Tuesday, August 18, 2009

home is where....

your family is.
your bed is.
your friends are.
you have signed a one year lease.
your favorite coffee shop is.
someone is always there to greet you at the airport.
people will house sit for you even though your cat peed on them.
you get pictures drawn for you by sweet siblings.
someone sits next to you just because they love you.
your favorite pair of shoes always end up where you didn't leave them.
your cat plays fetch.
the people you love are.
you live.
you visit.



Thursday, August 6, 2009

reoccurring dream

cups of coffee steam, fresh on the dewy grass as i wait for your arrival to our place. you already smell of coffee, and last nights sleep still clings to your eyelashes as i watch your approach. sleek as a fox with your slender steps, measured, careful in your arrival as you think my eyes are averted towards the sun, willing its warmth to dry the grass. but i see you, and i enjoy watching you watch me, behind my sunglasses and my hair, carelessly piled in misdirection, asking you to touch and run your hands through. your hand grazes the tips of my hair as you sit taking the coffee i hand you. no words pass between us, because morning is our time to be, to enjoy, this space and each other. this moment reminds us why and so i let my fingers reach out and rest on top of yours as the sun touches our skin and we lay back together for as long as this will last.

(i dream this almost every night, always the same thing, always the same person, always these words running inside my head)

choose your own adventure...

do you remember those choose your own adventure books? i loved those books as a kid because i loved to envision myself on crazy adventures doing things i could never imagine in real life. i also liked the fact that i got to decide where to go and what to do. and yes sometimes i would cheat to make sure i wasn't about to fall off a cliff or meet a grizzly bear in a cave with no weapon. i wanted a happy ending. not much has changed, i still want the happy ending. i can't cheat in real life though and so i hold back at times, but not anymore i have decided.

in one year i'm moving to a foreign country for 6 months on an internship. that's a pretty huge adventure and so i have decided this next to have mini adventures constantly. i have the resources and the time so i'm going to do it. this is going to manifest itself in trips mostly but i want it to be other things to relationships, cooking, reading, speaking, everything. this next year seems important, i don't know why yet but it does and so i'm going to make the most of it. places i'm planning on visiting: missouri, texas, colorado, and some place really tropical for my 25th birthday/graduation from graduate school...this is just so far i want to add other trips and adventures to my list. i don't want to forget people this year and i just want to live.

so i am choosing to adventure and i don't get to cheat and i'm ready for what's next...not really but i'm doing it anyways and it is going to be awesome.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

a fortune cookie instigated thought

i don't know how to take chances with my heart.
so i don't.
damn.

Saturday, July 11, 2009

can you feel my harmony?

grains of salt on hardwood floors
smelling of orange oil to keep their shine
buy they aren't mine
i just rent them to produce
my melody
my rhythm
my flow to you
as the grains stick to the bottom of my feet
how generous of you to dust them off
but you don't
you can't see
me skipping beats
or hear them missing in my words
just part of the conversation
just part of the dance
i don't like this dance
i've been dancing for so long
only know how to shimmy and shake
you aren't a shimmy
or a shake

i need new moves
you need a stronger prescription

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

too private

prayers for protection
prayers for peace
prayers for seamless dreams
prayers for an answer to a question
a question only asked right before sleep

too private

too vulnerable

given a cryptic answer
(who am i to blame? i did ask)

a feeling
a sense
a touch
a moment

not sure what to expect
now
now that i've asked
now that i've dreamed

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

where my eyes and my smile meet

i've been chewing on the corner of my mouth
accepting the situation
with mild curiosity
feigning uninterested eyes
so you can't see
the desire
in the creases of my eyes

in the smile i'm attempting to cover up
in my playful touch
i'm just a friend
i don't know how to be anything else
giving sideways glances
always from a distance
how can i show you,
without showing you anything?




...summer of color...



fresh blueberries and strawberries that are so fine your mouth can't handle it.
i love going fruit picking.


mt. saint helen's one of the mountains i get to see most days it is clear and beautiful.

i hiked up this without injuring myself or anyone else(this was just the last mile)
from the top you could see the ocean.

clover is my favorite ever.

ellen and i with a lovely lady at the tippy canoe.

butterflies like lavender. 

i like lavender too.


mmm...raspberries...

the rose gardens in bloom, quite amazing.

Monday, July 6, 2009

trying...

i love sitting across from you over sunday night drinks. discussing openly and honestly your frustration with girls and how you see us. complaining that we never go for the good guys, even when we say that is what we want. all the while i stare at you and laugh knowing that i like a good guy and yet he is oblivious, most likely just not interested, and tells me i do not want a good guy when i want him.  the problem is not the good guy or his lack to act but my lack. i am not that good of a girl. how can i possibly deserve a good guy like you? so i'll just laugh at your jokes and feel my stomach flutter at your hugs but stay silent because you are a good guy who is not interested and i'm a girl trying to be good and trying to deserve a good guy...trying to appeal to you.

so she hopes

ripped apart
tossed aside
wretched desires fondle her heart
delightful to the touch
wicked in the aftermath
pieces no longer attached
scattered by breezes
from ruffled sheets and disheveled clothing
no longer worthy for you
in her own eyes
not able to see herself
apart from who she was
trying to see herself
in light of who she is
if you are worth it
you'll stay
and help carry everything she holds
so she hopes
on the promise of a new day
that you exist
and that you can love her
in a way that is real
that is worth more
then what she has given away
sometimes you are awake 
to watch the sunrise
and sometimes
the rising sun wakes you
casting new possibilities
across your resting body
singing directly to your heart
the hope found only in your fingertips
before they have touched anything
except your dreams
found neither here nor there
but somewhere completely unknown
a place for you as you pas
between moments outside of time 
only brought back
by the biding of the sun...

Thursday, June 25, 2009

i don't think about you....much

my thought are preoccupied
by melodies and plot lines
and the sound of my own laughter

instigated by life in the big city
and a new set of eyes
looking amused
and confused
by who i am

not sure how this works 
how to check my vibe

inspired all the while
by laughter and a good beer

to think of you less.....and less
she just wants some hand holding
hip swinging days
a west coast girl
may not want a happy ending

a nap on your chest
is enough for a summer day
cool breezes off the river
temper dreamy thoughts

she loves you so easy
her love complicates
the easy friendship
of double jointed ligaments
and mixed drinks on back decks

Monday, June 15, 2009

I would never have to wear shoes again...

