She Walks in the Woods

What I learned today...

2012-01-30T20:20:00.000-08:00

I "rub" my face when I'm really, really stressed. Such a weirdo.

So, I got very stressed out at work today and kept rubbing my hands on my hands on my face (probably to relieve tension) and one of my coworkers pointed it out.

But in all seriousness, I was losing my cool and the face massage was about the only thing keeping me from crying.

And crying at work is for kids.

And I'm a grown up (I try).

All in all, today could have been better, but the things on my plate, in my path, set before me to handle with care, are mine and mine alone to conquer with God's help (and a little venting to my mom). Wait, I know I just said I'm a grown up, but moms really do know how to listen, don't they?

And just because I love all things pink. This post is pink all over. Pink, the color of happiness.

Amen.

Gone With The Wind

2012-01-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

I think the saddest scene in Gone with the Wind is when the injured and killed list after the battle of Gettysburg comes out and this boy in the band can't hold back his tears. I cry literally every time I watch it. Those tears, that face, that sense of duty amidst the torment of loss.

Thrilled to be here.

2012-01-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

Ecclesiastes 3: 11 - 13

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.

Kindness

2012-01-22T21:20:00.000-08:00

Kindness is to carry the weight of others for the benefit of others and incidentally, the preservation of self.

Ever-renewing.

Increasing in beauty, this world, we occupy.

Encased in Ice (and otherwise wordless)

2012-01-19T15:03:00.001-08:00

Snowed In

2012-01-18T18:49:00.001-08:00

If you haven't heard, we're snowed in here in Washington, so I've been working from home, staying cozy...

And drinking sweet tea in my Sweet Tea Tervis tumbler from my Aunt Debbie, dreaming of being in the South.

Fiddle-dee-dee!

Deceit and Hope

2012-01-17T21:12:00.000-08:00

Today, the hurt of another mirrored the grief I caused my loved ones as an ignorant child. I remembered my own desire to make a connection; a true connection to anything, anyone. Something to make my heart feel validated its desire to burn a path in this world. What I didn't know was "that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [are] only evil continually." (Genesis 3:6). My foolish and weak will gave into the urges of my heart and grieved those who only wished to guard the very heart that thudded angrily, restlessly, rebellious against the walls of my chest. And to witness, through a mother's tears, the thrashing of another child of God, spirit-girl in in the skin of her life, against a heart gone wild ...I want to tell her that those connections, those people you think will fill you with a sense of familiarity, purpose, soul symmetry, are just a shell of what could really be for you. It is not something that can be whispered, or even shouted on the dirt of this earth. A view of His truth can only be revealved by a pain broken by His LOVE, a shattering to shards, the glass that you see the world from behind. Without God's love you live restricted, thinking that you see quite clearly, but your arm oustretched can only touch the face of the world before you and with Him, they grasp at nothingness. That is why the longing inside - your vessel will never feel quite full enough without clinging, unashamed of your need for salvation. Your desperation and determination to claim Him and in doing so understand your His own claim on you, has the power to change the person you think you are into the person He has made you to be.

And so where words fail and people fail, and only God heals, we fall to our knees and do the only thing worth doing - PRAY. On our knees and without ceasing. Even as our fingers run accross keyboards and cutting boards in the acts of service we know as life, we pray in your name.

Amen.

A January Snow

2012-01-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Snowfall came late this winter, on the heels of a premature spring, or so I thought.

"The flakes are skyflowers,
pale lilies from the clouds,
that wither on earth."

~from "The Snowfall is So Silent" by Miguel de Unamuno

Even when the Sun Sets

2012-01-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

When I came home from work tonight, I drove into our neighborhood and knew I would be rushing in to grab my camera and running straight back outside to photograph the sunset over the lake. On my way back down the street, Ralphie and I sprinted past three people who had the same idea. One man even stopped his car right in the middle of a street of cars during rush hour to get a picture. Everyone was so taken with all the colors (the gold moments were the most impressive), not a single horn sounded.

Quote of the day, "You're a purchaser of the Asian market."

(Numbers Man in response to a statement made on a t.v. show about collecting fish roe and selling it "on the Asian market").

It's true. So true.

Winter Wonders

2012-01-13T08:13:00.001-08:00

God bless the little defrost buttons in the car. I can just sit here listening to a Gone with the Wind audiobook and contemplate the notion of becoming a horsewoman and going to garden parties 'neath a parasol.

...in my erstwhile frozen motor vehicle.

