right about now (the one where the rain has temporarily stopped)

Other than the torrential rains we've had around here, here are some random bits of life happening in my world, right about now:

snacking: often on Greek yogurt, with a small handful each of chopped walnuts, coconut flakes, and chocolate chips for mix-ins. It's my latest go-to sweet snack. (Because for all of its awesome, quinoa can't satisfy every craving.)

loving: Stack candles. As with most fragrances, my favorite is rarely another's, but I haven't sniffed one I didn't like. I think they're perfect hostess or housewarming happies, but they're also a nice treat to keep your own home smelling dreamy. But regardless of your purpose, it's a sweet story to share in a smell-good package. They are available in several shops around Birmingham, but you can order online, too.

reading: this book, that was just awarded the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

excited about: a Mother's Day outing next weekend. My cousin and I are taking our moms out for a girls' day of brunching and antiquing here:

 

I think I'll be overwhelmed by the magnitude of it all (just a peek on here gives me anxiety), but it'll be worth it. Time spent with the moms is one of the best gifts.

missing: this guy's baby smell.

trying to: be diligent about running in the mornings while the humidity is low and the temperatures are pleasant. Because well, it's fleeting.

enjoying: the fact that I purchased a couple of Christmas gifts recently. In April. I've told myself forever that I'd like to buy gifts throughout the year to ration out the spending. Maybe this is my year.

using: these gardening clogs when I go outside to feed the koi every morning. Just wearing these is the closest I'll ever come to gardening, I think. And they're pretty geeky. A lot to be proud about here.

wearing: a lot of Gap clothes this spring. That store is so hit-or-miss for me, but the sales have been clutch, and the styles have been fun.

waiting on: a recommendation for a series to binge-watch on Netflix. Bloodline was my latest win. What was yours?

planning: how to best slice up and frame some selected t-shirts from this purge project:

There are a few in a separate, much smaller pile that I'd like to save for the memories. And I'm not tackling a t-shirt quilt, for sure.

singing: a boatload of wrong notes in preparation for a concert next week. Dress rehearsal last night was ugly. Pray me through it, guys. Pray me through it.

needing: to finish the photo book from Italy 2014. Now I know why wedding photo albums take a year to complete. Mercy.

listening: to Sandra McCracken's new album, Psalms.

I'm telling you, people: Get this album, and listen to it over and over again. The psalms are life-giving.

learning: that I should listen to songs of scripture like those psalms more often. Those truths permeate my heart so much deeper when I do.

wishing for: good things as this one transitions into big-brotherhood.

If we're lucky, we grow up with siblings who become friends, but when you're three, you don't know that potential. So far, so good.

When it's not raining where you are, what're you up to, right about now?

sibling love

I've been thinking so much about siblings lately.

I'm one of three.

And then there are these two new siblings in our family.

Recently my uncle turned seventy. There was a small surprise party, and a slew of family, both expected and unexpected, came to celebrate.

He was surprised.

All three of his siblings were there.

I love it when these four are together. They have such good stories from growing up. They laugh a lot. There's usually a corny musical break-out involved.

They're generally wonderful at celebrating each other, and enjoying time spent together. To have known that for as long as I can remember is such a gift.

On the road home, I reflected on these four. They are each different, of course, but I love their common thread. Beyond their memories, the laughs that erupt when they're together, and their singing, they share a beautiful undercurrent of a desire to help and serve other people. Their kids, their friends, their churches, their neighbors.

If siblings are ever meant to leave a collective legacy, based on some divine thread of DNA, I cannot think of a better one.

So for these three.

And these two.

I don't know what our legacies will be, as units. I'm not even convinced we have much control over it.

But I'm so glad for the inspiration from the generation before us.

thankful thursday #217

One of my least favorite questions to field from others (no matter how sincere) is this:

What's new in your world?

(And to be honest, I ask it of others regularly. Whatever.)

Because a snarky response like this generally rolls through my mind:

I'm still working at the same job, continuing to pay my bills, goin' to church, occasionally traveling, volunteering here and there, blahhhh.

Not much new most of the time, at least on the surface.

There are certainly seasons where subtle shifts take place, like last fall, and there are times when bigger changes happen that are private, and in other stretches my heart is in transition.

In other words, not the makings of a conventional, comfortable answer to a conventional, comfortable What's new?

While some subtle shifting began many months ago in my world, some tangible manifestations are coming forth, including some new friendships that take time and energy to nurture.

Last night, after a nice long run with one of these friends, we went in our sweaty workout clothes to enjoy Mexican food on a restaurant patio with live music. Because why not?

