Steven Moffat

"River Song"

     Any "Doctor Who" fans out there. Or shall I say, "Whovians"?

     I just got on the "Doctor Who" bandwagon this past year. I know. I'm mega late.

     Mostly, Steven Moffat, producer and writer for the current "Doctor Who" television series is a genius. I just watched "Let's Kill Hitler" and in light of what's taken place this last season, my mind hurts in the best way. How do you do it, Mr. Moffat?!

     Playing with space and time seems to be your amazing strong suit. The way you write is like a mystery within a mystery that you can actually begin to decode in a logical way, but then you get an additional mystery and your mind is blown.

     Thank you.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as a good as dead; his eyes are closed."

-Albert Einstein 

VMAs

     All last week I was getting text messages from friends asking me if I was working the MTV Video Music Awards. And to their disappointment, but to my relief, I wasn't.

     I usually work every other major award show except for that one. And for now, I'm okay with it. Because not working this one major show allows me a fresh perspective as a true viewer, of which I rarely get to be these days. I was able to view with fresh eyes what works and doesn't work in this particular arena.

     I caught the latter half of the show, and in true MTV form the show was a bit dark, edgy, overtly trendy, and all showcased in what appeared to be a spaceship opera hall.

     I've done many shows in the Nokia Theater in Downtown L.A. and I've never seen it look quite like that in the house. The set design and lighting design made me smile, simply because I've heard people dog the Nokia out saying that one couldn't create interesting set designs on its stage.

     With that said, I didn't google about Beyonce's pregnancy reveal at the VMAs, instead, I googled Jessie J. I had been hearing about her in my peripheral for over a year now, but it wasn't until last night did I actually pay her close attention.

     Jessie J. was the house artist singing in between act changes; she was basically used as a "Bumper" for the entire show. And from the parts that I heard, I definitely didn't mind.

     Her voice was brilliant. And in the mix of musical artists trying to be exaggerated and overstated, she was like a breath of fresh air. Plus, she had a broken leg and did most of her songs sitting in a plush sofa chair. And can you believe, I was still captivated.

     Plus, I felt like she was forced to be honest. She just had to sing the songs. She couldn't rely on much else. And that absolutely worked for me.

Wisdom's Knocking:

The beauty of honesty is in its freedom.

First First

  Photographer: Lindsay Coleman   

     Why do I have this overwhelming desire to find the good treasure first? There's a part of me that wants to be like Indiana Jones in every part of my life. I want to discover hidden treasures before anyone else does. I have this aching desire to be the first to see something, to hear something, etc.

     And if I'm not the first to discover this unknown and hidden thing, I feel as though I've been cheated. Like I've been cheated from some sort of first fruits of something. Weird.

     Since 2 weeks ago, when someone approached me about how stand-offish I appeared to be at times, I with care, have been looking at my shortcomings and eccentricities.

     This whole "First First" is just one of the many quirks that I've noticed recently. Most likely it stems from pride. It's late and I don't feel like completely psychoanalyzing myself. But I will give myself grace to stop white knuckling certain situations in my life. If I truly believe that all things work together for good, then surely that means ALL things.

 Wisdom's Knocking:

A distinct value of treasure is found within the effort of its searching.

Light & Shadows

     Photographer: Lindsay Coleman

     Am I trying to make a name for myself? Sometimes. But in essence, I think I want to reaffirm to myself that I actually matter. It's not in the accolades of hundreds of people, it truly boils down to whether I, myself, believe it or not.

     Today, I looked at how unfair certain outcomes in life can be. And then I looked at how I fit into the midst of such puzzle pieces.

     Yes. Things may have been done and undone fairly...and yes to me. But I still matter. And I still have the ability to shine.

     The Light that I rest upon is not my own. And that's the Light that I need today.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Even bad news can be digested with Grace.

You Is Trippin'

     Artwork by: Lindsay Coleman / To Purchase Click Here.

      Sometimes I get my latest news on a friend's life from Facebook. Yes, a bit impersonal and sad, but true.

