Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Connecting with old friends - Laura Ashwood

Last week I got an unexpected call from a dear friend of mine from high school. She was wanting to get away for a few days and knew we lived by the big lake (Lake Superior), so she asked if I had plans and could she stay with us. We hadn't seen each other for a couple of years (we live nearly 500 miles apart), so I readily agreed. 

Fall up the north shore of Minnesota is amazing. We began our day by driving to Two Harbors so she could see the lighthouse. It's about a 90 minute drive there and we had a blast catching up and reminiscing. It was drizzly when we left my house and by the time we got to the lighthouse, it was really foggy, but it was really pretty. 







After we were done in Two Harbors, we continued north to Gooseberry Falls. There are two different series of waterfalls there and it was a nice hike. The weather had cleared by then and the temps were in the mid-60s. We continued catching up, we've really only seen each other three or four times in the last thirty years, and most were big events (our weddings) that didn't allow us a chance to really talk.



We continued north to Split Rock Lighthouse, which sits on a 168 foot cliff. It's a sight to behold. A mile long hike led to the beach where we made a rock stack and marveled in God's creation. I love the water and would love to live near the ocean, but not being even close to that in Minnesota, Lake Superior is the next best thing. It's so peaceful listening to the water rush against the rocks that litter the shoreline. 






No trip up the north shore is complete without a stop at Betty's Pies. It's a local landmark, and didn't disappoint. We each got a slice of pie called Great Lakes. It's the great taste of apple, blueberry, rhubarb, strawberry and raspberry all rolled into one. 








The return trip to Duluth and Canal Park was filled with talk about dreams and goals. It gave me an opportunity to reassess my own goals in a different way than when I plan at the beginning of the year. 








It was fun to take a look back, but I honestly appreciated our talk about what's to come even more. 

In this time of so much negativity and uncertainty and stress, it was nice to take some time with a friend and just appreciate some of the good things in this world. 

In my book, An Agent for Clarissa, Clarissa has a dear friend named Amy, who is much like my friend Pamela (she's on the right). She is probably my oldest friend, and while I have other close friends, this particular friendship will always be special.

Do you still have friends from school? I'd love to hear. 

Until next month....

xo, Laura

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Christmas Puppies are coming! Six of our SRR authors have written stories featuring a puppy for Christmas. Join them on the SRR Cafe tomorrow (9/24) from 2 pm-7 pm, for fun, games, and prizes.


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Visit Laura at her website at www.lauraashwood.com.

9 comments:

  1. I have a couple of friends from high school who I keep in touch with. It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your friend!

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  2. Lovely post, Laura. How wonderful to have such a good friend. (And the pie sounded delicious!)

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  3. Yes I still have a high school friend that I am close with. I also have high school and college friends that I've reconnected with on FB.

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  4. I'm so glad you were able to reconnect with your friend, Laura! I have five girlfriends from high school who get together for a long weekend every two years. Unfortunately covid got in the way this year, but we're hoping for 2021!

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