Archive | April, 2011

{a spinning jewel}

May 1st approaches on wings.  My 100 days of this project and wearing the dress is coming like the dawn.  Rising swift and sure before me.  When I pause to think about this adventure I catch my breath.  Why me?  Weak and unfit my body trembles.  Last week felt like the dark before the dawn.  Darkness so thick you can feel it, but then…what beautiful words.  Yes, BUT THEN I was reminded that Jesus gives life abundantly to me.  The Light comes and it is glorious.  Honestly I can’t raise $50,000 on my own, but I know the One who created the world and since he owns it all then that is just another reason to trust him.  The thought has been present in my mind for some time now:  My world is going to spin crazy with the start of this project.  Thankfully I know the One who holds it in his hands.  It will not spin out of control…for he holds me too.

{ladybug dots}

{chocolate dollops}

Just the other day I saw the most clever way of pairing two of my favorite foods.  Raspberries and chocolate.  Separate they are wonderful but together they are “close to godliness” as a certain line from Ratatouille goes…  There was something so adorable about this pairing and they looked so easy to make so I ran to the store and found some plump little red berries and grabbed a package of chocolate chips.  After gently washing the fruit I stuck a chocolate chip in the middle of each and…WA LA! Raspberry dots!!! They take less than a minute to make and are quite delightful. I think they would be perfect for a party, bridal shower, or just because.

{outstretched petals}

{closing inward}

I was completely mesmerized by the gradient colors of salmon pink that flushed individual petals.  Each part unfurled to reveal a stunning picture, yet the fiddle head  fern beside it curled in on itself.  One plant a picture of vulnerability, beautiful and bright, the other a dark, hard stem closing inward and shutting out everything.  For me it is so simple to gravitate towards being like the fern.  I find myself scared and wanting to pull back.  Hardening myself so I won’t get hurt.  While the fern is interesting, it cannot compare to the delight of the flower with open arms.  I want to be an open blossom who draws strength from the light source.  Jesus is my light, his warmth and nourishment are never ending.

{perfectly golden}

Batter formed circles and then my pancakes were drenched in syrup and sunlight.  Off to church to hear about the true Light that refines us like gold.  Walked with a sweet friend whose hair is flaxen.  Sat on the sidewalk with mom and dad eating creamy, canary colored mango ice cream.  Popcorn drizzled with pale lemon yellow butter eaten with friends in the living room.  These lighthearted moments are truly golden.

{delectable delight}

Sunday after church someone gave me a chocolate torte they had made just for me.  After receiving it I resembled the seagulls in Finding Nemo, “Mine, Mine, Mine”.  (Don’t worry I did share…) You see this was not just any torte but an Elaini safe torte.  That means it was a labor of love, because I have a extremely limited diet.  As in no dairy, wheat, refined sugar, soy, and seafood.  And definitely NO nuts.  The legume kind. 😀  You try making a dessert with no dairy, refined sugar, or wheat that actually tastes amazing.  Good luck with that.  Needless to say when this incredibly kind and generous person went way out of their way to make me a dessert I could enjoy I was very blessed…as in I couldn’t stop talking about it.    (especially since he is busy with six children)  Still savoring my special plate of yumminess.

{a rose button}

{textures}

I dumped the contents of the bag out on the counter and my eyes immediately landed on the one perfect little button mushroom that fell out.  The unique pattern and texture instantly delighted me and the fact that it resembled a rose caught my fancy.  A regular mushroom transformed into a lovely blossom design.  I so often miss the beautiful in the ordinary, but now I am trying to live life with eyes wide open.  Not just seeing but looking, because our lives are unfolding and I don’t want to miss the beauty before the petals all fall off.

{off to the races}

This project has been in my mind for months and now that it’s coming down to just three weeks from starting I am getting really excited.  THREE WEEKS!!!!!! As I tried on the dress today for one last run through I realized it is like I have been preparing for a car race and now it is time to turn the car on, rev the engine, and let’s get going!!!

{ink stains}

Bending down to look for something in the refrigerator my gaze fell on the egg carton.  Hmm that’s odd I thought.  Not everyday that food items have quotes written on them.  So of course I had to pay attention. “Adopt the pace of nature; her secret is patience.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Patience.  It’s golden just like the yoke of an egg.  Patience.  The time it takes for an egg to develop and become a baby chick.  Patience.  For things to come to fruition.  Patience.  When this project seems to be coming along so slowly.  Patience.  To wait on Jesus for his timing.  Patience.  Maybe it means having a different perspective.  Getting on a different eye level.  Taking in each moment.  I don’t have Patience but I am praying for it….I don’t like how learning this trait usually goes…