as above, so below.

Summer of Adventures: Let's turn here!

2009-07-08T13:17:00.003-05:00

About a week ago my friend Casey and I decided to go driving Tennessee back-roads. She had a decent grip on the area where we began, but it was only a matter of turns until we found ourselves on only gravel roads. We passed more dairy farms than I knew existed in Tennessee. Which is a perfect segue into this photo:

This, is a view that greeted us early on in the trip. And within seconds of seeing it, the SUV was pulled over, the cameras whipped out and pictures were taken amidst a thick atmosphere of laughter. Good times.

We continued to drive, turn, and take pictures of road signs we passed as a means of getting home. I think "Opposum Hollow Road" and "Slaughter Road" shared the title for Best Sign of the Day.

We also prayed for "a field of wildflowers to take pictures in... with multiple-colored flowers... and easy access... although we [didn't] have a problem trespassing"-- and sure enough, we got one. With butterflies.

All in all, a perfect day, full of wonder and joy, with a sweet friend. Spending time in what is quickly becoming one of my very favorite states... (it only took 10 years of living here, right?)

Summer of Adventures: Sunsets and see-you-laters.

2009-07-06T09:42:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I received a text message from one of my closest friends, Kennie. The message: this is the last friday night we'll both be in town. Typing it out just now felt a little morbid, but let me assure you that was not tone of the evening and night we proceeded to spend together ; )

[Some background info for you.]

Kennie and I have known each other since middle school, a solid seven years. We are both musically inclined. We were each other's high school football partners for the past few seasons. We took many of the same classes and signed up for the same clubs. She is brilliant, beautiful, funny, adventurous and caring. And during our senior year, for five days a week, five hours straight each day--we were rarely more than five feet apart from each other. To take a line from Grey's Anatomy, she was my person.

[Moving on to that special Friday night.]

Because of the special friendship I'm fortunate to share with Kennie, I knew I wanted to make this particular just-for-us evening absolutely amazing. Just for fun, here's a play-by-play:

- First, we got cupcakes : ) from IveyCake in Downtown Franklin. She went for the Red Velvet and I for the Strawberry. The verdict? Delish.
- We actually ate them in the adorable Mercantile Deli while simultaneously enjoying a live acoustic set from a couple of local artists. Double-win.
- Next it was up to the 4th Ave. parking garage for sunset and talking some more. This is where we saw THIS... (click images for larger)

- After that gorgeous sunset (I mean really, just look at it again if you need to.) we drove to an open field, tried to catch lightning bugs, relaxed on a blanket, watched the stars come out and at the end...we had a little dance party. Just the two of us, with an iPod dock, in an area where no one could see how ridiculous we are, all thanks to the musical stylings of Marc Broussard, Dave Barnes, the Moulin Rouge Cast, Great Big Sea, Sara Bareilles, Matt Wertz, Andy Davis, Kings of Leon and many more.

- When we finally headed home, it was in good spirit. Not a "goodbye" but a "see-you-later" as she proceeded to head out west for the rest of summer and the fall semester.

...And as I sat in my Box, watching her pull out, I realized that sometimes Summer Adventures keep you at home, simply going after those things that drip of abundant life.

[Below: a canvas I made for Kennie. Mixed Media: oil, glow-in-the-dark-puff-paint, tissue paper, candle wax, ink pen, old envelopes, etc.]

keeping up with the journey i'm on.

2009-07-03T09:29:00.004-05:00

for a few months now, i had been toying with the idea of changing my "blog name". something about closed eyes, open heart just didn't resonate with me anymore. truthfully the phrase holds very little meaning to me now, and more than likely i chose it because it sounded pretty years ago as i was writing something...

i started this blog a little more than three years ago, at the end of my freshman year of high school. i had no particular plans for how it would grow, nor did i really care. writing was the medium in which i felt most comfortable expressing myself. there were maybe four people who read my posts, and i had never heard of terms like ""technorati", "blogroll", "rss", "stat ho" or "ht"--and neither had any of my friends.

but now i'm entering into my freshman year of college and blogging (twitter, flickr, social-media-you-name-it) have become second nature. i've splashed around in the blogosphere a bit and staked my claim in a handful of amazing communities. i've learned, laughed, browsed and spent far too much time watching random youtube videos. my readership hasn't grown much, but i think there is beauty in the small things ; )

and along with this (perhaps false) sense of blogging maturity, i have more of a blueprint for this blog. simply, it is to document the journey i am on. the epic and the epic failures. with words, pictures, paintings, (sparingly) youtube videos and anything else that seems fit. the experiences, joys, life lessons that come from striving to live out the "great command" and hopefully, the adventure that comes from being the hands, feet, smile of christ. on earth as it is in heaven; as above, so below.

so whether you're new to this little corner or have been here since post one-- welcome, thanks for coming, may you be blessed.

