A "Cher Bebe" Kinda Party

As we walked through the front door the smell from the huge pot of gumbo immediately accosted me.  In a good way.  Kids were already playing and running in and out from the back door to the living room.  I walked out myself, only after getting many hugs from good friends and my glass of wine was poured.  The Autumn sunlight felt good on my shoulders as I stepped into the backyard of my friend's welcoming and full-of-life home.

We came to celebrate both of her beautiful children's birthdays and friendship and the passage of time, with all of it's bittersweet-ness engulfed in an afternoon of stories and laughter and cake and ice cream.

Sometimes I still wonder (after 3 + years!) what the heck we are doing in Louisiana.  But then I spend time with friends like these and I am easily reminded...