Something I think I want to do with my life (or at least something similar):


Not For Sale is an organization I have been researching but more importantly have began loving and really think I want to be a part of. This picture is one of a lovely woman name Lucy and she runs a house on the coast of Peru where street kids can live and get education, health care, stability, a family, value, arts, and surfing.  She gives these kids a chance and a future. (you can read her whole story on the website) I've realized that I want to do this. If not exactly this then something very much like it. I want to love and I want to give children a chance who wouldn't have one before. I know I won't be doing this alone, but who will be doing it with me is still up in the air. This plan is about 2 years away there's time to plan but not plan too much because planning never works really. I'm excited. The possibilities are there and I want them to be real.
Surfing Tribe
Some first steps: learn how to surf better, contact lucy and the not for sale people, figure out if not in Peru then where, get other people excited for this as well.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

failing passionately

love is neatly drawn
with fine pencil lines
that drip with reality as they mix and cross
over yours and mine
unrequited...
passionate disaster...
true...
forbidden...
sex...
desire...
the list continues
at an alarming rate
as this love contains it all
and not of it
detailing out the end
before there is ever a beginning
setting up for destruction
because it is more passionate to fail
than to succeed

Monday, June 1, 2009

May is Gone

Yesterday, I cried a lot.
Yesterday, I slept a lot.

All of it was good though because this past week was amazing. I get to spend time with friends in really sweet ways. I made new friends as well. I need to spend more time with these people. Once maybe twice a year is not enough. I'm going to try and go up to camp for at least one week.  Caitlin and I are planning road trips (that will happen).  Things are in motion and life is sweet and full of love. Even if a lot of it has gone back to california there is lots to love in oregon.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Spring Melting Into Summer

-iron and wine has filled my spring and i foresee it continuing into summer with their new CD "around the well" my heart is light with the sounds of it.

-why i love my brother:
Jacob: "sam do girls really just wanna have fun?"
Me: "what?! (while trying to suppress laughter)"
Jacob: "well i have a song that says that"
Me: "yes, jacob girls just wanna have fun (still laughing)"
Jacob: "oh, ok."

-i've decided to be more constructive with my poetry. i'm practicing challenging myself in my writing by having a goal in mind when i sit down to write. there are still spontaneously inspired ones but i'm trying to reflect on people and it is an interesting process filling me with joy and sadness.

-i am excited beyond belief for the wonderful people who are going to be staying with me soon.

Monday, April 27, 2009

April's End

the dogwood is in bloom
and i miss the thought of it all
the tulips here grow to be 2 feet tall
how odd to have a flower desire to look you in the eye
it is not the flowers i am worried about 
but the lack of flowers,
the threat of no spring
straight from winter to summer
hidden life to approaching dust
but i can see the blossoms
and you  like how much i laugh

Thursday, April 23, 2009

One More Semester of Seminary Down

i love my small evangelical seminary. i love that i am not conservative and that it is ok. i love that my thoughts have value and that i have learned to value myself enough to say them out loud. i love that i am becoming me in a place that is becoming my own.

things in school this semester:
-i wrote statements of beliefs on doctrine of God, doctrine of revelation, and doctrine of the person of Christ
-sixteen weeks of studying prayer
-read through the prophets and the gospels
-studied the story of the hemorrhaging woman in Mark 5 and wrote about her and loved her and her story and began to see myself in that story and loved Jesus even more because of that story
-i got to interview my sweet friend/mentor Gelayol and learn about her life in Iran and about what it was like to move to the United States
-i taught a room full of graduate students how to make tambourines out of paper plates and lentils
-i wrote a paper on the implications of Twilight by Stephenie Meyer and what it is communicating to our culture and how the church needs to respond (it may surprise you what Twilight is communicating to youth i know i was surprised, it was interesting)

things in life:
-discovered the joy of hot rollers allowing me to have curly big hair whenever i see fit
-moved 
-really getting to know my sweet friend Rachael i live with
-discovering the joy of new music almost daily
-joined a gym 
-learning more how to love myself
-hiking constantly
-drinking more coffee then is necessary
-learning to love being single
-making my new house my home
-discovered i don't like shirts with sleeves
-making cards is an absolute joy, sending them is even better
-trying to figure what to say to tell someone i'm done
-Christian Camping International, hopefully
-taking pictures on disposable cameras because my digital is broken
-ready for the adventure that will be May-August

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

3 Thoughts

I love spring.
Iced coffee and skirt wearing has commenced. 
Listening to The Everyday Visuals and Carolina Liar.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

watching springtime unfold
from the bench seat in the window
waiting for something
allowing myself a moment
to be with you
as my heart leaps 
at the sound of your name
at the words in your letter
the thought of a future i dare not entertain
what will spring bring?
not you.

Not A Flower

in silence,
flower petals drop
to the floor
forgotten.
withering.
left in the quiet room
accompanied only
by the rocking chair's creak
waiting,
waiting,
waiting,
for someone,
to fill this space.
not just a body,
but a spirit
with laughter.
bringing with them
a watering can,
coaxing the petals
to once again grow.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

long. tired.

life is crazy right now. 2 and 1/2 weeks of school left until a break before summer classes start in june. i'm learning a lot though and feel blessed in my classes and in my new living situation.  i just finished a paper on the unity within the person of Christ, asserting that you can't legitimately separate the historical Jesus from the Christ of faith, because one does not exist without the other. next week for one of my intercultural classes i'm teaching the class how to make tambourines out of paper plates and lentils. it should be a fun time, talking about being joyful in worship and this translates well to children of all cultures. it looks like 2 years as a youth director is coming in handy ;) two more doctrinal statements as well will be being written and thought over and thought on and discussed as i figure out how to say what i believe.

more then any of that though i am living.  i am going out. making food with (the new roommate and most importantly friend). not letting my school dictate my life but living because this is it, i've only got so much time in portland. there is no way i am rachael going to waste it on days it is beautiful to sit inside. life is moving so fast and it is crazy to think that i have already be living here for almost 9 months. 

so, i'm working on living and laughing and cooking (without fear).
life is good.
God is good and alive.
may is going to be a fun month.
summer is very close.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Spring Break

That little sweet heart in the middle I get to call my brother.


That's a pretty good image of mine and my brothers relationship ;) this is just one of the many afternoons we spent on the trampoline.


That is definitely my grandma, sister, and brother on the trampoline. Oh how I love my family.


One of the hazards of moving, poor coffee mug. More pictures of my new colorful townhouse coming soon.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

What Else Can I Do?

Do you really have to go out of the country?
Could you please go some place less dangerous?

