H is for...

  
   is for hope.



It's hard to believe that Christmas is over and both December and 2011 are nearing an end.  I'm in the middle of Christmas break right now and I have to admit that I am enjoying every second of it.  I'm sleeping in and snuggling back into my warm blankets instead of getting up to my alarm.  I'm sitting on the couch for hours enjoying the friendship of characters who greet me in the books that beckon to me.  I've been losing myself in lesson planning and getting excited about returning to the classroom next week.  I'm savoring the deliciousness of meals with dear friends and the even more sweet conversation that we have time to share.  Christmas break and December most certainly rank as one of the best times of my year.

December is a month of hope.  It's greatest sense of hope comes in remembering the arrival of our Messiah that very first Christmas.  I can only imagine the great expectation that Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, and the wise men felt as they gazed lovingly at the Christ child.  Jesus chose to step down from His throne in heaven to come live amongst us: the broken, the sinners, the needy, the weak.  Immanuel, God with us.  Such hope he brought to humanity with his birth.

December is also a month of hope for so many who begin planning changes in a new year.  2011 was a year filled with both happiness and sadness, hard work and play, and new beginnings and endings.  I am ready for the fresh start that 2012 will usher into my life.  I'm not too keen on making specific New Year's resolutions anymore.  Instead I'm setting some flexible guidelines for myself and a philosophy to live by these next twelve months.  I'm going to push myself to explore, to grow, to succeed, to fail, to love, to live with fullness, and most importantly to rely on God.

(www.pinterest.com - source unknown)

2011, thank you.  2012, I'm ready.
 

G is for...

is for growth.


God has been stretching me in a lot of different ways lately.  To be quite honest, it's rather uncomfortable and I'm not sure how much I like it.  I'm also quite aware that I don't have to like it, but it still is. 

I believe that God has a really big plan for each of us, and that sometimes He lets us hurt, be confused, and even ache because of that beautiful something that is around the corner that we simply cannot yet see.  I have absolutely no doubt that God loves me as His precious child.  I hold firmly in my heart the promise that He has "plans to prosper [me] and not to harm [me]" (Jeremiah 29:11).  Like a gardener who lovingly cares for each plant, I imagine my Father tenderly reaching down and pruning me so that I might grow as His child.  I'm really not sure what I'm supposed to look like when it's all finished.  A brilliant sunflower?  A mild daisy?  A fragrant rose?  I pray that He might make me a Proverbs 31 woman with such beauty as these reflecting from within her.     

I'm having some growing pains these days, and it's not because I'm getting any taller.  (Unfortunate, I know...)  I'll admit I'm highly curious as to what the Master Artist has in mind, but He isn't giving me a peek at the canvas just yet.  So I'm going to try to stop fighting it.  I will set my roots firmly in the fertile soil and foundation of His strength and the supporting individuals He surrounds me with.  I'm going to stop analyzing life so much and spend more time on my knees praying about it.  I desire that He stretches me, that He lets me grow to the potential that only He can see He has placed within my being.  One of these days I know I'll look back on this season of growth and be thankful to what brings me to that place.

F is for...

is for friendship.



The past few months, I have been relishing the beauty of meaningful friendships.  God has given us so many blessings in life, and I think that friends are truly one of them.  I'm continually grateful for my friends who have known me long enough to understand my greatest strengths and weaknesses and accept my totality with open arms.  They span the country from Virginia to Colorado, but they are always at most simply a phone call away.  They are teachers, students, stay at home moms, financial advisers, clerks, and nannies.  They are brilliant women who inspire me, support me, talk with me, and bring me many smiles and laughter.  They teach me that life, success, and adventure can take on endless forms.  We work hard, we play hard, and we know that no matter how divergent our paths might seem on a daily basis, I can be confident that they too will walk with me in both my celebrations and struggles.

On the other hand, I never cease to be pleasantly surprised by the joys that unexpected and unplanned friendships can bring.  I appreciate those individuals who have walked into my life and found a place in my heart.  It is such a beautiful gift to watch a new friendship grow before your eyes.  Perhaps we find that we are very much alike or that we are polar opposites.  I really think that God connects us to many types of people to help us learn to love one another in our many unique, wonderful versions.  To my incredible friends both old and new, thank you for the happiness you bring to my life!

E is for...

  is for energize!


This fall semester, three of my fellow teachers and I brought a fantastic, energetic program to over thirty third-fifth graders at our elementary school.  The non-profit organization and program, Girls on the Run, was developed to help girls develop self-esteem, good values, and healthy habits all while training to participate in a 5k race.  After weeks of activities and practice, our race day finally arrived.  We participated in the St. Nik Lauf 5k downtown yesterday morning.  It was a brisk, clear race day.  I am happy to say that 26 of our girls participated and all crossed finish line.  What an accomplishment!  I am so proud of their hard work, efforts, and overall dedication throughout the programs.  They were little shining stars yesterday!

Lined up to begin the race

Off we go!

Crossing the finish line with my two little buddies!

(Photos courtesy of www.racemyplanet.com)

D is for...

  is for my dad.


I have to tell you how incredibly special my dad is.  Sometimes we wait until Father's Day to appreciate them, but I think today is just as good as any other day to recognize how much my dad means in my life.  To name only a handful, my dad has taught me during the years to have a strong work ethic, to give generously to others, and to save and spend wisely.  He's there for me when I call to say hello by phone, to help fix my car when it isn't working the way it should, and to listen to me when I need to cry.  I can only hope that I will someday find a man that will be such an incredible father to my children as my dad has been to me and my brother.  Thanks Dad for being you.  I love you!

C is for...

 is for the upcoming Christmas season.



I usually have a very strict "no Christmas music before Thanksgiving" rule that I subject myself to.  Not so this year my friends!  The holidays have arrived in this girl's life in mid-November.  I've been listening to Christmas music on Pandora for days now.  My little miniature Christmas tree is out on my bookshelf, and my very favorite decoration, my Willow Tree nativity set, is surrounded by lights.  It looks beautiful.  I personally love nativity sets because it focuses my attention back on the reason for the season, celebrating Christ's arrival into the world!  We might become somewhat callous to the story after having heard it since we were tiny.  Nonetheless, I just want to take a second to truly absorb the meaning of this.  God chose to step down from heaven and come live among us:  Emanuel, God with us.  That's big, huge......earth changing.

B is for...

 is for bliss.