-- just a little picture from my favorite class thus far in life: film as literature. taken during our end of the year awards ceremony, the chessers. my dear friend kennie and i presented for the "best scene" category which ended up being the "tiny dancer sing-a-long" from almost famous : )

Summer of Adventures: Waterfalls, etc.

2009-06-23T23:39:00.002-05:00

Until this summer, nobody felt the need to inform me that Tennessee could look like this.

(Locations-- Rock Island, TN and Burgess Falls, TN)

A Summer of Adventures.

2009-06-12T20:50:00.002-05:00

While at tea recently, a respected friend turned to me and said,

"Nina, this is a very special summer. You're not going to have another summer like this."

And today, I think I'm beginning to truly understand the truth in her words. It's baffling to me that just three weeks ago, I walked across a stage, gave a speech and received a diploma. So much LIFE has happened since those moments--but hey, I'm certainly not complaining.

In my life, the word of the season is: Adventure. This is a period for "first tries", doing things that make me a little uncomfortable and cramming as much as I can into every day--and every moment.

For a weeks now I've wanted to tell the stories of my summer thus far. It's only this evening that the words have begun making connections with the keyboard. And so, I will dutifully begin to recount these Adventures, to the optimum ability I have, with text and picture.

Adventure 1: Volunteer Girls State

Last Summer, I embarked on a journey to the American Legion Auxilary Volunteer Girls State. I spent a week in a crummy dorm getting to know forty-five beautiful, vibrant, ambitious, brave girls my age. And it was delicious. Really. I ate up each day and its teachings like a decadent chocolate ganache...or probably more like a really tender and well-season steak...because there was just SO MUCH to take in. I blogged some of the trip (including a bit on how quickly I can pick up a southern accent) and if you're ever so interested, you can read about my delegate year here (just scroll down the page a little).

Things this time around were a smidge different, though, as I was no longer a wide-eyed delegate with NO IDEA of what she was jumping into. This time around, I had the honor of returning as a first-year Junior Counselor, and it was completely, utterly wonderful.

The amazing things I learned from the program about discipleship are best suited for conversation, and I would be overjoyed to have that conversation with anyone. The love so permeating the air at MTSU was intoxicating--a love of the staff for the delegates, for each other, and the growing love and support of the delegates among themselves cannot be expressed in written word (at least not to a satisfactory level, by my voice).

But, I will give you a taste of what the week can be like--from one of the delegate's eyes. She was placed in my city (read: dorm floor, core group of forty-five) and I am blessed to have met and spend time with her. Here are her words, shared in a final assmebly to all 600 delegates, staff, etc. in attendance:

As I sit here wondering what this paper is going to be about, the only thing that comes to mind is:

Girls State isn't a summer camp, it is a sisterhood.

