simply timeless

Friday evening I saw Les Miserable and last night I watched the Christmas special of 'Call the Midwife', both of these stories show the hardship of life in a very different time. My heart was moved and grieved to see the ugly reality for some. Although it is just a movie, it shows and tells of a time that was much different. It was a rude awakening to realize how fortunate I am to live where I live. What a gift it is to have the life I have and to not know hardship and suffering like so many. It hit me, as it never really has before, that there is a responsibility that goes along with blessing. Who whom much is given, much is required... I have heard this verse, and I believe it to be truth, but never really understood the weight of it in it's full extent. 2013- a new year- a new start. A new opportunity to learn how to love in word and action- to think more of others then myself, to extend a hand to those who have need and share what I have been given to share. B

I must confess I enjoy a good soundtrack The original scores that set the tone and feel for a movie. Songs written by musician's, chosen by the story teller who is listening to the lyrics that they hope will help place emphasis on a moment in the story they are trying to tell. Telling a story to you in pictures, words and music. For those of you who know me well, you have come to realize I have a thing for Period Drama's. Specifically Jane Austen, but not limited to... =) ( Only a few that I have in my collection) When I was a young girl my aunt introduced me to the world of movies that took place in a slower and simplified time. And since then, my heart has held a love for not only the stories of Jane Austen, Lucy M Montgomery, Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott etc, but also the music that was composed to complete the telling of their stories. (Now the goal is to read the books!) Owning soundtracks happens to be a weakness. I love listening to them while I read, sl

In an attempt to be productive tonight, I found myself rummaging through boxes filled with collections from my teenage years I found it very interesting to look back and discover things kept that were once important to me. Items that held sentiment, dreams,goals and hope for the future, or memories of moments I never wanted to forget Tonight I found myself looking at these items through different lenses Chucking things in the bin became a overwhelming source of freedom Not everything, by any means, but certain things that no longer held value or use, found their way into the bin. Now if only I could be as decisive on my future... Where the road leads, I have no idea, but I am excited for what adventure is around the corner

I love autumn  I love the way the sky is golden and casts a glow on everything it touches.  It causes me to feel nostalgic  Reminiscing= looking at photos and feeling such overwhelming gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way and the people who helped me to see that life is to short to not take hold of the, once and a life time gifts, God gives us. A year ago I made a huge decision to step out into an adventure that has forever changed me for the better. I can't begin to describe how thankful I am for everyone who made it possible for me to travel to England and take in the beauty of the country I have dreamed of seeing since I was a child.  Thank you!  And to the people of England who opened their homes and hearts to me, who befriended me and showed me around their lovely country, thank you doesn't seem enough to reveal the depth of my gratitude, but Thank you just the same. What a gift to know you all, to be able to call you friend, and to have you as sisters

Lament By Audrey Assad  I'm Mary and I'm Martha all at the same time; I'm sitting at His feet and yet I'm dying to be recognized. I am a picture of contentment and I am dissatisfied. Why is it easy to work and hard to rest sometimes, sometimes,sometimes I'm restless, and I rustle like a thousand tall trees; I'm twisting and I'm turning in an endless daydream. You wrestle me at night and I wake in search of You... but try as I might, I just can't catch You But I want to, 'cause I need You, yes, I need You                                           I can't catch You, but I want to.   I find myself often stuck on a few particular albums at a time, getting to know them well; trying to truly understand  and discover what the writer is trying to convey through their lyrics. And, of course, to be able to sing along, loudly ;) Jon Bryant and Audrey Assad happen to be the two that I am currently hooked to. This song by Audrey caught me off guard, as t

One of my favorite stories is Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott I stumbled upon this website where there were quotes available to view and simply put, I find them fascinating. My desire is to be as articulate and wise in the way I write and speak when I express my heart. Perhaps in time I shall be, but for now I will leave you with a few quotes that seem to resonate with my heart and thoughts of late. “You don’t need scores of suitors. You need only one… if he’s the right one.”  ―  Louisa May Alcott ,  Little Women “I don't pretend to be wise, but I am observing, and I see a great deal more than you'd imagine. I'm interested in other people's experiences and inconsistencies, and, though I can't explain, I remember and use them for my own benefit.”  ―  Louisa May Alcott ,  Little Women “Love Jo all your days, if you choose, but don't let it spoil you, for it's wicked to throw away so many good gifts because you can't have the one you want.”  ― 

