Mr. Nutcracker is on duty.
The table is set.
The nativity is unpacked.
Advent is here.
And we wait.
Come, thou long expected Jesus!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
advent
The tree is trimmed.
Mr. Nutcracker is on duty.
The table is set.
The nativity is unpacked.
Advent is here.
And we wait.
Come, thou long expected Jesus!
Mr. Nutcracker is on duty.
The table is set.
The nativity is unpacked.
Advent is here.
And we wait.
Come, thou long expected Jesus!
Thursday, November 24, 2011
thankful thursday #53
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm so thankful today to have been home relaxing today with half our family ...
... while the other half were taken in by friends way down in south Florida, where there are definitely no other Feltons to be seen.
... and had a leisurely morning to get his mind right.
So even though we weren't together this year, we will look forward to when we can be!
And until then, we will be thankful for Skype, and for the iPhones. Seriously, thank you, Jesus, for letting us share our lives with each other from hundreds of miles away.
This is just not a face I can be without.
I hope you had as many of your family and friends together as you could muster, and returned appropriate thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow.
What had you extra thankful today? Go on, be grateful!
I'm so thankful today to have been home relaxing today with half our family ...
... while the other half were taken in by friends way down in south Florida, where there are definitely no other Feltons to be seen.
I'm so glad they were, because it was important that Little Man had a happy first Thanksgiving. I think he did! He got squeaky clean to make a great impression at the hosts' house ...
... and had a leisurely morning to get his mind right.
So even though we weren't together this year, we will look forward to when we can be!
And until then, we will be thankful for Skype, and for the iPhones. Seriously, thank you, Jesus, for letting us share our lives with each other from hundreds of miles away.
This is just not a face I can be without.
I hope you had as many of your family and friends together as you could muster, and returned appropriate thanks to the One from whom all blessings flow.
What had you extra thankful today? Go on, be grateful!
Monday, November 21, 2011
revisiting samford
If ever I was to describe myself, "nostalgic" would land somewhere in my list of Top Five adjectives. While I don't desire a real return to any one time or place, I do enjoy reminiscing, and savoring the seasons past.
Twice in the past couple of weeks, although highly uncharacteristic, I've found myself back on the campus of my alma mater for various events. It's good to revisit a place where the memories are kind to my wistful heart.
I had coffee in the student union this morning, just across the aisle from the same tables where my friends and I would sit back in the day, talking and laughing for hours and hours into the night. Although I'd only known those people for a few months, or maybe a year, it was like I'd known them for an eternity. That crazy, unexplainable connection is learned only in experience, and I'm grateful I learned it sitting in those tables, with those friends.
The mail room hasn't changed, and my old P.O. box is still numbered by the same label, yellowed and stained by the passing of a decade. That's where I learned that a hand-written note can make a person feel like a million bucks, and how a care package from Mom always, always made me miss home.
Vail Hall, the freshman girls' dorm, still looks big. My room was in the corner of the east wing, on the ground level. According to Dad, its crowning glory was its easy access to the parking lot from where we were unloading the van on Freshman Move-in Day. He will tell you that moving his only daughter was never physically easier than it was that day.
I noted this morning that the blinds in my old space were bent or cracked in places, but I remember feeling so lucky to have those two windows in "The Corner Pocket," as we were known by our closest friends. I wonder if I'd feel so lucky today, sharing a 15 x 15 room with a stranger.
University campuses have always held for me a curious intrigue. When I was growing up in Athens, Georgia, the University's campus was where friends reunited, and gathered for a common cause (beating the football opponent usually, but a shared goal nonetheless).
It held traditions and history and stately architecture.
As it turns out, I still am fasincated by campuses today. Maybe it stems from my childhood memories of making mud pies under the bleachers at Foley Field, or visiting the Baptist Student Union with my parents and their friends on Homecoming weekend.
Or maybe it's just because my college experience happens to be a treasure I cherish.
But probably, it's because universities represent such a significant rite of passage for young people.
Universities are the alchemists who mix the naive with the rebellious; the confident with the struggling; the creative with the athletic; the leaders with the followers.
They give them all opportunities, challenges, and guidance, and provide a safe environment to make choices for themselves.
And ultimately, they tell the stories of thousands of people who, if they took seriously the privilege of being there, left their campus a little bit more well-rounded; a little bit wiser; and a little bit more grown up.
Twice in the past couple of weeks, although highly uncharacteristic, I've found myself back on the campus of my alma mater for various events. It's good to revisit a place where the memories are kind to my wistful heart.
I had coffee in the student union this morning, just across the aisle from the same tables where my friends and I would sit back in the day, talking and laughing for hours and hours into the night. Although I'd only known those people for a few months, or maybe a year, it was like I'd known them for an eternity. That crazy, unexplainable connection is learned only in experience, and I'm grateful I learned it sitting in those tables, with those friends.
