Yogurtland!!

I went to visit my sister Ivanna on Friday last week. We went to yogurtland. It was really tasty! She's loads of fun that sister of mine.

Super Tasty yummy.

Kiwi. Yummy!

I couldn't help but notice they are selling more than yogurt here. They're selling me I RULE!

Alison Visits

My best (non-sister) friend came to visit this weekend. She’s living in Arkansas right now – going to school. And her name is Alison. She’s wonderful. I got to see her Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A really nice weekend of fun. But I didn’t even take on SINGLE picture!

She did motivate me to get these really cool shoes.

You can’t see the heel but it’s 4 ½ inches! I’m super tall with them on.

And I didn’t read nearly as much in this book as I should have.

It’s not as fun as parties, roller-derby, lunch with folks and even shopping for shoes.

Wonderful Community

Today I had a really good (and important) conversation with Lynn. She's one of the people I live with. She's not like my mom (I've already got one that I like) but she's sort of that role in the home. After all, she is A mom. This morning we were talking in the early morning before anyone else was up. We were talking over general concerns and ideas. Then we started talking about how I hate conflict, and work really hard to prevent it from happening. It's not unusual for me to do something myself (even when it's not really my job) if I sense there will be a conflict from someone else doing it.

I'm being mentored by a wonderful Christian woman, and this is one of the things she's encouraged me to address. My desire for peace is not a problem - it's when I interfere with others duties and responsibilities to create that peace. I think I've had improvement!

Anyway, back to the point. I stepped on a nail on Saturday. It's not really that bad, but my foot hurts. (High heels work better than flats - just saying!) So feeding the animals, which requires a lot of walking around, has been difficult. This morning was my morning to chore. And I was able to do it. But Lynn said that she was trying to be more protective of my time and comfort. And, so she was going to get someone to help me out.

This started my day wonderfully. It was not just having someone come out and get a bunch of work done with me, even though that was really, really nice, it was also knowing someone was thinking about my needs.

So thanks Forest and Lynn!

Thoughts on A Sunday Afternoon

School – Work – Goat Farm – Life – they all take time and energy. There are days when I don’t feel like I have enough of either to go around. I knew I was taking on a new and exciting challenge when I decided to return to school last fall. And there was an overwhelming feeling of KNOWING it was the right thing to pursue; I have excitedly rejoined the student life. I love learning new things. It’s stimulating discussing new ideas – returning to reflect on old ones – and generally – to have my intellect stretched.

Then there are days when I feel overwhelmed. Like all the pieces in my little life puzzle aren’t falling into place in a way that I can manage. I suddenly find that I didn’t look at the schedule for my Sociology class properly and there is an extra chapter I haven’t read. Or the driveway washes out and I have an extra step (namely: walking through the mud to my car down the hill or finding someone to take me down in the 4 wheel drive car.) to complete before I can leave for work. Or it’s oh-dark-o’clock and the goats are gone – just gone! – and we have to call around to find out which neighbors’  seen  them, and then hike through the woods to get them back. And I feel overwhelmed, underprepared, discouraged, and ill-equipped.  I’m reminded that I’m a failure.

But then, I remember that that’s okay, good even. Because I am loved by a God who says that, in my weakness His strength is made perfect. My failure isn’t superior to his grace and mercy.

Most of the time I don’t allow myself to truly examine my weakness. I like just moving forward and getting things done. So, when I find myself in the moment when I cannot just move forward and I desperately need help, in that moment, I’m learning to be grateful. Because I love a God who is good, looks at me with favor and pours out the grace and wisdom I need for today.

Palindrome

I love palindromes. My mom always pointed them out to me growing up. A license plate - a phone number - a word. Didn't matter. When they occurred, she noticed, and she shared. Now I will too.

This is Spring of last year.

Spring 2012!

A Collection of Photos

This week I've been busy getting caught up on homework. I had let things slip a little bit, and was complaining that I had SO much to get done. My housemate said "You don't have time for homework, but you have time to go to a movie." Which brought me back to reality. Yes, I did have time to go to the movie, just like I had time to get my homework done. I've been moving forward on it again, and it feels better.

Meadow did my hair while we watched the Office!

Sporting my new scarf (new from Christmas.) A major win for Uriah, who gave it to me!

Abbigayle Diane Rook

Last week marked the six month date since my niece Abbigayle was born and died. It was a hard week for me, marked by some sweet sorrow. Ivanna and I went to Abbigayle's grave and ordered the lettering for her grave-marker.

Spending time with Ivanna at the Graveyard.

 

 On Tuesday I was able to join Ivanna and my mom for a quick lunch date. It was great to catch up with both of them. Ivanna and I went out to coffee (although neither of us actually drank coffee) and had a longer visit. It was great.

Wearing our matching Bucci glasses. My BEST favorite glasses ever.  They are great glasses and locally made!

 I brought some rosemary special for Joe and Abbigayle's grave. When I go visit I always bring something that means something to me. Sometimes it's part of a branch with flowers that have just burst into bloom. Other times it's forget-me-nots picked at my favorite park in the county. The point, something special and meaningful to me.

Abbigayle's buried with my brother-in-law Joe. I miss them.