Refueled

Our family starts dreaming about summer vacations early in the year…like right after the holidays.   We talk about all the cool places we’ve gone and where we would like to go next.  Very rarely do we go to the same place twice.  I’m kind of a  ‘been there, done that’  girl.  I’m the same way with books and movies. Once I’ve seen it, I’m moving on.  However this year we decided to do a repeat of our vacation last year.  We went back to Lake Jocassee.  It was just what the doctor ordered.

Lake Jocassee is pristine. It is nestled in the middle of a mountain range. The water is crisp and clear. Waterfalls are abundant.  It is simply beautiful, peaceful, devine. It is hard to believe this place is in South Carolina, but indeed it is.

There is something about being in the mountains that puts my spirit back in sync. Truth be told, it has been a year of growth for me.  Overall it has been good, but it has been equally as hard emotionally. I needed  time to relax and regroup.  I’m learning to listen to my needs (to even admit I have needs and that it is okay to have them, has been a challenge).  I allowed myself to focus on those for just a few days. It was nice! (To all my mommy friends…you should allow yourself to do this every now and again. It is GOOD for you! – Dr. Steen’s orders!)

I took the time to drink in the sounds of the morning, sipping my coffee in an adirondack chair before the rest of the Steens stirred.  Quietness is good for the soul. While boating, I soaked up some vitamin D, read a mindless magazine, and jumped in to cool off when the moment was right.  I watched our boys do their water sports. We ooohhh’ed and awwwhhh’ ed at their tricks…and laughed when they face planted. Honestly, we did! Our evenings consisted of sitting on the dock, letting our legs dangle down while we drank wine from a Dixie cup (not the littlest Steen of course).  We fed  the minnows their dinner (bread) for entertainment before heading back to the cabin for a round of cards or a tv movie. We were amazed to see the lighting bugs light up the forest beside us.  Kevin set up a campfire in the grill so Trenton and I could roast s’mores ….and then we ate them.

It.  Was.  Perfect.

Relaxed. Rejuvenated. Energized.