     A few minutes ago, my heart simply ached for the state of some of these otherwise amazing, sensitive, and perceptive friends of mine.

     How's that life of deception working out for you? And are you still trying to get everyone else to believe that you're perfectly fine. That spotty, cakey foundation can't cover up everything.

     And now you're just bitter. That was your choice. Yes. Somebody did you wrong. They'll get theirs in the end. But look at you, stewing in your bitterness and unforgiveness. The smell is suffocating me as I simply glance at your profile update.

     I mean, are you really happy? How much longer can you run at this speed?... I mean, before you trip?

Wisdom's Knocking:

Deception is a seductive lover that will leave you bankrupt in the end.

Two Sides of 2001

     Photographer: Milo Ventimiglia

     Eboni:

     Do you remember the summer of 2001? That's when we did summer school at Pepperdine and lived in Towers. And that's also the summer of my Adrien Brody miracle and my Robin Thicke discovery. That summer was pretty magical if I do say so myself.

     I distinctly remember being in Italy during the summer of 2001. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I was about to go into my senior year of college, but I felt that something profound was about to happen during that summer that would forever shape me. And that's exactly what happened.

     I took a photography and video making class at SACI which was a bit magical. It was there I learned about avant-garde film making and the beauty of the collaborative process. Mmm. So good. One day, I'll have to show you the photos that I took and the short film that Matthew and I made.

     Needless to say, in the midst of such life altering goodness, I could sense in my spirit something impending...something sad on the horizon. Like something was about to drop. I wasn't the only one picking up on this. My best friend at the time also sensed this impending sadness. It was like waiting for the "other shoe to drop".

     I carried on in Italy amidst the backdrop of these feelings and other odd events that happened to me while I was there. I left Italy with a sense of excitement. I had grown. I was not the same young woman that first stepped foot on that soil a month prior.

     August passes. But it doesn't pass me with gentleness. No. Instead, it passes me with furious love. And once again, I was changed. I won't go into a lot of detail now, but I had an incredible God encounter. One that I'm still decoding til this day.

     And then September 11th, 2001 came.

     We had gotten a call in my dorm room to turn on the television. Something unreal had just happened.
Once I turned on the TV, my mind was incredibly confused as to what I was looking at. My next thought ran to my mother.

     That morning, my mother was in process of catching a connecting flight to New York.

     Before I could start a panic attack, my phone rang. It was my mother. She was safe and sound.
They had grounded her particular plane that morning.

     And with the events of September 11th, everything changed.

     Honestly, I rarely think about the details of September 11th now. It almost feels like a distant dream. It's amazing that it's already been 10 years.

     Since September 11, 2001, I've been to "Ground Zero" many times. Several months after the event of Sept. 11th a group of university students and I served and volunteered at "Ground Zero" in the small ways that we could. It was incredibly sobering and I don't think I've experienced anything like it since.

     And although it feels like a distant dream to me, it is not forgotten. I am incredibly struck by the fact, that tragedy does not have to be an end in itself, but instead it can bring forth change that was once dammed up. And at the same time, tragedy can bring forth unity, clarity and focus to the precious gift of life that we often times throw into the category of status quo or unimportant.

::::

     We as human beings tend to forget.

     We forget how special this all is.

     And because of the two sides of 2001, I am now forced to be awake. Afresh. Anew.

     Awake and intentional to live. And to love.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Out of tragedy can come your biggest triumph.

School Is Back

Flynn Adam:

"Can I Kick It?" I had this song stuck in my head today and thought of you. Yeah. I'm blogging about it. You're official now.

And to those that don't know about A Tribe Called Quest (*SMH*) or for those that want to take a dip back into 1991 for a hot minute:

Wisdom's Knocking:

Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think. 

-Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Solid!...As a Rock.

Ashford & Simpson

     The way in which things play themselves out in life are sometimes quite remarkable. It always trips me out and scares me a little when I have a particular song in my head as I walk to my car and then I happen to turn on the radio... and there it is! The song from that elusive 1984 era is just beginning to play on my radio. What. The timing of such things stirs a bit of fear and wonder in me.

