tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49893174632943315142024-03-14T02:29:25.956-06:00This Could Be Me TodayA conglomerate of wanderings through fashion, decor, and life.Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.comBlogger682125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-1719700047430724432014-12-12T14:41:00.000-07:002014-12-12T14:45:26.322-07:00{rejoice over me}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCVnQ3Mo9Es/VItdMLAqzuI/AAAAAAAADJc/oV08LqpQD0k/s1600/tumblr_nao9slYYP51t791u1o1_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wCVnQ3Mo9Es/VItdMLAqzuI/AAAAAAAADJc/oV08LqpQD0k/s1600/tumblr_nao9slYYP51t791u1o1_1280.png" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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"Great job, Dani! You are awesome!" My boss says loudly as he delivers one of the most painful high fives of my life. </div>
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It's at least a weekly occurrence - my boss is lavish with praise.</div>
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I squirm inside. I'm uncomfortable with words of affirmation. I deflect them, deny them, I shrug them off so they won't sink in.</div>
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"You are so beautiful." </div>
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My husband's daily declaration, a blessing over my life, my body. </div>
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I squirm. Deny.</div>
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"I am honored to serve in church with you," says the youth pastor. "You are such an important part of our team and I can't imagine doing this without you."</div>
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It's all I can do to stay still, to nod, to not bolt out the door. </div>
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I'm uncomfortable with praise.</div>
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It's a strange dichotomy, a catch-22. I both love and loathe myself, Like all people, I long to hear words of praise. I am discontent when my efforts go unnoticed and I crave accolades. And yet I squirm. I reject. I deny and harden so the words roll off my back like water drops. </div>
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Do I call this humility? Do I dare?</div>
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I sit on the couch, my morning ritual of coffee and the Word, and I try to really listen. I know I'm meant to absorb the words, that these are God's love letter to the world, to me.</div>
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<i>The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. Zep. 3:17</i></div>
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I squirm.</div>
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I sit, trying to absorb the words, to absorb the love, and I physically squirm.</div>
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Do I dare reject these words, this love? Do I dare to question the value He bestows, to refuse Him when He rejoices over me with loud singing? The doubt is heresy, a rejection of His truth. </div>
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I ache inside. It hurts to put aside my thick armor, my shield of low self worth. How can it hurt so much to just accept His love, to let Him whisper "You are worth more to Me than sparrows."</div>
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It spills. He captures my tears in a bottle (oh, but it must be a very large jar) and gently He breathes love over me.</div>
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Slowly I accept. Stubbornly I release my strong hold, a stronghold of self hate. I dare not reject this praise. No, if I wish to reflect praise back to Him, I cannot make Him a liar. </div>
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I am loved, and He is good. It is enough. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Image via <a href="http://fiftytwoverses.com/post/95393531247/33-52-zephaniah-3-17b-full-size-buy-here" target="_blank">Fifty Two Verses</a></span></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-75611373868587794122014-05-19T22:03:00.000-06:002014-05-19T22:06:52.511-06:00For the love of {florals}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwf8bY2aYTc/U3rSuO1WIkI/AAAAAAAACj8/4aKGnxG8O7I/s1600/a483b6d6ae57c2e082606c7e39de6be6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwf8bY2aYTc/U3rSuO1WIkI/AAAAAAAACj8/4aKGnxG8O7I/s1600/a483b6d6ae57c2e082606c7e39de6be6.jpg" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHP22tTc5iQ/U3rStRDfolI/AAAAAAAACj0/LZpLdZWLmAg/s1600/0d5f56ac3961f2752898ec14233cd5fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qHP22tTc5iQ/U3rStRDfolI/AAAAAAAACj0/LZpLdZWLmAg/s1600/0d5f56ac3961f2752898ec14233cd5fc.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xxFsl7mTpA/U3rStU9e6JI/AAAAAAAACkA/g6A4HjPHjRc/s1600/0f41e57651d8e8d792de7d31e54d3bb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xxFsl7mTpA/U3rStU9e6JI/AAAAAAAACkA/g6A4HjPHjRc/s1600/0f41e57651d8e8d792de7d31e54d3bb4.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4oc8Rg3LbE/U3rStdRm88I/AAAAAAAACjw/Cps_klS_hYs/s1600/447a0341f25e69921b7ad876d18c44fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4oc8Rg3LbE/U3rStdRm88I/AAAAAAAACjw/Cps_klS_hYs/s1600/447a0341f25e69921b7ad876d18c44fe.jpg" height="400" width="292" /></a></div>
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Florals, florals, florals.</div>
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I just can't get enough of them this spring. </div>
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In other news, I'm bad at blogging these days.</div>
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If you need me I'll be riding my bike, day-dreaming over Anthropologie catalogs, and planning frantically for the upcoming weekend! Two of my long-time besties are getting married (no, not to each other) and I just can't wait to celebrate their big days! </div>
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Have a happy, flowery spring week!</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://duringillustriousillusions.tumblr.com/post/34549294926" target="_blank">illustrious illusions</a>, <a href="http://honeyhouses.tumblr.com/post/17142969218" target="_blank">honey houses</a>, <a href="http://hannahrosebeasley.com/blog/2014/04/all-of-me-wallpaper.html" target="_blank">hannah rose beasley</a>, <a href="http://www.greylikesweddings.com/inspiration-shoots-and-boards/by-season/summer-inspiration/garden-rose-featurette/" target="_blank">grey likes weddings</a>, <a href="http://www.deercircus.com/search?updated-max=2014-03-28T09:15:00-07:00&max-results=3" target="_blank">deer circus</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-14878579259042941202014-05-01T12:02:00.000-06:002014-05-05T17:56:12.435-06:00{breathe}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofZUIaCC3bg/U2KFmQwHl4I/AAAAAAAACi4/PJ1IBpNDqLw/s1600/91e744212a1fdaf2accd711087a75f80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ofZUIaCC3bg/U2KFmQwHl4I/AAAAAAAACi4/PJ1IBpNDqLw/s1600/91e744212a1fdaf2accd711087a75f80.jpg" height="375" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp6E757mJB4/U2KG9ALUYbI/AAAAAAAACjA/fgXmrufyFZU/s1600/b79774de8827bb95f58560deb167bb59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp6E757mJB4/U2KG9ALUYbI/AAAAAAAACjA/fgXmrufyFZU/s1600/b79774de8827bb95f58560deb167bb59.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></div>
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I've been taking some time to breathe.</div>
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So many things have happened. I want to share them all with you, but there is too much. Let me sum up.</div>
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The husband's deployment got cancelled at the last minute.</div>
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The job he was applying for fell through.</div>
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Some adoption and fertility plans failed and others are starting to emerge. </div>
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We started training to become certified foster parents.</div>
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Work has been crazy, friendships have taken precedence over blogging, flowers have bloomed, winds have blown, tears have fallen, faith has emerged. </div>
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I've needed this time to breathe. </div>
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I've needed to hike, to rest, to cook good food and eat it in the company of love and laughter. I've needed to adjust, to grieve, to postpone explanations and go with my gut.</div>
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I'm moving forward with trepidation and with gratitude. I am so excited for these next few months, but also wary of clouds on the horizon.</div>
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But Spring has come, with it's blossoms and gusts, it's hope and promise and warm, healing sunshine.</div>
