GodSpeed, Jess

I can't fully explain what a joy it's been to have Jess here the past few days. She's such an easy guest, full of interesting stories and able to go with the flow. Yesterday we left my house about noon and didn't get back until after 8:00pm, each little thing flowing into the next. And she flowed right along with it, even though it wasn't what we expected to do or really were dressed for.

In fact, she introduced me to a great little tea shop down in Westport. Yep, that's right, the guest introduced the host to her own town. How great is that? We went to a self-defense class at the salon and then had lunch with Barb (Barbara Robinette Moss) at a little Thai place and then the three of us went to Westport to the tea shop. She introduced me to bubble tea, which was interesting if not fabulous. (Jess assures me this place doesn't make it right.) Eventually, Barb's husband, Duane, joined us and we got a drink at a little outdoor joint. Jess kept her equilibrium through it all, even though some of it (especially the class and the outdoor joint) included some odd folks and sharp edges.

Maybe Jess has learned to keep the Second Agreement: Don't take anything personally. She has a copy of the book with her, and just before sitting down to write this, I flipped through the pages and came to this: If you keep this agreement, you can travel around the world with your heart open and no one can hurt you. . . You can choose to follow your heart always.

So, I'm getting ready to wish her well and watch her disappear down the street, following her heart and the stories of her family. I'm so glad she stopped here at the pond for a bit. Her visit reminds me (though I never actually forget) of the power and grace of this group of women. It reminds me of what can happen when you open your heart and take risks. It reminds me that all we need is love.

Godspeed, my friend. Traveling mercies.