It was nice. Easy conversation, openness and transparency. New. Refreshing.

A nod to Spring that made me grateful.

What things are coming up new in your world? Go on, be grateful!

some goings-on to bid winter farewell

It's a rainy, gloomy week around here, and it is warm. I personally fancy the fall and winter months, so bidding the cooler temps farewell isn't my favorite time of year.

So while there does not seem to be much new or exciting brewing in my world, there are some faithful iPhone snaps from the past little bit to share.

This one.

He'll be a big brother to the Littlest One in less than a month.

This gal and I visited the Biltmore Estate in Asheville a couple of weeks ago.

I'm so pleased the wind kicked my hair right into my face just then.

Isn't this hotel lobby gorgeous?

And this fireplace hosted some fine, fine conversation.

We don't get to do that often enough!

Here are a couple of costumes from the Downton exhibit.

That dress is so elegant, isn't it? I think my thigh could maybe fit into the waist of it.

The leftover snow in Asheville made the prettiest blanket.

I took this somewhere along the approach road to the estate.

If you find yourself in Asheville, do commit to gaining a few LBs at some fabulous eateries.

This dive was a perfect Sunday morning brunch before we left town.

In other news, I'm eying this light fixture for my dining room to go over this handsome fella.

I'm not sold, but listen. Anything's better than the one that's there. I think it has pineapples on it. (?)

And finally, it's just good to be with friends, isn't it?

A Sunday lunch with this one was a treasure.

I'm sad to put away my jeans and sweaters, but alas, spring is around the corner, where all things become new.

And Holy Week.

Cheers!

thankful thursday #215

Guys. Yesterday was the biggest bust of a snow day ever.

Unlike one year ago, we closed the office early when the sleet came. And I had an epic afternoon nap on my couch. (There's that to be thankful for.)

Before the snow started, we ordered pizza online to be delivered, and after thirty minutes of watching the "pizza tracker," realized our order had, in fact, been voided. When I called to inquire, the manager said, "It's snowing. Time for us to head home," and when I asked if anyone was planning to call us, he said, "Someone was supposed to."

Oh, customer service. You are so elusive sometimes.

When I saw big, pretty snow falling, I put my bowl outside. Snow ice cream would redeem the underwhelming snow day.

I collected only a cup or so of delicate, flaked ice. It was a tasty cup of snow ice cream, but only a tease, really.

On the heels of a snow day bust, however, where the roads are clear enough to travel, it appears my weekend trip to Asheville, North Carolina, with my cousin Emily is a go, and for that I am grateful.

We will stay here ...

... we will visit here ...

... and see this costume exhibit ...

... (from this Masterpiece production) ...

... and will indulge in some good eats.

That's a lot to be grateful for.

What about you? Did you weather the storm? Go on, be grateful!

the crock pot recipe from my super bowl party {boston butt}

Thoughts from this year's Super Bowl:

• The lovely Lori was not here again to co-host, and I was still sad about it.


• I was so pleased that this game was better than last year's.


• But I still wish the New England dynasty would end. I'm kinda over New England-themed menus.


• Parties are not fun when battling a fever and cough.


• A fever and cough also clouded my brain, and I forgot to snap any photos. Oops.

The menu included these items from the west coast ...

• Seahawks Nachos (Translation: tortilla chips on the nacho bar were blue, green and white. I do what I can in the name of theme development.)


• Voodoo Donuts Bread Pudding with Chocolate Sauce (Someone told me Voodoo Donuts is a thing in Seattle. It worked.)


• Seattle Coffee Bar (Exploiting the Keurig.)

... and these ones from the east coast ...

• New England Crab Dip (I made way too much of this. But it was tasty.)


• Cape Cod Kettle Chips with Truffle Oil and Parmesan (A new go-to in a pinch.)

... and this, the shining star and sole recipe worth sharing:

Boston Butt with Rolls, Pickles and Sauce

Makes about 20 sliders

3/4 c. packed brown sugar
2 Tbsp. favorite steak seasoning
1 Tbsp. kosher salt
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. cayenne pepper

5 lb. shoulder blade roast (Boston butt)
8-10 dashes Worcestershire sauce

BBQ sauce of choice
Frozen yeast rolls (or other rolls of choice)
Dill pickle chips for serving

The day before, make your dry rub by combining the brown sugar, steak seasoning, salt, chili powder, garlic power and cayenne pepper. Keep this in an airtight container and have it ready to go. You'll thank me the next morning.

The day of, at the crack of dawn, stumble to your kitchen, place the meat fat-side down in your crock pot, sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce, and rub it down on all sides with the dry rub that's sitting very handy on your counter.

