Ramblings of the Heart

Good morning.

It's my favorite time of day. The house is at rest. Only the hum of the fridge and the song of the birds interrupt silence. With coffee in hand I slip on whatever shoes I can find and sneak outside. Though its summer, I shiver from the morning chill. 

We finally planted a few flowers and I want to see their progress. Experience has taught me not to plant an abundance, for I struggle with the discipline of watering them. The sun is still rising and the air smells so good. Was that a hint of our gardenia bushes I smell? I smile to myself and feel at peace. God's with me. He made all this. 

The grass is tall. Too tall. I brush aside thoughts of task and to-do lists and seek out my small cluster of potted plants, while savoring another sip of coffee.

This beautiful bloom awaits me. How does something so small bring me tremendous joy? 

Can I stay here? Live in this moment with time slowed. No trial. No struggle. No pain. No longing. No temptation. Perfect contentment. Perfect peace. Whole. 

One day I will. Heaven. Earth's beauty will pale in comparison. 

But as I live and breathe, my time has not come yet.  Soon the household will awaken. And responsibility awaits. Beyond the home, one will be celebrated while another will be mourned. 

I take one more look (and snap a picture of course) before returning to life inside. I'm thankful for the peace and comfort He brings in these quiet moments. But oh how thankful I am that peace, comfort, joy and guidance is available to me (and ANYONE) whenever I seek Him. Good times. Times of sorrowful loss. Disappointment. He's there. Always.

"Anyone who comes to (God) must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him." (Heb. 11:6)

Preppy Attempt & My First Podcast Experience

Hello blogger world! School's out and summer vacation begins. The children are foot loose and fancy free, but what about momma? Usually, my summers consist of poolside views and strategic road trips to family that lives by bodies of water.  This means I try and keep our calendar as clear as possible. My boys are growing quickly and I want to spend the days going on adventures, big or small, with them. Though I still feel that way, our summer schedule looks a little different in 2016. 

My firstborn will be a freshman this upcoming school year (what?! What?!) and has decided to play football. His practices are in the morning, four days a week. There are upcoming women's events that require preparation and I continue to work on a new business start up with Premier Designs. Phew! I'd say that's enough to keep me on my toes!

So we started off the summer with an appointment in the recording studio to record my first podcast ever (more on that below). This is the outfit I ran out the door in. It's my interpretation of a comfortable, yet preppy look. How'd I do?

Preppy or not, I love how the purse highlights the orange stripes in this scarf. Pops of color are so fun to me.

Look at me. Sitting so preppy like. A lopsided scarf is the in thing you know. 

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: Altar'd State

Skirt: Cassie by LuLaRoe Megan Cook

Shoes: Vans

Purse: Clarks

Scarf: LOFT

Linking up with the Pleated Poppy, Sydney Fashion Hunter

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Now let's talk about that podcast...In late March, we featured a panel of five women with varying stories. We asked them specific questions in regards to where they find their identity, where they go for encouragement and how they balance life overall. Their responses blessed us tremendously. Regardless of how different their answers were, one could not miss the beautiful, common thread woven into each account.  They shared a love for Jesus and personal experiences with God's provision, faithfulness and comfort . 

Before we knew it, the night came to an end leaving many with a desire to hear more. Would we post a transcript of their stories?

Well, I had the bright idea to record some podcasts instead. How hard could it be? Can I just say that I have a lot more respect for those with podcasts and radio djs?? Words don't fail me now!!  This experience gave me an appreciation for a visible audience. I like to see facial expression, body language, etc.  Speaking into a mic with no one there proved to be challenging for me. Nevertheless, this humbled amateur will be getting over herself and sharing those interviews soon. It's not about me anyway. :)

Here are a few behind the scenes shots from some of our panel. Have a fabulous day and thank you for reading!

Chrissy

The talented Judy interviews Pamela

 (Judy moderated the questions on our panel night. This arena is her jam!)

 My zany, hilarious friend Lindsey

The sweet and talented Tania

Colorful Leggings & Market Day Fun

On yet another whim, I commented on a LuLaRoe entry to win a free pair of mystery leggings. It was Friday the 13th, so the consultant, Kara, said to comment with your favorite horror film. I'm not a fan of horror flicks because they mess with my head, so I responded with "Call the Midwife" and went about my day. Now, before you're like, "What?! I love that show!", I love it as well. However, my husband's comment in regards to the show came to mind. He would say, "I don't need to be in the room with you to figure out what your watching. The screams tell all." Makes me laugh every time. It's true. There was a lot of yelling, screaming, etc in that show. Those women were birthing those babies without pain assistance!

Thus I commented with the horrors of giving birth in mind, and went about my day. Some time later I received a FB notification stating that I won! Excitedly, I messaged the rep with a note of gratitude, my size and home address!

Mystery leggings. Mystery leggings were en route to my home. Would the print of these mystery leggings match the only IRMA I own?? If not, would I have something else to match? I was in such suspense, but I didn't have to wait long. When the time came for mail delivery, the boys and I watched from the kitchen window. Was that a package?? They beat me to the mail box. (Hey! No judging. It's the little things.)

I wasted no time wearing my prize on a planned trip to my sister's.

Outfit Breakdown:

Top: Irma by LuLaRoe (from Megan Cook)

Leggings: LuLaRoe (from Kara Leary)

Shoes: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: Triplet (Online Catalog)

Linking up with Elegantly Fashionable today and Beauty 101 by Lisa

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Allow me to share a few pictures from our city market adventures in Uptown Columbus, which happens to be a military town. Quite appropriate considering that was the weekend before Memorial Day.

I wanted to buy something from every tent! Vendors beckoned potential patrons to sample their homemade goodies. From signs, flowers, bat houses to jams, jellies, barbecue sauce, farm fresh eggs, yogurt, and milk, there seem to be no end of talent and creativity.

As you can see from the pictures, we stopped for flowers and empanadas. Empanadas. A Puerto Rican specialty that neither, my sister nor I, can make. Tsk. Tsk.

"Would you like chicken, beef, or guava and cream cheese?" Yes. Yes. And, yes. 

Before departing the sweet market, we strolled down to the river where our only mishap occurred...

That stinks. He was a champ but I'm fairly certain that shirt is done for. At least we were getting ready to leave.

What do you think about the legging craze that continues to live on? And do you frequent a local market? If so, what's your usual?

Well, that's plenty for today my reader friends. Thank you for sharing in my adventures!

Chrissy