Ordinary Life

I keep calling it my 'writing project'  But, technically it's a book.  A book I wrote.  And it feels good to be on this side of a finished project.  But it feels  too-big-for-my-britches  to say I wrote a book.  I have an author page now,  too.  And it's neat but it sounds like I think it's something specia l when it's really something anyone can do.  I won't be making money from book sales but the opportunity to add new experience and expand my resume has been invaluable.  I have been staring at the blank pages in my new chapter for some time, and while I don't know everything the story will hold, I have started to write the adventure myself.  Check out my author's page on Amazon ... I think I need more books on my shelf ;) 

 I keep calling it my 'writing project'  But, technically it's a book.  A book I wrote.  And it feels good to be on this side of a finished project.  But it feels  too-big-for-my-britches  to say I wrote a book.  I have an author page now,  too.  And it's neat but it sounds like I think it's something specia l when it's really something anyone can do.  I won't be making money from book sales but the opportunity to add new experience and expand my resume has been invaluable.  I have been staring at the blank pages in my new chapter for some time, and while I don't know everything the story will hold, I have started to write the adventure myself.  Check out my author's page on Amazon ... I think I need more books on my shelf ;) 

 These are amazon affiliate links to Eat Like A Local: Georgia  I don't make a whole lot off of them but I'm saving them here in case I need them sometime. 

 There are no photo records from October 2010. It definitely happened and so did I.  I would have had a birthday that month- as I do every October.  I am thankful for every moment I've been given - every single one.  Here is an old picture of me, doing what I do best. :)   

  "DON'T LET ANYTHING WITHOUT A HEART BEAT YOU."  ~SUGAR RAY ROBINSON  

In September ten years ago, Chandler turned eleven. We celebrated at the Outback in Downtown Savannah.  Anytime I'm tempted to believe the accusations that I didn't try hard enough to make us all a family- I think about this season of resurrection- where they had been dead to us and suddenly we were re-building bridges of communication, inviting them to celebrations.   But it isn't something I linger on any longer.  The cakes weren't always works of art.  Sometimes, they weren't even as tasty as a homemade cake should be (see:Dora The Explorer Cake, Year 2 for Logan - made in our microwave because the oven was broke)  But they were always my way of saying "I hope your wishes come true." 

The question was:  ' What does this song mean to you ? '  Well sir, if you want to know the truth...  '.. .o n a good day, it's amen. On others, I think maybe I've got myself fooled in one more of my oh-so-clever ways...   When disorder spills over into (what is supposed to be) my reordering season,  I have to admit, I have the capacity to doubt every last thing.  Sometimes I sober up and realize I'm being silly (again) - there is so much to be grateful for.  Other times, I smash the bottle against the wall and snarl 'who. do. you. think. you. are?' It is then I beg Him to draw near...and wait.  Sometimes I wait and wait and wait. It is the only shred of faith I own; to stay here, alive and waiting.' ~ * ~

  In August, I began to design some announcements and a website or two for when Riley would be born. Most of my inspiration came from the verses we were given at WinShape and the idea that we were forever hemmed in. Sometimes the memories can be heavy or pinch in all the ways we meant well but went wrong. Tucked somewhere deep in our pockets, we all carry the crumpled drafts of who we used to be, who we intended to be, and who we thought we were.  Write your plans in pencil. Don't throw the rough draft years  away.  Who we are today is who we've spent our lives becoming Bittersweet to re-visit these pages? Well, sure.  But, I still sang along to the songs.  BREWPORT: http://kellyandclay.wix.com/home  RILEY WREN: http://kellyandclay.wix.com/rileywren

In July 2010 , we celebrated Independence Day on Harbor Island and the kids attended Baby Bootie Camp to get ready for new baby sister Riley.      At Bootie Camp, we learned to hold babies, give bottles and change diapers. There were fun foods and lots of shower games, too - like Baby Food Roulette, Baby Sculpting and Bottle Races to list a few. These pictures brought a smile to my face, it is one of my favorite memories. I am grateful for my children and for the times we got to share. 

I looked around the room with grateful affection for the people present and a tinge of sadness over those notably absent. After 43 years, the guest of honor was retiring, exchanging his pulpit for an RVangelism crusade.  (You can retire from church, but never the call.)  The last-minute invitation to attend came after church on a Sunday where I'd just  spent the final hymn and closing prayer at my own church rationalizing naps as biblically-required rest. It had been a long week of all nighters and challenging circumstances. The week ahead promised more of the same.  Had they said 'Amen' yet or had I nodded off again? It was that kind of Sunday.  It is hard to admit I was struggling because it is always hard for me to admit that. I can't always put into words where a dilemma lies. If you don't know how to spell elephant, there can't be one in the room, see?  When the low gas light comes on, you can still eek out a good 20 miles if you're lucky - no cause fo...