The mail room hasn't changed, and my old P.O. box is still numbered by the same label, yellowed and stained by the passing of a decade. That's where I learned that a hand-written note can make a person feel like a million bucks, and how a care package from Mom always, always made me miss home.
Vail Hall, the freshman girls' dorm, still looks big. My room was in the corner of the east wing, on the ground level. According to Dad, its crowning glory was its easy access to the parking lot from where we were unloading the van on Freshman Move-in Day. He will tell you that moving his only daughter was never physically easier than it was that day.
I noted this morning that the blinds in my old space were bent or cracked in places, but I remember feeling so lucky to have those two windows in "The Corner Pocket," as we were known by our closest friends. I wonder if I'd feel so lucky today, sharing a 15 x 15 room with a stranger.
University campuses have always held for me a curious intrigue. When I was growing up in Athens, Georgia, the University's campus was where friends reunited, and gathered for a common cause (beating the football opponent usually, but a shared goal nonetheless).
It held traditions and history and stately architecture.
As it turns out, I still am fasincated by campuses today. Maybe it stems from my childhood memories of making mud pies under the bleachers at Foley Field, or visiting the Baptist Student Union with my parents and their friends on Homecoming weekend.
Or maybe it's just because my college experience happens to be a treasure I cherish.
But probably, it's because universities represent such a significant rite of passage for young people.
Universities are the alchemists who mix the naive with the rebellious; the confident with the struggling; the creative with the athletic; the leaders with the followers.
They give them all opportunities, challenges, and guidance, and provide a safe environment to make choices for themselves.
And ultimately, they tell the stories of thousands of people who, if they took seriously the privilege of being there, left their campus a little bit more well-rounded; a little bit wiser; and a little bit more grown up.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
thankful thursday #52
... for one year of Thankful Thursdays!
I'm giggling at the "thirty days of thankful status updates" (or whatever it's called) on my Facebook newsfeed, spanning the days leading up to Thanksgiving.
Those are good.
I have two friends who've adopted a similar weekly habit of practicing appreciation.
It's been fun to see it catch on, even if just a little!
I admit it's not always easy to be thankful in the days when nothing new or fun seems to be happening ... when "mundane" and "routine" are the words of the week ... when we're feeling especially ordinary.
But keep on being thankful, y'all. When you go searching, digging, working hard to sow those little seeds of gratitude, over time they'll take root and grow up to bear beautiful fruits of graciousness and goodness.
And I should know! I'm so thankful today for one year ... fifty-two weeks! ... of watching gratitude take root.
When you look back over the past year, what's got you feeling humble and happy? Go on, be grateful!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
the office
We are moved and slowly settling into our new office digs. (The boxes accumulating in the supply room give me hives when I pass by, but we can't all be organized so quickly.)
As previously mentioned, we are in our own building now, and no longer renting, which is freeing in many ways.
On the other hand, while Bossman is no Michael Scott, praise God ...
...he is taking this new role as building owner quite seriously.
Rules of the Office, established to date:
The truth is, it's his building, and he can make whatever rules he wants to.
But seriously, can't I hang at least my diploma?!
Are you subject to crazy office rules? Let me hear them, and make me feel better.
As previously mentioned, we are in our own building now, and no longer renting, which is freeing in many ways.
On the other hand, while Bossman is no Michael Scott, praise God ...
...he is taking this new role as building owner quite seriously.
Rules of the Office, established to date:
- "Everyone should use a desk pad, so we don't scratch our desks when we write."
- "Do not touch the light switches. I spent a lot of money on these automated motion sensors that will turn on and off automatically."
- "No hanging pictures on the wall. We will eventually (read: "don't hold your breath"), but our designer is the decorating guru, and she will approve all wall hangings."
- "No cooking anything in this microwave that has a stench. No popcorn, nothing like that."
- "Keep the breakroom door closed. I don't want people seeing our mess."
The truth is, it's his building, and he can make whatever rules he wants to.
But seriously, can't I hang at least my diploma?!
Are you subject to crazy office rules? Let me hear them, and make me feel better.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
thankful thursday #51
A couple of days ago, I bemoaned the beginnings of Christmas music in October.
Today, though, I have to confess my one Advent tradition that happens earlier than it really should: my Christmas cards.
I love to dream up a card that will make a statement. Deliver a message that means something to me, and maybe to someone else, too.
And think of the cards that flood your mailbox ... so many fun ones! Family photos, fancy ribbons, and lovely calligraphy.
It's tough to make one stand out, because let's be honest, I can't compete with cute baby pictures. I just can't! But I like the challenge!
