Welcome to the online picnic-spot for my sporadic writings and endless tea drinking.
In lieu of trying to belong to any number of societies: Chesterton, Sherlock Holmes, the Inklings, and so on: I propose and establish one of my own. Don your intelligence cap at the door; dust off your logic and imagination; did you bring your inspiration and encouragement? We are shapers, my friends; lit lamps; light-bringers. Bring quotes; poetry should be uplifting and thoughtful, or witty and clever, (or both). Humor is encouraged; laughter is invited back. Pull up a chair. Anyone for tea?
“There are moments, Jeeves, when one asks oneself, 'Do trousers matter?'" "The mood will pass, sir.” ― P.G. Wodehouse, The Code of the Woosters “What ho!" I said. "What ho!" said Motty. "What ho! What ho!" "What ho! What ho! What ho!" After that it seemed rather difficult to go on with the conversation.” ― P.G. Wodehouse, My Man Jeeves “Mike nodded. A sombre nod. The nod Napoleon might have given if somebody had met him in 1812 and said, "So, you're back from Moscow, eh?” ― P.G. Wodehouse, Mike and Psmith “In a series of events, all of which had been a bit thick, this, in his opinion, achieved the maximum of thickness.” ― P.G. Wodehouse
Some days you feel like you could fly, like you could walk a tightrope, or accomplish all your dreams. And some days you realize you still have no idea what life's supposed to look like. And what do I even want to do with my life?
And that's just the way it goes sometimes.
Here are some fun pins I found on pinterest that I find encouraging when I feel this way. It also helps to listen to happy music, and decide on something to make--art or food, or anything. As well as something you'd like to be.
Pick a thing.
Do you want to be the person that always smells good?
That's definitely attainable.
Do you want to be 'the most encouraging person'?
Start encouraging everyone you see.
And sometimes you don't want to think about those things. And it's just a day for talking with friends, and writing letters, and turning your face to the sun, and smiling in spite of whatever.
I come alive in the bustle of people and traffic. I move with the rhythm and step to the heartbeat of the city. Startles or nods or a familiar thrumming of sound, these are all the steady breathing moments of this place.
Quiet smiles or quick laughter greet the early morning coffee crowd. Deliberate steps, somber stroll, or gladly skipping, sauntering footfalls, are all the white noise of the streets.
Lit windows and dim alleys... I come eye to eye with a stranger and for a moment there is a human thread that connects us - purpose, dreams, a longing - of our different lives... we break away to move on, but we have been touched; warmed by the lives around us and the world: breathing, stepping, seeking, just as we are.
This afternoon I headed to the Cuppa Java near my house for wifi and company. This is the first time I've been here, so I wanted to check out the atmosphere and see if it was the kind of place I'd want to frequent... that kind of thing. Vibes, is the term. Good coffee? Good vibes? The important checklists of visiting a new establishment. And of course wifi, although most places have decent wifi these days.
The verdict? Great vibes.
It may have something to do with my frame of mind on this cosy day, but I love it here.
They're playing pop music, but not too loud. I was able to put in earbuds and listen to my Autumn playlist (sshh) and revel in the dreamy jazz in my own little world. It sits on a corner, nestled in a neighborhood, giving it a small town feel without the isolation. The downtown skyline is just behind those trees. The people are friendly, there's coffee and chatter. And after the rain this morning, it's a perfect place to be this afternoon.
It's cheerful and busy, and full of conversation. Not a place to go for quiet necessarily, but a great place to go for life, a gentle bustle of activity; company. It has a feeling more like a cheerful restaurant than some of the quieter coffeeshops. But it's still a good place to write and think.
There's hgtv on in case you're bored, you can order a glass of wine or some food. But some of us are just reading: books, maps, or laptops, sipping coffee. Quite a few people come in with little children; it's a great place to people-watch... all kinds of people; old and young; some in well-put-together outfits, and others more casual, like me.
Today I wore camo pants and flannel shirt, no makeup; it's a chilly Saturday, absolutely delightful pre-autumn raininess and clouds. The sky is grey and small groups of birds swoop between buildings. In the distance I'm beginning to hear geese calling.
Haven't seen this movie, but the song is sure beautiful. Thanks to my cousin for sharing it,
***
Today is a lovely day.