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Thanks for waiting while I breathe.</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://gypsymess.tumblr.com/post/55511026019" target="_blank">gypsy mess</a>, <a href="http://seaofshoes.typepad.com/sea_of_shoes/2011/06/bangspiration.html" target="_blank">sea of shoes</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-32862902852417944602014-04-09T18:56:00.001-06:002014-04-09T19:22:28.379-06:00{thorns}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kW3yKlB2N_4/U0XqNrI04BI/AAAAAAAACik/Hs-6wP8gWs0/s1600/215034_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kW3yKlB2N_4/U0XqNrI04BI/AAAAAAAACik/Hs-6wP8gWs0/s1600/215034_original.jpg" height="400" width="271" /></a></div>
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I pruned my roses today. The bushes were still stubbornly clinging to last year's dead and shriveled leaves. The stems were turning brown and stiff and hard. And so I cut them. Ruthlessly, mercilessly, closer than ever before, I slashed them down nearly to the root. </div>
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My grandmother stood over me as I worked, pointing out where to prune. <i>Here. There. No, cut it lower down.</i> She had to reassure me over and over again that I wasn't killing my bushes, I was healing them. And when I finally cut low enough I was rewarded with green, with the revealing of new life. <i>They need to be freed of the weight so that they'll have the energy to grow back, bigger and better than ever,</i> grandmother said. <i>Cut off the dead parts. The new growth runs into the dead and it can't grow any farther.</i> </div>
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As I stare at my tiny, pathetic little bushes, I wonder if they'll ever really grow back. And yet I trust her. I trust that her seventy plus years of life have taught her more about roses than I could possibly know. And as I gather up the long branches of sharp, vicious thorns, I wonder again.</div>
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I gingerly carry the thorny sprigs across the yard and paused to stare at the cruel points. I picture them bent, tied, and fashioned into a rough crown. I imagine them shoved down in anger and mocking onto a tender brow. I wince. I look at my carefully gloved fingers and then I raise my thorny heart in praise.</div>
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I ponder just how much I am like a thorny, sharp, half-dead rose bush. I so desperately need pruning. And Jesus knows. He knows just where I need to be cut, just where I'm running into death and unable to grow. </div>
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He <i>knows</i>. And he wades in, bare-handed, and grasps me by my sharpest places. His hands are pierced, my sins cut him deep like thorns. He sheds his own blood willingly, expectantly, joyfully to nurture my deep hurt and need. </div>
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Yet when he prunes me, <i>I</i> am the one who cries out in pain. I complain, I gripe, I rail against his loving care of my branches. I angrily tell him how much I needed that comfort, that crutch, that seemingly necessary thing in my life. And he lovingly reminds me, over and over again, to hush. To rest. To allow him to remove the things that are holding me back, sapping my energy, and keeping me from growth. </div>
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Why do I trust him so ill? Why can't I obey when I know how great he is, how perfectly he loves? </div>
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I wonder. I picture myself, a closely pruned bush. I wait. </div>
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Soon I will blossom with new growth again. </div>
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<a href="http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/raul_duck/11519138/215034/215034_original.jpg" target="_blank">image here</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-47094764243146770102014-03-19T18:09:00.002-06:002014-03-19T18:17:37.767-06:00{me again}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QrGcnnoBet4/UyozYFaMWRI/AAAAAAAACUA/tjxSIVmt2ns/s1600/2013-07-01+19.44.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QrGcnnoBet4/UyozYFaMWRI/AAAAAAAACUA/tjxSIVmt2ns/s1600/2013-07-01+19.44.16.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">High desert sun, cold sharp breeze, winter brown grasses and
summer blue sky; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Harsh smell of spring on brightly chilled air, pounding of
heart, wind on hair;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Limping gait, rippling lake, lagging dog, dragging my mind
from fog; push past pain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gasp, dry rasp, parched throat, burning arms, chilled legs,
shed coat;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I spread my sun-starved bare soul.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Slow gained speed,
aching knees, heart breaks free,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I’m almost me again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Poetry and photography by me</span></span></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-71188047456659849132014-03-14T15:37:00.000-06:002014-03-14T15:37:38.821-06:00{becoming}<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZFy9h0iDEI/UyNxEzYzT8I/AAAAAAAACTg/iI6dn9YxtU0/s1600/a483b6d6ae57c2e082606c7e39de6be6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_ZFy9h0iDEI/UyNxEzYzT8I/AAAAAAAACTg/iI6dn9YxtU0/s1600/a483b6d6ae57c2e082606c7e39de6be6.jpg" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
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From my earliest memories there has always been an ideal, a story about the princess that I would like to become. I played "prince and princess" with my sister, my friends, my dolls. I don't think I ever had to be taught that I was supposed to grow up to be that princess. But the idea was there,
always, ingrained in me before I was even aware of myself. I was
subconsciously consumed with the deep-seated longing to grow up into a
beautiful long-haired maiden, to fall desperately, hopelessly in love with a
romantic and dashing hero, to be swept, both physically and metaphorically off
my feet, and to ride off into the glittering sunset of true love and eternal
happiness.</div>
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And all of those things happened, more or less. I certainly grew
up, at least into a slightly less awkward and more stylish version of my
childhood self. I met several dapper gentlemen and eventually managed to fall
in love with the one who loved me back. He certainly did sweep me off my feet
and onto his longboard and ride off with me. We were, and are, in fact, crazy
about each other. Madly in love isn’t exactly how I always pictured it to be,
but then again, neither is my hair. Disney movies and romance novels are
notorious liars, after all. </div>
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But then, life went on. I always knew in a sense that life
really did continue after marriage. At least I thought I knew that the big
white wedding was the beginning of the story, not the end. I had looked
forward, as far as I was able, into the misty future and seen a husband with a
steady job, a house with a little garden and a prowly cat, and me, barefoot and
pregnant and happily surrounded by fat babies for eternity. I had looked no
further. </div>
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And then all of the unexpected things started happening. </div>
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The
steady jobs didn’t materialize like they were supposed to. The Air Force took
us far(ish) away and opened up new doors and new challenges. The house turned
into a major remodeling project and the garden into a mud pit. The cat is actually
a dog who eats holes in my couch and throws up in my car. And me? Who had I
become? I certainly wasn’t barefoot or pregnant or surrounded by babes and
their trappings. And no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t make that dream
come true. The more I struggled, the more the picture crumbled and I was finally
left as I am now: empty and weeping and totally, completely undone.</div>
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So what now? I ask myself. What is there to do now? What am
I to become in the midst of my shambles? Who shall I be in this strange,
unexpected life? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I have focused so hard on the outcomes, the measurable goals
and planned future events. And every time I decide, every plan I make, every
worry I have morphs suddenly and dramatically into an opposite problem, a
totally unexpected decision needing to be made. Not once have things gone as I anticipated. It
leaves me shaking and frightened and weak. I’m horribly confused most of the
time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But slowly, slowly the clouds clear. In one tiny space at a
time, in one small step after another, I find myself again. Inch by painful,
painstaking inch, I am growing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>I am becoming.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I am not who I thought I would be. I am much, much more and
I am so very much less than anything I had ever dreamed. This process, this
miserable, slow process, with its sudden starts and stops, is what my life is
all about. It is about <i>becoming</i>. And I've finally realized that it’s not <i>what</i> I become that matters, but <i>who</i>.
