Spring Has Sprung!

Oh wow, oh wow, oh wow. You don't even know what these days are doing to me; while they fly by all to fast (is it really March 14th? no... is it really?), their changes bring with them such a happiness, even a lightness that is so welcome. Spring Break was much needed and wonderful - the perfect mixture of having absolutely nothing to do and yet none too much free time. A few of the highlights, besides not having to go to work or school and yet still existing in my everyday life, were enough to restart this little heart of mine and bring to life some things that had been lying dormant for awhile. The trees are all budding and it seems just as shocking and thrilling as the transformation that takes place in them months from now; this is the first year I can truly remember welcoming spring so openly as it whispers of summer days ahead.

I spent a quiet afternoon on the porch at Bongo and in the stacks at Border's last week. I journaled and read scripture for what seemed like a whole day, kind of lost in a place I hadn't been for a really long time and I can only say that it was a very centering experience. If we were ever to shed our spiritual skin, I am sure that is what it would feel like: looking into two books that seem to translate desires and dreams, conflicts and convictions so well and recognizing something in me which felt much more passionate and alive than I had felt in sometime. I believe to truly look at one's life and to listen, for believers, is to hear God and sometimes that takes shutting everything out and remembering... reflecting... recognizing who you are, what you love, what makes you feel alive, and what places need fixing that nothing else in this world but the hand of Christ can fix?

Whew.

I needed last week so bad because along with it came a freedom that has lifted some invisible weight off my shoulders. I climbed every night last week, read books I get lost in, got pink on my cheeks from an outside lunch with a dear friend, spent time with friends, spent a whole day in the Tennessee sun by an enticing river and a mile of bluffs, smelled the sweet smell of my Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion, ate my first Benton cheeseburger, strawberries, and oatmeal pie of the season, and relished time with my darling fiance.

Speaking of, I'm getting married in 129 days and I could not be happier, despite the fact that still so much is left to do, half of which doesn't even involve the wedding but preparation for marriage. Wedding plans are moving along, and I realize so many people have been left out of the process: not intentionally, mind you - it's just been this way because life is moving along so fast. If you're interested to know, I've got my dress, the flower girl dresses and shoes, the reception location, a tentative church location, save the dates have been sent out, the hotel is blocked off for out-of-town family, my veil is on its way, reception playlists are in the works, and on it goes... so exciting for me, but most times I'm afraid I bore or annoy others when I talk about the wedding so I don't do it too often.

Welp, I'm going to take a quick lunch break outdoors and refill; life inside this little windowless office is only bearable if I remember to get outside it every once in awhile.

Enjoy Spring!