I find myself forgetting.
The drives on Sunday afternoon in a maroon convertible, top down, talking of little girl dreams and big girl crushes...
The study sessions at McAlister's around a wrought-iron table in the humid eastern North Carolina heat...sipping on sweet tea and free refills, maybe eating a cookie if we had enough change...
The lunch group, all joined together through weavings of friendships, meeting on that certain day of the week, eating cafeteria food, feeling like Kings and Queens...
Long nights at Krispy Kreme, with the neon "hot" sign illuminating anatomy books and statistics equations...
Hair dyed green, Anne of Green Gables style, on the 5th floor of Greene Hall, as dreams of rich chocolate brown melt away...
Midnight talks between 20-year-old hearts...does he like me? did he see me? do I matter?....
Weekends filled with spaghetti and shredded cheese at adopted homes away from home, loving on moms away from mom...
Weeping stairwells, echoing sorrow over a life lost, with a steadfast friend silently sitting on concrete, holding up the soul which feels like it's tumbling...
Beach chairs lining a grassy slope, sipping cider and watching the annual parade of costumes downtown at Halloween, realizing you and the company you keep have old souls...
Huddled under sleeping bags on icy stadium seats, waiting as the clock runs out, believing in a Pirate miracle...
Turning a tassel, picture posing, dream catching...
These are the memories.
I don't think of them everyday, or even every month.
They surface when I least expect it...when I most need it.
These are my college days. These are the moments I found myself.
And when I find myself forgetting again, you will know where to find me...
Sipping sweet tea outside and maybe eating a cookie if I can scrape up enough change.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
My not-so-secret Garden
"Don't let us make it tidy," said Mary anxiously. "It wouldn't seem like a secret garden if it was tidy."
~The Secret Garden
You may remember my previous post about my miniature garden. Every few days, I add to this magical little world. While laying out the pebbles this afternoon, one hand in the dirt and one hand wrapped around Jonah, I remembered the enchanting book The Secret Garden. Have you ever read that book?
Although this garden is on the front porch and in plain sight of any porch passer-byers, I tend to think we share a few secrets. No one else really knows what new accessory will settle into a corner or when Mr. McGregor's boots will appear.
I believe this not-so-secret garden has become my not-so-normal therapy.
Seriously...
You've gotta try it.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sculpey Sunday
You may have read about my newest obsession, miniature gardening. I'm proud to say my garden is thriving, and I have picked up little trinkets here and there to help tell the garden's story.
This particular garden belongs to Mr. McGregor, whose boots I have yet to find. Peter Rabbit and Mother Rabbit made an appearance today, via the miracle clay called Sculpey.
Yes, on Mother's Day, I tediously made these two rabbit characters as Patrick played video games and Jonah slept. I'm one of those people who gets an idea and doesn't rest until it is completed. That Sculpey clay was just begging to be molded and baked, regardless of my inexperience.
After a few minutes of rolling and pinching, as well as Patrick's contribution of his old dissection kit from college, I began to see my little characters come to life.
I've never tried to sculpt anything before, but I think I did ok for a first attempt. After baking, the whites of the ears and bellies had turned the same color as the fur. I guess I will be touching up those areas as well as adding cutesy rabbit eyes and whiskers.
Any tips regarding sculpey techniques are greatly appreciated! I've gotten enough of this project done where I don't feel the need to add daily. If something strikes my fancy, it will find a home in the garden. Otherwise, attention is now turned to keeping everything green!!
This particular garden belongs to Mr. McGregor, whose boots I have yet to find. Peter Rabbit and Mother Rabbit made an appearance today, via the miracle clay called Sculpey.
Yes, on Mother's Day, I tediously made these two rabbit characters as Patrick played video games and Jonah slept. I'm one of those people who gets an idea and doesn't rest until it is completed. That Sculpey clay was just begging to be molded and baked, regardless of my inexperience.
After a few minutes of rolling and pinching, as well as Patrick's contribution of his old dissection kit from college, I began to see my little characters come to life.
I've never tried to sculpt anything before, but I think I did ok for a first attempt. After baking, the whites of the ears and bellies had turned the same color as the fur. I guess I will be touching up those areas as well as adding cutesy rabbit eyes and whiskers.
Any tips regarding sculpey techniques are greatly appreciated! I've gotten enough of this project done where I don't feel the need to add daily. If something strikes my fancy, it will find a home in the garden. Otherwise, attention is now turned to keeping everything green!!
