Could someone please bring me the following?
I need some Poppyseed Chicken with rolls, au gratin potatoes and a salad (lots of croutons). And some hot chocolate with marshmallows. ...A jigsaw puzzle and a couple of old movies... Maybe a crackling fire in the fireplace. And a side of cold weather with lots of snow.
Mmmkaythanksyou'reawesome. :)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Blessed
Back in 2005, my world fell apart.
My mother passed away, rather unexpectedly and quickly from melanoma. That was in April. ...One month and three days after my birthday. For my entire life, she had been my touchstone.
A few months later, my grandmother joined her in Heaven. It was early November. For my entire life, she had been my best friend.
Somewhere along the way, due to his sadness, my father started to drift away and shut me out. He was still physically alive, but was nothing but a ghost. For my entire life, he had been my hero.
Up until then, my family had been everything to me. In three instants, the things that I valued most in this world were all gone.
As singular events, those are the kinds of things that rock you to your core. Combined, they rip apart everything that you know and leave you absolutely gutted. But God had a plan for me, and this was all a part of it.
The most readily apparent of God's blessings at that time were my friends. A few years prior to 2005, I realized that I wasn't being the person God had called me to be, and I made the decision to change that. I met a group of people who came to be some of the most amazing friends anyone could ask for. Spiritually, they were exactly what I needed at the time. As the events of 2005 came to pass, I saw just how God had placed them into my life those years earlier. When all I wanted to do was run away from everything, they caught me and held me up until I was strong enough to stand on my own. And during the times when I felt like falling back down, they continued to hold me up.
**Thank You, Lord, for the people who you have used as a support in my life. Thank You for those relationships and for the things that we have brought into each other's lives. Sometimes, though, when I'm feeling low, it's easy for me to overlook You and instead turn to those who have a physical presence in my life. I struggle with valuing my human relationships above all else. I ask that You continue to bless me with those relationships, but that You continually teach me to rely on You first.**
Sometimes I need to remind myself just how blessed I am. Today was a good day, and a lot of blessings were readily apparent. So each Tuesday (at least for the time-being), I'm going to try to remember to write about a blessing that I've had in my life. ...Just for me, as a reminder of how God is always at work.
My mother passed away, rather unexpectedly and quickly from melanoma. That was in April. ...One month and three days after my birthday. For my entire life, she had been my touchstone.
A few months later, my grandmother joined her in Heaven. It was early November. For my entire life, she had been my best friend.
Somewhere along the way, due to his sadness, my father started to drift away and shut me out. He was still physically alive, but was nothing but a ghost. For my entire life, he had been my hero.
Up until then, my family had been everything to me. In three instants, the things that I valued most in this world were all gone.
As singular events, those are the kinds of things that rock you to your core. Combined, they rip apart everything that you know and leave you absolutely gutted. But God had a plan for me, and this was all a part of it.
The most readily apparent of God's blessings at that time were my friends. A few years prior to 2005, I realized that I wasn't being the person God had called me to be, and I made the decision to change that. I met a group of people who came to be some of the most amazing friends anyone could ask for. Spiritually, they were exactly what I needed at the time. As the events of 2005 came to pass, I saw just how God had placed them into my life those years earlier. When all I wanted to do was run away from everything, they caught me and held me up until I was strong enough to stand on my own. And during the times when I felt like falling back down, they continued to hold me up.
