In the cool darkness of the trees a fortune teller had set up. He was tall and gaunt, as if he barely had enough skin to stretch over his frame. “Tell your fortune?” He offered in an accent I couldn’t place. I agreed. He tossed a handful of bones and sticks onto his mat. “The cat will hunt.” He looked up at me, “Do not forget your hunter self.” I thanked him with a coin and continued on my way. Don’t forget my true nature? A thought provoking admonition. #RPG #AMending #Embroidery

We are entering a thickly forested area with aspen turning golden among the evergreens. Beside the road a mighty tree rose up, its leaves still green and untouched by autumn. It’s roots crossed my path and seemed to invite me to pause for a moment in its shade. I stopped and ate lunch, sharing bits of my sandwich with the dog. When I started back on my journey I felt revitalized and optimistic. #RPG #Embroidery #AMending

We’ve been writing to each other faithfully since she moved away. Weekly letters about the mundane things in our lives mostly. I keep all of her letters in a wooden box and frequently pull out favorites and re-read them. I wonder if she does the same with mine? I wonder if the boring minutia of my days is as important to her as her’s is to me. #RPG #Embroidery #AMending

When she called and said “I need you.” I didn’t even ask why. As I think about this, my feet slowly eating up the distance between us, I realize it’s because I’ve been waiting for the day she asked me to come. I wasn’t sure she would, she’s never asked for much from me. But she needs me now and I’ve needed her always. #RPG #Embroidery #AMending

A colorful merchant’s tent was set up on the side of the road, selling tokens and charms. A shiny gold coin with the image of a horse caught my eye. The merchant explained that it was a traveler’s charm and would make my journey safe and smooth. I’m not sure how much I can trust a random merchant on the side of the road but it was worth a few of my own coins on the off chance my journey would be charmed. #RPG #Embroidery #AMending

I stop to rest, pulling out a well worn book. She said I’d love it because it was a story of adventure and discovery. She affixed a bookplate inside the cover with the inscription, “Until we meet again my friend.” Today I notice the corner of the label is peeling, there’s a second label underneath. Curious, I carefully peel back the edges and reveal a nearly identical inscription. Nearly because the words “my friend” had originally been “my love”. What could it mean? #Embroidery #RPG #AMending

The little dog is an excellent companion, listening to me reminisce as it investigates novel smells along the road. I told it about the time my friend encouraged me to cut my hair. A simple thing but I agonized because I knew my parents would disapprove. The long hair I’d always worn felt so wrong, so stifling. We chopped my hair off together, laughing and joyful in what felt like a rebirth. I’ll forever be grateful for her support, I am more comfortable now, more me. #RPG #AMending #Embroidery