Texas in the morning, Texas in the evening, Texas in the afternoon...

Could you guess it? I may or may not be in Texas.

Ok, so I'm in Texas...and I'm loving it.

My dear friend Vanessa is getting married this weekend--and I am here to support her and help her and love her. So things are good.

Yesterday, we spent the day finishing up last minute details, and today, we get to be rewarded by a day at the spa... (Look, I would give a spa day to each of you if I could...)

With all of this wedding hulu going on around me, I've taken some time to reflect on my own marriage.

I praise the Lord daily for how my marriage has already shaped me.

It really is amazing how hard marriage is, but also how sweet it is.

I am grateful to realize that though my marriage is a huge part of my happiness it is not the whole of the joy in my life...and that it is used to heighten my other experiences.

I am incredibly blessed to have a husband who encourages me in the Lord, and challenges me to grow and become a better person.

I am in awe of the amount of grace extended to me by the Lord through my husband, my picture of grace. I am humbled every day.

This Grace that has ruined my flesh driven life has marked me with the sign of Christ and enabled me to see the world with a new perspective that my marriage broadens and stretches daily.

I am filled with wonder as I look around. Nature, art, music, literature, traditions, languages, foods, dance, humor, science, intelligence in general: it all feeds this curiosity to know the world more, and inevitably experience Yaweh more. A curiosity that my husband fully supports.

(Even when it's a little different, or uncomfortable..or is with bad-timing...)

As I sit here in Vanessas' kitchen---preparing for this wonderful day---I am blown away.

Thank the Lord for Texas; and Thank the Lord for His Grace.

Mountain Love

I'm a sucker for magical places.

Any place that transports you away from your world...

My magical places are usually very green...very Secret Garden meets Lord of the Rings, know what I mean?

Red and I went trail running again last week and got to experience such a place. The same trail as normal...but it has grown up to be a special, beautiful, earthy, green place. (makes sense right?)

When I think about these places, certain music comes to mind...First Enya (best not be laughing, sir)...and then Mumford & Sons and Allison Krauss....

I could listen to them over and over and just enjoy sitting outside in a gorgeous green place.

Here is a taste of what I'm talking about:




Her voice takes you straight into the heart. You're pierced and moved.



For me, this music builds until I feel like I'm going to burst...it makes me want to dance with out inhibition and jump about like I live in a green field with flowers in my hair and grow my own food and wear pretty dresses.

I know thats what you got out these songs too....don't lie.

So perhaps you ought to go listen to this music and imagine being in a magical place.

Dangling Beauties

I woke up early this morning to take my dear friend Vanessa to the airport...and, so I thought to myself, "I'm up early, might as well take advantage of this...and go garage saleing..."

I haven't had too many opportunities to use the fabulous garage sale apps on my phone...and so today was the day. (Thank you Garage Sale Rover and Craigslist).

I hit up a few duds....and then I came to the treasure trove. (These people had been planning to open a consignment store, and then it fell through...soooo they had some wonderful finds).

My treasure:

Don't be scared.

They are beautiful.

They are 4.5 inches long, and from the 1930's!!!

The woman at the garage sale explained that she has a picture of the original owner wearing them at a ball in the 1930's.

I was sold. Talked her down to $12...and felt that they were totally worth it.

They are unique and they have a story.

Doesn't get much sweeter than that, friends.

ha...and people wonder why I go garage saling...silly people.

Mission StL

I am honored to say that I have been able to serve with Mission StL since this past January.

An awesome organization that focuses on the Forrest Park South East, Hamilton Heights, and Peabody burrows, Mission StL is always moving and shaking.

They focus on these neighborhoods in order to best serve these people. They host in home Bible studies, teach a literacy program in 3 schools, provide teacher aids, host sport camps, and do home repairs/construction for people in need. (This is among many other services)

They pour their resources into these neighborhoods to make a difference in the wider Saint Louis area.

Today they are a part of a Toyota contest in which they can win a truck. This truck will be used to haul supplies for construction projects they are involved in (The leader is currently using his Camry--which is thoughtful, but not so efficient...)

Vote today at facebook.com/toyota. Your vote will truly make a difference.

Treasure in Memphis

I grew up going to Jun Lee.