**Thank You, Lord, for the people who you have used as a support in my life. Thank You for those relationships and for the things that we have brought into each other's lives. Sometimes, though, when I'm feeling low, it's easy for me to overlook You and instead turn to those who have a physical presence in my life. I struggle with valuing my human relationships above all else. I ask that You continue to bless me with those relationships, but that You continually teach me to rely on You first.**
Sometimes I need to remind myself just how blessed I am. Today was a good day, and a lot of blessings were readily apparent. So each Tuesday (at least for the time-being), I'm going to try to remember to write about a blessing that I've had in my life. ...Just for me, as a reminder of how God is always at work.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Weather, Walking & Wind
So it's finally starting to get cold(ish), and that makes me happy. But something seems missing when you can't walk from place to place and actually enjoy the cold. I love my car, but I'm tired of living in a place where I have to have one. It takes a lot of the excitement and "unknowns" out of the day. I mean, I know I'm going to get in, listen to some music, drive a certain distance and get right back out. But the only people-watching I can do along the way is from the shoulder up, as folks drive by on the highway. And that's a kind of people-watching that safety says I probably shouldn't be doing anyway. ...But I do... Driving is boring otherwise.
**Side note: I woke up way before my alarm this morning, but forgot to turn it off. It just "alarmed", and maaaaaannnnnnnnn... it is loud. I think I just heard Billy Joel's Uptown Girl at 10,000,000,000 decibels. Maybe I just lost a little bit of my appreciation for that song. And maybe a little bit of my hearing went away too.**
So anyway. Yeah, it's finally starting to cool off here in earnest. Like, I don't have to look completely ridiculous for wearing my heavy sweaters, coats and scarves anymore. There's actually a reason to have them on. Although perhaps I shouldn't jinx it; it'll probably be back in the 70's by next week. Ugh. I was talking to someone two days ago, and it's been in the low 30's and snowing where he is. H.A.P.P.Y. :)
With all the cool weather being ushered in, we've also had a ton of wind. There have been times where I swear the Big Bad Wolf has been standing outside, trying to blow the house down. I'll put it this way... A couple of nights ago, the house was dark and my roommate was downstairs. She called to make me come out of my room because she was hearing noises and was too scared to come upstairs by herself. ...Can't say I blame her... To put it in perspective, that's the kind of wind we've been having here. But I love it. I'm a total "weather" girl. It's so much more exciting than an average sunny and boring day.
**Side note: I woke up way before my alarm this morning, but forgot to turn it off. It just "alarmed", and maaaaaannnnnnnnn... it is loud. I think I just heard Billy Joel's Uptown Girl at 10,000,000,000 decibels. Maybe I just lost a little bit of my appreciation for that song. And maybe a little bit of my hearing went away too.**
So anyway. Yeah, it's finally starting to cool off here in earnest. Like, I don't have to look completely ridiculous for wearing my heavy sweaters, coats and scarves anymore. There's actually a reason to have them on. Although perhaps I shouldn't jinx it; it'll probably be back in the 70's by next week. Ugh. I was talking to someone two days ago, and it's been in the low 30's and snowing where he is. H.A.P.P.Y. :)
With all the cool weather being ushered in, we've also had a ton of wind. There have been times where I swear the Big Bad Wolf has been standing outside, trying to blow the house down. I'll put it this way... A couple of nights ago, the house was dark and my roommate was downstairs. She called to make me come out of my room because she was hearing noises and was too scared to come upstairs by herself. ...Can't say I blame her... To put it in perspective, that's the kind of wind we've been having here. But I love it. I'm a total "weather" girl. It's so much more exciting than an average sunny and boring day.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Currently Listening To...
Tonight is Indie Electronic happiness night (is that even a genre? I think I made it up. ...anyway...)
Ooh La La (Goldfrapp)
Mer du Japon (AIR)
Alone In Kyoto (AIR)
Sexy Boy (AIR)
Midnight Voyage (Ghostland Observatory)
Bittersweet Faith (Thievery Corporation Remix)
Don't Look Back (Telepopmusik)
Radio #1 (AIR)
Ride A White Horse (Goldfrapp)
Surfing On A Rocket (AIR)
Beathe (Telepopmusik)
Cherry Blossom Girl (AIR)
Ooh La La (Goldfrapp)
Mer du Japon (AIR)
Alone In Kyoto (AIR)
Sexy Boy (AIR)
Midnight Voyage (Ghostland Observatory)
Bittersweet Faith (Thievery Corporation Remix)
Don't Look Back (Telepopmusik)
Radio #1 (AIR)
Ride A White Horse (Goldfrapp)
Surfing On A Rocket (AIR)
Beathe (Telepopmusik)
Cherry Blossom Girl (AIR)
Happy.
