Halloween Greetings

Happy Halloween! 
I am currently in Savannah (drove up here late last night) staying with Jen and Co. and we are getting ready to pack up and head to the North Carolina mountains tonight for our friend Chancie's wedding weekend! I cannot wait to get up to the mountains with the Autumn atmosphere and leaves, oh yea, and friends!

Since we are traveling on Halloween, we are trying to make plans to stop along the way somewhere to do something festive, for the sake of little Liliana. Oh, and did I mention that we are dressed up as black cats? Seriously, the things we do for sweet, little children....Normally I do not really do anything for Halloween, except perhaps eat far too many pieces of candy corn (the only true Halloween candy).

What are you doing for Halloween? 

Oxford Exchange (Again!)

 

Oxford Exchange. How could one not love this place?
Emily and I came here over the weekend to enjoy some brunch, coffee, browsing in the shops, tea, reading, and chatting. It was a lovely, bright day, even a little bit on the cool side in the morning.

Every time I go there and browse the bookstore, they have many different books that I haven't seen before, and it's such fun to see what they decide to put on the shelves. I like how they have not just the classics that you can find everywhere, but different versions and sometimes titles that are more difficult to find. I was really debating on whether to get a book of Evelyn Waugh's short stories and a P.G. Wodehouse that I had never seen before (I didn't get them, but maybe next time?). I think everyone can find something to strike their fancy in this diverse bookstore. I ended up getting a new version of Pride and Prejudice with the bold typography on the cover and a book of German phrases. Emily, the chef, bought two books on cooking.

This kind of place jives with my creative nature and it motivates me to try a new book or a new kind of food/drink in the restaurant, like a cortado, or indulge in the most delicious drink from the tea bar later, a lavender fog. It invites me to linger, and while I am here, it feels like I am in a big city somewhere in Europe. Until next time OE!

A Ghoulish Gathering

My friend Emily hosted a Ghoulish Gathering next door in her little apartment on a cool, Fall evening a few nights ago. About 25 of Emily's friends and family came by to celebrate her birthday. What does Emily choose to do on her birthday? She chooses to cook an elaborate meal for everyone and have them over at her home! She's amazing!

Emily dressed up as a hostess. Her name tag says 'Ms. Halloween'. She certainly is quite the hostess; thinking of everything weeks in advance and timing everything perfectly.

Her menu included roasted pork shoulder with sage and coriander, cauliflower gratin, mini-roasted potatoes with rosemary, mini pear and blueberry spice cakes, foolish ghost bites, and apple cider. Every guest raved over her food, with good reason. She is a chef and she has a passion for food, which is so obvious when you taste anything she makes. She also has an ease of being extremely hospitable. The decorations in her home were darling and so creative.

Spooky music played in the background. The food covered her table, visible by spooky lighting. Watch out! There were playful plastic spiders all over the place. Two big tables were set-up downstairs outside as well for all the people. Nobody left with empty bellies. As the evening cooled down even more, a small bonfire started.

It was a birthday bash to remember!

Autumn is Here!

How do I know when the season is changing? The sun has shifted its position in the sky. Actually, the earth is the one shifting, but I am not attempting to be scientifically correct, so we will say the sun has shifted because the season is changing. We will be more poetic and less scientific.

Normally the sun lowers in the sky outside my living room windows, facing west, but now when I sit at my kitchen table looking out my big south-west windows, I see the orange glowing sunset behind the trees. And the days are growing shorter. And the air is staying cooler because of that.

The season is changing. Autumn is here! The treat of cooler air has arrived. Want proof? Well, that is what these photos are for. I don't know about you, but these kinds of images cheer my soul. They remind me of the delights of the season. And in every season there are a multitude of things to delight in and be thankful for. God's goodness is all around, in abundance. What are you most thankful for this season?