Growing Pains
It's that time again. Jonah is moving up to the next class tomorrow. He has been visiting each day last week, so it won't be such a shock. He has several friends in this class already, but deep inside I just want him to stay in this old class and pretend he won't ever get older. Maybe if I close my eyes and keep buying size 4 diapers, I can get away with it.
Maybe not.
As a little thank you to his three teachers, whom he adores, I put together miniature vases with flowers. A ribbon encircled the top of the "vase", and a target card was secured to the vase with the ribbon.
I made these out of a book (of course, big surprise...), sticks from the yard, and syrup bottles from cracker barrel. This is perfect for those of us on a budget. All you need to do is take a trip or two to cracker barrel, stock up on your bottles, and voila!!
While on my rosette paper theme, I also made frames for my mom and mother-in-law. Of course, I started too many projects this week (all involving books), to have the frames delivered in time for Mother's Day.
I did manage to send cards with Jonah's handprint. This, too, involved a book page from a very special Book.
Yes, that is a page from the Bible. No, I will probably never do that again...I just couldn't help myself.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you who already have children as well as those who take care of the children in your life who are special and dear to you heart.
Tomorrow, I will take Jonah to a new classroom, and he will cram a muffin into his mouth and barely wave "bye" as I stand an extra few seconds at the door, blowing kisses.
It's not just kids who have growing pains...
Maybe not.
As a little thank you to his three teachers, whom he adores, I put together miniature vases with flowers. A ribbon encircled the top of the "vase", and a target card was secured to the vase with the ribbon.
I made these out of a book (of course, big surprise...), sticks from the yard, and syrup bottles from cracker barrel. This is perfect for those of us on a budget. All you need to do is take a trip or two to cracker barrel, stock up on your bottles, and voila!!
While on my rosette paper theme, I also made frames for my mom and mother-in-law. Of course, I started too many projects this week (all involving books), to have the frames delivered in time for Mother's Day.
I did manage to send cards with Jonah's handprint. This, too, involved a book page from a very special Book.
Yes, that is a page from the Bible. No, I will probably never do that again...I just couldn't help myself.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you who already have children as well as those who take care of the children in your life who are special and dear to you heart.
Tomorrow, I will take Jonah to a new classroom, and he will cram a muffin into his mouth and barely wave "bye" as I stand an extra few seconds at the door, blowing kisses.
It's not just kids who have growing pains...
Friday, May 6, 2011
White Way of Delight
In true Anne of Green Gables form, I would like to introduce to you my love of all things white. Anne's character found beauty and imagination around every corner, and one of my most memorable moments from the movie happens as she is riding with Matthew to Green Gables the first time. As they round a curve, beautiful white blossoms from apple trees form a cathedral over the red dirt roads; the trees stood at attention like soldiers as Anne and Matthew passed between them. Anne gasps in the movie when she sees thsi sight, and she asked Matthew what is was named, to which he honestly replied, the "Avenue". In her Anne-ish ways, she replies:
But they shouldn't call that lovely place the Avenue. There is no meaning in a name like that. They should call it--let me see--the White Way of Delight. Isn't that a nice imaginative name? When I don't like the name of a place or a person I always imagine a new one and always think of them so. There was a girl at the asylum whose name was Hepzibah Jenkins, but I always imagined her as Rosalia DeVere. Other people may call that place the Avenue, but I shall always call it the White Way of Delight.
Anne goes on to name other places, but this White Way of Delight has always been my favorite. It reminds me of heaven and home, which is why I believe shades of white have become my home's attire.
I've posted a collection of photos from things I have made or areas in my home that are my own White Way of Delight, and I'm linking to Songbird, a beautiful blog I stumbled upon. If you love all things white, you must check her out!
A Valentine's Day Wreath, made of white fabric. Simple but beautiful to me.
A Christmas Tree made from an old songbook...creamy white goodness!
Snowman, also made from a book. With dashes of silver, it still is delightful.
Tattered and torn, a prescription book from an antique store finds a home in my entryway. Each off-white page tells a story of someone...
A Pottery Barn pillow, with accents of burlap ribbon. raw and real
A mantle, with a distressed window from a family farm
Hymnal Wreaths
Heart crafted from book pages, leaping out to proclaim Love
Easter wreath: My nest is full, as well as my heart
Coffee filters adorn the backdoor, reminding me to savor each drop of life
Pumpkins welcome fall
Flowers greet me as I wash hardened noodles from a high chair tray
My favorite white of all is my home. It isn't the front porch or the three white rocking chairs. It isn't the snow hugging the earth. It is the place I tuck my child into bed, showering him with kisses and a prayer. It is the place my husband enters, clothes smelling of cut grass and football leather.