My roommate and best friend is getting married this summer to an amazing guy who also happens to be a great friend of mine. This past Saturday we went to look at wedding gowns (myself and the roommate, not the guy...that would be weird). There was a trunk show at this adorable little shop, and she found The One!
Man, I didn't think I'd cry. And I didn't think she'd cry. But there we were (me, sitting on a sassy victorian sofa and her standing on a podium in the most ethereal dress ever), both of us quite teary at the sight.
They are two of the most beautiful people I've ever known, both inside and out; the kind of friends you have for a lifetime. I am so blessed with amazing people like them in my life.
Add a banana pancake lunch into the mix, and all-in-all it was a glorious morning!
Man, I didn't think I'd cry. And I didn't think she'd cry. But there we were (me, sitting on a sassy victorian sofa and her standing on a podium in the most ethereal dress ever), both of us quite teary at the sight.
They are two of the most beautiful people I've ever known, both inside and out; the kind of friends you have for a lifetime. I am so blessed with amazing people like them in my life.
Add a banana pancake lunch into the mix, and all-in-all it was a glorious morning!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Yummy Goodness
Basically, I think that rice pudding MIGHT be one of the best desserts ever. It's a non-stop ticket to my happy place.
That's all.
That's all.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Currently Listening To...
Tonight's an electronic/French kind of night...
Movement, LCD Soundsystem
L'amour, Rouge Rouge
Sympathique, Pink Martini
Can't Get You Out Of My Head, Kylie Minogue
Thrills, LCD Soundsystem
Never Touch That Switch, Robbie Williams
Starry Eyed Surprise, Paul Oakenfold
Millennium, Robbie Williams
Tres Tres Chic, Mocean Worker
S.O.S. (The Sounds Of Silence), Trinity FM
Skip To The Bip, Club Des Belugas
Where Do I Begin (Away Team Remix), Shirley Bassey
Movement, LCD Soundsystem
L'amour, Rouge Rouge
Sympathique, Pink Martini
Can't Get You Out Of My Head, Kylie Minogue
Thrills, LCD Soundsystem
Never Touch That Switch, Robbie Williams
Starry Eyed Surprise, Paul Oakenfold
Millennium, Robbie Williams
Tres Tres Chic, Mocean Worker
S.O.S. (The Sounds Of Silence), Trinity FM
Skip To The Bip, Club Des Belugas
Where Do I Begin (Away Team Remix), Shirley Bassey
Ghosts & Symphony
Sometimes I crave anonymity. I want to be able to walk down a street that I've never explored before. A street that houses no memories, no ghosts of moments from the past. Memories are beautiful but when one city houses so many, it becomes smothering. What's left to feel and experience?
Tonight I went to the symphony. It was only a rehearsal, but in its imperfections it was perfect.
Tonight I went to the symphony. It was only a rehearsal, but in its imperfections it was perfect.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Finally, Some Rain
Let the Heavens pour!
...Because I have been waiting weeks for a chance to wear my brand new boots. Now, let me explain. Ever since high school, I've wanted a pair of Hunter wellies. For those that don't know, these are true British rain boots; chic in style, clean in line and deliberate in function. When I was younger, I didn't have the nerve to step away from the pack and rock these boots in all the glory that they deserved, so I abstained from indulging in a pair. Now that I'm older and wiser, I have no problem putting on my British Pants and rocking the look (and by "British Pants", I am referring to the copycat manner that expresses my all-encompassing yen for a nationality not afforded me at birth, since alas...I am American).
...Back to the story...
