As I write this, I’m sitting at a rest area/visitor’s center in Wallace, Idaho. I pulled off because I decided to follow sign for the “scenic route” of the highway I’m taking toward Missoula, MT. Why not? I figured. I got time. And as I get out of the van to take Coach for a walk, I see a truck and a trailer pull off the highway. A few guys are inside. One waves out the window and nods. I nod back. Throw a peace sign. A few moments later, my dog walk loops back around and the guy from the truck starts chatting me up.

“Where you from?” He says.

“Califonia.” Me.

“Me too! Where?” He says.

And so on and so on. Turns out, we’re from the same place. Traveled the same exact route. And are heading to the same spot. Three buddies on a road trip, dirt-biking, camping, exploring, shooting. Sounds like me, I thought, minus the dirt-biking, which would be one piece that would make this trip for me even more fun.

What are the odds? I think. Meeting people so randomly, so spontaneously. You can’t plan this stuff. And I’m reminded of my past week and how the whole thing has happened this way. One trail that leads to another. One lead, that leads to the next thing. And I’m reminded that if I wasn’t flowing freely, if I was making too many plans, I wouldn’t have ended up in Squamish BC visiting with three amazing coaches, or back in Seattle for some more country dancing, on a boat on lake in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, or potentially on a horse property owned by one of the truck guy’s girlfriends in Montana. I’m so grateful for the serendipity. For the growth. And since it’s Gratitude Friday up in here, I’d like to share with you all the gratitude stuffs on my mind.

I’m grateful for:

The van that has become my home along this journey. Friends who show me around town and take good care of me (that means YOU Clinton and Rebecca). Meeting people in real life for the first time after only knowing them online. Rock climbing. Sunshine. Lakes. Hikes. Support from afar. The randomness of life. Not planning, and having amazing things show up. Planning, and having it work out. Writing writing writing. Alone time. Showers. Starbucks for their free hot water for my tea in the morning. Walmart parking lots (sorry…they’re awesome for travelers). Great conversation. Boats. A slight breeze on a warm day. Sunsets that blow my mind. Presence. Dreaming. Being. Stumbling upon something that changes my life, even if in just a small way.

Now your turn. What are YOU grateful for today? Go on. Don’t be shy. Leave a comment below and let me know.

Here are some pics from my week.

CANADA! And the amazing girls I hung out with in Squamish.

Climbing Rocks

Fresh Picked Berries. Squamish.

Boat Ride. Lake Coeur d\’ Alene, Idaho

Sunset. Lake Coeur d\’Alene

Mineral Ridge Hike. Coeur d\’Alene, Idaho

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