A long week has come to an end. How come on the weeks where you feel the busiest, time just seems to come to a halt? Like the big grandfather clock suddenly died and you keep waiting for it to start up again.

Speaking of grandfather clocks....my Grandma Beattie had the best grandfather clock...complete with the bird that would poke it's head out and chirp. It was that really nice rustic brown colour too. For the longest time it was broken, the little bird poked it's head out to chirp and never again hid behind the closed door. Not sure why Grandma never fixed it, but I remember always standing beneath it and watching the little bird; half expecting it to pull a "jack-in-the-box" and suddenly start chirping again. I wonder who ended up with that clock? I would love to find one for my house. And even though I'm 29 now, I'm positive I'll still stand beneath it watching the second hand move, waiting for the bird to chirp. There's something mesmerizing about those clocks. They seem to somehow tell time better than just a digital clock. I think those clocks will always remind me of Grandma B., and  therefore always bring a smile to my face.

See. I told you this blog was going to be random. I guess I should stop trying to be less that way and embrace the fact that I write what comes to mind and rarely filter. Maybe that's what this blog is all about? Giving me a chance to let my thoughts roll honestly and freely.

So it would seem that I go through waves of needing a creative outlet. And every now and then I find myself crawling back to this blog. I don't intentionally abandoned it. I guess I just find myself short on words and I'd rather leave things unwritten then prattle on about boring notions. Although, I guess I'm somewhat doing that right now.

Not sure what my intentions for this blog are quite yet. Am I returning for good? Or just finding myself needing to type some words out and then I'll be gone for years again? Or am I reinventing it? I did change the layout...you like? A little bit more me!

I'm not making any promises of a daily post. I'm just gonna take it one day at a time - after all, these are supposed to be by day-to-day thoughts. Let's see how many thoughts I've got bouncing around inside this noggin of mine! :)

Favourite Time of Year...

 It’s almost Christmas time friends!

This is probably my most favourite time of year – not because it means I turn a year older (scary!) and not because gifts are exchanged (although I admit that I LOVE giving gifts).

I could probably go on for awhile about all the things I love about Christmas, but I’ll just share a few:

• I love when Gingerbread lattes arrive at Starbucks
• I love getting to see my entire family all together under one roof (usually this entails my little nieces waking “Auntie Laura” up super early...but how can you say no to that right?!)
• I love the smell of Christmas trees
• I love decorating my house
• I love walking into work (weird..I know...but the entrance and banister are always decorated so beautifully with garland and bows and lights...it’s a great way to start the day!)
• I love the excitement and buzz in the air the closer we get to Christmas
• I know people should be generous all year long, but I love getting to see people giving back – especially the ones you least expect! A change of heart you know! So great to see!
• I love the lights – I could drive around for hours looking at creatively decorated houses
• I love Christmas baking – and not necessarily to eat it...I love how it makes the entire house smell so delicious!
• I love reading the Christmas story: we read it every year in my family. We go around the circle, taking turns reading snippets. My favourite part: I love when the shepherds hear the angel choir...gives me goose bumps just thinking about it. How awesome it would have been to be there!!!

There’s only one thing I hate about Christmas. I know. Shocking. What is there about Christmas that someone could possibly NOT love? And I realize most people would probably stick with the word “dislike” – after all hate is a very strong choice. But, if you know me, you probably already know what it is I hate about Christmas. I have for as long as I can remember (and I have pictures to prove it). And every year, without fail, everyone in my family tries to help me get over it. Not possible. I’m pretty sure I’ll hate (yes, hate) this until the day I die.

What is it you might ask?

Santa. 

He's creepy ok. Enough said.

:)

Still learning

I love how I get into these theme ruts. It’s at those times that I know God is trying to teach me something....hence the reiteration. I’m in a learning rut. Which doesn’t seem so bad considering the plethora of other ruts I could be stuck in. And so I’m learning to ask questions – even when there are no immediate, or simple, answers.

And today my challenge came from 1 Thessalonians (which is quickly becoming a favourite): “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (vs. 16-18).

Excellent verse to have on my mind as Thanksgiving approaches (so thankful we’re having pumpkin pie this year...right Sam?!!).

Enjoy your weekend everybody!

Ever wish life was a musical?

If you’re like me, and tend to be motivated and hyped by music, here’s a small warning: don’t listen to Glee music while at work. On more than one occasion today, I found myself singing along......yup......out loud. I’m pretty sure my cubicle neighbours were wondering if I had completely lost my mind. It can’t be helped though. There are certain work days where you just need that extra “oomph” to get you through the day!

Why is music so inspirational?

I love how it has the ability to take you back to a certain memory. I love how it can encourage you. I love how it can bring on bouts of laughter (especially when you’re listening to a song that suddenly spurs on a dance party with friends). I love how people use songs to express themselves.