This is my White Way of Delight.
But they shouldn't call that lovely place the Avenue. There is no meaning in a name like that. They should call it--let me see--the White Way of Delight. Isn't that a nice imaginative name? When I don't like the name of a place or a person I always imagine a new one and always think of them so. There was a girl at the asylum whose name was Hepzibah Jenkins, but I always imagined her as Rosalia DeVere. Other people may call that place the Avenue, but I shall always call it the White Way of Delight.
Anne goes on to name other places, but this White Way of Delight has always been my favorite. It reminds me of heaven and home, which is why I believe shades of white have become my home's attire.
I've posted a collection of photos from things I have made or areas in my home that are my own White Way of Delight, and I'm linking to Songbird, a beautiful blog I stumbled upon. If you love all things white, you must check her out!
A Valentine's Day Wreath, made of white fabric. Simple but beautiful to me.
A Christmas Tree made from an old songbook...creamy white goodness!
Snowman, also made from a book. With dashes of silver, it still is delightful.
Tattered and torn, a prescription book from an antique store finds a home in my entryway. Each off-white page tells a story of someone...
A Pottery Barn pillow, with accents of burlap ribbon. raw and real
A mantle, with a distressed window from a family farm
Hymnal Wreaths
Heart crafted from book pages, leaping out to proclaim Love
Easter wreath: My nest is full, as well as my heart
Coffee filters adorn the backdoor, reminding me to savor each drop of life
Pumpkins welcome fall
Flowers greet me as I wash hardened noodles from a high chair tray
My favorite white of all is my home. It isn't the front porch or the three white rocking chairs. It isn't the snow hugging the earth. It is the place I tuck my child into bed, showering him with kisses and a prayer. It is the place my husband enters, clothes smelling of cut grass and football leather.
This is my White Way of Delight.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
See You in Heaven
When I was a little girl, my cousin Jenny and I were pen pals. We would write long, dramatic letters to each other, detailing our summer escapades and current crushes. We'd always end the letter with the phrase "See you in heaven". I'm not sure when this started, and I am surprised that at such a young age we realized that tomorrow wasn't promised. We cherished each day we had and were comforted at the thought that we'd always get to see each other again, regardless of our earthly circumstances.
I remembered this phrase last week as I sorted through the mail. I came upon a thick white envelope with my name on it. I had been eagerly watching the mail like a kid watches for reindeer on Christmas Eve, for I had been informed a special package was on its way from a dear friend.
I've never met this friend in person, but she is a "kindred spirit" as Anne of Green Gables would say. Her words of encouragement appear when I need it the most, and her blog is inspiring and full of beautiful simplicity and soulful musings.
Inside the package was a beautiful book creation: Peter Rabbit came to life on a page from the dictionary, surrounded by a pale blue distressed frame. This friend knew I loved Peter Rabbit, and she also is a fellow lover of all things book related. My camera does not do this justice, but I wanted to include a few pictures anyway.
You can see a post about it here
Beautiful.
Although I may not ever meet her on earth, I know I will see her in heaven. As you post your writings and browse your community of blogs, remember the faces behind them. Treasure the friendships, and take time to encourage each other.
Since I've received encouragement, I want to pass this on as well. I've never done a giveaway, but I think it's about that time. Post a comment describing how YOU would pass on a handmade item to one of your blog followers, and I will randomly select a winner on Monday.
Of course, your giveaway will most likely include a book creation of some sort!
I remembered this phrase last week as I sorted through the mail. I came upon a thick white envelope with my name on it. I had been eagerly watching the mail like a kid watches for reindeer on Christmas Eve, for I had been informed a special package was on its way from a dear friend.
I've never met this friend in person, but she is a "kindred spirit" as Anne of Green Gables would say. Her words of encouragement appear when I need it the most, and her blog is inspiring and full of beautiful simplicity and soulful musings.
Inside the package was a beautiful book creation: Peter Rabbit came to life on a page from the dictionary, surrounded by a pale blue distressed frame. This friend knew I loved Peter Rabbit, and she also is a fellow lover of all things book related. My camera does not do this justice, but I wanted to include a few pictures anyway.
