Adventures in Office Design

When I moved into my new position, I inherited the coolest office at the church. It came with a fresh coat of paint. Gray paint. Not my personal favorite or my first choice for walls in a room where I need to be productive and positive, but it was a fun challenge to take a gray space and make it more... Sarah. Thusly, much more colorful.

These are not final stage photos. In fact, the pom poms have been danging from fishing line like a little chandelier for several weeks. But here's a glimpse into the adventures of a bright crayon in a pencil box.

 

More to come, I'm sure.  For now, I am off to NYC with a high school mission trip as a chaperone. Please pray. Apartment pictures are forthcoming. Next week maybe?

Cowboy Photo Shoot

 Just saying. It's good to see that they can take a break from angry birds long enough to play like real little boys. With fake guns and silly hats. James was really good at standing still, but Matt's shoot was when I got the real gems. In the middle frame, I was trying to get a mean face out of him. I asked him, "What would you do if someone mean went after Mommy?" Perhaps a bit too scary? "Mommy" was just behind me, laughing at his response.

Thanks and Giving

As people keep reminding me, there are seasons to life. I think I'm in a perpetual September right now. Meaning, life hasn't lost the busy nature of the first weeks of school. Work is fun and I am growing to excel (I think) in my tasks and really contribute. BUT, I've learned a little about overcommitment. I'll be putting my learning into action come the new year. But enough about me.

Today is Thanksgiving and though there are many things for which I am grateful, I want to focus this post on one lovely person who has improved my life.

My dear friend from college, Harmony recently suffered a house fire. Our mutual friend explains the event in this text from an email:

I'm writing on behalf of Harmony, who, as you may or may not know, has been living with her brother and his family in Somerville, Mass for the past four months. Last week Harmony woke to discover a fire flaming in their kitchen, warned everyone to get out, and waited with them for the fire department to arrive. Much of the house and its contents were destroyed, if not by flames, then by soot, smoke, or an irresponsible and unnecessary ransacking of otherwise unaffected rooms by a crew of emergency window boarders. Fortunately friends are letting them stay in their house just down the street.

Harmony's friends, co-workers, and students (she is teaching English at a school in Harvard Square) have reacted with kindness and generosity, donating clothing and jewelry. She's just a little overwhelmed right now, concerned especially I think for her brother, his wife, and their two young children, who lost most of their belongings in the rental they've spent so much time and money making a home. Meanwhile, I forgot to ask Harmony if she had much of her art in the house. I dearly hope not. 

A friend set up an account online where you can donate money to help this family get back on their feet. Click on this link to find out more about how you can help. 

Allow me to put a face on this request for help. Harmony is one of the most positive and genuine people I know. She has an infectious smile and laugh and treats every moment as an adventure. She is a fantastic artist with a heart for justice and equality. Above all she is my friend.

Please consider giving to help others tomorrow rather than taking part in Black Friday.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

Bogged Down By My Current Project

Which is...MOVING! I'm 90% moved into a townhouse in Tipp City, only 3 or so minutes from my job. (What a great commute!) But I haven't quite figured out where the furniture is all going- much less my plan for internet access. Bear with me as I settle. I'll be playing show and tell soon enough.

 

This is the 12th time I've moved. I'm sort of a pro at it, but it still stresses me out and exhausts me. But, this is the first time I will ever have lived entirely on my own. Hey, it's another mile marker!

Stop by anytime. I love visitors. I'll make you tea in my tea pot!

The Passage of Time (or) November Already?!

For a couple months I have been taking periodic pictures of the tree across the street from our house here in Farmersville. I like to believe that it's the best autumn colors in town, it certainly lasted longer than most other trees. Fall has come and blown the leaves down already. One day it was summer and now I have to scrape my windows off before driving to work in the morning. How did this happen?

It's a generally accepted fact that time speeds up as you grow older. It doesn't make much sense. The minute still lasts 60 seconds. Why should my 18th year of living have felt so much longer than my 28th? (I'm about to cross that marker, eek.) Time has been slipping through my fingers lately. Perhaps it is a good moment to recognize some overlooked moments from the past season.

• My nephew lost his first tooth.
• I celebrated 1 year of living with my parents.
• Timber (my beloved 1996 Saturn SL) reached, and surpassed, 200,000 miles.
• I have worked at my "new" job for 1 month.
• My niece finally has enough hair for pigtails.
• I am now an official Ohio resident with a Ohio Driver's License.

Other milestones have passed. Each day is full of learning new things about patience, family and love. I must remember to stop and recognize them more often.