Diligence and sore fingers...

2012-01-10T20:24:00.001-08:00

My very first crochet attempt. So far just a basic single crochet, but as I progress, I will be trying "stripes" of other types of stitches to practice them and en up with an interesting looking scarf. I am hoping to persevere in this crafty endeavor because there are so many things I want to make. An afghan for one, a particular style of afghan actually, which my "Quick an Cozy Afghans" book calls "Understated Elegance". It's stripey and kind of Victorian in feel. *swoon*. And then of course there's baby booties. *hopes*

I'd Rather Have Jesus

2012-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Than to be the king of a vast domain
And be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than men’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

Fashion Inspiration ~ Spring

2012-01-08T19:01:00.001-08:00

When planning my spring wardrobe, my inspiration is coming from a movie character, Lena from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It's true.

I can't resist all the crisp white, feminine colors an preponderance of skirts and dresses.

Of course, having Greece as a backdrop doesn't hurt.

I Squee for these...

2012-01-07T15:27:00.001-08:00

I guess this is my version of 1,000 Gifts..

1. Heartfelt chats with my hairstylist.
2. Licorice Tea.
3. Sweet children in front of me in line for lemonade saying the darnedest things and grinning ear to ear (presumably in lemonade anticipation).
4. A rain-free dog walk.
5. Parking Karma!
6. Swishy, comfy sweaters on sale.
7. Pretzel dogs.
8. Efficient storage bins.
9. Seeing beautiful twin girls in matching purple outfits. So sweet!
10. Pix messages of my cute Ralphie while I'm out running errands.

Darkness

2012-01-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

This is what happens when Ralphie wants to sleep and everyone is awake, the lights are on, and it's noisy. He cuddles and hides in one swiftly curled little ball, usually with a nose sticking out, looking cute. Silly Goose!

One thing ridiculous and one thing beautiful.

2012-01-02T14:17:00.001-08:00

I saw these nutcrackers donning camo at Target today along with some other treasures. They cracked me up and I was tempted to pick one up. However, a Christmas with an army of one nutcracker just seemed a little underwhelming. Perchance if I happen upon a collection of Terra Cotta soldiers with Santa Claus hats I'll give them a home. Until then, we remain a peaceful house.

And speaking of a peaceful house, how gorgeous is this night light my mom bought me in Leavenworth (the Bavarian town, not the prison)! I think it is one of the most beautiful night lights I've ever seen. And I love me some night lights! :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a joyful New Year! I caught only the last bit of the Rose Parade (hello nostalgia), but it left me hankering for an animal style burger and fries from In-N-Out. We decided we're going to schedule a flight home for early this year! Not just for the aforementioned food, but to see friends and family of course.

LOVE!

Nothing Says Christmas...

2011-12-24T14:28:00.000-08:00

Like a tree covered in pretzels!

Sesame and Lilies

2011-12-21T22:46:00.000-08:00

"The chance and scattered evil that may here and there haunt, or hide itself in, a powerful book, never does any harm to a noble girl; but the emptiness of an author oppresses her, and his amiable folly degrades her. And if she can have access to a good library of old and classical books, there need be no choosing at all. Keep the modern magazine and novel out of your girl's way; turn her loose into the old library every day, and let her alone. She will find what is good for her; you cannot; for there is just this difference between the making of the girl's character and a boy's: you may chisel a boy into shape, as you would a rock, or hammer him into it, if he be of a better kind, as you would a piece of bronze; but you cannot hammer a girl into anything. She grows as a flower does, - she will wither without sun; she will decay in her sheath as a narcissus will if you do not give her air enough; she may fall and defile her head in dust if you leave her without help at some moments in her life, but you cannot fetter her; she must take her own fair form and way if she take any, and in mind as in body, must have always -

'Her household motions light and free,

And steps of virgin liberty.'

Let her loose in the library, I say as you do a fawn in the field. It knows the bad weed twenty times better than you, and the good ones too, and will eat some bitter and prickly ones good for it which you had not the slightest thought would have been so."

Tea for One

2011-12-21T18:15:00.000-08:00

Flowering jasmine green tea and tea set from China (thanks to MIL).

It all just seems extra pretty tonight. :)

Sunday Recipes

2011-12-18T18:34:00.000-08:00

Paula Deen's Beef Stroganoff

Pineapple Upsidedown Cake (minus the brandy and cherries)

I hope everyone's having a wonderful week before Christmas!

