Good morning from Coupeville, Washington, on the glorious Whidbey Island. It’s just after 7 here. I’m here with six women, and three of us are awake so far. The coffee is brewing – my contribution since it’s really the only thing I know how to make – and I’m thinking back to what an incredible evening we had last night. Joanna made a taco dinner for us, and Kristie made blackberry cobbler from fresh blackberries that she picked on a walk. Afterwards, we sat around the living room reading to one another the things we’ve been working on. Being in a circle listening to the stories of women I love is perhaps my most favorite way to spend an evening. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: August 2014
A Random Note.
I said earlier today that I had the freedom of running, writing or reading a book. I’ve done all three, and it’s only 3:45 here. I feel wonderfully accomplished and relaxed at the same time, and I still have quality time with my friends before me. The day feels indulgent and sweet. I even had the joy of finding a card from Dave buried in my suitcase. I know how many things Dave was juggling in the hours before I left town, so that he managed somehow to write a card and hide it in my bag made me feel even more loved, if even more loved is possible. Continue reading
Back on Island Time.
I’ve returned to Whidbey Island for a few days of writing and community with some dear women whose company both calms and motivates me. They are writers and artists – each of them – and they have the most gentle spirits. Continue reading
Interrupted.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about a book I was reading. It was Interrupted, When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity by Jen Hatmaker. I wrote:
I feel like I’m on the verge of something huge that will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done and the best thing I’ve ever done. That’s what Africa felt like to me, but this feels bigger. It feels bigger than climbing a mountain or finishing a race. I don’t know yet precisely what it is, but I know that it’ll be more huge and more difficult and more rewarding all at the same time. This book is somewhat about that experience for Jen.
When I wrote that post on July 25, I knew Dave was on the verge of moving from Iowa to Texas to be with me. What I didn’t know was that he would propose on August 2. I’m guessing that the huge, difficult and rewarding thing that I was anticipating is my marriage. Perhaps? Continue reading
Can We Skip the Wedding?
The days since Dave asked me to marry him have flown by. They’ve been wonderful to some extent. We traveled up to Iowa so I could meet more of his family and friends and so that he could say goodbye to people he didn’t get to see before he moved to Texas. The weekend was lovely. But everything surrounding the wedding has been quite stressful. Continue reading
The Question.
For the last hour, I’ve been fumbling with where to begin and how to tell this story, but the words aren’t coming. My eyes and mind are distracted by the handsome man napping in the next room and the stunning reminder of his love and commitment that he slipped on my finger just over 48 hours ago. Continue reading
It Started With Coeur d'Alene 