Sabbath Rest

So many of you have warned me not to take on too much and to be sure to get some time to relax, so I thought I should report on my restful weekend. :) The weather has gotten fallish here suddenly, which means a slight chill, but endlessly blue skies, and occasional breezes. It is far too nice to sit indoors any longer than necessary, so Friday evening I got home from work and promptly headed back out to the sea. It was a wonderful hour and a half walk by myself, and I enjoyed playing around with my camera. I think I'd forgotten I HAVE a camera!

Saturday morning was a kick-off pancake breakfast with about 15 girls and women leaders from LCC. We're hoping to put together some women's groups, focusing on different studies and formats, for the coming year. It was nice just to relax with a house full of interesting and energetic young women! After my house finally cleared out from breakfast (at 2:30 p.m.!), I borrowed a friend's bike and rode by myself to Karkle, a small town up the coast from Klaipeda. It's not a long ride, but I was happy to remember how easy it is to get out of the city here so quickly. The air was perfect and a golden-autumn feel, with the smell of burning leaf piles wafting through the forest. Once at Karkle, I walked the bike back down the shore and looked for amber, drug my toes through the sand, and took lots of pictures. Back at home last night, I cuddled under my comforter on the couch, drank tea, watched a movie with my roommate and knitted a few more rows on my scarf.

Spending so much time by myself and in the outdoors this weekend has been very centering for me, and I am grateful for the change of pace from week one. And for the weather, which we're all soaking up earnestly, knowing that snow is coming soon!