Fall Pairings

Autumn is in full swing in Chicago.  As the weather has been changing I have found myself spending more time nestled in to a good book with something hot to drink.  After many days of reading, and cups of assorted beverages I have found some delectable pairings for the books I am currently reading.  Please feel free to enjoy.

Desiring God by John Piper - A philosophical book that states "to glorify God is to enjoy Him forever"

 + Chocolate Cake - The "enjoy" part of the book.

 + Americano - A strong espresso drink that gives the brain energy to think philosophically and theologically

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - A complex, and brilliant book about family and relationships

+ Chai - Sweet and a little spicy, just like the characters

+ Pumpkin Bread - I just love pumpkin bread.  And I just love this book.

Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster - I'm yet to start this book, but the title is self-explanatory

+ Green Tea - Delicious, simple, and oh, so good for you.

+ Chocolate covered almonds - Just because it's good for you doesn't mean it can't be delicious! 

Now the next one might be obvious...but must be stated nonetheless

Must I really say more?

So cheers to more books, hot drinks and delicious food as the seasons change!

Scope for the Imagination

There is something about Anne of Green Gables that slows my world down and makes the world more beautiful.  Maybe it's her desire to make everything more romantic and tragic (in the romantic way, of course).  Fall seems to be a perfect time to bring Anne back into my imagination.  A friend gave me a audio recording of the first book, and as I've been listening to it tears come to my eyes in reminiscence of the wonder of romance.  The kind of romance that calls for one to slow down, find the beauty in the day, and believe that there is a unseen hope in tomorrow. 

Good-bye's

What is it about saying 'good-bye' that makes people feel closer?  As I drove away from my families house with tears in my eyes I felt that we had become closer in the process of saying good bye.  Maybe it's the tears.  Maybe it's the acknowledgement of good times, love, memories.  As much as I don't like saying good-bye, I like feeling closer to those I've said good-bye to.  

Tuesday night farmers market/family fun

Happy counselors!

The Mountains

one of my favorite pics - happy campers!  :)

family singing at dinner

from Bozeman to Portland and back

Awhile back I received a phone call from my friend Susan inviting me to go to Portland with her and Josephine.  Susan was running a crazy 197mile relay race from Mount Hood to Seaside, Oregon and she wanted me to hang out with Josephine.  This was my chance to have a vacation after a full summer.  Andrew joined Josephine and I as our partner in crime and chauffer.  It was a amazing race.  Andrew and I were also able to see our favorite Oregonian Aunt & Uncle.  I was also able to reconnect with some dear friends from undergrad.

On our way to Mount Hood

The relay team ready for the next 197 miles

Andrew, Jo, and I all went to a outdoor activity park while the runners were running.

Our favorite activity of the day!  A bunjee/trampoline!

 Andrew and I wandered our way home stopping at a rose garden, camping in Idaho at an RV park and stopping at an old used bookstore. It was a great trip of reconnecting with old friends and family.  My hope is it's only the first of other trips to Portland to come....

6 weeks in...

Roadtrip!

The end of the story: I made it safely to Montana! 

Now, no one is allowed to ask how the following pictures were taken.  Theoretically, they were taken in a stopped car with a steady hand.  :)

Now for the beginning of the story, 

 I began with fresh flowers for a friend in Chicago that ended up accompanying me all the way to Montana.  Some were left in Scottsbluff, NE with the Webers and the remainders graced us with their presence at the dinner table tonight in Montana.

The road began with Iowa. 

Iowa City (where I saw Kris Allen - the American Idol), Des Moines (where I stayed for the night), and then proceeded on to Nebraska.

My spontaneous moment in Nebraska was stopping at this lovely settlers house.  I have no idea why I was so intrigued, but I was!  I was driving along THE Oregon Trail!!  Remember the computer game from grade school?!  I couldn't help but be enthralled with the idea of covered wagons trekking across the scenery I was driving through.

After spending the night at the Weber's, while talking on the phone to Susan I drove by this monument and loved it. 

And then I saw what it said and I loved it even more.  :)

In Wyoming I had to stop and do some exploring in Douglas, Wyoming in honor of my dear friend Doug.  This view was worth the stop. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the road.  The scenery.  The sky!  (Pardon the smashed bugs on the window).

There were many mountains that I felt snuck out of nowhere and all the sudden I found myself crying.  It happened twice! In Wyoming and Montana...I'm innocently driving along and...Wa La!...mountains in my face!  Unfortunately there are no pictures, I just could not get them to do justice.

I am here!  The roadtrip to Montana is finished.  May the adventures continue!

On the road

It's commonly thought that leaving is easier than being left.  Yet today, I found it particulary hard to leave.  I was going to leave for Montana yesterday, then I was going to leave this morning at 6am, finally at 10:30am I rolled onto Lake Cook Road headed towards the highway.  I decided to be silent for the first couple hours, which was good.  It did not take long for the tears to roll down.  I am looking forward to this summer in Montana for a million reasons, yet the tears were a affirmation of the love I have in Chicago. I am confident that God is going to do a good work this summer in Montana.  I look forward to telling you all about it. 

Lastly...some highlights from the car trip thus far

• Tyler Perry's book on tape - I am laughing out loud in my car!
• The Hoover Memorial library in West Branch, IA
• A doppio con panna (coffee) at the Java House in Iowa City
• Seeing Kris Allen (yes, the American idol!) walk infront of my car in Iowa City!  :)
• The green hills and trees as back drop to the trip
• A good run tonight at the hotel before crawling into bed.