Otherwise known as Tee

The Point of Living

2009-02-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

I love hiking to the top of the highest mountain when the wildflowers are blooming and feeling like they grew just for me. I love watching the birds in our backyard. I love to sit outside on chilly nights and watch the fire, to get lost in the magnificent wonder of it's power. I love water, streams, lakes, rivers, waterfalls. I love running in the rain. I love finding beauty in old barns, windmills, trees. I love going farther than I thought I could go, the feeling of strength and of pushing my own limits. I love when Wes is creating something, love watching him delight in simply existing. I love how he is wise beyond his years and how I can learn from him. I love my grandparents and the values they've lived by, the example they've set. I love my family. I love God.

This excerpt from "Waking the Dead' by John Eldredge about sums it up for me.

"Everything you love is what makes a life worth living. Take a moment, set down the book, and make a list of all the things you love. Don’t edit yourself; don’t worry about prioritizing or anything of that sort. Simply think of all the things you love. Whether it’s the people in your life or the things that bring you joy or the places that are dear to you or your God, you could not love them if you did not have a heart. Loving requires a heart alive and awake and free. A life filled with loving is a life=2
0most like the one that God lives, which is life as it was meant to be (Eph. 5:1–2).

Of all the things that are required of us in this life, which is the most important? What is the real point of our existence? Jesus was confronted with the question point-blank one day, and he boiled it all down to two things: loving God and loving others. Do this, he said, and you will find the purpose of your life. Everything else will fall into place. Somewhere down inside we know it’s true; we know love is the point. We know if we could truly love, and be loved, and never lose love, we would finally be happy. And is it even possible to love without your heart? "

What a woman can be, she must be

2008-06-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

I am leaving for Montana in less than a week and I am already 95% into vacation mode. This means I am having a tough time focusing on work, obligations, responsibilities or anything else that requires my immediate attention. I already bawk at doing ANY of the things I am required or expected to do. Imagine just how accommodating I am right now. RIGHT!

I must say, the one thing I can stay pretty consistently dedicated to is staying active. I definitely am passionate about kicking my own rear. There was the 10K trail run that did a good job of doing just that. Imagine running rocky, narrow wooded trails with 412 other crazies, in what felt like 99.999% ALL hills in that 98 degree deathening humidity we were blessed with a few weeks back.

Well, I did it and it was hard as heck and I never sweat so much in my life. I wanted to throw in the towel and jump in the river at mile 2. But I kept on.

Looking back, I loved every second of it. And out of those 412 other crazy people? I came in 106th. :)

Vacation couldn't come at a better time for me. Work has felt just plain old redundant lately. Change of scenery is much needed. I believe it's human nature to have a desire - an out and out NEED for something new and aesthetically pleasing to bring us contentment. I am open to absorbing all that this world has to offer - - and understanding what it is that I have to offer the world.

The way Maslow expresses it"What a man can be, he must be". And for me, by pushing myself past my own limits and fears, that is when I feel the most alive.

What's next, I ask myself. Anything you want, I say. Go do it.

The Don

2008-05-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Who IS that handsome fella, you ask?

Why, that's my dad.

As I watch the course of my life and the lives of others around me unfold, I find myself reflecting on how much I really love him.

I have a close friend who has been standing by her father's side as he's fighting a long and difficult battle with cancer. I have no experience of the type of heartache that must be felt in situations like that. I can only know what it feels like to love someone so much you never want to see them hurt.

Last month, I heard news of singer Steven Curtis Chapman losing one of his beautiful daughters in a tragic accident. I watched a memorial video of this father and daughter, washing dishes together as he played his guitar, singing a silly song with his giggling daughter, the love between them so simple and precious. I think of how much he must have loved her, how much he would have done anything to protect her. Because that's just what fathers do.

That video hit a chord with me as I remember similar times with my own dad, strumming his guitar to sing me to sleep at night. He only knew a few old folk songs, lyrics sometimes forgotten, chorus repeated again and again. It didn't matter to me what the song, he could sing the same words over and over again if it meant he would keep singing to me.

He still owns that old guitar, the years of playing worn into its grains. The wood may be faded but my memories are not.

At this time in my life, as a single, 30 year old woman, I've grown accustomed to being very independent, handling things as best I am capable on my own. While not always easy, I take pride in the fact that it's made me into the person I am. But that place could never have been arrived at entirely without the unconscious knowledge of my parent's support. Of my father's silent dedication to always being there for his family.

