79 Minute Crawl
Lots of Adventures!
Things...
>> Monday, April 19, 2010
That Easter Morn...
>> Sunday, April 4, 2010
Today is the traditional holiday in which the Christian world celebrates the ultimate hope-spring; the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its a holy day.
In celebration or rather commemoration and honor of this day, this one divine and glorious act, I went at sunrise to the tidal basin. It was a simple and refreshing experience. I awoke to the dark morning sky, full of birds chirping next to the stars. I was there on the water as the dark sky yielded its blackness to the pale spring sun rising over the horizon.
I contemplated the power and majesty of nature; its harmony and balance - set into motion by our Heavenly Father - and marveled at the divine details of the scene I found myself a part of. In the Book of Mormon, Alma cries "Yea, all things denote there is a God." I too found my heart in harmony with that sentiment. One look at the complex symmetry of the clouds, sky, light refraction's & reflection's, blossoms and trees and even the water - all demand an existence of a loving God.
As I listened to the birds continue their songs, watched the ducks peacefully move across the basin, walked under the blush of the blossoming cherry trees and listened to the stillness - I thought of the ultimate gift that was given to me - a gift beyond the beauty of my current view, but perfectly symbolized by the landscape before me. The ultimate gift of hope through the Resurrection.
I thought about the progression of events which led to my understanding. After a long, unexpected snow winter, my heart and mind became dulled. I began to despair, wondering if there would be any other season besides winter. I only saw white - or an absence of color.
Then, bits of green began to edge in and sneak up on the scene. I doubted, thinking that we certainly could have another rash snow storm or horrible cold snap. But, about a month ago, I opened my window to get some fresh air and looked to see tight purple buds on the trees in my yard. I threw open the rest of the window and hung half my body out to get a better look. I couldnt believe what I was seeing. Sure enough, the tree was covered with buds. I gasped in pure joy and relief. At that moment, I inhaled hope - this relief and understanding that surely winter was over! It was at that moment, I realized that each season has its place, and has a start & completion. Winter isn't forever.
While we may go through long winters of our lives, spring will always come to relieve us. In the winters of our spiritual lives, we need not fear. We can maintain ultimate hope in Jesus Christ. His life, crucifixion, and resurrection established a pathway of precision and perfection - demonstrating that through him, we can obtain victory over mortality. The dark night of death now must yield to the piercing morning Son of God. He is the "first fruits of them that slept." In Him, there is an eternal spring - we never need fear the absence of new life, nor will we thirst, for as we partake of His salvation we "will thirst no more."
May we glory in the gift God has given to each of us in His Son.
"He is not here: for He is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay!" (Matthew 28:5)
"He is risen, he is risen! Tell it out with joyful voice!
He has burst his three days prison, let the whole wide earth rejoice!
death is conquered, man is free - Christ has won the victory!"
Friday night at the Library of Congress
>> Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Trish, this post's for you...
The desert. Yum. Courtesy of a great desert shop in little Korea...Chocolate mousse and Coconut mousse. Dont ask me which was my fave because they both delighted my taste buds.
As promised, sis. Better late than never...love you!
Kite Festival & Cherry Blossom Festival
>> Tuesday, March 30, 2010
For those of you that know me, I have a life list. These days people are calling it a "bucket list." I have had my life list for years - since at least the start of college. I've added to it, adjusted it, laughed at myself and generally love my list.
The Cherry Blossoms in DC have been on the list for a few years now. And, I can say that this past Saturday, I experienced them. They arent in full bloom, and I was one of hundreds who enjoyed the spectacle...but, the point is that I sailed through another hearts desire.
Saturday was the start of the Cherry Blossom festival - a festival which welcomes spring and celebrates the gift of 200 cherry blossom tree's given to our nation from Japan many, many years ago. As a part of the kick off festival, there is a Kite Festival. So much fun and bliss to be had. I have it on good authority that kite flying on the national mall is ONLY allowed on this one day. So, I have done that too.
Here is a small selection of my photographic bliss from the day...more to come as I spend some early mornings over the next week at the tidal basin with my beautiful, elegant, PINK cherry blossoms...
Ahhhhh Spring
>> Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I am sitting by the window, barefoot, watching the last moments of light creep over the edge of the earth. The birds are singing a song of dusk and there is a breeze coming into my window. Granted, that breeze is getting a bit chilly at 730pm, but I cant bring myself to close it quite yet....my feet are remembering what its like to be undressed. I painted them this afternoon - a nice mango like color.
