Random “Isms” of this week so far…

When life seems up-side-down, it helps me to stop and consider the little things in life...

• I was causally strolling along the sidewalk under the trees, heading home after a long day at work. Note: I was minding my own business. Suddenly a squirrel came flying out of the trashcan next to me and hurdled itself in my direction. I’m not sure which one of us was more surprised, but we both let out an un-stifled scream upon collision and ran in opposite directions.

• I have been trying to be rational and not count the stairs at work (one of my quirks) and thus far have succeeded. However, I have somehow managed in spite of my efforts to the contrary, to make a mental note of whether each set of stairs has an odd of even number. I can certifiably tell you which set is odd and which set is even. How sad.

• I seem to be making a habit out of forgetting my umbrella on days when rain makes its appearance. Why is that?

• Baby Mac: is making sure I eat 6 square meals a day, no more than 2 hours apart; loves horseback riding (that’s what I’m predicting, since I feel so great after each ride on my favorite horse); is not showing much yet, but we can probably thank my longer torso for that… I don’t think it’s for any lack of effort on Baby’s Mac’s part; is going to be very loved by a certain Valiant puppy – she was so enthralled with a baby she met at the blueberry patch that I had to drag her away.

• I recently purchased 5 large bottles of Avon Skin So Soft… the insect count in TN is a great deal higher than TX and SsS is supposed to be a great alternative to fly spray for horses. It felt like a really extravagant purchase, though.

• And last but definitely not least… I’m happy to say that “George” is back – “Kris” has been around a little too much lately, which really makes me appreciate “George”.

New Life

Most of you probably know that we are expecting an additional member of our family in January of 2010! We, unfortunately, do not have any photos to share with you yet, as we haven't been able to get an ultrasound due to job/insurance changes we've experienced recently. We promise to post something as soon as we have it, though. :-)

Some "notables" from the past couple weeks:
• Food consumption: I’m constantly hungry. I'm trying to keep fruits and veggies within constant reach so that the temptation to snack doesn’t lead to unnecessary calories
• Fancy is overly-protective of me, making sure all other horses know that she’s the “Mama Horse” and thus the designated guardian
• The reality still hasn’t hit us yet, so we’re excited about getting a real live picture of this new member of our family
• Today is the first day I’m officially feeling uncomfortable in my corduroy pants – I think we had a bit of a growth spurt this week, if food consumption was any indication

We'll post photos soon!

"What I long for..." Sentiments of a dear friend

In response to my previous blog, one of my dearest friends sent me these sentiments of what "ought to be" in her life.

From one who no longer has to face the daily grind (she is retired):

Monday: the glow of Sunday worship lingers on and makes me eager to see what He will bring today
Tuesday: the lessons of yesterday lead me to prayer and a need to repent my un-thankfulness for not appreciating Monday :-)
Wednesday: ah, the need for fellowship ensures that I arrive at my class tonight
Thursday: the week is almost gone and there is so much to do – the tiny birds in the backyard He causes to amuse me (a reminder of His love for the smallest creature)
Friday: that longing for Sunday is building and I hear hymns in my soul and heart
Saturday: purify me today, dear Lord, that I might keep my accounts with you current and be ready for worship with my life tomorrow and every day
Sunday: my heart dances, my soul glows, my mind is quiet and He will give me peace today, as He does every day

Getting older has many unexpected surprises and joys

Living for Friday?

Yeah, me too. :-)

Monday - Tough because it starts the week, and means you have 4 whole work days to follow.
Tuesday - follows Monday and isn't very close to Friday. Enough said.
Wednesday - Well, things are looking up - at least you've made it to the middle of the week, technically, even if you feel like it should be the end.
Thursday - Nearing the finish line, but still have a full work day to go... chin up!
Friday - You made it! Do you HAVE to work all 8 hours???

Hawk vs. Squirrel

I was eating my lunch on a bench under a large tree yesterday. It was a cool, misty day and I was marveling at how quiet and peaceful it was for a Tuesday afternoon when suddenly there was a great commotion in the tree overhead. I looked up to see a giant red-tailed hawk tormenting a squirrel. The incredible thing was that the squirrel, who was clearly being pursued as a lunch option for the hawk, had managed to hold onto his own lunch (a large shelled nut) in the race around the tree trunk. The hawk dove in and out of branches after the clever squirrel, but never managed to snag it. In the end it was the squirrel who got lunch.

Are we there yet?

What to write? We have begun our new life in Tennessee. Kris started his new job the day after we arrived and is becoming more familiar with his lab and co-workers. I began feverishly filling out job applications and after 16 interviews in 2 weeks, was offered a position on campus (near Kris!), and will be starting my new job this week. So we may be homeless, but we're employed! :-)

"Highlights" of the past two weeks:
Watching Fancy and Sedona grazing in 6 acres of green pasture
Spending hours talking with Lisa and Virginia about gardens, cooking, family...
The little fawn who keeps popping out of the bushes at the farm and tempting me to catch it and keep it as my own
Walking through the "Vanderbilt underworld": an underground tunnel where all roads Vanderbilt eventually connect
Learning my way around this town with all it's curvy roads
Family camp where we got to see Grandma and Grandpa from Brazil and our Wise friends
Getting lost in the woods while riding Fancy; it was misty with drops of rain clinging to the ferns and making a soft patter in the trees overhead - so peaceful - it very much mirrored my mood that day and Fancy seemed to understand my need to be there with her, quietly

I'm trying to look ahead, for now, as looking back creates this dull ache. I guess that is to be expected when deep roots are uprooted and replanted; there is always pain, mixed with hope.

