Nature Baby

This weekend was the last weekend of summer, so naturally I packed in one more trip to see dear friends.  My trip to visit was much overdue, and it wasn't until I saw them that I realized how much I've missed them.

Rosemarie, or Mz. Wag as I still call her, was my choir accompanist in college.  We quickly became friends and have been so for the past thirteen years.  She and her husband, Jim, are very dear to me.  The weekend consisted of catching up, good food, nature, naps, a movie, church, more catching up and more sleep.  It was wonderful!  I couldn't have picked a better way to end this summer and begin the school year.

The Waggoners have a beautifully landscaped garden, on the lake, complete with every animal, insect and bug you can imagine.  I encountered a family of deer on my morning jog, cranes inching into the water and a huge dead snake on the side of the road.  Hummingbirds graced their windows as squirrels lept through the trees.  Watching each of these animals made me feel very much a part of life, realizing how significant I am in my insignificance.

  As I sat on dock reading and writing yesterday,

I'm Baaaaack!!!!

This summer I have single-handily failed at my goal to blog daily (A Day in the Life).  At the beginning of the summer things were crazy with my parents getting ready to move back overseas.  In the middle of the summer it was work and Bible study (Life Calling) that kept me busy.  The past few weeks travel northward stood in the way (you can see photo documentation of my travels on my Facebook page in the "August 2013" album).  And, we started back to school this week.  It's been a very full summer, to say the least!!!

All these were major contributors and are excuses to a degree, but the main reason I've been silent this past month and a half is that this summer, a good friend and I decided to embark on a writing project.  I wanted to take a step back to focus on that and get a clear direction from God, without the distraction of any other writings.  Stepping back allowed me clarity in several areas of my life.  As of tonight, my resolution is to resume my goal of blogging something everyday.  

My world these days, in bullet form:

On Pain, Joy and Sorrow

In approximately 48 hours my parents will board a plane headed for Monrovia, Liberia (West Africa).  Although, every minute of every day holds its own uncertainty, four years of absolute uncertainty seems like a pretty big pill to swallow. 

Daddy's Girl

Nine days ago was a special day, however this is the first chance I'm having to post anything since then.

Today's post is in honor of Father's Day...

Moore Part 5 of 5

I spent this past Memorial Day weekend in Moore, OK doing disaster relief work with Convoy of Hope.  The only internet access I had was on my phone, so I journaled on notebook paper.  Finally having a chance to type it all out.  I will post each day's entry separately.  Pictures will appear larger if you click them.

MONDAY, May 27th

Moore Part 4 of 5

I spent this past Memorial Day weekend in Moore, OK doing disaster relief work with Convoy of Hope.  The only internet access I had was on my phone, so I journaled on notebook paper.  Finally having a chance to type it all out.  I will post each day's entry separately.  All pictures can be seen in a larger view by clicking them.

SUNDAY, May 26th

Moore Part 3 of 5

I spent this past Memorial Day weekend in Moore, OK doing disaster relief work with Convoy of Hope.  The only internet access I had was on my phone, so I journaled on notebook paper.  Finally having a chance to type it all out.  I will post each day's entry separately.  

SATURDAY, May 25th

Moore Part 2 of 5

I spent this past Memorial Day weekend in Moore, OK doing disaster relief work with Convoy of Hope.  The only internet access I had was on my phone, so I journaled on notebook paper.  Finally having a chance to type it all out.  I will post each day's entry separately.

FRIDAY, May 24th

Moore Part 1 of 5

I spent this past Memorial Day weekend in Moore, OK doing disaster relief work with Convoy of Hope.  The only internet access I had was on my phone, so I journaled on notebook paper.  Finally having a chance to type it all out.  I will post each day's entry separately.  

THURSDAY, May 23rd

A Twister of Fate

(The following post was typed yesterday.)

On this day two years ago a little town, that I was barely familiar with, experienced a catastrophic F5 tornado.  One hundred and fifty one families lost someone they loved.  Hundreds of people were injured and displaced, most losing all of their material possessions.

An entire community was changed forever in Joplin, MO on May 22, 2011.

A twenty-nine year-old girl from Texas was forever changed as a result of this infamous tornado.

***

Social Painting

Last night I hosted a social painting party for my women's Bible study group.  Even though we missed the other six in our group, we girls had a blast!  We started with blank canvases and a black and white picture of our pattern.  Once we'd gotten a good idea of what we were going to do, "went to town" painting.

Strength and Honor are Her Clothing

1982

Happy Mother's Day to the person I've been the closest to the longest, "Mother".  She is...

Bach and Beyond

The orchestra members were warming up.  The persistent chime of the gong was calling music lovers to their seats.  Excited chatter was accompanied by the sound of scurrying feet coupled with melodic snippets.  All elements of the concert coming together for a brilliant opening.  There was only one problem.  The final piece, the conductor, was slated to appear in five minutes and seat EB7, at the Meyerson, was still empty.