This morning on my drive to work, I began to really notice a soft glow on all of the trees - the beautiful budding process that provides a touch of color to the once dormant trees. It brought a smile to my face as I tried not to slow down traffic by this tiny grandeur of nature.
Prior to my "life on the east coast" I hadn't give much thought to seasons. Sacramento has an anemic fall, a rainy winter a sneeze of spring and a nice long hot summer. There just isnt a lot of time spent on the seasons out there! Since the winters are mild, spring just eases on in with very little procession or fanfare.
Having now experienced a bit of summer, a longer fall and one snowy winter my eyes are adjusted to seeing tiny changes in weather and nature. Just coming off the closing cusp of a cold, cold winter, I embrace even the smallest glimmer of spring. Longer daylight, sunlight and warmth - the tender process of budding and breathing - almost as if nature is exhaling the chill and solitude of winter. There is a tangible anticipation and eagerness for spring.
So, I continue sitting here, mango toes and open window, squeezing the last drops of dusk and hoping that the 55 degree weather high this afternoon will remain just a bit longer on my skin.
Sweet Sister
>> Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I really have the best sister ever. You may think that your sis is cool, and I am sure that she is, but mine is the best!
On the 13th of February, I recieved a box from 1800 flowers. Now, this is strange because I NEVER get flowers! I couldnt think of any admirers, and I certainly dont have a boyfriend. My parents are serving missions in Russia and none of my girlfriends would send me a bouquet. Furthermore, the label said something about southern Cal.
As I opened the box, the most beautiful dozen roses appeared. I was in shock. As I looked for the card, who should it be from? My sis and her family. I was speechless and shocked. My mind raced to the suprise flowers she sent for my college graduation and the other times she has thoughtfully sent me things to celebrate an event.
I was touched beyond measure. I was with them last year for the holiday, and so here she is, ever the big sis and friend, sending me flowers (and a box of chocolates!).
I love you sis. Thanks for being so sweet and sending me the most beautiful roses!!! They are now drying in my closet so I can enjoy them a little longer...
Commemorative T-Shirt
>> Thursday, February 11, 2010
Well, my friends, I have survived the blizzard of 2010. In honor of the unique history I find myself a part of, I have created a shirt....here is the design. $11 each.
Blizzard..not the Dairy Queen variety...
>> Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Snow snow snow! This is the second storm in less than a week. And its wild. The snow fall has tapered off this afternoon, but bits of flakes are still falling and the wind is in full gale style. We are in a blizzard warning until at least 7pm tonight. If you lived in Baltimore, you wouldn't be allowed to drive (not that you'd want to) becuase only emergency vehicles are allowed. No one is out though, in this weather.
In the pictures I am posting, you will notice that the snow is absent from the tops of the trees- because the wind has cleaned them off. Its a white version of the Sahara desert out there- you can see the wind gusts in the sharp angles of the snow drifts.
Even in all this wild weather, I am finding it beautiful. I am graced with an excellent view in my room - and I am quite enraptured by the snow. My romantic heart finds the white wonderland to be enchanting...and the icicles.
I have found renewed "amour" with these pointy glass like formations. We had some lovely ones growing over the weekend, but yesterday, we decided to knock them down. They were hanging somewhat precariously over our front door, and with the new storm system approaching, we decided that safety was first in this situation. Thankfully, they have grown back. This time, they are angled, in a small mirror of the wind....
Enjoy the pictures in your warm houses....
Snowmaggedon....
>> Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Whew. Had no clue that there would be THIS much snow in VA! While I mocked the impending snow storm originally, Thursday night brought the madness! It snowed Friday afternoon through Saturday night - bringing us close to three feet of white stuff. Sunday was a welcome relief from the storm, and the sun was glorious. However, because there is no place for all the melting snow to go, there is a problem of black ice. Most of the main roads are fairly clear, but the neighborhoods are a mess. The federal gov is shut down for the day (as it was yesterday) and I dont know of a school that is open. Not only is there a lot of snow, but its very very wet and dense. Roofs have collapsed, electrical lines have broken and broken tree branches are all over. Lest you think I have not enjoyed this, I have posted a few pictures of the fun. My roomies have other ones that I need to grab to show our festivities.