These are the questions my family regularly asks me when we discuss my internship for the fall of 2011. I'm going to be in South or Central America and this terrifies my family. I don't see any other option, for me at least. I want to work with children who need love, who need a chance, and a way out. It's either South or Central America or Africa for me. There's never really been another way. This is where I am going. Part of that is because we have to do an internship in a foreign country and the other part is because I want to. I have always wanted to. And everything I learn I am going to bring back and put it to use with children in this country. I am getting a masters in intercultural studies and most people assume that means other cultures but I feel it transcends that and moves into the subcultures around us. That is where I am going to work, much to the dismay of some. I am going to love and work on healing this earth. Because what else can I do?

In music news:
If you go the Iron and Wine website right now you can download for free (my favorite word with regards to music) 8 acoustic tracks from The Shepherd's Dog album. Do it! They are fantastic!

Monday, March 23, 2009

sometimes i wish i had a secret. something good. not the list of bad secrets i hold close, but a good one. one that makes me excited to keep secret. one that is just for me. i had one and it was nice until it turned into something else. still good. a friendship came out of it. almost humorous really. oh secrets so good and so bad. so many secrets yet to be had.
in other news:
Caroline Smith and The Good Night Sleeps make my life happy and sound very much like spring.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

the approach of spring

i hum in my sleep
the melodies of my dreams
blowing through my life
leaves, twigs, and particles of memories

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Getting Old

That sweet man in the picture is my grandfather. I love him (and the sweet woman next to him my grandmother). He can't see to ever be well and it's hard, it's hard to watch him getting old. Needless to say I'm really glad I'll be home in 6 days and I'll be able to spend some good time with the two of them. Getting old is not for the weak; I just keep telling myself he's strong enough.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

On...

your words are running up my arms
keeping me warm
tickling the inside of my ear
as they ruffle through my hair
blowing strands in front of my eyes
telling me simple truths
truths i desperately need to hear
on beauty
on faith
on the cause of a summer breeze

A Dream

blurred lines on negative prints
of late night laughing sessions
cozy comfort in the front room
cramming people in every corner
singing
filling
abundance
welling up with life
even if only for this one night
captured forever in this joyous occasion
sharing in a moment that is not ours
taking advantage of the joy
the light in our eyes capturing
what the pictures never can

Thursday, March 5, 2009

I had a dream about this summer and I liked what I saw.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Weekend with a Friend



Aimee
 kindred spirit, good friend 
lover of adventures and spontaneous days
Seattle for a day
Vintage exploration in the rain
Laughing
Laughing
and more 
Laughing

Friday, February 27, 2009

a time of year...



This time of year I get a little lonely for calvin crest, I'm not going to lie. I miss the atmosphere and the weather and the way it feels.

I miss these ladies. (but i get to see all of them soon)

I miss team meetings. 

I miss this being considered work.

I miss this being my view.

But I'm really excited to be here in Portland this summer. I'm excited to hike Mount Hood and pick every possible kind of fruit I can. I'm excited to frolic through fields of lavender. I'm excited to possible go to Argentina. I'm excited to ride my bike everywhere and where skirts and drink iced americano's. I'm excited to live with Rachel and develop that friendship. I'm excited to figure out even more how to live.

Monday, February 23, 2009

it's hard to look at the pictures of people who don't want to be a part of your life. and never tried. and still don't try. it shouldn't matter anymore. it's always been this way. but it does. i shouldn't have to fight back tears in the coffee shop right now. i have good defense mechanisms. but i am still very fragile. i probably should get this fragility looked at. i've been hurting long enough. i don't have to hurt.

A Reminder

gentle rain, 
soft breezes,
speak to a presence
in the midst of our doubt
a reminder
what's really important.
who you are,
is truth
found here,
not in the white tower
or in this view or that
but here, 
in the great expanse
laid out before us.
in the awe-inspiring
duality of the sky,
light reflecting on the ocean
next to the blackest of storms
while the waves,
reach out for the shore
greedily taking anything
in their fingers reach.
watching from our perch
small in our spot
giant in our thoughts of you
longing for tangibility
in the intangible
bringing the surroundings
into the songs.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

on finding hope

I'm thinking more, finding hope. 
Realizing I don't have to ascribe to either view, I just have to be able to defend my view.

In other news: 
I went on a drive today and ended up on a beach in washington. 
It was awesome.
Tomorrow I'm going to do it all over again this time with my dear friend Rachel.

Goodness.

Hope.

All in the process of being found.



Thursday, February 19, 2009

Is there Hope?

In my theology class we are currently talking about the Doctrine of God. Which is so good because we are talking about the greatness and goodness of God, the trinity and trying to wrap my mind around that is amazing. BUT, I am having some issues with the Doctrine of Election.  If you don't know what that is I'll give you a brief definition and I'll explain more as I understand more later. The basic definition is that the salvation of a person depends on God electing them, this manifests in many different ways the main ones being Calvinism and Arminianism. I am having a hard time making sense of this doctrine in light of who God is. I have no problem believing that people don't choose God but to think that God doesn't choose some people just doesn't make sense for me in light of who God says He is. I haven't made any concrete decisions about this yet and I'm still learning a lot and studying a lot.  I think the Biblical evidence shows both sides and so I'm trying to figure it out but I'm wrestling. 

I believe in God. I know God is real beyond a shadow of a doubt. And I know that in some ways I will never be able to understand the mind of God or the plan of God. But this idea that God calls some and not others makes me cringe because then I have a hard time seeing God as giving the world hope through Christ and loving the world by sending the Son.  Why doesn't it just say that God gave His chosen hope and loves His chosen. And I know we say that God doesn't send people to hell (whatever that means) only their sins do BUT if God is choosing who are the chosen then isn't he destining some for hell?  I know God is just and I am not saying that but this one of the ways where I see the doctrine of election coming in conflict with God's nature. 

Where's the justice?
Where's the hope?

That's what I'm trying to figure out.

signs on our hands

the clock ticks out its steady beat
not slower than it did the day everything went wrong
or faster than the day everything went right
it just ticks
impartial to me and you
or the moments we want to hold for one second longer
because i can hold on to your hand
hoping to keep you in this scene forever
but the wrinkles will crease your eyes
and time will age us
the signs showing on our interlocked fingers
even if i will it not to
but i will not release you
because even if i can't make life one second longer
i can make it infinitely deeper 
challenging time to touch this distance
a revolt and rebellion against its existence
because this is our moment
not times.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Joy...

I have a most wonderful friend up here in Portland. Here name is Rachel and she is fantastic. We met at a time when i really needed a friend.  She is one of those people you just can't help but love and I cannot wait until we move in together this April.

Last night she called me up when she got outta class and we ended up going to a little bar down the street from my house and shared a pitcher of beer and listened to some live music and just talked. It was so wonderful. We share life when we are together not just meaningless conversation and I greatly appreciate her and her heart.