A father's love - like a beacon on a wide open sea, standing steadfast. We can find comfort in its constance, we can rely on the strength of its vessel to safely lead us on our way, knowing that even as we move forward, there it will always remain, faithfully.

one can only hope

2008-05-08T13:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I am left feeling like I am completely and totally OUT. OF. CONTROL.

Now I don't mean out of control, coo coo crazy. I mean having absolutely no control over the turns my life will take. None whatsoever. For as much as we try to plan and calculate the outcome or mark our calendar, it is all completely out of our hands. And all that there is left to do is hope.

Hope, redeeming hope. What does that mean, really?

Hope

1. The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best

2. A person or thing in which expectations are centered

3. To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence

4. To believe, desire, or trust

Why does it seem that to have hope it implies also having a certain amount of despair? Doesn't having hope equate having perseverance, to believe that a better or positive outcome is possible even when there is some evidence to the contrary?

I believe strongly in the concept of free will. When faced with uncertainties, its important to pray, yes. But it's just as important to continue hoping, dreaming and desiring. Never giving up the want.

Hope is what keeps you going, despite all the odds stacked against you. It's the difference between losing the struggles and beating them. It's what separates the 'can't happens' from the 'quite possibly coulds'.

It's being aware of a spiritual truth without an inkling of a doubt.

When I don't know my ups from downs, God is always there to point me in the right direction. Even if that means the direction I had planned suddenly changes course without warning. If I keep my eyes on Him, I can know I'm right where I'm supposed to be. Through every turn, whether good or bad, the one and only constant in my life has been Jesus.

And with that understanding, I have finally come to a place where it's not so tough being out of control.

Let your life speak

2008-05-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

simple things

2008-05-01T07:06:00.000-07:00

I love these flowers. They remind me of childhood. I remember being a little girl on my daily exploration of the backyard and coming across these. They reminded me, and still do, of a elegant, old lady with her delicate, pink hairdo swaying in the breeze. I only wish I knew what they are called. Google was unhelpful. I thought for sure 'pink hairdo flowers' would find my answer.

I feel like this one determined lilac flower bloomed it's hello especially for me.

Family Ties

2008-04-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

"Other things may change us but we start
and end with the family"

- Anthony Brandt

"Sisters are different flowers
from the same garden"

~ Author Unknown

Makes ya think

2008-04-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

(I can't take the credit for these)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5543697

I couldn't make this up if I tried

2008-04-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Apparently, this setup is for those instances where you wish to identify the bird who's food that pesty squirrel is stealing before you nip him in the rear with a pellet.

life's a zoo

2008-04-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

What better way to embrace the child within us all then to take them to the zoo for the day.

Friday afternoon, that's just what we did. I am fortunate to be able to get free tickets and so I try and go at least once a year. While everything feels a little less...grande then it did as a child, it is still very cool. Even if I find myself wishing I had the ability to set them all free.

I wonder if that whole thing with elephants and peanuts is true and they love them as much as I do. Or if it's just a myth perpetuated by saturday morning cartoons. Oh, and also they supposedly are afraid of mice. If that's the case, I will just have to keep a few peanuts in my pocket for next time since we share some sort of unspoken BOND.

I actually heard a woman, eager to get a better shot, try to encourage one of these amazing cats closer with a 'HEEERE KITTY KITTY.'

Leopards don't understand people talk, lady! Duh!

I should know because he TOTALLY looked at me in a "what the HECK is up with HER?" sorta way.

Speaking of talking to me with it's eyes:

Can't you just hear her?

"Well, would you look at that. Another funny-looking mammal creature staring at me again. Well, I'll be darned. OH and that silly thing you're always flashing at me, it's annoying. Please stop."

I can just feel her sighs of boredom, the filthy glass walls offering no shelter from the constant barrage of camera flashes and pointing fingers.

Perhaps her buff boyfriend offers her some sort of comic relief like mine does.

Tell me the similarities are not just SO uncanny!

Now this guy was cool, almost prehistoric looking. What do you say, he could probably do some damage after I set him free, no?

I'm not sure why, but in spite of their brilliant colors and regal stature I still can't help but think these birds look TACKY.

Now a lawn ornament shaped like a giraffe or zebra, that's a little more subtle.

I must say, I was a tad disappointed with the penguin exhibit. I guess after seeing an influx of movies like March of the Penguins and Happy Feet, I was expecting a mass of hundreds standing in a huddle, conversing.

another journey

2008-04-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is my absolute favorite time of year! You will be hard pressed to find me indoors when the weather is so gorgeous. I'll go for a long run or take a bike to the Perkiomen trail, whatever moves me. As long as I'm exerting some sort of energy and the sun is on my back, I'm in heaven.

