This weekend was one of discovery. Allow me to share...
After waking up a little late for church, and realizing that the pants I wanted to wear had not been ironed yet, I went in search of the ironing board and iron that can usually be found in the kitchenette. The board was there, the iron was not. So I had to either go to church wearing pants that looked like they had dried tied in a knot, or, find some other way of ironing them. Dilemma! But, I figured something out. My hair straightener works to iron clothes! Who would'a thunk it? Yep, I learned that a hair straightener can be used as an iron.
After church, while we were sitting at potluck, I learned something else! There were two little girls playing by the wall behind us. Keith was sitting across from me and saw them. He decided to try something. So he pulled out his pen/flashlight/laser-pointer and pointed it at the wall next to where the girls were playing. Sure enough, it worked. Like cats they started climbing the walls after the little red light. So, when you have a room full of adults, and two little girls, you can use a laser pointer to entertain everybody!!!
See, a day full of lessons that I will take with me for years to come.
11/12/07
11/8/07
Starbucks
I'm sitting in Starbucks right now. It is 10:37 in the morning on a Thursday. There are a lot of people here.
Across from me there is a young man with three or four rings on his hands. He's drinking something hot and studying for one of his classes. He steps outside for a smoke every now and then.
Next to him are two women and a little boy. One is his Mom, the other might be his aunt. They each have a hot drink, lattes I think. They got him a little hot chocolate. I think he's asleep now.
Next to them are some abandoned newspapers left by the gentleman who isn't sitting there any more.
On my right there are three older people. Two gentlemen and a lady. They are looking at something on a laptop, but I can't tell what it is. It must be interesting though, they are looking really closely and talking and pointing.
Behind them are three women sitting at a table. Two came late. I can't tell what they are talking about, but all three are dressed very business like, but quite fashionable. They all have dangly earrings and bracelets and they are all wearing pointy heels. One ordered the pumpkin spice latte, and when she tasted it, she exclaimed “Oh my God, it tastes like pumpkin pie!” I guess she didn't expect it.
Behind me I hear a shuffling of newspapers. An older gentleman is sipping on his coffee and looking at the business section. Or is it sports. Maybe he's interested in lifestyles. I bet he's looking for someplace to take his wife tonight. It's probably their 30th anniversary or her birthday or something. I bet she's at work right now, and has no idea he's planning something for her. I bet he'll pick her up at work with a bouquet of 30 flowers. Or maybe he's just reading the headlines...
A large group just walked in. They are all wearing white shirts and black pants and black-and-white-striped aprons that come down below their knees. It looks like their boss is treating them to coffee for a job well done. He is in a black suit. They are probably caterers. They have that air of high-end food about them. One tab, he said. There are about 12 people there. One tab. There are five women and five women, plus the boss. Did I count right? One is standing in front of me waiting for his drink and looking at the CDs. His pants are Dickies. The girl in all black has a big, silver belt buckle that she keeps hooking her thumbs over. She's with one of the guys, they just put their arms around each other. They all have a little black book in the pocket of their aprons, some on the left, some on the right. Some of these guys seem really young, other seem very experienced. They are “heading back to the operation” the boss says. They have their “goodies” so it's time to go. Just like that they leave, and it's somewhat quiet again.
The store is already decorated like Christmas here. They have a wreath in the window. All of their Christmas themed merchandise is on the shelves, red, green, white, snow flaked, candy-caned. The CD rack holds Christmas albums by Josh Groban and other names that I don't recognize.
My ice water is sweating on the table beside me. My coffee is not quite warm anymore.
I just heard the older people beside me mention Southern. One is talking about colleges in the area. I'm wondering what they are talking about. The couple doesn't seem too old. It looks like they are wanting to buy something. Property, houses. I don't know. They have a couple of maps out. I guess they are leaving now. Going to look at something or another.
The place seems empty now. But it's really not. I'm just here alone.
Across from me there is a young man with three or four rings on his hands. He's drinking something hot and studying for one of his classes. He steps outside for a smoke every now and then.
Next to him are two women and a little boy. One is his Mom, the other might be his aunt. They each have a hot drink, lattes I think. They got him a little hot chocolate. I think he's asleep now.
Next to them are some abandoned newspapers left by the gentleman who isn't sitting there any more.
On my right there are three older people. Two gentlemen and a lady. They are looking at something on a laptop, but I can't tell what it is. It must be interesting though, they are looking really closely and talking and pointing.
Behind them are three women sitting at a table. Two came late. I can't tell what they are talking about, but all three are dressed very business like, but quite fashionable. They all have dangly earrings and bracelets and they are all wearing pointy heels. One ordered the pumpkin spice latte, and when she tasted it, she exclaimed “Oh my God, it tastes like pumpkin pie!” I guess she didn't expect it.
Behind me I hear a shuffling of newspapers. An older gentleman is sipping on his coffee and looking at the business section. Or is it sports. Maybe he's interested in lifestyles. I bet he's looking for someplace to take his wife tonight. It's probably their 30th anniversary or her birthday or something. I bet she's at work right now, and has no idea he's planning something for her. I bet he'll pick her up at work with a bouquet of 30 flowers. Or maybe he's just reading the headlines...
A large group just walked in. They are all wearing white shirts and black pants and black-and-white-striped aprons that come down below their knees. It looks like their boss is treating them to coffee for a job well done. He is in a black suit. They are probably caterers. They have that air of high-end food about them. One tab, he said. There are about 12 people there. One tab. There are five women and five women, plus the boss. Did I count right? One is standing in front of me waiting for his drink and looking at the CDs. His pants are Dickies. The girl in all black has a big, silver belt buckle that she keeps hooking her thumbs over. She's with one of the guys, they just put their arms around each other. They all have a little black book in the pocket of their aprons, some on the left, some on the right. Some of these guys seem really young, other seem very experienced. They are “heading back to the operation” the boss says. They have their “goodies” so it's time to go. Just like that they leave, and it's somewhat quiet again.
The store is already decorated like Christmas here. They have a wreath in the window. All of their Christmas themed merchandise is on the shelves, red, green, white, snow flaked, candy-caned. The CD rack holds Christmas albums by Josh Groban and other names that I don't recognize.
My ice water is sweating on the table beside me. My coffee is not quite warm anymore.
I just heard the older people beside me mention Southern. One is talking about colleges in the area. I'm wondering what they are talking about. The couple doesn't seem too old. It looks like they are wanting to buy something. Property, houses. I don't know. They have a couple of maps out. I guess they are leaving now. Going to look at something or another.
The place seems empty now. But it's really not. I'm just here alone.
11/5/07
Wind-blown Color
I was sitting down by the elementary school yesterday afternoon, taking some pictures. The leaves on the tree over my head were orange, yellow, and almost-green. The leaves under my feet were mostly orange and crunchy.
When the breeze blew, the leaves on the ground would rustle and move a little. Leaves fell from the tree over my head, swirling around me. And the leaves on the pavement in front of me scuttled and rattled across the black top as the wind blew them in every different direction.
