half the pleasure

“Oh, Marilla, looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them,” exclaimed Anne. “You mayn’t get the things themselves; but nothing can prevent you from having the fun of looking forward to them." 

Anticipation for what will come. I love nothing more than to be waiting for something fantastic to come along. Readying myself for the events, the trips, the people that we will spend time with. I love looking forward to things. Excitement builds. Momentum takes shape in the form of planning and counting down the days. 

Then it happens. The future brings itself front and center. This is where we live. 

We just coasted down from the mountains. Celebrating November birthday weekend...

I'm not sure how this tradition started exactly. But every year I am always thankful for it. Something about that rustic cabin, the mountain backdrop. Fall trees in the middle of their transition. It's all a memory that I hold onto. 

The cake, the gifts, the songs. Our terrible attempt at playing pool. The dogs chasing each other. Kids staying up far past their bedtime.

The feeling when waking up that first morning. As the coffee maker drips the first cup, opening up the windows to see the mountains up close. To watch the fog roll in, so close that you could almost touch it.

 The whole experience takes your breath away. To be surrounded by so much beauty in one place.

I'll keep busying myself with looking forward to things. Because after all of that waiting...all of the hoping, the dreaming. When the time comes-- when you are actually living it out in the now-- all that you have been envisioning is just that much sweeter.