Grapefruits

Spring is here.  Warm evenings and a loosening of joints and possibility.   Three weeks ago I noticed that our grapefruit tree was heavy with fruit.  I decided then we would have friends over for homemade Greyhound cocktails.

My daughter Avery was home with a cold on Friday and instead of going in to work I stayed home with her.  Making her care a priority felt really good.  I consciously slowed down to take more of her in and be present.  We read in bed, talked, and walked around the backyard on a perfectly sunny, warm day.

It was then I decided to pick the grapefruits.  I was overcome with so much gratitude.  The tree has always been rooted to this one place but I never really noticed it.  The extra rains this year meant more fruit and blossoms. 

I made a pitcher of pure juice and later neighborhood friends came over with a platter of lobster, rolls from the nearby Vietnamese restaurant, homemade Dal, vegetables and quinoa, and two cakes from a bakery. 

What abundance! 

The kids played four square on the court while we sat in the backyard laughing, sharing, and talking. 

All the ingredients for fullness, presence, and connection are always right before us.  It takes squeezing it from what is right before you.   Not yearning, wishing, or feeling a lack.  Not looking on Instagram, Pinterest, Sunset magazine at the perfect backyard party. 

Here's to more fresh squeezed memories.  It's enough.  It's more than enough.