The Temple of the Holy Ghost

2011-12-15T21:51:00.000-08:00

"The lanterns gilded the leaves of the trees orange on the level where they hung and above them was black-green and below them were different dim muted colors that made the girls sitting at the table look prettier than they were. "

"She could hear the distant sound of the calliope and she saw in her head all the tents raised up in a kind of gold sawdust light and the diamond ring of the ferris wheel going around and around up in the air and down again and the screeking merry-go-round going around and around on the ground."

"She had since changed and decided to be an engineer but as she looked out the window and followed the revolving searchlight as it widened and shortened and wheeled in its arc, she felt that she would have to be much more than just a doctor or an engineer. She would have to be a saint because that was the occupation that included everything you could know; and yet she knew she would never be a saint."

"The sound of the calliope coming through the window kept her awake and she remembered that she hadn't said her prayers and got up and knelt down and began them. She took a running start and went through to the other side of the Apostle's Creed and then hung by her chin on the side of the bed, empty-minded."

~ All quotes from the short story: A Temple of the Holy Ghost by Flannery O'Connor

Guest Post

2011-12-09T20:31:00.001-08:00

Wazzup blogosphere?! Ralphie here...you can call me Goose, my friends do. And I consider yous my friends.

See here, it's time to get festive, folks. Get your Christmas on. Light some logs in that fireplace, cozy up at the hearth, lap up some hot cocoa, and howl a carol or two. A favorite of mine is The Holly and the Ivy.

Peace out and puppy on.

This is what you get...

2011-11-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

When you combine equal parts...

French Braid tutorials

and good wine

With an extra helping of ME.

A really sad attempt at my very first ever french braid. Notice...I have baby find hair so you can barely tell what the heck is going on with my hair.

Another glass of wine please!

Seattle is pretty...

2011-11-21T18:01:00.001-08:00

...Even on a drizzly day, even when I'm wearing my glasses because I broke my contacts. Even on a day like this, I seriously love this place.

What do you know about Bhutan?

2011-11-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if you've heard about Bhutan's GNH (Gross National Happiness), but it inspired this artist to create an online art installation chronicling some of the people of Bhutan and what makes them happy...what they wish for. The balloons symbolize happiness and the colors are as vibrant as the people. I recommend taking a look and a listen.

One of the things that struck me, a brash American girl, is that so many of these folks are very soft spoken, even shy, hesitant to share such private thoughts; the artist/chronicler is so clear-spoken and delicate in his approach I found myself smiling ear to ear at these exchanges.

Enjoy and have a blessed Sunday!

Part VI

2011-11-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

Psalm 104, verses 26 through 30

There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom thou hast made to play therein.

These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.

That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth.

Part V

2011-11-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

Psalm 104, verses 21 through 25

The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God.

The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens.

Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

Somewhat Silent Sunday

2011-11-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

In the stillness of creeping fog, even shouts are muted.

Footsteps fall in quiet plunks upon the ground.

The middle of each word spoken fills with a cool, rounded breath.

In the fog, the ugliness is forgiven by a cloud's progress.

Part IV

2011-10-30T15:31:00.003-07:00

Psalm 104, verses 16 through 20
The trees of the LORD are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted;

Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house.

The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies.

He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down.

Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth.

Part III

2011-10-29T20:00:00.000-07:00

Psalm 104, verses 11 through 15
They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst.

By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches.

He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works.

He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.

How Do You Mend...?

2011-10-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching Beyond Borders, which means any trace of mascara is gone from my eyelashes. My heart is bare and I'm wondering. How do you mend a world that is unravelling at the seams. There is prayer and there is action...and there is also conviction.

I wish they hadn't Hollywooded the film with a love story. There would have been enough love without it.

"He was my first save, 10 years old. So thin he could barely stand. But he still found the strength the bury the rest of his family. We have no idea what courage is... He used to write me little notes. He helped me in the clinic. He was good. He was sweet, he was good. He wanted to be like me, I liked that. I mean, it was silly and childish, but it made me feel good about myself. So I took him with me to London, you know, my talisman, my courageous Africa... - pauses - How could I be so bloody stupid? How could I be so totally selfish? The point is... he was my friend. He had a name. So now I HAVE to remember him. If everybody I lose has a name..."

Part II

2011-10-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

Psalm 104, verses 6 through 10

Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains.

At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them.

Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth.

He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills.

Can't Wait for Christmas

2011-10-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

The cutest video I've seen in a long time, from a couple whose music I love to listen to.

