How to return home.

I'm grateful for:

• A weekend full of friendship, beauty, dance, laughter, love, homecoming, hugs, music, and of course, gratitude.
• Romeo et Juliette at Pacific Northwest Ballet - it was truly one of the most beautiful and emotional masterpieces I've ever seen. The dancers, the orchestra, the score, the lighting, the set... every last detail was stunning. And I'm so grateful I got to experience it with Clare. (We WILL find give-you-wings love, Clare!! It is out there!)
• copious amounts of wine combined with old and new friends. I hadn't let loose like that in a while, and I definitely needed it.
• Learning just how special and important university homecoming is once you're an alum. You really can return "home" - and though it's different and somewhat strange, your true friends will welcome you back with open arms and open hearts.
• Choir of the West. I'm so glad I went to Homecoming Congregation this morning to hear them sing; they really are incredible this year. I had that special moment of joining the choir as an alum for "Beautiful Savior" and I can't even describe all the love I felt from everyone when they realized I was there. I honestly didn't expect such an excited and warm welcome, but after the organ postlude more and more of them kept trying to catch my eye and waved me over for a hug. It was wonderful. COW is my second family, probably even more than my theatre family... they have always accepted me and loved me and I never have to put up a front with them. I love them so much! I miss them all, grads and those still singing with the group, and right now I would give anything to sing with them again. My heart is overflowing and aching at the same time. :)
• FRIENDSHIP.
• Music.
• Being Love.