Sacred Life Sunday: Reclaiming With Love

Thirteen years ago today I secretly got married at City Hall. Bryon and I wanted to buy a house together -- the house he lives in still -- and we had to be married in order to qualify for a VA loan. We knew we'd eventually get married publicly and this was simply a formality, and we intentionally chose June 21, the Summer Solstice. I remember the judge was a big black man, very warm with a great sense of humor, and he agreed to marry us outside in the courtyard so our dogs Elliott and Ranger could be present. Elliott the eternal troublemaker got into trouble by pooping in the ivy!

Exactly two years later, eleven years ago today, we publicly got married. That was our real union. Our wedding and reception were held in our backyard -- at the house we'd bought two years earlier -- under a big white tent filled with our friends and family. Men drummed, women smudged, my best friend baked the cakes, Dixie's BBQ catered. Elliott and Ranger carried our rings in little leather pouches around their necks. It was a personal, fun and incredibly intimate day.

Today is the first Summer Solstice since 1994 that I have been a single woman. This day obviously holds deep meaning for me -- good memories for sure, I got married on it -- twice! -- and celebrated 13 anniversaries on it. And I wanted to reclaim this special day in my new life. This new phase that is so incredibly distinct, powerful, unknown, exciting and poignant.

So I threw a party! On the invitations I called it a Summer Solstice Housewarming Party. Yes, it was that -- and so much more. Today ranks up there as one of the finest days of my life. Not everyone came who I hoped would come, but I was delighted with those who did.

The weather was perfect, the food was amazing, the fellowship even more so. People oohed and aahed over my house and garden, which felt good, but what felt better was to bask in their presence. I felt myself, and my house, and my yard, blessed by the love and goodwill of everyone there.

Then some of the guys, who belong to a band called the Blisstrz, pulled out their instruments and started to play. I sat there and reveled in the utter fantasticness of a band of guys I adore playing music in MY back yard!

And then it hit me like a lightning bolt. The last -- and only -- time that live music was played in my back yard . . . was eleven years ago today, during my wedding.

There are no coincidences. God's handiwork is f-in' amazing! Her presence in my life totally rocks.

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Comments

[Olivia]

It looks like so much fun, Carla! Good for you and happy solstice! I'd forgotten until I saw your post...Peace and joy and celebration, O xxoo

[Rebecca]

What a wonderful way to claim anew a truly special day. Blessings to you! Rebecca

I so wish I could have been a part of the sweet celebration that took place yesterday in your home. Happy Summer Soulstice Beautiful Woman!

Lisa (:

[Kathryn Knoll]

I love that you have chosen a life style that continues to be in sync with the rhythyms and beat of Mother Earth. It will go a long way to continuing to bring all good gifts your way. No wonder you are content. It blesses us all!

[Lori-Lyn]

Oh what a beautiful post. You continue to inspire me.

[DragonflyReflections]

It sounds like a beautiful and very sacred day. Congratulations on reclaiming it for your own and thanks for sharing!

[Bill Tierney]

Carla,
It was my pleasure and my honor to be a part of your Solstice Day Celebration.

And the Blisstrz have never had a more appreciative audience!

Thanks for letting us be a part of your NEW life.

Love, Bill

[jane]

Fantastic Carla! What a great backyard gathering!

[Bonnie]

Carla!
HOW wonderful, healthy, whole, healed you are!!!
Blessings always!
bonnie

[Nicole]

It sounds just perfect! Thanks for sharing your special day. Blessings, Nicole