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Part I

2011-10-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Psalm 104, verses 1 through 5

Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:

Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.

Good Soup - Bad Picture

2011-10-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

To use up the remaining, large chanterelles, I embarked upon a soup making adventure and oh my sweet Lord, how it paid off. I just ate two full bowls and wish I had more. Mmmhmmm...

Sautee 1/2 sweet onion diced in 3 tablespoons butter (plus a splash of vegetable oil) for 2 minutes on medium. Toss in some finely chopped asparagus (I used 4 spears) and chanterelles (I had five large-ish ones), sprinkle with salt and pepper and stir around. Sautee for an additional 3 minutes, stirring regularly. Splash in a bit of white wine vinegar and cook, while stirring for another two minutes. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour and stir around, cooking for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, stir and bring to light boil - cook for 10 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup of milk (I used 2%) and a large dollop of sour cream, stirring until it is all blended together. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Serve and delight in the unusually tasty repast.

Enjoying Chantrelles

2011-10-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Buy smoked cheese and smoked salmon from a lovely fellow who has just gone foraging for chantrelles.

Express enthusiasm for said chantrelles.

Graciously accept his edible favor.

Step 2: Dredge sliced shrooms in egg, flour, & spices.

Fry up in skillet full of always acceptable to the taste buds: butter & garlic.

Step 3: Eat those babies up like someone is trying to steal them off your plate.
Which, as butter does, calls any living thing with a nose nearby, you may indeed have to do anyway.

Step 4: Wipe mouth clean and pat belly.

Sweater-sweatshirt

2011-10-12T12:59:00.001-07:00

I really like this new sweater made out of sweatshirt material that I bought a couple weeks ago when I went shopping with my mom. It's nice to be able to just wash and dry it and not have to worry about laying it out to dry an lightly ironing it with tender loving care. It feels practically indestructible, but I still feel put together. Loves it! Plus, the fact the it a 50% off (thank you Eddie Bauer outlet) doesn't hurt either. :)

When I am Afraid

2011-10-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

I'm spamming my blog tonight, but I'm inspired and I've got so much energy and I'm jamming all by my lonesome (is that possible when there are three living, breathing beings within three feet of you?). All I can think about is the way God's light shines across the surface of everything I see and then I feel so blessed to see the world through his eyes more and more as I walk this path, this life He gave me. And then I bust a move. And feel perfectly sane. Haha....

Exchanged in Secrets

2011-10-05T21:09:00.001-07:00

The Highway I Travel

2011-10-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

You are the highway I travel

'Cause I watched you carve streets of gold

From the sand and gravel

I gave you brokenness, you gave me innocence

And now this road leads to glory

Verse from For Love of You - Audrey Assad

Pine Cone Frames

2011-10-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

"Gone was the old-fashioned combination bookcase and secretary that Mrs. Baker used to say belonged to her great grandfather; and all the musty old books that gloomed forth behind the grimy glass doors. Even the two faded photographs of deceased parents framed in gilded pine cones were gone. They used to swing on red worsted cords and when the wind blew in at the front window it would waft them around till they made a scratchy sound on the old ugly red wall paper that was faded to a dull magenta in spots. They were all gone and the rooms were dusty and empty."

~ Partners by Grace Livingston Hill

Necessities

2011-10-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

"She came back with her coffee pot, bread, butter, some cereal, a tin box of crackers, half a dozen oranges, and a little bottle of milk. She felt that she would rather get her own breakfasts than to be always going out for them."

~ Partners by Grace Livingston Hill

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm cutting out Starbucks save for the weekends with my husband. I love saying "my husband." :) And really, while I Starbucks, I love saving money even more than that if you can believe it.

Holiday Bliss

2011-10-01T15:47:00.001-07:00

My favorite magazine has always been Victoria, and the special "Bliss" editions are also incredibly inspiring. They feel much more like a book than a magazine so I don't minding spending a bit more for them.

I can't wait to try some of the recipes...
*Chai Shortbread Buttons
*Smoked Cheddar & Sun-Dried-Tomato Crisps

And the visions of Christmas decorations are sure to light a fire in me to spruce up our house for the holiday season (pun intended).

If you can find a copy for yourself, I highly recommend the investment!