It's not uncommon for me to begin the brainstorming process in August (I know!). And at the same time, it's also very normal for the perfect idea to strike me weeks and weeks after that.
But when the cards are printed, and the envelopes are addressed, I just love dropping those bundles of Christmas cheer into the mailbox (and pray I'm not failed by the United States Postal Service).
Yesterday my cards for this year were delivered to my door, for which I'm so thankful (let the addressing commence!), but better yet, no typos. What a relief, and a reason for gratitude!
Do you have favorite holilday greetings? I hope you'll be extra-thankful for them this year. Go on, be grateful!
Today, though, I have to confess my one Advent tradition that happens earlier than it really should: my Christmas cards.
I love to dream up a card that will make a statement. Deliver a message that means something to me, and maybe to someone else, too.
And think of the cards that flood your mailbox ... so many fun ones! Family photos, fancy ribbons, and lovely calligraphy.
It's tough to make one stand out, because let's be honest, I can't compete with cute baby pictures. I just can't! But I like the challenge!
It's not uncommon for me to begin the brainstorming process in August (I know!). And at the same time, it's also very normal for the perfect idea to strike me weeks and weeks after that.
But when the cards are printed, and the envelopes are addressed, I just love dropping those bundles of Christmas cheer into the mailbox (and pray I'm not failed by the United States Postal Service).
Yesterday my cards for this year were delivered to my door, for which I'm so thankful (let the addressing commence!), but better yet, no typos. What a relief, and a reason for gratitude!
Do you have favorite holilday greetings? I hope you'll be extra-thankful for them this year. Go on, be grateful!
Monday, November 7, 2011
favorite things: the fall edition
Fall is, hands down, my favorite season. So much to love this time of year!
On Halloween, one of our local radio stations snatched up my beloved fall, wadded it up, and threw it in a garbage can when it started playing Christmas music.
So, so sad.
Autumn needs some loving, and it shouldn't be rushed, so here are my favorite things that're making this fall especially fantastic:
gel nail polish
For at least nine months out of the year, I am a completely non-manicured soul. And I feel good about that. But I do love a dark nail color, just for some fall spunk.
Well, let me tell you, that fun spunk is smudged the second I leave the nail salon. Never fails!
The solution? Not gel nails. Gel polish. Have you gals done this yet? Chip-free polish that seriously lasts for two weeks. And more importantly, it can't be smudged at all.
I confess I was persuaded by one of the nail salon ladies without a full understanding of how it works. But it's so worth the extra ten bucks!
And better yet, OPI has a select number of their colors in the gel version (including my favorite, from last fall). Treat yourself sometime, but be ready to have a professional remove that stuff at the end of its run!
the new keurig
Last Christmas, our boss purchased one of these single-cup coffee brewers as a gift for the office. I'm no coffee drinker, but hot tea? Hot chocolate? Yes, please!
As we were plodding through the September heat here in Alabama, I purchased one for myself, as a sort of fall's-a-comin' happy. And now that fall is here, I enjoy a cup of English breakfast tea, or green tea, a couple of times a week. It is so fun!
So as to not seem too selfish, though, I'm excited to offer guests a coffee of their choice. It's all about practicing hospitality.
these ankle boots
You know me and the fatted calves. These fun Lucky Brand boots (don't even think I paid close to that retail price, by the way) represent what I've come to embrace as my reality: knee-high boots just don't work. And I'm loving them so!
They're great with jeans or work pants, and they sport this solid wedge that's pretty comfy, too. They do make me super tall, but I can think of worse outcomes of a fashion choice.
these scents
This one is a little embarrassing, but oh well.
Does anyone else feel that Bath & Body Works screams 1990s? I feel very uncool saying, "Has anyone tried out this new wallflower scent by Bath & Body Works?!"
But maybe that's just me. Anyway, this is me being transparent:
My name is Robyn, and this fall, I'm loving two scents from Bath & Body Works: Autumn and Leaves. They really do make my whole place smell like fall.
Check them out. They'll make your hot tea taste better.
What's your favorite thing for this fall? Do share, and celebrate this lovely season!
On Halloween, one of our local radio stations snatched up my beloved fall, wadded it up, and threw it in a garbage can when it started playing Christmas music.
So, so sad.
Autumn needs some loving, and it shouldn't be rushed, so here are my favorite things that're making this fall especially fantastic:
gel nail polish
For at least nine months out of the year, I am a completely non-manicured soul. And I feel good about that. But I do love a dark nail color, just for some fall spunk.
Well, let me tell you, that fun spunk is smudged the second I leave the nail salon. Never fails!
The solution? Not gel nails. Gel polish. Have you gals done this yet? Chip-free polish that seriously lasts for two weeks. And more importantly, it can't be smudged at all.
I confess I was persuaded by one of the nail salon ladies without a full understanding of how it works. But it's so worth the extra ten bucks!