My mom would load me up in the car and we would drive down to Summer Ave., arrive... and hop out of the car...to a whole new world.

Experience this:

This place is the ultimate accessory haven. You can find everything here---pearls, fake Yurman (be picky...but you can find some beautiful things) pashmina scarves, purses, glam earrings, etc.

Every time I come to Memphis I am sure to hit this place up. (We even found a head-piece for the bride to be and her rehearsal dinner hair-do!).

You never know what new item you might find...

If you're ever in Memphis, go to Jun Lee.

Contact

Jun Lee Trading Co.

3397 Summer Ave.

Memphis, TN 38122

901.327.1822

Survival of the Fittest

I just returned from an epic trip to Memphis, TN...and will be sharing with you bits and pieces through out the week.

As you may know, I'm really enjoying having a pet bird who lives outside my window, named Aida.

(This relates, I promise)

Understandably, because of this new-founded relationship with Aida, I am a bit more sensitive to the going-ons of birds in general.

So I hit the road to Memphis around lunch on Friday and enjoyed a nice calm trip for a few hours...a couple hundred miles, and all was good.

As I got closer to Arkansas, I began to notice a black sky ahead of me (interestingly, it seemed to appear out of no-where)..

I figured, eh, it's a storm--I'll press through.

The next thing I know, it's hailing, the wind is going crazy, water is rushing over the roads (ie. the sandbags are not protecting me at this point) and I'm going 25 mph in a 70 mph zone.

People are pulling over, driving with their caution lights, stopping under bridges---but me, I decide to go forward with the trucks...I want to make good time, right?

The storm gets worse...and I begin to wonder if maybe I should pull over too...I decide, naah, and speed up a little.

Just as I step on the pedal, there is a huge crack, and a bolt of lightening hits the ground behind my car. I see the lightening hit the ground through my rearview mirror. It is mind-blowing.

Mind-blowing to the point that it brings tears to my eyes because I am so shocked (not physically, praise the Lord.)

As I work through my survival status, I continue to drive and reach the edge of the storm...

It begins to clear up and become less chaotic...I begin to relax.

I notice little birds gliding over the highway--peacefully...

Then, out of nowhere, a bird nearly runs into my driver's side window...I duck (no pun intended.)

It is so close...I can see the individual colors of the feathers on it's chest.

This is scarring when you have a pet bird named Aida, living outside your window. What if that had been her?

The trip to Memphis was insane.

I am happy to say that no animals or people were hurt during this trip---and that I not only survived, but thrived upon arrival...

BBQ fest was rejuvenating... and the bachelorette party invigorating.. More to come on that later.

Why not?

I don't consider my self a green person. You could never call me a tree hugger (no offense), and I don't really think about the earth, all that much.

Yeah, I love the whole local movement---I adore the direct benefits of fresh produce and, therefore, fresh meals... I try to use my re-usable grocery bag (when I go to the market; but definitely not when I go to Walmart...)

And, well, recycling seems like a long shot...(we've done it before, but then randomly stopped...for no reason.)

The thing is, recycling isn't that far from my world. I mean, I love antiques (they've been used right?), and I adore consignment shops and thrift stores (definitely broken in)...

So...I ask the question: How difficult is recycling...really?

In my situation, not so difficult.

Our apartment provides recycling bins...so all I have to do is bag it up and throw it in.

Also, there are recycling services that will pick up your recycling bins....or there are drop off points for you to swing by on your way to work or school or hockey...or whatever.

You may be wondering why the sudden conviction?

I think I opened my eyes to all the waste Red and I produce. (We went through a case of water bottles...so not green....in 5 days!0

I also noticed all of the wal-mart bags in my buggy and the fact that I would most likely never bring them back to Wal-mart to recycle them.

So there I stood...and now I have an extra trash bag under my sink filled with junk mail, water-bottles, and Wal-mart bags.

How do you recycle? And if you don't, why not?

To find a recycling center near you click here.

Update on Life

1. Our "pet" bird (Aida) had her baby(ies)...we're not sure if there is only 1 or if there is 2...

Perfect timing for Mother's Day, eh?

2. Today is yet another gorgeous day...and I'm celebrating by going on my 3rd picnic of the week.

Is that over the top?  I didn't think so either.

