Suddenly I See

Spring has sprung in Southern Indiana. And, I couldn't be happier about it. Even thunderstorms are refreshing after such a cold winter. It's funny how we seem to be a little more alive in the spring. I know that I see things differently and feel things differently. On the way back from lunch just now I was looking at the grass. It is so green in places it almost seems out of place after the bleakness of winter. And, we didn't even get that much in the way of snow this year. A couple big snows, but nothing that stayed around too long. But, wow, was it cold!

However, this week has been full of sunshine and beauty and new life - trees are budding, birds are singing, it's just wonderful!

I don't have anything deep to say - I am just excited about Spring!

These Are A Few of My Favorite Things...

"Later they will come to realize that for a few moments they believed in something extraordinary, and will perhaps be driven as a result to seek out some more instense mode of experience." ~Hakim Bey

I have been filled with a level of contentment as of late that I don't know I've ever felt before. No, my life isn't all roses and perfect, but I just feel like I am RIGHT where I am supposed to be at this point in my life doing JUST what I should be doing. In some ways, I am exhausted...I feel like I am being pulled in a million different directions. But, for some reason, I am still content.

So, because of that, I thought I would briefly discuss a few of my favorite things. Some are new, some are old, but all are favorites...enjoy my list!

The first warm day after a cold spell.
Having something to believe in.
Knowing someone believes in me.
The smell of books.
Waking up with my husband.
Laughter.
Couscous.
Sleeping through a rainstorm.
Friends.
Reading.
Slow dancing.
Reading the blogs of people I love.
Reading the blogs of people I've never actually met.
Airshows.
Travel.
The ocean, any ocean.
My family.
The Race for the Cure.
Scrapbooks.
Pictures.
Musicals.
Live theatre.
Ireland.
Select TV shows.
Relevant.
Fountain Diet Mt. Dew
Coke from a glass bottle.
Comfort foods.

This is just what I'm thinking of now...here's to my favorites!

Sometimes By Step

*NOTE: This was obviously started in january!*

Let me start off by saying I cannot believe how fast January flew by. As I sit here trying to remember everything I had to do and everything I DID during the month, it's hard to believe it's all over already. I didn't make any resolutions this year. I realized a long time ago that they didn't really matter - no matter how much i want to lose weight, get in shape, or write a book, I can't suddenly decide to do that on january 1 and expect to stick with it.

As this year keeps flying by, I am trying my best to be the best version of myself I can be! I have a friend who recently moved to England with her family for a fews months. I have been reading her blog, and praying for strength for her as they acclimate to a whole new lifestyle. Already, I see her faith growing and her leaning more and more on God to get through the rough days. I am humbled at her faith, and how she is becoming an even better version of an already amazing woman.

I have another friend who is being transparent with a man in her life in ways that she has never been with him. I see her becoming a better version of herself, one day, one honest conversation at a time. No matter where the relationship goes, I know she has been changed and challenged by it for good.

In the last three months, I have accomplished some small goals that I think will make me a better version of myself. I have also disappointed myself with my lack of motivation and ambition. Knowing that people are going through their own growing pains and adjustments and trusting God to make them who He intends them to be gives me hope!