What a day to appreciate.

I read Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol for the first time this year. and watched the movie only 5 times. It really got me in the Christmas mood. It was Scrooge. He did it. His life did it. He was completely turned around. His life was changed. Those ghosts helped him to see the monster he really was and it was unsettling to him. He only cared about his business and money. He cared least about the people around him. And cared least about Christmas. He saw who he would be. And it broke him. It warms my heart to see the change in him at the end. He was open and grateful to be alive every day. "...And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us!" "But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.." I wish we could have our hearts open all year. Not just by doing good for others but living for Christ and others. Teaching them, having community, with friends and strangers, for the sake of them finding Christ in us. Lets not be bound by things. If we're bound by things living for others will not happen. The spirit of Christmas should continue all year round. Its about a baby, but also what he did for us. and for all humanity.

Im home for Christmas. It feels good. The streets are filled with Christmas cheer. And so is my heart. I have two perfect books lined up for break. One is Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Im nervous excited. The Jim Carrey movie is a stroke of genius. Its eerie at times and I love it. Im having peppermint mocha coffee. It is warming my bones. Just like Scrooge does at the end of the story. Those ghosts changed his life. Ive already watched so many Christmas movies. The Grinch 4 times. The Polar Express 2 times. Elf 2 times. Jack Frost (old one). A Christmas Carol 2 times. A few Hallmark/Lifetime movies. A Christmas Story (part of it). I like this picture. Its glowing. Christmas merriment.

Ive been thinking a lot about things that dont really matter. For the past few weeks Ive let people define me. I have gotten upset about the littlest things. Petty things. I guess what Im trying to say is Ive gotten easily bothered by things and some people. That I dont usually get bothered by. If I told you, you would look at me and say..."Thats dumb, who cares?" And I would say, "I know, this usually doesnt happen." I am my own self. And sometimes I feel like nothing can stop me, but not this month. People have stopped me. Not literally. Because of my selfishness I havent been able to love people like I should. I havent been focusing on others. I am going to make an effort this week. And the next week. And the next week. Until it becomes habit. To go without complaining. And to not be touchy. And irritable about the tiniest issues. And interested in only myself. All these things lead to nothing anyway. They are empty things. I dont want to be empty. I desire to be full of joy and healthy traits. And live life without thinking of mindless matters.

Ok. I did it. I started listening to Christmas music. I dont care if you care. I love Christmas music. And I dont feel bad about it. I will say I usually dont start this early but this year my spirit is alive early and Im not ignoring it. Not this time. It is sort of awkward listening to Let it Snow while the high for today is 80 degrees. Rats. I want you to know, whoever you are, that I am not looking past Thanksgiving. Im only starting early bc there is never enough time to enjoy the Christmas music. Believe me, if there were Thanksgiving songs I wouldve started listening to those back in September. Do you believe me when I say Im not disregarding Thanksgiving? I have been celebrating it everyday. By making lots of Crafts. and with thoughts about how blessed I am this year. More so than last year bc I have still have a family that loves me and loves the Lord. I still have Christ who guides me and shows me how to live. I live in a warm house and get to sleep in a warm bed every night. I have money to use on food and clothes and medicine. And even money to by small things for others. Some dont even have money for themselves. I have extra. We all have extra. This post wasnt planned to be a serious one, but it is. Be grateful. We have so much. And so this is Christmas...And what have you done...Another year over...And a new one just begun...(John Lennon, love that song). I mean, And so this is Thanksgiving...

I like to collect things. Lots of things. This season I have picked and picked up so many leaves. They are all in my room. Dead and crunchy. But something about this is comforting to me. They make me feel good. and warm. I picked some today. They are redder than red. I agree with them. They are pleasurable to look at. I taped some in my journal and wrote down my feelings. What I was feeling when I was searching. What I was feeling when I picked them. And why I taped the ones I did in my journal. There they will lay forever. Crackled and dead and...full of feelings. So way down the road I can look at them and have the same appreciation then as I do now.

I havent felt like blogging. At all. As a matter of fact Im forcing myself write now. See what I did there. I let this happen every time. I go two weeks sometimes more without blogging and it feels like years. Hi. Im Peyton. I like words and and adventures and old things. Like this old picture:



Its Halloween. I didnt dress up as anything. I even had grand ideas I just didnt have time. I also didnt have the spirit. Which is unusual. Sometimes all I wanna do is dress up. I like being someone else or something else.

I still have a list of Autumn crafts I need to make. I am so behind. Im inspired, and also uninterested. I do love this season.