Cover the crock pot, and set on the low setting for eight hours. (But wait! You still have four more hours to go.)

Now set the crock pot on the "keep warm" setting for four more hours. Now listen. That's twelve hours total. So when you're hosting a party at say, five o'clock, you'll need to be setting and forgetting this at approximately five o'clock in the mo'nin'. Don't say I didn't warn you.

But ooooh my goodness gracious. If you commit to the low and slow method, you will not regret it. At serving time, shred it up -- it'll fall right off the bone -- and for looks, put the shredded meat in a big cast iron skillet. Serve it up with warm rolls, sauce, and pickles.

This was my fan favorite from the Super Bowl. Make it yours next year!

thankful thursday #213

The Parenthood series finale was tonight. You guys. My friends and I've been dreading it.

We know it's not real life.

But the Bravermans! They're worthy of a thoughtful sendoff.

Their family is known for frequent pancake or waffle breakfasts. We honored them like this:

So good. Worth the work.

Then I got a wicked toe cramp, and I was deeply grateful for true friendship:

Gracious, that hurt. I just wanted to eat my pancakes in peace. For the Bravermans.

We had Puffs for party gifts.

Some wore their gear.

We documented the before faces:

Here we are in not-so-happy times (that is, after the finale):

Thankful for the Puffs.

Did you say farewell to the Bravermans? May you stay forever young. And be grateful!

how i ended 2014 (an iPhone photo purge)

December was a blur for me. But the iPhone comes through for me on occasion, so I can look back and know that it did, in fact, happen.

I visited the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for the first time. Isn't it pretty?

Lori and I were there for the Behold the Lamb of God concert. It's a favorite Christmas tradition, but to live it this year with her in Nashville was especially memorable.

One day when I was needing some retail therapy -- for probably no reason other than I needed to get out of my office -- I bought this candle on sale. It's called "Winter," and it's a new favorite thing.

 I love Friday Night Lights. I really love this t-shirt. Texas Forever.

These are some of my running buddies. They see me regularly at 6:00 a.m., God bless them, after I've rolled straight out of bed and into my running shoes. It was fun to celebrate the holidays together having showered and dressed in non-spandex.

On New Year's Eve, Bethany and I staged this pic with our firemen neighbors. It's about how we're feeling at work these days. That is, in need of medical attention.

So those things happened. It was a better December than I thought!

some truths embraced of late

Sometimes my brain goes into overdrive with thoughts that I can't shake. Lately these are the truths hitting me right between the eyes:

you've got two choices: minister or manipulate // "In all of your relationships you're always doing one of two things: ministry or manipulation." Relationships at work, at home, or with friends are all opportunities to minister, and when you're not, it's necessary to be honest and ask if you're manipulating instead. This is a dagger, people. I can't stop thinking about it, and it's a nasty truth when I realize I'm in the latter camp.

it's remarkable how a good hair day can make me feel better // Annie looked to tomorrow's sunshine; I look to a solid hair styling day. I tell you what, on a day when not much else feels good, cooperative hair and low humidity go a long way for this girl.

"you're mine" might very well be the sweetest covering i've ever had // When I lived in Starkville, one of the father figures there who looked out for me would, every time me he saw me, put his hand on his heart, kiss me on the cheek, and tell me, You're mine. I swear that to this day, those might be the most affirming words I've ever been told. I felt claimed. So powerful. It makes me wonder if I use words to give life, and cover in grace, the people in my circles.

confessing sins against a person is awfully humbling // It is not fun to admit, and it's really not fun to deliver the apology. But when it's done with the intent to honor -- and to minister, not manipulate -- coming clean is beautiful freedom.

the best friends are the ones who bear burdens with you // They give hugs when you cry. They empathize with your wounds. They're the ones who sit and listen without spewing platitudes and cliches, and know that sometimes all you really need to hear is I'm so sorry. I know it hurts. And they feel the hurt, because they bear with you.

And finally, some truths are harder to embrace than others.

i visited little man last weekend

This guy.

He chooses Sundays to be all hipster. On the rest of the days, it's more likely you'll find him running around in sweat pants and a t-shirt, if he's wearing pants at all.

He gets the camera thing. He's good at showing his teeth.

I'm sort of smitten. But, you know. I don't have to deal with the temper and sass.

Goodness, he loves his dad. No matter that he slings him around like a rag doll.

And wide open spaces to run.

There's energy to be spent, and an empty ball field is a fine space to do it.

He found a baseball and played a little catch with his dad.

