Fall brings life.

I think fall can be life-giving. Not only are there different varieties of flowers and vegetables that thrive in the cooler weather....but I've seen evidence in so many people lately that a sort of awakening occurs as fall approaches. A deep breath in, and we start over again. The summer is behind us, along with 100 degree days. We can enjoy the outdoors again. We can lay in our new hammock for longer than 3 minutes. We can build fires.

This weekend, my husband suggested stopping by a nursery "to get those mums you've been wanting." I love him. What man remembers I wanted mums and then takes the initiative to go get them? He even helped me pick out the best. My extremist self fell in love with the huge $18 ones, but he helped me remember that the smaller $4 ones would still be beautiful, and then I could get two. Go team Bails.

So I thought I'd share some fallish things that have put a smile on my face lately. What are some of yours?

1) We actually grew some healthy tomatoes!



2) Miss Azalea was being charred in the sun but after watching Gardening By the Yard, we moved her to a shadier spot under the eaves of the house and she started sprouting new leaves...


...and then purty pink flowers!


3) My yellow rose of Texas has been making me swoon lately...



4) The aforementioned mums just make the house feel a little more fallish, even though it's still high 80s during the day!

Why I love to dance....

When I leave class, I feel like a giddy 5-year-old. I can hardly sleep that night, feeling like something exciting is about to happen!

As I learn how to move my body in different ways, I'm learning to love my body more.

It's great exercise and a lot more exciting that lifting weights!

It's a different means of expression than what I'm used to (pen, paper, paint, paper scraps...).

It's so freeing.

In class, I can be whoever I want to be.

It brings me joy.

There's no way I can be "teacher's pet," even though I wanna be. Ha!

Now, I'm going to try a dance form called "Nia." It's a style that combines Yoga (yesssssss.), T'ai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Jazz, Modern, Duncan Dance, Alexander Technique, and The Teachings of Moshe Feldenkrais. Hmm. All I know is that it's described as "very freeing" and "full of energy and joy." I'm in!

Footloose and fancy free!

Remember this post where I told you about frolicking in a grassy field while a friend took photos of me? Well, that very talented photographer friend, Erin Fletcher, has posted them on her website. To enjoy her handiwork, just click "Proofs" and then "Bailey Portraits".

To me, the photos are a celebration of...

• bare feet
• white flowy skirts
• green fields in the big city
• kangaroo paw flowers
• the "perfect time of day"
• being ourselves
• being free!

I hope you dance.

Dancing seems to be the theme lately. On Tuesday night at 7:30pm, I mustered up every ounce of courage I had and tried something completely new: modern dance at the School of Contemporary Ballet Dallas. 1 1/2 hours later, I left the studio with bruised knees and a huge smile on my face. With how ridiculously happy I was, you would think I had discovered I was a modern dance prodigy, but oh no...I had spent the evening completely out of my element, attempting échappés and throwing myself on the floor in carefully choreographed wild abandon.

And I loved it.

When I first arrived at the studio that night, I waited outside Studio C in my halter top and yoga pants wondering what the heck I was about to do. A child's class was just ending and out came a troop of little girls in pink tights and black leotards with their hair in buns. I noticed a sign posted on a bulletin board with the "standard rules" of the studio, and my eyes went straight to Rule #4: "You must wear deodorant." I giggled to myself. If that was to stop people from stinking up the studio, they were in for a rude awakening. Not even the best pit armor could stop this smelly girl.

A few moments later, our small muscular teacher, Kate, ushered us into the studio, and we began stretching. So far, so good. You're an intermediate yoga practitioner, I reminded myself. There was a day when you didn't know how to do a single yoga position. You can do this! I assured myself that no one knew I was a first-timer, but I couldn't hold it in and blurted it out to the twenty-something Asian girl stretching next to me. "Oh, you'll be fine," she said with a wave of her hand. "Especially since you can do yoga." Other students trickled in until there were about 7 of us, a mix of those in our twenties and a few older teenage girls. I looked around the studio anxiously and excitedly. There were ballet barres lining the walls. People were wearing legwarmers...pulled over their heels. I wasn't sure if those were functional or just a fashionable flashback to 1985.