My Kind of Weather

The sunset tonight is spectacular. The first chilly day since April (?) leaves us clearing skies tonight with horizontal stripes of clouds absorbing darkness and glowing with neon oranges and pinks. Against dark purple clouds above them, it is all the more dramatic in contrast. All in front of a clear, blank sky behind as the backdrop.

All hopes lie in that this evening will get even cooler as the sky clears.

This morning I awoke with a giddy feeling in my heart. The air felt different. It smelled different. With a chill in the air, my feet hit colder floors and a smile automatically grew on my face. I couldn't help it. I had too much fun deciding what to wear this morning. Do I wear boots? Or moccasins? Layers? Or just a sweater? Flannel shirt?

Yes. Flannel shirt and grey sweater over it. Black jeans and tall boots. Why not?

Looking outside, the sky was a gentle grey overcast. Nothing menacing. Just the kind of day where you know the sun isn't going to come out.

When I stepped outside it felt like England. And I loved it. It is the kind of weather that invites me to go on a long walk to explore, and stop for tea, and walk back. It asks for some adventure. I was made for this kind of weather. Further proof of that would come through a text from my friend Emily this morning. She simply said "It's Kacie weather today!"

Yep. That's a good way to put it. My kind of weather. Happy Autumn!

P.S. Happy Birthday to Emily! It's party time tonight!

Why I Write

- There's not much money it in
- There's the chance that nobody will read it

So why do it?

A true writer and lover of the written word does not focus on getting recognition or the spotlight. The spotlight actually works in a contrary sense, in that it dissuades us since one cannot write from the heart if the head is swollen from ego so much that it detaches from the body, separating the two.

I long to write
Day and night

As with any creative talent, one must work at it constantly, never stopping. Never waiting for the ideal situation or certain inspiration to hit. There is no guarantee that will ever take place. It is a matter of loving it so much, you crave time to do it. Whether you are an artist, designer, cartoonist, writer, photographer...

All of these creative crafts basically start from nothing, and it is our unique minds that seek to create something that brings goodness to the world. Using God's creation to create our own unique and beautiful painting, book, project, etc... is our way of sub-creating (to borrow a phrase from J.R.R. Tolkien), and we were made for that.

So, for me, I wake everyday longing to write. I sit down in the evening to write because I've been longing all day. It is a constant craving that I have, and only one way to relieve it, for a little while, at least.

I do not mind that many times a writer does not get much credit, or that my blog hasn't become an internet phenomenon, mainly because it allows me the freedom to write anything I want. I do not answer to anyone and I do not rely on it as an income source.

I also think if the spotlight gets too bright, pride can easily slip in, unnoticed, and alter the being that was so pure. I think about some of my favourite writers like Emily Dickinson, Anne Brontë, and John Keats. These amazingly talented writers (and so many others) never received recognition during their lifetime, and many times they were looked down upon in regards to their writing. Yet they never stopped writing. Emily wrote more than 1,700 poems in her lifetime, and less than 20 were ever published in the newspaper.

Keats' long poem, Endymion, received bad reviews when it was first published in 1818 and sold very few copies. But there are lines in this poem that are some of the most beautiful lines in poetry, such as the first lines:

A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases, it will never
Pass into nothingness

It just shows that opinions will always rise up against you from somewhere. Something will try to stop you from creating good, but don't ever stop. Don't give up because of an opinion or disinterestedness from a party you wanted approval from.
You were made to do what you love. Keep going.

Holy Is the Day

Surprised by Oxford is one of my favourite books. It is a memoir of Carolyn's conversion to Christianity, which took place in the most beautiful and inspiring city, Oxford, while she studied for her graduate degree in English Literature (sound like something I might dream of? Indeed, that is one of my dearest dreams). I have read that book at least 3 times (it was published a few years ago), and each time I read it, it speaks to me more deeply and wonderfully than the time before.

So, when her new book came out, Holy is the Day, I knew I would want to read it as soon as possible. Carolyn has a way of writing prose as if it were poetry. Her word selection is exquisite, and I am caught up in her story. My mind doesn't waver away in the breeze of the turning pages. It's more like I am eagerly turning the page to see what happens next.