I wonder if everyone's brain works like mine does.  What I mean by this is that I think a lot; not necessarily about something genius or terribly important, but I feel like my mind is in overdrive at times.  Have you ever been driving down the road thinking of responsibilities at work, the chores that need done at home, your social engagements coming up, and all of a sudden you realize that you don't remember most of your drive home?  Scary.  I know, right?  Yesterday I made the goofy mistake of thinking about the conference I was going to today at IUPUI and turned right toward downtown instead of left out of our subdivision.  Long story short, I had to go a longer route to get back on track and fight some traffic madness.  Pay attention already!

Sometimes in the craziness that comprises my thoughts, I realize how happy certain things make me.  It could be doing something simple like filling out and addressing Christmas cards, finishing up a hard day's work then locking up my classroom, or purchasing another Christmas gift that is just right.  It's in those moments of fulfillment that I truly appreciate the pure bliss that simpleness brings to our lives.  I like flashy, glitter, and busy...........but I think 99% of the time the little things are what bring us the greatest joy in life.  The holidays are upon us so I pose this question to you.  Are you going to let this Thanksgiving and Christmas season become overbearing and stressful?  Not this girl!  I want those quiet moments, those normal occurrences when my brain slows down and thinks just how happy life can be in those everyday moments and simple beauties.  Bring on the quietly falling snowflakes, some tiny twinkling Christmas lights, and a cup of hot chocolate.  I'm so ready for some Christmas bliss.

Alphabet Soup

One of the most interesting non-fiction writer's work I've had the pleasure of reading is Shauna Niequist.  Her books Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet connected with me on a really deep level as a female, a Christian, and just a normal everyday person in general.  You should certainly check them out!  I recently visited her blog which sparked an idea for my own writing.  She's currently featuring a giveaway of artwork from one of her good friends.  On the piece, the word "bloom" is represented both in letters and graphically.  As part of the competition, she asked her readers to respond with a word that they really love......and thus bloomed my own idea for posting on here.

For the next few weeks, I am going to go through the alphabet and choose a word of the week.  I'm a little bit of a word nerd (no rhyme intended, but I like it), so I'm pretty excited about it.  It might be one that really resounds with me, it might be an everyday word, or it may just be one which I think is really beautiful to say or think about.  Keeping in theme with her post, I'd like to invite you to comment on these with words that begin with that letter that are meaningful to you and why.  Let the words begin... 




 is for abundance.


With Thanksgiving floating right around the corner, I couldn't help but focus on the abundance of blessings in my life.  I love the image of an overflowing cornucopia that often accompanies one's thoughts of Thanksgiving and plenty.  I am thankful for an abundance of love from family and friends near and far.  I am grateful for good health, shelter, my daily bread, and warmth as the weather turns cool.  I appreciate the abundance of energy and spirit that my wonderful students bring into our classroom daily.  When it is all too easy to want something I do not have, I wish to instead shift my vision to the great harvest of blessings that God has laid in my life.  

Control Freak

Well, it's officially been, oh......about forever since I've written on here.  Life has a way filling up with busyness, activities, and responsibilities that take away from creativity.  So here I am again trying to figure out what to say that might be worth reading.  I feel a responsibility to really put something important on my blog if people are going to take the time to click on it and think about what I've written.  I guess I haven't had anything that earth-shattering to talk about in a while, but then again, you just never know what someone needs to read or hear in their day.  So here I am, back and blogging.

- - - - - - - - - - - - 

Do you ever have those moments like I do when you think no one could know the real you better than yourself?  Well, at least until God steps in and reminds you that He does?  Being a teacher and type A personality, I am big on planning ahead, preparedness, and routine.  This is all grand and good; I think it makes me really enjoy and excel as an educator and grad student.  I spoke to the adviser for my master's program on the phone about a week ago and thoroughly appreciated her willingness to plan out when and how I should take each class over the next year and a half.  I like to have my goal in sight and slowly check off my progress in getting there.  I'm a mental and actual list maker.  I owe much appreciation to the inventor of Post-it notes.  (The really big ones with the lines on them are my favorite!)  I know that God created me to be this way to fill certain roles and purposes which is pretty awesome.

Being Miss Prepared and goal oriented, very in tune with who I am in the full array of my strengths and weaknesses, God most certainly has a way of reaching in the midst of it and reminding me that it is HE who holds the world and my very being in His hands.  I love the beautiful words of Psalm 139: "O Lord, you have searched me and know me......you are familiar with all my ways (parts of vs.1-2).  Is it just me, or is it both extremely humbling and also incredibly amazing that the Creator of our entire universe knows us each better than we know ourselves.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.  I know that He is completely aware of the discomfort that a lack of control in my life brings to me, but I know that good comes from the trials we experience.  What He is teaching me in this moment is the ability to relinquish control to Him, to truly trust the path He has laid out ahead of me even though it may not be visible to my eyes just yet.  I'm thankful that He's shaping and molding me, shaving away the rough edges to make me lean heavily on His power instead of my own feeble attempts.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6

If God gave me a Post-it note, I think He might have a list much more essential than grading papers, doing the laundry, or reading an article for class.  What might it say?  "Trust me, Cassie.  Lean on me today.  Talk to me.  Praise me.  Accept my blessings.  Love others."  Maybe I am a little bit of a control freak, but I'm being reminded each and every day to have HIS way in my life.  It's funny that letting that happen is really the most prepared and secure anyone could ever hope to be.    

Real Sacrifice

Today was a very unique day for each and every American.  We were faced with the memory of the terrible tragedy of September 11, 2001.  It's difficult to watch replays of the coverage of that horribly sad day, and yet I believe we must look back and remember.  We must honor those who were lost and the men and women who rose as heroes.  I pray for the families who that day lost those they dearly loved and who still feel that missing piece in their lives.  May God continue to fill their hearts with peace and wholeness once again.  I am also incredibly thankful for the service men and women who step in and take immense risks to save lives or fight for our freedoms.

In honor of 9/11, the youth at church did a very special service this morning.  They fittingly chose the topic of "God of Justice" and focused their message, music, and drama on the topic of becoming God's hands and feet to justly reach out to each of His children in need.  As the worship service reached its conclusion, the middle and high schoolers challenged the congregation to sacrifice.  What followed undoubtedly ranks as one of the most touching and emotional displays by a congregation that I have had the honor to experience.

Soles for Souls is a non-profit organization which collects used shoes and redistributes them to shoeless and needy individuals in countries across the world.  To support this ministry and to truly reach out to those less fortunate, the youth asked us to consider making a somewhat radical sacrifice.  As we sang one of our final praise songs, they requested that we might join them in bringing our own shoes we had worn that day up to the altar as a donation and leaving church shoeless that day.  It struck me how easy it is to take a few bills out of your wallet to drop in the offering or to send in a monetary donation to a good cause.  Putting yourself in a somewhat uncomfortable situation and giving of something unexpected was an exercise for our church in trust and obedience.  The youth were unsure of the response they would receive, but as individual after individual removed their shoes and walked to place them at the front, my heart was brimming with emotion.  It made me realize that to step out in faith, we need to feel awkward and uneasy sometimes.  Feeling at ease and just giving when it's easy isn't real sacrifice.  When Christ stretched out His arms and gave Himself as a sacrifice for each of us, he set an example in laying aside our own will or needs.  May He always push me to be more radical in my love for Him.