I secured my spot in the back corner, and we began warm-ups which were all centered around the standard ballet positions. Problem numero uno: I had no clue how to do the standard ballet positions. So I kept my eyes fixated on Kate and the girl in front of me, summoning every graceful bone in my body. But when the next challenge came, I was on my own: we were given a real, bona fide 8-count modern dance routine. We were no longer stationary - we were making our way across the entire studio floor. There were spins. There were jazz hands. And then we had to do it in front of everyone, in groups of two.

I had no choice, so I threw myself out there and tried with all my might. Of course I missed half the steps each time and my bare feet squeaked on the floor when I attempted the spins. But I did it! I did it! And it was fun!

As I smiled giddily (when you've made that much of a fool of yourself, what else can you do?), my sweet Asian friend continued to encourage me: “You’re doing great! Seriously, I can’t believe you’ve never done this before!” She was probably just being nice, but still, this was a breakthrough for me! I looked like an idiot, and I didn't care! Because I was putting myself out there. I had decided I wanted to learn to dance, and I was doing it!

Fast-forward to Friday night. I had the opportunity to attend the Women of Faith conference here in Dallas, and the theme was "Amazing Freedom." I was still on an emotional high from my dance class earlier that week and was feeling empowered. Not only did I finally get to hear Nichole Nordeman, whose songs have been themes to many moments in my life, but the main speaker of the evening was Patsy Clairmont, a 60-something fireball with spiked hair wearing a red leather blazer and designer jeans. She was hilarious! As she animatedly danced and swayed across the stage, no one could believe she had once suffered from agoraphobia. She said the theme of her talk was "I Hope You Dance".

I sat on the edge of my seat.

Patsy told us about how hear fears had crippled her for so much of her adult life. She used to be scared to even leave the house - so fearful of all the "what if's". The turning point came when her friends dragged her across the world for the first time, to Israel. You see, Patsy had a long list of "I don't do"'s, and on this trip to Israel, she soon realized she was going to have to start doing them if she was really going to keep living. For starters, she "didn't do" trips out of the house, much less halfway across the world. She "didn't do" planes, but she was on a series of overseas flights. She "didn't do" heights, but she had to take a cable car (which she described as a Tic Tac box hanging from a piece of floss) to the top of the cliffs at Masada.

Once she got to the top, she was so scared she was literally frozen in place and couldn't take a single step. There was an amazing vista awaiting her, but her fear prevented her from moving forward. In that moment, she realized something important about God. For so long, she had asked God to heal her agoraphobia. She wouldn't dare to attempt anything scary until God fixed her first. But what God wanted her to do was first take the daring step, and then He would give her the freedom she so desired. He was asking her to dance, and she had to take the first step. At the top of Masada, she literally prayed herself through each baby step to the edge of the mountain. When she passed through the arch, she saw that God had gotten out His watercolors and painted the entire sky overlooking the Dead Sea. It was breathtaking.

I got tears in my eyes, partly out of regret for all the things I've missed because of my "I don't do" list and partly out of joy for my dancing attempt earlier in the week. I decided now I was no longer going to sit it out - I was going to dance.

So on Saturday morning, I went back to the dance studio for more. This time I tried ballet! It was even more difficult...probably the hardest thing I ever tried to do! Every muscle in my body is sore after two dance classes in one week and I have an even greater respect for the art form of dance.

Something in me has changed. I'm learning courage. I'm learning to be comfortable being me. I'm learning to be a little daring, in fashion as much as emotion. I’m not completely sure if the legwarmers are functional or fashionable....but I'll take a pair in every color. Stripes and polka dots too.

A New Name. (Captivating Chapters 4 & 5)

"Over the years we come to see that the only thing more tragic than the things that have happened to us is what we have done with them." (p. 74)

Many of us have embraced them, self-protected, accepted a twisted view of ourselves, and made awful "vows" to never do this or that again. As a result, we are living shamefully as "victims" rather than freely and dearly loved.

