Sunday, June 10, 2007

Countdowns

I'm started to get terribly excited with butterflies in my stomach. We are one week away from Quanah's wedding to Erin; one day away from my last two days of work for the rest of the month; four days away from our departure drive to Portland, OR; and six day away from the rehearsal dinner. I am nine days away from a day at The Grotto and then an evening at Powell's Bookstore meeting up with Jone and perhaps others and ten days away from fulfilling a long-time dream of visiting Astoria, OR.


Have you ever become fixed on a place you just knew you had to visit? I have a few and I've even fulfilled my ultimate place fixation when I visit Mont St. Michel in the summer of '96. I remember seeing a picture of Mont St. Michel in a travel ad when I was eight years old. The place was the stuff of dreams and I wasn't disappointed.

I remember first being aware of the town of Astoria in, of all things, its role as the locale for the movie, Goonies. That was followed by Kindergarten Cop and Free Willy. I'm sure it is all about the location. Like Mont St. Michel, Astoria's geography is breath-taking and I don't think it is any accident that water is their prominent feature. Astoria is magical and we plan to spend two days there. Don says he has a surprise in store for me and I can't wait to discover what it may be. He's done this to me before and no matter what I might think it will be, he always fools me. This time won't be any different, I'm sure.



20 comments:

Miss Robyn said...

I have a fixation, a strong one that I must visit Cornwall - and I am going to - yes, in 2009! a way off but it is in the wind and on the wings of faeries.

ooh, I wonder what the surprise is - I love surprises !

Julie said...

Sounds like exciting times ahead. Mont St. Michel looks like a fairy tale.

Above all, be safe as you travel and enjoy.

Susie said...

As I clicked on all those links, I was remembering our visit to all those spots! I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time there.
The wedding will be on our 40th anniversary..It's been a wonderful date for us.
Can't wait to hear about your suprise in Astoria! We love that town, although I must admit the bridge that crosses over into Washington is not my very favorite. The views are stunning though!!
xo

nonizamboni said...

Hoping you have a wonderful trip to Astoria. I'm a transplanted westerner so its lovely to hear about that part of the country.
Also love the music. Stop by to see me at http://nonizamboniblue.blogspot.com/
when you get a chance.
Happy week!

turquoise cro said...

Wooooo Hooooo! Annie!!! Butterflies in your stomach, that is Sweet! EXCITING times await!!! I always dream of getting back to New Mexico!!! Can't wait to seeeeeeeeeee Don's surprise!! tee hee

TMTW said...

Congrats to the kids!

Please do take plenty of pictures so that we can share in the special day, too (and in your journey to Astoria.)

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

It all sounds so exciting and wonderful....the new marriage of your son and all the places you will see.
I wonder what Don has in store for you, can't wait to find out!(as I am sure you feel that way yourself)
I went to the Grotto when I was little and I remember it being quite beautiful.
G and I will soon be planning our road trip to Seattle - with stops to see friends in a few places in Oregon. We may have to add Astoria. I've been going to Oregon all my life but do not recall ever going there.
I'd like to be in Portland on a weekend for Saturday Market.
I know you will have many wonderful photos and stories to share from your trip!
XOXO
Love and hugs,
Lisa

Anonymous said...

I'm so very happy and excited for you and your family! So much coming together all at the same (almost) time! Huge milestones in your lives. Butterflies I think is an understatement! WOZER Anne, May God Richly Bless You as you turn new pages at this time in your life. I'm really, really excited! Go in safety and peace my dear friend. Love you guys!

Mary Timme said...

I'm not sure I do have a fixation on any one place. I do know when we moved here I felt in my body and soul I'd come home. Since, I grew up in various geogragphical locations, that seemed odd to me. Why would this be the home of my heart? Then I learned, years and years later, that my grandmother had been born in the mountains, married there the first time to a miner who died and then married my grandfather. Ah! This is home!

Kim said...

This sounds like such a beautiful time in your life, Annie. Enjoy every moment it. ;)

Rethabile said...

Oooh, sounds like fun. Say hello to Deo Writer for me. So you came to france and went to see Mont St Michel instead of me! Well, next time...

Anonymous said...

I hear those bell and the songs of love.
I am so happy your spirit is soaring.

Bimbimbie said...

Sounds like the countdown is on for some wonderful times ahead, enjoy every moment *!*

paris parfait said...

You have so many delightful events and trips to look forward to, Annie! Take lots of photos, in between adventures! xo

[a} said...

I know what you mean about a place you just HAVE to visit!! it's like it's calling your name... for me, that's british columbia (in canada), and madinah. both places are just beautiful & gorgeous & *speak* to me!!!

Astoria is SUCH a romantic-sounding name. It sounds like a palace-in-the-clouds or something equally enchanting.

If I ever stumbled upon some crumbling beautiful ancient temple in the middle of a jungle or something, I would name it Astoria.

Miss Robyn said...

oh and Annie - that day at the Grotto sounds just perfect! I wish I could be there with you, what fun we would have xoxo

Wanda said...

Oh Annie: I've missed reading your post while I was gone...will catch up now.
So happy for you!!! Have a wonderful time.

Gypsy Purple said...

Oh Annie....such an exciting time for you.....thinking of you and just know you will be a knock-out!!!!!

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

I know what you mean! And I am so happy for you! The best but I am going to miss you. Promise me you will post your pictures first chance you get? Please?

Anonymous said...

Mont St. Michel is a tidal island, isn't it, and from the celtic world - just like Lindisfarne.