I have come to realize that life is like living in a waiting room It seems like I find myself always back to a place of waiting on something.  Waiting for the moment to dash out the door and carry on with the arranged event for the evening. Waiting on the next phone call, letter, email from a friend whose life has taken them to another place in the world, away from home. Waiting for the next moment when I am reunited with a friend whom I have not seen in so long. And as I say goodbye once again, I find myself waiting for that moment when I can say hello again face to face. Waiting for that moment of realizing what it is I was made to do... "How do we make these moments last. How do we get them to stay. When everything passes and time goes away..."  ~Time Goes Away -Rosie Thomas (listening to this song as I write)  It seems like I have always been waiting.... Is one ever truly in a state of contentment?  Or does waiting  become etched in every single area and seaso

Here are a few photo's from my last bit of time in England Definitely missing the friendship of these lovely women They are truly a blessing in my life.  I am so  grateful  for the time I got to spend getting to know them. Wishing I could pop over and plan a day in London with them ;)Maybe someday.....                           Supper out with the girls my last night in England

Breathing comes in pairs, except for twice, one begins and one's goodbye....... ~The Fray 27 years ago, I took my first breath. I was welcomed in to this world by two loving, generous and kind parents, and an extended family whose love would know no bound. 27 years later, I have to say goodbye to my Opa, a man whose life could have been taken many times during the war. And yet he lived to tell about it, God had a plan for his life.  He and my Oma embarked on a journey that took great courage and strength. Their love, hard work , and dedication established a family that has extended out in numbers that I imagine they never dreamed. God knew my name, the hairs on my head, long before I would enter the picture. How blessed I am to have be chosen to be apart of this family. Though I could imagine a million other ways to celebrate my birthday, one thing remains constant. I will be with my family on my birthday, as I have always done since the beginning. The circumstances m

                                                 Words Composed of letters in various forms, can be some of the most powerful weapons, as well as the most lovely encouragement, that we need to hear, to carry on. Speaking English, you would think that one would find it quite simple to go from one English speaking country to the next. Surprisingly there are many words and expressions that one should really know and understand before entering another country or risk appearing a fool in certain situations. I have to say that people from England, when they speak, make everything sound lovely. They use terms that sound less improper and not so gruff. I think the overall feeling I had was that they sound very well educated and socialized.... and I, well not so much the case....haha Here is a list of words and expression commonly used amoung those in England that I have been composing since I got there. It took me awhile to catch on to a few in public when they had been used and I had no idea

Missing England  Funny, how something I only viewed through the camera lenses of film makers, bringing to life stories I found irresistible and breathtakingly beautiful, has gone from a magical place far away, that was only to be dreamed about, to a place I have seen. A place that has gone from unfamiliar, to familiar. There is something simply lovely about it. I hope some day to set my feet back upon it's beautiful earth and explore other quaint villages and country sites.  There is something magical indeed about England, and I am glad it holds a piece of my heart.

In three months time I have experienced and seen some of the most amazing sites. Places I had only dreamed and hoped to see, never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would have had this opportunity. Thank you to all who made it possible for me to come to England. And thank you to those who have warmly embraced me here and helped make me feel at home. I will never forget your kindness. England will forever have a dear place in my heart. There is still so much more to see, so I definitely will be back! (and hopefully won't be sick at all the next time!) Time to get back to reality and work. Very excited to see my family and friends!! Here are some of the pictures from Thursday in the Netherlands, and then a few from our drive home  we stopped in Brogue . And Saturday I had the great privileged of going into London to spend the day with Christy. I had such a great time walking around parts I had  yet to see and getting to talk and get to know Christy more. I feel so blessed to

There were a few places that A&C wanted to see. Sadly most of our day turned out not as planned as we missed when things started, or things were closed. So we spend most of the day in the car. I managed a few shots as we were driving. Not the greatest but at least it is an idea of what it looks like here. I just enjoyed taking it all in and reflecting on what life would have been like when my grandparents lived here.    We only made it into the city limits of Amsterdam as we needed to turn around for the next destination, but at least I can say I have been there!