By the way, the altar was full of shoes.  Our youth are brave in their faith, the church family is gracious in their acts of giving, but most of all, our God is an awesome God.

   

In Christ Alone

-Till He returns

Or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand-

I want to share this absolutely incredible song with you because it gives me goosebumps each time I hear it and reminds me how absolutely in love I am with my Savior.  I hope it brings your heart to a place of awe and praise as it does mine.  Even if you've heard it before or if you're a skeptic, please let it have a few moments to play and give it a chance.  In a world so caught up in busyness, materialism, and anything and everything else, it brings me a breath of fresh air and rest for my heart to remember the source of my strength, in Him alone.

Dinner Conversation

Having a meal with a friend definitely ranks toward the top of my list of great things to build a strong friendship.  I believe that my enjoyment of this is due to the fact that A) I love food and  B) spending time with a friend is so nice!  Last night, one of my best friends came over for dinner.  I had decided to make meatloaf and she brought homemade mashed potatoes.  We added green beans, Hawaiian rolls, and a healthy dessert of peaches and blueberries.  Although the meal was delicious, I love the fact that sitting at the table with friends or family forces you to block out the unending distractions around us and to actually listen and talk.  (Yes, this means don't bring your cellphone to the table or leave the TV on.)  This brings to mind many meals I have had at Olive Garden with a good friend from church.  We often stayed at the restaurant long after our meal had arrived simply chatting and catching up.  I am also reminded of the wonderful meals that my mom fixes when my brother and I come home.  She loves to try out new recipes and present the food in such a beautiful fashion.  I think that making dinner and having it with someone really speaks to me that I am cared about and cared for.  Finally, I think of the many get togethers with both extended sides of my family sitting next to aunts, uncles, and cousins.  I'm convinced that we burned more calories laughing than we do eating....even eating our family favorite potato salad.  Food brings us together when the world otherwise tells us there is not enough time to slow down.

I know life is fast paced, and I recognize that I don't do a terribly great job of cooking on a regular basis.  However, the meals that I spend dining either out or at home with friends, family, or my boyfriend are always so fulfilling.  It makes me strive to do a better job and to purposefully seek out opportunities to connect with those who are important in my life.

If you wish to read more about the benefits of dining with family, read this 2006 article from TIME:  "The Magic of the Family Meal."

I believe in letters, cards, and notes.

I firmly believe in sending letters, cards, and notes.  I'm not really sure where my love for things written came from.  I think I've always found some beauty in the written word.  I remember back when I was younger signing up to get a pen pal through the a Christian girl magazine I used to receive.  It was fantastic to develop a friendship with my pen pal from Canada and to write one another on a regular basis.  My family isn't really all that into cards, so I don't suppose that's it.  My lovely grandma, though, is so steadfast about sending a card to everyone on special occasions.  Maybe that's where I subconsciously picked it up.  I think, though, that it has a lot more to do with the way that receiving a letter, card, or note makes me feel.  There is nothing quite the same as running through a stack of ads, bills, and junk and stumbling upon a hand addressed envelope from a friend.  Instant sunshine in my day.

Receiving mail from someone says so much more than an email ever could.  Don't get me wrong, I love technology.  I mean, honestly, I'm sitting here writing a blog post.  But a card send the good old-fashioned way says I got out this paper/card/note just for you, used some of my time to write it, located a stamp to put on it, and took it to the mailbox.  It says "You matter to me."  I do have to admit that I think cards are kind of a waste of money when paired with a gift given in person.  I prefer to let them stand alone.  They carry so much more sentiment and meaning this way.  This is why I can meander down the card aisle for way too long reading each message to find the one that conveys my exact feelings.  A few of my best friends and I totally get it and love to randomly brighten each other's lives with a card.  It's often when we least expect it, but I so appreciate it.  If you have a moment, may I suggest dropping a card or note in the mail for someone you care about?  I'm sure they know how much they mean to you, but it never hurts to be reminded how much others care.  It only takes a few dollars and a stamp to easily brighten someone's whole day.  Write on!       

Pin It On the Board

I have found a new website that I'm terribly excited about and just have to share with you.  I first read about Pinterest in a guest blog post written by one of my sorority sisters. 

Here's how it works... 

In essence, Pinterest is a site to share the fabulous ideas and images that you come across as you browse the internet.  The site allows you to create "boards" or categories for images.  For example, I have a board of flowers I love.  Next, when you find an image you like on the internet and want to add it to your board, with the simple click of a button you can make the picture a "pin" on your board.  Now whenever I go to the site, I can see pictures of all the beautiful flowers I love in one space.

There are two reasons why I'm really excited about Pinterest:
1. I can keep images of all kinds of things that inspire me in one place and in an organized fashion.
2. I can follow people and be followed thus gaining tons of ideas from boards and pins of other Pinterest users.  Love the creative community it creates! 

Get signed up and start pinning.  I can't wait to see your delightful discoveries and fabulous finds!

Backroad Beauty

 

One of my favorite views on the backroads at home.  I don't even know who owns the land, who plants and harvests the crops.  To me, it is simple. It is real.  It is beautiful in each season.

A Glimpse Into My Writer's Notebook

If you've read my blog lately, then you know that I recently attended a writing conference and had the wonderful experience of bringing my memories, imagination, and skills to life in my very own writer's notebook.  I've tossed the idea back and forth of whether or not to post a piece of the writing.  It's a little bit like ripping a piece out of a journal and sharing it with everyone.  Nonetheless, I've decided that I'll post a snippet because, after all, you don't have to like it and you don't have to see value in it if you choose.  Truly, the act of writing this piece brought me such joy and that in itself is enough.

Without further ado, I give you a short (and title-less) work that is dedicated to my brother, my co-explorer of our childhood outdoors.

 

want to tell you a secret.  Thanks, I knew I could trust it with you.  Maybe I should whisper though so it doesn't know I'm betraying it's confidence.  The woods are full of magic.   No, I'm not talking whimsical fairies and conversational sycamore trees.  A forest possesses power and magic in its ability to transform a little boy and girl into travelers of space and time, siblings whose imaginations have been given free range to soar.

