Time of Reflection

Last Wednesday was the beginning of Lent. I had been thinking, thinking days before Ash Wednesday about what I was going to give up for forty days. And, of course, I decided on Tuesday that I would give up bread so that I would give up something that would help me lose weight.

While we sat in the pew at church, the smell of wax in the air, I listened to our pastor talk about Lent and the sign of the cross. Lent isn't just about sacrifice...it should be about giving back. I knew that this Lent would be the time when I would put aside myself and think about what more I can do for my community. That decision opened up my heart more and I felt something small inside that told me this is what the season is about. Hmmm, can someone say holy spirit? I think so.

I have been journaling about my Lent goal since Wednesday. I am very excited to say that I have done two things so far toward this goal. I am signing up for a Habitat for Humanity project. And, I RSVP'd for volunteer orientation with Free Arts of Arizona -- one of my favorite charities. Thinking about putting up sheetrock in a house and planting flowers for someone who has been dreaming of their own home makes my heart flutter. Looking forward to getting through orientation and the whole process for Free Arts so that I am doing art projects with kids in-need. I am elated and ecstatic for it to begin.

How many more days do I have to go? I have a wonderful feeling about Lent this year. Easter may actually be the rejuvenating time for me that it is meant to be.

I know I don't write too many blog entries about my faith. I think it is because it is such a personal thing for me. It is my heart in many ways. But, tonight I felt inspired to write about how the holy spirit is working in my life at the moment. The Lord truly is great! God Bless everyone.

The Evolution of Relationships and Other Ponderings

Tonight, I was reading a book and my mind started to wander. Ever sit back and think about the evolution of the relationships you have with other people? I have close friendships with people who only a year ago were simple acquaintances. After, we found out we were fellow foodies, we started to go out to dinner together one time a month. Now, we are all so close and we confide in one another much more often.

Then, there are those people who are tried and true friends. You may not talk all the time, but you can count on them always. You may not talk for a month, but when you do connect, it was as if the time never passed. I am so blessed to have a few of these type of friends. They are awesome!

There are other friends who just exist. I am beginning to wonder if these should be counted among friends. You just run into them once in a while and when you do there is a small connection, but of nothing consequential or deep. But, they confide in you once in a while, look to you for wisdom and also ask for the occasional house-sitting stint. How would these friends classify?

The last type of friend is someone who fades in and out of your life, remaining a constant of sorts. You always know they are there and may forget about them for a bit because it has been a year or so since you have chatted, but somehow your paths cross again. There is a comfort almost to these type of friends; there are you-friendly people out there.

Ridiculous rambling, I know. And, perhaps not the most eloquent of entries. But, these are ponderings.

Some other random ponderings...why are jigsaw puzzles so wonderfully fun? Even when you are working on a 1000-piece puzzle until 5 a.m.? Yes, this very scenario occurred to me this weekend and it was so fun! Does this mean I'm a nerd?

Why does England have to be such a wonderful country? I read about London and I get goosebumps. I listen to Scottish music and I have to sigh with glee. I think that perhaps I am destined to live there.

And, why, oh, why...do grape slushes from Sonic have to be so tasty??

Current read: Through a Glass Darkly by Karleen Koen

Current music obsession: Glasvegas

Slumdog Millionaire

Everyone is all abuzz about this movie. And, unlike the swarm that followed Titanic, Slumdog Millionaire really is a brilliant piece of cinema (no offence Kate and Leonardo). I saw the movie the first time with Ryan and then saw it again this last weekend with my mum. The editing in the movie is superb, the music is delightful, and the story is one mixed with harsh reality and love. I adore this movie. It deserves the accolades it is receiving. It is about time a well-made film that wasn't about budget got the attention it deserves. Can't wait to see how it does at the Oscars.

If you haven't seen this movie yet...go...now!

Current musical addiction -- Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and LittleJoy. Hoping to get to the music store soon to get the new Andrew Bird CD (thanks, Rachel). Super excited because Andrew Bird has become one of my followers on Twitter. (0: Tee-hee.

I Heard it on NPR

I was listening to the Diane Rehm show this morning and was captivated by Ben Sherwood's discussion on survivors. He has the Survivor IQ test. I took it and I was a realist. Take the test and see what you get.

Reepicheep

Yes, I am reading The Chronicles of Narnia and loving them all over again. I am nearly finished reading all of the books and of all of the characters, I fell in love with Reepicheep.

His passion and his bravery to do what is right inspired me. He was the smallest character, but always the first to stand up to injustice or to defend his friends. That kind of courage is admirable.

I want to be a Reepicheep about my work and writing. I shouldn't let it feel small. I should let it loom larger than the life it has just as ink on a page.

I have made two decisions to make me a Reepicheep -- I am going to start working on my APR and I am going to begin putting aside time again for writing. True to myself, true to my passions.

And, to remind me of my fire to be Reepicheep, I also named my new dwarf apple tree after this mouse in shining armor. Will post photos of my lovely tree when I get the chance. He is so adorable; a small patio tree that will hopefully bring fruit in June.

On a side note...currently addicted to Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. Her voice is amazing. And, thank you, Rachel, for sharing Andrew Bird. He has a lovely voice.

I'm A Twitter-holic

There. I've said it and put it down in writing.

I signed into Twitter today and decided to search around for authors and people I thought would be worth following. Omigosh! I got sucked into the vortex of the social networking blackhole.

I did pull myself out safely (and with only a few abrasions). I am excited to say that I am now following Neil Gaiman, Whole Foods and Wil Wheaton. Nothing to write home about (well, maybe Neil Gaiman), but very excited to see what responses I will get from my mini ramblings.

Happy New Year!

Confetti, confetti, confetti, and a bit of champagne bubbles! It is a new year! And, please I ask that it be a little less eventful than last year. Well, eventful on the good things like vacation and new experiences is great, but spending hours in the hospital is something I can do without (unless I am pregnant and giving birth -- that will be okay).

I was contemplating putting down my resolutions, but decided I would be resolute in not listing them. Basically, my resolutions are things I need to do. I just need to get my butt in gear and take care of them. With my new job, a lovely husband, fantastic family and friends to support me, my list of "things-to-do-for-myself" should be easy to follow.

On the book front, I am currently rereading the entire Chronicles of Narnia while also reading Becoming Jane Austen. I went on a book-shopping spree yesterday at Changing Hands Bookstore to buy the books that were on my list. At 25% off everything in the store, it was hard to pass up. So, I will be relaying my reading adventures on my blog over the year.

On the music front. Well, I have found quite a few new albums to enjoy. Most recently, I am reveling in the cheer and happiness I feel when listening to Little Joy. Wonderful, wonderful album. I also have been enjoying Sharon and the Dap Kings, The Killers and Travis.

I wish everyone a wondrous 2009 full of new discoveries, adventures, memories and learning moments that help reveal yourself to others and you. My suggestion for getting off on the right foot: look at the stars more often, color with crayons once in a while, laugh with friends, and take time away from scheduling -- abandon yourself to a day or two without deadlines, text messages, phone calls or e-mails.

p.s. I have a confession...I developed a slight addiction to House over the Christmas weekend while they had a marathon on USA. What a great show. Other confessions...I am also happily watching the first season of Shameless (brilliant) and whiling away an hour or two every other day with Guitar Hero World Tour. Cheers!