What's Next?

Folks living in the eastern region of the US are asking themselves What's Next?  The 5.8 earthquake definitely sent people reeling, leaving them paranoid by any sort of loud noise or rattle of the AC units.  Next came Hurricane Irene which unfortunately flooded thousands of homes.  Tropical Storm Lee didn't help the matter, and it dumped more rainfall than Irene.  Whole towns are sunk under their newly formed lakefront properties.  Bridges are washed away, complete roads are covered with mud and debris, and spirits are uniformly squashed by the past weeks' disasters.  To top it off, as many of the news channels proclaim, Washington and New York are under watch for terrorist activity.  I think it's safe to say that the general population up here would like a reprieve from natural disasters and threats of violence and return to their normal cycle of life.

There's a list sitting on my dresser.  I love lists, but this one is less than lovely.  File boxes, computer hardrive, photo album.  We created a list of items we should take in case of evacuation for any sort of attack on the city.  Just the preparation and awareness of such an event was draining, and it left me thinking about how blessed we are to live in a country where on most days our biggest concern is what to wear and what to eat. 

Our God is Greater was booming on the radio this morning on my way to work, and before the chorus had completed, tears stung my eyes.  He IS greater!  He surpasses any earthquake, hurricane, or terrorist attack.  He is bigger, He is mightier, HE IS.

The list will stay on my dresser as a just in case precaution, but what will come off that list is the question What's Next?  I need not worry about it--God is Greater!

Solution to Sharing

In my search for craft inspiration, I discovered a perfect solution to a recent problem I've acquired.  Hutch loves yarn.  Cats play with yarn like it's their prey, and Hutch is much the same.  I've returned home on several occasions to find yarn strewn about the living room, clumped into messy knots almost impossible to untie.  Martha Stewart saved me.  The photo on her website caught my attention, the directions were simple enough, and I went home yesterday with every ambition to create the solution to my problem...Take a look!

Watch Out For Puddles

The eastern parts of our country have seen more rain in the last thirty days than they've seen in the last decade.  Keeping that in consideration, I'm torn...I have deep sympathy for those folks who find their memories sunk under brown water, but I also can't help but chuckle when watching the local news.  Last night, it was reported that many of the local bike trails have been closed due to....PUDDLES.  Those were the reporter's exact words.  Jesse and I looked at each other and burst into laughter.

So, watch out, DC.  You may experience some puddles this week!!!

Hutch finds comfort in the confines of his cave--safe from the flashes of lightning.

A Nagging Need

Jesse is still feeling under the weather, though his temperature has finally dropped below 100.  I knew he was feeling better last night when he started being his ornery little self. Haha. He's staying home one more to day to nip this bug in the bud. 

The Leaves, They Are A Changing

Where the sunshine normally reflects off the wall of windows, casting sinewy shadows into my office, there are splatters of raindrops clinging to the glass instead. Little light is seeping in, but there is just enough to see that one of the maple trees outside is turning yellow. She’s a lone wolf, as all the others dance on the wind in their green skirts. She stands out amongst the rest, like the Snow Queen and her little Snowflakes in the Nutcracker. If I had my druthers, I’d be nose-pressed against the glass, leaving a smudge and a foggy scape, but instead I’m at my desk trying to ignore the pinging alert of incoming email.
The desire to move home grows stronger with each day that passes. I’m thankful for my job, and I’m far from the point of dreading the day each morning. Yet, there is a nagging need to be home. The silly reality is that I don’t have a home anywhere else—at least not a physical one. My world on 5th Avenue isn’t waiting to welcome me back, and WildHorse has changed her name so that she’s no longer what I knew of her. Perhaps it would be more fitting to say we are in need of family, of friends, of familiarity. I’m that tree outside—standing in the wind amongst many others, yet feel so out of place.

I joke that I’d like to move back to Oregon tomorrow. But there is truth behind my jests. We pray that God would open a door of opportunity, and then we must wait. It’s difficult to wait. My leaves only turn more yellow with time, making me less and less like those surrounding me. I wonder what the men and women thought when they tied their wagons to oxen and headed west. They hadn’t the luxuries of cars or planes, yet they made it. The Rockies didn’t stop them. Did they pray and ask God to open a door?

So, until God makes it clear that we too are to set out on our own Oregon Trail, we must wait.  Until then, we will pray.  That tree outside really is quite stunning.

Bike Basket: SUCCESS!

He received many "ooooos" and "aaahhhs" as we rode down the trail.

Thankfully, our second attempt at bringing Hutch along for a bike ride turned out to be successful.  I have to admit something though...I can barely get us both up the hills.  I never imagined Hutch and the basket would add enough weight to slow me down, but sure enough, our nine mile ride was a rough one.  And, I officially have found an adequate form of exercise for my shoulders and upper back.  Thanks, Hutch.
The weather was PERFECT for a ride, though, and we made it to our goal turn-around point. 

This weekend was a lot of fun, and we were able to fit in plenty of rest.