I cant ever remember the plot of past books Ive read. I dont really mind. I only remember how it made me feel. Which matters. I have a good list of books I am gonna read soon. My heart is in full-swing.

Ive gotten too comfortable. Ive gotten too comfortable with a lot of things.

I want to be like these people. This video has meaning. Community. Thats the meaning. To me. Im not talking about the Christian term. Just regular community. They might not even be Christians. But I like what theyre doing. The time they have to go on a small fun adventure. and talk. and eat. and just be together. Its special. Those times are special. Live simple. Be brave.

Theres this one guy that always wears a sun visor. He takes it off for class and there is a crease in his hair. Its all I can look at.

Ive got some fantastic books lined up to read. Ones that probably no one knows about.

I never know what to do with the last little bit of coffee in my mug. Do I heat it up? Do I push through? Its a constant battle.

Last night my friend Kristi and I skewered a piece of Okra and stuck it in a chocolate fountain. We made our friend Alan eat it. We didnt tell him what it was.

This makes me laugh:

Autumn is almost here. Its so close. I got a taste of it today. It was a tease. Like having one Twizzler. Or one Candy Corn (I had my first ones this past weekend-It was dazzling). With Autumn comes a new spirit. A new mind. Its uplifting. Every year. Crispy air, the trees, the treats, the cool mornings, blue skies, decorations, the scarves and boots. Every Autumn I do new things. Listen to new music. Read new books. I get new ideas. I try new things. Special things. Its a warm season. Autumn helps us appreciate nature. Maybe thats why I like it so much. It makes things beautiful and enjoyable. I cant wait to see leaves on the ground and on my car. And have picnics. And read outside without getting sweaty. And having windows open. And be in the woods. And have adventures. While the winds blowing. It just warms the cockles of my heart. Thats all.

Weve been doing a series at Wiregrass Church dealing with Time and making good use of it. Our lives are so short. We wrinkle so quickly. Everything we do is but a moment. A moment in all eternity. Since we are but moments, it should be all the more important to glorify Christ with every single thing we do. As if thats not stressful enough, we must do it the best we can. We must glorify Christ as hard as we can. Its not about us. All the moments arent about us. Yet its so easy to get caught up in ourselves. But why? I think its because everything in society points to us. Not the Saviour of the world. Not the creator of the world. Not the Sustainer of the world. But us. Society makes it so easy to live for ourselves. Im not saying this is an excuse, but a mere challenge. How can we overcome it? Walking with Christ. Spending time with our heavenly Father. Who desires a relationship with us. Who wants the very best for us. Our glory is way too small anyways. How can we make our days count? How can we make every moment about Christ? Pray. Pray that doing the right thing will be second nature. Pray that the very thought of making every moment count will consume you. Making every moment count is stressful. It actually makes me nervous. I will fail today. I will fail tomorrow. At those moments I will be most thankful for Grace. But the Lord is near. He wants to help. He wants to change my thinking. He wants to give second chances. More tries. I am thinking about the decisions I might make today. Living for my own glory is wasted time.

I want an old swimming cap. Not sure if I would wear it all the time, but sometimes. Whenever I went swimming and wanted to keep my curls.

Divine!!!



This ones styled a little differently, but it goes so well with her suit.

Ok. This was my dream last night. Oh man. Im nervous. I dont know how it started but I was at this hospital in the middle of a jungle. It wasnt an ordinary hospital. It was a hospital for both humans and animals. Wild animals. Now. There were only a few humans in this jungle. Me being one of them. We were searching for a baby. A baby tiger. It resembled a calico kitten. This is how we searched for it. We had to find the areas where the tigers and cheetahs and lions slept. We had to find patches of grass and if it was flat we knew they had been sleeping there. And from there we could somehow track them. I have a vivid memory of finding a flat patch of grass and laying there to get the full effect and to better my chances of finding the thief. As we traveled to different patches we finally came across a family of cheetahs. The baby calico kitten lay in Father Cheetah's mouth. In his lower lip. My human friends and I had to go and pull down his lip and get the baby kitten. Without getting bitten. And without the cheetah getting angry. Success. It was easy. And it was all slimy. We took it to the hospital bc it needed medical attention. I remember walking down the hall in the hospital and looking in each room and seeing animals. I passed one room that had a roaring lion in it. I thought about running for my life but then thought about how it could easily come out of its room and eat me. But if I just quietly walked by and smiled it would all work out. At one point I went into my friends room and she was straightening her hair. Nothing seemed to bother her. While I was confused and stressed from searching for the kitten, it was like a regular day for her. Just another Wednesday at the wild animal hospital in the jungle. In search for the baby kitten stolen by the cheetahs. It sort of gets fuzzy here. All I can recall is that before I woke up I was playing dodge ball in a big dark building with lots of people. They werent very good. And there might have been animals involved there too.