The wind hummed low in my ears, and caused the leaves all around me to rattle and hiss. They sounded like a rain stick.
The time I spent under that tree brought me back home in a way. The foliage at home far outshines the colors here. Here, most of the time we just go from green to brown. Not much orange or red in between. But under this tree, it was orange. It was a taste of what I've been missing.
When I caught the leaves in my camera, the colors that I saw just popped. The oranges were brighter, and reds were redder, the yellows were sunnier. Everything just seemed to glow through my lens, making me feel almost as if I'd stepped out of my world and into one of much more color.
The breeze that swirled around me must have carried me off somewhere with color and sun.
And then I noticed the trunk of the tree I was leaning on. It was actually pretty ugly, knotted and gnarly with lichen growing haphazardly here and there in ugly white spots. There was nothing especially spectacular about the trunk. Until I noticed something move.
A bright red lady bug was making his or her way up the trunk on the most ugly side of the tree. The stark contrast between the rough and grey bark and this smooth red bug was beautiful. That bug just crawled over whatever bumps or crevasses he came to. He didn't let anything stop his ascent. When the breeze blew too hard against him, he just hunkered down and clung with all his might to the bark.
More color in a drab situation. More color. Maybe that is what I need. More color.
See A Developing Story for a picture picture.
When the breeze blew, the leaves on the ground would rustle and move a little. Leaves fell from the tree over my head, swirling around me. And the leaves on the pavement in front of me scuttled and rattled across the black top as the wind blew them in every different direction.
The wind hummed low in my ears, and caused the leaves all around me to rattle and hiss. They sounded like a rain stick.
The time I spent under that tree brought me back home in a way. The foliage at home far outshines the colors here. Here, most of the time we just go from green to brown. Not much orange or red in between. But under this tree, it was orange. It was a taste of what I've been missing.
When I caught the leaves in my camera, the colors that I saw just popped. The oranges were brighter, and reds were redder, the yellows were sunnier. Everything just seemed to glow through my lens, making me feel almost as if I'd stepped out of my world and into one of much more color.
The breeze that swirled around me must have carried me off somewhere with color and sun.
And then I noticed the trunk of the tree I was leaning on. It was actually pretty ugly, knotted and gnarly with lichen growing haphazardly here and there in ugly white spots. There was nothing especially spectacular about the trunk. Until I noticed something move.
A bright red lady bug was making his or her way up the trunk on the most ugly side of the tree. The stark contrast between the rough and grey bark and this smooth red bug was beautiful. That bug just crawled over whatever bumps or crevasses he came to. He didn't let anything stop his ascent. When the breeze blew too hard against him, he just hunkered down and clung with all his might to the bark.
More color in a drab situation. More color. Maybe that is what I need. More color.
See A Developing Story for a picture picture.
10/31/07
feeling bloggish....
yeah, I know... two blogs in two days, almost unheard of!
So life is pretty much "normal" right now. We are almost half-way between mid-term break and Thanksgiving. I can't wait until thanksgiving!
I've been writing a piece for Columns, SAU's alumni magazine... it'll be out in the spring, so go look for it. This thing has caused me joy and grief... I'm enjoying writing it, but I'll be glad when it's finished.
Classes are trying to kick my butt.
I wanted to blog tonight... but I guess I've lost whatever it is I was going to say....
so....
goodnight
So life is pretty much "normal" right now. We are almost half-way between mid-term break and Thanksgiving. I can't wait until thanksgiving!
I've been writing a piece for Columns, SAU's alumni magazine... it'll be out in the spring, so go look for it. This thing has caused me joy and grief... I'm enjoying writing it, but I'll be glad when it's finished.
Classes are trying to kick my butt.
I wanted to blog tonight... but I guess I've lost whatever it is I was going to say....
so....
goodnight
10/30/07
The Lab
The lab is quiet. If you get past the sound of film canisters shaking and banging on the counter, it's quiet.
If you get past the sound of the dryer door opening, then slamming shut, then humming it's low-pitched, heated hum, it's quiet.
If you get past the tongs dropping on the floor in the developing room, it's quiet.
If you get past the shoes, wet from chemical drippings, squeaking across the floor, it's quiet.
If you get past the print dryer rollers constantly spinning like tires on pavement and it's occasional pop, it's quiet.
If you get past the trickle of water in the print room, it's quiet.
If you get past the students coming to the door asking for the personal opinion you can't give them, it's quiet.
If you get past the friends who crowd in and take up room in the print room while laughing obnoxiously at not-funny jokes, it's quiet.
If you get past the noise, it's quiet.
Tonight the lab is quiet. More quiet than usual. There have only been three people here so far. And none have been here at the same time.
One girl wanted to develop her negative. They didn't come out, so she left disappointed.
One guy wants to try a sepia print. So I mixed the chemicals, cause the entire first floor of Brock to smell like rotten eggs (as this is what sepia toner smells like) and set them out for him. He said he only wanted to do one print.
Another guy came in looking for film. He said he had run out. I don't know how that could be. Everyone got the same number of rolls. He should still have five rolls or so. But he's out. I don't know what to do, so I passed him off to Ruf. He'll fix it.
Now it's quiet again. I think I'm alone again.
I hear the trickle. The hum. The pop. They echo in my ears, and soon I don't know if I hear noise or silence. It's in the background, somewhere. Far away maybe.
The lights are bright, but I can see, so I won't complain. In the print room, the lights are yellow. They cause your eyes to feel wide open. Like you stepped into something just outside of real, but not quite.
I hear the trickle. But it's quiet.
If you get past the sound of the dryer door opening, then slamming shut, then humming it's low-pitched, heated hum, it's quiet.
If you get past the tongs dropping on the floor in the developing room, it's quiet.
If you get past the shoes, wet from chemical drippings, squeaking across the floor, it's quiet.
If you get past the print dryer rollers constantly spinning like tires on pavement and it's occasional pop, it's quiet.
If you get past the trickle of water in the print room, it's quiet.
If you get past the students coming to the door asking for the personal opinion you can't give them, it's quiet.
If you get past the friends who crowd in and take up room in the print room while laughing obnoxiously at not-funny jokes, it's quiet.
If you get past the noise, it's quiet.
Tonight the lab is quiet. More quiet than usual. There have only been three people here so far. And none have been here at the same time.
One girl wanted to develop her negative. They didn't come out, so she left disappointed.
One guy wants to try a sepia print. So I mixed the chemicals, cause the entire first floor of Brock to smell like rotten eggs (as this is what sepia toner smells like) and set them out for him. He said he only wanted to do one print.
Another guy came in looking for film. He said he had run out. I don't know how that could be. Everyone got the same number of rolls. He should still have five rolls or so. But he's out. I don't know what to do, so I passed him off to Ruf. He'll fix it.
Now it's quiet again. I think I'm alone again.
I hear the trickle. The hum. The pop. They echo in my ears, and soon I don't know if I hear noise or silence. It's in the background, somewhere. Far away maybe.
The lights are bright, but I can see, so I won't complain. In the print room, the lights are yellow. They cause your eyes to feel wide open. Like you stepped into something just outside of real, but not quite.