     Just last Friday, I posted on my Facebook, one of my favorite jams from the 1980s:

     "Solid (As a Rock)", by the husband and wife team, Ashford & Simpson.





     Sadly, this past Monday, Nick Ashford passed away. Not only was Nick Ashford part of the legendary music duo, Ashford & Simpson, but he also penned some of the most well known and popular songs of the Motown Era: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing", "You're All I Need to Get By", "Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand)", and many others...

     And I just remembered why I loved that "Tears Dry on Their Own" joint by Amy Winehouse. It contains the sample of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (Sang by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell). Thank you, Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson.

     It's not only the music of this couple that has left an impact on me, but the joy they exuded while being married and working alongside one another. I can remember at 8 years old, watching the "Solid" video, and thinking, "That's what I want when I grow up." Not necessarily a man with a press and curl, but you get the gist.

     This couple made it seem too legit to quit regarding singing with your spouse as a living. One might even think that marriage was unique and a tad blissful if you watched this couple.

     So yes. In honor of this great music couple of whom I adore, I will be singing, "Solid" at my wedding reception. Future Husband, I hope you're hip to this. I'm trying to start our future off right.

Wisdom's Knocking: 

"And for love's sake, each mistake, ah, you forgave

And soon both of us learned to trust

Not run away, it was not time to play

We build it up and build it up and build it up

And now it's solid

Solid as a Rock."

- Ashford & Simpson

"Eat the Sun"

Director: Peter Sorcher

     I just finished watching a cleverly told story about the ancient and modern day practice of sun gazing. Yes. I said sun-gazing.

     In the midst of our modern culture that almost has you running in fear of the sun's rays, there's a growing group of people that not only absorb the sun, but they stare into in order to receive raw energy. As described in the film, they do this much like a plant would absorb sunlight to convert it to energy (Photosynthesis. Aw yeah. Elementary science in effect! I knew I would need it one day).

     Many of these folks claim to stop eating because the energy that they receive from the sun far outweighs the energy of food. And in addition to increased energy levels many of these sun-gazers claim to experience a spiritual awakening of sorts.

     There are quite an array of characters in this documentary, but we mostly follow the journey of Mason, who is exploring this world of sun-gazing and trying to reach the goal of 44 minutes of solid sun-gazing. There are other themes at play in the documentary that keep the attention of the audience as well as some interesting tension that plays out as well.

     So if you're feeling Super Indie Fresh this week, I recommend you check this documentary out.

Wisdom's Knocking: 

"I've always shied away conventional wisdom, though I know the power of it." -Peter Jennings

Vous

     Photographer: Milo Ventimiglia

     Remember my post, "Once Upon a Surprise"? I was on the high of sweet infatuation, but as promised, I wanted to give you an update. This is the update: There is none.

     I've been trying to do my part in waiting to be pursued. First step, would this fool be motivated enough to find me on Facebook and add me? Current conclusion: No.

     And particularly this weekend, I was remembering another previous post I wrote, "Mixed Signals = No Signal". Yes. Le sigh.

     Nevertheless, I still value this person and he will now rest in the infamous land of friendship. It takes a lot of hard work for a man to escape from this friendship land once placed there by my doing. But as previously proven, I'm quite blessed when it comes to my guy friendships. So in essence, I may be losing a prospective boo, but I am gaining a rich and meaningful friendship without unnecessary dysfunction.

     What did I find so magical about this particular guy I wrote about a couple weeks back? Many things, his heart, his focus, his calm demeanor, his swag, but especially his ability to speak French...

Wisdom's Knocking:

"These are hard times for dreamers." - from the film, Amélie

May-December

     So yeah. I'm a little late to the party. But in the last few days, I recently caught up on all my entertainment news from this past summer. One piece of news that stood out to me in particular was the marriage of 16 year-old Courtney Stodden to 51 year old, Lost actor, Doug Hutchison.

     Here's a video clip of their story:

      And if you don't have time to watch the video, here's a synopsis:

Lost's Doug Hutchison and his wife Courtney Stoddenfaced a great deal of criticism for their marriage in May. Hutchison, 51, is 35 years older than his 16-year-old wife.