From what it seemed, I was just like any other young girl preparing to participate in the actions of Volunteer Girls State. I experienced the same emotions: fear, nerves, excitement, optimism; once I got here, everything changed.
Walking from the front door of our hall to my dorm a mile away and back to the bear cave was one of the most exhilarating activities I've done in a long while. I'm pretty sure it was the longest walk EVER, too. Approaching a huge group of girls coloring while awkwardly staring at each other was not how I expected to be welcomed. I figured someone had to break the awkward silence at some point. So, why not me? Right now? So, I sat down, grabbed some markers,and started talking, and that was just the beginning.
Now, a week has passed and Volunteer Girls State is coming to a close. Looking back to last Sunday, I'm amazed. Our Green City Grizzlies have gone from coloring five feet away from each other to signing papers on one anothers' backs. We have experienced what it feels like to fail so horribly but to laugh so hard. We have learned that government is vital, but it's the teamwork behind it is what's important. I have realized I have never in my life been so comfortable with a group of girls so fast.
For someone who would much rather hang with the guys, I found myself laughing harder, yelling more, and cheering more often than I ever had before. I found myself discussing personal experiences with a couple of girls that I had only known for three days, and I was ok with that. I found myself making people smile and giving them a reason to laugh more than ever, and as an inspiration, too. I found myself dragging out bedtime longer and longer every night no matter how exhausted I was because I knew when I went to sleep, one more amazing day was completed. I found myself giving so many high 5's my hand would swell and learning more about government than I ever thought a seventeen year old teenager needed to know. I found myself, wait, that's just it: I found myself.
Being here at VGS, I've found a piece of myself I knew I was missing but never thought it was important enough to have to succeed in life. Boy, was I wrong!
I have been struggling with not having a hint of confidence for years, and when I finally was so exhausted from being so low, I began to ask God for a way to let me know I matter to someone else in this world. Looking back, that is about the time I received my first Girls State text: "Welcome..."
That's just what I needed. "Welcome..."
Welcome to a new home. Welcome to a getaway with 535 other girls with at least 45 of them loving you for who you are. Welcome to a week full of time to teach us to delight in our weaknesses and a time to be thankful and humble when we succeed. Welcome to a city where the citizens are the ones who become your true best friends. Welcome to a place where nobody knows your past but believes whole-heartedly in your future. Welcome to the time of your life to live with no regrets. Welcome to the place where you can be who YOU want to be. Welcome to Grizzly Bear Country. Welcome to Girls State. Welcome to a sisterhood.
Volunteer Girls State was just what I needed to feel like me again. From the insanely packed schedules, to Ms. Jenise's hilarious lectures, to Major Kathy's beasting inspiration, to quiet time after the VESPERS, VGS had more in store for me than I ever thought possible. As many leaders have said, I am here for a reason. The reason unfolds with every new message that comes my way. I'm here to be me, to do what I do best, and because of this week, I have now felt like I haven't in years. I now feel beautiful. I am beautiful.

//

(Green City Counselors 2009)

Thank you, God, for this program. For its women. And for how you're using it in my life.

Can't stop listening...

2009-05-12T21:30:00.004-05:00

to this video and the rest of Jon Schmidt's stuff. Makes me WISH I played piano. Or a string cello. Or both.

Lull.

2009-05-11T17:05:00.002-05:00

As I sit here, in a local coffeeshop, thinking about where I am, in every way imaginable, I find myself increasingly conscious of every breath.

And then, I think over the number of times in the past month where I have been that still.

The answer? Very few.

Truth is, life in the past month has gone by in such a frenzy.
A good, challenging, blessed frenzy - but a frenzy nonetheless.

So I sit, ponder, process.

Speak simply, breathe.

Because this is only blink, a pause.

The moment between inhale and exhale.

Tomorrow is my last day of high school.

Then,
Spring Day Friday.
Open House Sunday.
Graduation, Girls State, Summer.

But now? Right. Now?
I sink into the booth I'm in, and let myself be lulled by the sweet motions of life.

Because tomorrow, and in the days after, there will be lots of posting, processing, writing, photographing. And adventures are so much better when rested : )

Just playing in the yard, after the rain,

2009-04-13T18:17:00.007-05:00

with a rather expensive toy ;)
(click for larger image)

For a few more, go here and for the rest click right here :)

Stepping In.

2009-04-12T17:29:00.004-05:00

A day earlier than originally thought, but all the same - I'm stepping back into this little blog once again.

Lent was truly wonderful. This is the first year I've really observed the Lenten season, and I have learned much more about myself than I could ever have imagined.

That said, I have not even begun to process everything that's happened since the last post. And knowing myself, it will likely be weeks or months until I have the opportunity to do so.

Fortunately, that is what this dear blog will be for: Processing. Reflecting. Sharing.

As for the other aspects of my fast, I've yet to decide what life from here on out will look like for me in the Twitter and Facebook worlds. I've come to love the quiet, the in-person conversations and my significantly improved attention span. Even after glancing around the web for a while today, I found myself overwhelmed and overstimulated. And honestly, I'm just not a fan of feeling that way...so, it's just going to take some time before I decide whether or not to jump back in those area.

And now, to wrap up the post with a few random things from the past 40-or-so days:
- I have re-discovered a love for performance. But I think I love the process and practice leading up to the shows even more.
- Tales of a Female Nomad, by Rita Golden Gelman brought my appetite for travel, adventure and people to an entirely new, and different, level. And supplied me with my new favorite word: wanderlust.
- Painting with a mixed group of friends, at the park, on a sunny afternoon=bliss. Just, bliss.
- I was gifted a new zoom lens for my Rebel. Out of the blue. By someone I've never met, but who knows my brother. Love, love, love!
- Countdown to graduation: 41 days. Ridiculous.

Stepping out.