I hear the trickle. But it's quiet.
10/16/07
Wow...
This video was played this past weekend at a conference I went to in Nashville. This was an inspiration to me. It's edginess and message is the kind of thing I want to do. This is the kind of ministry I want to do.
I hope you get as much out of it as I did.
I hope you get as much out of it as I did.
9/25/07
"I caught a toad!"
*This is a reprint, somewhat. I wrote this early in the summer, and just re-wrote it to turn in for a class. This is a better version.*
On one particularly sunny summer day, my sister, Sam, went outside, tired of being confined to the indoors. She went alone; everyone else was working on something or reading something or not doing something. She stepped out the door, skipped off of the porch, and disappeared around the corner of the house, running off on a grand adventure all by herself.
Not five minutes later we heard her little footsteps padding across the porch again. We couldn’t see her, as she was shorter than the window in the door, but we could hear her plea.
“Can someone open the door, please?”
The urgency in her voice brought Mom to the door. Upon looking out, she saw little Sam standing there, with her hands cupped together in front of her, shaking all over with excitement.
“What do you have?” asked Mom.
“I caught a toad!” Sam exclaimed, with a grin stretched across her face.
Sam opened her hands just a little to show Mom her prize, and sure enough, a little toad poked his head out from between her fingers. Immediately following his head, the entire toad crawled out from the confines of the little hands holding it.
Before Sam could react, the independent toad leapt from her hands to the floor of the porch. It took Sam only a moment to recover, and she bent to try to catch the toad again. Anticipating her movements, the toad hopped to a spot just beyond her reach, closer to the edge of the porch. Once there, he turned back as if to say, “Catch me if you can!”
Sam accepted the challenge, and again moved towards the toad. The toad seemed to hesitate, seemingly mulling over his options: Be caught again, or jump. Apparently, the toad decided the best option was to jump.
Just as Sam's hands came within reach, the toad took a flying leap off the edge of the porch and into the forest of ferns growing below. Sam, heartbroken, stood on the edge of the porch staring into the ferns where the toad had disappeared. She watched closely, looking for any signs that would warrant re-capture of the leggy creature, but saw nothing but ferny green.
After a few moments of mourning the loss of her latest friend, Sam recovered and ran off again, disappearing around the corner of the house.
Five minutes later we heard her little footsteps padding across the porch. We couldn’t see her, but her plea was familiar.
“Could someone open the door, please?”
On one particularly sunny summer day, my sister, Sam, went outside, tired of being confined to the indoors. She went alone; everyone else was working on something or reading something or not doing something. She stepped out the door, skipped off of the porch, and disappeared around the corner of the house, running off on a grand adventure all by herself.
Not five minutes later we heard her little footsteps padding across the porch again. We couldn’t see her, as she was shorter than the window in the door, but we could hear her plea.
“Can someone open the door, please?”
The urgency in her voice brought Mom to the door. Upon looking out, she saw little Sam standing there, with her hands cupped together in front of her, shaking all over with excitement.
“What do you have?” asked Mom.
“I caught a toad!” Sam exclaimed, with a grin stretched across her face.
Sam opened her hands just a little to show Mom her prize, and sure enough, a little toad poked his head out from between her fingers. Immediately following his head, the entire toad crawled out from the confines of the little hands holding it.
Before Sam could react, the independent toad leapt from her hands to the floor of the porch. It took Sam only a moment to recover, and she bent to try to catch the toad again. Anticipating her movements, the toad hopped to a spot just beyond her reach, closer to the edge of the porch. Once there, he turned back as if to say, “Catch me if you can!”
Sam accepted the challenge, and again moved towards the toad. The toad seemed to hesitate, seemingly mulling over his options: Be caught again, or jump. Apparently, the toad decided the best option was to jump.
Just as Sam's hands came within reach, the toad took a flying leap off the edge of the porch and into the forest of ferns growing below. Sam, heartbroken, stood on the edge of the porch staring into the ferns where the toad had disappeared. She watched closely, looking for any signs that would warrant re-capture of the leggy creature, but saw nothing but ferny green.
After a few moments of mourning the loss of her latest friend, Sam recovered and ran off again, disappearing around the corner of the house.
Five minutes later we heard her little footsteps padding across the porch. We couldn’t see her, but her plea was familiar.
“Could someone open the door, please?”
8/2/07
kinda bored...
| What Your Favorite Color Green Says About You: |
 Balanced --- Relaxed --- Flexible Compassionate --- Philosophical --- Humble Loyal --- Inventive --- Unique |
| Your Personality Cluster is Extraverted Intuition |
 You are: A true wordsmith - a master of words Original, spontaneous, and a true inspiration Highly energetic, up for any challenge Entertaining and engaging, both to friends and strangers |
| Your Makeup Look Is |
 Dramatic Eyes with Naked Lips You rock an edgy, modern look with feminine grace |
| Your Quirk Factor: 23% |
 You have a few little quirks, but you generally blend in well with society. Only those who know you well know how weird you can be. |
| You Are a Cappuccino |
 You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new. However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like. You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation. You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please |
| You Can Hang With the Guys and the Girls |
 You've struck a good balance between girlie and laid back. You can keep it casual but when you dress up, you are as girly as the next girl. |
7/13/07
From the Mouths of Babes
Little kids retain more than we think they do.
I was reading bedtime stories to Sam tonight. We decided that since it's now Sabbath (Friday night) we would read Bible stories. I chose a book that contained stories about Josiah, Esther, and Noah. When we got to the beginning of Noah's story, I asked Sam if she knew who Noah was. Sure enough, she did!
Who was Noah?
"He built the ark!"
Why did he have to build the ark?
"Because of the big storm that was coming."
Who went into the ark?
"All the animals!"
I was either going to cry or laugh. I had never stopped to even think about how much she remembers from Sabbath School. Maybe I should ask her about it more often. I want to know what else she knows!
I was reading bedtime stories to Sam tonight. We decided that since it's now Sabbath (Friday night) we would read Bible stories. I chose a book that contained stories about Josiah, Esther, and Noah. When we got to the beginning of Noah's story, I asked Sam if she knew who Noah was. Sure enough, she did!
Who was Noah?
"He built the ark!"
Why did he have to build the ark?
"Because of the big storm that was coming."
Who went into the ark?
"All the animals!"
I was either going to cry or laugh. I had never stopped to even think about how much she remembers from Sabbath School. Maybe I should ask her about it more often. I want to know what else she knows!
7/7/07
Fun in Maine!
This week Aaron and I had a chance to go to Maine to visit with the extended family. We went up Tuesday evening, and on the 4th, we spent time with our Auntie Shelley, and cousins Richie, Will, and Kenny. Had a blast! But I have to admit, the highlight of our visit was Thursday, when Aaron and I spent the entire day with our Uncle Dan. I hadn't seen him since Christmas, so it was good to see him again. Even better was the tour he took us on of the Portland coast! There is nothing better than sea air. I didn't want to leave.