I always wished I was a great musician. I tried. Grade nine. It was my time to shine. I decided the saxophone was going to be my instrument of choice – and I was going to make it big. I even went as far as to invest in a saxophone. Most people trying out a new instrument just borrowed from the school. Not me. My ambitions were set high. Why borrow when I could buy? Besides – I needed to be able to practice whenever, and I couldn’t have my schedule work around the availability of the school saxophones. So invest I did. Mistake number 1. Then, in all my aspirations, I decided a good way to get more practice would be to join band. I couldn’t read sheet music and had only owned a saxophone for a week, but I was determined. Mistake number 2. After putting my family through horrendous practices in my room (talk about squeaking....I somehow never mastered the whole “wet reed” thing) and trying to play with sheet music (while all the while thinking I was better at just playing by ear), I decided it wasn’t for me. A year later, I sold my saxophone. Dream over.

Since then I’ve tried taking up the guitar, but never have had the time for lessons. I have one sitting in my room. It’s actually from Colombia when my family was there as missionaries. New dream – to someday sit on the back porch of my parents house and have a little jam session with my dad.

Now to begin learning. 

Day 1

My heart was pounding as we plunged forward up the hill. The incline was so severe I was afraid we’d tip over and start rolling front to back. “Let us make it to the top Lord. Please let us make it to the top”. I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew the church was poor – and I could attest to that solely from the look of the neighbourhood as we made our way closer. I came only equipped with a love for Jesus and a desire to let these kids know their worth in Him. As we rounded the corner, all I could see were little hands waving in the air – they didn’t even know us yet, but they were waiting in anticipation. The van doors slid open and as my feet touched the dusty ground, small hands were suddenly intertwined with my hands – little legs trying desperately to keep in step with me as I made my way into the church. My heart was breaking – I wanted to pack each one of these kids into my suitcase and bring them home with me. I could only imagine the kind of situations they were experience at home that would cause them to reach out to a complete stranger for attention. The moment that first little hand touched mine, I was determined to put my all into making this a week that would have a lasting impact on them.

Minutes later there I was, legs crossed on the cement floor, balloons all around me, trying my very best to create things: “Espada” “Perro” “Sombrero”. It was hard enough trying to figure out what they were requesting let alone trying to bring it to life for them. After popping at least 6 balloons, and scaring the poor things every time, I created my first dog (“PERRO!”) and handed it to Alexia – who’s big eyes were beaming. As the minutes passed I somehow found my creative niche for balloon designs and was in full production mode – flowers, snowmen, dogs, hats – they named it and I would attempt it.  The farthest thing from my mind was the earlier instructions we had received as a team: “Try not to use all the balloons up on day one”. How could I say no to those big eyes?

Two hours later – with duck, duck goose, a puppet story and a craft under our belt – we found ourselves at the end of day one. It had gone smoother than I had anticipated and I was elated to see just how much of my Spanish had returned to me. I knew the next 4 days would be life changing, I just hadn’t anticipated it being MY life that would be so changed from it. 

My "best friend" Rebecca - she spoke English and would translate for me when I needed it. She was also a huge fan of my camera and would walk around snapping pictures! 

Alexia - sweet little angel!

This little girl named her doll after me

Naomi (girl on the right) was one of the most kind-hearted kids - she was heart broken our last day. 

Rebecca took this one. What a great photographer hey?!

My buddy Carlos

Lupita - so shy and so cuddly. Adored her!

I love...

I love the smell of cedar chips (there are two spots on my commute home...I know exactly when they're coming and I quickly roll --- and by roll I mean old fashion crank that window down --- so I can breathe it in).

I love trying a new recipe out. Better yet I love when that recipe is a dynamo success.

I love adventures. I love random jaunts in my boat (yup. I'm a "boat" owner). I love floating down one of our favourite rivers..making up songs...telling stories and just reveling in the beauty.

I love coming across wild life. Happens a lot more to me now that I've moved to the boonies. This morning, I walked out my front door and heard this "thud thud" sound. My first reaction was an increase in my pulse as I quickly scanned around thinking it was probably a bear getting into something. Then I look over to where the shed is, and around the corner comes this little deer...prancing and jumping and going in circles around the shed. He did maybe 3 more loops before he noticed me and then stopped dead in his tracks. Almost looked disappointed that I had interrupted his "play time". Cutest little guy ever!!!

I love how my beater of a car is dying, but that somehow I keep getting to work every day (that's a 40 minute commute each way people). I know it's not luck. It's God looking out for me. He knows I can't afford to fix it or buy a new one. Just living on grace!!

But most of all. Most of all I love God. He never ceases to amaze me. I've mentioned before how much of a blog addict I am. The majority of them have a focus on mindless fashion, photography and the like. But then I occasionally come across one that really challenges me. I love reading those meaningful blogs. The ones where people talk about what they are doing with their lives - how they are serving God in various parts of the world. Those ones inspire me.

On my commute home yesterday I was listening to that song by Hillsong "Lead me to the Cross" - I love the words: "Everything I once held dear, I count it all as loss. Lead me to the cross where your love poured out. Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down. Rid me of myself, I belong to you". That last line really hit me. I belong to God. All the things that I think are important can't even compare to God. It's hard sometimes not knowing what the next step is (you know me...I get restless and want to do something new...and ultimately I wish I was getting to be working in the field I studied)...but I have to just continue to trust that God knows best. I'm excited to see what comes of my missions trip to Mexico. Who knows where God could lead me after that?

"Our talents are the gifts that God gives us...What we do with our talents is our gift back to God" - Leo Buscaglia