+appreciating

Just wanting to post here to give Kristine Neeley a huge round of applause and just say how blessed I am to know her. There aren't really enough words, so here's some of her work, and a link to her blog. Thank you Kristine :) www.kristineneeley.com/blog

+has the world changed? or is it you that has changed?

When I was in Spiritual Formations class my last semester of college we talked so much about rhythm - rhythm of the Christian church, rhythm of nature/seasons, of relationships, of emotions, and so many other things. I love the rhythm of life and I am so excited to have a more defined rhythm as I begin my August and onward journey in a new state. But until then, I feel a bit out of sorts, or like I'm not really in a rhythm, but instead a series of mismatched events all are taking place in a couple short weeks.

I am loving what is happening here. Having Laurajean in town and in my apartment made me feel so blessed to have friends who feel like family. Going to a perfectly fantastic wedding here in Nashville full of people in attendance who I love being around. Getting the chance to really take in the last few weeks with people who have changed me spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. It's so weird to think of change, but so good too.

I am about to head to Disney World (told you... mismatched) with my parents and Dad's side of the family. What a weird week out of the ongoing Belmont Orientation events that I've been helping out with. I hope it will be a good relaxing and fun time and time to just think and reflect. Then I'll be back, packing up, finishing up, heading to Louisville, headed home and wedding sesason: birmingham edition will begin. Then packing all up again and Mom and Heather roadtrip to KU will begin.

Maybe this season is all part of the bigger rhythm. I like to think so :)

+i know the dog days of the summer have you ten to one outnumbered

I have always been a dog person and after just a couple days of watching Maddie, I think I'll always and forever be a dog person.

But maybe my dog loving is sort of... well, selfish. If I really think about it, what do I love about dogs? I love that I am the center of their universe. They love me for all the things I do (food, water, attention, petting) but also for all the things that I don't even try to do (being in the same room, being around, driving them places that I'm going already).

Maddie doesn't get bored with me. Sure, she may wander away to find food or a stick or a toy, but the minute I stir, get up, walk across the room, flip the page in my book, type on the computer, she is attentive and concerned in the matter. Not to mention, she is always ready for an adventure. I've never decided to go walk around the yard or go somewhere when Maddie has told me she's too busy or she'd rather not. Nope, arthritis and all, she wants to walk next to my heels and explore with me. She makes me feel like what I'm doing is the most important part of her day. All the time. Consistency. Loyalty. Isn't this what we're all looking for in another person?

She completely ignores the ugly parts of my personality. She'd still look at me and smile that sweet golden retriever smile despite my messy hair and morning breath. She doesn't care if I'm crying or singing, she'll sit in my lap and pant and be perfectly content to be with me. She doesn't get bitter when I leave for longer than expected. She doesn't care if I wake her up in the middle of the night. She doesn't hold a grudge when I promise to do something with her and then don't follow through.

If all I have to give in return is a little grace for dog-breath, drool, and the occasional scratch, then it's worth it. Because, to have that kind of friend is something that I dream of - that we all dream of. And to be that kind of friend? Well, I'm pretty sure I'll be working at that for the better part of my life.

+if life is one big symphony don't play your part too caustiously, let your fingers make mistakes, the crowd will love you for being brave

(Mostly written to myself, to remind myself) I need to take the time to be perceptive. If someone tells me something they're doing, I need to take the time to process, ask questions, and log it away. I need to actually RESPOND to the world around me and not just efficitently deal with it. These are very different modes of living (and I'm much better trained in the dealing part).

"The beat came from my engine's ping / The sleepy owls arranged the strings / The bass was plucked out by the breeze / All of us in perfect harmony / Sometimes it's just that easy." -Her Space Holiday

+i am still an option that you have

Have I mentioned lately how good it will be to blog once again I have Internet in the evenings and just not the work day? Glory. I love you, little macbook. I cannot wait to make you feel meaningful again.