This video speaks to my heart. It should speak to yours. Here:

Goodbye, Space Program. No, not goodbye.

I wish I had this reading space. Its so simple and comforting. And quiet. And inspiring.

I ran across these the other day. Arent they lovely? Its like a tiny world. An imaginative one. A small imaginative one.

We've been working so hard in volleyball my whole body hurts. Or it could be Im more out of shape than I thought.
I enjoy listening to Don Knotts voice. For some strange reason I cant explain, its soothing.
I like to watch rain hit the ground. I like to watch puddles form. And seeing the dry ground where my car was. And listening to it. But I rarely ever do that in the summer because if I open the window it makes my hair frizzy. And sometimes its not worth it. And sometimes it is.
I want to play the Accordion so bad. So bad my eyes get squinty.
Still goin strong on my blow-up mattress. 2 weeks. Hopefully Ill be resting peacefully in a bed by next weekend. Not like literally resting peacefully.
Classes started. I hate school so much I get nauseous at the beginning of every semester.
I used to never double knot my shoes. Now I do.
Im so grateful I have 2 arms. I want to inspire people with these arms.
Its been windy. I dont mind. I have boy hair.
The new Coldplay song Every Teardrop is a Waterfall is so brilliant. It gets in my heart and makes me dance.
Current read: Biography of George Muller. A Man of Faith and Miracles. He was Warrior. An Expecting Warrior.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zOrV-5vh1A&feature=player_embedded#at=30

My eyes need to see things like this. Its therapeutic. This is an illustration of how I think sometimes. In a different world. With a different mind. and different eyes.

Its winsome.
Charming.
Engaging.
Enchanting.
Captivating.
Magical.
Soft.
Delightful.
Grand.
High-flying.
Blissful.
Inspiring.

If I wasnt a Christ Follower would I not fear everything? Would I not fear the unknown? or the future? or decisions? I would fear what I cant control. I would fear peoples opinions. and disease. and the future, as a whole, everything that lies ahead. It would all be up to me. It would all be in my hands. a nasty, egotistical, polluted, depraved me. I am all these things anyway, but I would be saving myself. I would be my own god. I would be so connected to the world. My faith would be found in a changing world. It would be found in a people and culture that alters almost every moment. If I didnt have a connection with the Creator of the world I would be hopeless. I would modify my life along with society. I would be so ugly. So defective and unpredictable. I am uncertain about the future but I am so certain about my God. He is immutable and unswerving. He is the definition of dependence. I dont know what to expect when I graduate. I dont know the opportunities Ill have. I dont know where Ill be. I want to change the World. I want to change a people. The decisions I am making now are important. The commitment to be like Christ, now, in a shifting world, is important.

Without Christ, I would be on my own. I would be on a different path. One that was literally uncertain.

Today we had a Christmas party at the Church. It was a lot of fun and the kids loved it. Here is the invitation I gave to the parents.

Christmas Party
@ Wiregrass Church!!
When: Thursday July 21, 2011.
Why? Because Christmas is almost here! Its 5 months away! So much to do so little time. Also to bring a little Christmas cheer to the church.
What we’re doing: Christmas games, decorating cookies, singing loud for all to hear, Dirty Santa (see “what to bring”), making Christmas ornaments, Dance parties, Christmas movie, and much more!!!
What to wear: Wacky Christmas clothes, costumes, sweaters, red and green.
What to bring: Kid-friendly item from your house that you don’t mind giving away. It will be used for Dirty Santa. Each child should bring a wrapped gift. Don’t buy anything!!!
What we will be eating: Candy, Candy-canes, Candy-corn, and Syrup. Just kidding, bring lunch.

Can you hear the bells? …I can. Murry Chrizmus!

Lights!


Crafts with Christmas music.


I dressed as Santa and read them a Christmas book.


Decorated cookies.


Some example ornaments:


Dirty Santa:

Heres the rocket I built today. For ze kids.



We made a play. Heres how it went. Im leaving out all the details. There were two builders who built the rocket. Two little girls. Age 5 and age 5. They were good friends with the astronauts who was played by 3 little boys. Ages 5, 6, and 7. They come in and ask the girls how their rocket is coming. At this time they all visited the President, Richard Nixon, who was played by a 8 year old girl. It was perfect. The President was shocked to see their rocket and also excited. The 3 boys were headed to the moon! They went. Two 10 year old girls played Houston Control. They stayed in close communication with the astronauts. The boys landed and everyone on Earth had a dance party. (Choreographed by one of the 10 year olds.)