Whoever I am meant to be, I will not stop until I have become her. And as the next
day comes and the next curve in the road arrives, I will become her all over again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Image by <a href="http://www.slcutahweddingphotography.com/" target="_blank">d'arcy benincosa</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-9864057649178612582014-02-20T17:04:00.001-07:002014-02-20T17:07:42.349-07:00{on worry}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BThU2OC-tA/UwaQLuPvVQI/AAAAAAAACS0/TgGOfYyPhNY/s1600/27755460827f8335aaff4d671cac17ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3BThU2OC-tA/UwaQLuPvVQI/AAAAAAAACS0/TgGOfYyPhNY/s1600/27755460827f8335aaff4d671cac17ac.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7KcXgZW4AQ/UwaQLrZAKlI/AAAAAAAACTA/lgJrGyF7xrU/s1600/3a3627a147cd8b7cec1a043c95a24d2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G7KcXgZW4AQ/UwaQLrZAKlI/AAAAAAAACTA/lgJrGyF7xrU/s1600/3a3627a147cd8b7cec1a043c95a24d2a.jpg" height="400" width="322" /></a></div>
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These months leading up to the deployment are hard. Right now the deployment is "certain" with a huge dose of uncertainty. The timeline keeps changing, there is a training possibility that means the deployment could be cancelled last minute and P would go elsewhere, there are fertility and adoption issues to consider and living situations to think about. And no decisions can be made without knowing the info that the AF just won't tell us yet! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is just so.much.waiting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And in the midst of the waiting is the enormous pressure to worry. In my attempts to stay calm and not stress I feel like my life has been a constant cycle of yoga, bubble bath, long walk, prayer, repeat. I'm doing everything I know to keep the stress at bay and yet I still see signs of it in my body, in my face. I wake up from hectic dreams and find myself gritting my teeth until my jaw aches. I have moments of overwhelming fear and feel myself teeter on the brink of falling apart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And yet, amid the stress and worry, I am given gentle reminders of the Lord's presence with me, of His hand guiding us gently and lovingly through this process. In this period of waiting there is fear and trepidation, but there is also comfort and confidence that His plans will ultimately succeed. I cling ferociously to His unceasing love. I remind myself daily that feelings are fleeting and temporary things. I will not feel this forever, I will not wait forever. Days pass slowly, but they always, always pass. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWNbjXdwoP8/UwaU8uy3MdI/AAAAAAAACTM/MinJ_4oLSR8/s1600/tumblr_n02xrwNVln1r1urdoo1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RWNbjXdwoP8/UwaU8uy3MdI/AAAAAAAACTM/MinJ_4oLSR8/s1600/tumblr_n02xrwNVln1r1urdoo1_400.jpg" height="400" width="387" /></a></div>
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It's obviously not good for me to be stressed. Thus the bubble baths, the yoga, the calming teas and the time I'm trying to spend in nature every day. I'm avoiding grains and sugars and chemicals and trying to give my mind and body every chance to cope with the stress.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But this period, however difficult or painful, is good for me, too. It is good for me to wait. And I will find joy in the waiting: I will battle worry and learn a deeper, sweeter form of trust. </div>
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images via: <a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">modern hepburn</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kateandthepulley/4590611110/in/set-72157604986693728" target="_blank">flickr</a>, <a href="http://31.media.tumblr.com/99605d6ea0cf673746c125006b5816be/tumblr_n02xrwNVln1r1urdoo1_400.jpg" target="_blank">tumblr</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-60738208578039153162014-01-30T22:49:00.000-07:002014-01-30T22:49:17.152-07:00Deployment Gear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We're starting to gear up for the deployment. Phillip is starting to gather up his uniforms and start to prep his stuff. So I figured while he is busy buying new camo and stacking up MRE's, I'd gear up too!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d45Bd-SXZ28/Uus2jOTeNqI/AAAAAAAACSY/xv30sXbvx9Y/s1600/half_my_heart_tank4_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d45Bd-SXZ28/Uus2jOTeNqI/AAAAAAAACSY/xv30sXbvx9Y/s1600/half_my_heart_tank4_1024x1024.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88bcM43jdjY/Uus2i1ULOkI/AAAAAAAACSE/qFve8NImnDY/s1600/simple_af_tank3_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-88bcM43jdjY/Uus2i1ULOkI/AAAAAAAACSE/qFve8NImnDY/s1600/simple_af_tank3_1024x1024.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bX6C7aV65Tw/Uus2jCZ2yUI/AAAAAAAACSI/IP9Syg8kmww/s1600/stars_tank_love_bc8fc797-c5da-44f4-9c28-6b0c7dd71241_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bX6C7aV65Tw/Uus2jCZ2yUI/AAAAAAAACSI/IP9Syg8kmww/s1600/stars_tank_love_bc8fc797-c5da-44f4-9c28-6b0c7dd71241_1024x1024.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MaB-zF6a0c4/Uus2jd5lloI/AAAAAAAACSQ/w3pcF_P4FJ8/s1600/vneck_black_one_day_closer_1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MaB-zF6a0c4/Uus2jd5lloI/AAAAAAAACSQ/w3pcF_P4FJ8/s1600/vneck_black_one_day_closer_1024x1024.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love the stuff for sale over on <a href="http://www.ateasedesigns.com/" target="_blank">At Ease Designs</a>! I put all four of these shirts in my cart and am still trying to narrow it down to a reasonable number! Which one would you choose? I wear a medium, just in case you were wondering!</div>
<br />Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-80862122463558599592014-01-19T18:39:00.000-07:002014-01-19T18:39:49.774-07:00For the love of {icy blue}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LrdrrQ_nM0/Utx7z-oSMeI/AAAAAAAACRA/y3Uy_zhlfn8/s1600/991a1a0ea552730e07d4ef25525e347f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LrdrrQ_nM0/Utx7z-oSMeI/AAAAAAAACRA/y3Uy_zhlfn8/s1600/991a1a0ea552730e07d4ef25525e347f.jpg" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYHUG0yunes/Utx7z2T2aKI/AAAAAAAACRI/qoJK_d6LtyI/s1600/5662b40906a2f05f65d54cd5b8dc110f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYHUG0yunes/Utx7z2T2aKI/AAAAAAAACRI/qoJK_d6LtyI/s1600/5662b40906a2f05f65d54cd5b8dc110f.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSI7Sx6AnLw/Utx70avssRI/AAAAAAAACRQ/B4MKGuwyEmM/s1600/d73404e3dc77b2cc99b5dab5d5879377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oSI7Sx6AnLw/Utx70avssRI/AAAAAAAACRQ/B4MKGuwyEmM/s1600/d73404e3dc77b2cc99b5dab5d5879377.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6hRji-gtWI/Utx70Arq9AI/AAAAAAAACRE/XQojGAGkWAE/s1600/d593888ec8798728c4a1d77ba50f3da2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l6hRji-gtWI/Utx70Arq9AI/AAAAAAAACRE/XQojGAGkWAE/s1600/d593888ec8798728c4a1d77ba50f3da2.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgPYfpFtJMk/Utx70s5By7I/AAAAAAAACRc/HcwM7qGr24g/s1600/eff5ba781785f8f80981cbd63cf28e88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgPYfpFtJMk/Utx70s5By7I/AAAAAAAACRc/HcwM7qGr24g/s1600/eff5ba781785f8f80981cbd63cf28e88.