Sharing life is good.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Right In Front of My Eyes

I've always had a hard time making friends. I tend to be shy when I meet people which makes it hard but once you get to know me shyness seems silly in many ways.  I long for the close friendships I see around me that I am not a part of. But, because I was so  preoccupied wanting what someone else had I didn't even realize the wonderful friendship I do have. I have four wonderful girl in my life whom I am with right now and I am so thankful that they folded me into their lives, let me live with them, and the fact that we continue to share life even though I have moved to Oregon.







Monday, January 26, 2009

June Would Be Her Name

This girl was made for summer
For shoeless days
And wild hair drying in the sunshine
Her scent is something
Close to fresh cut grass, lavender and starlight
Skirts grace her figure making it easier to dance
Easier to take it all off and jump in the water
Laughter follows her
As well as the faint words of songs you long to know
Her words come out in shapes and colors
Dancing around your head
Making it easy to see her sense
And feel her mood
Her infectious spirit spins you
Into frenzied hyperventilation of happiness

This Side of Today

I held on to you far longer than was healthy
You lived nicely packaged under my bed
Contained in the box I made, 
The picture from your calendar decorating it.
It was amazing how 3 1/2 years 
Could fist so easily in a shoebox
Ten silver dollars, pictures and ticket stubs
All just empty reminders of the pain I carried.
Then one day, packing up life for the first time
I threw it away--and you with it
I was starting new without you
You would be a lesson I learned
A time of life I would remember
But not long for anymore.
So I ran,
I ran to find the person I had never known--
I found her in foreign countries
In the eyes of the people who loved her,
I found her in darkness
And in the light that pervaded the dark she lied in,
In the end when I had the courage 
I looked in the mirror and found her in my eyes.
I had only been lost
Because I did not know how to be found,
So now I walk
Not needing to watch my feet
The ground is not going anywhere anymore,
Eye raised watching everything
Introducing all to who I am being and becoming.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

A Portland Winter

Life is pleasant. 

It doesn't hurt that we have had sunshine and I have been able to let my feet be free in flip flops. It's also been windy so I've let my hair be wild and blow in the wind. I'm taking my first theology class and I am reveling in the amazingness of it all. I get to write statements of belief and I am excited for that because that means I have to think about what I believe and why I believe it.

I've also started swing dancing.

I think I could live on apples, sandwiches, and cups of stumptown coffee.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

living on the seam of history
experiencing the sunrise
through the lens of a daydream
not missing the perfect perfection
and the impossibility of it all
in light of discovery and nature
asking my questions
and only truly wanting your answers
because no one else knows my heart
you know the beats
and you've counted each one i've missed
so, i look to you in this watershed moment
for every unasked thought
this wrapped up in the missed beats
and in the ones that come to quickly
my ears can't hear its thrumming
but my whole body resonates with its groaning
because this space is getting small
and i don't know how much longer
or how much more my body can take
before i burst under the weight
of this moment
of this season
of this ache that is not yet defined
crying out in muffled pleas
for a glimpse
for something concrete
even for a second to lift this fog

Masochist

I just keep letting you break my heart
Unable to control the memories it holds
The desires it longs for
I just wish it would warn me
Before it does something stupid like hope

Tell me, why can't I let you go?

I left you in another place
Or maybe really you left me
But if we're being honest
There wasn't "anything"
Or any "us" to leave

Tell me, why can't I let you go?

I have nothing
Except for this stupid hope I created
And locked myself in 
Without prior consent

Tell me, why can't I let you go?

I just want to be free
But freedom alludes
Teases just out of reach
While I am shackled to this false hope

Tell me, why can't I let you go?

If the annoying voice would stop shouting
MAYBE DON'T GIVE UP!!
Then maybe, I could give up
I just don't understand the hold
It makes no sense

Tell me, why can't I let you go?

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Perfect Response

I won't sing along,
or try to learn the words,
some songs aren't made for that.
These are the ones you simply enjoy.
You close your eyes,
lean your head back,
and imagine the warmth of sunshine in summer.
The scent of the earth,
and the wood dock under your shoulder blades.
The fresh cut grass,
and the clear night of a million stars.
Enveloped in nothing but the perfect rhythm
and clandestine beats.
It couldn't be ruined,
not today.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

A New Year

Portland feels comfortable this time. 
It has been nice to be back. 
It's almost kind of refreshing to be quiet again. 
Maybe this is exactly where I am supposed to be.
And by maybe I think I mean yes.


What a year for a new year :)

Friday, December 19, 2008

Learning How to Plant

I have moved 10 times in the last 5 years. And in April it will make it number 11. I'm tired. Someone once told me you move more than anyone I know. Most of the time people just ask why I move so much. I honestly don't know. Sometimes it's because I have to; other times it's because I can't stay (and those are two very different reasons).

Either way, I'm tired.

I need to learn how to grow something. Plant something and then harvest something. I need to learn how to farm instead of just gathering along the way and not being able to take everything with me. I don't know when I can stop enough to do that...in a year and a half I'll be moving to Brazil (most likely) for 6 months to a year.

What then? After that? A garden?

There's more to this I can feel it in my stomach. I don't know what yet, but there is more.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Perhaps You'll Hear

I want you to remember me
Remember me like the night on the beach
With the wind so strong
Our voices flew behind us
And yet somehow, our laughter stayed.
Remember the freezing car ride
Staying close to stay warm
Just tired enough, to not know what was going on.
Remember the words we exchanged
And the words we didn't
With the look only we saw.
I want you to remember me
Enough to not forget me
To think of me fondly
And to one day come back to me.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Typical Samantha

Things generally happen to me that other people can't believe. I live most days saying "really? really!? Did that honestly just happen!" Since living in Portland I have had consistently odd things happen to me. Here's a sampling:

-My drivers side window got smashed in (i obviously did not do this to myself but it has happened since being in Portland)
-Flooded my bathroom
-slipped and fell (may have broken my toe)
-Consistently injure myself  on the corners of things
-Started a grease fire in my kitchen, almost burned down my apartment building, which then resulted in small burns on my legs
-Electrocuted myself

This isn't an exhaustive list but it gives you an idea of what goes on in my life. Whether it's daily or weekly things aren't exactly normal but then again normal would be not fun whatsoever :)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I cry out in the dark
Recieving my answer in the light
Hearing your word
In the tranquility of your morning,
I haven't seen the sun in days
But something about the morning shines,
With doves eyes I see the day
Spread out before me
As I fight for joy,
Ripping off my sackcloth
Washing off the ash
Putting on linen,
In the silent revery of this moment
To dance to a tune that's just for me
For I am not mourning
But I am present in your temple
In the center of your love.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008