Across the backyard of my childhood home laid the beginning of my father's flower fields.  There was no need to crawl through a wardrobe and enter Narnia.  My brother and I reached the borders of our own wonderland on the banks of the gurgling creek just beyond.

I recall sitting in the chilly shade of one portion of the bank with my brother, Clay, carefully examining the color and quality of each rock and stone.  Only certain ones would do for making Indian paint.

Or the occasions when he and I collected sticks, limbs, and rocks to build a fort, wooden bridge, and dam.  The result was a primitive lean-to that only I, the younger and smaller of the pair, could shimmy my upper body into.  The wooden bridge, as strong in our minds as any steel structure, turned out slick from water and likely to sink under our childhood weight.  Yes, even the rock dam was not able to affect the strength of the rippling current that traveled by.  It didn't matter.  We were architects, contractors, builders.  A triumph in our minds.

The woods were a place for attempting to catch crawdads in the murky creek water stirred up by our algae clad sticks that were makeshift fishing nets.  It was the keeper of a cut down pine tree whose thick pine needles were an entry way to a rudimentary playhouse.  The woods contained both a giant hill to stand upon as ruler and an unmarked area of ordinary trees and undergrowth that was especially meaningful to the imaginations of my young brother and me.

But you see, I can't tell you more, for a good part of this childhood magic remained in those woods and along with it many of the beautiful details that elude my memory.  The rest, well that belongs to that little girl and boy, fearless explorers of the outdoors.

Empowered by Knowledge

One of an array of reasons that I am a teacher is because I truly love to learn.  I may be the one delivering information to my students through a variety of lessons, activities, and texts throughout the school year, but it's truly reciprocal.  They take me back to what it's like to be a fifth grader, they help me learn how to be a better educator, and they even reveal to me much about myself.  Humbling, yes.  Also pretty neat when I stop and think about it.

Earlier this week, I began a new journey as a teacher...  I have begun my first course in my Language Education master's degree program.  I'll admit I was a little nervous at first.  It's daunting to think of juggling my teaching career with going to class, thoroughly reading, and writing papers.  I'm continually amazed by teachers who do it all, and they remind me that I can do it too!  I have to say that being back in a classroom as a student for two class sessions now has been exhilarating.  I love discussions and learning about new information and ways of thinking.  I'm especially intrigued by the variety of individuals in this foundations course.  We come from an array of educational areas, and a few of the individuals aren't actually even teachers but work in closely related fields.  It takes me back to my Hanover days to participate in discussions and to be challenged in my thinking as others share their ideas, experiences, and interpretations.

I want to be a lifelong learner, and this is just another step in that path.  It's wonderful to feel so empowered by knowledge. 

In the Kitchen with Cassie

I love food.  Wait, let me try that again.  I LOVE food.  Not in that gross, "I really should put down the bag of potato chips and go for a run" kind of way (ok, I'm guilty of that sometimes just like everyone else), but in an "I appreciate the endless diversity of flavors and possibilities" way.  You fellow food appreciators out there, you get me.  My favorite way to experience new dishes is when someone a lot more expert than me is fixing them, but sometimes you just have to roll up your sleeves and enter the ring yourself.  

Today was one of those days.  I hope I haven't built up your hopes too terribly high.  I didn't make a fancy dish whose elegant French name I would butcher in pronunciation.  No, today's baking adventure was inspired by some leftover blueberries, a little bit of internet searching/blog reading, and my grandma's exquisite homemade pie crust recipe.  Isn't Sunday wonderful in that it lends so much time to slowing down and enjoying a good meal with the important people in your life?  Today, in addition to trying out a couple of recipes for baked chicken and roasted carrots, I tried my hand at making mini blueberry pies.  Oh so cute!  My wonderful (and brave) boyfriend was willing to be the recipient of the meal and my co-taste tester of the baking experiment...

I would like to report that my mini blueberry pies turned out pretty well, but I have some tweaking to do with the filling.  The regular blueberry pie recipe I followed called for the berries, sugar, cinnamon, and corn starch.  Once baked, the blueberries were very juicy, but I was hoping that the corn starch would have led to a little more syrupy juice too.  Any suggestions fellow bakers?  I'm taking advice!

Nonetheless, I was proud of my cute little desserts!  I'm imagining how fantastic some tiny little lemon meringue pies would be.  Oh the possibilities! 

                                     Mini shells made and filled!

                                Tops added and fresh out of the oven.

                      There you have it, mini blueberry pie!

Simply Inspired

Today we wrapped up the third day of the writer's workshop I have been attending (and which I mentioned in my last blog post just a few days ago).  To say that it was impactful doesn't do it justice.  I was simply inspired.  The lessons taught by the talented presenter were so valuable to me, and I can't wait to translate them into my own teaching come August.

Aside from the professional growth I experienced in these sessions, I was also inspired in a whole other way.  As I last wrote, one aspect of the conference was for the attendees to participate in writing time and to each begin constructing a work of our choice.  I began a piece that touches me deeply, that connects me to my childhood and more importantly to my heart.  I can't wait to see where it takes me.

 Another profound thing that I witnessed was the dual nature of the writing experience in relationships with other conference attendees.  On one hand, we each were working on our own unique pieces of choice.  Some were bent over their notebooks frantically scrawling words on the page before they forgot the perfect phrases, yet still others paused to wipe the solitary tears that had slid down their cheeks as their writing had released emotions and memories that still sting.  While allowing us each the chance to reflect and work individually, it also brought us closer together through our sharing and growing (albeit little in such a short time) as writers.

In wrapping up the conference, our presenter Katie Wood Ray asked us to each choose no more than twenty words of our writing to share with the entire group.  While standing in an enormous circle, we passed the microphone from hand to hand and bravely presented our ideas to the other educators.  It was beautiful to hear the intricate crafting that some had labored over, the witty remarks, and the soulful thoughts.  It was humbling to hear the skill of many gifted writers, yet taught me lessons in the value of each unique style.

After these three days, I can only sum up such a great experience by telling you that I am simply inspired. 

Don't worry. Keep writing.

Today I had the pleasure of attending part one of three of a writing conference organized by the Indiana Partnership for Young Writers. When our writing coach asked me earlier in the year if I would be interested in attending to hear an influential and respected speaker, Katie Wood Ray, I jumped at the opportunity. Since I myself enjoy the art of writing so very much, I'm eager to sharpen my skills as a teacher of writing.

One of my favorite activities during today's session was time given by our presenter for all attendees to write in their notebooks. This is something that we ask students to do on a regular basis so of course it makes sense that we too must practice what we ourselves request of our students. As Katie Wood Ray put it while making reference to a rock climbing wall in the gym, we wouldn't try to teach a child how to climb it without trying it ourselves. We must practice what we preach as teachers.