2009-02-24T18:25:00.003-06:00

For this Lenten season, I am taking a step away from: blogging, social networking (Twitter, Facebook) and other unnecessary "noise" I've invited into my life.

I will instead be stepping into: as much face time with people as I can reasonably manage (particularly with classmates who I many not see much of in 88 days), a new (big) writing endeavor and just pursuing my Creator through reading, listening and taking time to just be.

When I stick my toes back in these parts come April 13, life will be at an exciting last push at the closing of one season and the ushering in of a new one. I want to be, be there with everything I've got, so I'm taking time out to intentionally prepare.

Blessings to each of you who read this between now and then. May you be filled with new hope, peace and joy each day.

(And for anyone who may read this needing to reach me, my e-mail and cell will still be fully functioning.)

For the Kingdom.
fmc

Sneak peek.

2009-02-19T17:07:00.001-06:00

"All right. How about instead of what-- who? Who do you carry with you? You've been on this journey for some huge story and you've just got to realize you're not alone here. You've gotta start paying attention to the people. Who they are at the rawest. People are the stories, Jake. They're not just characters. It's like you keep acting like people are just influences on your life. You've got to stop that. They're all a part of you.

It's like if I'm trying to come up with some new song. I can't just try to box myself in to avoid influence from other artists. That's ridiculous. Everything I've been given, everything I've hear, every experience I'm in -- I carry bits and pieces of it all with me. Sure it gets messy sometimes. Sometimes, the dark inky mess of it all drips all over and I can't stop it. But sometimes, it's brilliant. When I carry with me everyone who had ever hurt me, loved me, held me and taught me how to wonder--if I just carry them all in my heart and let them just go free...Jake, it's a symphony."

Risky dreams and other things.

2009-02-12T17:59:00.002-06:00

Just a quick update today. Pictures and other things to come in the next week or so, I'm sure.

. I am writing the script for a film. Wow, that sounds crazy to get out. It all started as an assignment for Film as Lit to write an original scene. But with the way my mind has latched onto this, it's going to be a full-on movie. I read this and I'm admittedly terrified...and excited. I've had a really close friend be my cheerleader on this one. She was my sounding board for the scene. Who knows? I may even put some of it on here? (But then again, maybe not.)

.. Today marks 100 Days until GRADUATION. I made t-shirts for a friend and myself and handed out over 120 "100 Grand" bars to every senior I knew and could find. Anything for a little motivation.

... I'm going on my final Winter Retreat as a student this weekend. It'll be nice to revisit Garner again and get some time away.

.... Found this yesterday, and fell in love:

"Disturb me, Lord, when my dreams come true, only because I dreamed too small. Disturb me when I arrive safely, only because I sailed too close to the shore. Disturb me when the things I have gained cause me to lose my thirst for more of You. Disturb me when I have acquired success, only to lose my desire for excellence. Disturb me when I give up too soon and settle too far short of the goals You have set for my life. Amen.” Sir Francis Drake - 1577

Peace, hope and laughter.
nc

New territory.

2009-02-08T00:25:00.002-06:00

Today I spent three more hours with a hazelnut/vanilla latte, Spilling Open, a journal, a pen and my thoughts on...a film idea.

Crazy, right?

In my Film as Lit class, we've been asked to think up and write a scene for a movie of our own choice. I'd actually been dreading the thought of script-writing all year (hoping to just stick to film analysis), and I've surprised myself with how consumed with this assignment I am. Right now I am completely in love with creating characters and dreaming up how they interact. Coming up with motives. Back-stories. Speech characteristics. Everything.

I guess there's just something about stories. Reading them, sharing them and now -- creating them that absolutely drives me.

Writing like this life-giving and terrifying in the same breath. Or stroke of the pen. I'm trying not to get too caught up in perfecting each aspect of the story as I go, as that is incredibly exhausting...but I can't stop asking myself questions about characters who I've not yet met...

We'll see where exactly this journey takes me. I may even post some ideas and excerpts here on the blog. But for now, it's just me and my imagination, and perhaps some more caffeine.

[photo ht: Flickr]

Quiet on a Sunday Morning.

2009-02-01T13:28:00.001-06:00

Man, I love this town.

Thankful.

2009-01-20T18:43:00.004-06:00

Today is a special day in history. And arguably, tomorrow will be a special day in history. And the next. And the next.

And while I could write about the inauguration of President Obama in light of where our nation stands at this moment-- I won't. Because truth is, hundreds of other people have articulated much of my own thoughts elsewhere on the web in far more eloquent of a fashion than I have energy for tonight.

