leaving.

  At times it takes being left for pieces of life to be reconfigured and placed together. It seems as though the pieces we thought would forever stay the same shape in a puzzle have suddenly changed form. They still fit into the large picture but they have taken a different position; they could be closer but sometimes pulled further away. It throws one off when suddenly what they had been working on piecing together their entire life has changed.
  A transition of this kind is difficult. Not to say that what this does to us as people is bad, it just shows the parts of our heart that are unsettled. If life is not built upon rock then the only other option is sand. The slightest wind or motion blows away the small crystals that only form to the moment's condition. When built on solid rock, the winds, tides, and storms come but have little effect on the state of stability.
  It is easy to become frantic with change. It is easy to run away from reality. It is better to stand on the rock that will never be shaken. Hearts are at peace in this place. I am confident in moving forward and excited for seasons to come.
  I have never been left.

Currently Listening: "Sailboats" by Brooke Fraser
 

a year.

  Mention of a surprise on a said friday night did nothing but build anticipation for what might come. A surprise tends to monopolize your thoughts to a point of spoil but I have learned to tame this urge. More often than not I try to forget that I know anything. I spent the day last friday musing over details of where my wonderful boyfriend would take me. Outlandish thoughts of a one-day trip somewhere was soon replaced by the idea of a creative dinner that involved some conversation and simply time. Too excited to wait, I got ready nearly two hours before it was time to leave. I put on my favorite dress and big girl shoes and every so often checked to see if my hair or make-up had messed up since my last look.  He arrived and with a short goodbye we were off. South on I-85, we entered the city. Exits passed. Music slipped through the speakers as we exchanged glances of adoration and joy. 

  With the evening beginning well before expected, "time to kill" was in order. Walking through the city lead us past the Tabernacle and on to Woodruff Park. We enjoyed the sweetness of Starbucks coffee and cake pops while being surrounded by a park full of cyclists ready to embark on an excursion. A strange part of town, from what we gathered, was a mix of college students, indie-folk, and the confused individuals that bike to negate the health effects of their nicotine. A reservation for seven thirty seemed far off at six o'clock in Atlanta's end-of-summer heat. 

  We walked for what seemed like miles until I found myself making the decision to be content with where we were. Just being together was what mattered. When the realization that a picnic in shorts and a t-shirt would be just as delightful, my heart found that the heat dissipated and the blisters disappeared. Seven o'clock came and we entered "The French American Brasserie" in Atlanta. Our reservation was moved up and the host showed us the way to the elevator. The evening was spent looking over the city of Atlanta and catching traces of the sunset. We even spotted a hidden "I love you" on the side of an old building.

  Our first course was a cheese plate garnished with sweet spreads to compliment the bread brought to the table. The plate held a bleu cheese that made a frenchman wince. Distracted by a sweet face and laughter, I unfortunately dropped the last sliver of my favorite cheese on the ground. The waiter recited the specials void of a French accent. We ordered salmon and duck for our main courses, quickly passing over the mention of eating rabbit. Candles were lit as we exchanged expressions of what the last year held. Hiccups aside, it was a perfect evening. I have been blessed beyond measure with a wonderful man of God. 

Currently Listening: "Forever" by Ben Harper

diy.

An old chair created from old belts weaved together and attached to an old chair frame. Genius.

Currently Listening: "Waiting on an Angel" by Ben Harper

jewelry.

So last week I finally decided to be productive and finish these frames/ jewelry holders for the wall in my bedroom. I have to say that I am rather pleased with the outcome. Kudos to my boy for drilling the holes and helping with twisting in the hooks. 

Currently Listening: "Wide Eyes" by The Local Natives

blueberry pie.

I want to make these little homemade blueberry pies!

Currently Listening: "The Twist" Frightened Rabbit

chattanooga.

  With a few hours left before the departure of an old friend, we travelled up to Tennessee for a nice afternoon with the Black Forest Academy graduate. The drive up with Jason consisted of various stops for food and gas leaving us an hour or more behind schedule. On most days that would be deemed as unacceptable but a morning started just after five o'clock made it agreeable. Two hours seems like a flash when wasting time at home, but in a car it provides ample time for conversation, prayer or even singing loudly (and maybe even a little off-key). Upon entering Chattanooga, we parked our car and headed towards the "Blue-Plate." The morning hinted at the approaching crispness of fall giving me a reason to pull on my cranberry cardigan.
  At first it was one of those times when you hold your breath, wanting so badly for a good interaction and secretly tossing prayers to heaven asking the Father for strength. With only a few exchanges I knew that the prayers were heard. The river flowing through Chattanooga made for a wonderful view as encouragement was given and the latest stories were told. It was as if in just a short hour he had become like a friend I had known for years as well and I found myself not wanting him to move states away. Lunch was finished and we decided to walk around town for a while. We traversed the longest pedestrian bridge, admired the permanent dance steps in the cement, watched Adam take an interesting screen-print off of a wall and enjoyed a big cup of "Sweet CeCe's" frozen yogurt. A wonderful afternoon with the only qualm of not having enough time.
  Don't worry Chattanooga; we will be back.

Currently Listening: "Window" by Damien Jurado

wedding.

A vintage Tennessee wedding. The distressed entry doors are perfect as if home were truly outside. People are getting much more creative these days.