I can't even begin to list everything we did... Some of it I don't even remember, we did so much! But I took a ton of pictures! Most of my photos were film, and haven't been developed yet. But I did take some digital, and they came out quite well!
Here's one to tease you. For more, head on over to A Developing Story!
I can't even begin to list everything we did... Some of it I don't even remember, we did so much! But I took a ton of pictures! Most of my photos were film, and haven't been developed yet. But I did take some digital, and they came out quite well!
Here's one to tease you. For more, head on over to A Developing Story!
7/2/07
Tick Tock
This song is on Chris Rice's album called "Amusing." The whole CD is wonderful, but this song struck me today. I've heard it before, but today on my way home from town, I listened to it. After listening to it once, I played it again...and again, and again, and again. I suppose it was to hammer it in.
Read it, find it and listen to it. It's a good song.
Tick Tock by Chris Rice
Got our heels dug in
But time is draggin’ us toward
The time when time won’t matter anymore
They say life is but a vapor
Just a blip on a radar screen
Not the dates on your tombstone
But the dash in between
There’s just today, that’s all we got
There’s just today, that’s all we got
Tick-tock, the past is locked
The future’s far away
You can’t go back, you can’t hurry it up
You gotta learn to live today
Tick-tock, it’s now o’clock
The little hand is ours
The secon dhand sweeps us around
And the Big Hand has the power
The Big Hand has the power
Well am I livin’ or am I dyin’?
Will the world get another day?
I hear a baby cryin’, and I pluck out another gray
I’m always talkin’ about a change
But talkin’s all I’ve done
Well I’m gonna start tomorrow
But tomorrow never comes
There’s just today, that’s all we got
There’s just today, that’s all we got
Always runnin’ late
Don’t procrastinate
Leavin’ in a hurry
Life is rollin’ on
Give me just a second
Wait another minute
Sleep another hour
See another day dawn
Call you next week
See you in a month
Celebrate a season
Now another year’s gone
Well there goes a decade, a century, millenium
And here comes eternity, eternity, eternity
Here comes eternity, eternity, eternity
What’s up with eternity?
Read it, find it and listen to it. It's a good song.
Tick Tock by Chris Rice
Got our heels dug in
But time is draggin’ us toward
The time when time won’t matter anymore
They say life is but a vapor
Just a blip on a radar screen
Not the dates on your tombstone
But the dash in between
There’s just today, that’s all we got
There’s just today, that’s all we got
Tick-tock, the past is locked
The future’s far away
You can’t go back, you can’t hurry it up
You gotta learn to live today
Tick-tock, it’s now o’clock
The little hand is ours
The secon dhand sweeps us around
And the Big Hand has the power
The Big Hand has the power
Well am I livin’ or am I dyin’?
Will the world get another day?
I hear a baby cryin’, and I pluck out another gray
I’m always talkin’ about a change
But talkin’s all I’ve done
Well I’m gonna start tomorrow
But tomorrow never comes
There’s just today, that’s all we got
There’s just today, that’s all we got
Always runnin’ late
Don’t procrastinate
Leavin’ in a hurry
Life is rollin’ on
Give me just a second
Wait another minute
Sleep another hour
See another day dawn
Call you next week
See you in a month
Celebrate a season
Now another year’s gone
Well there goes a decade, a century, millenium
And here comes eternity, eternity, eternity
Here comes eternity, eternity, eternity
What’s up with eternity?
6/28/07
Grandma's House ~ Cheney Edition
When I was growing up, I always loved going to Grammie C's house because she had a brook. How many kids can say their Grandma has a brook? Yeah, it was cool.
Whenever it was warm enough, and sometimes when it wasn't, we would go and dip our toes in the water. No matter what season it was, that water was always freezing!
In the summer, all of the grandkids would go down to the brook and try to build a dam across it to create a swimming hole. The bottom of the brook was covered in big flat rocks, so it was a little hard to build a good dam...at least by ourselves.
After a few failed attempts, the kids would make a plea to the adults for more man-power. Daddy and Uncle Alan just couldn't resist the pitiful cries... Well, that's how they wanted it to look. They really just wanted to play in the water. Pretty soon dam-building had come to a standstill, and the uncles were having fun throwing big, flat, pizza-sized rocks into the water beside the kids, completely soaking the unsuspecting victim who wasn't paying attention.
The stories of the brook started long before the grandkids arrived though. When my Dad was growing up there, they had a dog named Festus. Festus was part bull mastiff, part german shepherd. He was big.
My Grampa used to fish in the pond, and he had this one fish that he had been feeding, waiting til it was big enough. Once day, he found some guy walking through the woods, fishing in the brook. This guy stopped, right in my grandparents' front yard, and was fishing!! So Grampa went out and asked the guy to go fish somewhere else. Grampa made sure Festus was still in the house, but he was just behind the screen door.
Well, the guy got mouthy with Grampa, saying that the brook was public property and he could fish there if he wanted to. Grampa said, Look, the brook may be public, but you're standing on MY land, so move along. Guy still was getting mouthy, even started swearing. Grampa said, Ok, you can either leave, or I'll let the dog loose. All the while Festus had been at the door, barking his massive big dog bark.
The guy still wouldn't leave, so Grampa went up to the door, and opened it. Festus was out like a shot. The guy started backing away, "Call your dog off! I'll leave!" Just then, this guy's kid came walking into view. Festus loved kids, the only thing kids had to worry about was getting licked to death. Grampa called to Festus, "Festus! Stop!" The call was timed just as Festus caught sight of the kid. Kid was more important than tresspassing Guy, so Festus stopped and went over to the kid wagging his tail, happy as could be.
The guy was thanking Grampa all over the place for calling off the dog, said he'd move on and wouldn't bother Grampa again. What the guy didn't know was that the kid was what stopped Festus. Nothing Grampa could have done would have stopped that dog.
The brook, and my Grampa are my most-missed memories from that house. Grampa's quiet presence and mischievous grin were as much a part of that house as the old brown paneling and big picture window.
The next post of Grandma's House, Cheney Edition will be a tribute to my Grampa, Vinny Cheney. The one person I look forward to seeing again the most.
Whenever it was warm enough, and sometimes when it wasn't, we would go and dip our toes in the water. No matter what season it was, that water was always freezing!
In the summer, all of the grandkids would go down to the brook and try to build a dam across it to create a swimming hole. The bottom of the brook was covered in big flat rocks, so it was a little hard to build a good dam...at least by ourselves.
After a few failed attempts, the kids would make a plea to the adults for more man-power. Daddy and Uncle Alan just couldn't resist the pitiful cries... Well, that's how they wanted it to look. They really just wanted to play in the water. Pretty soon dam-building had come to a standstill, and the uncles were having fun throwing big, flat, pizza-sized rocks into the water beside the kids, completely soaking the unsuspecting victim who wasn't paying attention.
The stories of the brook started long before the grandkids arrived though. When my Dad was growing up there, they had a dog named Festus. Festus was part bull mastiff, part german shepherd. He was big.