In this book she starts by telling about a traumatic event that occurred in her life and how it caused her to deeply realize that life is truly a gift and everything is meant to be savored and enjoyed. She shares her experience as she began to write Surprised by Oxford, and the discouragement she received from fellow professors (at a secular college), because it was a "Christian book". I am inspired by her bravery to keep writing against all other worldly advice, so that many readers (like me!) could read her beautiful story of finding her faith (and letting herself be found by God) in Oxford.

I am not even halfway through, yet, but had to share about how much I enjoy reading this author. 

Beauty & Truth

Remind me, oh comforts of the rising sun,
Is beauty a result of truth
or are they all as one?
Do we focus on the tangible so much
that we easily lose sight of truth?

A beauty seen now does not last long,
it withers and fades to dust on pages,
but truth seen in beauty lasts like a song,
melodies leaving traces throughout ages.

Jump from one time to the next,
truth remains a constant.
It's the world which decides what is beauty
that you should consign in.

It is when we value that of the earth
above that which is another world
for which we were made for,
do the comforts leave us,
like the beauty they are,
fading like dust into the floor.

Blank Space No More

At last! I made a wall hanging for the big, blank space above my sofa. Made of scrap fabric and using my basic sewing skills (which is all I have), I now have some colour and texture on the wall, in an interesting, homemade piece that I can change as the season changes, if I so choose.

For the longest time I did not know what to do with this space. In my tiny apartment, this open spot is huge, but I was all out of frames and things to hang up. I also did not want to spend any money because, frankly, I am kind of cheap when it comes to decorations, so being creative was the best option. And I will gladly be creative, but it is a challenge for me when it comes to crafts. I do not have a lot of materials and I do not know much about crafting.

 I really do love simple projects that I can do in a few hours while listening to a CBC Radio broadcast on "C.S. Lewis and the Inklings" (in two parts). Click HERE for part one if you want to listen (I really enjoyed it. Alister McGrath and Malcolm Guite are spectacular to listen to on this topic). So, it was a great project for me! I love the way it turned out. Simple, pretty, and adding a splash of colour to the wall.

Recent Things

 I love living so close to the main library in town. I am a frequent visitor and have found books I never would have found otherwise, and I check-out seasons of Lost to watch, and shop in the bookstore, which supports the library! Winning all around!

When making a short trip out of town, like I did last weekend, there are some essentials I must have with me. Mostly, that includes my journal and a book. But many times that also include a camera and a hat, if there is a chance I will be outside.

The weather has been tolerable outside in the early evenings, with lower humidity earlier this week, so I have been taking walks around Lake Hollingsworth. I live so close to it I can walk down to the lake! I am trying to get back into my walking/ running regime. 

It is always in the Autumn and Winter that I get really busy with crochet projects. I am currently making something with this lovely wool yarn from England. Lately baby blankets have been the order of the day. 

Faking Fall

I am doing my best. Here in Florida we have no choice but to fake Fall. Sadly, that is how it is. Even though the weather will not fully cooperate (okay- we have had lower humidity and temperatures that dropped a few degrees in the mornings and evenings, so it has been a nice relief) we still want to experience the season of Autumn. Honestly, I grow supremely jealous of all those northerners who are experiencing changing leaves falling to the ground and crunching under their boots. And their chilly air that causes them to put away all their Summer clothes and take out all their sweaters and scarves.We aren't doing that here! But I wish we were.

But then again, I suppose it would not be Florida if we were along the same seasonal patterns as the northern states. It would probably be a problem, since our latitude lines are pretty far apart. I am just the odd one here who wishes it to be more like a northern state.

So, I will fake Fall whenever possible. In the home (I light candles and have a little Fall decor), in the wardrobe (I have colours like mustard, cinnamon, and caramel) and meals I prepare (veggies roasted in the oven, sausage and eggs). A hint of Fall is in it all, even though it is still warm as ever outside. Soon it will come.