Honeymoon in Bloom

2011-09-24T23:38:00.000-07:00

I'm finally getting through some of the photos from our honeymoon and the flowers at Butchart Gardens are stealing the show. We both got in on photographing the gardens because they are SPECTACULAR! Everywhere you turn you lose your breath from the gorgeousness of it all. As you can see by the light in these photos the weather was as close to perfect as we could have hoped for. Sunny skies and about 70 degrees. Pure bliss! We'll treasure these memories for as long as we live.

We're Married!

2011-09-18T20:48:00.001-07:00

Haze

2011-09-10T21:14:00.000-07:00

This summer has brought a rare bloom, surely. We are all sniffles and sneezes, blurry eyes and barely breathing. Never have I chewed more children's grape antihistamine. Like candy. Bogus, mind blowing, candy. I love where we live...it's beautiful as any place could be, but I wish all the blooms would hide themselves away in preparation for fall. It can't come soon enough. *sneezes*

Reverb

2011-09-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

I choose stillness, but my heart still flutters ~

And begs for placidity.

Edification

2011-08-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

~Romans 15: 1-7~

And in Seeking

2011-08-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

My temperament is prone to vacillate between two extremes, nonchalance and anxiety. Rarely do I nail myself full of the holes that plague the spirit when thoughts become anxious because I tend to ask the question "why?" more than enough and that prevents worry more than generates it. Even though, for the last week, my dreams (which I give more credit to than is due to them), have been rife with struggle. Struggles that lead to inevitable deaths...little ones (puppies I'm trying to save) or big ones (mass wartime atrocities).

So, why? Why am I dreaming and seeing such awful things? I feel these deaths keenly because I fight with all my strength to prevent them. I gently caressed the ears of the frightened pups, cradled the dying men in my arms and carried them away to quiet places, spinning them yarns of more poetic times, when light revealed the hope of another day, fresh air, and the quiet of a dawning suns.

It ends badly, no matter how much my heart yearns to change the course of the dream, even when I recognize that it is a dream. I am powerless to do anything, but strive, to fly the poor things away from evil, grasping hands of death. Even in the light, my sorrow is deep.

And my payment for this sorrow is...a stomach ache. Yes, I have had a stomach ache for about a week now. Stress induced...from dreams. That, or the dreams are manifestations of worry seated in some other, conscious place. But, by the break of morning, other than the lingering tear on my cheek, I feel no stress, sadness...just as easy as my happiness was interrupted, a smile spreads across my face and a song rises up from within me just as it does when my dreams are of a more pink and sparkly variety.

But there are moments, when cries of "help" tumble around in this home of my head and I just want to reach out and offer that hand of hope, that help, that anything that is needed. Anything, to lift the curse of fear and bless their ears with lilting Hallelujahs.

Small Framed Portion

2011-08-08T21:37:00.000-07:00

Greenhouse. Beneath little panes pocked

by time and dotted with mold and lichen, rot,

a riot of tropical effulgence, small framed portion

of the endlessness. Spiky plants blossom

like ideas; light glances off the glass and gleams

on the permanent hunger, steams. Everything

blooms or is green. You shrug into your coat.

From "3 Men: Portraits without the Human Figure" by Deena Linnett

Helping Summer

2011-08-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

This summer has been more like a spring than a full-fledged, scorching heat, dance in the afternoon rays, sip your sweet tea, and hover near fans at all times, normal kind of summer. Don't get me wrong, we did have a couple "hot" (by Washington standards) days, but the heat has been so short lived that you don't need to bother trying to find shade. I start the mornings off with sweaters and end the days without them. Apply sunglasses liberally. :)

My birthday is coming up and I'm hoping the pretty, even tempered, springy dispositioned days stick around so I can thoroughly enjoy my time outside.

I'm really excited for some plans I have with my mom to see The Help. We are both anxious to spend some time together and what better movie for real Mississippi GRITS and her all-things-Southern loving daughter to go see! I can't wait to "boo" at Hilly Hollbrook and hear my mom's stories she will invariably share with me after the movie is over. Stories...are...my...favorite...things. After all.

Dancing

2011-07-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

/I'm dancing in the room as if I was in the woods with you/

~ From "Dancing" by Elisa

Summer Dream

2011-07-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

I sleep in this summer,
against the dried and wrung out
stiffness of its air -
like an extra firm pillow.
I cannot burrow out a cleft and
.
.
. sink slowly into slumber,
but instead BOUNCE
abruptly upon this yearly sedative;
this mandatory rest
It calls to me like some confused hibernation pattern.
In this swelter which makes feet slow
to an easy plod,
while the fire of dazzling days
SNAPS
and spits flames against browned skin.
Heaving us charred and
well-lived and free
of our centripetal thoughts
from a colder time,
like some kind of
Dream.