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Normally in the winter I am all about bright, warm hues to bring life and heat back into the cold, dreary world. I crave bold colors and rich textures and warmth. But sometimes you just have to embrace the cold and take your inspiration from what's going on outside you. Find your hues in the snow and ice and pale wintry skies. I'm majorly inspired by this icy blue, aren't you?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Images via: <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/taylor-dresses-cutout-detail-fit-flare-dress/3523373?&cm_ven=pinterest&cm_cat=womens&cm_pla=dresses&cm_ite=GW686198" target="_blank">nordstrom</a>, <a href="http://www.photowall.co.uk/photo-wallpaper/colour-puddle" target="_blank">photowall</a>, <a href="http://thechicdepartment.tumblr.com/post/15994116022/amouralalumiere-j-mendel-gown-from-seasons-ago" target="_blank">the chic department</a>, <a href="http://youbroketheinternet.tumblr.com/post/58641449866/ninbra-grand-hotel-misurina-in-italy-good" target="_blank">you broke the internet</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/126364648/emily-tulle-skirt-handmade-tulle-and?ref=br_feed_21&br_feed_tlp=weddings" target="_blank">blue eyed boutique</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-9011138762641181442014-01-11T23:10:00.001-07:002014-01-11T23:40:03.066-07:00{a simplified list of things to do in an empty house}<div style="text-align: left;">
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gwv2x0soWY/UtI4GXmDUSI/AAAAAAAACQs/yFBX6a1l_JY/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gwv2x0soWY/UtI4GXmDUSI/AAAAAAAACQs/yFBX6a1l_JY/s1600/IMG_5269.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
I spent most of the evening alone tonight. My husband went to a basketball game with some kids from youth group and he didn't get home until 11. And as I sat here and wondered what to do with a totally empty house, I started to make a list. A hopefully long, interesting list of things to do with myself in an empty house.<br />
<br />
See, in a little while my husband will be deploying for about six months. And I'm starting to try to prepare myself. I'm starting to think about it every day. To (perhaps) gently cry myself to sleep every night when I snuggle down and start to think about those long nights without him by my side. To prepare my heart, my house, my mind and plans and goals for those slightly lonely months.<br />
<br />
So tonight I decided to start preparing. I hope to add, and add, and add to this list. And I hope to check off these items, one at at time, until he's home with me again. Rather than always feeling sorry for myself and bored with myself, I'll tackle one item on the list. I'm sure I'll do some of them many, many times. And others probably not at all. I'm giving myself room on the list to grieve, to eat my feelings, to party and dance and celebrate and cry. Because those are all big parts of life. And my life will go on, even if my whole heart is far, far away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Things to do when
alone in the house:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Bake something challenging</li>
<li>Sew</li>
<li>Craft</li>
<li>Work out</li>
<li>Have a solo dance party</li>
<li>Sing badly</li>
<li>Learn to play piano</li>
<li>Make a phone call</li>
<li>Clean something</li>
<li>Take a bath</li>
<li>Read</li>
<li>Eat ice-cream sundaes (or other forms of chocolate)</li>
<li>Watch TV</li>
<li>Read my Bible</li>
<li>Go for a walk</li>
<li>Play with the dog</li>
<li>Write a story, poem, blog post, song, article</li>
<li>Write a letter, thank you note, encouraging note</li>
<li>Find out about a worthy cause</li>
<li>Pray for others</li>
<li>Pack up a fabulous care package and mail it</li>
<li>Organize something</li>
<li>Plan meals</li>
<li>Plan and accomplish random acts of kindness</li>
<li>Read up on an interesting subject, like politics or another
country</li>
<li>Learn a new language</li>
<li>Do yoga, or find a yoga class</li>
<li>Iron something</li>
<li>Learn to cook something new</li>
<li>Yard work</li>
<li>Plant something</li>
<li>Paint something</li>
<li>Make hot chocolate from scratch</li>
<li>Draw</li>
<li>Get rid of useless junk</li>
<li>Go to the gym</li>
<li>Journal</li>
<li>Play a computer game/video game</li>
<li>Drink tea</li>
<li>Make moodboards and collages</li>
<li>Shop online for fabulous, overpriced objects</li>
<li>Take a nap</li>
<li>Listen to loud music</li>
<li>Drink wine</li>
<li>Have a long, satisfying cry </li>
<li>Trim the rosebushes</li>
<li>Pull weeds</li>
<li>Pick up dog poop in the yard</li>
<li>Read the classifieds on Craigslist</li>
<li>Puzzles</li>
<li>Throw a party</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> What would you add to the list?</o:p></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-84443023159127566472013-12-31T08:00:00.000-07:002013-12-31T08:00:09.266-07:00{new} years that ask and answer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgm224tOThE/Uq6EeLg6LmI/AAAAAAAACPY/n9k6g7y6sNM/s1600/43a3a427e0f8b989000ddde7ba8134ef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sgm224tOThE/Uq6EeLg6LmI/AAAAAAAACPY/n9k6g7y6sNM/s640/43a3a427e0f8b989000ddde7ba8134ef.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFz84YctBh4/UrEvmz4G31I/AAAAAAAACPo/fMVtnaE0E_0/s1600/299bf955df33bceab617f21c4a7b5dcd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WFz84YctBh4/UrEvmz4G31I/AAAAAAAACPo/fMVtnaE0E_0/s640/299bf955df33bceab617f21c4a7b5dcd.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year has stretched and challenged me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This long hard year has grown me and it has shattered me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am broken and I am better. I am braver and lonelier. I am face down in prayer and I am stretched high in worship. I am questioning and yet I am answered. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The year ahead is looming now, full of unanswered questions and frightening realities. It is pressing in with whys and hows and wheres and whens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And yet, in the quietest moments, there is peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the tiniest answers, there is hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the hardest questions, the deepest pain,the most frightening moments of desperate longing and aching and fear, I am answered by the still small voice of the One who knows my pain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In His presence I am healed. In His Spirit I am comforted, encouraged, renewed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the year ahead I will continue to break. And I will continue to heal. I will continue to seek and someday, somehow I will <i>find</i>. This year will answer, or the one after that. And little by little the questions will fade, and little by little new ones will arise to take their place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Year by year by year, questions and answers unending.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 71:14</span></div>
