there are the people with whom we have relationships with that are sustained simply because of proximity, history, and habit. the ones that might leave us feeling depleted rather than filled, badgered rather than buoyed. then there are the ones that engage and rapture. the ones that base themselves in a willingness to show flaw and foundation, rawness and revelry, and serve to reassure us that we are ok. these are the real ones. the ones that offer belonging. the ones that show us ourselves. the ones that will always default to the truth that we are inherently good. the ones that see beyond our limitations and know our potential–and that want for us to get there.

i was surrounded by some real ones this past week in london. my daughter was able to meet them, too. centered around the wedding of sas and ash, our travels were filled with generosity, beauty, and raucous laughter. sas, susannah, leonie, emma, penny, jo and megg have already posted about the main event. it was all that and more. timeless, elegant, relaxed and refined. tear jerking and honest. witty and, again, real. and in the company of these women, and their men, i felt elevated. welcomed, fit, and home.

the rest of our trip was spent touring about castles, palaces and abbeys. shopping regent street and seeing war horse (amazing). we shared bbq (and then some) with the newlyweds, the wise’s, and the dynamic canadian/brit duo. we slept soundly in the chic quarters offered us by leonie and nic, and we finished our travels with a train ride to bath and a fabulous lunch with sus.

i am home now, ready to enjoy my man and my family, plant an herb garden, and prepare for my next documentary project (mexico-next month). everything with the intention to keep it real. and in the company of only the real ones.