Believe in Miracles

2011-06-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

If you believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to move through each and every one of us, no matter how big or small we are (or even if you don't), please watch this video.

Victoria Magazine - March 1993

2011-06-01T16:29:00.001-07:00

I thought I would share with you some of my favorite photos in the March 1993 issue of Victoria Magazine because this publication really brightens my day and I hope it will do the same for you.

"For daily need, there is daily grace; for sudden need, sudden grace, and for overwhelming need, overwhelming grace." ~ John Blanchard

"Just as there comes a warm sunbeam into every cottage window, so comes a love for every separate need." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

"I'm not happy, I'm cheerful. There's a difference. A happy woman has no cares at all. A cheerful woman has cares but has learned how to deal with them." ~ Beverly Sills

"I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in." ~ George Washington Carver

"Dream no small dreams." ~ Henry Clay

"If we should live a thousand years, our time is all today, today." ~ James Montgomery

A Small Thanks

2011-05-30T19:24:00.000-07:00

I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world—

the refreshing air,

the light of the sun,

the food that renews strength,

the raiment that clothes,

the dwelling that shelters,

the sleep that gives rest,

the starry canopy of night,

the summer breeze,

the flowers' sweetness,

the music of flowing streams,

the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends.

Suffer me not to be insensible to these daily mercies.

~From The Valley of Vision - Evening Praise

From Tree and Hill

2011-05-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

The wind flapped loose, the wind was still,
Shaken out dead from tree and hill:
I had walked on at the wind's will, -
I sat now, for the wind was still.

Between my knees my forehead was, -
My lips, drawn in, said not Alas!
My hair was over in the grass,
My naked ears heard the day pass.

My eyes, wide open, had the run
Of some ten weeds to fix upon;
Among those few, out of the sun,
The woodspurge flowered, three cups in one.

From perfect grief there need not be
Wisdom or even memory:
One thing then learnt remains to me, -
The woodspurge has a cup of three.

~ The Woodspurge by Dante Gabriel Rosetti

A Simple Womans Day Book

2011-05-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

Outside my window . . .

The rain has stopped and the cloud cover is only patchy, grass is sparkling in the setting sun.

I am thinking . . .

About being more dilligent about using coupons to save us money.

I am thankful . . .

That God has really and truly changed my heart and directed it toward Him, particularly in the last 6 years of my life. I got a glimpse today of the life I used to live and am so thankful He is mighty to save and that he chose to save me!

I am learning . . .

That I am so richly blessed, instead of thinking about the things I could buy, think about what I can give and how I can be a better steward of what God has given me.

From the kitchen . . .

Oh heck, it was a busy and stressful day at work so...hot dogs. Haha.

I am wearing . . .

Charcoal grey Aerie lounge pats, Light grey Hanes long sleeved thermal, big squishy brown socks, and my beautiful engagement ring.

I am creating . . .

A new reading list. The Iliad, the Odyssey, Heroditus and some classical commentary.

I am going . . .

To wake up thirty minutes earlier tomorrow morning so I can prepare some things in the kitchen so dinner will be ready without much work on my part tomorrow evening.

I am reading . . .

The Bible. And will start The Iliad probably tomorrow-ish. :)

I am hoping . . .

That I can find time tomorrow to swing by the dry cleaners. Ack!

I am hearing . . .

Ryan Seacrest. Yes, I am watching American Idol. Don't laugh.

Around the house . . .

Darling Dog is spinning in circles trying to find that perfect sleeping spot. Silly little guy.

One of my favorite things . . .

Filling up a notebook with morning devotionals. It means I've got my priorites straight. I always do something corny like give the notebook a smooch before I place it on a bookshelf when I'm done with it.

I am realizing . . .

That I really don't like the electric guitar unless it is disguised with heavy instrumentation of other kinds.

I am noticing that . . .

My fervor for dusting the furniture has waned. It's usually my favorite house cleaning activity.

I am wondering . . .

If my mom will be able to handle grocery shopping with me...when they move here in one week! :)

Pondering these words . . .

"If a soul has any beauty, it is because Christ has endowed that soul, with His own, for in ourselves we are deformed and defiled! There is no beauty in any of us but what our Lord has worked in us."

~Charles Spurgeon

A few plans for the week . . .