Hear My children and know that I am the Lord your God. I will never forget you. Look at the trees and know that I am there. Feel the wind and know that I am speaking. You have heard My voice and yet you forget it. 
You forget My provision and My plan for your life. But I have bought you at a great price so that we could be together. When you hear Me again you will remember My love for you. My children if you remember nothing else remember My love. Remember that I chose you not because of anything you could offer Me but because I love you. And remember that I continue choosing you today.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Hello fall, meet Samantha.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

The Truth That Hurts

This is one of those songs that says goodbye
That is thrown away because of pain
Not even given a second glance
Because goodbye is too permanent,
And I don't do permanent,
I keep things surface level
Because I'm not gonna hurt
I'm not gonna care
That way when you say goodbye 
I don't even have to give a sad contemplative sigh
Because I won't mind,
Or at least that's what I'll tell you,
I'll tell you I don't care 
And that I will shed no tears over your memory,
If I even decide to keep memories of you,
And you might even believe my hard exterior
And my nonchalant ways
But the truth--
The truth is I feel too much
And my heart will ache with your goodbye
And I will cry,
But I will wait until you leave
Because I try to be tough
And I try to build wall that you can't climb
When really I've made it so I can't climb out,
And so is this my future behind a wall?
Never having to say goodbye,
But never given the opportunity to say hello...

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

My Thoughts in a Day

My life is getting personal
In real tangible ways
That feel like soft breezes on cloudy days
And late night walks
With autumn colored tree lined paths
Leading to a cup of tea
And a warm embrace
With songs ringing through my ears
In a fall that feels like winter
Living in a place that is not home
Hoping to make it feel like home
Knowing that home feels like you
But trying not to let my mind wander that far
Throwing those thoughts off this bridge
Because it might be high enough to kill them
But my heart is invested in the future
And I can almost reach out and touch it
If I don't over analyze it first

Monday, October 20, 2008

"Set Up"

With a quick breath in
And one last look
Holding on possibly too long
Little did you know
What they were all anticipating
Getting set up 
To fail miserably
Or to change lives
No longer just an innocent evening
Two outcomes but
Only one is truly wanted.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Hanging On

The more I'm bought the less I cost. 
And I've been bought a few times. 
I've been bought by people who would throw me away 
when they got what they needed or 
when I wouldn't give them what they wanted. 
I've been bought by people who thought they loved me, 
but grew out of their love for me. 
I've been bought by people whom I thought I loved, 
but then I grew out of my love for them. 
Being bruised and cut bringing baggage wherever I go 
pained with the honesty I must profess. 
Hanging on the blessing of forgiveness 
and the promise of a hope and a future. 
Knowing that being bought can be beautiful 
if placed in hands that don't grow weary or tired with me and my baggage. 
Holding on to the hope that love can exist.  

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Autumn mornings allow wool sweater to come 
out of the trunk and be thrown on,
as the tea kettle whistles
filled with lavender tea
that echos over the hard wood floors
while being
"a sweet autumn green eyed girl"
echos back in sweet give and take
like the sun trying to gain ground
over the impending clouds of winter

Sunday, September 28, 2008

late at night

So most days I'm pretty much convinced that I am a introvert pretending to be an extrovert. I am completely crazy because I moved 17 hours away from home and 7 hours away from 4 of my best friends to a town where I know no one. I am not very good at making friends and most of that comes from the fact that I am terrified to try and that is something I need to figure out. Once I figure out how to get over my insecurities and let these new people see what everyone else sees all will be fine but until then I am a little home sick and friend sick and trying to kick my butt into shape and be the person I know I am. 

Thursday, September 25, 2008

My Heart Broke a Little Tonight

So some background on my life. I have one roommate and she has a fiancé and we spend most evenings together because I know very few people and they don't do anything. Today he was talking about an email he got from a church he used to go to and how they got a new youth director and that they were starting a new thing where every last Sunday of the month they were going to go out into the community and serve the homeless and just the community in general on those last Sundays each month. Now me I was thinking about how awesome that was. They were exposing the high school students to a part of life they would probably rarely interact with. On top of all of that they were living out the gospel in loving these people and the greatest commandment. If we are loving others who are the imago dei (image of God) then we are loving God; at least these are the ways I think.

(Side note as to what's going on in my life right now: I am reading The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne right now and working on my Masters in Intercultural Studies because I want to live out the gospel here and abroad because I realized I wanted to do more then teach about Jesus I wanted to live like Jesus and show people Jesus, which I know you can do in a classroom but that isn't what God has put on my heart. CONCLUSION: I'm really into being in the community and living out what Jesus preached right now and always and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.)

My roommate and her fiancé did not like this idea of taking the high schoolers out into the community on Sundays. They (really only he did the talking) feel that children should be with their parents on Sunday’s and that they should be in church on Sunday because it is the Sabbath. I brought up the fact that the Sabbath isn't Sunday but just a day one sets aside to rest in God and worship God. He just kind of scoffed at this (not angry like but a scoff) and said yes but it is also a day set aside for worshiping God (somehow he couldn't see how spending time with the homeless was worshiping and loving God). Then I brought up the fact that they are living out the gospel and following Jesus by doing this. (Once again another scoff) He said that was the reason that the youth director used but he maintained that children should be in church on Sundays with their families and he said that by doing this they are breaking the first commandment which says love God first and then others second. And that is where our discussion ended.

My heart broke. I couldn't believe that he would look down upon people living out the gospel. I know he would have hated the church I went to in Humboldt because we didn't have church some Sundays so that people would be encouraged to go out and do service projects. I hated (yes a strong word) the way he looked at the greatest commandment. He saw them as two separate commandments when that isn’t at all what Jesus was saying. (Now you can argue with me on this that’s fine I’m just going off of what a pastor of mine once preached on and also what I personally see in the scriptures and in Jesus’ life) These two commandments go hand in hand; if we are honestly loving God then we will not be able to stop loving God’s people and since we are each image bearers by loving one another we are loving God. My roommates fiancé said that they should just do it on a different day but I think it is great they are doing it on a Sunday; a day that is notoriously known for bad drivers and bad tippers. Why don’t we try giving a different perception of Sunday’s since Sunday is just another day. We made Sunday the day to go to church not God, Shabbat (the Sabbath in Hebrew) is really from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. In my opinion the best way to worship God and learn about God is to live out the gospel.

