in which I go on an adventure. . .

After cleaning yesterday, I felt as if I had earned some time outside in the fresh air and sunshine.  So I borrowed a friend’s pink townie bike and was ready for an adventure.  As soon as I was riding, I knew where I wanted to explore.  Just a minute or so from campus, there has been this tree-covered gravel alleyway that has always enticed me.  I’ve walked by it a number of times and figured that it was a picturesque little alleyway connecting to another section of the subdivision. 

Enjoying the freedom and breeze, I turned down the pathway.  And as soon as my eyes adapted to the dappled sunlight which filtered through the trees I saw the house.

Have you ever happened upon a house, and instantly you know that regardless of who is occupying it, that house is yours?  It has happened to me once off in Scotland, and once again yesterday.  Tucked away, surrounded by trees, complete with gables and the type of house that simply full of character and personality.  I had no clue that this house even exsisted and I was captivated.

All of the sudden, something else registered in my mind.  Off to the side of the house was a man on a lawnmower, furious pointing behind me.   Within a second, I realized that this was not an alleyway, this was a driveway.  And the owner did not look too happy.  He turned off the lawnmower and hopped off.  I was already turning around the bike when he asked if I needed something.

 “Oh, I am so sorry, I didn’t realize this was a driveway.” 

“Didn’t you see the no trespassing sign on the fence?” he asks

Remember that scene in Anne of Green Gables when she is caught climbing over the fence?  Well, I wasn’t grabbed by the scruff of my neck, but I was completely expecting to be walked back to campus and set before the principle.  After a couple more questions (to which my only response was “I’m sorry”) I finally managed to escape.

I stopped at the road and looked at the cute white picket fence that I had always admired (and thought belonged to the other house) and sure enough, there was the sign. 

Who even looks for no-tresspassing signs on white picket fences?

I ask you. 

(what with this story and that one. . .I'm hoping that the trend of slightly embarrassing stories ends soon.  I'm glad that I learned to laugh at myself when I was sixteen or so!)

one girl - seven days - 300 words

Ever since I graduated from high school, it seems like I have always had a list (ok, I always have a lot of lists) of things that I’ve wanted to learn or study.  My younger brothers look at me funny when I happen to mention something that I want to learn or a course I want to take (and I’m not sure whether or not Robert ever got over that Latin course I convinced him to take with me)   

And as I just graduated from the one-year program here, it seems as if the list and learning urge is back again in full force.  You all know about the car maintenance skills I wanted to pick up, while other things on the list include learning Greek, working through this study and to learn how to cut hair.

I’ve always heard that to improve your writing you must. . .write.  Before coming down here, I taught piano and I know how that principle works.  In order to play the piano, you must actually touch it and practice it during the week (not just at the lesson with the teacher).  And I’ve always heard that it is a good discipline to sit down and write something every day. 

So you, my dear blog readers, shall be my accountability.  Every day, for the next seven days, I’m going to sit down and intentionally write 300 words. 

The timing is a little interesting, for this next week promises to be extremely full and busy here on campus.  We are preparing for the upcoming semester, I am adjusting to my new roles/responsibilities, and I shall be moving to a new dorm room. 

There may be a lot of talk about cleaning. 

Fair warning.

Should be exciting – I am looking forward to the next seven days! 

and sometimes she acts blonde

Yesterday one of the guys on campus offered to teach how to change the oil in a car.  It was on my 'list of things to learn' so I was excited about the opportunity. 

We gathered around eagerly, soaking in the mysterious world under the hood of a car.  Just a side note, I have a feeling that the only thing that is made for a woman to do (without a training course!) is to add windshield wiper fluid.  Everything is grey and confusing and the same looking. . .except for the blue cap with the picture of a windshield - Hey - I can do that one!

Towards the end of the lesson, a couple of the other guys came by and were asking our teacher questions to be sure that we had all the essentials covered. 

"What about the blinker fluid?  Did you tell them about that?"

"Oh, that is right. . .when your turn signals stop working and the lights go out, you'll need to refill the blinker fluid."

And then - without thinking - I blurted out  "Really?  When our lights would burn out, my Dad would just changed them."

Yes.  I really said that.*

I could try something in my defense.  I could say that my mind was so full of the new world of dipsticks, filters, donut tires, and the differences between synthetic and conventional oil that I simply wasn't. . .

No, I don't even think I'll try to redeem myself.

If there was any pride in my heart after learning how to change the oil in a car, the Lord definitely dealt with effectively! 

*a note to anyone uninitiated. . .there is no such thing as 'blinker fluid'.  If your lights happen to go out, do what my Dad does and change them :) 

new beginnings

graduation picture. . .thanks Kristi! 

to everything there is a season

and a time to every purpose under the heaven. 

What a beautiful promise.  I have been thinking a lot of seasons lately - maybe because summer is fading into fall outside my window (it is a novel thing for me to experience the seasons fading).  And maybe because it is coming up to a year that I've been here, and that our class recently graduated from the year long program.  Saying goodbye to dear friends was harder than I thought.  It's been quite the year - truly the most intense, joyful, stretching and beautiful year or my life.  And the friendships that God has given me have truly been such gifts. 

Yet, even while I'm adjusting to the changes, there is an expectant excitement that is filling my soul.  Excitement to hear how the Lord works and moves in each life as they step forward in obedience.  And such joy, knowing that as we walk with the Lord, things only get richer, deeper and better.  We can step into a new season, a new beginning, with humble confidence knowing that each day is simply an opportunity to know and love Christ better.  May He be glorified! 

contentment

rainy, overcast skies.

cups of tea, blankets and good books.

wonderful friends.

leaves beginning to fall.

and my brother is here.

contentment.



in which {for the fourth time in seven days}

I prepare to travel again.

Living so far from home, I am extremely grateful for modern travel.

Yet sometimes it seems rather odd.

How in one week you can sleep in three different places that are approximately 1,000 km apart.

How you can wake up one morning in Canada and be eating lunch in the United States.
 . . . . .
It is such a gift to be home.  To hear the familiar voices of my brothers and parents.  To sit around the supper table together and just enjoy looking around at everyone.  To go through my bookcases and agonize over the decision of which ones will be coming with me this time.   To hear the city sounds; traffic over the highway, neighbours talking outside, sirens going in the background. 

I'm off to savour the last few hours of family time. . .