Wes lives literally blocks from the trail and we take great advantage of this. Saturday was especially beautiful so we decided to take a leisurely hike. We parked his car at the beginning of the trail in Green Lane, packed a few necessities like water and fruit and began our trek. Granted, most of the trails were through residential areas with houses lining the path - but you have to start somewhere! We plan on hiking the Appalachian in a few weeks so this was a good preparation.

I have to say, I am completely in my element out there. With the sun peaking through the trees, embracing my shoulders with its warmth, accentuating the lush green of the untouched earth off in the distance. Birds cross my path with exuberance, their quiet determination reminding me of the freedom that comes with exploration.

Gods creation is absolutely amazing to me! From the pattern of the sky between the crook of a branch, to the tiny flecks of gold in a birds eye, no details were forgotten. How truly thankful I am for a God who has surrounded me with constant proof of the magnitude of His love.

Beware of warts

2008-04-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

This handsome fella is only one of about a dozen frogs who've taken up residence in Wes's backyard. Aint he cool? I mean, I won't touch him for anything but I sure like to make him uncomfortable by staring at him from some six inches away. I wonder what he's thinking. Or IF he's thinking, for that matter.

(For a closer look, click on his picture and see if you can tell what he's thinking.)

On the many items on Wes's long list of home improvements comes the transformation of the stanknasty pit that is his backyard pond. Him and his brother spent a messy day chasing down the ponds inhabitants so they could temporarily transplant them to new homes while they cleaned house.

All I can say is thank God for brothers because I was spared assisting him with that project.

COO COO CA CHOO

2008-03-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

So I have a crazy neighbor. Seems like no matter where I go, I always seem to live within a wall or earshot of a coo-coo.

I've had the looney landlord who lived on the floor beneath me, who would shout obscenities at all hours of the night, throwing what sounded like plates against the wall. Only to greet me the following day as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Like I couldn't possibly have heard his crazy undoings through the floor. The same thin floor, where when I tripped over my feet on the carpet or WALKED heavily, for that matter, he'd immediately call me to ask if there was a herd of elephants on the loose up there.

And to top it all off, he never wore a shirt. Ever. Come the first of the month when it was time to pay rent, I could be guaranteed I'd be greeted at his door by an overweight, gray-haired gorilla man chest.

Then there was the oddly observant, volunteer fireman who lived across the street. I swear every time I pulled into my parking spot, either his blinds would move or even more conspicuous, his inside door would open. And he would stand there, in what he thought was out of sight and watch me. But no, it was in plain, creepy sight. Like, hide your body in the shadows but I can still see you, sight. Some towns have a neighborhood watch, I had a Teresa watch.

Too many times, considering there were NEVER any fires, he would run out of his door, jump in his truck and bail out of there like he had to get somewhere and FAST. He ran stop signs, tires squealing, like it not only made him look important to behave that way but important AND COOL.

I won't even delve into my childhood neighbors since I've blocked most of those debacles from my memory.

Well, this time the looney is a woman, about my age and a whole lot of UNFRIENDLY. Fine, we don't need to be friends. We don't even need to make small talk about the weather or how your new phonebook has been sitting on your front step, for what, 2 months now? But at least acknowledge my existence when I politely say hello and try and pretend I don't know YOU'RE CRAZY.

Case in point, the people up stairs - friendly, quiet, NORMAL. They have a dog. It's a beautiful Australian Shepard that is about 5 times too large to be an apartment dog, but that's neither here nor there. Considering its size and stature, you'd expect it to be a highly-vocal dog and yet it's not. Though there are a few rare occasions where he does bark. It happens. That's the thing with apartment living, you'll HEAR things.

Well, this does NOT fair well with Little Miss Sunshine next door.

When she hears that dog bark, I hear her bark,

"Shut. up. SHUT. UP. SHUTTUPPP!!'"

Followed by her pounding her fists, or perhaps her head, against the wall to affirm her disapproval BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM.

To which the dog promptly stops barking - - for approximately 3.5 seconds before he starts again. This time, he just does it more fervently.

I can just picture him up there, chilling by the window, doing the doggy cocked-head thing they do when they question reality. If he could talk he'd go "Hmmm?? WHAT THE?" and so instead he goes "RUFF RUFF RUFF!"

