Antidreariness

It is rainy, dreary, and dark outside... so I figured I would use this opportunity to boost my optimism and list some of the things that I love today. Today, I love: 1. Cute shoes. Come rain or shine, muddy or dry ground... tell me a cute pair of shoes don't make you smile? Take these lovelies for instance... thank you, best friend for the birthday present!

2. Medieval English. Thanks to the mutual whimsy of a friend, a very mundane conversation was able to include lots of thou's, -est's, etc. Believe me, it totally intellectualizes texting. 3. My gypsy earrings. A purchase from RenFair 2010, these babies are still making me smile! They are bright, mismatched, plus they make a great sound when you walk!

4. Jesus Culture. I feel like I have youtubed them a thousand times over the course of the day. Momentary favorites: My Soul Longs For You, Sing My Love, and Where You Go I Go. 5. Strangers' Love Stories. I love the unlikeliness of love. I love stories where God moves people who are meant for each other into the perfect places and phases in life in order to meet. I love the unlikeliness of love. I love how people can look back and see God's hands all over their relationships. It makes be hopeful and prayerful. 6. Skirts that twirl. No explanation required. Skirts that twirl...well, skirts that twirl well are necessary on days like today when both water and the humid air feels stagnate. 7. Ice. No, not the watery, wintry substance (although, as hot as it has been lately, I would LOVE that too!). This book by Sarah Beth Durst kind of reminds me of The Golden Compass without all the anti-Christianity undertones. The magic of the Arctic, a strong female lead, talking Polar Bears... it's all there! So many things to love, so little time!!

To My Mother...

Words cannot describe my mother. Funny. Lovely. Witty. Intelligent. Strong. Comforting. Loving. Honest. Protective. Fierce. All of these words accurately describe her, but, in truth, none of them do her justice. No words can capture her spirit, her heart, or the imprint she has made on mine. No words can accurately describe her checking on me in the dead of night when I got sick as a little girl. Her hand on my forehead, and her voice near me did more than any amount of medicine ever could. No words can capture moments of making homemade pizzas when I had overnight company or bunny cakes near my birthday. No words can measure the amount of support she gave to me in middle school, when she guarded me against the cruelties of others by constantly telling me that I was someone to be proud of. No words can retell phone conversations in college where she told me that she believed in me and helped me to believe in myself. There are no words to describe my mother. She is God's gift to me, a force of good given to help guide me through this life. She is is the lie-detector that keeps me honest and the laughter that keeps me smiling. She is the warrior that keeps me strong and the reality check that keeps me sane. We may disagree sometimes, but I know where she stands all the time: behind me in support or beside me in love. So, mommy, I want you to know today and everyday that I am blessed to be your daughter, and I hope that I become more like the woman you are: a woman of strength and fearlessness and laughter and love. I love you.