3. Red has some boys in town, so I get some time to read all the books I have had waiting for me. Meaning, I finished one...and it was awesome:

The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty

It is officially added to the book list.

4. I have a huge itch to buy a house...in Kirkwood, MO. I got lost there (meaning, I meaningfully wandered) for an hour yesterday and decided we need to move there.

Let's put it this way: It has its own farmers market; it's quaint; it's historic; it has a Frank Lloyd Wright designed home.

What more is there to say? It is suburban paradise.

5. I don't really have a number five, but the list feels more complete.

Go experience your sunday!

Admiration for a Stranger

A day with an easy cadence...nothing extraordinary.

But regular and nice.

I have been passing these past few days daydreaming about a latte I had on monday with my friend Taylor at Picasso's in Downtown Saint Charles...

And so, on this ordinary day, I decided to return. I desperately wanted Red to experience the texture of their froth.

(Not only do you get froth art at this place, but you get an incredible drink with an insane texture that draws you back like a bug to a light)

We chose a table outside, sat and relaxed, debated about taking Spanish classes this summer, and planned our weekend...

As we sat there, a gal came up and asked to sit with us.
(Unusual? Yes. Uninvited? Yes. Appreciated? Yes.)

Lucia is her name.

She asked if she could join us, and surprised, we said yes, of course.

She sat down, started digging around in her bag, already talking up a storm, and pulled out some beads to start working with...

We jumped around talking about her getting her Masters in English, future job opportunities, raising kids in different cultures, and moving out of the country.

A picture of a person so very different from me. And yet, so refreshing and alive. Bright and comfortable.

We three sat there talking as if we knew each other much longer than 5 minutes...

I post this with the intention of saying these things:

  1. Walking up to strangers and joining them in conversation is cool.

  2. I recognize that this isn't for everyone, but, for me, it leaves a lasting (positive) impression.

  3. Random connection with strangers is enriching.

What are your thoughts of connection with random strangers? Yay or nay?

Do you think you could be on of those people who approaches random others?

I'm not sure if I would. I think I'm capable...but too hesitant.

Maybe I'll try it this week...

Sweet Solitude

Sometimes there is nothing sweeter, more refreshing, or more needed then a moment alone.

Or perhaps a few hours alone, as in my case.

Today is a glorious day. The sky fills each picture your eyes take in, and the sun is radiating in every place...if not warming everything it touches.

It's one of those days that looks the perfect 75 degrees but is actually closer to 60.

It's one of those days that needs to be enjoyed...

...by having a personal picnic.

I'm a firm believer in picnics. I feel like I'm always more grounded (no pun intended) after taking the time to prepare and enjoy this delight.

Here are a few of my fondest picnic memories:

1. The English Garden in Munich with my friend Allison. (Sometimes it's worth missing a train, when you get to loll about in a mystical place with a delicious German smorgasborg of expensive groceries that you bought because you couldn't find a more reasonable option....and you get to play with dandelions...and do interpretive movement...)                        hey. don't judge.

We joked that after you blew the dandelion,
whatever was left was how many children you would have.
Wow.

That's overwhelming.

2. Under the Eiffel Tower with Allie in 11th grade, when we were so grandly approached by a midget and his two brothers and told we could be jewelry models..haha...The pizza (Speedy Rabbit) and the ice-cream (Haa-gan Daaz) was awesome. The friendship...and story...is even better.

This is not under the Eiffel Tower.
But it is taken by Allie
And it is at the Trocadero in Paris across from the Eiffel Tower.

Oh to be 17. In Paris.

3. The September 11th memorial in Hattiesburg with Red when we were dating...playing tag and taking some ridiculously cool "action" shots.

Don't even think about asking for a close-up.

3. At my first real concert with Chrissy and her Mom...The Temptations at Wolftrap...where I discovered my love for guacamole.

4. The Blueberry Festival with Rose...where we each bought sun-dried tomato pesto and bread...and couldn't make it home before we had to eat it...so we sat down in the dirt...and got ant bites...but it was worth it because that pesto was out of this world.

5. Every pretty day that I worked in Laurel...I would go to the park and read and eat for my lunch hour...a way to rejuvenate and be energized the rest of the day...

6. And now, today... alone by the Missouri River. Just me, my books, my food, my blanket...

Life is good.