peace and contentment that I was experiencing. My friend's tried to discourage me from thinking about this terrible day but I couldn't help myself.....my prayers were for them and their families.

I had a wonderful massage this afternoon, I am a bit sore tonight as it was a deep muscle massage.....I didn't go in the hot tub.....way to cold for me to venture out in a swimsuit. The main building and bedroom were comfy but I found them to be cold....I think it made me realize how fortunate I am to have the comforts I enjoy every day of my life, at times I think I even take them for granted.....This weekend was special and as we spoke on the way home we all were grateful for the time we spent at River Lodge as well as with each other. A special bond formed between us this weekend, we have been friends for several years but something special happens when you share nature and prayer together. We all felt it, that feeling of calm and comfort and agreed that we should do this every year......as I sat shivering in the car I said oh we should for sure but let's go in the Spring or even better the Summer. We all chuckled and it was the end of the perfect weekend.

Good Night and God Bless.........:-) Hugs