So my heart hurt tonight.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

"Surgery"

Winter spring summer fall

Seasons of ached longing

Longing for water inside

Quenching thirst with desire

Passion with prescribed medication

Finding reasons for stitches

Pulled out in sections

Hidden choices and decisions

Saturday, September 6, 2008

wild apples ripen

all fall turns

late in season

ideal for roasting

presses getting ready

a bathtub setting
Warm breezes blow in from the east
gently moving the papers on the table
papers filled with poetry
filled with lists
and filled with notes
sending chills up my spine in this quiet apartment

Living North

So, I am in love with Missy Higgins. I had always liked but these past couple weeks I have just become a full blown lover of her music. I bought her CD On A Clear Night today and there was a song on it that I hadn't hear called "Going North" and I'm pretty sure she wrote it for me. Find it and listen to it if you ever get the chance. 

I wanna dance the tango with chance
I wanna ride on the wire
Cos nothing gets done with dust in your gun
And nobody respects a liar
So goodbye for a while I'm off to explore
Every boundery and every door
Yeah I'm going north

I wanna know where children go
If they never learnt to be cool
Cos nothings achieved when when pushed up a sleeve
Till nobody thinks you're a fool
So goodbye for a while I am out to learn more
About who I really was before
Yeah I'm going north

Up where the hunted hide with ease
Under the arms of eye-less trees
Up where the answers fall like leaves
Oh and your love is all I need
Yeah I'm going north



Thursday, September 4, 2008

I accidentally fell in love with you.

Somewhere inbetween here and there I found you in my sight,
growing moss from being forgotten.

The cheaply fastened box did not hide my secrets very well
as we shared our treasure troves.

I pretended that I did not care that you
(an accident)
could see me so intimately
I kick the curb
with untied shoelaces
finding it so easy to trip and fall,
over my words
that needlessly and thoughtlessly come out
in twos and threes
and sometimes entire phrases of worthless banter
meant to fill the void in this room that I find,
uncomfortable 
and so I attempt to fill it
with something--anything
to take my mind off the pit in my stomach
and the ache in my heart

A Practice in Pink

Pink flamingos that run through fields of red #40 and yellow #5 trying to break through a world of tutus and Barbie and Hello Kitty, all the while attempting to hold on to punk rock hair and hide the kind of scars that only cherry blossoms can leave behind, as you're stuck in the margin lines of rose petals and babies not wanting one or the other because to give in means to give up on sunsets and speeding tickets...

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Perfect Plastic Casing

trying to live in a moving box
contents wrapped in plastic bags
seemingly safe from harm
but cause for a noisy existence
everything untouchable in its
perfect
plastic
casing
visible in its loneliness
not sure how to reach out
without pushing away
plastic casing is safer
but who wants to hug a bag?
with its cold staticy edges
when flesh and blood live next door
a warm body will always win
cuz it's about nearness not perfection
and being close is a luxury
a luxury that a plastic bag will never know


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Portland Playlist

Missy Higgins
Norah Jones
The Decemberists 
Iron&Wine

I'm going to go to the Tao of Tea today. My first adventure alone into downtown!

Monday, August 25, 2008

This song has been one I can't get enough of lately. 
It's "Forgive Me" by Missy Higgins:

Oh my son look at what I've done
But I am learning still
Learning still
Know that I am learning still
And oh my wife you are my life
And I am burning still
Burning still
Know that I am burning for you still

And all, all of my light is for you
And home, home's anywhere you are too
So take this one fallen man on his knees
Saying please forgive me

Oh my God how you make it hard
Not to pick the apple
Pick the apple
And Lord I long to give it back

And I was on shaky land
Lost and unsure I opened my hand
And she held it like sinking sand

And all, all, all of my light is for you
And home, home's anywhere you are too
So take this one fallen man on his knees
Saying please

All, all, all of my light is for you
And home, home's anywhere you are too
So take this one fallen man on his knees 
Saying please forgive me
Forgive me
Forgive me
So I am just feeling sorry for myself lately. I'm going to get over it!! All the school stuff starts on thursday with orientation and I think after that I'll feel better. Right now I just want to pack up and go home but I've gotta give it time and try and so I will! Massive amounts of tea will get me through!!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

In my New Living Room

I need a friend. I'm really trying not to be lonely but my dad left today and it's all kinda starting to hit me. The girl I'm living with is nice but we are very different to say the least. I'm afraid I might scare her a little bit. Oh goodness gracious...I think unpacking my room and going for a walk will make me feel better. I hope so.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Last Day in California

So, I'm moving to Oregon tomorrow. I feel like I have so much to say but neither the energy or desire to do so. So much has changed in me this summer. Maybe some other time. Talk to you from Oregon.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

JJ Heller's New Album

If you have ever heard of JJ Heller then you know she is amazing. If you haven't heard of her music then you need too!! Here's your chance!! She is giving away her new album for free to download through November. Take this opportunity to become acquainted with her music. Her music has changed my life maybe it'll do the same for you.

'>http://

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

I'm Feeling Better

I took some deep breathes.
Talked to Eric Weitzel.
Got more information about Portland.
What could be better? (nutella with feta on toast)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

I am terribly afriad that I am making the wrong decision. Things aren't fitting together as perfectly as I hoped. I don't know what to do I am so confused.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

"Three Years Remembered"

I can see the moonlight--

dark and crisp over the salty air.

Warm with a tropical freshness

and the oceans forever blue.

Stars come out to greet me

in this rolling ocean but

it is the moon that demands my attention.

It's luminous grandeur

that reflect across the pacific

daring me to dream

and hope

on its endless light.

This silver crested scene

could be three years remembered

but today is new.

New eyes watch this moonlight roll

and these waves break,

A new person lets this warm

salty air blow through her hair,

For I am not three years remembered

and the past is a lesson I don't

need to live again.

So, I will be the image of today

and the hope of tomorrow.