Too infinity and beyond. Beyond beyond. Beyonce.

July 20, 1969. Neil Armstrong and Edwin Buzz Aldrin are the first humans to set foot on the moon. Apollo 11 Mission. Mission to the moon. and Mission on the moon. What an amazing date in History. First they tested artificial satellites then they sent man around the earth then man went to the moon. Space Race with the Soviets. Apollo 11 was prepared for the encounter of the moon. Along with Neil, Michael, and Buzz. Buzz Lightyear. They landed, after much complications, on the Sea of Tranquility. They waited for 6 hrs before they ventured out of the craft. How anxious they must have felt. The only thing I have in comparison is the long wait for a scary roller-coaster. Im so nervous and excited and anxious I nearly wet my pants every time. And roller-coasters fail when compared to another planet. I mean, its all about perspective during these important anniversaries. How did they feel? Thoughts? Concerns? Where they nervous about what to say to the 500 million people watching? What if Neil had stuttered? That would've changed things. I bet he rehearsed his line over and over. Or maybe not. Maybe it came from within as soon as he stepped out. He might have even thought of something better when it actually happened. I wonder about these things. Did he feel completely nauseous? His life was on the line. I mean, there could've been other life forms up there. Aliens. I bet Buzz wanted to be first to step. He didn't qualify though. He's Buzz Lightyear. He handled it well Im sure.



This forever positively changed the Nation. Science education, Rocketry, Physics, Technology, Astronomy, and many more things. Things I dont even understand when it comes to advancement from the Space Race.

Too infinity and beyond. Thats probably what I would've said when I landed on the moon. Or maybe something like "Moon rocks." Or "I feel very nauseous." Or "I just peed." Or "There seems to be no sign of intelligence anywhere..." Yeah. A quote from Toy Story, that'd be me alright.

We won. Go USA. Proud to be American. Most of the time. Today, Im very proud of how far the Nation has come. When speaking of inventions and such.



For now, Earth is still our home, but I wont be surprised when...Well, Ill save that for a different post.

Wouldya look at em now:


I love you Neil. You and your team will forever warm the cockles of my heart. You did it.

Watch the movie Moonshot.

Yesterday I went antiquing. Im in search of a bed frame. One that I can paint. I had a little luck but not sure if its the one. It was sitting outside in the rain yesterday which made it look...wet. It was almost unapproachable. I would like to do something like this: A white bed spread with a painted bed frame. So pretty.



Instead of finding what I was looking for I found these:
Picnic basket, vintage scarf, and set of 3 glasses.


Ive always wanted a picnic basket.

Arent these lovely?


These 3 things costed me $17. Perfect. They are treasures. And I love treasures.

Im in love with Bonnie from Toy Story 3. Shes one of the cutest Pixar characters. Sometimes I want my hair cut like this. No but seriously. I also would like to hangout with her. and use my imagination with her.



I also like this little character. She makes me wanna cry at the end of Monsters, Inc. Have you seen it?

Some memories are the saddest memories. Think about it. For years contemplated this but have never told anyone. I imagined I was the only one who thought this but I heard a quote in a recent movie and it said basically the same thing. When I remember an inimitable memory I am immediately filled with content and also discontent. At the same time. The memories are so good you are sad you wont ever re-live them. I reflect on good memories a lot, especially during anniversaries. For instance, with it being summer I recall many memories that have been made over the years during this season. Right now I am most happy/sad when I think about Doe River Gorge. About how I got there and what might take place over the next three months and the feelings I felt upon arrival. I was frightened. I didnt know anybody and was about to embark upon new things and high adventurous activities I had never done. Shortly after intense training I knew I was supposed to be there. God so richly blessed me with incomparable friends. Memories that were made in those two summers are some of my most cherished of all. I think back on the spirit of adventure we had and shared. We took it wherever we went. We had this carelessness. Not to say we were ever in danger (ok maybe sometimes) but we just lived in the moment. And thats when I think the best memories are made. The location held something grand for us. Something magnificent. And even if it didnt, adventure was created. We appreciated new-fangled things. We also appreciated each other and these types of people are few and far between. I think a big part of this unfortunate memory sadness I always feel is the PURPOSE I had at Doe River. It was to share the glory of Christ to children and teenagers. We had a new batch every week to build a relationship with. Apart from the memories I shared w people, I shared a lot of unforgettable times with My Saviour. I wouldve been useless w out Him. We all wouldve been. I have never been so tired from doing the work of the Lord. Which is the best tired. Its those times that we are so close to the Lord. We have nothing but Him. In a foreign place we've never visited. or doing something we have never done. or being so tired theres nothing to do but seek and pray and ask for strength. Im walking with the Lord but when I look back I just feel uncomfortable...bc Im comfortable, w where I am. Im used to this, just going to school, working at the church. Granted I need the Lord but I have things and idols that take His place all the time. I want to be in a place where I dont. I want to be wholly dependent on the Lord. With my physical state and the state of my heart. Sometimes I diminish my current purpose, which is not smart. or healthy. God has me right where I am, right now. I draw near to Him and to His will. I surrender to His purpose everyday. However, I need to need the Lord more.