The Green Mile star met Stodden, an aspiring actress and pop singer, when she signed up for his acting workshop online. After a 4-month courtship over the internet, Hutchison learned that the attractive blonde he'd been flirting with was still just a teenager.

"My world turned upside down," he admitted in an interview with ABC's Good Morning America. "[Online communication] is a really unique and beautiful way to get to know someone," he gushed. "We didn't have the distraction of the physical."

Stoddard's mother monitored her daughter's exchanges with the actor, and was "fully aware" of their staggering age difference.

"I said [that] if you and [Courtney's father] have any misgivings whatsoever about this, if you are uncomfortable with it, I will respect you, and Courtney will respect you, and we will step back," Hutchison said.

Stodden's mother and father trusted their daughter's judgment and ultimately gave parental consent for her to marry her much-older beau. It was actually Stodden's mom who first suggested the duo get married in a state that would allow it.

So how did the 51-year-old's relationship with an underage girl not break any laws? Up until their marriage, they were never physically intimate.

"I was a virgin," Stodden said. "I knew that if I kept that, I would be blessed with a beautiful gift. And God did! He blessed me with my soulmate."

But not everyone is okay with this May-December romance. Hutchison's agent and manager dropped him, and his own mother cut ties with him. "We knew this was gonna happen," he said. "We knew we were gonna have to weather the repercussions of our decision and our union. This is just the beginning. It brought us closer together."

CREDIT: USMAGAZINE.COM

     Um. So yeah. What are your thoughts on all this? Whether it's a publicity stunt or not...What's an appropriate age limit for May-December romances?

     I myself find that age does effect the way in which I am able to relate to folks. I mean, I get sad when I tell one of my teenagers about Fraggle Rock and Jem and they have no clue as to what the heck I'm talking about.

     What's my age cap for considering romance with someone? For me, no more than 10 years older, and no more than 5 years younger. 

Wisdom's Knocking:

While age may be a number, life experience sure does count for something.

Friends on the Way

     Following the path of good is not always easy. In fact, it's often called the "Narrow Road". Or an even better interpretation: "The Agonizing Road". But oddly enough, this is the road that is meant to lead to Life.

     So cray cray.

     But what does it look like when someone's reached a milestone on such a road. I think it looks a little something like my friend, David.

     He's beginning to see the beautiful fruit of the many small Yes's he made to stay on the Narrow Road from his early teen years. He's now in his early 30s and stands with such integrity and blessing. One would almost be tempted to think that he had been born in such a way, but instead, he shared his secret this morning to a group of teenagers and myself that it was his intentional choices to be a man of integrity, a man of his word, a man who would always value his wife and family, a man that would choose to pursue God. It was simply the little Yes's along the way that opened the gateway of sustainable blessing in his life now.

     We want the quick fix now. We want the reward now. But the challenge is, can you do good now in the little things before being influenced by the weightier matters?

     It's amazing how God and His love can change a life forever. There's nothing left to prove, there's complete peace, such pure love, and of course the Narrow Road. Which in essence leads us to more of what we've truly needed and desired our whole lives. But it is still Narrow and there are choices to be made along the way. What we give our little Yes's to will continue to shape our entire life's course.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."--L. Tzu

Lola & "The Help"

     

     Finally saw The Help yesterday with my mom. And I knew before going into the theater that I would be affected by the story and the weightiness that it carried. Perhaps that's why I put off seeing it on opening day.

     My grandmother, Lola, (Otherwise known as "Jenny Mae") passed away in 2002. She came from Mississippi to Upstate New York as a young woman and worked a many job. One being that of "The Help". So you can imagine how my mother and I were affected by the storyline.

     Not only was this film superbly directed, written, and acted out (Viola Davis, you are a dream!), but the heart and truth behind the story completely resonated with my mom and I.

     I've caught a few blogs here and there from young Black women who were hesitant, like I, to see this film. But instead of bracing for heaviness of the subject matter, they seemed to want to avoid it altogether..."Haven't we moved on from the Civil Rights Era?" They proclaim. Or, "Why must I see a film where black women are only maids and servants?"