And the deeper truth is, even with the grandeur of today surrounding coming from many other things, my focus has rests completely on these two pictures:

I am ridiculously blessed. I am surrounded by beautiful friends (and these shots are just a small representation) who can make me laugh to the point of tears and who love me well. They call me just to cheer me on and encourage. They meet me where I am on any given day and they step in for me when I need them.

So as the day winds down and the week goes on, I continue to remind myself of all Dad's showered all around me and give thanks. Because, truly, these are the ones who help me to choose "hope instead of fear" every single day.

On Apples to Apples and my other home.

2009-01-12T18:32:00.004-06:00

Not much energy for words lately, but here are a few photos from last Saturday night. An Apples to Apples fiesta with some old, some new--but all sarcastic, and fun friends.

Taken in my home away from home, McCreary's.

A re-post, with added commentary.

2008-12-24T09:24:00.004-06:00

Announcement: "The Decision" of this season of my life has been made.
I will be attending Tulane University in New Orleans, LA in the fall.

And now for that re-post (with current thoughts in bold:
-- (From August 31, 2008)

(There have been a LOT of thoughts running through my mind lately about this city, and I figured it'd be best to get them down in writing...jumbled as they are.)
Funny thing is, there are STILL a lot of thoughts running through my mind about this city. And, I'm STILL choosing to write them out ;)

- The past month I haven't been able to stop thinking about New Orleans throughout my days. Hurricane Gustav has just upped the thoughts.
The weekend I blogged this, our church started gathering items for a local rec center that would be housing evacuees. One of my best friends braved the WalMonster with me, and then fully supported me as I went into (her words) "New Orleans mode". Doing something to help in this area was so energizing, so life-giving.

- For some reason, Dad has just laid this area on my heart. I've only been there once (two spring breaks ago to help with Katrina relief) but I really, really, really want to go back. ( And, two weeks ago, I received word from a couple of friends that live there that I could come and stay with them this fall for a visit...)
I did go visit NOLA this fall. Right before Thanksgiving to be exact - to visit Tulane. I also got to visit with the aforementioned friends (who I really consider to be more like family).

- But back to the spring break trip--the last morning we were there, I felt like Dad told me that I would be back there someday. I left with a piece of my heart in that city and a peace in my heart. But recent weather has started to shake me up again.
There was a certain spot where this event occurred. It was on the Moonwalk along the Mississippi River, not far from Cafe du Monde. I'll never forget that moment, the feelings I had or the thoughts coursing through my mind.

- Friday night, I applied to Tulane University. It was my first college application. Earlier in the month, I had Googled "international development major" just to see if such a thing existed -- and sure enough, Tulane was one of three schools that came up. I read into the major, and it sounded really interesting,(basically, studying urgent issues within developing/third world countries and how to address them) but I didn't think much of it.... Until I got an email from Tulane a few days later offering me a "Personal Application" that wouldn't cost me a thing, among other benefits... So I applied.
...and a month later, I got in! They accepted me, and offered me a considerable scholarship package, etc. But, I still wasn't settled.

- While browsing their website post-application, I found something that talked about "wanting to be part of rebuilding a city" as a draw for students to come to Tulane (it's one of -if not the- biggest employers in N.O.) - something that echoes Isaiah 61, an important passage to me...
After visiting the school, I can really say that this is SO true. And to me, that is exciting.

- And that brings me to now. I just went to WalMart to purchase items to stock a local Rec Center for refugees, because, well, I don't know what else to do. I don't know what New Orleans will look like in a matter of days, weeks or months...or if instead of going for a college visit the next time, I'll be working relief again...
And praise Dad that my visit wasn't for relief. Or, maybe just a different kind of relief-- relief from the daunting college search ;)

- So I pray, I wait and I remember -- all that Dad's done for me, and for this city, and ultimately, for His people. For Peace, Protection and Hope.
And I continue to pray, wait and remember, but also hope, dream, and rest up for this new season and upcoming adventure.

And now a picture from my most recent trip, just for fun.

Other posts on here about NOLA:
NOLA on my mind.
Let's reminisce.
A few SB pictures.
SB07 Re-cap.

Barefoot, by choice.

2008-12-13T12:09:00.005-06:00

As previously stated on this blog a number of times:
I am not a big fan of shoes.