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Here's to a new year. May its questions and answers draw you ever closer to hope.</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://thevanillabeanblog.tumblr.com/post/41041497812" target="_blank">{soliloquy}</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/269723465157012832/" target="_blank">pinterest</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-77757320962674100022013-12-20T14:30:00.000-07:002013-12-20T14:30:01.764-07:00Merry {weekend before} Christmas!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have a truly stupendous Christmas holiday! </div>
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Images via: <a href="http://www.johnlewis.com/christmas/gifts-they" target="_blank">john lewis</a>, <a href="http://www.100layercake.com/blog/2013/12/02/scandinavian-christmas-winter-wedding-inspiration/" target="_blank">100 layer cake</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/269723465156719853/" target="_blank">pinterest</a>, <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/" target="_blank">common ground</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-21234557556145603842013-12-13T08:30:00.000-07:002013-12-13T08:30:03.417-07:00{christmas-time}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This weekend it is definitely, officially Christmas time! We're finally getting around to finding (and decorating) the perfect tree and going to our first holiday party of the season!</div>
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The weather has decided to warm up a bit, which doesn't sound very Christmas-y but will allow us to finally put some lights up on the house! </div>
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I've been getting in the spirit by crafting and wrapping and lighting candles every night. And by eating way too many mint m&ms and buying holiday throw pillows and ribbons. And singing carols all day long. </div>
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Oh, and we've also been frantically remodeling the guest bathroom in one last mad effort to get it done before the holiday company is upon us!<br />
I hope your weekend is full to the brim with Christmas time cheer!</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://stayrustic.tumblr.com/post/68841652622/thinknorth-its-officially-christmas-season" target="_blank">stay rustic</a>, <a href="http://serendipitouswanderings.tumblr.com/post/67073521351" target="_blank">serendipitous wanderings</a>, <a href="http://chrystasrose.tumblr.com/post/69066086226" target="_blank">chrysta</a>Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-1717159965236799742013-12-09T08:00:00.000-07:002013-12-09T08:00:08.883-07:00{day-dreams}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jyqnch6m2B8/UqVSJZNLZnI/AAAAAAAACM0/GCHEAgCbwAY/s1600/7a4b476726a0a03e364edf965e66959c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jyqnch6m2B8/UqVSJZNLZnI/AAAAAAAACM0/GCHEAgCbwAY/s640/7a4b476726a0a03e364edf965e66959c.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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Some days were just made for day-dreams. Every one of these photographs catapults me into thoughts of adventure and romance. Every one tells a story of long lost hopes and treasures found. Every image is packed with imagination as my fancy takes flight on gossamer wings. If we must have Mondays, let them be filled with day-dreams, please!</div>
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Images via: <a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/74292_529168630427754_366027883_n.jpg" target="_blank">fbcdn</a>, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/71713579@N02/6485847623/in/photostream" target="_blank">flickr</a>, <a href="http://millyandhermakeup.blogspot.com/2011/05/wedding-dresses.html" target="_blank">milly and her...</a>, <a href="http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">modern hepburn</a>, <a href="http://a1pictures.blogspot.com/2013/07/st-bartholoma-lake-konigssee-germany.html" target="_blank">a1 pictures</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-60387512954625749012013-12-04T16:54:00.000-07:002014-09-03T09:19:07.978-06:00{just another wednesday}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This week has brought us an icy, frozen storm! With temperatures reaching 10 below, we're huddling up inside with coffee. I am feeling incredibly blessed because we manged to get our heater fixed just hours before the temperatures dropped! As long as it's toasty inside I am enthralled with the magic of the falling snow and frozen temps! </div>
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This week is also bringing a visit from my youngest nephew (oh, and his parents, too) and also a lot of re-organizing and re-arranging of furniture! Gotta make room for the Christmas tree! I'm also working a lot trying to catch up from my time off last week and finally getting around to hanging some pictures and painting a few rooms!</div>
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How is it that the busier I get, the more I feel I can take on and accomplish? It's some weirdly inverse time relationship that I can't quite seem to figure out, but I'm willing to enjoy the bursts of energy and feelings of accomplishment while they last! I think part of it is just the joy of this season gives me more hustle and bustle than usual! </div>
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If you need me, I'll be guzzling hot coffee topped with whipped cream and merrily sweeping the floor in preparation for pulling out all the holiday stops! </div>
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Have a happy Wednesday!<br />
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Images via: <a href="http://casavogue.globo.com/Interiores/noticia/2013/01/casa-janete-costa-acacio-gil-borsoi.html" target="_blank">casa vogue</a>, <a href="http://www.hautelook.com/index/index/mk/invite/inventory_id/12434964/?sid=75971&mid=affiliate&cid=hellosoci7&aid=type158&utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=HardPin&utm_campaign=type158&utm_content=975" target="_blank">haute look</a>, <a href="http://loubis-and-champagne.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">loubis and champagne</a></div>
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Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-14186442542061965212013-12-01T07:00:00.000-07:002013-12-01T07:00:00.080-07:00{december}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome, December! May you be white and sparkling and full of family, feasts, and flurries galore!</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://wabisabi-style.blogspot.com/2011/12/im-dreaming-of-white-christmas.html#comment-form" target="_blank">wasabi sabi</a>, <a href="http://voyeurchic.tumblr.com/post/54281538260" target="_blank">voyeur chic</a>, <a href="http://h-o-r-n-g-r-y.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">for emma</a>, <a href="http://moglio.tumblr.com/post/61983863900" target="_blank">moglio</a> </div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-83145734800181662942013-11-27T15:14:00.000-07:002013-11-27T15:14:00.544-07:00{give thanks}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am thankful for this season, for both the joys and the pains, the delights and the sorrows, the summery days and the wintry nights, the friendships and struggles and bonds forged with fire. I am thankful that through all the darkness there is beauty and light, that through suffering God shows His character, that through my weakness, over and over again He proves unfaltering and unfailing in love and compassion. I am so thankful for faithful friends and uplifting family and for a partner perfectly suited to all my needs. I give thanks for you, too, my internet friends both near and far who faithfully uplift me with your kind comments and thoughts and prayers. Have a happy, blessed Thanksgiving!