August Already?

Adventures in Old Navy with Katie (and Josh??)

A late night walk: fragrant rose in hand...stars overhead.

Day trip to Chicago to see my dear friend from Oxford, Laura McMillion! After romping about the city we headed back to Wheaton for a picnic at the Arboretum, gelato at Mariano's and a night drive to Geneva for stargazing at a dear spot full of deep, sweet memories. 

 

This week's collection of Happinesses

"Quality" Music :) 

Older teachers who take the time to help a young teacher like me

Coconut milk for tea

I don't think this one needs explanation.

Sense and sensibility while I worked on Fall scheduling

A huge accomplishment (or so it feels): 

Dinner and time to read at the Village Links Golf Club

Evenings at home

Text conversations with my younger brother. He always brings such happiness to a day :) 

Going to Fresh Market for Lemons. *cough*

Explain to me how life gets much happier than this? 

Except perhaps by adding this...

Florida...

I cannot begin to say what the last few days mean to me. I've come back so deeply refreshed and ready to plunge into this week. Thank you a million times over, Brighams, for drawing me into your world once again for a weekend: you are channels of His grace and a delight to my heart!

These days included

- Lots of humidity in the air again (I loved it)

- Far too much delicious food (including grits, crab cakes and fried chicken)

- Beautiful walks through florida's history and nature

- The pleasure of meeting many wonderful people in Lindsey's world

- Music! I got to hear one of my most dearest students (and friends) demonstrate her progress

- A beautiful service and Sunday School hour at Lindsey's church 

- Being soundly beaten in everything basketball by Lindsey and Emily 

- Car washing, grocery shopping, gelato eating, watermelon devouring, green smoothie sipping

- Visits down to the pier to feel the wind ruffle our hair and watch the fish leap, shimmering silver in the evening sun. 

- Getting caught in the most glorious rain storm and laughing together and twirling in the downpour with the pure, uncontainable joy of it

- Lots of family time, including a few wonderful chapters of a book I now have to purchase and read: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi 

- Most of all, time to talk - really talk - and pray with Lindsey. I don't have words for what a gift those times are to me. I taste God's goodness and come away feeling lighter somehow and so deeply encouraged, challenged, and inspired.  

TOMORROW!!!!

I rarely use all caps when typing. I'm more of an italics kinda person. But this is an all caps moment.

TOMORROW I get to see this Lady. For real. In person. In the South.

Oh the adventures we've had! I thank God for you, my Dear, and I can't wait to celebrate with you this weekend!!

(Photo: E. Brigham)