My Grampa used to fish in the pond, and he had this one fish that he had been feeding, waiting til it was big enough. Once day, he found some guy walking through the woods, fishing in the brook. This guy stopped, right in my grandparents' front yard, and was fishing!! So Grampa went out and asked the guy to go fish somewhere else. Grampa made sure Festus was still in the house, but he was just behind the screen door.
Well, the guy got mouthy with Grampa, saying that the brook was public property and he could fish there if he wanted to. Grampa said, Look, the brook may be public, but you're standing on MY land, so move along. Guy still was getting mouthy, even started swearing. Grampa said, Ok, you can either leave, or I'll let the dog loose. All the while Festus had been at the door, barking his massive big dog bark.
The guy still wouldn't leave, so Grampa went up to the door, and opened it. Festus was out like a shot. The guy started backing away, "Call your dog off! I'll leave!" Just then, this guy's kid came walking into view. Festus loved kids, the only thing kids had to worry about was getting licked to death. Grampa called to Festus, "Festus! Stop!" The call was timed just as Festus caught sight of the kid. Kid was more important than tresspassing Guy, so Festus stopped and went over to the kid wagging his tail, happy as could be.
The guy was thanking Grampa all over the place for calling off the dog, said he'd move on and wouldn't bother Grampa again. What the guy didn't know was that the kid was what stopped Festus. Nothing Grampa could have done would have stopped that dog.
The brook, and my Grampa are my most-missed memories from that house. Grampa's quiet presence and mischievous grin were as much a part of that house as the old brown paneling and big picture window.
The next post of Grandma's House, Cheney Edition will be a tribute to my Grampa, Vinny Cheney. The one person I look forward to seeing again the most.
A short post.... maybe....
Well, it has been a busy two weeks! Last weekend my family sans Aaron went to Kennebunk, Maine for a reenacting demo. We set up tents and tables and camped there for the weekend in full 18th century dress. It was fun, but hot. Mom and I didn't bring anything to do, so we were kinda bored. But I took pictures!!
First stop when we arrived in Maine was the beach, of course! All of us inlanders were seriously craving sand between our toes and saltwater residue on our bare legs and the chance of seagull poop falling from the skies.
I tell ya, there is nothing better than being on the beach. When I'm old and rich I'm going to own a beach and a beach house and will be able to walk on the beach whenever I want! Sigh.....
Anyways! So yeah, we were in Kennebunk last weekend. Now our bathroom smells like fish. We cooked a fish on a plank over the weekend, and are now soaking it for the next fish! See?
Yes, that's salmon. And yes, it was yummy.
So yeah, it was a good weekend. If you wanna see more pictures, go see my Flickr page!
Tomorrow we are headed for another reenactment at Fort Ticonderoga in New York. I haven't been there for a few years, so it will be nice to go back. And the best part? Jordan is coming!! I'll take lots of pictures!
Well, I have some baking to do. My yummy muffins have been requested for the weekend, so I have a lot to do! I think I'm making zuchini something too. And then I need to finish packing.... and I think I want to call Jordan...
First stop when we arrived in Maine was the beach, of course! All of us inlanders were seriously craving sand between our toes and saltwater residue on our bare legs and the chance of seagull poop falling from the skies.
I tell ya, there is nothing better than being on the beach. When I'm old and rich I'm going to own a beach and a beach house and will be able to walk on the beach whenever I want! Sigh.....
Anyways! So yeah, we were in Kennebunk last weekend. Now our bathroom smells like fish. We cooked a fish on a plank over the weekend, and are now soaking it for the next fish! See?
Yes, that's salmon. And yes, it was yummy.So yeah, it was a good weekend. If you wanna see more pictures, go see my Flickr page!
Tomorrow we are headed for another reenactment at Fort Ticonderoga in New York. I haven't been there for a few years, so it will be nice to go back. And the best part? Jordan is coming!! I'll take lots of pictures!
Well, I have some baking to do. My yummy muffins have been requested for the weekend, so I have a lot to do! I think I'm making zuchini something too. And then I need to finish packing.... and I think I want to call Jordan...
6/20/07
New post!
New post over on Developing Story. Go check it out!
If you don't know the link, it can be found in my profile at the bottom.
If you don't know the link, it can be found in my profile at the bottom.
Grandma's House
I was thinking recently about my Grandmas' houses. Grandma Cheney and Grandma Tremper. Both houses were the stage for many good times when I was growing up. Both houses hold many memories, some wonderful, and some not to wonderful. I've decided to share some of those memories in a blog series fittingly titled, "Grandma's House."
For my introductory post, I'd like to set the stage. First, Grandma Tremper's house.
Grandma T lives in Durham, ME, on a little side road that used to be dirt. She has a long, tree-shadowed, dirt driveway that grows grass in the middle. When you drive in, the first thing you see is the house. Next to the house is my Aunt and Uncle's old house. Further around to the left is the old shed/barn/garage. Next to that is the light pole, and then the lean-to, the old gas pump, and finally our play-house.
I'll tell more about inside the house in later posts.
Grandma C lived in Lyme, NH, on a windy dirt road with no speed limit and no guard rails. Her driveway was long, covered in chipped rock, and lined with irises and fiddleheads. There was a shop/garage half-way up the driveway on the right that housed the old work jeep and various other things. At the very top of the driveway was a little, tiny playhouse no bigger than a phone booth. Finally, there was the parking area and the front lawn. The house was a split-level, raised ranch with a long porch on one side. A brook ran beside the house, with a pipe going from the water to the house and a log acting as a bridge over it. Behind the house was the big lawn, the clothes-line, and further back was the big play-house.
Again, I'll share more about inside later.
These houses were favorite places when I was growing up. Going to visit either Grandma meant seeing family, eating lots of food, playing to our hearts content, and of course, getting spoiled.
I miss these houses so much now that I'm older. Grandma C has moved, and Grandma T visits with family at my Aunt's house now. But the memories from these houses are so precious. I don't want to forget anything, which is why I'm going to write down as much as I can. I hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane as much as I will.
Stay tuned!
For my introductory post, I'd like to set the stage. First, Grandma Tremper's house.
Grandma T lives in Durham, ME, on a little side road that used to be dirt. She has a long, tree-shadowed, dirt driveway that grows grass in the middle. When you drive in, the first thing you see is the house. Next to the house is my Aunt and Uncle's old house. Further around to the left is the old shed/barn/garage. Next to that is the light pole, and then the lean-to, the old gas pump, and finally our play-house.
I'll tell more about inside the house in later posts.
Grandma C lived in Lyme, NH, on a windy dirt road with no speed limit and no guard rails. Her driveway was long, covered in chipped rock, and lined with irises and fiddleheads. There was a shop/garage half-way up the driveway on the right that housed the old work jeep and various other things. At the very top of the driveway was a little, tiny playhouse no bigger than a phone booth. Finally, there was the parking area and the front lawn. The house was a split-level, raised ranch with a long porch on one side. A brook ran beside the house, with a pipe going from the water to the house and a log acting as a bridge over it. Behind the house was the big lawn, the clothes-line, and further back was the big play-house.
Again, I'll share more about inside later.