Chapters 4 & 5 really spoke to me. I had an insight while having lunch with my friend Lori the other day. I realized that in my efforts the last few years to give up the control issues in my life, I have somehow also given up control of the things I'm supposed to have control over. In my desire to stop clinging tightly to my life and taking charge of every situation,...I have instead become desolate and unable to take control when I'm being empowered to do so.

Don't you think God has empowered us with the wisdom and discernment to take action when need be? How do we do this in a healthy way? For me that means taking initiative. As my friend Amy says so often, "live intentionally." Often, my "cop out" is that it just isn't in my personality to naturally function this way. I'm often very passive...

"Much of what we call our 'personalities' is actually the mosaic of our choices for self-protection plus our plan to get something out of the love we were created for." (p. 75)

Ouch.

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Double ouch.

It's such a fine line, using that power. Isn't it? It's the difference between saying, "I'm going to make my own way and I don't need God or anyone else" (even if we don't say this out loud, oftentimes this is how we operate) or "I'm going to do what God has empowered me to do." Which one I choose changes everything!

So what can I do? I can take care of myself with the resources I'm given. Maybe I can't stop stretch marks, but I can control what I put in my mouth. I can get up early to exercise. To journal. To not only soak up, but to contribute to life.

What the Enemy wants to do is to whisper lies that sound so much like truths at that moment. As the authors discuss in chapter 5, it's a full-on assault on us as women. Not that men aren't assaulted too, but I feel that women often struggle in a different way. And we're not being attacked because we have no worth...we are being attacked because we are a threat! (p. 85) Let that one soak in for a sec.

As for the Bailey household, we've become increasingly aware of how we really are fighting a battle everyday. Before bedtime, we've started praying fervently for a spirit of peace and goodness to cover our home, praying against the Enemy and any evil that can and will try to enter here. I think it's so important. Especially when we are actively working on our relationships with Christ...we are susceptible to attack in the worst way.

The great news is that we have everything we need to fight it! Fighting is something else that doesn't come naturally to me...another thing I have to remind myself that I need to do, in the right way. The bottom line is that The Enemy fears our restoration. And he will do everything he can to attack that. But God is much more powerful, hallelujah.

"For Zion's sake I will not hold My peace,
And for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest,
Until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
And her salvation as a lamp that burns.
The Gentiles shall see your righteousness,
And all kings your glory.
You shall be called by a new name,
Which the mouth of the Lord will name...

You shall no longer be termed Forsaken,
Nor shall your land any more be termed Desolate;
But you shall be called Hephzibah ["My Delight Is In Her"], and your land Beulah ["Married"];
For the Lord delights in you."
(Isaiah 62:1-4)

So, I am praying for my "new name." I am ready to move from "Desolate" to a name that characterizes peace, trust, and great confidence in who I am in Christ.


Chapter 1 thoughts.

Chapters 2 & 3 thoughts.

All excerpts from Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge.

What if...

"What if you have a genuine and captivating beauty that is marred only by your striving?"

Hmm. Let that one sink in.

More to come from Captivating soon...(ch 4 & 5).

All excerpts from Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge.

Quirky me....

Well, Shawna tagged me so here we go again :)

The Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about their 8 things) and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Shouldn't be hard thinking up some more habits/facts/confessions! Hmm...

1. Growing up, I used to sit on my brother's bed while he was away at college (he's almost 10 years older) and study his 1986 high school yearbook for hours, from cover to cover. Talk about odd. I mean, I would literally just sit there and look at their photos and read all the seniors' paragraphs, complete with song lyrics by The Clash and Billy Idol, longing for a feathery hairdo like Rosalinda Russo.

2. I change which side of the bed I sleep on at a moment's notice. My husband never knows where he's going to be sleeping from night to night - will it be by the wall or on the side by the bathroom? I also have this tendency to sleep in the middle of the bed - OK when you're single, not so much when you're married. Steven usually ends up hanging off the side of the bed by the wall and asks me if I need him to grab anything from the closet while he's over there :)

3. I cooked beets for the first time in my life tonight.

4. I subconsciously start to draw kites all over the paper when I'm in a situation where I really want to escape but can't. I realized this recently...and now I recall drawing tons of kites all over the napkins on various airplane flights, church bulletins, and staff meeting minutes. When I'm happy with my surroundings and listening intently, I usually draw flowers.

