All tagged The View From My chiar
Life in the Rearview Mirror
Before my first encounter with this beautiful Romanian soul, I had not known much about Romania or the beautiful people who reside there. In my Creator’s infinite wisdom, He intersected our paths years ago and established a deep friendship. Often over the years, I have wondered how she was and what she was doing. Oddly, it seems that at some crucial moments throughout these last twenty plus years, God has randomly intercepted our paths again. Each time we have bumped into each other and quickly caught up, only to have time and space pull us apart again. Two weeks ago,
Cup-O-Noodles, My Foreign Tongue, and Invisible Prisons
Lightly browned, white skin; sun-kissed blonde hair; and a foreign tongue, left me highly visible as I strolled down the aisle of India Air flight 627. Completely out of my comfort zone and fully awake. All my senses were on high alert.
It's Not About Size!
I come from a place of tall evergreens; large maples; and lush green forests. The place my heart calls home for nine months of the year is flanked with two majestic mountain ranges and surrounded by a salty abundance of blue water. Outdoorsy humans move to this place with daily opportunities to savor the deep colors; fragrant aromas; and stunning natural beauty. If you take a few moments and chat with the locals, they will be quick to tell you that it is not a place you land accidentally. It is a place you choose.
Snowmageddon Lesson
With the effort of an elephant trudging through knee high mud combined with the determination of an Olympic athlete, I don my winter gear and step out into a once-in-a-lifetime ,Pacific Northwest Snowmageddon! I have set my goal at walking seven miles a day and I will not be detoured by twenty plus inches of snow.
Completing a few laps, the numbness has overtaken any rational reasoning and my mind is aimlessly drifting towards thoughts of warm beaches, sandy, azura blue waters and swimming with my sea creature friends.
If You Really Knew.....
f you really knew the darkness that tries to creep up, like a unexpected predator and swallow me, you would probably realize how human I am. If you really knew the effort that my enemy exerts in order to silence me, you would be surprised. If you really knew how black the darkness was in my moments of struggle, you might think differently of me. But here is what I suspect - you do know exactly what I am talking about because you struggle too.
Wild and Crazy Thoughts on Parable of the Talents
Like a 13-year-old adolescent girl, I scan the Facebook feed stopping to pursue delicious looking new recipes; family snow day or vacation photos; rants about any number of things; and my favorite writer’s blog posts. Most of these people are personal friends. I honestly care about their lives and want to be able to stay caught up. Startled by my phone buzzing, I realize that I have just lost ninety minutes of writing time. WHAT was I thinking? I know how this game works and yet, I took the bait and dropped into the land of Facebook. It’s just one click away from where I write in Squarespace. Hum…
Unexpected Enticing Fragrance
Entering from a silent white world, the warmth of home wraps itself around me. Instantly I am in a race with my internal thermometer to remove all the excess clothing that was necessary for a walk on this stunningly beautiful snowflake decorated evening. Successfully disrobed down to a thin layer, I shuffle through the kitchen. Stopping midway I am overtaken by a tantalizing fragrance.
You Want Me to Do What? The Power of Molting!
Crashing waves from the Pacific call to me, beckoning me to come and play in it’s frothy waters. The beach has always been the place I run to. It’s the place I feel most at home. It’s the place where my heart is refreshed and my thoughts can slow down and be processed.
Strolling along, my fingers find comfort being woven in between his. The sound of his voice is lost somewhere between his lips and my ears. The roar of the waves caries his words off to a distant place. Rounding the corner, I feel like I’ve suddenly stepped into Auschwitz and there are no survivors.
Boobs, Butt, Lips, and Every Other Piece!
Eyes fixated on the photo, my mind races back to the event. Sixteen and well-proportioned. Ready to attend a party. My adult mind wonders what in the world I was thinking leaving the house dressed like a bunny. Sunlight dances through the studio windows as I crouch on the area rug savoring each of the photos. They each show a different moment of my childhood. Sweet silence fills this room, my sanctuary, my safe place. My mind is filled with a rapid succession of funny memories about that night. (Just for the record, I was asked to leave the school party.)
Saboteur + A Smile = Refreshed Heart
Genetics had gifted her with a smile that could electrify the room. I had personally seen the atmosphere of a room alter when she arrived with that genuine smile. Her eyes were part of the deal. She could make you feel seen across a room full of people. It was a gift that she used daily in our workplace.
Copy of Knees to the Earth; Hands to the Sky - Psalms 65:4
Stepping onto this stunning street with my “Camera Buddy” a sense of awe overtook me. My heart was soooo grateful that God, in His infinite wisdom thought up trees, leaves, seasons, and colors. I just couldn’t help myself. I needed to feel the crispy leaves; smell the scent of them; and experience them dancing around me on the wind that was swirling. I wanted to thank Him for making this street and the beauty that I was taking in. Finding myself on my knee
Chains - Philemon 1:4
I have a confession. When I see cool things in the world, my mind does this funny thing. It starts playing with it to see how we might be over to pull it over and use it for Jesus. Awhile ago a friend of mine was explaining "Prayer Beads” and how they help her remember to pray certain prayers. If you have been in the Catholic church, this should sound familiar. As I was listening, I had a lightning bolt moment.
Knees to the Earth; Hands to the Sky - Psalms 65:4
Stepping onto this stunning street with my “Camera Buddy” a sense of awe overtook me. My heart was soooo grateful that God, in His infinite wisdom thought up trees, leaves, seasons, and colors. I just couldn’t help myself. I needed to feel the crispy leaves; smell the scent of them; and experience them dancing around me on the wind that was swirling. I wanted to thank Him for making this street and the beauty that I was taking in. Finding myself on my knee