</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://chocoladesign.com/inspiracao-tipografica-132" target="_blank">chocoladesigns</a>, <a href="http://www.1001gardens.org/2013/11/candle-lights-from-mason-jars/" target="_blank">1001 gardens</a>, <a href="http://www.alittlebitetc.com/2013/10/fashionwithfallcolors.html" target="_blank">a little bit etc</a>,</div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-77659473439587479522013-11-20T16:38:00.001-07:002013-11-20T16:38:54.680-07:00{abide with me}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljy1N0XCUb8/Uo1Fl0BBC5I/AAAAAAAACJw/e2pR9ct00G8/s1600/967ac722f78b924c4738aa44c5b22002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljy1N0XCUb8/Uo1Fl0BBC5I/AAAAAAAACJw/e2pR9ct00G8/s640/967ac722f78b924c4738aa44c5b22002.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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It's a dark and cloudy Wednesday afternoon. We're expecting snow tomorrow and I'm planning to start up a roaring fire tonight. I have pumpkin pies to bake and loads and loads of laundry to do. </div>
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As Fall teeters on the brink of Winter and we teeter on the brink of the holiday season I am swirling with ideas and possibilities for gifts and crafts and recipes and decor. I am plotting and planning away, trying to force myself to wait until after Thanksgiving to start truly embracing Christmas. Clinging somewhat idly to the last few crunching leaves and sunny afternoons. Embracing traditions and hearty stews and the last calm before the busy seasonal storm. </div>
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Enjoy this waning Wednesday!</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://elfsacks.com/blogs/fashion-for-her/9686155-#.Uo1ENsQhiSo" target="_blank">elfsacks</a>, <a href="http://indoorsoutdoors.tumblr.com/post/65809812975" target="_blank">indoors/outdoors</a>, <a href="http://themountainlaurel.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">of hearth and home</a>, <a href="http://splendidsass.blogspot.com/2012/05/consoles-and-tables.html" target="_blank">splendid sass</a>Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-15457245876696868592013-11-08T12:10:00.000-07:002013-11-08T12:10:13.788-07:00{weekend, again}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ssdTElhKbDQ/Un0dAMskISI/AAAAAAAACIs/hMRdjaeob90/s1600/c2613ee0456aadaed8f35cf09c9019fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ssdTElhKbDQ/Un0dAMskISI/AAAAAAAACIs/hMRdjaeob90/s640/c2613ee0456aadaed8f35cf09c9019fc.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Z765rnIb_0/Un0dfaerW5I/AAAAAAAACI0/9ApYr2CysVU/s1600/25f9ffcee987ea46becde972aff0fed8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Z765rnIb_0/Un0dfaerW5I/AAAAAAAACI0/9ApYr2CysVU/s640/25f9ffcee987ea46becde972aff0fed8.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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Hey, I guess I'm here for my weekly post. I don't know what happened to daily posting, but it appears I need a break from that for a while. </div>
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Our coffee pot broke this week. And there is a specific feature that Phillip wants that apparently only comes in ridiculously expensive pots. So we're still searching for the right one. I'm drinking tea from my favorite little blue teapot instead. (Who helped me pack my last house? I'm currently missing the lid to this teapot. If you've seen my little blue lid, please report.)</div>
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What coffee pot do you have or recommend? And does it cost less than $100?</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://littlekay.tumblr.com/post/2169227594/im-up-in-the-woooooods" target="_blank">littlekay</a>, <a href="http://socialsurvival.tumblr.com/post/60651923340" target="_blank">social survivor</a>, <a href="https://sphotos-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1233590_609832659088444_805040126_n.jpg" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://www.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">tumblr</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-69682455293348164872013-11-01T10:32:00.000-06:002013-11-01T10:32:01.191-06:00{young, fast, pretty}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zS-AeJGrZgQ/UnKC1VW2CfI/AAAAAAAACHg/JgT4Hx0HY8Q/s1600/7de2bd7757d37946c15e3a48a1bdd923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zS-AeJGrZgQ/UnKC1VW2CfI/AAAAAAAACHg/JgT4Hx0HY8Q/s400/7de2bd7757d37946c15e3a48a1bdd923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ittYO4IiTs/UnKCxcvSwlI/AAAAAAAACHM/puKRAdps_20/s1600/1d795cfe849fcbeb2a7ae72e33d82589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ittYO4IiTs/UnKCxcvSwlI/AAAAAAAACHM/puKRAdps_20/s640/1d795cfe849fcbeb2a7ae72e33d82589.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V32L-rAoeo0/UnKCxTLqmgI/AAAAAAAACHI/A0t0jmuwikY/s1600/53a75279cd582e27f3cc8edae36ffc4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V32L-rAoeo0/UnKCxTLqmgI/AAAAAAAACHI/A0t0jmuwikY/s640/53a75279cd582e27f3cc8edae36ffc4e.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Perhaps this new motto is a little cocky? But sometimes I just need a little extra sass. </div>
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I'm starting a new job next week and it is truly a dream come true. I'll be working part time for my church as a youth administrator, doing things I love with people I love to help kids I love. I seriously can't tell you how excited I am about that. Also, this will be the second job I've started in about two weeks. The other one is a little less of a dream-job but a great challenge and I can do it from home. </div>
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When things happen, they happen <i>fast</i>!</div>
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I'm a bit overwhelmed by the rapid pace at which everything is progressing and changing. On the job front, on the military front, on the house front. I'll hopefully be able to update you on a few of those things soon. </div>
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But for now, I'm trying to focus on the amazing new opportunities. And to remind myself when I feel overwhelmed that I am young, I'm fast, I'm pretty, I have Jesus, and I can't possibly be beaten!</div>
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Have a sassy first November weekend!</div>
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Images via: <a href="http://quoteswords.com/top-30-positive-quotes/" target="_blank">quoteswords</a>, <a href="http://retirodostesourinhos.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the universe...</a>,<a href="http://www.skonahem.com/inspirerande-hem/hemreportage/skont-stadsgront/" target="_blank">skonahem</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-17311988256598715982013-10-31T10:06:00.000-06:002013-10-31T10:06:35.104-06:00{happy halloween}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkKgtR19Qio/Um6ToNKHMQI/AAAAAAAACGk/XxMfdwrbQr4/s1600/fa0aa8a6aa88e5db6f092d76645f6b67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkKgtR19Qio/Um6ToNKHMQI/AAAAAAAACGk/XxMfdwrbQr4/s640/fa0aa8a6aa88e5db6f092d76645f6b67.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Halloween isn't really my favorite holiday. I don't know if that stems from the fact that I was never allowed to celebrate as a child or from the fact that I just don't have a good appreciation for horror, gore, and fear. </div>
