Chalk Art

One of the summer's highlights is the Gateway Chalk Art Festival. Last weekend was the annual anticipated event. Emily was my stellar date for the Saturday night festivities. Have a look see below for some of the highlights.

MP 19th Stikes Again

I am making an attempt to integrate and become invested in the Monument Park 19th Ward. Whether you describe it as a valiant attempt all depends on your perspective. Every time I go to an activity I find the the song "one of these things is not like the other, one of these just does not belong, can you tell which things is not like the other by the time I finish this song" running laps in my head. And it seems to sum things up nicely. I am the thing that does not belong. I am the misfit in this ward. One begins to ask just why I am going there. I hope it gets better soon.
The latest adventure occurred at FHE this week. A night of beginning social dance. I am not in need of beginning social dance lessons but I thought it a good interactive way to meet people so I gave it a go. And I walked away with a latest and greatest story. Are you ready for it?
There was a change in partners in the dance line and a a new man strolled up beside me and asked how I was doing with the dancing. I replied "I am doing fine- but dance is my thing". To which he looked at me quizzically and asked- "dance is your thing?" "Yes", I said, "I am a dancer." At which point he stepped back looked me up and down and said "You don't look like a dancer." "What does a dancer look like?" I asked. "I don't know" he said, "lithe and elegant". I was stunned and speechless. Did he really just say that? And the funny part was he was clueless as to the backhanded jab he just handed me. He went on with get to know you conversation as I was attempting to smother the steam that was rising. And I thought-hmmm, I wonder why you're not married.
So there you have it.
Another successful blog entry courtesy of MP 19.

Only a Storm Could Be That Beautiful

I just spent the best part of 2 hours outside admiring the most beautiful heavenly event. Walking and staring entranced by the depth, intensity, contrast, light, color, smells, and feel of the storm that raced through at sunset, amazingly clearing up to piercing stars as the last glimpse of light faded beyond the horizon. The storm became so dark that black gives no proper justice to describe the enveloping presence that absorbed everything in its path. The entire spectrum of grey filled the sunset backdrop. Shapes of impending doom to fanciful artistry were expressed by the clouds. I was awed by the visible speed with which these clouds fled across the sky. There were trees silhouetted against the bright rays of sunset. The intricacies of the details of the mountains were made bare by the evening light which you only noticed if you could take your eyes away from the brightest double rainbows framing the fresh, lush, green mountains. Soon a heavy summer rain which was renewing without the bite of winter began to fall in thick heavy drops while silent lightening laid fleeting desperate patterns throughout the sky. At one point in the walk the capital looked framed in an artist's canvas with the black storm being challenged by the bright lights it shines at night to stand as a beacon on the hill. The flags were perfectly horizontal as the wind propped them in place. The western edge of the capital was gradated from black to blue to tinged yellow with the trailing of clouds that couldn't keep pace with the others silhouetted against the final hopes of day as the last light trickled into dark. And to cap it off one star (well, Venus) broke through the clouds with a confidence and presence demanding attention.


I couldn't believe I didn't have my camera. There were a hundred thousand pictures that cried to taken but I was helpless to heed their pleas- although my heart ached for it. I did have my phone on me for the first part of it and managed to capture the double rainbow. The second half of the storm it was Emily and I out wandering up to the capital to see clearly the glories. I was struck by the sadness of how many people missed the most incredible sights I have experienced in a long time. It was the best show on earth tonight- yet so few experienced it. It fed my soul more than anything could have. And to top it off this morning was the most glorious morning light over the mountains I have ever seen. I remember how stunned I was by the morning. I can't believe it was only the appetizer/the opening act before the main event of this evenings grandeur. Grateful, grateful, grateful for this most glorious Sunday gift God granted me today.

I think there are many profound lessons to be found within the storm. Emily commented on the poetry of it-so true. But the lesson I need tonight-my take home message... is to remember that storms bring a beauty and depth nothing else can. And not all storms need to be hidden from- some are better walking through and looking at the majesty they bring.

#200

I'm not sure if this is "already" my 200th post- or if it is "only" my 200th post. Not that it matters either way. But here is a celebration of a few snippets of the last couple of years neatly stored away in "ether space". The blog contains highs, lows, blahs, funnies, and a few pictures reflecting life on my planet. And truly I have come to believe that everyone lives life on their own planet- the range of experiences and perceptions that each individual has creates an entirely unique paradigm- a unique orbit of rotation- and a unique gravity pull. Truly it is fascinating.
In my 200th post I simply want to say "CHEERS" to life- mine and all others. I am curious to see where I am in life at the end of the next 200. I am certain only of one thing- I will be where I did not expect- that is the one thing I am learning to count on.

Angry Eyes

Angry- yes I am angry. What an ugly word that is- it doesn't roll off the tongue very well- in fact it seems to get caught up and stuck in your mouth as you say it. I suppose it is only fitting. That is all anger does anyway- get caught up and stuck inside you. I would like to throw words and blame people for the way I feel but, the truth is, it isn't their fault. The fault is in fact all mine. And the truth is- I'm not really angry- I'm just tired of nursing repeated broken hearts. The frustrating part is how avoidable these moments are- if only I didn't let myself get carried away in foundless hopes. A good friend told me one of the wisest things I have ever heard "The only outcome you can control is your personal eternal outcome. Everything else is subject to unexpected possibilities." At least the gospel gives me the keys, knowledge, and hope of the one thing I can control. Yet I insist on placing hope where there is no grounding. Silly, Silly Girl. Do I feel any anger now? No, the angry eyes have been replaced by quiet self-reflection, for the time being.

Swell Goblins

Jacob's Flowers

My 6 year old nephew cut me some flowers from his mom's garden- with permission. He loves to give girls flowers. The tulips are beautiful but my favorite part is the 3 inch stems. Adorable. And not only that- but we are going on a date. My next week off we are off to see "How to Train a Dragon". I know your jealous! Who wouldn't be, he is the sweetest boy around and good looking too. Some girls have all the luck.