America.

I had a (what is becoming typical) whirlwind trip to home–packed tight with friends, love, travel, food.

The original purpose of the trip was my dear friend (and original #spiritsunday co-founder) Brenda’s wedding. Brenda met her now husband Luis at almost exactly the same time I moved to Germany.

It’s funny how our lives take certain turns when they are just right for us:

I move to Germany. 2 years later, Brenda’s married and I’m still blogging from my dining room table.

Anyway, I had planned the trip to see Brenda get hitched, but of course I wanted to maximize my spirit time in the states. And it turned out that the timing couldn’t have been better.

I was able to spend some time in Santa Monica before the wedding at Big Bear Lake: kale salads and spirit time with Brenda and a dinner party hosted by Kristina, Dave, and Jeremy at their fairytale Venice house (think garden, fountain, pomegranate trees), complete with Bison burgers.Then, a 7 hour (supposed to be 2) drive to the wedding with Ben, Alana and Luz and staying with them in a country bumpkin mountain house.

Another friend (we’ve known each other 16 years!) Raina is having her first child and she’s due in December. I had to go see her in Lake Tahoe before her life was ruined changed forever. My flight to Tahoe was delayed and I ended up staying with Raina’s parents, Nora and Jim, before spending a couple of days hiking, coffee tasting, cookie-baking with Raina and Scott.

And somehow I managed to coordinate a quick stopover on the East coast before heading back to Germany. It was mom’s 66th birthday (a schnappszahl to celebrate!) and George was having one of his pieces performed at the Southern Exposure concert series. Impromptu margaritas with uncle Tim, and aunt Carolyn and Gail, followed by a yoga class and coffee with former yoga teacher and friend, Jess, and the trip was complete.

You see, there was a lot packed into the 10 day trip.

First up: The Wedding.
It was at a bed and breakfast in Big Bear Lake and everything from the mariachi band to the popcorn machine and day-after carne asada was perfect. Brenda and Luis and their huge families couldn’t have been happier. And I was able to catch up with LA friends over cocktails and 23 flavors of donuts in the setting sun.

The beauty of Tahoe still amazes me. I saw the Big Dipper! The night sky didn’t disappoint. And the craft beer, organic food and laid back mountain town vibe was just the speed I needed.

Mom’s birthday!

Capping off the trip with a quick catch-up and yoga session with Jess before hopping on my flight back.