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But I love this reminder that the darkness is a promise of the light. That fear and evil are just counterbalances proving the very existence of beauty and joy and goodness. </div>
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Have a happy (and safe) Halloween! </div>
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Images via: <a href="http://likeafieldmouse.com/post/34216398560" target="_blank">like a field mouse</a>, tumblr, <a href="http://cinoh.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">pale</a>Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-70487605477726587562013-10-24T10:13:00.002-06:002013-10-24T10:13:54.033-06:00{i press on}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8xfTojAPq0/UmlAylPCK0I/AAAAAAAACFs/O2W75Eu_Tco/s1600/forward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8xfTojAPq0/UmlAylPCK0I/AAAAAAAACFs/O2W75Eu_Tco/s640/forward.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lulU6-QbEMg/UmlBXAIgiLI/AAAAAAAACF0/TCSSDBG7Nmo/s1600/tumblr_mahq7aUMPS1qz8619o1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lulU6-QbEMg/UmlBXAIgiLI/AAAAAAAACF0/TCSSDBG7Nmo/s640/tumblr_mahq7aUMPS1qz8619o1_1280.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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"Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on."</div>
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(excerpt from Phillipians 3:13-14)</div>
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I am striving and straining to just keep moving forward, even when things seem to pull me back. Even when my heart isn't ready. Even when I'm terrified of the future. And I am very scared. Because the future, aside from being unknown, contains some changes that I'm not prepared to meet. And yet the future, for as far as I can see, remains exactly the same in so many painful ways. How do I press on in hope and courage when I'm exhausted and weak and overwhelmed? When I see a new challenge facing me squarely, coming closer every day, and I'm still carrying the weight of my other trials? How do I keep climbing as the road gets steeper every day?</div>
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Sometimes forward is the only way through. </div>
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And as I look forward in anxious anticipation at the road ahead, at the steepness and rocks and troubles that seem to surround me, I comfort myself that at any moment there may be a lull, a break, a valley of flowers and rest. But if I don't keep pressing forward, I will never get to the place where I can finally enjoy the view.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USLpEUGJiOc/UmlGWVf4fQI/AAAAAAAACGE/ev-I9FVq93E/s1600/9b34f4b217dc8e7ebfe2d13436725d7e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USLpEUGJiOc/UmlGWVf4fQI/AAAAAAAACGE/ev-I9FVq93E/s400/9b34f4b217dc8e7ebfe2d13436725d7e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Images via: <a href="http://chic-type.com/blog/fridays-typographic-treats-050/" target="_blank">chic type</a>, <a href="http://quincewithsugar.tumblr.com/post/64129352297/all-things-bright-and-beyootiful-photo-by-ruben" target="_blank">quince with sugar</a>, <a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7kk7yI6xL1qb4hiyo1_500.jpg" target="_blank">tumblr</a>, <a href="http://kiyoaki.tumblr.com/post/31729536591/por-tinyevilhog" target="_blank">kiyoaki</a>, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/269723465156519012/" target="_blank">pinterest</a></div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-63673994234216742922013-10-23T20:26:00.001-06:002013-10-23T20:26:44.583-06:00Amsterdam {take three}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One more quick (or not) post about my recent adventures in Europe!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKNmaar0hx8/Umhfd77ybOI/AAAAAAAACDw/wx_qFjxHY_U/s1600/2013-10-03+12.13.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uKNmaar0hx8/Umhfd77ybOI/AAAAAAAACDw/wx_qFjxHY_U/s640/2013-10-03+12.13.47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I spent one day biking around the canals in Groningen, which is a University town north of Amsterdam. Pretty much every one bikes in the Netherlands. I absolutely loved it! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FILvnpyFISI/UmhfYW_wC0I/AAAAAAAACDU/XWwsOByAmrU/s1600/2013-10-03+17.31.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FILvnpyFISI/UmhfYW_wC0I/AAAAAAAACDU/XWwsOByAmrU/s640/2013-10-03+17.31.22.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is the University, it's over 500 years old. It was so pretty! Also - see all those bikes in the distance?!</div>
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The rest of the my days were spent either working, schmoozing, or wandering around Amsterdam. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EBvCQPLrLw/UmhfavJIxII/AAAAAAAACDc/A6K23a-iH-I/s1600/2013-10-05+14.41.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EBvCQPLrLw/UmhfavJIxII/AAAAAAAACDc/A6K23a-iH-I/s640/2013-10-05+14.41.59.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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House boats on a canal in Amsterdam.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQt3uQRQk7M/Umhfa3o6IdI/AAAAAAAACDg/0KO_DMrenV8/s1600/2013-10-05+14.46.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQt3uQRQk7M/Umhfa3o6IdI/AAAAAAAACDg/0KO_DMrenV8/s640/2013-10-05+14.46.11.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This house had an entire garden growing up it's face! </div>
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The Blomenmarkt!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hV6kpNfxhqE/UmhfgNtjn5I/AAAAAAAACD8/KrGox2-mZ7k/s1600/2013-10-05+16.35.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hV6kpNfxhqE/UmhfgNtjn5I/AAAAAAAACD8/KrGox2-mZ7k/s640/2013-10-05+16.35.31.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Another beautiful church. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqZXbHyvvaI/UmhfhwK4vDI/AAAAAAAACEM/GvCyk_UFdMc/s1600/2013-10-05+21.48.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lqZXbHyvvaI/UmhfhwK4vDI/AAAAAAAACEM/GvCyk_UFdMc/s640/2013-10-05+21.48.59.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Dad and I in a giant wooden shoe! </div>
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We spent one day doing WWII things - we went to a memorial/graveyard and then went to visit the John Frost bridge. </div>
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I could seriously post photos of canals all day long. I absolutely loved them!</div>
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See?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pB2H4IZeH0w/Umhfk1HLqlI/AAAAAAAACEk/cYZak3t4E80/s1600/2013-10-07+13.36.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pB2H4IZeH0w/Umhfk1HLqlI/AAAAAAAACEk/cYZak3t4E80/s640/2013-10-07+13.36.22.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had one great day wandering around the Rijksmuseum. I got to see a lot of Rembrandt and Van Gogh.</div>