You can see a post about it here
Beautiful.
Although I may not ever meet her on earth, I know I will see her in heaven. As you post your writings and browse your community of blogs, remember the faces behind them. Treasure the friendships, and take time to encourage each other.
Since I've received encouragement, I want to pass this on as well. I've never done a giveaway, but I think it's about that time. Post a comment describing how YOU would pass on a handmade item to one of your blog followers, and I will randomly select a winner on Monday.
Of course, your giveaway will most likely include a book creation of some sort!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Mini: the next Biggest thing
When I was in fourth grade, I made a log cabin with my dad and grandaddy for a school project. This was not your ordinary "night-before-cardboard-box-popsicle-stick" moment. This was hand-hewn planks, individually placed wooden shingles, carefully-selected pebbles for chimney, and little house on the prairie furniture. I've got to show pictures on here, because this house was a little girl's dream.
Since that time, I have loved miniature worlds. I read books about tiny people living behind walls in houses, using thimbles for a bathtub. I played with the "Littlest Pet Shop" toys, which were absolutely mesmerizing. Even to this day, I pause in front of dollhouses and stare in awe.
Apparently, the world of miniature gardening is the next biggest thing for adults and children alike. While reading Living With Lindsay last week, I stumbled upon the world of mini gardens. This happened on a Tuesday, a day which leaves me in clinic with hardly any time to breathe. I couldn't get this idea out of my head, and between patients I would brainstorm ways to make my garden unique.
Somewhere between patient 3 and 4, I knew my theme. Peter Rabbit, in all its childlike sweetness, would be perfect!
I could easily involve Jonah once he got older, and my own hopeless romantic self would be enrapture with the garden within a garden, small gate, Mr. McGregor's boots, and some garden rakes and such.
This world of miniature gardening was foreign to me. I came across a wonderful site devoted to this craft. This site even breaks down the differences between miniature gardens, fairy gardens, and gnome gardens! YES...there IS a difference.
After a few days of research and the growing itch to make my own, I broke down and bought a bonsai tree, some sort of bush thing, and two little plants.
I used the stones that came with the tree, but the dollar store and Michael's are calling my name. I am on the hunt for Peter Rabbit-ish items, and I will not rest until I find them! I am completely hooked on this idea now, and my garden has so much room to "grow" in character!!
>
The ideas are endless! If you aren't sure how to even start, Two Green Thumbs sells kits!!!
I believe one of Jonah's birthday parties will involve small pots, small plants, dinosaurs, pirates, and kid creativity! Wouldn't that be a fun party activity??
Stay tuned for future gardening endeavors!
Are you hooked yet??
Since that time, I have loved miniature worlds. I read books about tiny people living behind walls in houses, using thimbles for a bathtub. I played with the "Littlest Pet Shop" toys, which were absolutely mesmerizing. Even to this day, I pause in front of dollhouses and stare in awe.
Apparently, the world of miniature gardening is the next biggest thing for adults and children alike. While reading Living With Lindsay last week, I stumbled upon the world of mini gardens. This happened on a Tuesday, a day which leaves me in clinic with hardly any time to breathe. I couldn't get this idea out of my head, and between patients I would brainstorm ways to make my garden unique.
Somewhere between patient 3 and 4, I knew my theme. Peter Rabbit, in all its childlike sweetness, would be perfect!
I could easily involve Jonah once he got older, and my own hopeless romantic self would be enrapture with the garden within a garden, small gate, Mr. McGregor's boots, and some garden rakes and such.
This world of miniature gardening was foreign to me. I came across a wonderful site devoted to this craft. This site even breaks down the differences between miniature gardens, fairy gardens, and gnome gardens! YES...there IS a difference.
After a few days of research and the growing itch to make my own, I broke down and bought a bonsai tree, some sort of bush thing, and two little plants.
I used the stones that came with the tree, but the dollar store and Michael's are calling my name. I am on the hunt for Peter Rabbit-ish items, and I will not rest until I find them! I am completely hooked on this idea now, and my garden has so much room to "grow" in character!!
>
The ideas are endless! If you aren't sure how to even start, Two Green Thumbs sells kits!!!
I believe one of Jonah's birthday parties will involve small pots, small plants, dinosaurs, pirates, and kid creativity! Wouldn't that be a fun party activity??
Stay tuned for future gardening endeavors!
Are you hooked yet??
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)