Books in Bed

Last night, Eric and I turned in a bit earlier than usual.

We lay side-by-side in bed, reading.

Wild at Heart his book of choice; mine The Meaning of Marriage.

(We're not always so studious. I recently spent a bittersweet ten days forcing my lids open in the wee hours of the morning nearly devouring The Hunger Games trilogy. Before that, I enjoyed Bossypants. Tina made me laugh (and blush) every few pages. I'm talking about literally lol'ing. The kind where people in Panera gave me funny looks and my husband kept asking "what?" in a nonchalant way until I read him what's so funny - and then he laughed too, of course.)

A chuckle here, a sigh there. Simultaneously gleaning wisdom from others' lives. A peaceful, connecting experience.

So many of our evenings are brimming with activity right up to the breaking point and then quickly numbed by the TV before trudging off to sleep.

(Ironically, since we no longer have cable, the only show on around this time of night is 30 Rock. Tina is getting more than her fair share of exposure in our home. She and Baldwin have us laughing then, as well).

Activity is wonderful and TV is fun.

But I rather like ending my night with a good book.  Somehow, snuggling up with my honey who is doing the same makes it all the better.

I have a few questions for you, if you are still out there.
- do you read books with (or alongside) your spouse, children or friends?
- in what other simple ways do you create special moments with loved ones?
- what books (fiction and non) made you think, laugh, cry or grow?

{photos via 1, 2, 3}

Pick Up the Phone

Today I am suited up with a scarf, boots and printed tights. It's quite cold outside and a strong case could be made that the end of the year is drawing near.

How pleased I was, then, to come across this article while defrosting in my office. 

The article documents what we already know: people simply don't call each other anymore. It's quite funny (and relatable) to read about typical reactions to the phone ringing. At first, a sense of dread that the person on other line is the bearer of bad news, only to be followed by an altogether different sense of dread that they merely want to talk, interrupting important time that could be spent doing other things. 

Funny. Relatable. But sad, too.   

Which brings me to the point of why reading this article on a cold October day makes me happy. As you may recall, I started out 2011 with a list of goals, written in a small notebook that successfully made the rounds of purses as the seasons changed. As the months passed, I shared a few of my goals here and took time to evaluate my progress. This article, however, forced me to take a hard look at one goal I've let slip by unnoticed. Digging into the pocket of my latest purse (a red saddle bag, in case you needed to visualize it), I grabbed the notebook and reluctantly flipped through the pages until I found it. 

Goal number 6: Learn to be a better friend. Take risks. Pick up the phone. 

Ouch. 

Let me explain. It's not that I don't want to be a better friend. I most certainly do. But insecurities and laziness often get the best of me. This particular goal was written with purposeful intention. It's long been my desire to be the kind of woman who not only remembers birthdays and has cute parties at Christmastime, but also relates during hardships and rejoices during victories. Who is vulnerable enough to be herself and and relies on God to be better than herself for the sake of others. 

Who picks up the phone for crying out loud! 

I'll spare you the details of my insecurities and laziness to simply say this: I've got a lot of work to do. I'm so grateful to have the remainder of this year to focus on being a better friend. 

How are your 2011 goals coming along? Can you relate to this one in particular? I'd love to hear!

(yes, it's been a while. let's just skip the reasons why and dive back in, shall we?)

Minimalism: a Follow-up

This weekend was refreshing. 

Friday night, my sister announced her forthcoming peanut (due in March!) and we slept in to a near-embarrassing time Saturday morning. 

Only I'm not embarrassed. It was lovely.

Last month, I shared my desire to move towards a balanced, practical minimalism in my life. We dedicated a little of our weekend towards this goal, which made it all the more refreshing. 

Our progress:

1. We scoured our closets and drawers for clothes that are out of style, no longer fit or never see the light of day. They are now piled in a bag awaiting their delivery to the thrift store. 

2. We spent yesterday evening at the park with friends. Eric and Shaun ran while Bethany and I walked and chatted. It was already dark and a little spooky walking on the trail through the woods. The best part? There were hundreds of twinkling lighting bugs and it was all free!

3. I planned this week's meals around similar ingredients to make sure we utilize what's in our pantry and refrigerator before it goes bad. Because it's just the two of us, this can be a huge source of waste!

4. We (finally) organized our recycling. The three full garbage bags are ready to be dropped off and a pantry in our kitchen is now empty again. 

Are you moving towards a simpler life? 

I'd love to hear about your progress: tips, setbacks and successes!

*Image via Like the Dew. 

Appreciating beauty, instead of taking it for granted, is a wonderful way to embrace a simpler life. 

Wise Words

Last week a small portion of our worship team attended a conference in Virginia.  Located at a Hillsong church, Aussie accents abounded and the music touched both my emotions and my spirit.

We also had the unique privilege of learning from worship leader Darlene Zschech, who speaks with humility and grace.  There are still so many thoughts bouncing through my mind from the conference.

For now, I'll share favorite line of the weekend, spoken by Kevin Gerald:

Isn't this a beautiful concept? 