I'll tell you that I was pretty excited about some free writing time. Armed with my new writer's notebook given at registration and a budding idea in my head (and two more writing times in the next conference days...hooray!), I was ready to begin brainstorming and drafting as my idea grew. As she finished giving her instructions, however, a sense of minor panic came over me. You see, our presenter told us that she or one of the other professionals would be meeting with us at some point to confer about our writing as we do with our own students in writer's workshop. It was one thing to write it in my notebook, but it was a whole other realm to think of sharing my diamond in the rough with someone who might criticize, judge, or dislike the piece.

I began realizing, though, how silly it is that so many of us are self-conscious about one form of communication over another. I answer the phone and talk to my friends without a second thought on a daily basis. I send emails to my family, friends, and colleagues. I jot a quick note in a card to someone dear, and I write on my friends facebook walls. Why should I really care whether someone highly values the work in this writer's notebook. After all, I've read books before that I have put down after the first chapter because I wasn't able to get hooked. It didn't necessarily label the author as a bad writer. I suppose it could, but it's probably more likely that it wasn't my style. For me, writing is a way to express myself and share my my ideas. It's a manner through which I can let my thoughts escape and perhaps be an inspiration, entertainment, or food for thought for a reader even if only for a short few moments. Blogging is one mode of writing which I have become very comfortable with, but my heads spins with the numerous genres, topics, and opportunities for writers. What do you like to write about? Why do you write? Where/what do you look to for inspiration? Comment and let me know if you'd like to share with a fellow (yes amateur) writer. Don't worry. Keep writing.

Sending Love Around the World

Sometimes I get stuck in my own little bubble in my own little world. Aren't we all like that at times? We worry about our own agenda, our schedule, work, school, friends, family, etc. It's all about us. Yet if we stop for just a moment, we might remember that as important as we each are, we are simply a small piece in the greater scheme of the world. I recognize that I often need to widen my scope to the needs and happenings of my surrounding community. I am aware that there are many who need prayers and support in our nation. Furthermore, I see that there are countries around the world whose citizens do not enjoy the freedoms, financial security, and blessings that I have in my life.

One way that I have been able to reach out in love and touch another outside of the scope of my own life is through a unique and amazing organization called Compassion International. I want to introduce to a very special little girl in my life. Paola is a beautiful 10 year old 4th grader that I sponsor in Ecuador. After visiting Compassion's website several months ago, I browsed through a long list of needy children waiting for sponsorship. Because of my interest and studies in Spanish, I decided to choose a Spanish speaking country. In particular, Paola seemed like the perfect fit because she and I also share the same birthday. Each month I contribute through Compassion International to help support Paola's education, health, well-being, and opportunities to learn about God. Not only is it very fulfilling to know that I am reaching out to one of God's sweet children, but the organization also allows me to correspond with Paola. Today I was so excited to open a response handwritten by Paola and translated for me into English. She told me, "I want to become a teacher or a singer. I prefer to become a teacher like you." I honestly don't know tons of information about this little girl and her family, but I know it is worth every penny to help provide her opportunities and most importantly to allow her to be surrounded by nurturing Christian individuals. How wonderful if someday she might get to teach young children like I have the opportunity to do in my own life!

In addition to Compassion International's wide-reaching and well developed program, I am also reassured by the many sponsors who speak out in support of the organization. By visiting Compassion's website, you can watch a variety of promotional videos by various Christian music artists. One of my favorites, seen if you click here and choose the second video, details the singers of the group Point of Grace and their visits to meet their sponsored children.

Maybe you too will feel the call to reach out to a child in need. Perhaps you will take a moment to stop and pray for Paola and other children around the world like her. If nothing else, I that you might take a moment to step outside your personal concerns and worries and to think about others around you as well. Just as we have been commanded, "Love one another just as Christ loved you." John 15:12

Every Moment, Breathe It In

I just hate it when I get very busy or a tad too stressed or maybe even just desensitized to the miraculousness of life. It makes me sad when I realize that I didn't take time to soak in the beauty of a piece of nature or slow down long enough to have a conversation with a friend or acquaintance. It's disappointing to notice that I sang a song at church and didn't accept an opportunity to let the world fade out and let words of praise lift me to a secret place of worship.

Whatever promises or resolutions we may make, no matter the phrases and the wise proverbs we might pass from generation to generation, it's simply human nature. An excuse, though, is still an excuse. Summer break is simply days away, and I can't wait to take the opportunity to live each day to the fullest. I absolutely love that God has blessed me with a career as a teacher. It's an absolutely rewarding experience to work with my students each day. Nonetheless, some down time and rest is good for the soul and will rejuvenate my excitement to begin another year in August.....so bring on the summer. I'm giddily anticipating time spent with two of my best college friends from out of town. It's one of those friendships that picks up exactly where you last left off....I absolutely love it. I will get a taste of the dearly loved familiarity of church camp this summer with a slight twist. I unfortunately won't get to be a cabin leader the elementary week that I am typically there; however, I will instead get to show lots of God's love to fifth and sixth graders at ICBC for a week! I also will get to throw in a short weekend session at First Timers' camp with the adorable little kiddos. I'm equally excited to attend a writing conference and various technology/teaching workshops here and there. Who can forget about the summer flower fields? Instead of working in the city at a part time job, I promised my dad that I would come home a few days here and there to help out and work for him in the flowers. Nothing like some good old-fashioned hard work to make you feel like you've had a noteworthy day. Wrapped all around these wonderful experiences and moments that I am ready to embrace with intention, purpose, and attention, I can't wait to sit and watch the sunset with my boyfriend at his new patio furniture. I am so looking forward to hearing the sounds of crickets chirping out in the country when I visit home. I'm eagerly awaiting the taste of ice cream and the exciting explosion of 4th of July fireworks in the sky above me. I'm ready to slow down for a bit and embrace the tiniest details of the beautiful life that I have been given.

