Thursday @ Starbucks

Morning...  

I'm well rested and peaceful.  Warm sunlight comes through the bottom of a window pane at Starbucks, and enhances the relaxed mode I find myself in.  I've moved my seat because the a/c has me chilly, and the warmth on my feet now has me very satisfied.  There's acoustic music playing in this small venue - if even a bit too loud... and somehow this point amazes me, because despite so, it's in this environment that I have some of my best quiet time with God.  

I often intentionally park here on mornings that I'm down the hill early and have time to kill in between happenings.  And I love this time... and it has nothing to do with my fondness of their Cinnamon Dolce Latte.  Rather it's the fact that, here, I'm away from the throws of home... from the laundry and the phone and the list.  Amazingly, I can spend hours studying God's word this way.  

No.  This is not a plug for Starbucks, nor do they need my sales pitch.  But I do recommend you try it, or something like it, especially if you're looking for a way to make time with God a priority.  Maybe it works for you, maybe not.  Either way, I do so hope you'll figure out for yourself what does. Because time with the Lord is sustenance in this crazy world we live.  

Eighteen

Here's to all it's been, and who we've become trying to figure it out...

So thankful to be doing life with you by my side.

Happy Anniversary

I love you sweet William

In Search of Greater Things...

I ventured out today... on a mission to find (of all things) gourds.  Random, I know.  But cooler temperatures are flattering my propensity for fall... a reminder of my love for it, which in turn had me searching for my latest fascination... fall gourds.   

 

I ran across an artist who paints and carves upon these unique vegetables from the pumpkin/squash family, of whom I inquired where to find these very natural (I do so love all things natural) and quite amazing gourds.  She let me in on some info about a local gourd farm (the largest in the world - producing 300K/year), and so today I was on the hunt to find it. 

 

Right off the start I was a bit apprehensive as I was traveling in an area new to me.  I made my way on a remote stretch of country road, mostly through canyons and winding road which at times cut through reaching oak branches with the sun falling in at random places.   There were soft swails or dips in the road to accommodate the mountain run off water in rainy season (is there really such a thing here?), and to my surprise... I actually drove through a running creek bed.  Every now and then I had a peak of the surrounding mountains. 

I will admit, I found myself hoping for a break in the foliage, which created a sense of being hemmed in... claustrophobic-like.  I was also keenly aware that I might not have cell reception should I run in to trouble.  I pushed myself, despite these slightly uncomfortable thoughts... and as I did so, my fear was replaced with absolute awe at the beauty unfolding at every bend of this windy road.  It was the kind of drive you see in the movies, really... and as I trekked on in my journey, the only disappointment was found in my inability to fully take in the surroundings as I paid close attention to the road before me.

  

Happily, I did find the farm.  It was interesting to say the least.  To think that this farm exists solely to produce and sell gourds on such a level is, well... wild to me.  Anyway, It was good to have reached my destination, and a starting point in which to begin my return home.  But perhaps what was most impacting today was the ability, and more importantly, the blessing of pursing something, be if every so slightly challenging, and finishing it.  Should I decide to make the trip again, I'm quite sure it will be with much less apprehension.  Perhaps that is what today's trip was all about.  

While the details of my story may seem smallish, the accomplishment of conquered fear has me quite satisfied, not to mention, very pleased that I have something to show for it.

 

Forever Friend

This precious scene came in the mail a few weeks ago.

There wasn't a letter or card.

Nothing else was necessary.

Kate sent it to me.

And I cried.

She knew I would.

We've known each other that long.

 

Feel the Heat

This is what soccer looks like @ 105 degrees!  The coach's theory: "if you can play in this, you can play in anything".  I suppose that would be correct, and despite the heat, this girl had a great time muscling her way to the ball.  She admitted to me later that she likes competition. That will serve to keep her motivated... not that she needs much help!

Icy cold towels helped keep the body cool, along with tons water & Gatorade.

What looks like a thunder head is actually a smoke 

and steam cloud rising from the fires in LA.  

The extreme temperatures and dry winds are making their 

mark once again this fire season.

Waiting!!

To my sister-cousins, you've been very patient... 

Here I post pics from a special (and entirely too short!) visit with Laura and Jennifer back in July.  The girls were staying in Northern CA with their uncle, so we made arrangements to connect in the middle.  It was a blazing hot Sunday afternoon, one that had everyone running to the coast... which in turn had us creeping in traffic!  By the time we arrived in Santa Monica, the girl's day at the beach was near its end.  However, we spent inside an hour together enjoying some laughs and the goodness of each other's company. 

So glad we were able to grab that hour!! 

Thanks for looking us up girls... Love you!!

After we parted company, Bill and I took these two 

for a tandem ride on the beach. 

 We ended the day with Italian and giggles!!  

Fun all around!

Refresh Button

God's timing is perfect.  

My great friend Renee visited a few weeks ago.  I marvel at the precision of God's plan and the perfect ways He meets our needs despite our ability to perceive this (have I mentioned this before?).  Certain moments help to reset our hearts and minds.  Every once and a while I get it... Renee's visit was one of those gifts.  

Psalm 23:3 "... he restores my soul"

Renee is that friend who spurs me on, to embrace the 

challenge... she inspires me to move forward.

  

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper 

time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9

"A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul..."  Proverbs 13:19

Love you friend!