Grocery Shopping, thorough cleaning of the floors, laundry, reading, and visiting with family.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing:

Long Time, No Post

2011-05-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

From looking at the lack of posts on this blog, it would seem I've been busy lately, but really I haven't been that busy at all. My inclination to hop online and blog, however, has waned considerably. Without psychoanalyzing myself I'd venture to say that it is in some small way linked to a conscious behavioral shift within me. Which is to say, I have been, with fair consistency, a person with a nature and knack for planning and very little follow-through. Not so, recently though. My body is actually cashing the checks my mind writes, these days. The dreaming and scheming is in motion from dawn 'til dusk and I haven't stopped to question the why of it all, only to embrace the gift of determination that only He could give me. *points up heavenward*

There is only this, putting one foot in front of the other and soldiering on. While wearing pink, of course.

How Great Thou Art

2011-04-26T14:38:00.000-07:00

He is risen!

2011-04-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!

Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

Love's redeeming work is done, Alleluia!

Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!

Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia!

Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia!

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!

Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!

Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia!

Where's thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia!

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia!

Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!

Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia!

Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia!

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia!

Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia!

Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia!

Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia!

King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia!

Everlasting life is this, Alleluia!

Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia!

Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!

~*~*~*~*~*~

Happy Easter!

Guest Post

2011-04-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

I asked Numbers Man to guest post and he didn't think that would be a good use of his time. I think it would be hilarious. Especially if he blogged about my flower picture du jour.

I love Spring!

The Spirit

2011-04-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

'It was my mother who taught me the southern way of the spirit in its most delicate and intimate forms. My mother believed in the dreams of flowers and animals. Before we went to bed at night as small children, she would reveal to us in her storytelling voice that salmon dreamed of mountain passes and the brown faces of grizzlies hovering over clear rapid. Copperheads, she would say, dreamed of placing their fangs in the shinbones of hunters. Ospreys slept with their feathered, plummeting dreamselves screaming through deep, slow-motion dives toward herring. There were the brute wings of owls in the nightmares of ermine, the downwind approach of timber wolves in the night stillness of elk.'

~From The Prologue of The Prince of Tides

It Begins with the Wind

2011-04-18T16:51:00.000-07:00

I have been so completely into this television show lately, and it led to other equine dramas (to which I am no stranger it's true, no stranger am I, and I am familiar as a non-stranger would be), which brings me to a place of remembering. Instead of heart throb or boy band posters, my childhood walls were plastered with posters of horse species, dog species, dolphins, a map of the world, an american flag, a dream catcher. I had bigger fish to fry, bigger dreams to lasso, than which concert to attend next weekend. What happened to that girl...?

The News

2011-04-12T11:46:00.000-07:00

I decided to sign us up to receive the Sunday newspaper again and truthfully it was mostly for the coupons. I've become a coupon-a-holic lately, partially inspired by Extreme Couponing on TLC, but the seed was really planted by Money Saving Mom. Of secondary importance is the Comics section, and then third of course would be the actual news. Shame on me, right? :) I just prefer my news televised and down to the minute by my local news station's Twitter account.

How do you prefer to learn about what's going on in the world?

**Photo is a screenshot I took from an episode of Agatha Christie's Poirot.

Silent Sunday

2011-04-10T12:49:00.001-07:00

Glorious Infirmities

2011-04-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 12: 9-11

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

All it takes is a dog...

2011-04-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

One dog in particular makes me smile. And for him, all it takes is one toy dog...that he grooms and makes squeak. Me too, in fact. However, I don't bit on his belly to elicit the noise because that's just cruel.

A Joyful Noise

2011-03-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Don't you just feel like every one of the verses in Psalm 100 ought to have an exclamation point at the end of it? I love this Psalm....possibly best of all. I hope it encourages you reading it!

A Giveaway!

2011-03-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Farrah, of The Old Fashioned Home Keeper, is having a wonderful giveaway on her blog.

Do go check it out!

Everything is Yours

2011-03-18T22:37:00.000-07:00

When all the world is blossoming

When everything around is bursting into life

And I don't have to strain to hear the beat of Your heart

When all the world is under fire

and the skies are threatening to thunder and rain

And I am overcome by fears that I can't see

If everything is Yours

Everything is Yours

If everything is Yours

I'm letting it go

No it was never mine to hold

No, never mine

Lentil Love

2011-03-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

As much as I love lentils, they are not very photogenic, poor things. Luckily they taste better than they picture...this dish, "Garden Lentil Pilaf" by Ellie Krieger, is right up my alley. I made it for the first time last night and ate all four servings myself. Yeah...I definitely went crazy for it.