"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward." -Margaret Barber, The Roadmender.

To go along with the last quote my dear friend Eric Neely, ironically from Doe River, texted me today after I told him of my problem, "...Just as good memories are out there waiting to be made..."

Dr Seuss puts it this way: "Dont cry because its over, smile because it happened."

Im getting right to the nitty gritty. bc thats the sort of mood Im in. I have been neglectful in blogging. Things have just been going fast. I havent time to settle in and blog. I need to get my bearings. I dont like it. I havent had much time to breathe. Class. and since work started at the church. I love my church. I sort of have my own very small daycare. Im keeping the staff kids this summer at the church. I love being exhausted from playing with kids. Its good.

Its also good being in Gods will. Knowing you are doing what he wants you to do brings so much peace. Im always learning what peace means. Every season is different.

This weekend was spent with the Fountains. We always have fun adventures. Those kids have a big piece of my heart. They are all such treasures. Just know we make each other laugh a lot. They appreciate things like I do. Like the clouds. and movies. and late night talks. and drawings.

Goodbye. Wait, I take that back. Im not saying goodbye.

I have really been wanting to ride one of these. So much so that my heart itches. Whatever that means. Actually I know what it means. I just made it up.

If I could ride any one it would be Kracken, which rests at Seaworld. (Its not like a real Krackin although that would be exhilarating too.) One of the best places on earth. Not bc of the roller coaster, but bc of the animals who have given their life dreams up to be there. For the people. Or maybe it wasnt them that decided. Their kismet lied in someone elses hands. Blast. Or maybe it was their decision. Ide like to think so. Ide like to think so.

I feel restless looking at this picture. Grrreat...Itchy heart.

Ok. So Im taking this class at BCF this summer. I thought it was gonna be a doozy. But was I wrong. The class is Hermeneutics. Which is Biblical Interpretation. If you ever plan on reading the Bible you need this class. This class is for the purpose of observing scripture then finding the meaning- what it meant to the original audience then to us. There is this river of culture, time, values, etc, that separates us from them. Ive only had 3 classes and Ive gained so much insight and understanding. So. About my professor. I know all of you are on the edge of your seat. First impression: Mustache, short, grey, gentle voice, fancy get-up, tiny glasses, etc. All of these are good things. He looked so...professional I was intimidated. Not to mention there are 3 men in my class. Thats enough as it is. Which I dont want to toot my own horn but I have to tell you this. First you should know he has written a novel. Its actually in the process of being published. So he is big on writing. He is going to teach us how to write in a very formal way. Dangit. So we had our first few assignments due this past Tuesday. One was a 3 page paper on our preunderstandings about the Bible. I tried collecting my thoughts which is hard for me when writing a paper for school. I turned it in thinking I did horrible job as far as writing. So yesterday we got it back and he complimented how I wrote. Out of 3 men he was highly impressed with mine. He said he just enjoyed reading it. I nearly cried. I thought what he was about to say was how much it sucked. No. No. I take that back he would never do that. He sees the best in everything. It was a very humbling moment. Not to mention he used my other assignments as an example and passed it around to let everyone see how its done. I contemplated on not putting this in my blog but I really am humbled by the fact he made these few insignificant short comments. Especially when I thought it was going to be a disaster!

So. About him. Sorry for the long paragraph. I bet some of you thought about reading then stopped. Which my professor talked about how paragraphs are crucial bc they let the reader breathe. Oops. Didnt mean to suffocate you. Wait, this is my blog I can do whatever I want. and however I want. Ok. Fine. Take a breath...