I instantly thought of my marriage but over the past week so many other areas of life come to mind.  Work, church, friendships, our apartment, my physical appearance and health.  

Am I allowing myself to long for something "better", all the while neglecting what I already have?  How can I, instead, facilitate growth?  

Does this resonate with you?  Why or why not?

Practical Minimalism

My cousin, Rachel, recently started a blog documenting her journey to a less cluttered home.  Her goal is to get rid of one item every day and just like in real life, she's candid and funny.  You can read all about it here.

She's got me thinking:  I could get into a more simplified life.

While we are always in need of a good declutter in our apartment, we often overlook other areas where less goes a long way.

We stay busy and life passes us by.

Perhaps minimalism applies to more than just material possessions.  I'm inspired by Rachel's blog to look for ways to simplify our home and life.

Here's how I plan to get started:
1. Use less ingredients to make simpler meals.
2. Don't wash clothes as a default to folding.
3. Request an end to junk-mail that ends up in the trash.
4. Sit down and relax.  Enjoy moments of free-time.
5. Once in a while, pick up the phone.  Have a real conversation.
6. Save money.  Go outside and have fun for free.

How do you embrace practical minimalism in your everyday?

Promises

We're slowly learning to ask for wisdom and listen for guidance.  It takes humility to realize that He knows better than me.  It takes discernment to recognize His voice over the one in my head.  It takes faith to move in the direction He is calling me. It sure is a slow process. 

I'm so grateful that His promises are new every morning. 

Have a lovely morning (and weekend), my friends. 

Almond Butter

Uh oh.  I  may have found a new Nutella in almond butter.

I mixed in a little honey and am dipping pretzel sticks in it for breakfast. It is delish - and healthy!  I am still hungry after yesterday's run.  I'd love to make almond butter myself one day like Sheena. 

Have you ever made your own peanut butter or almond butter?

Peace

It's said that a picture speaks a thousand words. It stills a moment in time and allows others to emotionally connect with the event.

excitement. joy. laughter.  

fear. anger. despair.  

hope. faith. peace.  

And then there is reality.  A panoramic, 360 degree view that makes your heart race and leaves you speechless.

The recent tornado damage in our state moves me to tears. I can't imagine the heartache of families who lost their loved ones, homes and livelihood.  When an opportunity arose for Eric and I to join our church in a day trip to Tuscaloosa, we were eager to help.  It was a great privilege to work alongside 18 other volunteers and clear debris in Ms. Beverly's yard. 

Seeing the devastation in person was truly life changing. The historic neighborhood, once shaded by beautiful trees, now bakes in the sun, illuminating the quiet chaos of a desolate street. Ms. Beverly survived the storm in a tiny hallway, while her bedroom was sucked away, the top floor seemingly disappeared and her entire home was littered with insulation. 

It was only by the grace of God.

Ms. Beverly's home was destroyed by fire just five years ago. She rebuilt then and says she will rebuild again. I was struck by her smile as she discussed such things; her hope for the future, her faith in God's goodness, her peace despite the pain. And I pray that her peace remains. 

*all photos of our time in Tuscaloosa by Kevin Johnson.

**for opportunities to help, please visit Hands on Birmingham or contact your local church.

The Art of Brick Laying

Through an inspiring book and our newlywed small group, we stumbled upon the simple, yet revolutionary concept of brick laying.

I am so challenged by this! 

Life is not formed by great catastrophe or triumph, but by the small choices we make each day. How easy it is to overlook our daily actions and interactions with others!  

I am now in the painstaking process of forming daily bricks for the foundation of my life: attentiveness to my husband, quiet time with God, pursuing passions and interests and even menial tasks like straightening up our apartment before bed. These desires encompass many of my goals for the year, with one small difference.  I now know that they can not be accomplished overnight.  

Goals are realized only by a daily investment of laying bricks.  

{Amy Butler Brick Quilt}

What better visual inspiration for brick laying that the picture above? Through hard work and daily dedication, Caryn, created a lovely quilt for warmth, snuggling and cheery thoughts whenever needed.  

I would love to recreate this, however, my sewing skills are extremely limited. Instead, I'll start on an apron using the fabric I bought nearly 6 months ago. 

What bricks are you laying today?

Hobbies for Women

My sister and I recently had a sad epiphany: neither of us has a true hobby. Sure, we like to have fun with our family and friends, but nothing in particular inspires us to action when we are alone.

She googled "hobbies for women" on her smart phone.

We had a good laugh at some of the suggestions and found a few that sounded enjoyable.  Baking, sewing, crafts... you get the picture.  Then, the inevitable guilt set in.  These things cost money!  And what on earth will we do with the cupcakes, pillowcases and headbands we make?  What a waste!

So we shelved the idea and returned to our semi-depressed state on the couch.

Until we realized: our sweet husbands have plenty to do on a day off when no one else is around. Hers hunts, fishes and golfs; mine plays guitar, climbs, hikes and they both like to bike.  Heaven knows these things cost money - and yet we have happier homes as a result of their pursuits. Which brings us to my next goal for the new year.