For me, it was a bit pricey simply because of the fresh herbs, which I don't grow myself so the store ousts my wallet for them ($3 a bundle). *faints* But, the fresh herbs really make this recipe, so if you do decide to make it, please do not leave them out. Hopefully you have a more budget-friendly source for your greens than I.

Along with salt & pepper, the recipe calls for fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Mmmmm...I love anything sour. Gimme! Gimme! :) And now...for the recipe:

1 cup green lentils

2 cups water

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons diced shallots

3 cups baby spinach leaves (I used bok choy because I had it on hand and crave it)

1 cup, halved grape tomatoes (I used yellow ones for contrast)

1/4 cup fresh basil - chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint - chopped

1/4 fresh parsley - chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Place the lentils in a pot with the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender, but still retain their shape, 30 - 35 minutes. (I could have reduced the cooking time to 25 minutes...mine were a little over cooked). Drain any excess water from the lentils and set them aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large skilled over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cooked lentils, basil, mint, and parsley to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until warmed through, about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and serve.

Enjoy!

Fresh Ones

2011-03-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Dear Revel,

What a beautiful surprise you gave me this morning, bringing those lovely dewey flowers for me to take with me! I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is just what I wanted, to get fresh ones, with roots."

~ From The Girl of the Woods by Grace Livingston Hill

Smile

2011-03-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

Haiti's First Little League from David Darg on Vimeo.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Because it's good for you.

Yesterday I thought of waves...

2011-03-11T10:17:00.000-08:00

~*~*~*~*~*~

I wrote this after dinner last night...

~*~*~*~*~*~

I sail the waves

between your words,

on a good day

when the wind is ripe.

Each crest a triumph

of a freshly parted syllable,

plucked from the

stillness of the swelling current.

Not Mine

2011-03-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

~*~*~*~*~*~

...but couldn't resist. Scrabble me weak-kneed.

Poetry in the Sky

2011-03-08T13:26:00.001-08:00

~*~*~*~*~*~

It happens whenever I look up.

Oscar Faves

2011-02-27T18:51:00.000-08:00

I love watching award shows, remembering them in subsequent years like little time capsules of social history. I don't necessarily watch every movie that is nominated, or even those that win, but I enjoy being made aware of what is going on in the film industry. And of course, I don't mind at all, the frills and fashiony moments. Reese Witherspoon was definitely my favorite of the evening and I knew it the second I saw her...I crave simple and stunning dresses. While details (the flounce, filigree, and frou-frou) are admirable in terms of handy-work, I have a knee jerk reaction to bolder choices. It's no wonder I love Lilly Pulitzer! :) However, Mila Kunis pulled off delicate so, so well. The color choice was amazing for her skin tone and hair...what a little glamour-puss! Anne's harvest of diamonds about her neck and ears made me all swoony...nothing too over the top, just diamonds...diamonds...DIAMONDS! Haha...

The Ordinary Arts

2011-02-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

"The ordinary arts we practice every day

at home are of more importance to the

soul than their simplicity might suggest."

~Thomas More

Winter White Before Me

2011-02-24T10:23:00.000-08:00

~*~*~*~*~

For the listener, who listens in the snow,

And, nothing himself, beholds

Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is.

~ From The Snow Man by Wallace Stevens

~*~*~*~*~

I couldn't have dreamt of a prettier last snowfall of winter.

The air is calm and still, as it can only be in the quietude after snowfall.

The World Exploded into Love...

2011-02-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

The world exploded into love all around me

And everytime I take a look around me

I have to smile

President's Day Tea

2011-02-21T15:18:00.000-08:00

Getting the urge for tea is nothing new for me, but actually baking something to go along with it is rare activity in my little world. Making a blueberry compote for the baked good? Completely new experience and a surprisingly successful one, while being without recipe, save for a vague familiarity with what blueberry compote tastes like. Being 1/2 Scottish, scones are nearly the only baked good I manage to create...excepting things that come from a box. It all made for a sweetly seasoned afternoon. Oh yeah...and I knit about a foot of scarf, so I'm fully embracing my inner Miss Marple.

For the Beauty of the Earth

2011-02-19T18:52:00.000-08:00

For the Beauty of the Earth

For the beauty of the earth,

For the glory of the skies,

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies;

Lord of all, to Thee we raise