Apple Pickin

Virginian valleys looking out upon the Shenandoah Mountains

Apple orchard

Hutch enjoyed the apples just as much as I did

Reflections

His toes hang over the edge of the pond, and he peers into the clear water.  His hand reaches up to his face, his reflection following example, yet he sees not himself, but a younger boy.  The boy he once was.  Know what movie scene I'm recalling?  Peter Pan discovers the boy inside him in Hook when he sees a younger reflection in Neverland.
I thought about this scene last night when Hutch noticed his own reflection in the sliding glass door.  His tail hinted a wag as he hunched down in his attack mode.  Then as if he was shocked by some electrical current, he jumped straight back and started running around the living room.  His reflection was bound to chase him, right?  He did this for a good twenty minutes last night. Unfortunately I didn't get it on video.
When we see our reflection in the mirror, what do we see?  I know in the morning time, I'd rather not even see what's inside the mirror, but what would happen if someone were to shine a mirror to my heart?  What would be reflected?  I think there'd be a great multitude of images displayed: love, fear, joy, anger, brokenness, defeat, passion, and so much more.  Why is it we hide our heart away from the mirror...is it because we're afraid what we might see or because what others might see?
Just like Peter Pan discovered the boy inside, and like Hutch was most certain he had a playmate, perhaps I can discover what is inside my heart and face it head on.

Apple Pie for Breakfast

Seeing as it's officially Autumn here in Virginia, I thought it appropriate to bake an apple pie to welcome in the new season.
It is now only 8:30am, and the office has another thirty minutes before it officially opens.
Perhaps I should've baked a bigger pie...

Signs

Target was boasting fall colors before summer had even begun, but I think it's officially Autumn when nature says it herself. And guess what? She SO said it today.  On my drive in to work today, a perfect V flew over top me.  The geese are headed south, and Heather is headed to the closet to boast her Fall wreath.

Love is Patient. Love is Kind.

There are specific moments in time when I can see God's hand.  Literally see how He healed, answered, or changed.  There is no question in my mind that He cares about both the small and the big.  It was Jesus who opened His arms to the children when the adults tried to shoo them away.

God is both good and just.  He is both merciful and faithful.  His love is unconditional and gracious. He is patient.  He is kind.  He is loving. And He is my Father.

In moments of pain and doubt, it's these truths that keep my head above water.  When the walls seem to close in and the darkness surrounds every part of me, it's knowing that God has already won the battle that gets me through.  There's no question that this past month has been the most difficult time of my life.  Decisions have been larger than mountains, boundaries have been heavy bricks to build, and pain has been a constant stabbing in my heart.  But through it all--through it ALL--God has answered and provided.  He's opened doors when I knew not where to go. He provided paths when I felt lost in a thicket.  He comforted in the darkest hour.

Jesus is faithful.  He is my Father.

Potting Projects

Kelton and Auntie Heather

Congratulations, Amy!

From the Weekend

Hutch made some friends over the weekend....

Getting manis & pedis

She's HEEEEERRRREEEE!!!!!

Guess who flew into DC today?  Yep, the ONE AND ONLY Judy West Nelson.  Hip hip hooray!!!!

Oh, and we've already gotten to enjoy homemade blueberry cream cheese muffins and a scrumptious dinner.

Wish you could be here too, Dad.

Waiting...

I'm not the only one who's excited for my mom's visit tomorrow...Hutch won't leave the guestroom.

REWIND

The week in REWIND:

* We topped 100 degrees 4 out of the 5 days

* Jesse went to the Nats vs. Mets game yesterday on a work outing

* We harvested five tomatoes, and they are delicious

* The meeting I prepped was an absolute success and will benefit our company in a great many ways

* Hutch's new favorite toy is an empty water bottle

* 45 lbs of candy was delivered to my office yesterday...NES picnic here we come!

* I met a gentleman yesterday who offered to let me ride their horses anytime I want...hooray!

I think that's about it for the highlights, as simple as they may be.  We are looking forward to a weekend of rest and getting ready for a special visitor next week!  Can hardly wait!!!

Mooo

Not sure if it was Jeanette Oke's influence or the peaceful drives on Lewis & Clark Rd. that stirred a desire in me to own a farm.  Whatever it was, that dream still exists today.  Whenever I find myself on a country drive, meandering through foothills and sprawling valleys, I can't help but imagine how it might feel to wake up to my own piece of land.  I will never be a city girl, and while I'm not a naturally-born farm girl, I definitely have the drive to "get 'er done."
My cow sits up on my shelf at work, causing several inquiries.  All I say is, "I love cows." But in all honesty, I love what cows mean...besides the fact that they have BEAUTIFUL eye lashes.  It means a simpler life--slow paced, hard working, gratifying purpose.  They mean lemonade on the porch, knowing your neighbors, living off the land God created.  Cows mean unexpected hardships, conquering achievements, and lifelong lessons.  Cows mean country, and the country is my heart.

Must Clean. Must Bake.

Last night felt like college finals week all over again.  There was no homework or studying to be done, but there was an unending focus on one big, and very important project at work.  We go in front of a military branch this week to propose a design, and whose job is it to get all of the supporting data together?  Yours truly...and she's truly pooped.
Fifteen Excel reports later, and I think I have it set, but oh boy, am I tired of crunching numbers and adjusting cells.  I've used more math skills these past two weeks than I have in the last five years.  It's so excessive that I called my dad to tell him he'd be proud of my use of percentages and fractions.
So, just as I used to do during finals week, last night I reverted to my two favorite stress relievers: baking and cleaning.  The bathroom had no chance against my rigorous scrubbing.  The flowers are deadheaded and looking perkier than ever.  My kitchen counters and stove top haven't sparkled like this in ages.  My coworkers are enjoying some tasty banana bread this morning.
The body is a curious thing (at least mine is).  There I was, extremely tired, yet the last thing I could physically do was sit down and rest.  I was itching to release the stress and frustration.
I think I prefer my stress relievers...everyone benefits!
On a lighter note...Hutch is doing better.

Mr Independent

Speed It Up A Little!

William Asher, the director of I Love Lucy, passed away yesterday.  His television show has made millions of people laugh until their bellies hurt, and I am no exception.  I spent hours watching reruns of Lucy getting herself into binds.  I named my parakeets Fred and Ethel.  I have an entire storage bin dedicated to all of the I Love Lucy paraphernalia I've collected over the years.  It's safe to say I am a fan.  William Asher claimed the egg scene as his favorite from the hundreds of episodes with Lucille Ball.  Ricky came home unexpectedly, causing Lucy to hide dozens of eggs in her dress.  Ricky suggests they practice their dance, and as they come in to meet each other, the eggs get smashed and begin to ooze from every seam and fold of her clothing.  It was a great scene.  One of my favorites is the Chocolate Factory and Lucy and Ethel try to keep up with dipping chocolates as they pass on the conveyor belt. And because the pace of the scene is quite fitting to my own work week, I thought why not include a quick little photo of a wonderful television show. Thank you, William Asher, for bringing many happy tears to my eyes and making me laugh.