5. I always brush my teeth the second I wake up, before I eat anything. Steven thinks it's so weird! He doesn't understand why I would clean my teeth and then immediately get them dirty at breakfast - why not brush after breakfast? But I simply cannot eat until I get that overnight taste out of my mouth. Sick.

6. I really want to go to Central or South America. And our friends who just got married are in Costa Rica right now. Ouch.

7. I have injured my back so many times! The first time was when I was about 8 and doing the can-can on the plywood floor while my parents were renovating the kitchen. I did a kick, my foot slipped, and I totally knocked the wind out of myself. All I remember is my dad running over saying, "What the h***!?!" and then me saying breathlessly, "Daddyyyyyyy....." The second time was when I was sledding in a golf course with my friend Jason and we went airborne and then under a parked car. I'm sure there were other times in between, but most recently was falling down the carpeted stairs that led to the garage in our old apartment while carrying a box of Christmas decorations. I was on the phone with my mom and trying to carry a huge box at the same time, and the phone went flying. I honestly thought I wouldn't walk after that one. And I had to get on a plane to India a week later. I've got 3 words for you: Icy Hot Pads.

8. I have a new obsession with Audrey Hepburn movies.

NOW I'M TAGGING: Suz, Michelle, Tara Leigh, Victoria, Amy, and Lori! And you better do it!

Note about my last list of quirks: I would like to proudly announce that after 10 years, I no longer have to heat my eyelash curler with a blowdryer!! Yes, it's true - since I invested in the Shu Uemura eyelash curler, there is no longer a risk of singing my lashes each and every morning! That's a worthy investment if you ask me!

When the Heart Waits...

My dear friend Lori so kindly gave me a wonderful book as a gift: When the Heart Waits by Sue Monk Kidd. Could this book any more clearly speak to exactly where I am right now?

"Overhead a thickening of clouds wreathed everything in grayness. It was February, when the earth of South Carolina seemed mired in the dregs of winter. I had been walking for miles; I don't know how many. I could feel neither my toes inside my shoes nor the wind on my face. I could feel nothing at all but an intense aching in my soul.

For some months I had been lost in a baffling crisis of spirit. Back in the autumn I had awakened to a growing darkness and cacophony, as if something in the depths were crying out. A whole chorus of voices. Orphaned voices. They seemed to speak for all the unlived parts of me, and they came with a force and dazzle that I couldn't contain. They seemed to explode the boundaries of my existence. I know now that they were the clamor of a new self struggling to be born." (p. 3)

Yes, that's the first page of the book. Page 3 and I've already underlined the whole thing. I read this in bed last night and whimpered a little and then looked over at Steven to see if he'd heard me. Sound asleep, he was. And I - I was actually excited. Grasping the edges of this worn paperback tightly, I felt a little excitement growing inside that there is something great to come. As it says on page 10, "It feels to us like a collapsing of all that is, but it's a holy quaking."

I'm so ready for it. Bring it on, Sue, bring it on.

NOTE: Yes, we're still doing Captivating, but don't be surprised if you hear more from me about this book!

New "One Another" frame...

I wanted to be selfish and keep this one because I really like the colors, but I let it go :). Hopefully it will make the newly married couple very happy!

Daisy Placecards & Curry Yellow Fans.

Finally done! :)

I made daisy placecards for everyone attending the wedding and some fun little fans, which I'm so relieved turned out just as I pictured in my mind!




They all go with these invitations, posted previously...


Happy Wedding, friends!!

Finding myself again.

Last night, my friend Erin Fletcher, a talented budding photographer, took photos of me for her portfolio. I frolicked in a grassy haven outside of Dallas, and it was wonderful. She kept thanking me for my help, but my heart was filled with gratitude for a chance to be awakened and put back in touch with my true desires.

