farm fresh ventures

Spontaneity is most definitely a positive thing under most circumstances. Hopping in the car in the middle of the night to surprise the family was not a good idea, it was a fantastic idea. The looks on the boys and Jess's face were priceless. I couldn't have asked for a better welcome than Tristan and Gabe launching into my arms along with bear hugs from my parents and Jess. That's what love is...it's togetherness, love and joy that surges through your heart even when distance separates and time places obstacels between you.

It isn't always easy finding opportunities to be together, but when I'm with them it's a good thing. I love sitting on the porch with my parents. I love being in the kitchen making a meal with my sister. I love watching Gabe and Tristan play super heroes and even taking in those few moments when their battery runs low and a nap is in order (or they actually pass out...the pic above is at the local Sweet Shop).

As August begins to wind down and make its way into September I am grateful for the time I am given. I am grateful for Keith's understanding of my need to visit and have my Faith Farm time when the opportunity presents itself. So it may be awhile until the next Faith Farm trek, but I'm very happy for this last little venture cramming in 82 hours of goodness.

August don't end

The past few weeks have been brimming with summer goodness. I have to admit that I've made a concerted effort to savor each day as August feels to be slipping away. But there is nothing to complain about. I have enjoyed late afternoon drives to the beach getting my toes sandy as well as spontaneous trips to embark upon the latest and funkiest festivals in the area. Random, laid back and sun infused days that have paved the way for a recharged start of the school year. 

Sun is good. Coffee is wonderful. Family and friendship are worth more than their weight in gold. They are two aspect of life I consider myself to be beyond blessed. People who make me laugh, cry and just be in a good place over a three hour cup of coffee or in the car en route to somewhere getting off course making the journey all the richer. Sometimes getting off course is the best part of any journey.

I will cling to August, but when the time approaches I'll also be ready for September. For everything there is a season, a different chapter and a new journey. 

Canoe Carnival

For this chick, summer and the Medford Lakes Canoe Carnival are synonymous with one another. It's like fall and apple cider donuts. Or a bagel that's lightly toasted with a little cream cheese. They're things in life that just go together. I would have said peanut butter and jelly, but the epi pen would need to surface. May we maintain a c.a.p (cashew, almonds & peanuts) free zone. 

I am very grateful for summer. Trying to grasp living in a land void of flip flops, sun and the smell of suntan lotion for at least a few months out of the year seems unthinkable. My body would shut down and I would need to park myself under a lamp light for a few hours a day. I would not be a happy E. Summer just seems to add a bounce to my step and a little pigment to the skin. Love it. Being away from my desk, responsibility and just chilling is a form of therapy that is sheer goodness.

As we sat on the dock watching the clouds clear after a brief shower a double rainbow stretched across the lake. It was not only another moment of summer goodness, but a reminder of God's unfailing love and goodness. I am grateful for His love, for the beauty in life (even with all the crazy train nature of it all) and how fortunate I am to have so many good and loving people in my life.

As August rolls into week two I am determined to live it one day at a time. Life is too fleeting to be permanently fixated on what lies ahead instead of the moment. Peace, love & rainbows.