He goes by the name Dr. Larry Bruce. Quick synapses. He was in academics for 17 years. Let me tell you about that. He was interested in Philosophy. He thought his professors had all the satisfying answers for him. They didnt. He switched majors. Something w Archeology. He did a lot of cool things and experiments w this. Wish I knew more about that. Switched majors or maybe he minored in that. Then he was involved in the military airforce. Flew planes. Maybe fighter planes. He said he had a lot of close encounters. With death. Got into the pilot life. Like a real pilot. It only took him 1 year to get his pilot license. Then, being the genius he is, he created this program that all American pilots use. I dont know what it is, but I think recently it changed. Got married and lived in Texas. He had everything he wanted, he thought. He had a nice home, wife, convertible, the whole dream. He was even building some plane at the time. Then off to seminary. Found Christ. In a really tangible powerful way. His testimony brings him to tears. Its a beautiful story. With all of these experiences he thought the destination was at the end of each. He would reach it then be completely unsatisfied. Until he found Christ.

He reminds me of a character in one of my favourite books, The 13 and Half Lives of Captain Bluebear. A section of the book Bluebear goes to this school where this unique intellectual professor, Professor Nightingale, teaches the important aspects of existing. Professor Nightingale has seven brains. One was in his head, four grew outside his head, the sixth was located where the spleen normally is and the seventh was an object of eternal speculation among the students.

Here: "To the superficial eye he looked rather small and frail. His spindly little arms dangled- superfluously, it seemed- at the sides of his bent body, which was precariously supported by two wobbly legs resembling lengths of garden hose encased in trousers. He was slightly humpbacked, and his head, with its four external brains, was tremulously balanced on a long, scraggy neck. His big bright eyes protruded so far from their sockets, we were always afraid they'd pop out of his head, especially when he became agitated. Yes, Nightingale made an extremely frail impression, but appearances were deceptive. He simply preferred to solve problems by dint of mental exertion. I was actually present one day when the professor opened a can of sardines merely by applying his mind to the task."

Here is a picture of the character: ...yyyeah thats a mustache on his frail face. Along with a graduation cap on each brain.


There is so much more to say about this character and also about my real professor, Dr. Bruce, but I simply dont have the words that would do him justice. He is an explorer, and adventurist, and a world class...inventor. He is a man of God and seeks to live as He did. The way he observes the Scriptures is beautiful, not only that but he is so open to what we have to say. He pays attention to what we say and he isnt too proud to learn from us.

The other day at the end of a passage he told us to summarize the way David wrote by using one word. I said he makes it sound Desirable. and Dr. Bruce and I understood each other. He said 'Youre right......Its Winsome. I wouldve never thought that.' One of the men said thats an old school word! That man doesnt appreciate words like Dr. Bruce and I do. I wanted to punch him.

Ive had to move out of my shelf room for the summer. Im so sad. When I first moved in there I felt so...confused. But now, I want it back. I want those shelves. They were so close to my heart. and face. It was a tiny room. Im having to adjust to my new habitat. Its so...not shelvy. Which brings me to my next point. Change. Why is it human nature to not be accepting of anything new. I usually can adapt easily. But for some reason, I want my room back. I hated the house, its haunted, but I want my shelves. I want them to swallow me. Its like my nature condemns this new dorm. Or maybe its because I have no desire to live in a dorm. Ever again. But there are only so many apartments in Graceville. Its all for the cause.

There are so many things I want to say but dont feel like writing them. So goodbye.

Well Ill say one thing. I went to Panama City to visit some Birmingham friends. We had such fun times. We saw sharks. and made a lot of shark jokes. Not the kind you are probably thinking of. I say all this to say Im so glad I got to spend time with them. They are beautiful peoples. The kind that think like me. and vice versa. Vers visa.

Here is a list of possible topics I will blog about soon:
My new teacher.
Something old.
Summer job at Wiregrass Church.
Penguin child.
A picture and explanation of someone on a bike.
Maybe an old story.
Updates on my ambidextrous hand.
Summer readings.

I would like to own this couch. It is just so grand. and vintage. and yellow. But you know all that.


I will tell you something you might not know. I have eaten a banana everyday this week. I havent eaten one yet today though. I can see one from here. Its a brain booster sort of food. Its also exam week. So you do the math. Food math. And while we're on the subject of bananas I used to have one of these:



They were stuffed animals. They sang too. Bananas in Pajamas. My friend Allison had the partner.

Blog posts.
Bubbles.
Pool toys.
Balloons.
Books.
Antique stores. Aka History.
El guapo. You might not.
Indians.
Fresh air.
Nail polish remover.
My coffee thats brewing.