Reflecting Inward First

As is the monthly tradition at my church, communion was taken today toward the end of our service. I find communion to be a very beautiful and mysterious activity, one which I feel is shared amongst myself and fellow believers surrounding me yet is also a very private and real moment of reflection and thanksgiving between me and God. Our time of communion today followed the pastor's message on the beginning of the book of Jonah. I was very touched by his teaching today because he really helped me make some personal connections to a story that had always seemed a little bit distant to me. (God calls Jonah to take a message to the evil city of Ninevah. Jonah doesn't want to go, runs from God, is thrown overboard, and is swallowed by a giant fish. Jonah realizes the mistake he has made in running from God's calling in his life and is given another chance.) As the pastor spoke, he helped me realize that virtually everyone has run from God in some form or fashion at one point or another in their lives. This combination between the message and a time of reflection in communion really made me think. It is so easy for us as humans to locate the flaws in another's character. "I can't believe he told a lie right to my face!" or "She really has no control over her words. I can't believe she said that." Yet just as I recently reminded my students, when you are pointing at someone else, you have four fingers pointing back at you. Today reminded me that it should be my priority to recognize areas in my life that I can improve on instead of sweeping them under the rug or worrying about anyone else. We can't ignore them and keep running away from this recognition. I also don't think we should be ashamed that we each have areas of weakness or ugly places in our lives that need fixing. The older I get and the more of life I live, the more I realize that people who act like they have it all together 100% of the time are just really good actors. We are all human and I am deciding that I am going to be real. I'm going to reflect inward first and not pretend that it's all perfect. I'm going to find those places that needs His refining and let the beautiful work begin...

Spring Fever

I am beyond happy that Spring is here. As I sit typing, I am soaking in the beauty of each ray of sunshine that is sneaking through my bedroom window. It seems that it was a rather long winter this year. Perhaps it was the abundance of snow and ice that continued to blanket the Midwest or the incessant winds that blew. Nonetheless, I think I can speak for us all when I say that we definitely had a critical case of spring fever that has finally been cured.

After a great morning of sleeping in, I was able to have a productive afternoon. I can now check grocery shopping, laundry, and cleaning off my mental to do list. This evening I will have some time to spend with my boyfriend and friends before preparing for another great week of teaching fifth grade.

Speaking of fifth grade, I got to experience my first fifth grade camp field trip the last three days. Our entire grade level spent several days at a nearby camp in the great outdoors. I felt so fortunate to spend a few of my workdays in the beautiful outdoors hiking, playing educational games, and learning right alongside my students as our trail guides taught about using compasses, birdwatching, eagle's nests, and wild mint to name only a few pieces of the fun knowledge we gained. It just helped to strengthen my belief that letting kids get outside and experience nature is so incredibly important. Suffice it to say, I had a blast and am already looking forward to next year's trip. It also make me rather antsy for summer to arrive so that I can make some trips down to my very favorite camp in the whole world, Indian Creek. Although I won't be spending this summer working on staff as I did last year, I am looking forward to volunteering as a cabin leader for a few days and popping in to see many of my close camp friends.

In addition to this wonderful field trip, I only recently returned from a fabulous Spring Break trip to South Padre Island, Texas with some of my prior coworkers. Although we had to battle some cloudy weather, we were able to spend countless hours in our beach chairs reading book after book and soaking up tons of warmth and sunshine. One unique highlight of the trip arrived unexpectedly as we were trying to pass the time the one day with unusually cool weather. As we drove down the main road of the island, we decided to stop at the sea turtle rescue center. I was able to see a number of injured sea turtles that had been rescued and which were either being cared for indefinitely at the center or being nourished for a future release by the scientists there.



Spring Break and being outdoors makes me anxious for summer to arrive. I can't wait for country concerts, outdoor get togethers with friends, helping my dad in the flower fields, and the many other nostalgic activities that the summer months bring. It will be here before we know it!

Sorority Girl

As a high school senior, the option had never really crossed my mind that I could choose to join a sorority in college. However, upon visiting Hanover for a scholarship competition weekend and staying as a guest of my hostess at a sorority house, I was intrigued by the sisterhood that I saw during my brief time there. When I arrived as a fresh face on campus the following fall, I found that Hanover offered four unique, vibrant sisterhoods of women. Each of these sororities were full of talented, smart, and involved ladies who were eager to get to know me and see if I might fit into their sisterhood as well. The thing that I appreciated so much was seeing how these organizations debunked the sorority stereotypes that are so prevalent in movies and TV shows. Instead, I learned of their focus on academics, traditions, philanthropy, and growing as a sisterhood. Throughout my freshman fall semester, I spent time weighing the pros and cons of each sorority for myself and had the privilege of joining Chi Omega the following January. At the time it was a bit of a decision to choose which house to dedicate myself to for the rest of my college career; in retrospect, however, I can't imagine my college days without very fond memories of time spent with my sisters.

One of my very favorite things within our sorority are the "families" made up of sisters of various ages. Each new member (or little sister) is given a big sister. These Big and Little pairs are kept secret as the big sisters shower their littler sisters with various gifts and snacks leading up to revelation. Long after the Big and Little pairs are revealed, family bonds can have a lasting impact on one's sorority experience. For me, I am still very close to my big sister. In fact, she is a fellow teacher at my school. Additionally, my little sister and I stay connected and visit one another even though we live a few hours apart from one another.

This past weekend, I was in for a real treat. I was able to meet the newest addition to my sorority family over dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. I was the oldest in attendance and spent a wonderful meal with five other generations of our family. It was so neat to me to see how connected we are even though we span such a range of years and ages at this point in our lives.



Although I am not as involved in my sorority as I was during my collegiate days, it has helped build me into the woman I am today. I am forever thankful for the times I spent in my chapter of Chi Omega and the ways that it keeps touching me in a positive way even now.

Sun, Sand, and the Waves Rolling In

The weather has been a bit fickle lately. One day it's warm enough to go outside without my coat or simply wear a light jacket. The next I find myself zipping up my winter coat and eagerly pulling on my gloves as I start my car in the morning. Nonetheless, the sunshine and springtime warmth bring promise of more such days to come. I'm currently on the countdown to Spring Break. I'm very thankful as a teacher to be blessed with some wonderful time of rest and relaxation throughout the school year. In only a little more than a week, I will be packing my suitcase and heading south to Texas with four of my good teacher friends. I'm very excited to be taking a trip somewhere new. The greatest extent of my experiences in Texas were summed up in an airport on my way to Mexico as a college student. This time I will be settling down for the week and taking in the ocean as it laps up on the Texas shore. I must admit that when I go to the beach, one of my very favorite pastimes is the pleasure of hours to read a good book. With such a love for reading, I try to make time in my usual weeks to read here and there, but there is something so fabulous and freeing to know that I can lay on my beach towel and read for as long as I like. And then of course there is the plane ride there and back. So much time to enjoy. In honor of this, I placed an order for three new books on amazon this evening. These include Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, Forgotten God by Francis Chan, and Bittersweet by Shauna Niequest. I chose these three books because of recommendations by others or because I have previously read and enjoyed a book by the author. (I just finished Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequest and absolutely loved it. It was beautifully written and I suggest it to other readers.) As the days pass by and the trips draws nearer, I will be eagerly checking the doorstep for the arrival of these new books. Hope you are making time in your schedule to read or take part in the activities that bring you joy too!

