peace

these first couple of months of two thousand and fifteen have felt like such a whirlwind of life. there has been quite frenzied traveling, huge decision making, and large changes looming. in the midst of what has often felt foggy and turbulent, i have sought peace in small, beautiful mortal moments and tiny daily joys. 

a few weeks ago, the boy and i met at the oakland temple and talked about important things as the sun set over the expansive view stretching down the hill and across oakland and the bay to the glimmering city. the sky mutated above us, different colors floating in and out over new blossoms and white stone, and the crisp air tasted nice. i felt peace.

we've been scrambling to prepare for our upcoming around-the-world adventure, and there's a lot of details to figure out! in slivers of time as we've been trip planning, i've felt along with my tremendous excitement and bits of stress, a sure stream of peace.

wrapping up my work at my job has been busy and gratifying. i've reflected every day lately on the blessing it has been to learn and contribute in my role. today as i met with a group of students, i felt a sweet brand of joy, and i felt peace.

the boy and i have been trying to savor and relish the loveliness that is palo alto with each day we have left living here. last monday, president's day, we took a bike ride in the sunshine around the gorgeous residential streets around university avenue, looking for blooming magnolia trees (we found many). we stopped at the peninsula creamery for a milkshake. in the mornings, we've been taking runs around our neighborhood and playing tennis on the courts that are practically across the street from our house. as i've consciously tried to soak palo alto into my pores, i've felt peace.

we are also working to enjoy the tiny little space that we call home and adore so much before it is no longer our home. i've been making blue apron meals (i'm obsessed!) in the kitchen and we've spent too long in the mornings groggily cuddling in our bed. as i've left and come home to that place that is now sacred to me/us, i have felt peace. 

i hope to carry with me, throughout the next few months of movement and sensory piquancy and constant or significant change, a little locket of peace.