Sometimes when you are casually re-invited to someone's house, you think they may be saying it out of courtesy...as in, in theory, you are welcome to return, but the chances of that happening is close to nil. Last fall, when we went out to Hopewell Springs, the home and property of our dear friend Michael, he made a suggestion that we came back out again sometime. He even suggested winter time as the hills on the property are good for sledding. I made a mental note, and thanked him for his generosity.
The more we get to know Michael, it was clear that his 'suggestion' was a genuine invitation. He truly meant what he said. And so, during the first real 'winter' weekend we have had all season, I recalled the invitation, and invited ourselves out to the country. Michael did not hesitate, and twenty four hours later, the kids were on the sleds, and the dog was bouncing in the snow.
I am pretty sure that at some point, we all had smiles on our faces, all at the same time.
Going out to Hopewell Springs is also a bit of a retreat. Michael is a lover of art, and beauty. His love of nature greets you as you enter the foyer that reminds you of a room in a natural history museum than an everyday front entrance.
As you find your way through his bright and airy home, you find more things that will stop you and invite you to linger. Collections of cookbooks, begonias, vases and pottery. Paintings that rival museum collections, some of which were done by Michael himself.
At one point, after a refreshing snowy outing and a scrumptious homemade sushi lunch, I found myself enjoying a cup of green tea, looking out to the snowy landscape outside, a cookbook on my lap. The feeling that sank in was one of peace and tranquility. I was warm, content, and happy.
It occurred to me that I was on a mini-retreat.
And I've got to believe that my children felt the same way. Thanks, Michael, for such a lovely gift of friendship and generosity; for sharing your home and your heart. We already look forward to returning to Hopewell Springs.