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Canals. Can't help myself.</div>
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So anyway! That was my trip in a 3-post nutshell!</div>
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And now back to our regularly scheduled programming...</div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-88531311566181523062013-10-17T16:47:00.000-06:002013-10-17T16:48:52.614-06:00Brussels {take two}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After leaving Versailles we were off in a whirlwind to Brussels. I've always wanted to visit Brussels because it was the home of the Bronte sisters for several years. I was picturing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Villette-Charlotte-Bronte/dp/1848378998/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382049756&sr=8-2&keywords=villette" target="_blank">Villette </a>the entire time I was there! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj0OoKh8aK8/UmBm21OyVWI/AAAAAAAACCc/PnecnzJcXHk/s1600/2013-10-01+19.32.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tj0OoKh8aK8/UmBm21OyVWI/AAAAAAAACCc/PnecnzJcXHk/s640/2013-10-01+19.32.36.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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One of the beautiful buildings on the Grote Markt in Brussels. This square is so beautiful! I did a ton of eating and shopping and wandering in the area surrounding the square. </div>
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Flower market in the Grote Markt. </div>
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Very attractive ;) This was probably the most delicious thing I ate on the trip, a Belgian waffle from a street vendor in Brussels. </div>
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However, the waffles were so messy we had to sneakily wash our hands in a random fountain on the side of a building. </div>
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I just loved pretty much every single building in Brussels. Each was so unique and lovely. </div>
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From Brussels we headed up to the Netherlands to work. But I did manage to squeeze in quite a bit of play! But I'm saving that for next time. Ta ta for now!</div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4989317463294331514.post-35943561156403169592013-10-11T08:47:00.001-06:002013-10-11T08:47:39.552-06:00Paris {take one}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I want to show you <i>all </i>of my pictures! But that really won't do, there are <i>so </i>many!</div>
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We arrived in Paris in the morning, and after a quick bite to eat we rushed off to see as many sites as we could!</div>
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Church near our hotel. There were seriously gorgeous buildings everywhere!</div>
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Notre Dame Cathedral was really impressive. Touring churches may be one of my very favorite activities in Europe.</div>
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Dad napping at a cafe. I swear to you this man can sleep anywhere!</div>
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We walked along the Seine and checked out the oldest bridge in Paris.</div>
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Dad and I outside the Louvre. Thanks random stranger for the pic!</div>
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Love the juxtaposition of old and new!</div>
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The one day we left our umbrellas in the hotel room was the only day it rained! We huddled under some trees for a while but then just kept trekking on. </div>
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After darting in and out of shops along the Champ de Elysee (famous shopping, but we didn't buy anything, too pricey!) we ate dinner and went to visit the Arc de Triomphe. We climbed the stairs all the way to the top for the most phenomenal view of the city and the Eiffel Tower!</div>
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The views were seriously breathtaking. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rXLkoQiSK8/UlgLfxohULI/AAAAAAAAB_A/XYxLGzBmiHQ/s1600/2013-09-30+13.37.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6rXLkoQiSK8/UlgLfxohULI/AAAAAAAAB_A/XYxLGzBmiHQ/s640/2013-09-30+13.37.16.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The next day we returned to the Louvre. Here's the Venus di Milo.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyi8m1xYm-U/UlgLft03B4I/AAAAAAAAB-4/LXwoBERDTYA/s1600/2013-09-30+14.47.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uyi8m1xYm-U/UlgLft03B4I/AAAAAAAAB-4/LXwoBERDTYA/s640/2013-09-30+14.47.55.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There was some seriously impressive Babylonian stuff. Pretty much everything was impressive, actually! We only managed to see about 1/3 of the museum, it was sooo big!</div>
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One of my favorites, Cupid and Psyche.</div>
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That night we went up the Eiffel Tower! We climbed stairs up the first two floors. Oof. We were climbing with a cute French couple who were all dolled up, the girl was climbing the stairs in 4 inch heels! At the top I watched them get engaged! So cute!</div>
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The next day we took the train out to visit Versailles!</div>
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I never thought I'd see too much gold in my life, but I may have to admit it was a little...gaudy.</div>
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This hall wasn't gold!</div>
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Just a fancy ceiling or two...or twenty.</div>
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Dad and I in the Hall of Mirrors.</div>
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I believe this was Marie Antoinette's bedroom. </div>
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My favorite part was actually the musical gardens. There was classical music playing throughout the acres and acres of lovely hedges and grass and flowers and pools. So beautiful!</div>
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There were lots of mazes for romantic seductions and political intrigues. I mean, I'm sure that's what they were for, right?</div>
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Fountains galore that splashed in time to the music!</div>
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And just a simple carriage house that I fell in love with. </div>
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We rushed back from Versailles (and almost missed our train!) and were on our way to Brussels!</div>
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But I think I'll save that story for another day. Photo overload, much?</div>
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Have a fabulous weekend!</div>
Daniella@ThisCouldBeMeTodayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04605594324541567916noreply@blogger.com2