Friday, July 11, 2008

I'm Better Than This

I'm not this kind of girl. I feel too much. I get too involved. And then in the end my heart hurts and my feelings get hurt. I want to be mad, and I am for probably the next day and most likely the next time I see you, but I'm pretty sure you just don't know how to talk to me. You do know how to talk to me because you have, but I think it makes you nervous because you only do it when we're alone. I wanted to throw a water bottle at the back of your head as had as I could today and say "Oops it slipped" but I didn't. I know you aren't intentionally trying to hurt me. I have said a lot of mean things about you today to other people and I don't really mean them I'm just hurt and it's easier to be mad then cry. I wasn't going to pine over you but I would have liked to have been your friend. I enjoyed hearing about your life and I enjoyed sharing about mine. You were interested in what I was doing in my life and that meant a lot to me. I'll let you try and redeem yourself if you can man-up and do it because you are a good person. But right now, I don't have the time to be upset because you're cute but not that cute and I'm better than this.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Road Tripping for A Day

Tomorrow I am going to Calvin Crest to visit friends.
I can't wait.
My soul could use some friendship and green trees.
One day turn around but it's better then nothing!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Summer's Playlist (or the artists I can't get enough of)

1. Priscilla Ahn (favorite song: Are We Different? and Rain)
2. Mates of State (the wonderful new album, My Only Offer is a love of mine)
3. Adele (i love Chasing Pavements but also Not Drunk Enough)
4.The Honorary Title (love The City's Summer)
5. American Bang (just wanna dance)
6. The Ting Tings (just wanna dance some more)
7. Iron&Wine - The Shepherd's Dog (i've had this CD for awhile but i am loving it this summer)
8. The Submarines (so freaking good!! i love You, Me & The Bourgeoise)
9. Old Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers (specifically albums: Damn the Torpedoes and Full Moon Fever, favorite song Yer So Bad)
10. New Found Glory (the only song i listen to is their remake of The King of Wishful Thinking)
11. Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things (this new album is awesome in my opinion)

That's it for now I am sure more will be added through out the summer but for now this is good. I'm off to the races...

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

The Quietness of Noise

My life is quiet right now. But good, so good. I spend a lot of time reading and laying by the pool of course. I am currently enraptured with The Prophet by Kahil Gibran. My soul needed it and I'm just drinking it up. It's funny I don't think quiet is the right word for my life because I live with my parents and my 9 year old sister and 4 year old brother and I live in the living room and I don't have a door or really any window coverings and so my life is a bit naked right now. Everything is spread out in all directions for everyone to see and that includes me. I'm enjoying it and finding peace in this madness :) God completely has surprised me with where I am and what I am doing. Sometimes I feel like I'm doing much of anything and I wish had gone to Calvin Crest but I'm doing tons of stuff and I have people I need to be with and things I need to do that Calvin Crest wouldn't allow.

I'm helping my grandparents clean out all of there closets this summer and the stories I've gotten about family members and what different pieces of clothing mean to my grandma (and the rocking 70's sunglasses) are priceless. In one day I've learned so much about my grandparents and my family. Last week I took a ten mile walk with mom from Marina Del Ray through Venice almost to Santa Monica just the two of us. All we did was talk and it was a sweet sweet time. My entire family (grandparents, parents and siblings) is taking a cruise together which should be crazy and fun. I get to be a bridesmaid for my dear friends Cindy and Kyle. I was there when they met and when they feel love and I feel honored to be included in their day. I am seeing Fergie in concert with my mom and sister! Not my first choice but I love my mom and sister so I am going. And then my dad and I are going to drive to Portland just the two of us. I'm excited for what God will do with that trip and what will come of it.

So life is noisy but so quiet and serene. Life is beautiful. I am happy to be where I am.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

It's summer time....Time to learn how to Let go and Hold on

Give me another place to stand.
Reaching for an open palm
That is facing the wrong way for me to hold
Aimlessly losing grip
Blamed on bad timing.

Oceans of memories and unanswered unasked questions
Would take longer than a plane ride
Over the Pacific.

So take three steps to the right
And I’ll take four to the left,
And maybe things will become clear,
Maybe the ocean will shrink,
Maybe our continents will meet,
Or maybe we’ll figure out how to not lose grip.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Are we learning how to create?

My senior project is done and in. I wrote a paper about Jesus' relationship with women. What that looked like, what that meant for women then, what that means for us today. I am a poor judge of my own writing and I often think my writing sucks but somehow I pass, so I guess it's not as bad as I think. So of course I have no idea how good my paper is but regardless I loved it. I loved every part of this because of everything I learned and how it affected me on a personal level. Some of the best things I learned I didn't even use in my paper. I'm still processing a lot of it now that I can actually take a step back and soak in what I learned instead of putting it in thought form appropriate for a phenomenological paper.


Last summer when my teammates and I were planning out our lessons for AIM during O-week we were having problems figuring out what to say and teach. Then we got the advice that regardless of the problems you may be having theologically or with the church go back to Jesus. Go back to the root to the foundation and start from there. And I took that advice again. I was going to write on feminist theology but then I realized what I really wanted to know was what Jesus had to say about women. I wanted to know how I, as a woman, fit into Christianity. I wanted to know where my authority came from. I wanted to know in a world where women are told no and religion is used against them what Jesus was actually saying for them.


In the end I was sad and disappointed. I was sad and disappointed that women have been excluded from leadership due to an apostolic tradition that they were left out of not because of Jesus, but because of men with agendas that wrote down everything. I was sad that verses have been skewed and taken out of context to keep women in abusive relationships. I was frustrated because I feel like we follow Paul more then we follow Christ. I was sad and frustrated with women today who wrote that we are wrong to look for equality and to think that there were female disciples. I was angry that a Christian women author said that God could not possibly be female and then proceeded to quote verses that distinctly give God motherly attributes and said that these verses don't mean anything. I was sad that these types of books are sold and given to women within Christianity as authoritative. I was sad that we place so much weight in gender when God is non-gendered and Jesus was ontologically male but that means absolutely nothing to the grand scheme of who Jesus is and what his message is. I was sad that the first time I heard this revolutionary message of Christ's love and respect for women was in my senior thesis class and not in my church.


At the same time I was happy and filled with joy in the end. I was ecstatic that Jesus gave authority to women and included them within his disciples. I was ecstatic that there were three main women disciples. I was overjoyed that Martha was never in the kitchen. I was overjoyed that you do not have to choose between being a Martha or a Mary but that it is about a balance between them. I was happy to learn my history as a Christian female and wrestle with it. I was excited to see that Jesus called for an authentic existence between the sexes. I was encouraged that Jesus did not tell women that they should suffer silently but that they should stand up against unjust suffering. I loved that Jesus gave women voices and let them speak. I was happy to see women letting their hair down and Jesus affiriming them. I was happy to see women speaking out and speaking up in faith and Jesus affiriming them. I loved that without the women's testimony that Jesus was really dead and that his tomb was really empty then never would have been Christianity, because everyone else ran away. I was encouraged that redemptive readings are possible. I was encouraged that 10 women got into the party and that we need to watch for his coming and that these are two different stories are not one to hurt women. I love that acts of love are encouraged. I love that women are examples when men run away. I love that women have been there since the beginning and that Luke had the courage to write that down so that his community would know. I found joy in the fact that Jesus revealed his identity to women and that many believed because of women. I love that no one is excluded.

