Life

Book Life, January

1 February, 2016

I’ve made an effort to read more after such an abysmal year of barely reading anything in 2015 (I didn’t exactly keep up with my goal of two books a month minimum). And by read I don’t mean revisiting shallow though entertaining young adult novels because I’m stressed or busy and “don’t want to think,” though there’s room for that too. I mean reading books I’ve never read before, more non-fiction and books on my faith, even classics I’ve never gotten around to.

This past month it was The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood and When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. The former was difficult to enjoy–the characters impossible to sympathize with and the plot perverse beyond necessity and plausibility. The selfishness and exploitation Atwood presented was unsettling, to say the least, but she still manages to write it all with the style and wit that makes her my favorite. The latter book I found beautiful and poetically written. There’s something very alluring about the memoir and the potential to understand another human being–their process of thought, what they believe, who they are–even in death. It’s a privilege. Like Kalanithi, I, too, am a lover of language and felt a familiarity not only with his words but also his desire, perhaps even need, to make sense of the human experience.

As someone who has spent a lot of time as a patient dependent on an authoritative medical expert to guide and protect me through the unknown, it was a relief to gain understanding of the mind of a doctor, to see how Kalanithi connected with and communicated with his patients, and to find that same doctor, when a patient himself, struggled with many of the same things I have.

The last pages I read in tears while my husband held my hand in comfort. A friend pointed out how rare it is to connect with an author in such a way, to have someone’s life and death move you. I’m grateful for that connection even in sorrow.

We own a store full of books but I sometimes think that makes figuring out what to read even harder. I’d love to hear any recommendations you have!

Life

Snow, Briefly

23 January, 2016

It’s funny how excited we get about a tiny bit of snow in this part of the South. I woke up to a light blanket of white and by the time I got home from the gym and took these photos it was mostly gone. It’s still a pleasure to see no matter how fleeting. I’m looking forward to an afternoon of hot tea and reading under the covers, and later a delicious spicy soup for dinner to warm us up. It’s a grey but beautiful Saturday.

Life

Right Now

20 December, 2015

It’s pouring rain outside and I’m soothing my worn out muscles* with a heat pad and drinking a latte before I get ready for lunch with a friend I’ve known since middle and high school but have started growing closer to in adulthood. It’s funny how relationships come back into your life in unexpected ways and end up being some of the most important. Though it’s only Tuesday, I feel particularly heavy-hearted this week and am really looking forward to a date.

We’ve been running around getting ready for Christmas, both at our store and personally. My side of the family and most of David’s will be in town for or after the holiday so it’s going to be a hectic time. But we’ll have Christmas day to ourselves and I hope the rain stays away long enough for us to take a walk after French toast and mimosas in the afternoon. We’ve had to forgo some of our traditions this year (like a tree and yearly ornaments, things I realized I’m very sentimental about and attached to), but I want to make sure we try to have a good day despite how not-in-the-spirit we feel. David is so sweet to point me toward Jesus when I’m feeling most down. I’ve needed the encouragement even during a holiday that is meant to celebrate his birth.

*I’ve been getting out of the house less and less, except in the case of my workouts. I finally got over the mental obstacle that prevented me from going to the gym more than once a week, and I’m very glad. Exercise and routine is good for me, and I forgot how much I love barre and spin. I’m training for my third half-marathon, too, so I’m a little achy and tired but in the best way.

Life

Cincinnati Revisited

12 November, 2015

Recently my sister flew back home for a visit and afterward she and I hopped on a bus to Cincinnati where I stayed with her and her husband for several days. I had such a nice time exploring, picking up some goods that have been on my wishlist, and eating far too much good food. I’ve visited twice (not counting her college graduation and wedding), skipping last year though, and I’m thinking it should be a yearly event.

It’s funny how you can travel to a different city and do the exact same things you do at home (go to the gym, take a walk around the neighborhood, go out to eat, shop, watch movies, even sit silently in the same room on the computer) yet it feels like a completely new and exciting experience. I was grateful to have company and to be happily exhausted, but it’s a relief to need alone/quiet time to recharge and know that it’s okay too. That balance, living out ordinary life with others, is so important to me.

I’m not sure how I managed to make it through the 10 hour bus ride to Atlanta with a carry on packed with ceramics and plants (typical me), but I did. They’re beautiful reminders of a very lovely trip.

Life

A Weekend of Celebration

13 October, 2015

We’re home from a weekend of travel and running around, this time in Birmingham, Alabama. Our dear friend (who I met through Livejournal 11 years ago!) got married to a wonderful woman and David stood at his side while it happened. I shouldn’t be surprised that it was the most cheerful, most beautiful and moving wedding I’ve ever been to. We are so happy for our friends.

Because David was in the wedding I ended up with a lot of free time alone and explored a bit on my own. This has been a more regular occurrence the past year in particular and I’m proud of myself. Fear has kept me from doing so much and I’ve felt guilty and burdensome at times for needing David to be my guide through untold scenarios. But I seem to be breaking free of that, and whether it’s a true desire for growth and change or simply that I feel there’s no other option anymore, I’m okay with it. In three weeks I’ll be heading to Cincinnati to visit my sister so I’ll get another chance to loosen my grip on my reliances. I’ve visited before, so the long drive alone doesn’t terrify me anymore, but it will be the first time I’ve taken a bus and navigated a bus station by myself. First time activities or new places, no matter how insignificant, are my nightmare. I’m glad to have a husband who encourages me to take these small steps toward self-sufficiency.

