Showing Up

here I am. Showing up to write. It's 9:34pm. I"m in bed. Groceries bought and dishes done (well, mostly). We are ready to head over to Chimacum; a favorite gathering spot at the Sister and Brother-in law's farm house. The camera search continues since I would really like to get one that will be exactly what I/we want and not a hasty purchase. You may have to bear through some phone shots until then since this place is too beautiful not to at least attempt to share. My goal: enjoy beauty. signing out.

WRITE EVERY DAY.

I am writing. Yes. Yes, that is what I am doing. Cam surprised me today and leaked my Christmas present...a new camera! Pictures are so dear and I have been learning the hard way for the past 5 years that God does take away, and He gives. He takes wisely and sovereignly and He gives unabashadley. I have lost many many pictures; of childhood, college adventures, lost loves, and precious times with family. A computer was stolen from my room in South Africa, a camera stolen literally seconds after I put it away but left the case unzipped, a box of photos from growing up lost in transition, a phone full of smiles ans simple moments that were intentionally taken. It's sad. Losing photos is sad. Other things have been lost too, some much more weighty than glossy prints. These I mourn daily. But to stay there? There has also been so much gained! Children, a home, a career, a community, a husband, and just plain gritti-ness of Spirit. There is no doubt that I have life. What the camera also means?? PRETTY PICTURES! We are planning some near-by explorations. You will see bits of them!

Tiny Steps towards FUN.

The other day I was asked what my hobbies are. This has always been a hard question for me since many folks excel at a few chosen things; knitting, cooking, photography, etc. I, however have mastered mediocre. A friend and I used to laugh that we were great at trying new things but not getting attached to them. I have tried a lot of hobbies! The ones that have stuck, the ones that I would love to do more of, seem so out of reach now. Travel. This was absolutely my favorite hobby. Quite a pricey one though at times and difficult with full time job and a full house. Kayaking. Also requires a bit of equipment and time. Photography. I've had too many camera's taken from me, or broken to want to step back into this right now. Writing. No excuses here...I just need to do it (hence this blog) Guitar. Always more stressful than fun due to my novice-ness. Running. Last year, I ran a half-marathon and this was the most I've accomplished at a "hobby" in a long time. Now I am starting again...remembering that for it to be a hobby it needs to be just for fun. Doing it for the sake of doing it. Because "it" is enjoyable. What's the missing ingredient? I would argue that it's commitment and practice. Deciding that these fun things are worth spending time and energy on. As I look up at this list...oh man...if I could spend my time doing these things...I would be one HAPPY GIRL! There are people around me that I admire so much who do this. They spend time on the things they love and the results are beautiful. Beautiful creations, experiences, and even more beautiful..the people and the lives that they live. Fun use to come quite easily to me and I had absolutely no problem prioritizing it. Now, that doesn't some so natural. 2014. Here comes the FUN. What is your favorite fun? How to do commit to it when responsibilities compete?

Another Try

It's been 6 months. It's almost 2014. Let's try this again. Last post was mostly a barf online. I'll try to save ya'll from that again. Still thinking about what to use this space for but my gut is saying that I should use it. My life is not super wild right now. We are in the norm right now; being married, raising some kids, going to church, owning a home, and working a job. In this all though, there's both the messy and the sparkling days. That is all. We'll see what 2014 brings. This is NOT a new years resolution (ughhhhh....or maybe....)