I have three of my dearest girlfriends coming to visit, all at once, tomorrow afternoon. They’ll stay with me until Monday. This morning I am gathering the roses, sweeping the floors, beating the rugs and hanging the laundry out to dry. Steady company here since December of last year has been very good for staying on top of housework! I’ve been taking it easy lately and my tidying efforts are free of stress and relatively unhurried. There’s a sort of gentle, tender lovingness that is being poured into preparing my home for these friends. I find myself putting a little extra elbow grease into cleaning the bathtub and when I snap the wet white towels before hanging them on the line, there’s an extra zest to the whip of my wrists — you see, I’m not cleaning for me, I’m cleaning for them. I want them to feel welcome and to enjoy where they sleep and eat while they’re here because all of that is an extension of who Robert and I are as people.

I feel like all the company we’ve had at The Gables over the past nine months has finally taught me to enjoy preparing my home for friends and family! It’s kind of wonderful. Actually, this past year has been a huge lesson in learning to slow down and enjoy all forms of work. I’m getting better at savoring life.

I can’t wait to see my friends.

I can’t wait for the four of us to be all in one

place for the first time in history.

Come girls, come!

I’ve prepared for you,

both my home and heart,

the doors are open.

Come in.