Hello Dear NextTriber:

Since I founded NextTribe 9 years ago, reinvention and starting over have been major themes of the company. We wrote about it all the time when we were a digital magazine, and as we’ve pivoted into travel, those currents emerge again and again—women finding their footing in the great big world after divorce, retirement, empty nest, widowhood, whatever. Through travel, we can find inspiration and ideas on how we want to shape our lives going forward.

I am starting over myself. Officially, as of last Saturday, when I said “I do” in front of 120 people at a brewery in my hometown of Asheville. Five years ago, when my first marriage of 29 years ended, I couldn’t imagine I would be doing it once again. But that’s what’s so exciting about life—you never know, because surprises are around every corner.

My surprise was finding a man who was refreshingly free of the qualities I, sadly, had come to associate with men of a certain vintage—grumpiness, control issues, self-centeredness. Mike Floyd is loving, easy-going, patient and thoughtful beyond belief. Of course, there are many men out there like that, but I had to meet Mike to understand this for myself.

I’m one of six kids, and with spouses, children and grandchildren, the extended Ralston clan numbers around 50. Most of them were with us on Saturday, which meant lots of rowdiness, an old man dance off (my brothers), a young man dance off (my nephews), and general goofiness (we learned that from my beloved Dad, who was not with us to celebrate. Sigh).

My mom was with us though—at 97! She has been and remains a role model for Aging Boldly. Go Mom Go!!

One of the glorious benefits of marriage is adding new people to the family. Though I thought after my divorce that my immediate family was getting smaller, I see now that it is just growing and growing.

I started off with two wonderful boys, but now I also have two daughters (a daughter in law and a step daughter) and a step son—plus a new mother- and father-in-law, brothers and sisters-in-laws, nephews-in-law. Plus, the parents of my daughter in law. All of them were at the wedding too. I couldn’t be more grateful and am completely aware how blessed I am.

I’m stealing that line above from Laura Ross, one of our frequent travelers. Laura was at the wedding and so were many other women I’ve met through NextTribe trips.

I had friends from all phases of my life—college besties, NYC pals, Austin people and now, my Asheville group. Also there in force was women who work for NextTribe. I can’t believe I don’t have a photo with Jeannie Edmunds!!

This wasn’t a traditional wedding. We had a food truck serving dinner outside the venue and an ice cream cart inside dishing out goodies. Instead of a traditional officiant, my dear friend from college, Ellesor Holder, did the honors. Many of you know Ellesor because she leads trips for NextTribe and is oh-so entertaining.

She was in perfect form on Saturday—regaling the crowd with stories and insights before pronouncing us husband and wife. One of the most poignant parts of the service was when she repeated Mike’s advice to his children. “If you ever feel like nothing is going to get better, stop. If you ever feel like you will never find someone who truly loves you and sees your greatness—stop. You will. Just keep going.”

I think that message resonated with a lot of guests who have been through hard times or bad luck on the dating apps. I went through some bleakness after my divorce and see how important it is to hold on to optimism, or at least recover it as soon as possible after a blow. Here’s to resiliency!

My favorite moment was, of course, when Mike and I made it official. But next to that was when my sons walked me down the aisle. I was filled with such elation to have them by my side at this pivotal point of my life.

I’ll never forget the scene. Me in my prized Nudie jacket, feeling the love of my children, while the Rolling Stones song, “She’s a Rainbow” played. Just as I entered the room, guests stood up and starting cheering and clapping. It was out of a dream. Better than I could have imagined.

Thank you, God, for a day to remember.

 Cheers and hugs—

Jeannie Ralston
Founder and CEO

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