Julie welcomes to me Atlanta with Fresh, garden-picked cherry tomatoes!

I met Julie Laurent last summer in Portland. I’d gone home to attend my late Grandfather John’s memorial service, and during the few weeks I spent at home with the family, the still-blossoming lavender crop from the farm which once was, was ready to be picked and freely distributed to countless smiling strangers at Portland’s summertime street fairs. During summer #5 of free lavender distribution (see my “Lavender w/Love” facebook photo album), I generally put out the word on Facebook, Craigslist and Couchsurfing, inviting anyone & their mother to join me during any great street fair giveaway. I’ve met many sweet souls during the lavender seasons, and Julie has been on of the highlights .
Last summer, Julie was passing through Portland at just the right time during her Eat-Pray-Love-type thirtysomething spiritual pilgrimage experience. Julie, from France, moved to the US about five years ago from her hometown, just north of Paris. Despite having achieved an excellent command of everyday English, she maintains a French accent so pretty, that even if she were to simply recite mundane auto repair manuals, her sweet accent could still sing you to sleep.
After we teamed up for lavender and some meditation in Portland, she also happened to be passing through Austin after I’d returned to ATX, and was about to resume my miles. She joined me for three days of walking out of Austin, the final two with Jenna Jasso– an awesome experience during which we walked from Jenna’s LoveATX headquarters to Bastrop’s Awesome Hollow, home to the Church of Awesome, on Possum Hollow Road.
After spending a night in Awesome Hollow, Julie set off on her three-day, thousand-mile return trip to Atlanta. She spent a night in Houston with Simplicity Love & Rashida Alisha Hagakore, who ultimately invited me in for weeks and introduced me to a spunky social life via their “Houston Consciousness Community.”
Not long after returning to Atlanta, Julie returned to France, with the intention of moving back permanently. However, the Universe had other plans for Julie, and just a few months ago, she returned to Atlanta. She’s currently living in NW Atlanta, in a phase of busily working for a local florist, and living below a nearby neighbor, home facing the woods.
She invited me in weeks ago. I told her I would likely spend the rest of August in Atlanta, and though her parents, who don’t speak any English, are currently visiting from France, she’s created space for us all. I’ll probably do some hopping around within Atlanta while here, as I am making myself fully available to speak to schools and other groups, but Julie will remain “home base” while in town– especially since by now, Julie feels like family .
What a delight it’s been to spend these first 48 hours in Atlanta with a dear friend– and I very much look forward to spending more time with her & family & friends throughout these coming days within Atlanta.

Julie & her parents