Moving On..

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
~ Marcel Proust

What’s a girl to do when she loses her best friend? Why, she gathers up the pieces of her broken heart, packs her bags, and skips town of course. First, I went south and the Tall Texan and I met friends at the Old Settler’s Music Festival.  Music, sunshine and the company of people I love was my first step in healing.  We stayed in an RV right across the street which allowed me some level of control over my meals.  But not being allowed to take anything into the festival grounds with us, and not wanting to miss out on any music, made dinner a bit of a challenge.  Festival food isn’t exactly celiac friendly, but breadless Texas barbecue made me happy the first night.  However, here’s something I learned that weekend:  no matter how good Texas barbecue tastes the first night, I don’t recommend going back for more the second night.  Eh-hem.

Another thing I learned:  when Rodney Crowell comes on stage and announces that he’s going to play God I’m Missing You, that would be a good time to excuse yourself to go powder your nose.  Unless of course you want to use your cute little sleeveless denim shirt as a box of Kleenex.  Oof.

The following weekend, my sister and I took to the highway and went to visit our other sister in Arlington, Virginia.  The time with my sisters and my three nieces was just perfect.  They took me on my maiden voyage to Union Market.

Amidst all the sights and sounds, I was immediately drawn to this vendor:

Dosas are South Indian lentil crepes typically stuffed with a variety of fillings and toppings.  Just look at this selection:

Here’s what put a smile on my face:

And they’re made right there in front of you.  That’s what I call fresh:

What I didn’t gobble down right then and there, I took home for a snack for later.  It was just as delicious the second time around.

That evening we went into D.C. to my niece’s apartment and enjoyed a beautiful evening on the rooftop.

How can one not be happy when surrounded by family, friends, and a sunset like this:

Now that I’m home again, I am reacquainting myself with my kitchen and slowly adjusting to the absence of padded paws.  As each day gets a few minutes longer, my moments of grief get shorter and I am indeed grateful to the people who make me happy and have helped my soul to blossom again.