Which only fuels her anger MORE and she just does her SHUT UP BANG BANG even louder. You can only imagine how far she gets with that. NOWHERE. And this is where, in my dumbfounded curiosity, I lean my ear farther in the direction of the wall we share, so I don't miss a beat of her undeniable INSANITY. Silently I egg the dog on to stand his ground and bark like his life depended on it.

Until, that is, I catch myself cupping my ear against the wall with one hand, stifling a giggle with the other and wonder just WHO the crazy one is here.

upon closer inspection

2008-03-10T13:28:00.000-07:00

I must say, there have been some strange sightings upon closer inspection of Wes's property. The old vietnam vet who lived there before him must have been quite the character. That place sure has a personality! And that personality is rather innovative and self-reliant and completely and utterly unconventional.

This old handmade sign hanging inconspicuously from the back shed pretty much sums the old guy up. Quite the social sorta fella, I take it. Notice the size of the U compared to the rest of the letters. I guess when he was carving out that little bugger, the intricate curves really challenged his thick, callused fingers to the point where, to get it just right, he had to carve away till there was barely anything left.

Then there is that weathered, old cold cellar that does nothing short of creep me out. One time, we braved it enough to swing the door open for a glimpse inside. And by brave I mean we stood as far away from it as humanly possible, prodded the door open with the longest sticks we could find and jumped back in defense. And did I mention this all went down in broad daylight??

Then there's the outhouse for those rather unfortunate instances where you have to poop so bad you can't make it the twenty yards to the house. Or maybe that old vet had a mad case of incontinence. In which case you'd think with the hundreds of trees around, he'd have plenty of options. But yeah, there it is in all its unsanitary glory.

I guess this thermometer had to be hung on a piece of wood because the wood THE TREE PROVIDED just wasn't good enough.

This poor guy must have eaten the grass too close to the outhouse.

On the flipside, this piece of land provides me with quite a few simple pleasures. I love to sit and quietly watch the variety of wild birds this house invites. As well as a few pesty squirrels for Wes and I to play target practice with.

Wes's uncle gave him this planter which his father-in-law built. I liked it for its simple form and function. We've decided this will make a good home for a few of our favorite spices like cilantro, basil and rosemary. Yes sir.

This post would not be complete without a mention to Wes's pride and joy. Here she is.

I might make fun - but that thing kicks out some heat! Quite the way to conserve in a day and age where NOTHING IS CHEAP.

All things aside, I love that place. Not only for its eccentric nature but its nitty gritty authenticity. It represents so much more than meets the eye. I look forward to making my place there someday.

Hibachi

2008-03-05T11:12:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, the motley crew of girls got together for Julie's last bash as a unhusbanded woman. We had the little japanese lady running around in circles, trying to figure out the camera. I thought that they were supposed to be pros at that sorta thing. Anyway, once she got us into formation to take the shot, she shouts off to us to say 'cheese'. For which we all reply:

HIBACHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

It was great.

Yeh, here I am

2008-03-04T12:21:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! It's been a little while so I thought I'd say hello! What better way to show how truly self-absorbed I am by setting my camera on timer and taking a picture of myself! Look at me!

Thing is, I would have had Wes take the picture but I'm sure he either had his head buried in his wood stove or in a prized issue of Backwoods Home Magazine, intently reading an article on the How-tos of Preserving Black Walnuts or the benefits of LED lighting.

Time does not exist when he's participating in these grand endeavors.

Unless, that is, he needs something at Home Depot. Well, then I'd better be ready to go and I'd better be ready NOW.

"You look fine, now LET'S GO!".

Look at how impatient he looks.

Speaking of Home Depot (and Lowes, Ace Hardware or Walmart) we've been spending a lot of time there as we slowly improve his property. Sometimes I have to be swayed with the promise of breakfast, lunch, dinner and a foot rub. Other times, I get into it and truly enjoy seeing the fruits of our labor. This particular day I ran the perkiomen trail, came back, took off my running shoes and picked up the wallpaper steamer.

(Please note that the only proof of my existance in that house is that pink loofah shower thing back there. And maybe a discreetly hidden box of tampons for emergencies. I'm not one of those females who takes up their boyfriends closet space.)

I'd much rather take up his brain space. :)

I like to leave more subtle reminders that I was there.

Such as this bit of handy work:

Incase you missed it:

Hey, someone asks you to help wash dishes and you agree, hesitantly. But then you happen to accidentally drop and break a few plates. Maybe then they will happen to stop asking for your help.