Step Up and Make a Difference

As of late, I have definitely gotten into buying products here and there that help support a worthy cause. Back at Christmas, I bought jewelry for a few friends that was made by Ugandan women and raises money to send their young girls to school. Cool jewelry and support of a noble organization. Too neat, right!?

This morning I picked up a package that had been delivered to our door. Inside was a very unique pair of shoes I had ordered. The purchase of my new TOMS means that their company will give a pair of shoes to a child worldwide who is in need. Their website explains how many illnesses are picked up by these individuals in poor countries simply because they walk around without shoes. If I'm going to buy items anyways, why not choose ones that look cute and let me step up and make a difference too!

Check out the TOMS website by clicking here.

Here is a picture of the beautiful TOMS I ordered. I contemplated choosing a more neutral color to add to my spring and summer shoe collection. Then, I decided that life's too short not to buy the pretty pink ones that will make me feel like a ballerina. Even if I'm grown up, I still like to feel like a pretty princess. I can't wait to sport them in warmer weather when I head to Texas on Spring Break in a few short weeks!



How are you stepping up and making a difference? Please post and comment if you have found any other great items or products that make a difference for others in our world and are stylish too. I'd love to hear about it!

Birthday Blessings

I turned another year older just the other day. It's funny how once you reach a certain age, a birthday is nice but it just isn't quite such a big deal anymore. I once read a great quote that I think about when it comes to birthdays and age. It said, "If you didn't know how old you were, how old would you be?" Age is only a number; it's the life and fullness that you allow into you day that determines your inner age. Some days I think that I might fall right there with a little kid, yet in other moments I'm pretty sure I'm the age of a grandma. I can't help that I like going to bed early and crocheting!

Anyhow, I had a really wonderful birthday weekend. On Friday my mom came up from home and I went out to eat with my family and boyfriend. The food at Bravo was absolutely delicious. I completely recommend it to anyone who enjoys Italian. There was nothing better than finishing it off with birthday dessert of creme brulee. Yummmm. On Saturday I headed out of town to Cincinnati to visit a few friends. It was great to catch up with an engaged couple I know well who recently bought a home. After that, I drove to my sorority little sister's house who took me as her guest to the Cincinnati Pop Orchestra's concert called "Pop Goes Celtic." We had a wonderful time listening to the orchestra accompanying a fantastic Canadian Celtic group called Leahy. This group consists of eight very musical siblings who play instruments ranging from the guitar to the drums, to the violin. They also are all very talented at a style of dance called French Canadian step or something of the sort. It was really fascinating to watch their feet and legs moving and tapping in such amazing unison. Finally, I ended the weekend by again going out to eat with family and friends. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch of sushi. Although it was a fast paced weekend, it was such a blessing to spend it with such special people in my life.

Written from Heart to Heart

I always feel a little bit disconnected from people who tell me that they don't really like to read. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with this. I'm sure, say an excellent basketball player, doesn't really get me when I say that it just isn't a game that I have fun playing. It just isn't my sport. I definitely enjoy watching it and loved cheering for it, but the ball and hoop just aren't my friends when I'm the player shooting. So when someone tells me that reading just isn't something they enjoy doing, that's alright. I, however, can't quite connect with that feeling because reading DEFINITELY is my thing. Ever since I was little, I have had a love for books. I can recall my mom encouraging the inner reader in both my brother and me as she lovingly took us to the local library and let me sit in the bean bag chair while reading those books that had very little plot and depth but were very readable for young minds such as mine. As a few years passed, she continued to feed this hobby by agreeing to buy us books at the bookstore if we were reading them. What a mistake on her part. If she still kept that up today, we would have broken the piggy bank.

Sometimes I pick up a book and am challenged by it. Whether it be a difficult plot, characters so unlike myself, or written in an old time style unlike today's language, I may feel that I fight my way through the chapters as if I were in a wrestling match. Now and then I might give up on it and put it down. This past summer I read a book about teaching reading to children so that they can truly learn to love to read. It really spoke to me when the author suggested that we teach kids that it's ok to put a book down and move on to a new one. Every book isn't a good book, and every book is not for me. I like that thought.

Other times though, I pick up a book and feel that I'm reading a letter straight from the author that was written just for a heart like mine. Yesterday as I sat curled up reading little anecdotes by an author about experiences in her life, I found myself laughing, smiling, and almost in tears as I connected with the feelings and dreams that spilled onto the pages. I love reading when you can't help but feel that after spending time in the pages, you've just spent time with a dear friend. I won't say that every book or even the majority of books do this for me, but that's what makes the experience such a treasure. Now and then, I find in the pages of a book a little gift written from heart to heart. It's those moments that make reading my kind of thing.

High Above the Stately River

I can't begin to tell you what a difference the warmer temperatures made in my life last week. I felt like a new person. My mood was brighter, my energy level higher, and there was a bounce in my step. One of my good church friends who is a fellow HC/Chi Omega alum told me that the nice weather kept drawing her thoughts to her college days. I can completely identify with her. There was nothing like a gorgeous spring day on Hanover's campus. My imagination jumps back to the picturesque campus filled with beautiful blossoming flowers, green lawns, and greenery and buds on the many trees. I have decided I am definitely going to have to make a trip down the interstate and pay good old HC a visit when the weather gets a bit warmer and stays that way.

Thinking back on my days at Hanover makes me appreciative of the ways that I am still connected to my college peers and Chi Omega sisters. It's funny how such a small campus can lead to so many connections and friendships beyond our undergraduate days. For example, I find it so neat how God led to me to teach in the same elementary school as my good friend and Chi Omega big sister. Furthermore, I keep in frequent touch with two of my closest Hanover friends even though one of them teaches in Cincinnati while the other is pursuing a medical degree in Chicago. I'm so proud of them both and miss them lots! I'm also fortunate to get to continue being roommates with one of the girls who I lived with for a couple of years at Hanover. We've grown a lot since then, but sometimes we revert back to the silly girls in Room 3 of our sorority. I also am really lucky to get to see another of my good Hanover friends on a fairly regular basis. M and I are two of those people who randomly met our freshman year and were simply destined to be friends. Finally, I still keep in touch with my wonderful Chi Omega family. I'm looking forward to visiting my sorority little sister in a couple of weeks to attend a concert by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The younger portion of our family continues our legacy back on campus and is soon welcoming another sister into our family. We can't wait to meet her!

The present is so wonderful and full of happiness, but there's nothing like a little walk down memory lane to appreciate the beginnings to such wonderful college friendships that continue into my life today...