But most of all I like the smell of summers. Which reminds me, I need to get back to my work. The semester is coming to a close. So I have a billion things due friday. See how I didnt capitalize friday? Thats bc I dont have time to. And its irrelevant to me right now. This blog post is so relevant to me right now. With that being said, I will upload a great picture.

What about Grandma?

Today is Earth Day and also Good Friday.

Earth Day is a time we celebrate what the earth is. Its a day of appreciation. Not in a weird way. Even though I have face paint on. bc the Indians knew the earth well. With their feet. and skills. and direction. Today I am wearing moccasins and face paint in honor of them. Or maybe it was just an excuse to look like an Indian. Today I am celebrating animals, science, weather, trees, insects, seas, mountains, ugly animals, the different kinds of flowers, photosynthesis, the ground. etc. But I celebrate these everyday.

I thought it was ironic. The Earth was created by the Savior of the world that died thousands of years ago for us. It was his plan. God was, and always will be. He had a plan for every person. He created the world with intelligent design. and you and me. And he died just for us. So I am celebrating these together. The earth brings glory to God. But you know that. I just wanted to put it out there.

I would like this hat for Easter. Isnt it darling. Its probably hand-crafted. And over a hundred years old. Doris Day looks lovely in it. I would half of a half of a half as lovely as her.

Here is a picture of my mother of pearl and sister and brother and their mother of pearl from a very long time ago. I want my moms orange hat as well.



I love old things. and old photos. Sometimes I see the world in black and white. In a good way. Dont worry, Im glad I can see in color. I wouldnt be able to appreciate the color of El Guapo. or the trees. or Chief Powhatan. or Dr. Richards bow ties. or the red exit sign above doors. or the blue sky. The Beatles appreciated the blue sky. I love that song.

I have a tooth itch.

I thought that was worth a blog post.

Yall needed to know.

quoting movies in real life.
crinkly papers.
getting a clean sheet of paper, crinkling it up, getting it dirty, and drawing a treasure map on it.
digging up holes and burying secret things in it.
observing clouds.
eating snacks for lunch.
writing phrases on my arm. in permanent ink. risky.
shooting rubber bands.
old books.
old people.
musicals.
tiny things.
bracelets.
dinosaur key chains.
hair buns. and nuns.
scarlet pimpernel.
making pinky promises.
walking to the beat of my heart.
watching other people play dumb games on their computer.

Today marks the day of the first earthling launched into space. A Russian man named Yuri Gagarin. I was just thinking of the things he saw. And what he was thinking before blast off. I bet he just embraced death. I would have. To go where no human being has ever been? That’s shocking. I would have just said…Its totally worth it. Goodbye. He probably is the one who invented astronaut space food. Like dry ice cream. Ive eaten space food before ya know. Not in space. I was on earth. At the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center. We took a field trip there in 6th grade. We even got to really imagine being at the center of control while we launched someone into space. We wore headsets and got to push buttons and open cabinets. My friend and I were in charge of oxygen supply. We almost ran out of time bc we couldn’t find the oxygen tanks. Then after, we realized all the parents and teachers had been watching us through those fake windows. Blast. Like a rocket. I wonder if his hands were shaking. What if his hands were shaking so bad he pushed all the wrong buttons. Or if he is the type of person that cant handle pressure. And he forgot everything he knew about rockets and control. His spacecraft was Vostok. He circled the earth. Or space terminology- orbited. First journey around the world. Success. Go Soviets. Go Buzz Lightyear. I am celebrating with them today. He is a hero to many.

I bet he encountered aliens. Hope he packed his alien gun. And his alien repellent.

"I'm actually stationed at the Gamma Quadrant, Sector Four. As a member of the elite Universe Protection Unit of the Space Ranger Corps, I protect the Galaxy from the threat of invasion from the evil Emperor Zurg, sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance!"

There is a light
It burns brighter than the sun
He steals the night
And casts no shadow
There is hope
Should oceans rise and mountains fall
He never fails

So take heart
Let His love lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again

In death by love
The fallen world was overcome
He wears the scars of our freedom
In His Name
All our fears are swept away
He never fails

All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome

All our failure
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
All our heartache
And all our pain
God our healer
He has overcome

All our burdens
And all our shame
God our freedom
He has overcome

God our justice
God our grace
God our freedom
He has overcome

God our refuge
God our strength
God is with us
He has overcome

Woolgathering
Indulgence in idle fancies and in daydreaming; absentmindedness.

My woolgathering is a handicap in school.