These houses were favorite places when I was growing up. Going to visit either Grandma meant seeing family, eating lots of food, playing to our hearts content, and of course, getting spoiled.
I miss these houses so much now that I'm older. Grandma C has moved, and Grandma T visits with family at my Aunt's house now. But the memories from these houses are so precious. I don't want to forget anything, which is why I'm going to write down as much as I can. I hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane as much as I will.
Stay tuned!
6/17/07
thats just gross...
You don't want to know, really.
I'll just say I've gone through plenty of tissues today. Sadly, my stash of puffs plus is gone, and I'm now left with napkins. They hurt.
Yes, I'm sick. I have a cold in the summer. Go figure.
My head has been clogged all day and my throat feels like I swallowed sandpaper.
I just washed down a mucinex with airborn. Quite the cocktail.
Tomorrow, I will spend some of my savings on more puffs plus and possibly a box of sudafed.
Don't listen to anything they say. No matter how much or little water you mix it in, airborn will never taste good.
uuuugggggghhhhhhhh
I'll just say I've gone through plenty of tissues today. Sadly, my stash of puffs plus is gone, and I'm now left with napkins. They hurt.
Yes, I'm sick. I have a cold in the summer. Go figure.
My head has been clogged all day and my throat feels like I swallowed sandpaper.
I just washed down a mucinex with airborn. Quite the cocktail.
Tomorrow, I will spend some of my savings on more puffs plus and possibly a box of sudafed.
Don't listen to anything they say. No matter how much or little water you mix it in, airborn will never taste good.
uuuugggggghhhhhhhh
6/11/07
When the Cat's away....
...the mice will play.... in the rain!
Yes, the parents are out for the night. Aaron is also not here. It's just me, and the girls. And a rainstorm.
:-)
Oh, and a camera! (which is always included when I'm around)
So, the girls and I were sitting in the living room, watching Princess Diaries, and we heard thunder start rumbling in the distance. It had been slowly getting dark over the past few hours, and we were just waiting for it to rain. Well, a few more booms, and the heavens let go. It started to rain. Lightly at first, just enough to catch the attention of the three younger ones. As they were walking to the door to invesitgate, the rain got steadily heavier. And heavier!
Well, being MY little sisters, they couldn't resist stepping outside for a sprinkle. (running in the rain is in our blood) I didn't want them to get completely soaked, and I didn't know if there was going to be lightning, so I said for them to stay on the back porch. It's partially covered with branches, so I figured they'd be ok.
But, again, they are MY sisters. It wasn't enough sprinkle! Alright. I couldn't resist either....so I got my camera!
They were still mostly dry in this picture, but it wouldn't be lasting long. As we were taking the picture, the rain was getting heavier. And the draw to dance was getting stronger. Ok, the big softy that I am said go for it. So all three of my little proteges took off down to the driveway.
In the driveway, they took great pleasure in running through every puddle they came to, and with great exhuberance. Muddy water was flying! And soon, so was Sam! During one of her sprints through a puddle, her feet slipped from under her, and she landed with a splash in the mud! No harm done, she got up laughing and kept going.
Soon, the driveway was not enough, so they all ran to the yard. Under the run off made for a great "shower" and the girls got even more soaked.
Eventually, the rain subsided, and I called the wet ones in for real showers. But first, I had to get "after" pictures to show how completely soaked they got.
You can always tell how much fun they had by how wet and dirty they get! We had fun tonight, they are all clean again, and it's soon to be bed time.
Ahh, I love my sisters!
Yes, the parents are out for the night. Aaron is also not here. It's just me, and the girls. And a rainstorm.
:-)
Oh, and a camera! (which is always included when I'm around)
So, the girls and I were sitting in the living room, watching Princess Diaries, and we heard thunder start rumbling in the distance. It had been slowly getting dark over the past few hours, and we were just waiting for it to rain. Well, a few more booms, and the heavens let go. It started to rain. Lightly at first, just enough to catch the attention of the three younger ones. As they were walking to the door to invesitgate, the rain got steadily heavier. And heavier!
Well, being MY little sisters, they couldn't resist stepping outside for a sprinkle. (running in the rain is in our blood) I didn't want them to get completely soaked, and I didn't know if there was going to be lightning, so I said for them to stay on the back porch. It's partially covered with branches, so I figured they'd be ok.
But, again, they are MY sisters. It wasn't enough sprinkle! Alright. I couldn't resist either....so I got my camera!
They were still mostly dry in this picture, but it wouldn't be lasting long. As we were taking the picture, the rain was getting heavier. And the draw to dance was getting stronger. Ok, the big softy that I am said go for it. So all three of my little proteges took off down to the driveway.
In the driveway, they took great pleasure in running through every puddle they came to, and with great exhuberance. Muddy water was flying! And soon, so was Sam! During one of her sprints through a puddle, her feet slipped from under her, and she landed with a splash in the mud! No harm done, she got up laughing and kept going.
Soon, the driveway was not enough, so they all ran to the yard. Under the run off made for a great "shower" and the girls got even more soaked.
Eventually, the rain subsided, and I called the wet ones in for real showers. But first, I had to get "after" pictures to show how completely soaked they got.
You can always tell how much fun they had by how wet and dirty they get! We had fun tonight, they are all clean again, and it's soon to be bed time.
Ahh, I love my sisters!
Another song!
If you don't know already, I love country music. I know, I know, when you think country, you think "I lost my job, lost my wife, lost my dog" and the like. But really, not all country songs are like that! Frankly, most of them are love songs, life songs, even God songs. Pretty cool stuff.
Anyways, I heard this song on the radio today. (I've heard it before, but I'm writing this today, so it fits.) And I realized just how good of a song it was! So here I am, posting it!
Mountains, by Lonestar
Lucinda Jones workin' at the IHOP:
Ten years worth of bacon, eggs an' tears
She's waited on every creed an' color,
While waitin' on this day to get here
Graveyard shifts, two big tips,
Makin' every quarter count,
Was worth it all to see her son,
In that cap an' gown
There are times in life when you gotta crawl,
Lose your grip, trip an' fall
When you can't lean on no-one else:
That's when you find yourself
I've been around an' I've noticed that,
Walkin's easier when the road is flat
Them danged ol' hills'll get you every time
Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains,
So we could learn how to climb
Bobby, Bobby Dunn came back from the war,
Lost his leg but they couldn't take his will
Hell bent to run in that local marathon,
He trained through the endless pain an' pills
It hurt so bad that sometimes,
He just had to cry,
He didn't stop until he crossed,
That finish line
There are times in life when you gotta crawl,
Lose your grip, trip an' fall
When you can't lean on no-one else:
That's when you find yourself
I've been around an' I've noticed that,
Walkin's easier when the road is flat
Them danged ol' hills'll get you every time
Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains,
So we could learn how to climb
This world ain't fair,
It can knock you on your butt
You can just lie there,
Or you can get back up
You gotta get back up
There are times in life when you gotta crawl,
Lose your grip, trip an' fall
When you can't lean on no-one else:
That's when you find yourself
I've been around an' I've noticed that,
Walkin's easier when the road is flat
Them danged ol' hills'll get you every time
Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains,
(The good Lord gave us mountains)
So we could learn how to climb
Anyways, I heard this song on the radio today. (I've heard it before, but I'm writing this today, so it fits.) And I realized just how good of a song it was! So here I am, posting it!