It was the perfect time of day, and my skin felt like it was glowing. I laid in the tall grass and felt the blades brush my forehead. I skipped with a bouquet of flowers just like I'd always wanted to do. I felt like I was a child but also a woman. I felt renewed and feminine. But the big insight from yesterday was that I felt like ME. I've been talking so much about who I desire to become...and I realized that is what I already am. I was completely comfortable being in that field, with flowers and a flowy white skirt, and sunshine. Embracing my freedom. Embracing life.

So that is huge. That lifts a weight off of me where I previously felt I had so far to go to become that woman. When in reality, I just have to remember who I am during the moments when I'm not living out of my true self.

One other great thing happened yesterday. For the first time in about a month, I slept peacefully.

I do want to see the proofs from the photo shoot, but does it really matter? The only thing I really needed to take away from that photo session was me...

“Their soul melts because of trouble
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man,
And are at their wits’ end.

Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble,
And He brings them out of their distresses.
He calms the storm
So that its waves are still.

Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to the desired haven.”
~ Psalm 107:26-30

All Shall Be Well... (Captivating Chapters 2 & 3)

Beauty. Just one simple word that affects every day of my life and the lives of all women I know (and if they say otherwise, they’re either lying or in denial).

Why are we so affected by it? There is a reason, and it began a long time ago. The desire for it surfaces on a daily basis…for me, in the way I dress, vocalists I like, how I want to decorate my house, why I’ve taken so many dang photos of flowers like those scattered throughout this blog post, and even why I just had to have a $2.99 Jade plant named Audrey to brighten up my desk.

In these two chapters, the insights kept coming and it’s taken me quite awhile to process it all. So forgive me, please, for taking so long. Since I read them, there isn’t a day that’s gone by that I haven’t thought about who I am as a woman and how I want to become a more joyous, purposeful one.

First of all, I was reminded that woman was not an afterthought, and quite contrary to popular church teaching, she was not simply created to “help” man. Woman was the finishing touch, the crowning touch of Creation. There is something woman’s presence accomplishes that could not be accomplished by man alone.

There’s a reason God made us this way. As women, we are basically God’s message to the world in feminine form, communicating characteristics of God like His vulnerability, tenderness, mercy, and devotion. Fierce devotion. We communicate an entirely different aspect of the Creator than man does.

I say that, and I feel a little stirring inside. A little bit of extra confidence.

These last few weeks, I’ve evaluated where I am and what I desire. Because whether it’s a new paint color on the walls, a flowy white skirt, or the Blue Ridge Mountains, beauty is something I know I desire to be surrounded by on a daily basis. And if I can't express myself this way, I start to feel really "off."

Beauty was meant to show us something about God and therefore ourselves. In Chapter 2, Stasi asserts that God is relational to His core, and He has a heart for romance (p. 26). I don’t know about you, but it’s hard for me to think of God this way sometimes. I see Him more as my Father than someone who wants to go on adventures with me, someone who romances me. Yet I know He put things in this world like flowers and mountains and oceans because He could, just for me to enjoy. So isn’t beauty quite important to Him?

“Nature is not primarily functional. It is primarily beautiful. Stop for a moment and let that sink in. We’re so used to evaluating everything (and everyone) by their usefulness that this thought will take a minute or two to begin to dawn on us. Nature is not primarily functional. It is primarily beautiful. Which is to say, beauty is in and of itself a great and glorious good, something we need in large and daily doses.” (p. 34).

Dangling my legs on the edge of the Grand Canyon or riding along the cliffs of the Italian Riviera, I got this. Some of my favorite places of natural beauty are those of both adventure and rest. What I didn’t realize is that I don’t have to be in the middle of the mountains or at the beach to have a part of God’s beauty, or to feel beautiful.

In Genesis 2:18, when God creates Eve, the phrase used is "ezer kenegdo" (p 31). After I found this out, I pondered it for days! The phrase "ezer" is used 20 other times in the Old Testament, all referring to God in a lifesaving capacity. So the only other time it's used to describe someone besides God, it's describing woman in relation to man.

What??