It took a little extra to wake up this morning, but I had oatmeal with raisins and got myself ready for the day. In the dark 5:30am I realize my car is trapped between other cars and I have to wake up one of my roommates. 😳 But I did and I got out and everyone was awesome about it. And hopefully got back to sleep. Didn't use any gps to get to work either, even in the dark. Yay! Got right into the work swing, it was a cheerful morning with coworkers and customers friendly and engaging. I am told I froth milk well (yes!). And it was payday, which is always exciting; but even more when it's the first one.
After work I stopped at a few stores and a random cashier liked my outfit.
Pulling in at home I realized we have a small lamppost in our yard and I instantly thought of it covered in snow, marking Spare Oom and War Drobe.
And this evening Ben comes to visit!
Thank you Jesus for sending days that feel like a big hug.
I woke up this morning after thoroughly 'sleeping in' with the covers over my head. And it wasn't even 7:30 yet! Thank you east window, sunshine, and the feeling of a new day beginning. I started out without plans, except to do stuff around the house: nothing to do but soar.
Well, how about pour instead?
Someone called in sick at work and I got the text while I was snap-chatting with the bro. Sure, why not? I can be in in forty minutes. It took closer to 50 since I had to hop in the shower, grab a bite, and drive not long after rush hour, but it wasn't long before I got there and was ready to go.
Everything's starting to fall into place at work, and I'm getting more comfortable with everything. People were cooperative too, and ordered plenty of normal drinks that I could relax and make by myself. It was a good feeling, and a short shift. A great start to the day, and an excuse for coffee and wifi. I even managed to grab the scones I'd whipped up yesterday afternoon after going out, and of course my laptop.
A little soundtrack--the kind I imagine for my day:
***
Yesterday evening, after arranging in my room for a bit, I was feeling... down. Not for any especially good reason, but the kind that comes, and you say: no more room cleaning. I went downstairs and made myself an omelette, and then Amy joined me and we went out on the stoop with our drinks. Ashley joined us, and we eventually moved to the kitchen floor--which is of course, the ultimate place for sprawling and great conversation. And gelato.
Because I live with the greatest bunch of girls, and I'm so excited to see what this year holds for us! Looking forward to when all five of us are together!
***
Unfortunately I didn't get a picture of my Nigella-worthy culinary evening last night. I made myself an omelette--garden semi-hot peppers, garlic, sriracha--in a cassava tortilla for supper, and filled another couple of tortillas for my pack lunch today: avocado, pepper, tomato, cucumber. I wrapped them up nicely for the fridge, straightening up behind me. And I got to top off my delectable supper with a peach from the fruit basket someone brought. It was the sweetest, loveliest peach I've had in a long time.
I got to put on my fresh new sheets, and cover my bed in lovely blueness, and I went to bed early, because today was early at work. It was a misty morning, listened to jazz the last couple minutes of the drive. Learned and practiced at work, and now using the wifi for a bit of blogging, pinterest, and listening to spotify.
Not sure what the afternoon will contain, but I would guess some work on making the house a home.
Till next time then!
***
Dear you, yeah you, the person listening
Is God using me trying to get your attention, yeah
See he remembers the first day that he made you
Molding your lungs full of breath that he gave you
Not to mention the day he saved you
Or when he opened your eyes by the Spirit Christ was raised through
Did I mention that he forgave you
And had his flesh ripped off for the sin you was enslaved to
Now it seems you too far gone
You want to turn back but you ain't sure if you'll be welcome home
So you figure you just leave it alone
But you're addicted to yourself
We both know you can't see it alone
This is an intervention, Jesus intervened
He intercedes on behalf of a sinner's deeds
This is an intervention because the Lord hurts
Before it gets worse stomach another verse
Most times I pay no attention lose my direction all I chase is vanity
I forget I've been forgiven your love I've been given your grace shown me lavishly
You were born on earth on the cross you died for me forgive my depravity
Lord you are my reality
Well cold water we drink, hot water we cook
But lukewarm does nothing it just sits and it looks
And that's you imagine these as the words of Christ
I remember you love me, I remember your light
You used to shine bright but now it's so dim
It used to be about us but now it's about them
You can't win playing hard games
But I love you even when your lights off in your dark shame
When you lay down and profane me
Or when your bloodstream contains the things that would defame me
When nobody knows that you claim me
Or when you mess your life up, get mad, and want to blame me
I still want you back, I won't punish you
I took that on the cross because I wanted you
I might discipline and chastise
But if you got what you deserved you'd be in hell with other bad guys
You made it this far, and that's a big move
But your addiction is hurting your other friends too
Some of them miss you, some of them dissed you
But they was hurting, strugglin to forgive you
And they hated how addiction got the best of you
Chose a lie when God promised the best for you
If you realize you living in sin
Just confess and realize you're forgiven of sin
A man came into the drugstore today and said, 'I love this place! I used to go to one of these. They sold everything! But it got bought out. Hold on to it hard!'