I was not my best self on this trip and gave in to the sin of irritation often. Social anxiety coupled with the sinus infection I developed made me a grumpy, complaining mess. Truthfully, though, I chose to respond negatively when I could have been gentle and kind. David loved me and showed me grace (but of course he wasn’t perfect either) and I’m thankful those moments of tension didn’t completely overshadow the joy of celebrating.

I liked Birmingham because it reminded so much of Augusta–a place that’s growing and finding itself. I wish we’d had more time to get to know the city but I know there will be more of that in the future. I didn’t take too many pictures and have doubted lately whether things are worth posting at all, but I enjoy doing it and will keep it up for that reason alone. Here are a mix of iPhone and SLR snaps.

Life

Wandering Around Columbia

29 September, 2015

I realize how spoiled we were by our recent vacation, but another part of me can’t stress enough how much we needed this day away. The coming weekend is our third in a row filled with non-stop stuff going on, so we relished in the idea of taking Monday off with no real plans, no obligations, and no work stresses or worries. Nothing but compelling conversation, exploring (there was a ton of great texture to see), and eating our fill of some majorly tasty food. Despite the rain and being too terrified of the 4 golden orb weavers we came across to spend more time along our beloved Saluda River, Columbia was good to us. I vote every week starts out like this.

Art + Design

Life on Weekends

21 September, 2015

It’s been a crazy and fun few days, and honestly a welcome break from some of the feelings I’ve been having. The third weekend in September is much loved because our downtown streets are home to the Arts in the Heart festival. It was extra lively and busy at the store, which we’re thankful for. ArtZilla set up on our front patio and artists painted on site the whole weekend, plus we ate our weight in delicious cuisine and browsed the seemingly endless booths of art. It was a solid good time. We bought a painting by Lorri Kelly and a small hanging pot, which, it goes without saying, I can’t wait to see in the new house.

The weekend ended with drinks and good conversation and finally crashing in bed with guilty pleasure television shows. My legs ache from walking more than usual on top of my regular runs and our temporary room is a neglected mess, but it’s worth it. This morning was quiet and calm, and now rain and thunder have brought a darkened beauty to the day. It’s oddly just what I need to get myself back into the swing of daily life.

Last night I was struck by how different our weekend was compared to the year before. I speak of it often, though only vaguely–one of those decidedly painful and difficult times that had us feeling a heavy burden and tension surrounding these few days in particular. It’s a strange memory to have–one that almost doesn’t seem real–and we’re relieved to be passed it but also glad for the humbling opportunities for relational growth that resulted. I feel a major freedom in that, and I’m grateful not to have felt anger, grief, and confusion this weekend but simply the honor and joy it was to witness a city come alive through art and fellowship.

Life

Virginia Vacation

31 August, 2015

David and I got back from our quick trip to Virginia on Friday. The family squeezed into a cabin in Gordonsville, plus we took a day trip to Charlottesville and stopped through Richmond on the way home. The consensus on Virginia is that we definitely want to go back soon. Family and friends live so close by which makes it the ideal getaway. The vacation wasn’t as restful as we imagined–that’s what we get for trying to cram in so many fun things–and pretty far from actual mountains, but we’re thankful nonetheless.

It’s been years since we were all under the same roof and it was so good to spend time together (though, I admit, stressful at times for an introvert like me)–talking and goofing off or just sitting together reading. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you miss people until they’re right in front of you, reminding you why you love them in the first place.

I spent Saturday back at home cuddling my dogs and cleaning up the mounds of dog hair that accumulated while we were away, and in the evening we jumped right back into things by going to see a friend in a play at the local university. I can’t believe August and summer are nearly over and we’re already approaching my favorite time of the year. There’s been a hint of crisp coolness in the air and it’s getting me excited about fall, festivals, and warm fires. I’m hoping fall brings with it a slower pace and more opportunities to do what I love simply because I love it–for myself.

Life

Morning Off No.1

13 August, 2015

10:40am// books and espresso goodness at Metro
11:39am// thrifted the perfect rocker and brought it home (to be moved again!)
1:11pm// scrolling through the tap selections at Hive for an afternoon beer
1:27pm// the perfect lunch: delicious grilled cheese sandwich and kale salad
not shown: King of Pops from Sweetsticks for dessert!

I thought this would be a fun series to start–a way to appreciate even more the small outings David and I are blessed to have with each other. I woke up feeling terrible: tired and groggy, a little down, and still in pain from my latest kidney episode. I threw on the same clothes I wore yesterday and made my way out the door reluctantly, but a cheerful husband and some time away from the house, doing all the things we normally do, brightened my spirit tremendously. The weekend is work, work, work as we finish up our move so I’m extra grateful for the laid back wandering we were able to do this morning.