your face has faded but lingers on.

"I read once that the ancient Egyptians have fifty words for sand and the Eskimos had a hundred words for snow. I wish I had a thousand words for love, but all that comes to mind is the way you move against me while you sleep and there are no words for that."

how does it feel to be you this time? will they wear you down?

This song reminds me of an afternoon forever ago. A glowing memory in my mind.



"I may get lost in your eyes forever... and I wouldn't care."

I remember you sweet-talking to me beneath the strung up lights.

This mutt has been jumping the fence. The six-foot fence. She learned how over the summer at doggie camp. It is a good story I should share but the highlight is her hopping the fence and stopping to pick up her bag of food before heading down the road towards home. {I just see her as the kid with a bag on a stick running away} Now she just does it for sport or to show us she can. Thankfully all she does is run around to the front to sit on the porch. Love this dog.

I have super slacked on learning how to use Photoshop.  Now I have no excuses after my Barnes & Noble day.  I should be dedicating Christmas break to reading through these during the day.  I can't be legit until I really know how to use Photoshop.

And, I also got this journal to start keeping photography ideas in.  It has tab dividers and pockets throughout to keep me better organized.

last one...


what I love today:

• the snow on Christmas day
• my hair is now chocolate brown/red
• acoustic guitars
• Christmas break

"I didn't say my girl, I said my woman."

is that Christmas morning creaks?

~just a small preview~

 What I love today:

• the bell ringers in front of all the stores
• Christmas lights
• bundling up for a cold run

"I think my heart may have suffered actual physical damage.  It doesn't beat the same anymore."

well versed in tears {and laughter}.

For the last couple of years I have had a non-traditional Christmas dinner.  This year will be no different.  We just had a big Thanksgiving dinner so why do it all over again only a month later?  But, instead of burritos, I am making Roast Chili for Christmas.  It might not look like much but it is pure deliciousness.  Thank you, Konga.  Plain, on shredded lettuce or dressed up in a tortilla.

I will also be making all the favorite Christmas treats.  Requests are already in for Chex Mix, Magic Bars, Fat Man's Folly, Gooey Butter Cake, Pumpkin Bread, No Bake Cookies and Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins.  Maybe some peppermint bark too.  I love baking during the holidays for everyone.

What I love today:
*the way the old hardwood feels on my bare feet
*my new, almost black hair
*Christmas shopping at Bass Pro
*the smell of evergreen in the house

"I have known you long.  Do you know me?"

{another.}

"I'll never know the man who loved me."

let's dialog.

Yesterday I spent half the day at Barnes and Noble. I had my annual Starbucks hot chocolate {thanks Michael} and looked at books for hours and hours. I can't imagine a world without books, especially hardbacks.

The line for Nooks was insane. I am not a fan. I put a couple of books on my iPad and didn't see the appeal except maybe it would be good for trips.  I can't see replacing actual books with online copies. I would miss the feel, weight and smell of the real thing.

Books + Christmas Music + Books + Hot Chocolate + Books = Utopia

So, the other day I shared my favorite classic Christmas song. Well, this is my favorite non-traditional Christmas song. This song drips magic to me.



"How was I so lucky to have found you?"

can you say what you want, can you say what you want...

The other day I posted this quote:  "When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things, not the great occasions, that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness."

I believe it to be very true and love it.  Some on my favorite memories, the ones that really stick out, are ones that maybe no one else on this earth remembers.  Little things like a late night drive, holding hands for the first time, shared moments of comfortable silence...

I overheard this today regarding a broken heart -
"It never completely heals but the cracks left behind allow that much more love in with the next."  
I liked it.

birds pass by to tell me I'm not alone.

Tonight the house is filled with Christmas music, hot chocolate, candle light, and warmth. If shopping bags and freshly baked cookies were involved then I would feel like part of a Macy's commercial. If only it would snow.

As twenty-ten is coming to an end I have been reflecting on the year and deciding what is important for twenty-eleven. Tonight I am trying to decide what mission work I would like to be a part of this coming year. Ministry, medical, construction, education? Africa, Mexico, Romania, Haiti? I am sure which ever I choose will be a wonderful and fulfilling experience.

This is my absolute favorite Christmas song. It never fails to bring tears to my eyes the first time I hear it every season. Enjoy!


"I am not sure how or if I can fully recover from this but I know the genuine smile he has brought to my face is the first step."

in a better time you could be my friend.

This is my new favorite post-run snack.  I don't know where fresh pears have been all my life.  Tasty! 

"When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things not the great occasions that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness."

and there's reason to believe maybe this year will be better than the last...

"I don't like old tomatoes."