Late yesterday evening, it was as though someone came up to Jesse, pushed a button, causing him to become immediately sick.  His temperature spiked to 100, so off to bed I sent him.  It's now up to 102, so I left him home in bed and will check in on him throughout the day.  Praying that we can get this down without a trip to the ER.  Keep him in your prayers, please.

Quick & Simple

A painting cradling a multitude of colors.  The lapping of small waves on a lake shore.  Rounded pebbles beneath bare feet.  Words that challenge the inner soul.  Inspiration.  We all seek after that which keeps us going; we search for the stimulation--those life experiences that awaken us.

I find inspiration in many different things.  People's life stories, biblical accounts of sin conquered, photography, sunrises.  When the goosebumps blanket my arms, and a chill prickles my neck, I know. 

It's so easy to move through this short life of ours without ever really recognizing what is around us.  We become self-focused, and we miss the little gifts God sends our way.  One of the characters in the movie, Elizabethtown, mimics the action of snapping a photo at certain "pictures" she sees as she walks through life.  Isn't the opportunity for inspiration just like that?  Something quick, and sometimes something so simple.  It will pass unless we take note of it.

I'm just rambling this morning, and I really don't have any sort of point here, but there's something about inspiration that keeps nagging at me.  What inspires me?  Why does it have that affect on me?  What might God intend by sending this my way?

On a side note, the trees have begun to trade their vibrant greens for muted oranges, yellows, and reds.  This means I can hang my autumn wreath, right??

And a second side note: I'm drinking my THIRD free Starbucks coffee this morning. :)

What Could Be

Today it wasn't just the excited cries of our puppy that woke me up.  Thoughts of family rushed into my foggy brain and woke me up with such ferocity, it felt as though I'd just slammed down three cups of caffeinated coffee.  While I am a lover of memories, this morning wasn't an occasion for thinking of the past.  Instead, it was visions of what could be that raced through my blood vessels and sat prominently behind my slow-blinking eyelids.

We want to move home.

It's as simple as that, and if I looked up and read our blog title, When You Say Nothing At All, I'd probably stop right here.  But because I know the underlying meaning behind that title (which perhaps one day I'll share), I'm going to trudge forward and sort through what has kept me wide-awake.

The desire to be nearer to family is unmistakable.  Our conversations drift to ways to make it work, and I know we're both thinking about it constantly on our own.  Yesterday I prayed that God would help me be more satisfied with our current place--the place we attempt to call our home.  But, it's not the pictures hanging on the walls or the clothes hanging in the closet that make a place a home.  It's the people who visit, the laughter that soaks into the walls, the time stopped when sharing it with loved ones.  And we need it.  We crave it. 

Home.  Oregon.  Family. 

The Girl Who Loved the Coffee Bean

Once upon a time, there lived a girl in far away land.  It is said that this particular girl was a lover of the coffee bean.  Not just any coffee bean would suit her fancy, and she often stopped at a cafe called Starbucks.  One day, the girl and her prince decided to buy a puppy, and it was on that day the girl promised to quit her weekly visits to the cafe.  She loved her puppy, but she missed her Starbucks.  A friend heard about her loss and decided to give her a free trip to her favorite Starbucks.  It just so happened that on that particular day, the cafe was out of the cup size she ordered.  They charged her less for her drink, and sent her on her way with a coupon for a free coffee for the next day.  Quite excited, the girl realized she would get TWO Starbucks in one week!  She returned the following morning to cash in her coupon, only to be pulled aside by the barista.  He said to the girl, "You are my favorite customer.  This one is on me. Use your coupon next time." The girl blushed and said, "Thank you."  She had a hop in her step as she left the cafe, knowing that now she could have THREE Starbucks in one week!!!

THE END

Dry-Eyed Farewell

It has happened again.  This time the moment slipped itself into existence so gently I wasn't aware of it until yesterday morning when I couldn't get enough ideas jotted down onto my Holiday Season List.  A slight chill in the air has churned inside me the desire to pack away the pool towels, wash swimsuits and board shorts for storage, and say "see you next year" to my bright colors of decor.  Autumn has found herself sitting on my front stoop, and I'm welcoming her in. 

The ever-changing welcome signs on our front door is just a small sign that I'm a lover of seasons.  I relish in them.  Just when I think I've discovered my favorite time of year, a new season falls upon us, and I'm convinced it is my new fav.  Summer's toxic desire to be outside and enjoy the air that wraps itself around everything will be missed, but there are no tears in saying good bye.  She'll be back next year. 

Before we know it, these pretty little ladies will be dancing upon the branches once again.  But until then, we will relish in watching the earth hunker down and brace itself for the chill.  Soon, it won't just be random bark dust that Hutch will be after on our walks.  He will be bounding through piles of leaves.

The ideas are streaming with a vengeance--not even salmon could get through my current of inspiration.  Recipes are gathered and craft projects are forming.  I've even gone to the trouble of researching our local library's ebook check-out process in preparation for evenings spent cuddled up on the couch.

Thank goodness Jesse puts up with my desire to embrace the seasons--he just smiles and says, "The house looks nice."

Happy season transition to you all! 

(Hmmm...I just got a wonderful idea for a children's book about seasons!  Dad--feel in the mood to illustrate?)