     True, it is unfortunate that strong roles for Black Americans are far and few between. But regarding this particular story: This current generation needed to know. They need to see.

     With the subject of History being pushed down the totem pole of importance and seen as completely relative. It's very sobering to be reminded of truth and of real events that took place not that long ago.

     And once again, I appreciate with awe and strength the shoulders of whom I now stand on.

Wisdom's Knocking:

If you don't know where you've been, you won't know where you're going...

KIDZ BOP

      Truly I watch way too much kid and teen television programming. But that's neither here nor there.

     What I've found disturbing in the last few days, is how many times I've seen that dang KIDZ BOP commercial.

     Um. Should a group of 11 year olds be singing Adele's, "Rolling in the Deep"?

     I mean, really little Timmy? We could have had it all?...

     But then again, my generation had Kid's Incorporated...

***

Wisdom's Knocking:

Time can afford you perspective or in extreme cases a lack of perspective.

Almost Brought Me to Tears

     

     So I told you about being called for Jury Duty yesterday.  I had to go back today, and had the privilege of seeing how the jury selection process goes down in a courtroom. Unfortunately, I wasn't 1 of the 12 in the "Box". Nor was I chosen as an Alternate. Yes. I'm kinda bummed about it. But the 10 other folks that were left unchosen, alongside me, basically cheered with relief that they weren't apart of the official jury.

     Needless to say, I have had the most entertaining two days being in the courthouse. In fact, I'm planning on going back in the next month or so to sit in on a couple of cases, just to see how it all fully goes down. Did you know that the general public can sit in on court cases at any time? Minus juvenile cases and certain high profile cases. But for most criminal, civil, or family cases it's fair game. Public Gallery court room seating here I come!

     Another draw for me to go back to my city's courthouse is the particular judge that I saw in action. One of thee most articulate, calm, considerate, focused, and humble folks I've ever seen up close and in person. It was clear to see that he was totally walking in his calling. At one point, as the judge was talking, I almost started tearing up, because I had this overwhelming feeling that this man spoke with such clarity and peace because of the overflow of something much greater than the actions that I was seeing before me.

     And let's just say, with a little bit of Internet stalkery today, my hunch was right. This man is grounded. And he is too legit to quit. Hey, hey.

     So I'm looking forward to more insights regarding human behavior, our justice system, and how certain complicated matters rest on the shoulders of spokespeople called lawyers. I realize that my experience these last couple days may have been quite idyllic, and I'm more than aware, that not all judges are fair, not everyone plays fair, and that an accusation (and even a conviction) is not a complete-and-shut case on character, but merely a doorway to discover it.

     Let the adventures begin.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Justice is meant to be a restorative work.

Footloose

     This October will feature the release of the remake of the 1984 film, Footloose.

     To be honest I have mixed feelings about it. Mostly stemming from the fact that this iconic movie feels to me, like it just left theaters yesterday. But more honestly, this 2011 Footloose remake makes me feel like I'm officially getting old.

     I'm fully aware that the generation that will be rushing to see the "new" Footloose, may have no idea about the Deniece Williams jam, "Let's Hear It For the Boy" as a backdrop to one of the most memorable teacher-student dance scenes of the 1980s, featuring the late, Chris Penn.

     Will the new 2011 "Footloose" have as much heart as its predecessor?

     We'll soon find out.

Wisdom's Knocking:

At least once a day, you should dance like nobody's watching.

Today at Court...

     

     So today I had my first adventures at court. No. It's not what you think. Wait. Maybe it is.

     I was called for Jury Duty. Which by the way is proving to be the highlight of my week.

     Um. Why do people detest this adventure? I mean, I felt like I was about to enter into my new favorite show, "Suits". Seriously, I kept trying not to cheese all day. I had to keep reminding myself that I wasn't "on set".

     All to say, I only got sworn in today. I can't mention any details about the case, as you know, that would be illegal.