On Work

Those of us who work in an office or at a specific location spend about 8-9 hours every day in that place with the same people. For me, since I changed jobs 7 months ago I have never been happier at work. And that is because I have the best boss. Do you have an amazing boss? Tell him/her how much you appreciate their leadership today because today is Boss's Day!

I sure am thankful for my kind and generous boss, Colin, and I will gladly celebrate this day to express how thankful I am that he is my boss!

The sermon I heard this weekend was good reminder about work, which seems appropriate on this day. When God created Adam and Eve, He gave them the garden to tend to. That was their work. We were made to work, but to enjoy it by using our talents and gifts to further God's Kingdom.

Genesis 2.15 says "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."

We may not be tending gardens, but we are all doing something. No matter what we do for work or volunteering, or staying at home to raise a family, we can do everything to the glory of God. Every choice we make has an impact. Everything we do matters. Are you treating everything like it matters?

Add This to Your Reading Queue

Who can enjoy the lovely land, who can enjoy the seventy years, and the sun that pours down on the earth, when there is fear in the heart?

- Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton

Everyone should read this book. Have you read it?

It is such a moving book about a pastor in South Africa who goes to search for his son, who he hasn't heard from in over a year, only to find him in a serious situation. I won't give away any details so you can go read it for yourself. The lengths the father goes to to save his son is deeply moving.

The first portion of the book is the father leaving his tiny town of Ndotsheni searching for his son in the big city of Johannesburg, where he goes place to place, using up all his savings to find his son. We feel the reminder quickly that there is much in this world that we cannot control, including ones own children, and it takes great heart and courage to keep going. But goodness will come. Along the way he finds kindness and generosity, for that is the secret that keeps us going.

Kumalo looked at him under the light of the lamp. I believe, he said, but I have learned that it is a secret. Pain and suffering, they are a secret. Kindness and love, they are a secret. But I have learned that kindness and love can pay for pain and suffering.

The way the story unfolds with the reader finding out who else is involved and how they are all connected brings even more darkness to the story, and yet because of this situation and who is involved, light and goodness is able to spring forth. And of course there is the black and white issues, customs, and politics, which comes into play. But beneath it all, there is the humanity. The sense that we are all the same and it doesn't matter whether we are a rich white family or a poor black family. We can all love one another, even when deeply wounded and hurting.

This book shows that in a beautiful way. Beautiful language. I think every person should read this book.

There is a new thing happening here, he said. It is not only these rains, though they refresh the spirit. There is hope there, such as I have never seen before.

Pumpkin Patching

I am not sure if pumpkin patching is a real term, but we will just go with it. We weren't patching any pumpkins, but we were letting Ellie (my niece) experience pumpkins for the first time! It's fun to watch her observe and touch the pumpkins. She's all about textures these days.

Ellie picked out her own pumpkin. This one, she said, is the most perfect little pumpkin I have ever seen! It's the perfect size for me! (Okay, Ellie didn't say all that, but she approved of the little pumpkin and took it home with her)

It was just fun to do something Fall-ish this weekend with some family! It wasn't blazing hot, so that was nice, but it still isn't chilly. 

New Morning

Morning light
pure
bright
fresh and new
sings in the day
with birds chirping
and the blue sky hue

Still
calm
offering us a song
of a new day
to embrace and enjoy
for it is a gift

Do we think about how each new morning is a gift? Or does your morning look like a frantic scene mingled with chaos so you don't even have the chance to think about how it is a new day?

Lately, I have been in the habit of saying thankful prayers as I get ready in the morning. To just let that be my mind's way of waking up. No matter where we are in life, whether up or down, we have plenty to be thankful for. I immerse myself in thankful thoughts and praise as I pick out an outfit, fix my hair, and brew coffee. I find when I set my mind in a positive and thankful tone from the get-go, my whole day is bathed in the light of going-with-the-flow, to where worry and stress have no place in my day. 