Good theory to live by, no?

Truth be told, it was an accident. I guess I don't know my own strength and the piece of wood just got away from me. And I must say, Wes handled it like the easy-going champ that he is. I mean, I don't think there was a whole lot he could do considering he was up there.

And flaring his arms around wildly in anger might have been a little dangerous, considering his situation.

So I think at that point, I stuck with more harmless activities like strolling around the homeowners property, taking random pictures.

On to bigger and better things:

MONTANA, HERE WE COME!

It's booked! July 2-14! WOO HOO!

For those of you who know, we have been throwing around the idea of taking a trip out to Montana. Mostly because it's GORGEOUS there, a nature-lover like myself's dream, God's country at its finest and all that.

And partly because Wes left a portion of his heart out there and we must go back to retrieve it. Or maybe just maybe I will leave a tiny part of mine behind to keep his company. One can only hope.

Till next time, God bless!

a little dabble do ya

2008-02-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

So lately I've been dabbling in making my own greeting cards. The ideas are still a bit rough - but I have fun with it. Saving pieces of cool print I come upon in a magazine or recycle lettering from old cards, I amuse myself in creating. Some are a collaboration of graphics I print from my computer - - some have lettering I hand-create. I have fun making them, I feel good about them.

And then I go and find this. Simple. Understated. Inspiring.

There are so many creative people out there! For instance.

May you find what inspires you today.

only words?

2008-02-19T11:17:00.001-08:00

It's amazing how someone's words can wield so much power - no matter how indeliberate their intent was.

I've been accused of being insensitive and even downright mean - - for no other reason than the words that came out of my mouth. And I took responsibility for that. I apologized. Maybe after some hardheaded denial, I accepted fault. But I got there. Sometimes I was forgiven, sometimes not. It's about learning. It's a part of life. It goes on.

But sometimes, just by merely existing, you can affect someone in a truly positive way, simply by being REAL.

That to me, is what life is about!

Case in point, I have a christian coworker whom I respect very much. Her quiet dignity comes to mind when I think of her. She has what I consider the definition of integrity - to maintain a steadfast core of ethics, despite the obstacles in your path, you continue to live by a consistent code of being.

So I run into her today, in the copy room, we say our normal hellos. Make small talk. I ask her how she's doing. Really, how is she?

She smiles her usual smile. Tells me she's doing good - really good. Then pauses.

"Can I tell you something, Teresa?" she asks.

"Of course." I say.

"You know, you said something to me once that I will never forget. Right there, in that corner of the hallway, you said something that changed me'.

I'm taken aback, not quite sure what to think, but curious for her to continue on.

"You told me that I have a strength of character which you admire" she smiled shyly.

"That's right, I remember" I say.

"Those words gave me strength that day and I carry that strength with me, even now".

Wow. I am humbled by her words.

As she was so effected by mine,

as am I so effected by hers.

It's days like this where you can learn a lot about yourself, about others. Where you can discover a new found respect for the strength of the human spirit.

I thank God for days like these.

friends

2008-02-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

My precious niece, Cecilia is one of life's many blessings - and proof that friends come in all shapes and sizes.

I make Wes pull the car over so i can take pictures like this

2008-02-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

and this

2008-02-04T12:50:00.001-08:00

happy feet

2008-02-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

I can take or leave football. And I am one of the lucky few who's boyfriend feels the same. Our intent was to sit down and enjoy our own superbowl party - which was meerly an excuse to order pizza and wings. What ended up happening is we watched 10 minutes, got bored and popped in the movie Happy Feet. We paused the movie to go back to watching the game in just enough time to watch the Giants score their winning touchdown.

Movie was cute. But I still think this is cuter.

Being all growed up

2008-01-25T07:49:00.001-08:00

Last night was girls night with my friends, Christine and Danielle. We had pedicures and ate yummy mexican food till we nearly burst.

Christine, who's 7 months pregnant, looks like a complete doll. Some women manage pregnancy so splendidly. If I were to ever get pregnant, I'd probably gain 75 pounds, none of which would go to my boobs. All of which would distribute itself rather immensely on my rear end. And I'd get stretch marks on my feet. Christine, God bless her, she's avoiding all of that. She looks like a glowing, rounder-bellied version of herself. So sweet!

In these gatherings with friends, as much fun as I have, I can't help but be reminded of just how young I am NOT anymore. At one point, we were discussing rinsing with baking soda and peroxide to prevent the onslaught of gingevitus. And how certain foods should be avoided to prevent 'binding'. Yes, that was a new word for me. I've since learned the definition. I will now be including more fiber in my diet to avoid that word.