In the end I am determined more then anything else. I am determined to live like I have authority and that I have every right to be where I am and do what I want to do. I am determined to live the life Christ opened up to me as a women. I am determined.



The Five Virgins by Thomas Merton


There were five virgins
Rowdies
Who arrived for the Wedding of the Lamb

With their motor-scooters burned out
And their gas tanks
Empty

But since they knew how to
Dance
They were told to
Stick around anyhow.

So that's it: there were
Five rowdy virgins
Without gas
But really caught up
In the action.

There were then ten virgins
At the Wedding of the Lamb.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Where are you going with your life?
Good question...
It's only have past yesterday,
I'm just trying to walk without wobbling.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Counting the days on one Hand

I am immersed in a world of feminist theology, liberation theology, and Jesus.
It is a pretty good place to be.
And to think I get a degree for doing something I love.
It is stressful but the amount I've read and learned has all been worth it.
More details about this wonderfulness in mere days as I finish.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Oh what a day...

I take step aerobics (you read right, don't worry). And I have short legs, let's face it no one has ever mistaken me for tall. Well today we were doing this thing where we kind of skip over the top of the step going the longest direction. I usually don't participate in this exercise because of the short leg problem but today I felt energetic and thought why not!! Well energetic or not I still have short legs and low and behold I fell. Right in the middle of class in the middle of the classroom. My foot slips off the edge of the step and I fall hard on to the ground. The best part as my foot was slipping I managed to land on it on it's side resulting now in a mild sprain. Luckily for me do I do this so often I just laughed it off, left class and had my roommate pick me up, and now I am icing it.


Welcome to the madness that is my life.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

We are growing in the direction of our future.

The future we've dreamed,
and painted,
and set music to.

That is so foolishly and easily forgotten
in a moment of weakness or frustration.

As it hangs perilously on the head of a dandelion,
fragile,
and unaware.

But as the wind, picks it up
and carries it to a new destination,
The sunlight catch the glimmer of hope,
that is quickly remembered
as the new dandelions take root.

A Longing

The girl in canary yellow,
with sunflowers growing out of her steps,
gracefully skips over the cracks of her day.

Peculiarly not worrying.
Letting herself be blessed by freedom
and extra time.

Walking gently on a tightrope,
balancing her faith
in the blossoming of spring and midday rains.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

I have a porch..

Today it is extremely sunny and warm (and by warm I mean warm for Humboldt so that means over like 65 degrees maybe even around 70!). So I am going to lay on my porch (because I have a porch off of my bedroom) and read and enjoy the sunshine. Off to the sun...

Monday, April 14, 2008

I'm Yours

In You -- I am free
In You -- I have authority and a place at the table
In You -- I am me
In You -- I can wear my hair long and wild
In You -- I am a temple
In You -- I can love and be loved
In You -- I can dance and be joyous in every circumstance
In You -- I am not held back
In You -- I am given a voice
In You -- I have made the better decision
In You -- I can ruffle feathers and hold on to truth

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

breathing slowly and deeply

My life is currently spinning out of control. I found out that I am 2 units short of graduating and I have been jumping through hoops the past 2 weeks trying to get classes and then signatures and now I have to wait for an appointment I have on Monday to get one more persons approval. My grad school application was sent off yesterday and now I have to just wait. To top it all off I have a 25 page paper due in a month and I am at a loss for how to accomplish that. In the midst of all of it I am not worried. Oddly and strangely I am at peace and taking one day at a time. I have even tried to be worried but it's not happening. I'm not quiting any of my responsibilities I'm just not letting them get to me. I have been earnestly praying this entire time for God to take my worry and just for everything to be ok....and God answered. There was no booming voice out of the heaven's saying it'll all be ok but there has been this sense of peace over the whole situation. And there have been butterflies. Not the kind you get when you see a cute boy or girl but the kind with wings that fly. For the past two weeks I have spent a lot of time on my porch in the sunshine and every time I am out there reading, writing, or just listening to nature or music there have been butterflies flying around. Now I know it is spring but I haven't seen them anywhere else and I know that those butterflies are just a little sign for me. And so I am just breathing slowly and deeply and taking it all as it comes to me and remembering that it is not in my hands.

Sunday, April 6, 2008


Reasons Why I am staying at home this summer (among others)




Sunday, March 30, 2008

Sunday...Wonderful...Sunday...

I'm going to spend it in a coffee shop.
A little me and Jesus time.
A little poetry time.
A little homework time.
The most wonderfulest part is that all of those include me and Jesus time.
My poetry time is Jesus time.
My homework time consists of reading about Jesus and women in the gospel's.
To top it all off...Catalyst...more me and Jesus time and more rejuvenation for my soul.

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

I broke open my head,
and it is all
spilling out on the the table,
everything fighting for its voice
and to be heard,
begging for the chance to be tangible.

I broke open my heart,
and it is all
spilling out and staining my shirt
with cherry blossoms and fresh cut grass,
fiercely compassionate and brimming with tears.

Screaming at you to see me--
Throwing punches at you so you'll feel me--
Trying to piece myself back together so that maybe you'll love me.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Something is overflowing inside of me. Let's call it peace. Let's call it excitement. Let's call it happiness. Let's call it affirmation. Let's call it love. Let's call it unexpected. Let's call it the future.

My Laundry List

I hate Incubus not because they are a bad band but because they are from a part of my life I don’t inhabit anymore.

I can’t listen to the song “When You Say Nothing At All” because we were going to dance to it our wedding.

I’m not really sure if I like the Decemberists but I feel the need to listen to them this evening and the past few evenings.

I want to be soo very happy for my friends getting married but I am also very jealous (even though I have so many things I want to do before I even think about marriage).

I want to go to you when I have a bad day but I don’t think you would understand why I was going to you and you would just laugh and be awkward.

If you asked me to follow you around the world and love you I would in a heart beat…but I am afraid I am just in love with the idea of who you were and who I was but who are we now?

I wanted to call you tonight and ask you if you still thought about me, but what would that do?
And how would I feel if you said no? And in all reality deep down I want you to think about me and realize what a fool you were…sometimes I’m not a very nice person especially since I would never take you back.

Whenever I see you I want to run to you and have you hold me, even though you have never held me before. It’s a good thing I don’t ever see you then.

Sometimes I still have a hard time facing what I have done and who I have been and I am afraid I will become that person again.

I would love you if you asked me to. I’ll never ask though and neither will you and I’m glad.

I am listening for the soundtrack and the storyline to where I am going. And I like where it is going and I like that I get to help in the creation but I am not the Creator.