I didn't tell him I was leaving, that this was my last day. I just agreed with him. It is a dying breed and I hope this one continues to go strong, against the current.
'They take care of you in a place like this.' he said, and proceeded to call me 'Hun', and bought himself a fedora.
Everyone is wishing me luck, and asking if I'm excited. I am.
So many well wishes. So many 'be safe's. A gift and note from my coworkers.
It was a great last day.
Oh how I love cheese
I devour it with ease
My favorite is mozzarella
In sun or under umbrella
There. Less silent.
I've just read an article on friendship that I want to share. From the clever and informative Brain Pickings, from which I selectively enjoy various intelligent studies and muses.
I'm diggin my 3-year-old-niece's modern art
Spent most of the afternoon getting treats ready to take to work tomorrow. Last day in small-town drugstore sales.
My sister just let me know about this happy thing. Lecrae and Lindsey Stirling together? Yes!
“The cup of tea on arrival at a country house is a thing which, as a rule, I particularly enjoy. I like the crackling logs, the shaded lights, the scent of buttered toast, the general atmosphere of leisured cosiness.” --Code of the Woosters, P.G. Wodehouse
It's was a lovely rainy morning, quite chilly, with breakfast and conversation and lots of hot tea. It's such a good day for it, that I decided to make a little post with different pictures of tea that I've taken in the past, and some long-loved quotes.
"There is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea," --Emerson
"Tea, tea, tea. What? What?" --Wodehouse
"Never turn down tea if it's offered. It's impolite, and that's how wars start." --the Fifth Doctor
(You know you've seen too much Doctor Who when you see this photo and go 'oh look, it's Matt Smith's hand'. At the time I hadn't seen the full picture, but I recognized him... by his hand.)
"Well, it's not the fastest-moving day in all of history." I said to one of my coworkers. Laughing, she agreed. A long day at work. And the light has been twilightish all day, which adds to the affect.
Last night, I went to bed at seven o'clock! I couldn't even start my new book. But I woke at a reasonable hour, made breakfast, and scones for this evening at my sister's. I've been looking forward to a little piece of weekend with her.
My lunch hour was busy and delicious, got to see and chat with the fam, dig up a few things from the attic, make chicken salad for Ben.
Brainstormed during the slow work day about how to bring more blue into my new room. It definitely needs more blue. I have to live in a cocoon of blue, thank you. It brings me joy. I also came up with a couple of new imaginary characters to join the ranks in the city of my mind.
Just had the most delicious supper, and happy play with the kiddos.
Now for a cozy time with Katie!
I don't have many words tonight. I am absolutely dead tired, not sure why. Driving makes me tired, and the allergies are bad but it's more than that. Of course I'm doing a bunch of new stuff these days, and trekking back and forth between my new house, and my parent's house is beginning to wear. About one more week, a couple of back-and-forths, and I will be officially moved in! I can't wait for that settled feeling.
Today, on my drive back to the Parental's, I stopped to change the address on my license, and forward my mail. It's really happening, people!
I've also been to a garage sale, loaded and unloaded cars, finished my Ellis Peters book, and fallen asleep on the couch. And eaten some yummy food. Looking forward to more yummy food, and more sleep.
The world has been washed. Partway through the afternoon yesterday, the skies darkened and rain fell steadily for a few hours. There were brief moments of hail and thunder, a few moments of deluge. I was inside, learning all manner of things at my new job. One of the biggest things is just getting used to the noise--the different sounds all around, and the talking in and out of my headset. But it's great, and I'm starting to feel more comfortable with the most common items and aspects of my job. By the time I left for home in the evening the rain was letting up, so it was just all wet pavement, glowing headlights, and the sun peeking out before time to set. Above is the city, glistening wet, and glowing with the colors of the sunset. I stopped off at Aldi for a first grocery shopping in my new place. I've been going back and forth so much that I've mostly brought food along with me, but I needed some basics to stick around. Some of my purchases pictured below, along with my supper of masa tortillas and mozzarella.
breakfast to eat and lunch to go (at a quarter to 5 this morning)
pack-lunch
And here is some more delightful music from Glenn Miller that I've been listening to as I write. I decided to take an adventure and check out the public library, since I was looking for wifi. Enjoying it very much and plan to be back often. Next time perhaps a library card!