However recently I felt the need to more accurately define that statement, for the sake of all who may ever read this blog:

- I prefer not to wear shoes for relatively short periods of time because I like the feeling of solid ground under my feet.
- And because I am more blessed that I tend to realize, I have the choice not to wear shoes -- and the choice to slip some shoes on when my feet get too hot, too cold or uncomfortable in any fashion.
- I like shoes because they can be fun accessories when assembling an outfit. They can show off my personality.

But, here's the deal, friends...

As close as the Appalachia region and as far as Southeast Asia, there are millions of people without shoes. These are children who work in landfills, exposing themselves to all sorts of health risks. These are abused mothers and wives who are having to rebuild their lives from absolutely nothing.

And this is where you and I walk in (pun? you bet.) -

Nashville-based non-profit Soles4Souls is committed to meeting the basic need for footwear for multitudes of people around the world. And they're also committed to setting big goals. Like the 50,000 Shoes in 50 Days Challenge. See, for $5 donated to this organization, you can supply TWO PEOPLE with shoes. That simple. Even cooler? Many organizations have committed to matching certain amounts of donations for shoes. (I was finally able to give my amount yesterday, and it's certainly put much of life into perspective.)

So now this is me, encouraging you to hop on over to 50000shoes.com and consider donating as well and working toward a common goal.

Want more insight to the situation? Check out founder Wayne Elsey's blog.

Peace.

On childish things and taking risks.

2008-12-11T19:23:00.004-06:00

(Over the past week.)

Childish things:
- I downloaded the audio version of J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan and have listened to a chapter a night.
- I started reading The Chronicles of Narnia during school, because I grew bored of bringing movies and a laptop -- and I'm a sucker for adventure.

Taking risks:
- I auditioned for a part in our school's spring musical, Little Women.
- I didn't get cast, but I took up on an offer to be house manager for the show.

Being childish and taking a (minor health) risk ;o) :
- Tonight, I went bare foot to take pictures in the snow. It was cooooold. But fun.

Visual feast.

2008-12-08T17:02:00.004-06:00

On the drive to NOLA, about an hour from our hotel. Taking pictures at 70mph.

Revisiting.

2008-12-06T23:50:00.002-06:00

The Sunday-Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving, I took a college visit to Tulane University in NOLA. It was an exciting time to explore new areas of the city, see some of the rebuilding and change from two years ago, be with old friends, eat some delicious food and immerse myself in the unique, hard to verbalize culture of New Orleans.

But better than all of the aforementioned (yes, even better than beignets and cafe au lait) -- was coming back to this area, right along the River, and just being still for a moment. Remembering, reflecting and dreaming.

Thomas Merton prayer.

2008-11-16T22:48:00.003-06:00

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think
that I am following your will does not mean that
I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you
does in fact please you.
And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything
apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
through I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always,
though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear,
for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Resolve.

2008-11-06T17:46:00.002-06:00

I am not a fan of the sun bowing out on me at 5:00 p.m.

So I have decided to start waking up one hour earlier than usual -- 5:00 a.m.

Twelve whole hours of sunlight. How about that?

Let's see how long this lasts.

Pause. Breathe. Write.

2008-10-29T19:14:00.002-05:00

This morning a chill
crept through the leak in my window,
slid along the carpet floor,
stretched upward toward the bed, and
tickled my toe.

And life took up a somber march.
I swear, life lumbers so
slowly in the mornings...
but not this one.
Not today.

The pesky chill that sought
my littlest toe
swiftly scurried
about the rest of me.
And pranced,
and giggled, mocking
as I pretended to be
molasses, and
slid out of bed.

---

Tonight I sat and watched David McCullogh's commencement address for the Boston College Class of 2008. It was delightful. Charming. Full of wisdom, with just enough lecture. And it made me think of all the things I want in college, and in the rest of my life. Recently I've so entangled myself in the drudgery of college applications and the like that I forgot for a moment how refreshing language is. MCCullogh reminded of that. And so I opened up this page and began to write. The first words to exit my fingertips. They weren't words of wisdom. Nor components of a rant. Not at all. But they were (and are) playful words true to my reluctance to begin the day today. And they make me smile (and I hope they make you smile, too.)

Reason #6594876 I love blogging.

2008-10-04T19:51:00.005-05:00

When you don't have the words, someone else does.

"I've been in sort of a funk, as of late. Usually, this feeling of restlessness comes much later in the year--it comes when the daylight is short, the wind is cold and the trees have all but forgotten what it means to have leaves. But now the sun is shining, the wind on my face is warm, and life still hangs from the branches outside my window.

I have been going to work, but the stories there have hidden themselves from me..."

-- ht: 6YearMed