So “ezer” means “lifesaving,” and "kenegdo" means "alongside” or “counterpart." That means we are literally man's lifesaving counterpart. It is a noble calling. And knowing that changes a lot of things. It gives me confidence. It also encourages me to really be who I am meant to be, because it doesn't only affect ME when I'm not doing so. It affects others and their own beauty. And it affects man and his masculinity.

I don’t know about you, but for some reason, I always pictured Eve at that fated moment with the serpent, standing by the fruit tree, with Adam over in some other area of the Garden doing his thing. But I learned that the original text says that Adam was literally standing there beside Eve "elbow to elbow" (p. 48), yet saying nothing! Completely silent, he stood there while Eve was tempted, and they both succumbed to it. At that moment, Eve controls, man is passive, and they both think they know better than God. And so it goes every day for the rest of our time on this earth. We fall. We sin. And our specific roles are not often clearly defined or celebrated.

Sometimes this definition is extremely clear...like when the TV is on :) My husband's current favorite show is "Dirty Jobs" on the Discovery Channel. It's the story of this guy, Mike Rowe, who goes across the country interviewing and participating with people whose daily jobs are really filthy dirty - like a cement truck chipper, compost maker, or termite killer. Ladies, watch out. I’ve seen enough slime, sludge, and poo on this show to last me for the rest of my life! But there’s something really attractive about the fact that it’s his favorite show, ya know?

"Beauty is the essence of a woman. We want to be perfectly clear that we mean both a physical beauty and a soulful/spiritual beauty. The one depends upon and flowers out of the other. Yes, the world cheapens and prostitutes beauty, making it all about a perfect figure few women can attain. But Christians minimize it too, or overspiritualize it, making it all about 'character.'" (p. 36)

Could that be more true? Why is beauty either stifled, or abused? Honestly, I’ve spent much of my life conflicted by the idea of beauty. Either abusing it or just blowing it off altogether, I’ve gone both extremes. And this just isn’t going to cut it anymore. I’m about to be 30, and I’m ready to change. I want to be free to embrace it, knowing that it’s OK to want it without being vain! It’s OK to admire it and express it… God’s way.

It’s so rare to find it being expressed, well,…beautifully. I can’t even stand in line at CVS to buy a pack of gum without being bombarded by images of emaciated celebrities…who’s lost their baby belly and who has cellulite, who’s on the newest miracle diet. Beauty tainted.

But then I see the stark contrast when I encounter a woman who is comfortable in her own skin. A woman who knows her calling and lives by it. A mother spoke at one of my recent Bible studies about parenting, and she was absolutely radiant, with love and purpose pouring out of every word. She had smile lines all around her eyes and was barely wearing any makeup. And I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.

I also think about the beautiful ladies I met in India. Their faces were weathered, worn. They couldn’t speak a lick of English but I could see their fierce strong femininity in their eyes and their intense grasp of my hand.



Finally, the part of chapter 3 that absolutely disarmed me was the quote: “Beauty says ‘All shall be well.’” (p. 38) “This is what it’s like to be with a woman at rest, a woman comfortable in her feminine beauty. She is enjoyable to be with. She is lovely. In her presence your heart stops holding its breath. You relax and believe once again that all will be well. And this is also why a woman who is striving is so disturbing, for a woman who is not at rest in her heart says to the world, ‘All is not well. Things are not going to turn out all right.’”

How desperately I want to be a woman who creates an environment of peace. After all, what does it say about the God I follow when I am anxious and doubting and harried all the time?

My husband reminded me last night that it’s impossible to worry and have peace at the same time. One of the ways I listen to lies is by believing that I have no beauty to offer, either physically or relationally. I start to spiral in a sea of negative thoughts rather than reminding myself that I do possess beauty and have much to offer. I have purpose and things are going to be OK. As it says in chapter two, there are "unique essential, strong, and breathtaking ways that women bear the image of God."

Today, I'm going to concentrate on how I bear His image in a unique way. I'm going to look forward to taking modern dance and the fun photo shoot I'm doing tonight with my photographer friend. I'm going to take breaks from work and go outside to look at my flowers. I'm going to be excited about today and hopeful about the future, knowing, really knowing...