     But what I can tell you is that I learned to never wear a belt to the Courthouse. Ugh. Especially when going through security scanners 4 to 5 times throughout the day.

     The line of the day:

     "You can go ahead of me, I need to take my belt off." By yours truly.

     Just think about that line.

     Now picture me saying that to a young man in his finest thugwear who was already eyeballing my physique before I walked up to the security.

     I mean, did I really say that out loud? Yes I did. Oddly enough, it seemed to catch us both off guard. I'm pretty sure I made a thug blush today.


     And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you make a day in court official.

Wisdom's Knocking:

When going to the airport and courthouse, leave your belts and hi-top Converse sneakers behind.

While You're Busy Complaining

    Photographer: Daniella Hovsepian 

     The teenagers that I love and mentor will be quick to tell you that I have little to zero tolerance for complaining.

     I'd like to think of myself as more of a Solutions girl.

     Anyone can be a critic. But unless you put forth effort to change or remedy the situation, you lose the right to truly be a part of the reward when it does come. No in fact, you simply become a squatter, expecting life and people to cater to you, instead of seeing everything in front of you as a gift and not a demanded right.

     The energy of complaining could be used to find and follow a solution.

     Call it "Glass Half Full" perspective. I simply call it, "Get Off Your Butt and Contribute (To Your Own Life and Maybe Someone Else's)" perspective.

     The older generation handled pain and discomfort with such grace and patience. Many of us are reaping the rewards of our great grandmothers and great grandfathers. Because, instead of complaining constantly about how unfair life was to them, they worked and pressed on to make things better for us.

     What a gift.

      I hope to be worthy of it one day. Not entitled. Worthy.

Wisdom's Knocking:

While your busy complaining, life is still happening.  

Before There Was

     

     So I'm still going strong on my "21 Jumpstreet" marathon. I was obsessed with this show when it first  aired back in the day. And about 5 years back, I got a majority of all the seasons on DVD. This show is like crack to me. Or better yet, it's like being wrapped up in a blanket, next to a fireplace on a cold winter's night.

     I just need seasons 4 and 5 to make my collection complete.

     But I realized a few of the reasons why I love this show so much:

1. This show was pre-internet.
2. This show was pre-cell phones.
3. Solving crime in proper 80s fashion.

     Therefore, a majority of the story lines center around the development and arc of strong characters solving crime as undercover cops in high school, minus the interference of our current (and often times unnecessary) technology. It's fun to see a glimpse of how life was without our current innovations and how we appeared to relate to one another not so long ago...

Wisdom's Knocking:

Take the time to simplify your life.

Adjustment

     Photographer: Lindsay Coleman

     There are days when you hear a piece of news that realigns all the goals and purposes in your life. Instead of forming them in a straight line, it makes the shape of a heart somehow.

     Today, I had this jolt. It was not news that I hadn't heard before, but somehow, I was able to receive it afresh.

     I was in the midst of a huge crowd of people, and I realized with such certainty that I am Loved. And not just like the sun-is-setting-and-it's-the-end-of-a-romantic-movie-type-of love. No. It was much more fierce than that.

     God is moving in my favor. Pause.

     Because the funny thing is, before I got my answer, I had a specific question in mind. And without hesitation, it was answered in such a way that spoke to my heart and confirmed His kind intentions toward me.

     Selah.

     God is truly the kindest one I know.

Wisdom's Knocking:

There is a love that burns throughout eternity and does not fade. And its banquet table is prepared also for today. 

When Rounding Corners, Have Both Eyes Open

Photographer: Ashley Johnson

There are people that you Like. Then there are people that you Like Like.
And when you come across those people that you Like Like, it's usually by accident.
I don't know why that is.

But for me, those that I Like Like have carved out a special place in my heart beyond space and time.
I may not see you for years or months or days, but when we do connect, I realize ever so profoundly that I Like Like you.

Wisdom's Knocking:

Don't try to exert yourself falsely in friendships or relationships, just be yourself.

Boomerang

     Does anyone remember the 1992 movie, Boomerang with Eddie Murphy & Halle Berry? It's still one of my favorite movies because of the comedy and the well written thru-line/theme of the movie: "What goes around, comes around".