That Which is Not Seen

My mind is drifting along the music I have playing in my kitchen as the sun sets outside, bringing a golden glow into my living room. I sit on the sofa with feet propped up on the ottoman with a mixture of feelings twisting and stretching. My thoughts are encased in questions and contemplation. I hardly know what to think about some things that are at work in my life (and others close to me).

Matters unresolved translate to these musings and I wish I could be of more encouragement and help solve them. But they are mostly out of my hands, and my hands would not be nearly as healing as God's. But I don't like the feeling of helplessness. It makes me feel restless.

Perhaps my doubts are incorrect. Maybe my gentleness and subtle thoughtfulness is impactful. Maybe certain efforts that come completely natural to me are just not quite understood yet. I was not made to be exactly like anyone else, anyway, for a reason. My own methods are not aligned with the world. Many things the world cares about, I do not care about. Solutions are not always a direct result of an action, but that action could be a catalyst for something good that is to come.

Trying to keep my mind affixed on that which is not seen, rather than what is seen. Looking deeply and seeing so much more than what is being shown on the surface.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

You Dwell in all the Leaves

You are the reviver of my soul
You are in the changing breezes
You dwell in all the leaves
The pleasant things we linger over
You are there too.

Remember to be thankful
For every little thing
It is a gift to behold
And I give praise as offering.

When we look at the little things of the world as God-created, it looks a lot more beautiful, does it not? When I think about the design of a leaf, its texture, its shape, how can we not stand in awe of a creative God? And that is just something so small. What about trees themselves? As I ponder the increased complexity of nature, we arrive at ourselves at last.

The most complex creatures, we are. How can each of us be absolutely unique? It is astounding. And yet we are all the same; made from dust. We cannot even comprehend the amount of microscopic atoms, cells, and genes that make up all of us. And then the independent thoughts and decision-making capabilities we have. Independent wills and the ability to sub-create. Are we not responsible for how we live?

Charm

A soulful stillness envelopes the space, allowing deep thoughts to brew and muse. A sweet scent rises from a candle burning and shafts of sunlight pass through thin, fluttery curtains. A bowl of perfect looking pears remind you that the season is changing. The air is in the process of being renewed.

A book in hand. Old. Scented with time-worn pages. The best smell in the world. Typed words on the pages resonate with history and you can touch them with your fingertips. Drawing your hand across the page, you realize the quality of that which is old.

A window seat offers a viewpoint of both worlds. Indoor charm can be mingled with outdoor charm from here. Whimsy fills the soul as lines are read from the book and after a while it is time for a stretch. An excursion outside to broaden the imagination. Leaving behind a solitude reverie, it is replaced with the thrill of trees, wind, and space. As the air brushes your skin you feel as if everything in the world was all right, even if for a few moments.

I was inspired to write a little bit about the charm of a home after watching this little video from Darling Magazine. Watch the video HERE.

Friend's Bridal Shower

 My dear, lovely friend Chancie is getting married in less than a month! I was so happy that her family threw her a bridal shower in St. Petersburg, which is just a little over an hour's drive for me, and that means I could attend. She lives in North Carolina now, so I do not get to see her often, but we are old college friends, meeting our freshman year in our Personal Finance class. I remember one of the first occasions we hung out was going to a Jars of Clay and Sixpence None the Richer concert in St. Petersburg. That was 11 years ago! Yikes! We are getting old.

We have been close friends ever since, through the ups and downs of each other's lives. She is a friend I treasure always. Over the years we have had countless deep conversations, long letters, shared dreams, many road trips. And now her life has been blessed by an amazing guy who, upon my first meeting him struck up a conversation with me about Oxford and C.S. Lewis. How could I not approve? She is so happy and he treats her like a man should. It is sweet. I am so happy for them.