He gets tickled and it's my favorite laugh he's got.

In general, it's just good to be three.

a day in the (travel) life

"A traveler without observations is a bird without wings."

-- Moslih Eddin Saadi



My alarm sounds at 5:15 a.m. I wake up at 5:15 at least three mornings a week, but it's harder this morning. It's harder every time I'm dragging myself out of bed for a day of travel.

I back out of my garage well before the sun rises, and my neighbor is heading out to work. Per usual, he greets me like good neighbors do. He's getting married in a few months and will move out of his house. It's too bad, because he's the best neighbor ever. Polite, generous, helpful to the girl next door, and to the elderly woman who lives two doors down.

At the airport, I'm frustrated with the parking deck construction. I always park on Level 5. The routine of that ensures I will remember where my car is. But this morning there is no room, so I go to Level 7. I always pick odd numbers, so it's the next best option. As it turns out, Level 7 is the uncovered rooftop parking, and I hope for a second it won't be raining when I return home Sunday.

The security line is uneventful. I'm an efficient traveler, because I don't want to be that girl in the security line who needs five bins for her belongings. My shoes are easy to slip on and off, I don't have liquids, gels or laptops to remove from my bag, and I don't wear a belt on travel days. In and out. Smooth.

At the gate, I settle in and note a weather delay on the screen. I have some cushion on my layover, so I'm not concerned about my connection. A lady next to me strikes up a conversation with me; she is from Wisconsin and has been here working for ten days. She is gracious and tells me she enjoyed her time in this city where I live.

As our departure time continues to be delayed, the passengers are irritable and anxious. As if air travel isn't stressful enough. I feel such compassion toward the gate agents as they listen to every one of the traveler's complaints and rebook them on new flights. I do not envy them.

The lady from Wisconsin seems trustworthy enough, so I ask her to watch my bag. Is that naive? Maybe. It's too early in the morning to care.

There is a young couple nearby, maybe early 20s, trying to get to Lansing, Michigan. I know this because they talk loudly, and make a production over the delay. They take ridiculous selfies and SnapChat with contacts. I cringe at the immaturity of it all.

Our delay creeps to 90 minutes and then approaches two hours when we begin to board. I usually wait to board last, because I don't need overhead bin space (it's another key to low-stress travel), but this morning I uncharacteristically inch my way into the Zone 2 mass. It's seemingly the entire plane. Am I unknowingly cutting the line? I don't know. I assume someone will huff aloud if I am.

I scan my boarding pass bar code that's on my iPhone screen (I feel so tech savvy), and pat the gate agent on the arm with a wish for a better afternoon.

On the flight, I don't initiate conversations, per usual, but I'm happy to oblige the young physical therapist next to me who is traveling to New Mexico. Her grandmother lives there, and they are going to a hot air balloon festival. Interesting, I think to myself, and what a good memory to make.

The captain informs us we have to taxi back to the gate to "close the cap" of something-or-other on the plane. Oh, to just take off will be glorious. The man next to me sighs an audible "crap" at that announcement. I spot his boarding pass for the next flight, and he will make his flight without issue. I can't sympathize with him, because I may not make mine.

We land, mercifully, and everyone is frantic to get off the plane. A toddler two rows ahead of me stands on her mom's lap and pushes the attendant call button. I smile to myself, her mom unaware.

I race through the Atlanta airport, jogging sometimes and running up the escalator, only to find this flight is also delayed. Again, I settle into one of the uncomfortable chairs at the gate, and send a couple of text messages to friends who are on my mind.

We board late. This captain tells us we have been "over-fueled" by what seems like an alarming amount. 1200 pounds. How does that happen? The crew announces we must de-fuel, and so we wait on the plane for another hour or so while we unload the 1200 pounds of fuel.

It occurs to me that I probably won't arrive in time to pick up Little Man from school.

It's a good chance to text friends again. I want them to know I think about them randomly throughout the day. And if I'm honest, it passes the time, too. My bestie makes me chuckle out loud once. I don't care what people think about that.

It is freezing on the plane. The man next to me pokes me in my right arm to point out to me the vapors of the air that billow underfoot. He works a crossword puzzle, and I remember my Mimi and her love for those. She sought assistance from these crossword dictionaries that, when I was old enough, understood them to be straight-up cheat tools.

I order hot tea from the nicest flight attendant ever. She smiles even when she's not interacting with anyone. It's a gift, I think. She's in the right business. I burn my tongue on the first taste and think as I do every time I sip hot tea, Why do I do this every time?

Our wheels touch down and for at least a little while, my travel ends. Until I approach the rental car counter.