Doing His Part...

Debris on the streets and my pile of unused candles are just about the only signs that Irene passed through our neighborhood.  Thankfully, our little neighborhood didn't suffer from any flooding or downed trees.  In fact, we only lost electricity for two minutes on Saturday night!  The storm was powerful, however, and our hearts go out to those who are still enduring the recovery from her strength.
Hutch was antsy to get outside (we realized he DOESN'T like to potty outside when the ground and sky are wet).  He did his part in street cleanup after the storm, and brought this home with him...

Our Friend Irene

The porch is cleared off, batteries are stocked, and a last minute run to the store for bottled water is in order.  Good ol' Hurricane Irene is headed our way, and our Tropical Storm Watch begins tomorrow.  It's a bit comical really.  While living in Florida, we experienced two severe storms (neither being hurricanes).  Friends warned us of shattered windows and weeks without electricity.  Home Depot supplied us with sheets of plastic and an emergency radio.  We never used any of it.  So here we are, living in Virginia, preparing for a hurricane.  We've been having beautiful sunrises and sunsets as the pressure drops and the clouds move in.  I've got my camera ready!

On My Heart...
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:34

It isn’t believing that God will take care of you, it’s KNOWING that He will. Surrendering your apprehensions about tomorrow or even the next hour means having zero doubt that He will guide you through it. We cannot begin to fathom HOW he might move us forward, but we can trust that He WILL.

I think the first step to putting worries aside is to simply pray. Talk to God, but then stop to listen. For anyone who’s made a decision on their own and has suffered the consequences, they know it’s far better to wait and listen for direction. I shudder to even think what life might be like if we decided our forward motion without God.

With upcoming decisions for Jesse's health and the ever-wanting desire to move back to the west coast, I find myself in the midst of my own tropical storm.  Hurricane Worry.  Jesse encourages me to pray when I begin to feel anxious about anything, and when I do, God lifts those burdens from my weakened soul.  This past week, I've found myself in constant prayer.  Brief sentences between tasks at work, and long conversations when falling asleep.  Prayer--my survival kit.

Ready for the Chill

We're ready for Christmas in Minnesota

Yes, we ARE still alive.  Our 5.8 earthquake definitely shook up the afternoon, and all DC Metro area freeways became parking lots.  Yesterday was an example of DC's lack of emergency evacuation plan.  When in doubt...WALK. 

Here are just a couple of photos I grabbed off my phone from the past couple of days...



After our lunch walk, Hutch promptly collapsed not ten feet from the door for a quick snooze.

This is the replacement bike carrier for Hutch.  I'm hoping it works...he certainly likes it!

Lord Baltimore

Imagine this: The air is as thick as thieves cut by the stench of steam wafting up from rusty manholes.  Piles of trash litter the unevenly paved streets, and bars cover every window and door in earnest need of protection.  Men and women, all unrecognizable, scatter the sidewalk, slumped over in a heap.  Their haunted, hollow eyes follow those who walk past. 
Her name is Baltimore (though perhaps it would be more appropriate to call the city a him, as it's named after Lord Baltimore).
Our experience in this city began on a light, almost jovial note, but ended with such an extreme desire to leave, that we laughed at ourselves.  As we entered Baltimore, both Jesse and I noted how pretty the city was, and we commented how strange it is that everyone says it's awful.  It didn't take more than driving a few more blocks into that beautiful city to realize what they were referring to.  Cities have rough edges, I know that.  But, Baltimore--OOFTA.  The poverty is overwhelming, and whole blocks look like they are literally emitting despair.
After eating a not-so-wonderful dinner, we walked back to our hotel.  By the time we strode up to the front door, our topic of conversation had turned to all the reasons why we should purchase a gun to have at home.  Perhaps that gives you a better idea of the neighborhoods we were strolling through.
I'd like to add here a sincere note about poverty and social qualms, but instead, I'm just going to say right now, it's good to be home...and we have no guns, for the record. 

Jesse's appointment went well. I'll update more later on after I'm caught up at work.

Friday Film Festival FLOP

I had every intention to post two candid videos this morning, but my office's Internet is bogged down.  DON'T THEY REALIZE I NEED TO POST A VIDEO???  Oh well, I suppose blogging isn't high on NES' priority list. :)

In lieu of this film festival FLOP, I shall simply say, Happy Friday, and put a smile on my face. After all, these videos most-likely are really only sweet to me...three minutes of nonsensical Hutch action.

Please keep Jesse in your prayers this weekend as we prepare for an appointment at John's Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland.  Thank Jesus for doctors who are humble and who care about patients--Jesse's doctor wants him to receive a second opinion on how to move forward with "solving" his UC.  John's Hopkins is rated #1 in the nation (Thank you, again, Jesus!), so we are hopeful for the information we might receive in Monday's appointment.  Jesse has always had a positive outlook on his condition, and despite his daily struggle with an ever-growing amount of pain, he always reminds me there's a reason for it all.  Jesse is an inspiration to live life like there is no tomorrow and do with what you've got. 

"Happy Friday," she says with a smile on her face.