     I've recently been thinking about this whole subject of consequences and responsibilities. It seems that many of us want to ignore that there are any consequences for our bad actions, but we will readily accept any and all good consequences from the perceived good decisions that we make. 

     There is something about this theme of Justice that is apart of our human DNA. But Justice is not about revenge, it is truly meant to be a restorative force. Therefore consequences in and of themselves work to bring forth a restoration beyond the situation and circumstance of our undoing.

     And granted there is Grace, which most likely saves us from being completely smote-ed in any given situation. But if we didn't have to wrestle and deal with the consequences of our very actions, how then are we truly learning to love, be responsible, and steward the gift of our own lives?

Wisdom's Knocking:

What goes around, comes around.

He's a Beast

      Photographer: Joel Stephens

     Did I mention that I've activated my dating profile on Plenty of Fish and Christian Mingle? As many of you knew, I had threatened to join a dating site back in May. But I just couldn't do it whole heartedly back then. I still feel a little weird about it now, if you must know. But now, my journey into online dating is just pure comedy. 

     The last profile I just read at the dating site Christian Mingle was actually pretty good, until I looked more closely at this guy's profile pic. He had the word "BEAST" tattooed on the front of his neck. Needless to say, I wasn't actually turned off by it, I just mostly couldn't stop laughing. It was like this moment in time where I just looked around, and said to the air, "Wow. This is my life."

     But, regardless, I find consolation in the fact that there are millions, yes millions of lonely people out there. And here I thought I was being weird, putting my vulnerability out there for all to see. Only to find out that a majority of the world is still "looking".

     While I may be "looking", my frame of mind is in a much better place now than it was back in May. There is such an overwhelming sense of fulfillment that I feel in my own life right now, that anything that adds to it at this point is truly the icing.

Wisdom's Knocking:

They may laugh at you now, but keep on walking and standing tall.

Where Are My Shoes??

     Photographer: Lindsay Coleman

     I had the strangest series of dreams this morning. But it was the last dream that really lingered with me:

     I was in a Payless Shoes Store, somewhere in the City (Felt a bit like NYC...) and I had been trying on loads of shoes. I was just about to buy a particular pair of shoes, but then something compelled me not to. I can't remember if they were too expensive or what. But all to say, when I went to go put my own pair of shoes back on, I couldn't find them!

     I was frantically looking through all of the aisles. The sales people (One woman and one man) were kind in facial features, but didn't really offer to help me find my shoes and just stood back from a distance.

     The store was just about to close. I was the last customer inside the store. I could tell the sales people were anxious to go home. But I just kept trying to find my shoes...

     And then I woke up.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference..."

--Robert Frost

Once Upon a Surprise

     Photographer: Bethany Mossburg

     Why is it, when you least expect your Field of Dreams to manifest, it suddenly appears. I feel like it's a part of some heavenly agenda. Because, surely, when you are watching the clock, waiting for that gift to appear, it seems to make itself scarce and unseen.

     But the moment your attention is diverted towards other matters. The very things that you have been waiting for begin to appear. And you know that they appear because they no longer present themselves as a mirage, but truly something you can touch and feel.

     I had one of the best Wednesday-Fridays (I mean, what do you call that? It's not technically the weekend...) ever. Leading up to those past few days, I had been working my butt off with administrative duties, curriculum planning, tv production work, screenplay writing, and learning the art of joy (Once again). My mind space was full. Like very full. So when it came time to actually set sail to an island with 15 folks of which about 80% were teenagers, I was super intentional about not bringing make-up or trying to go out of my way to look cute.

     So of course, that would be the time in which I would run across chemistry. Yeah. You know. Like, uh-oh, I think I want to hang around you like all the time and I don't know why.

    Now, don't get too excited. As you know, I usually have about 1 crush a week. So time will only tell what will happen next. But of course this would all happen when I was looking like dirt. Perhaps it's better that way. Ha.

    Nevertheless, I'll keep you updated.

Wisdom's Knocking:

"One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do." -Henry Ford