Mountains, by Lonestar
Lucinda Jones workin' at the IHOP:
Ten years worth of bacon, eggs an' tears
She's waited on every creed an' color,
While waitin' on this day to get here
Graveyard shifts, two big tips,
Makin' every quarter count,
Was worth it all to see her son,
In that cap an' gown
There are times in life when you gotta crawl,
Lose your grip, trip an' fall
When you can't lean on no-one else:
That's when you find yourself
I've been around an' I've noticed that,
Walkin's easier when the road is flat
Them danged ol' hills'll get you every time
Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains,
So we could learn how to climb
Bobby, Bobby Dunn came back from the war,
Lost his leg but they couldn't take his will
Hell bent to run in that local marathon,
He trained through the endless pain an' pills
It hurt so bad that sometimes,
He just had to cry,
He didn't stop until he crossed,
That finish line
There are times in life when you gotta crawl,
Lose your grip, trip an' fall
When you can't lean on no-one else:
That's when you find yourself
I've been around an' I've noticed that,
Walkin's easier when the road is flat
Them danged ol' hills'll get you every time
Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains,
So we could learn how to climb
This world ain't fair,
It can knock you on your butt
You can just lie there,
Or you can get back up
You gotta get back up
There are times in life when you gotta crawl,
Lose your grip, trip an' fall
When you can't lean on no-one else:
That's when you find yourself
I've been around an' I've noticed that,
Walkin's easier when the road is flat
Them danged ol' hills'll get you every time
Yeah, the good Lord gave us mountains,
(The good Lord gave us mountains)
So we could learn how to climb
6/10/07
Society sucks. ( a rant )
What are you supposed to do when you find the myspace page of someones daughter and see THAT kind of picture posted there?
What should you do when you see Adventist kids, who grew up in Adventist homes, swearing and making lewd comments towards other Adventist kids? Is this how we want the world to see our denomination? Is this the product of our education system? Is this why we pay thousands of dollars MORE to send our kids to private schools? They can get that kind of education in a free public school and parents can save money for retirement.
What have we come to? If we lined up 6 kids from a public school and 6 kids from an Adventist institution, would we be able to tell who was who? Once in a while yes, but 90% of the time, probably not.
Growing up we were taught to be "in the world and not of the world." I think trying to look and act like the world is a little more on the "of the world" side of the balance. What kind of examples are we to others? What kind of reputation are we giving our faith?
When did all of this happen?
There is so much talk about non-conformity. Dont be like everyone else. Be yourself. Have an attitude. Set yourself apart. But you know, everyone is not conforming the same way! I think we are shooting ourselves in the foot. There is no individuality anymore. Everyone strives to be "different" by following the "different trend."
Society has painted a picture of what is "sexy". Skinny. Busty. Tan. Black eyeliner. Yes, that is sexy. But it's not beautiful. Genuine beauty is a rare find. Character is hard to find too. The stencil of society has made cookie cutter characters, with no real individuality. God did not create "sexy." "Sexy" is meant to attract many. God created us for just one spouse. That one person is the only one we have to worry about. And that one person, if their heart is with God, will see beauty, not sexy. That one person will see what the rest of the world passes by.
While the world sees short shorts and low-cut tops, heavy make-up and over-plucked eyebrows, our God-created spouse will see the weaknesses, the compassion, the humility, the grace, the vulnerability that we try to hide. Beauty is NOT just skin deep. Sexy is skin deep. Beauty goes completely through to the soul of a person. True, genuine beauty reflects Christ. Sexy reflects the world.
When I walk into a store in the summer wearing jeans, I feel like I'm seen as someone from outer space. The lone denim among so many barely-there miniskirts. (which, by the way, I thought had gone out of style) I have self-respect, and I'm the weird one?
I don't want to seem like I'm judging. I'm not. I'm trying to understand why we are the way we are.
I don't think that most girls honestly see themselves as objects just waiting for a guy or many guys to snatch them up. I think they have just been confused. They have been brainwashed, if you will, by a concept. Most guys aren't much help either. They've been brainwashed too, taught to see women as playthings, objects, even sometimes just something to use and then cast aside.
I wish we could stop looking at society for our model. There is so much more to look to. If you want to.
What should you do when you see Adventist kids, who grew up in Adventist homes, swearing and making lewd comments towards other Adventist kids? Is this how we want the world to see our denomination? Is this the product of our education system? Is this why we pay thousands of dollars MORE to send our kids to private schools? They can get that kind of education in a free public school and parents can save money for retirement.
What have we come to? If we lined up 6 kids from a public school and 6 kids from an Adventist institution, would we be able to tell who was who? Once in a while yes, but 90% of the time, probably not.
Growing up we were taught to be "in the world and not of the world." I think trying to look and act like the world is a little more on the "of the world" side of the balance. What kind of examples are we to others? What kind of reputation are we giving our faith?
When did all of this happen?
There is so much talk about non-conformity. Dont be like everyone else. Be yourself. Have an attitude. Set yourself apart. But you know, everyone is not conforming the same way! I think we are shooting ourselves in the foot. There is no individuality anymore. Everyone strives to be "different" by following the "different trend."
Society has painted a picture of what is "sexy". Skinny. Busty. Tan. Black eyeliner. Yes, that is sexy. But it's not beautiful. Genuine beauty is a rare find. Character is hard to find too. The stencil of society has made cookie cutter characters, with no real individuality. God did not create "sexy." "Sexy" is meant to attract many. God created us for just one spouse. That one person is the only one we have to worry about. And that one person, if their heart is with God, will see beauty, not sexy. That one person will see what the rest of the world passes by.
While the world sees short shorts and low-cut tops, heavy make-up and over-plucked eyebrows, our God-created spouse will see the weaknesses, the compassion, the humility, the grace, the vulnerability that we try to hide. Beauty is NOT just skin deep. Sexy is skin deep. Beauty goes completely through to the soul of a person. True, genuine beauty reflects Christ. Sexy reflects the world.
When I walk into a store in the summer wearing jeans, I feel like I'm seen as someone from outer space. The lone denim among so many barely-there miniskirts. (which, by the way, I thought had gone out of style) I have self-respect, and I'm the weird one?
I don't want to seem like I'm judging. I'm not. I'm trying to understand why we are the way we are.
I don't think that most girls honestly see themselves as objects just waiting for a guy or many guys to snatch them up. I think they have just been confused. They have been brainwashed, if you will, by a concept. Most guys aren't much help either. They've been brainwashed too, taught to see women as playthings, objects, even sometimes just something to use and then cast aside.
I wish we could stop looking at society for our model. There is so much more to look to. If you want to.
6/9/07
Do you ever?
Do you ever get a burst of creativity where you must write something, draw something, DO something just so you can rest?!
