1. a. A container or shelter made by a bird out of twigs, grass, or other material to hold its eggs and young.
b. A place in which young are reared; a lair.
2. A place affording snug refuge or lodging; a home.
3. a. A place or environment that fosters rapid growth or development, a nest of activity.
4. a. A set of objects of graduated size that can be stacked together, each fitting within the one immediately larger.
b. A cluster of similar things.
For as long as I can remember, I have been "nesting". This instinct probably began with my first doll but the tendency is alive and well today. I can remember hauling everything my mom owned out on the back patio on Orchard Drive. Kathryn and I would spend an entire summer day building a "nest" for our dolls. My mother deserves sainthood for allowing such a creative venture. But, that was only the beginning.
Bobbi (Grey) Plewe and I were the trendsetters of our day when we showed up at BYU with matching sheets and comforters in a cheery yellow check pattern. Our dorm room was color coordinated and tidy. That old "nesting" instinct was alive and well in both of us.
Since my marriage to Dave in 1977, we have moved 13 times! Because I am a girl whose fondest dreams included sinking deep roots and sharing my heart and life with those around me, the moves were difficult. Each move required saying goodbye to those we dearly loved and beginning anew, one twig at a time, to build a new nest, a place of refuge. Lest it sounds like I am just referring to the "physical nest", I am not. With each move I had to find the neighborhood, school, and house where my 'chicks" could flourish and thrive, but once that was done, we had to began the slow but important process of entwining our lives with those around us. When I felt deep loneliness in my new place I would often recall this quote by Antoine De Saint Expury from "Wind, Sand and Stars":
"Old friends cannot be created out of hand. Nothing can match the treasures of common memories, of trials endured together, of quarrels and reconcilliations and generous emotions. It is idle having planted an acorn in the morning to expect that afternoon to sit in the shade of the oak."
This year, I have watched (and I've added a twig or two) as my kids have been doing some nesting or their own. This past summer, Katie and Mike purchased their first home on Sands Drive. They have busily cleaned and redecorated this darling home to make it all their own. Dave and I have been proud of the hard work, sacrifice and love that has gone into making this house a home. It is truly a place where one wants to put their feet up and nestle in for a long winter's nap.
Jennie leased the apartment that Katie and Mike vacated and has truly felt that instinctual need for nesting. Her flair for decorating is as great as her flair for fashion. Watch out Pottery Barn! This independent young girl has found the strength to live alone, work hard and create her own life. We couldn't be more proud.
Sarah and Grant purchased an apartment in Queens, NY. What an ordeal. After months of working with the co-op that owns the building, they were finally approved as buyers. They moved into their nest in June 2009 and have made it into a beautiful home. They have been blessed to live in a place with classic charm. This new found space will give them a restful haven in the midst of a very busy city life. They are busy doing all of the things it takes to create a "home".
Annie and Erik continue to have a nest where everyone wants to gather. Her door is always open and my birds seem to flock there. She and Erik always have good food and good advice for my teenagers. Keep up the good work Annie, I'm not done raising my kids yet.
So, as you can see, we have done alot of "moving" this year. I am proud to note that my girls are also learning that "creating a nest" is much, much more than settling into a new space, it is building a life that will nurture and build themselves as well as all of those that they love!
And Connor, he is still tightly tucked in my nest. He would probably love to fly the coop but for now, he is still under my wing. Time will fly quickly and he will be serving a mission in a corner of the world meant just for him. I am grateful he is here. Life would be lonely without him at home. His cute sense of humor brightens my days. But, when the time comes for him to leave, I will march forward and watch with joy as he creates his own place in this Great Wild World! When it is time for him to fly, he will really "fly".
Last but not least is Dave, my main man, my partner in crime and the joy in my life. You honey, are the mud that glues all of us together! When all is said and done, we will always have each other and this wonderful family that we have built together. It doesn't get better than that!
Now, that was a long intro to my new blog... My Nest...a place were I hope to journal about my life, longings and learnings..One Twig at a Time!
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