some thoughts

 

         I live in a city that has a population of 115,276 individuals, and I have a job where I am surrounded by crowds of humans that I've never seen before and will probably never see again.

 

Everyday, when I drive down I-70, I glance at the car passing me and wonder where that person is going and what their story is.

         Who are they thinking about? What worries are pressing against their heart? What joys are flooding their senses? Do they like dogs? Will I ever see them again? What is God's plan for their life?

          People are wonderful creatures. They are capable of both raging passion and tenderness, depthless love and whimsy, appreciating beauty and trying to create it. They can communicate in so many ways--through art, song, and words. They connect with other people to make up this myriad of relationships that we call 'society'.
          Unfortunately, they also make mistakes. They shed tears over the past, destroy things that they don't understand, and march blindly into the future. Communication is not always easy, and relationships can get messy quick.

          But that is the beauty of a person: when one is full of both lovely character, and raw, unfinished emotions.       

           I guess what I'm saying is this: I love people. Their interactions, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors weave in and out to form an intricate tapestry of life. We are fascinating beings -- unlike any other on earth.

          God knew what he was doing when he created us.

persimmon cookies

 

Today was one of those days when one feels like doing a bit of cooking and cleaning, rocking out to Josh Turner while washing the dishes, and hanging up some pictures that have been sitting in the closet.

I made persimmon cookies for the first time ever. It was a laborious process. Pick the berries off the tree, wash them, take out all the seeds (which turns your fingers orange until the end of time), figure out why the blender isn't working, stir it by hand instead, and stick the cookies in the oven. They are even more delectable than I anticipated, so all the hard work was worth it.

I just wish we had remembered to add some black walnuts. Then they would have been Missouri Native Persimmon Cookies.
_________________________________________________________________________________

In other headlines, Laurel got her passport in the mail! That means she is hoping to go to FLORENCE ITALY IN NOVEMBER!!!!! Dad and I have been spending huge amounts of time pouring over travel guides and maps. If it all works out, we plan to visit several museums and churches as well as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Mediterranean Sea.

So yeah. Exciting stuff. Are you kidding? I CAN'T EVEN HOLD STILL BECAUSE THERE'S SO MUCH HAPPINESS IN MY BRAIN!

I will fill you in on all the details later, dear readers.
In the meantime, enjoy life and laugh often. Ta-ta-- Laurel

senior photos

I love horses.

 

I love loyal German Shepherds...

 

...and old John Deere tractors

 

I love greedy horses who try to eat treats straight from your pocket

 
I love my smiling, adventure-loving nieces and nephews.

 

I love my slobbery mustang kisses.

 

I love my Clint Anderson style black saddle.

 

 

not to mention these people right here!

 

 

I  love the country.

the happy children

          On a field trip to Rocheport yesterday, we stopped at an antique store ( "Friends Together Antiques.") which belongs to a good friend of ours.  Samplers, autograph books, diaries, chairs, dresses, and various trinkets (dating as far back as the 18th century) were quaintly displayed and filled the small building with that faded smell of musty age.

 

          We were only shopping for fun, but I ended up buying this little treasure:

 

          It is was published by the American Sunday-School Union for the purpose of illustrating strong morals for young children. (The kind of morals that are founded straight from Scripture and show you how best to live your life.)
          In this fragile book there are three stories: The "Penitent Robber", "The Happy Children", and an "Anecdote". I cannot describe the delightfulness of this book very fairly, so here are some excerpts. I'm sure you will find them quite whimsical and old fashioned:)
__________________________________________________________________________________

          "Now, reader, pause awhile, and think
               What thou art now, and soon must be!
          For God hath sent this little book,
               And speaks with solemn voice to thee.

          Say, dost thou long for peace in life,
                And hope for heaven when life is past?
          O pause and listen! -- search thy heart;
                 For know this day may prove thy last!"
___________________________________________________________________________________

"When this book is written, two boys and two girls, the happy children to whom we refer, are living in a little cottage, in the county of Lancaster ..... They have such kind parents, such a good governess at their well-conducted school, and are making such improvement by these means, that we call them the Happy Children; and we earnestly wish that the dear little ones who may read, or hear this account, may be like them that they may be happy also."
___________________________________________________________________________________

"One day, two of children retired to the same room to pray; and it appeared, on inquiry afterwards, that one of them chose the darkest corner in it, thinking that it would be most proper, because it was most private: the other prayed near to a window, which she set open, because she had heard that Daniel did so. They have often been much struck with the history of that eminent saint, and frequently request their parents to read it at family worship."
___________________________________________________________________________________

So, now you know why I am thoroughly enjoying this little bit of paper and binding!

What are some treasures you have found? Please tell! I would love to hear.

autumn bucket list

I think I can safely say that autumn is one our favorite seasons. It is the only time no on will judge you for drinking copious amounts of hot chocolate or rolling around in the leaves.

People enjoy doing special things during fall. The festive holidays and brisk weather gets into their blood and they feel the need to celebrate. That's why I am putting together an 'autumn bucket list' for you! You can adapt it however you want, but hopefully it gives you some good ideas to fully enjoy the time of harvest. Here goes:

• Take a foggy morning walk
• Go for a scenic drive in the countryside with the cocker spaniel
• Make a trip to the bookstore and buy a thick novel. (I bought Les Miserables which I think is thick enough.)
• Go stargazing with some friends
• Watch "Trapped in Paradise"
• Go to the country store and buy bulk items to stock up
• Make a straw man to sit on the front porch
• Smell a cinnamon candle
• Go to a drive in movie
• Hide in a pile of leaves and scare somebody (muahahahahah)
• Enjoy a homemade pie or apple tarts
• Stay warm in an oversized sweater
• Go on a hike and collect pine cones for a garland or wreath
• Try a new flavor of hot tea
• Make a Thankful Tree
• Drink a pumpkin spice latte