I love Stink

Puddleglum

I want it stated for the record that I have officially had a "worst day". That way, when I'm feeling sorry for myself sometime in the future, I can be formally reminded about that "worst day" and not feel so bad about my circumstances. :-)

It's no secret that I'm not a fan of the dentist, I know, but this was overkill even for you dentist fanatics out there. :-)

• 8 hours in the dentist’s chair
• 16 shots in my mouth to keep me numb
• A phone call from the barn to let me know my horse had injured herself (but will be fine)
• Aching teeth and sore gums
• And it was only Tuesday!

So there you have it. Here's to a better week next week and very good, no bad days ahead.

Prov. 19:21

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand"

Artsy Photos

I've been fiddling (not with the same talent as Jessica) around with my new camera. Here are some nature shots I've taken recently.

My Narnia photo


"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 59:16


These next two photos were taken at a spring in the Arizona desert.

"He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul..." (Psalm 23:2b-3a)


"He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs..." Psalm 107:33

Plunging into the deep

Last time we took the "big boys" to the river, Beau took a little misstep and plunged head first into the water. He came up rather surprised, but was a great sport about it all. Once he got all the water out of his nose he wanted to do more swimming. He's actually a water buffalo, in a horse disguise.

Life, Laundry and the Pursuit of Sanity

And yet, there is serenity and peace in the midst of it all.

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, but so often I find myself rushing from one designated place to another, never really taking the time to be still. With my hubby "under the weather" I had the excuse I needed to take time to pause.

And this is what I (re)discovered:
• Spring is here: people are lining the roadside to take pictures of their children and pets in the blue bonnets, two new baby horses on my way to the barn, cool and CRISP air makes being outside unavoidable.
• Valiant and Madison are so interactive! I know this, but they are more than happy to remind me, in case I should forget. They were SO HAPPY to have me home to do their bidding (cuddle time, laser pointer, more cuddle time, walk in the park, cuddle time).
• The plants on my porch are starting to blossom and grow, a reminder that we can plant the seed but HE makes it grow.
• A phone call from an old friend, which I was actually able to answer because I was home. A sweet walk down memory lane.
• Garlic. I roasted some garlic and it was yumm!
• The book of James is so direct. I haven’t read it in a while and I forgot how much I love it.
• My horse is losing her winter coat and shedding into her shiny new summer coat. Another reminder that life is seasonal, always changing.

Going the extra mile

I think it's easy for us to forget how doing something small in the life of someone else can make a huge difference.

Look down and then look up...

“Look down and realize a transition is under way to shift the ground of your joy “from created things to the Creator.” Then look up and delight in the Lord himself. Contemplate his changeless character and the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Then—dependent upon God’s grace—obey this command given for our good and his glory. Rejoice as you realize afresh you are doing much better than you deserve.”
C.J. Mahaney

On the verge...

of something. In these days of facing so much unknown, I feel like I'm constantly on the verge of something:
• Wonderful
• Terrifying
• Exciting
• Terrible
• Tears
• Laughter
• Forgetting to breathe
• Exhaustion
• Anticipation

I keep reminding myself that fear is crippling and it is my biggest enemy. I must take each day as it comes, resisting the temptation to take my answers from yesterday and presume that they are applicable for tomorrow.

Life is not as we plan it; that I know for certain. It is, however, beautiful. It is complicated. What peace we can find in knowing that there is One who sees all and knows all. I’m glad it’s not me!

A different take on life

There are definitely days when I savor self-pity and allow myself to feel overwhelmed by life. So, when I watch others struggle and LIVE life despite insurmountable odds I feel admonished and encouraged to keep a correct perspective on what I have been given. I wish I could say I will never take it for granted...

More photos

We took Wilbur and Beau out on the trail yesterday and got some photos in the water.

Pooh Bear

While my own beloved horse has been suffering through colic this weekend, I've spent a lot of time at the barn. One benefit of doing so is being able to love on the furry-four-legged creatures that bring so much joy into our lives.Krista caught me stealing a kiss from Pooh Bear (Wilbur).

Just look at that eye and tell me... how am I supposed to resist?

I keep thinking...

about things I want to do, or wish I could do, with the time I'm given. Here are a couple of reoccurring themes:

• Learn Portuguese – I wish I could just absorb it… that would be so much easier
• Publish my book – yeah it will happen
• Ride my horse every day – OK, so some things are a lot less noble than others, but I’m being totally honest here
• Have 5 kids – true story – and parent them with George
• Know history – really know it. Specifically European and American history
• Get my grandfather’s stories down on paper, so that my children’s children will know…
• Live shared lives with those who are so near and dear to my heart
• Get a master’s degree – I think I’m hungry for more learnin’
• Be unafraid
• Manage a successful organic farm - to include horses :-) - which gives back to the community
• Know my siblings (all 6 of them) deeply
• Never stop learning how to love
• Learn how to care for others with sincerity
• Read ALL of the books I want to read, but still haven’t
• Live all of my life alongside my George, knowing him better and loving him more keenly with each passing year
...to name a few.

"Little" Luxuries

• Paris poster in my office - a glimpse of another world
• Being loved by a big bay horse
• Tea and conversation with my George
• A glimpse of the delicate, through Valiant
• Hardy plant on my porch which isn’t hindered by the cold
• 1776 – great book, so much history
• Chocolates on my pillow – what a marvelous small group we have
• The smell of a leather saddle in my closet
• Red apple decorations all over the kitchen - home
• Piano keys which make magic with little effort
• Sweet note from my great aunt
• Sunshine on a cold day
• Hot bath for achy shoulders
• Calendar spotted with opportunities to be with people I love