Notebook

"I showed him my notebook
the underside of my soul released
in scribbles on pages
he smiled and held my hand

I knew that he would see
for he dreams of touching beauty, too
there has to be more than the work day...

...I write in my notebook
this feeling, it takes me by surprise
in thoughts that I don't know that I have

they're hidden by useless facts that I
compile at the office where I work
where there is no time for
feeling anything"

From Notebook by The Innocence Mission

We had just gotten out of the car, ready for our beach adventure.  I saw that he had chosen to sit on the grass instead of any of a number of empty benches.  He was scribbling into his notebook, oblivious to the rambunctious noises of two children excited about the beach up ahead.  I smiled to myself, momentarily transported back to a time when I too would temporaily take up residence in random places with my notebook, scribbling away...

Happy Birthday to Me!

This is me a little over 20 years ago during my senior year of high school.  I can't believe that was more than half my lifetime ago.  I always thought I'd have it all figured out by now.  Actually, I thought I'd have it all figured out by 30.  In a way, I guess I do have it figured out in that I'm okay with NOT having it figured out and that I'm okay with the unknowing.

Does that make sense?

Rest In Peace, Aunt Eleanor

Ted's Great-Aunt Eleanor passed away yesterday afternoon.  We've known for the past few days that it would happen soon, but I don't see how anyone prepares themselves for the finality of a loved one never waking up again.  I was hoping she'd hold out until we were able to make it out to the suburbs again this coming weekend, but it wasn't to be.  Nevertheless, all through her final days, she was surrounded by family who loved her and who continue to love her.

Aunt Eleanor made me feel welcome in the family from the beginning.  She would always ask about my mom and my brother, and I appreciated that so much.  I'm going to miss her big smile and hearty laugh...