And better yet, OPI has a select number of their colors in the gel version (including my favorite, from last fall). Treat yourself sometime, but be ready to have a professional remove that stuff at the end of its run!
the new keurig
Last Christmas, our boss purchased one of these single-cup coffee brewers as a gift for the office. I'm no coffee drinker, but hot tea? Hot chocolate? Yes, please!
As we were plodding through the September heat here in Alabama, I purchased one for myself, as a sort of fall's-a-comin' happy. And now that fall is here, I enjoy a cup of English breakfast tea, or green tea, a couple of times a week. It is so fun!
So as to not seem too selfish, though, I'm excited to offer guests a coffee of their choice. It's all about practicing hospitality.
these ankle boots
You know me and the fatted calves. These fun Lucky Brand boots (don't even think I paid close to that retail price, by the way) represent what I've come to embrace as my reality: knee-high boots just don't work. And I'm loving them so!
They're great with jeans or work pants, and they sport this solid wedge that's pretty comfy, too. They do make me super tall, but I can think of worse outcomes of a fashion choice.
these scents
This one is a little embarrassing, but oh well.
Does anyone else feel that Bath & Body Works screams 1990s? I feel very uncool saying, "Has anyone tried out this new wallflower scent by Bath & Body Works?!"
But maybe that's just me. Anyway, this is me being transparent:
My name is Robyn, and this fall, I'm loving two scents from Bath & Body Works: Autumn and Leaves. They really do make my whole place smell like fall.
Check them out. They'll make your hot tea taste better.
What's your favorite thing for this fall? Do share, and celebrate this lovely season!
Thursday, November 3, 2011
thankful thursday #50
Change can be hard, but I sure do enjoy a healthy change of scenery every now and again.
Today was the last Thursday in our office, because we're moving on out to some new digs on Monday!
It took us a good while to nail down the move date, so I've been packing up over the past three weeks, a little bit at a time, and I can't wait to get these boxes moved up the street to our new place!
We're leaving behind the life of leasing, and heading to a building all our own, so I'm super thankful that we'll never have to share a break room or restrooms with any other office again. (There are some not-so-tidy folks in our neck of the woods right now!)
I'm grateful for the parking spaces that will always be available.
And for the window I managed to retain (that wasn't always a guarantee, so whew)!
Lots to look forward to, once we get ourselves settled in and cozy ... in probably six months, yish!
What're you appreciating today? Go on, be grateful!
Today was the last Thursday in our office, because we're moving on out to some new digs on Monday!
It took us a good while to nail down the move date, so I've been packing up over the past three weeks, a little bit at a time, and I can't wait to get these boxes moved up the street to our new place!
We're leaving behind the life of leasing, and heading to a building all our own, so I'm super thankful that we'll never have to share a break room or restrooms with any other office again. (There are some not-so-tidy folks in our neck of the woods right now!)
I'm grateful for the parking spaces that will always be available.
And for the window I managed to retain (that wasn't always a guarantee, so whew)!
Lots to look forward to, once we get ourselves settled in and cozy ... in probably six months, yish!
What're you appreciating today? Go on, be grateful!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
eleven
A couple of weeks ago, the Little celebrated her eleventh birthday. She's had quite a ride since we were matched just after she turned seven!
Although I'm always traveling on October weekends, we try to celebrate together as close to her big day as we can.
This year, I had no fun craft planned; no recipe to make. In fact, I had no plan at all!
But we had a fun afternoon, just being spontaneous.
We went to a park. We chatted in the grass ...
We walked the trails, and stopped to smell the flowers.
We stopped for some old-fashioned refreshment.
Although I'm always traveling on October weekends, we try to celebrate together as close to her big day as we can.
This year, I had no fun craft planned; no recipe to make. In fact, I had no plan at all!
But we had a fun afternoon, just being spontaneous.
We went to a park. We chatted in the grass ...
We walked the trails, and stopped to smell the flowers.
We stopped for some old-fashioned refreshment.
We had our nails done, and then popped in for a quick Sno Biz (quick, that is, only after we muddled our way through the most disorganized menu ever of about 452 flavors).
After that, we went to Walgreens and sat at the photo kiosk, editing her photos from the park. She's shy and wasn't totally comfortable seeing herself as the subject of all the pictures, but she loved making them "old-timey" (that would be "sepia," and we had a teaching moment about that).
We bought a few prints, some for her photo album, some for mine, and a couple for her mama.
She held off opening her present until the very end of our day. She is sweet in that way, never wanting to seem greedy, or assume that she deserves a gift. She's my little Lady Bug, so she got ...
... a pillow pet, which she collects.
And so, that's how we celebrated the big 1-1. Here's to many more, Little!
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