I found these while on a shopping trip with a friend, and they literally called to me from across the store. So of course, being the benevolent soul that I am, I decided to provide them with a proper home. But, as is fitting for a girl with a brand new pair of shoes (insert sarcasm here), we had no weather appropriate for their debut. So the wellies made themselves at home in my closet. Until today. The skies opened up, the rain came down, and the wellies have now officially been broken in. And if the forecast holds up, they will make debut #2 tomorrow (different set of people, no worries there). That, my friend, is exciting times.
Behold the shoes of which I speak (can you hear the soprano aria in the background??), The Hunter Lady N boot:
...Because I have been waiting weeks for a chance to wear my brand new boots. Now, let me explain. Ever since high school, I've wanted a pair of Hunter wellies. For those that don't know, these are true British rain boots; chic in style, clean in line and deliberate in function. When I was younger, I didn't have the nerve to step away from the pack and rock these boots in all the glory that they deserved, so I abstained from indulging in a pair. Now that I'm older and wiser, I have no problem putting on my British Pants and rocking the look (and by "British Pants", I am referring to the copycat manner that expresses my all-encompassing yen for a nationality not afforded me at birth, since alas...I am American).
...Back to the story...
I found these while on a shopping trip with a friend, and they literally called to me from across the store. So of course, being the benevolent soul that I am, I decided to provide them with a proper home. But, as is fitting for a girl with a brand new pair of shoes (insert sarcasm here), we had no weather appropriate for their debut. So the wellies made themselves at home in my closet. Until today. The skies opened up, the rain came down, and the wellies have now officially been broken in. And if the forecast holds up, they will make debut #2 tomorrow (different set of people, no worries there). That, my friend, is exciting times.
Behold the shoes of which I speak (can you hear the soprano aria in the background??), The Hunter Lady N boot:
Back To Me
So I've decided lately that I'm going to get back to being me. That entails remembering the things I love, and putting those second. (God gets dibs on first.) I'm a relationship person; my friends and family mean the world to me, and I've spent a lot of energy on those relationships over the past few years. ...Which has been great; I'm not denying that nor am I on a quest for that to change. Per se. But for awhile now I've been putting others first, to the point of ignoring myself. And to that end, I've just realized that I need to go back to concentrating on the things that make me "me". I just need to recharge those batteries once in a while.
In short, and in no particular order, here are the things that make me who I am:
God, travel, museums, doing things for others, creativity, independent and/or classic movies, writing, thunderstorms, cold weather, good food, intelligent banter, hosting parties, aesthetics, crossword puzzles, books, sleep, National Geographic Magazines, daydreaming, mission work, exploring, music, historic buildings, etiquette, dancing, photography, kids, the pretty things involved with being a girl.
...That's about all I've got for now, but I reserve the right to add to this list at any time. :)
In short, and in no particular order, here are the things that make me who I am:
God, travel, museums, doing things for others, creativity, independent and/or classic movies, writing, thunderstorms, cold weather, good food, intelligent banter, hosting parties, aesthetics, crossword puzzles, books, sleep, National Geographic Magazines, daydreaming, mission work, exploring, music, historic buildings, etiquette, dancing, photography, kids, the pretty things involved with being a girl.
...That's about all I've got for now, but I reserve the right to add to this list at any time. :)
Friday, November 7, 2008
Currently Listening To...
Random, from iTunes...