"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."
~ St. Julian of Norwich

View Chapter 1 thoughts here.

All excerpts from Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul by John & Stasi Eldredge.

The future is a blank without a view...

"The future is a blank without a view.
That which I wanted most, You have denied;
I cannot understand (and I have tried);
There's nothing I can do but wait on You.

Earth offered much, and I had, lingering long
Outside her lighted windows, wistful grown -
Till at my side I heard a voice – Your own.
Lord, how could I resist a love so strong?

Take all away. I am content to know
Such love is mine-for life is all too brief
To grieve for pleasures bringing only grief;
Give me but You; it is enough just so.

Enough – and more! Such love in You keeps growing-
In You I find my deepest joy complete,
All longing satisfied, and pain made sweet;
In You my cup is filled to overflowing."

~ from Sitting By My Laughing Fire by Ruth Bell Graham, which I read over and over last night until I fell asleep. Order your own free copy here...

Latest Creations!

What I did on my summer vacation.

Recently, we took a week-long rest here at home. It was much needed, I tell ya! It's amazing all the things you have time to do, books to read, movies to watch, when there isn't an inch of work in sight...

1. We kicked off our vacation with a delectable meal Steven made, which was a re-creation of my favorite salad at Taco Diner: their cobb salad with chicken, slathered in avocado. He also made us strawberry coolers with Peregrino, fresh strawberries, and a little sweetener. I made some roasted potato fries that I cut with this cool Asian blade thingy that we've had forever but never used. It makes the perfect thin cuts for fries, cucumbers, even turkey slices!




2. Later that night/early morning at 4:30am, Greta woke us up barking, and we were both unable to fall back asleep. So we said, "Let's watch a movie!" Why? "Because we can!" So we watched the original Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn at 4:30am and ate an egg burrito inside a sprouted grain tortilla.

3. The next day, we went back to our busy movie-watching and nap-taking schedule. Somewhere amidst all the relaxing, I made this for Ange's birthday:


4. We also watched "Night At the Museum," which I loved, and which also made me miss NYC and inspired a forthcoming blog post on my favorite New York memories. "A Good Year" with Russsell Crowe was royally awful. The only saving grace for that film was the gorgeous footage of France.

5. Took a trip to Jimmy's Food Store here in Dallas, which carries absolutely authentic Italian groceries. I couldn't believe they even had "New Jersey Taylor Ham Roll"! What?! Haven't seen that since growing up in Jersey. Jimmy's Food Store is an Old East Dallas landmark known for Italian sandwiches, its selection of Italian staples, such as pasta, cookies and condiments, as well as olives, meats and cheeses in the deli case.

Heavens. And since we were on vacation, we indulged in a sampler of Italian cookies, which were exactly like the ones my Aunt Lucille serves every holiday. Like these...



We made some Italian sausage, delicious homemade sauce, and spelt pasta to go with it!


6. Harvested the first jalapeno from our garden...


7. While running some errands, I picked up this little jar with chalkboard paint on the side from World Market. It was only $4.99 and works great for Greta's treats! I moved the old cannisters into my office to store ribbons and paintbrushes and other doodads.


8. Flipped the calendar to July and circled our 2 year anniversary!


9. Played with Greta. She is one spoiled Doberman.



10. Decided one night at 10:30pm to make homemade Pecan Sandies. I've never made them before, so I literally Googled "Best Pecan Shortbread Recipe Ever" and found this recipe. I never would have thought to brush egg whites on top. I have to agree, they were amazing!!



11. Visited Rohde's Nursery in Garland, TX, a lovely organic plant nursery with a huge selection! I loved the cute wooden signs hanging above, and I must say, they had the biggest coneflowers I have ever seen!






12. Bought this Indian design coir doormat from World Market, to replace the old one after we found an entire colony of ants living under it. Eww!


13. Tended to my own garden, where things are blooming nicely.





14. Became enamored with the TV show, "So You Think You Can Dance," and teared up during all the contemporary dance routines. I decided I want to start taking contemporary dance classes in the fall, just for fun, and to find a new way to express myself!