Autumn Air & Spiced Cider Cups

(me and my sis)

It's a season of magic...a time of wishes and dreams...


Autumn wishes begin around September, when the air gets all crispy and so do the leaves...when you start hoping for that blissfully chilly air to invade your summery solace. That tingle-nose feeling when you breathe too much in - an overdose of oxygen. When you start to crave a mug of hot spiced cider...that's when the Autumn wishes start.

I wish I could feel those crunchy leaves under my toes, bare footed and all.

No shoes in the tangy air, just the colorful ground and my rolled up jeans.

I love not knowing if that squishy cold thing was a slug or just a water droplet...oh well. I'll find out later. I love wearing warm snuggly clothes and leaving the warm snuggly house to indulge in a greater kind of creation - His. Just to venture out into the unknown,

a field somewhere you didn't know existed, or a quaint little run-down cottage full of forgotten memories. You can find all sorts of little gems if you just take a walk and look. What's even more fun is when you take a walk and look with your spiritual eyes. You should try it sometime...A spirit focus vs. a soul focus. Watching out for the cool stuff God's doing in your everyday life.

I think everything is more beautiful in the fall...

Hills and plains,
Houses and chimneys,
Overgrown paths and tree lined roads,
Whimsical girls and conquering men...

Everything looks rosy through rose colored glasses, and everything looks magical in the most magical season of all.

Summer Rains

If you've ever been to Phoenix, Arizona you know that it is HOT HOT HOT. *insert jamaican song..."feelin hot hot hot"*

But I guess the weather has been feeling a little rebellious lately, maybe it got that from me. Because here's the thing, everyone who talks about the weather here says it's always dry and only rains but two or three times a year. Well you know what? We've only lived here for a little over a month and it has already rained three times!!! Three!

It's actually kind of cool because I've been missing the rainy Washington weather lately. I just loooove the smell of rain in the air; I love how the ground seems satisfied after a good long soak. I love the feel of cold water on my skin when it's 100 degrees outside. Who wouldn't right??

Last night I was in the basement, just minding my own business, when I heard the familiar pitter patter of rain drops on the windows. I thought,


"what is that sound? It's so familiar, but then again so not...i remember...but i don't...pitter patter...hmm, what could that be? is the dryer broken? wait a minute, oh my gosh! is it raining?"

Yes, it took that long for me to make the connection between the sound and the cause of the sound. Sad, I know. I've already lived here too long.

So I ran up the stairs, burst open the front door, and ran out to the grass that was, in fact, wet. My bare feet were absolutely delighted to meet the rain again. It was like a happy reunion between old friends. It's a weird thing to miss, but there you go. I miss the rain. And God gave it to me! It has rained two straight days in a row since then! (it's usually only at night, but still. It's magical.)




Actually yesterday it was overcast and only got up to 80-somethin. After weeks and weeks of 105 and sunny, 80-somethin feels downright chilly! We went out to dinner last night in celebration of my little brothers' graduation from the 8th grade...shout out to my bro! love you!...and I was wearing jeans and a short sleeve sweater thingy. When I got out of the car, I literally got chills and felt like I needed a jacket. I guess I'm finally acclimating! I never thought I would see the day when I felt cold in 80 degree weather. Crazy.

So weather, just keep doing what you're doing.

mmm, rain.

Ireland really is the perfect place for me :)



***Update: the paint in the family room is finally done, all of the cubbies are coated with a nice chocolate brown. The kitchen also got it's wash of color (pale yellow), it looks great. I will put up pictures ASAP!!
Oh, and I got a job! I am now working at the Village Health Club at Verrado doing kids club (watching all the kids while their mommies work out), and hopefully some front desk work. I will also be starting ballet classes at the beginning of June, which i am ultimately excited to teach. I'll also be doing some other kids fitness classes on the side. (I'm doing the happy dance right now)***