Momma Mia, Abba
Blue Skies, Willie Nelson
So Says I, The Shins
Pimpin' All Over The World, Bobby Valentine & Ludacris
DND, Semisonic
Sir Duke, Stevie Wonder
My Best Friend, Weezer
Give It Up, LCD Soundsystem
I Just Want To Have Something To Do, The Ramones
Something Beautiful, Robbie Williams
Part Of The Catch Phrase, Valve
To You I Bestow, Mundy
Backyard Betty, Spank Rock
Stardust, Frank Sinatra
Never As Tired As When I'm Waking Up, LCD Soundsystem
My Interpretation, MIKA
When I Hear Music, Debbie Deb
That Old Feeling, Rod Stewart
Have You Ever Been Lonely, Patsy Cline
Last Call Casualty, Bowling For Soup
Turn The Lights Out, Tweet
New Year's Day, U2
Eat The Rich, Aerosmith
So Fresh & So Clean, Outkast
Don't Let Go, Pacha Massive
The Sound Of San Francisco, Global Deejays
Good Time, Leroy
Money Ain't A Thang, Jay-Z
Radio Drowning, Buzz Oven
Angel, Gavin Friday
Shine A Little Love, Electric Light Orchestra
Someone Great, LCD Soundsystem
Muita Bobeira, Luciana Souza
My Hometown, Bowling For Soup
Momma Mia, Abba
Blue Skies, Willie Nelson
So Says I, The Shins
Pimpin' All Over The World, Bobby Valentine & Ludacris
DND, Semisonic
Sir Duke, Stevie Wonder
My Best Friend, Weezer
Give It Up, LCD Soundsystem
I Just Want To Have Something To Do, The Ramones
Something Beautiful, Robbie Williams
Part Of The Catch Phrase, Valve
To You I Bestow, Mundy
Backyard Betty, Spank Rock
Stardust, Frank Sinatra
Never As Tired As When I'm Waking Up, LCD Soundsystem
My Interpretation, MIKA
When I Hear Music, Debbie Deb
That Old Feeling, Rod Stewart
Have You Ever Been Lonely, Patsy Cline
Last Call Casualty, Bowling For Soup
Turn The Lights Out, Tweet
New Year's Day, U2
Eat The Rich, Aerosmith
So Fresh & So Clean, Outkast
Don't Let Go, Pacha Massive
The Sound Of San Francisco, Global Deejays
Good Time, Leroy
Money Ain't A Thang, Jay-Z
Radio Drowning, Buzz Oven
Angel, Gavin Friday
Shine A Little Love, Electric Light Orchestra
Someone Great, LCD Soundsystem
Muita Bobeira, Luciana Souza
My Hometown, Bowling For Soup
Doors To Life
I love old doors. I'm talking about the weighty, time-worn, extraordinary icons of a seemingly beautiful life. The kind of door that you pass on the street and can't help but wonder what kind of people go through it every day. Where does it lead? How long has it been there?
Modern doors just don't have the same drama. Any former child who, in a moment of imputence, has tried to slam a hollow-core door undoubtedly came to that painful realization. It doesn't have nearly the same satisfying bang. ...And it's definitely no good when it comes to rainy days and boredom. It has no secrets to tell. With no well-loved details to stare at, where is one's mind supposed to venture off to?
My favorite days have been when I can explore new cities and just wander around. I love the skinny, small doors. I love doors with arched tops. I love the doors with aged glass that's wavy and perfect. But I think that my favorites are the doors that have circular paneling and knob handles right in the center. (There's probably a name for these, but I've got nothin'...) Dorothy Draper used these a lot in her designs, and they're all over Europe.
If someone can be in love with a door, I think I'm in love with these. I feel more chic just by walking through them, like I'm channeling a crisp fall day. And of course, in my mind I've just ridden up on my rickety vintage bicycle. You know, the one with the little basket on the front where I can keep my fresh vegetables along with the day's bread and cheese. Of course this door is ensconced within the perfect aged brick wall, against which I lean my bike as I pull an antique skeleton key out of the pocket of my impossibly fabulous yellow coat. (Did I mention that underneath I'm wearing distressed black leather riding boots, an ivory, floaty, knee-lengh dress with a black sash, and that my yellow coat has a charcoal grey silk lining? ...'Cause I totally am, and it totally does.)
Shouldn't everyone's demeanor be happier because they get to walk through one of these glorious doors every day? I definitely think so.
Shouldn't everyone's demeanor be happier because they get to walk through one of these glorious doors every day? I definitely think so.
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