And before I know it, I will be up in North Carolina for the wedding! I am thrilled to be going, for it will be up in the mountains at the end of October, meaning all the leaves will be vibrant and the air will be chilly! 

Welcome October!

Pardon me for not welcoming October sooner! This week has been a little crazy. I started off the month right, though, by indulging in my favourite Halloween candy. I thought it was a necessary gesture. 

 When Fall arrives my crochet hooks and knitting needles tend to come out more often, and yarn shows up on my sofa, ready to be made into something. So, I will oblige them and work on some blankets, scarves, or just practicing a stitch, like with this piece.

The mornings have been so bright and clear. Almost like Winter, but obviously not as chilly.

And with the beginning of October, I had to introduce tights to the mix. It's October! It's time to pull out the tights and scarves and boots. I am dreaming a bit....but it will happen!

Sunset Reminder

When I step outside and see
the sun setting over the lake
I stop a moment and breath.
The colours blending in the sky
are an artist's delight
and the Creator's sketchbook.

A design, all His, that we
are blessed to see
in a troubled, broken world
This is a beauty, gifted to us
from the deep imaginings
of our Lord, with love.

Sometimes on a long or overwhelming day it just takes stepping outside or looking out to the natural beauty of God's creation. When I gaze at the wind blowing through trees or the sun's reflection off the lake I see inklings of God's imagination. It is like a little preview of what God has in store. That is what true beauty is.

Dance!

I danced from pre-school through high school. When I was in middle school and high school I danced in a local company. Meaning, I was at the studio 4-5 days a week in classes or rehearsals. I loved to dance. It was the only sport I was even slightly good at. I got used to wearing tights and a leotard practically every day! 

Every so often I go through a phase where I miss dance so much. It was a huge part of my life for so many years. And I know how tough it is to be a good dancer. I was no star, but I worked hard and I appreciate when I see amazing talent and also great choreography.

Watching the following videos makes me miss dance all over again. A variety of dance styles, all really fun to watch and admire. I just thought I would share them for your enjoyment. 

1. Off the Rails, Choreography by Kate Joblonski
I love the musicality and movements in this number. It's so different, and I appreciate that creativity.
Click HERE 

2. Sweet Dreams, From So You Think You Can Dance
I used to love watching this show. (Now I don't have cable so I cannot watch it) The raw talent out there is amazing. And this number is so creative with the prop.
Click HERE

3. Swing Time, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire
You cannot beat the classic and classy dances of these two. And I am a sucker for tap, because that is what I was best at.
Click HERE

4. Moses Supposes, Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor
The comedy mixed with tap makes this one so much fun. I can't stop smiling as I watch them.
Click HERE

5. Smooth Criminal, Michael Jackson
No matter what you think of Michael, his early days were so much fun and he could dance.
Click HERE

On Being Creative

I have been pondering lately about how much I need to be creative. If a day goes by that I have not been able to stretch my imagination or dive into my creative nature, I feel dry and lifeless. It's not that what I create is a masterpiece. That's not the point. But the act of doing is.

It's another matter to be entertained by things. That does not involve being creative yourself, and that does not fulfill my longing to be creative. I need to create something. A poem. A few paragraphs of stream-of-conscious writing. Taking some creative photographs. Playing songs on my piano. Crocheting blankets for all the babies my friends are having.

For being creative is like breathing for me. Every day it is essential and I cannot get through my day without it.

I picked up my first roll of film developed from my new vintage 35mm camera (a 1975 Minolta SR-T 200) and I shuffled them around on my floor to check them out. These are my favourites. I have many that are not as pretty. A few are blurred. I didn't have the shutter speed set correctly for the first few. My focus is off on a couple. But now I know a few things I need to tweak as I practice more.

And that's the thing. Practice.

Practice doesn't make perfect. There is no perfect. But it makes better. And better. And better.
And that's where the creativity grows into something beautiful. When you keep going at it, determined. Even when you mess something up. Keep going at it and never stop doing what you love.