Gardeviance
A chest for valuables; a traveling trunk.

Zoo
A park or an institution in which living animals are kept and usually exhibited to the public; collection of animals.

Conquistador
Adventurer or conqueror.

Clandestine
Secrecy, often in order to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.

Dazzling
To amaze, overwhelm, or bewilder with spectacular display.

Bedazzle
To dazzle so completely as to make blind; to please irresistibly; enchanting.

Here is a bedazzling picture of Humphrey Bogart riding a bike. Look at that form.

This video just makes me feel so.....warm. And alive.
I love the circus. and magic.
I love the cursive writing and the things they say about each performer.
Its a genius of a video.

When I look and think about celebrities I dont think about them doing the same things I do. I always think they dont have a real life because theyre always getting their picture taken and people doing their hair and makeup. So I wanted to do this. Here is a picture of Bing Crosby riding a bike. Look. He is normal just like me.

Sometimes I like to do this on my bike too. It makes me feel like Im a really good ice skater. And anything is possible when you feel like that.

Ive been thinking a lot this year about our country. I dont watch the news often, which has its benefits but also downfalls. I know whats going on but at the same time, dont. I dont want to say I dont care about the leadership of our country, Im just not interested. Our country is in a bad condition. And its only getting worse. I was convicted last semester about something. Prayer. I dont ever spend time in prayer for my country. And right now, its the only think I can do, effectively. When you think about it, its the only thing anyone can do. Its also the most important thing anyone can do.

I lead a 6th grade girls small group at church. And sometimes I forget the most important thing I can do for them is to pray for them.

Im going to start praying for my country. But I dont really know what to pray for. At least, specifically.

Im also praying for other nations, Japan. My heart has been heavy because of what theyre going through. Chaos. Some without food, shelter, or anything. Family. Im blessed to say I go to bed every night comforted, in a warm bed, feeling loved and even full. But I am broken-hearted for them.

Im praying for hope for them. To find eternal hope. The hope that changes people. Attitudes. And hearts. In the midst of confusion and turmoil there is hope. What we see as chaos, God sees as perfect order.

Last night my cousin Kessler and I built a tent. Honestly we werent as successful as we were hoping. We struggled in the beginning. Luckily, together, our minds are so creative we found a way. We hung fishing wire from different places and draped the sheets over them. We planned to hang up big bulb lights inside but they decided not to work. Blast. We filled it with blankets and pillows. It was cozy. It felt so safe. And warm. We made cookies and put icing on them and made tea. Earl Grey. Its like he was there. To add to our revelry, we watched Juno and 500 Days of Summer.

This was our inspiration:


This was ours:


Tay pott-ay:


"That man is richest whos pleasures are cheapest." -Henry David Thoreau.
We shared happiness.

I like to wonder. I like to wonder about things when I might not find an answer. Im not looking for answers. I like to not know things. I feel so comfortable when I just wonder. There is mystery and beauty and security when I just sit and...wonder.

I like these warm spring days. I like having special kids in my life to play with. They see things differently than I do. I can think like a kid, especially when it comes to adventures, but there is always something to learn when Im with them. Its like we both know secrets and dont mind sharing them with each other. Thats the joy of exploring. I love secrets. And using my imagination.

The earth is full of great things. Even if they may not look great. Like earthworms.

There is play to be had. Go outside. Go green. Go karts. Go pro. Like Prothro.

Another personal success. I made some headbands. It was refreshing.

Meet Bess Fountain. Isnt she cute? She turned 8 yesterday and I made her this headband.

She ate a lot of cake. bc it was her birthday.

Meet Mary Dean Fountain. I like her.

I made this one for myself.

Today I rode my bike. It was delicious outside. And the birds were alive and in tune.
Things I took:
My license just in case I was going too fast.
My chapstick. bc of the wind hitting my lips.
My camera. Hence pictures.
I also took Wilco the singer. Songs: Hummingbird, Either Way, True Love Will Find You in the End, etc. While I was riding I even nodded my head to the music.
I didnt take my phone. So I had no distractions. When I got back, I had no messages. Blast.
I found this big dirt pile and decided to go off roading. It wasnt as exciting as I thought it would be.



I took these people. They wore black and white.



Rides bike.



I even went by the scary house in Graceville. Its a murder house. Its also got a fence around it. We'll save that for a different post.

I wrote with my ambidextrous hand. Thats a picture of Constantine.



I made these for my small group that meets on Tuesday nights. Cute huh? Happy Hearts.

So far so good...we'll see what I do next...I know you're so anxious.