Yeah, thats me right now.
I have a little black book (not that kind!) that I write down all my ideas in. Any idea, for a story, poem, photo, anything. The drafts are growing! I have so many ideas, I hope someday I can cross off each one!
That's all!
Yeah, thats me right now.
I have a little black book (not that kind!) that I write down all my ideas in. Any idea, for a story, poem, photo, anything. The drafts are growing! I have so many ideas, I hope someday I can cross off each one!
That's all!
6/8/07
For camera and photo people...
This is entirely too cool.
Ever wondered how a camera lens was made? I'm talking about the big SLR lenses. I had never thought about it, actually, until my brother sent me this link. Check it out! It's fascinating!!
Canon Camera lenses
Ever wondered how a camera lens was made? I'm talking about the big SLR lenses. I had never thought about it, actually, until my brother sent me this link. Check it out! It's fascinating!!
Canon Camera lenses
6/7/07
Mercies New
Lately I've been struggling to recapture my relationship with God. I let things grow stale, and then realized I missed it. It's been hard though. I've been working towards it for a couple of months now. It's funny how you don't realize how far away you've gotten until you take a moment and look back at where you were.
I was on Extreme Teens. I went to church regularly. I marked up my Bible so much, it was getting hard to close.
Then something, I don't know what, happened. I found myself wanting to sleep instead of go to church. I couldn't even pray silently to myself at meals. I went to a prayer retreat with some ET alums, and was physically uncomfortable the whole day. I literally felt like something was sitting on my chest, and just kept getting heavier. That was the final straw. I knew then that I had to do something. I felt like I was almost to the point of no return, and it scared the pee out of me.
It certainly has not been easy. You can just ask Jordan if you don't believe me. (He is fantastic, and has been so amazing while I sort things out and get back on my feet again. Couldn't have done it without him)
As I was driving to work the other day, I was listening to Nochole Nordeman's "Woven and Spun" cd. If you haven't listened to it, you should.
The second song on the CD is amazing. I don't even know what to say about it, but I want to share the lyrics with you.
Miracles New
Is it fair to say I was lured away?
By endless distractions and lovelier attractions then
Or fairer still, my own free will
Is the better one to blame for this familiar mess I've made again
So I would understand, if you were out of patience
And I would understand, if I was out of chances
Your mercies are new every morning
So let me wake with the dawn
When the music is through or so it seems to be
Let me sing a new song, old things gone
Every day it's true, You make all your mercies new
The distance left between east and west
Is how far You would go to forget the debt I owe
And thrown into the sea, the wicked ways in me
Will never have a chance to wash back on the sand
So I would understand if you would make me pay
And I would understand lying in the bed I've made
Your mercies are new every morning
So let me wake with the dawn
When the music is through or so it seems to be
Let me sing a new song, old things gone
Every day it's true, You make all your mercies new
Up comes the sun on every one of us
Gone, gone, gone the guilt and shame that knew your name
Your mercies are new every morning
So let me wake with the dawn
When the music is through or so it seems to be
Let me sing a new song, old things gone
Every day it's true, You make all your mercies new
See? Good song!!!
It was something I needed to be reminded of. I think it's something we all need to be reminded of every now and then. When we think we're completely out of chances, God renews his mercies every morning. Even when we deserve nothing, He still gives us everything.
Pretty cool, huh?
I was on Extreme Teens. I went to church regularly. I marked up my Bible so much, it was getting hard to close.
Then something, I don't know what, happened. I found myself wanting to sleep instead of go to church. I couldn't even pray silently to myself at meals. I went to a prayer retreat with some ET alums, and was physically uncomfortable the whole day. I literally felt like something was sitting on my chest, and just kept getting heavier. That was the final straw. I knew then that I had to do something. I felt like I was almost to the point of no return, and it scared the pee out of me.
It certainly has not been easy. You can just ask Jordan if you don't believe me. (He is fantastic, and has been so amazing while I sort things out and get back on my feet again. Couldn't have done it without him)
As I was driving to work the other day, I was listening to Nochole Nordeman's "Woven and Spun" cd. If you haven't listened to it, you should.
The second song on the CD is amazing. I don't even know what to say about it, but I want to share the lyrics with you.
Miracles New
Is it fair to say I was lured away?
By endless distractions and lovelier attractions then
Or fairer still, my own free will
Is the better one to blame for this familiar mess I've made again
So I would understand, if you were out of patience
And I would understand, if I was out of chances
Your mercies are new every morning
So let me wake with the dawn
When the music is through or so it seems to be
Let me sing a new song, old things gone
Every day it's true, You make all your mercies new
The distance left between east and west
Is how far You would go to forget the debt I owe
And thrown into the sea, the wicked ways in me
Will never have a chance to wash back on the sand
So I would understand if you would make me pay
And I would understand lying in the bed I've made
Your mercies are new every morning
So let me wake with the dawn
When the music is through or so it seems to be
Let me sing a new song, old things gone
Every day it's true, You make all your mercies new
Up comes the sun on every one of us
Gone, gone, gone the guilt and shame that knew your name
Your mercies are new every morning
So let me wake with the dawn
When the music is through or so it seems to be
Let me sing a new song, old things gone
Every day it's true, You make all your mercies new
See? Good song!!!
It was something I needed to be reminded of. I think it's something we all need to be reminded of every now and then. When we think we're completely out of chances, God renews his mercies every morning. Even when we deserve nothing, He still gives us everything.
Pretty cool, huh?
The interview
Well, I got back from my interview a little while ago, and I must say, I feel really good about it!
I have put this job in God's hands from the very beginning. If I get it, it's because of Him. I had a bunch of people praying for me as I went in today, and I think that made a difference.
Everything about this job is perfect, like it was made for me. I'm praying I get it!
They have more interviews next week, but they are wanting to make a decision next week so they can have someone start at the end of next week.
Keep praying! I really want this job!
I have put this job in God's hands from the very beginning. If I get it, it's because of Him. I had a bunch of people praying for me as I went in today, and I think that made a difference.
Everything about this job is perfect, like it was made for me. I'm praying I get it!
They have more interviews next week, but they are wanting to make a decision next week so they can have someone start at the end of next week.
Keep praying! I really want this job!
Alive again!!
Yes, it has been a while, but once again this blog breathes!
I won't update on whats been going on too much. I'll just say that Jordan and I are still very happily together, I'm still in school at Southern, I just finished my best semester so far.
I'm home for the summer. I'm working one part time job already, and have an interview TODAY for another.
I want to be a photographer of people, of expressions, of feelings, of attitudes, of moments in time.
I want to share my thoughts and ideas and ponderings.
I just want to be me!
I won't update on whats been going on too much. I'll just say that Jordan and I are still very happily together, I'm still in school at Southern, I just finished my best semester so far.
I'm home for the summer. I'm working one part time job already, and have an interview TODAY for another.
I want to be a photographer of people, of expressions, of feelings, of attitudes, of moments in time.
I want to share my thoughts and ideas and ponderings.
I just want to be me!
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