(Initiation dinner freshman year with my sorority Big)


(A one of a kind friendship with my BGFs)


(The roomie and me)


(On graduation day with M)


(A perfect little family)

Heavenly Valentine

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day! I think everyone has a love-hate relationship with this holiday. If you have a significant other, what a special day to show them how much you care. However, during years when you're flying solo, who really wants a reminder? Overall though, I must say that it's a bit commercialized for my taste, but I still embrace the opportunity to let my loved ones know how much they mean to me.

Several years ago, I ran across a simple yet beautiful valentine. In fact, the words of this valentine are perhaps more eloquent and meaningful than any the most distinguished poet could boast. At the time, I saved it to reference later and found an image of it today as I prepared to write this post.



I've never found a love so real, so pure, and so true as the love I have in my Savior. Thank you God for loving us each so much that you sent us the precious gift of your Son. Happy Valentine's Day tomorrow everyone! Spread the love! <3

Ice Princess

Today is ice day #3. I remember the days back in elementary school when we had several days off from school due to inches of snow and slick roads, but a sheet of ice such as the one still covering Indianapolis sidewalks, cars, homes, and even many streets days later is something unlike anything I've ever seen. I've had a good chuckle at the newscasters the past few days as they have talked about it from every angle until it seems there is nothing left to say about the winter storm. Nonetheless, I to agree that it has been a pretty big ordeal for our city and state.

Yesterday my roommates and I ventured out the front door in an attempt to clear our cars and take a look around. After a half hour outside, all three of us had fallen as had one of the mail ladies after a postal service vehicle got stuck. Nothing like walking on a street that could serve as an ice skating rink! Two broken ice scrapers later, we had made headway on our car windows. I couldn't believe the two inch thick ice that clung to my windshield. I'm still working on it or waiting for it to melt away. I am anxious to see what tomorrow will bring. Although three days off from work has been a pleasant surprise, I am ready to get back to it. There are only so many things to do at home after so many hours of free time...

If I thought our last snowfall had me wishing for spring and summer, let me tell you that this desire has only multiplied. I'm thinking thoughts of planting flowers, swimming, volunteering at church camp, and music. My roommates and I bought our country megaticket just the other morning. We are looking forward to seeing a number of oustanding country artists throughout the course of the summer including Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, and Tim McGraw. Bring on those summer days and summer nights!

Joyful Fashion

Well I lucked out. Mother nature decided to drop ice, snow, and rain on central Indiana this evening resulting in no school/work for me tomorrow. It's so convenient to know about school cancellations the night before instead of waking up that morning and eagerly sitting in front of the TV or computer screen with your fingers crossed. I can't say that I want any more of this wintery weather, but I will admit that a day of sleeping in and time to work on grading and reading sounds mighty fine to me. Anyhow, a free day for me tomorrow also gives me the luxury of staying up later tonight. What better time to add another blog post than now?

I want to dedicate this blog post to some fabulous and unique jewelry that I discovered a few months ago. While glancing through the articles in my national Chi Omega sorority magazine, I spotted an article about a sister in Texas who started a non-profit organization which caught my eye. This organization, be.the.joy, sells vibrantly colored jewelry such as necklaces and bracelets made by Ugandan women out of magazine paper. The organization calls this jewelry heart beads. The thing that really sparked my interest was the fact that the proceeds of the sales go toward helping fund the education of Ugandan girls. As a teacher, this made me want to support such a worthy cause. After ordering a necklace, I was not disappointed in the least. The craftmanship of the necklace was excellent, and it was more beautiful than I even expected. I ended up buying several other necklaces for a few of my friends' Christmas gifts.


Check out be.the.joy's website . Support a worthy organization and fellow women in our world. Not only will you have the satisfaction of giving the gift of education, but you will also find an absolutely beautiful and unique fashion accessory to add to your collection.
(Photo courtesy of be.the.joy's facebook page.)

Right Out Your Back Door

Sometimes I find it amazing how many interesting places you can find nearly in your own backyard. Although I could make a lengthy list of all the places I hope to travel in the future, I lately have been trying to explore locally. This weekend I went on a fun afternoon outing with my boyfriend and another couple we are friends with to a winery just south of Indianapolis, Mallow Run Winery and Vineyard. I was excited to find it located off a country road and behind a cornfield. I definitely felt right at home. We first entered the upper level of the winery in which there is a tasting room coupled with a number of tables for casual dining. Downstairs we found a heated tent filled with tables and enjoyed the musical talents of a group called Acoustic Catfish. We had a wonderful time chatting, listening to the music, and appreciating this neat jewel tucked just off the beaten path. Perhaps we will make another trip there later this year. My friends, while chatting with one of the employees, learned that customers can come help harvest grapes. What an interesting experience that would be!

I've been very fortunate these past few months to take part in many of Indianapolis's unique experiences. Lucky me to have such a creative and fun boyfriend! Some of my favorite dates have been a Colts game, dinner and a Christmas show at Beef & Board's, rock climbing, and Christmas at the zoo. Who knows what adventure we will find ourselves on next!

Warmer Inspiration

During the months of November and December, I'll be one of the first to bound out the door and marvel at the beauty of snowflakes dancing toward the ground. After Christmas however, my desire for snow is complete and I am ready to move onto the next season. Unfortunately, January and February usually have the last word. They most certainly have this year with an unusually large quantity of snowfall. In response to today's snow that fell consistently during the day, I am posting a little picture inspiration to get my mind on warmer weather and the beautiful vibrant colors of summer. It won't be long until the summer months arrive and the bright sunshiny yellow sunflowers will be blooming back home!

Savvy Saver

Since I had the day off today, it seemed like a good day to make a trip to the grocery. I must admit that grocery shopping is not on my list of favorite activities, but it was much more enjoyable when I was able to take my sweet time and peruse the aisles. After placing the last few items in my cart, I strolled along the row of checkout lines trying to determine which would lead me to the quickest exit route. You know the game we all play. Well, let's just say that I wasn't a winner today. I chose a line with only one customer ahead of me, but after putting my groceries on the belt, I realized that this fellow shopper was apparently stocking up for the end of the world. After reminding myself that patience is a virtue, I began to watch the process going on between the customer and cashier in front of me. My attitude changed to one of respect when I noticed that the woman had first of all brought a number of reusable shopping bags and that she was quite the coupon clipper. She was not only environmentally conscious but also financially smart too! I will say that I only occasionally use a coupon, but I have to admire those who take the time and have developed the skills to deduct a large sum of money from their bill. I think I will make it my goal over the next few weeks to begin searching for coupons before going to the store. We'll see if I can turn myself into a savvy saver after all.

P.S. - Advice welcome and wanted from any skilled coupon users!