Speaking of tooth care, I have a reoccurring dream - or should I say NIGHTMARE - where my teeth are falling out. Crumbling into a mouthful of teeth bits as I frantically try to pick up the pieces and fit them back into their sockets. I awake, relieved to find them still intact and not jiggling around in there.

Upon googling 'dream interpretation', I've come to learn this: I am NOT crazy!! Teeth dreams are the most common of all dreams. One theory is that dreams about your teeth reflect your anxiety about your appearance and how others perceive you.

Uhm...how they know that?

I just thought it was because I've had so many appointments in the last year, I'm sure I've helped put my dentist's kids through college.

Yet all the teeth dreams and old people conversations in the world can not keep me from feeling young. Though the mirror in the morning might reflect otherwise, my heart tells me different. My restless spirit keeps me moving, running, climbing, creating, ANYTHING to keep the child in me alive. Age is only a number, right? Youth is a state of mind!

Now, I must be off...I have to go order more anti-wrinkle eye cream, I'm just about out.

It's been a while...

2008-01-23T07:37:00.000-08:00

Hi people who actually read this.

2008 has been whisking along rather nicely. No resolutions made therefore no resolutions broken. I figure with this mentality, I am already one step ahead of the game.

Holidays were wonderful. I spent a lot of time visiting with the family, over-eating and not working. Complete and utter bliss. I returned to work after almost two weeks of Christmas vacation - - only to promptly fill out a time-off request card for a few days of snowboarding in Vermont. My boss was less than pleased and word spread like fire around the office that I was off on yet another adventure. I will not be a slave to the cubicle prison. There is too much world to see!

Thursday morning, Wes and I woke early to begin our treck to Okemo, Vermont, just north of Killington. I'm piling my things in the car and realize I might have been a little overzealous in my packing. Too many clothes and too much stuff - JUST IN CASE. (You know what I mean, ladies.) But as I'm loading in my snowboard, I hear the 'ruh ruh ruh' of something moving down the sidewalk. It's Wes. And his SUITCASE the size of a small bus. My normally self-reliant minimalistic boyfriend, who can carry two days worth of necessities in a genuardis plastic bag, has surprised me yet again. I still chuckle at how we had to unload the car to make room for his monstrous suitcase. He never ceases to leave me guessing. I assume he needed 12 pairs of socks too.

After a bit of rearranging and teasing, we were off. We took our time getting up there, no hurry, no worries. Instead of dealing with the traffic and mayhem around New York City, Wes took us through the Delaware Water Gap. The road was almost empty and the view so serene. Still waters, mighty trees, God's handy work at its finest, yet again. One of the many things I love about Wes is his patience. In the slowing down and taking the long road, we got to see what we otherwise would have missed in the blur of NY traffic. We got to experience the essence of simplicity, the beauty of slowing down.

Not to say my friend Susie, who we were meeting up with, wasn't checking in every few hours asking "WHERE ARE YOU???"

Almost there, just 100 more miles to go....

Finally, at about 8 pm, we turned into the resort where her boyfriend Paul has a house. And when he said it was a steep drive to his house, he wasn't kidding!! We weren't sure the civic had it in her to make the decent. Seemed just when we thought we were getting to the top, a sharp turn around another bend and we were only half way there. Ah....so this is when 4-wheel drive comes in handy. My little 4 cylinder was not pleased!!

The house was great, nestled between snowdrifts and treetops, the smell of the wood stove greeted us at our arrival. After settling in, we all sat by the fire to unwind, chatting and laughing. It was the beginning of what would be a memorable weekend with friends. With perfect snow conditions, yummy food, laughter over wine and board games, what more could I ask for. Uhm well, lets see. How about a two week trip to Montana in June? Yes, sounds perfect. I am counting down the days.

Even besides the last-minute trips, life still seems to bring on it's own mini-adventures every day. I've learned that there is not much you can control, everything is a mystery. I just try and let each day pan out how it may. It's exciting, all the possibilities. I try and remain open-minded to what God has in store for me. And with each morning I awake, I see it all slowly unfolding for me. And I am thankful. More thankful than I could ever express.

i dare you to lose sight of the shore

2007-12-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than the things you did do. So throw off your bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the tradewinds in your sail.

~ EXPLORE ~ DREAM ~ DISCOVER ~

mark twain