Goal number 4: Explore interests and passions. Find new ones.

For now, I have baking on the brain.  And a pretty new pedestal to display my efforts, courtesy of Eric's sister.  It's a start!

What do you love to do?

The Hardest Button to Button

Last night I worked out for the first time in months.  This is sad, people.  I want to give you excuses about the holidays and our crazy, busy schedule but they all sound lame.  Which brings me to my next goal for 2011.

Goal number 3: Get in shape - have fun while working out.

This, my friends, is the hardest button to button.

I want to be healthy but I lack motivation.  Hence the "have fun" addendum of my goal.  I hope that by keeping a smile on my face I can convince myself that working out is an enjoyable hobby and something to look forward to.

While Eric and his friend Owen hit the weights, I went to a spin class and did, in fact, enjoy myself.  My bum is rather sore today from the seat and I feel a proud sliver of accomplishment each time it hurts.

My favorite way to have fun while working out is to hit the great outdoors.  And when spring finally arrives, I plan to do just that.

{Eric and I at Edward's Point in Chattanooga - a long time ago}

Why then, do I wince in sharing this with you?  

Do you have any goals you're afraid to share?  

Nine Lives

Our war on clutter concluded this weekend with the dreaded guest bedroom.  The (thankfully) enormous closet busted at the seams with outdoor gear, old books, unfinished projects, a desktop computer and much more.  We pulled out every box, emptied and refilled, made trash piles and new thrift store piles and purposefully organized the contents back into their (now spacious) home. 

During the process, I came across the Nikon camera I received for Christmas many years ago.  So long ago that 3.2 megapixels was nice.  I remembered that it does not turn on anymore and the SD card is stuck.  I tossed it into the "would anyone want this for parts?" pile and went about my work.

Eric got the SD card out and turned the camera on.  What?!

This camera has nine lives.

During a backpacking trip with our dear friends, Sam and Rebecca, I took one picture and then dropped it in the sand on the bank of the creek.  It was toast.  Eric's dad took it apart and it functioned perfectly.

Then, Eric borrowed it on a trip to North Carolina with his friend, Wes.  Ice tools in hand, they climbed a 250' frozen waterfall on Whiteside Mountain.  Once at the top, Wes dropped the camera.  In slow motion, it fell all the way down and lodged itself in a deep mound of snow.  Eric rescued it, set it in front of the car heater on the drive home and it thawed out nicely. (Below are a few amazing pictures from their trip, including the mountainside the camera was dropped from).

See?  Nine lives.  I'm so excited, though, because it made for such a nice segue into my next goal for 2011.

Goal Number 2: Take more pictures - bring a camera along!

We now have Eric's Canon, my Nikon and my new Polaroid Instant Camera.  No excuses.  This year, we are making memories and taking note of them. 

Please share - what are some of your goals for the new year?

Local Favorites: Restaurants

A couple of weeks ago, Eric and I started Eating for Life, a diet that considers portion size, eating six times per day and balancing the nutrients contained in each meal.  I am doing it for weight loss and Eric is doing it for different reasons: namely, it's what I am cooking.  He doesn't need to lose weight and I happen to like him as-is.  He is a supportive husband who fills up on the leftovers.

Things were going swimmingly until we arrived in Nashville Wednesday night. Our four-day food detour started with Thanksgiving and ended with Chuy's two days in a row.  I kid you not.  Saturday night in Nashville and last night in Birmingham.  The food is that good, people.

We first ate at Chuy's in it's hometown of Austin, TX while visiting my cousin and her husband.  We fell in love.  The chips and salsa alone did us in.  We are salsa snobs, remember? They have now moved to the southeast and I am deeming them local.

Eric (almost) always gets the Chuy-changa.  My favorites range from stuffed peppers to flautas to crunchy or soft tacos.  The tortillas are hand-made. The queso and 7 signature sauces are to die for.

Today I'll head to the grocery store to prepare for this week's meals.  All the while I'll be dreaming of Chuy's.

Have you done Eating for Life?   Any tips or favorite recipes?

Gift Guide for Living Simply

Next week I'll start a gift guide (a la A Cup of Jo) for the upcoming Christmas season .

In the meantime, check out this gifting motto from Remodeling This Life. When buying for friends, family or loved ones, consider items that fit the following:

Isn't that wonderful?

In a recent effort to live simply, I've put a great deal of thought into a recipients personality when giving birthday presents.  By focusing on finding something special, I often end up spending less!

Have a simple day!

Lasting Joy

Listen to a kid-friendly, yet challenging message. 

Read a book about growing up, maturing and maintaining joy.  

a2 in Review

Listen to an inspiring message and read a challenging verse.

Local Favorites: Used Bookstore

I will never own an electronic reader.  When engulfed in a story, I need to turn the page, hold the binding, fold down the corner. And I want the book to be all mine.  The freedom to take my time and read for understanding; or pull an all-nighter and pass the book along to a friend.