Monday, October 09, 2006
Friday, October 06, 2006
Humble Beginnings
Two weeks ago, I went for a drive through the southern part of West Virginia with my mom, dad, brother, and sister. Among our stops, my parents wanted us to see some cool scenic spots that they love to visit. One of these stops was the source of the Gauley River just below the Summersville Dam. It was interesting because that particular weekend was "Gauley Fest" and people had come from all over the country to celebrate this intense whitewater river. The Gauley River is a National Recreation area. You can read more about that here.
Well, as I looked at this river, I started thinking about a rafting trip that was in the works for a future weekend. I looked at this river right where it all started. It was like I was being given an opportunity to survey the situation before the journey down the river began. I read some of the materials available at the restroom/changing area here at the park. I've never seen a river with such intense warnings and tips for would be river riders. And yet, in this picture, well, the Gauley, she looks benign and friendly.
I love this picture. The calmness before the rapids begins. The mist rising up over the hills. The gradual disappearance of the watery path as it winds through the gorge. It is both nerve-wracking and exciting to plunge into the unknown isn't it?
I don't know what this river trip has in store for our raft's crew, but I think it is going to be a pretty amazing time. This is world class whitewater. And yet, this picture looks so calm and soothing.
This will probably be my last blog for the weekend--no sense in taking a computer down world-class whitewater. Some might think to themselves, "No sense in taking ,yourself down world-class whitewater either." But where's the fun in staying on the shore? Sometimes you've gotta get in the water, right?
What challenges are taking place around you where maybe God is calling you to take a dip in the water and explore the unknown? Will you stay on the shore, or will you enter the adventure with Him? Who knows what will come up around the bend in the river? What we do know is that no matter what God is with us in every rapid, every falls, and every inch of the way!
Well, as I looked at this river, I started thinking about a rafting trip that was in the works for a future weekend. I looked at this river right where it all started. It was like I was being given an opportunity to survey the situation before the journey down the river began. I read some of the materials available at the restroom/changing area here at the park. I've never seen a river with such intense warnings and tips for would be river riders. And yet, in this picture, well, the Gauley, she looks benign and friendly.
I love this picture. The calmness before the rapids begins. The mist rising up over the hills. The gradual disappearance of the watery path as it winds through the gorge. It is both nerve-wracking and exciting to plunge into the unknown isn't it?
I don't know what this river trip has in store for our raft's crew, but I think it is going to be a pretty amazing time. This is world class whitewater. And yet, this picture looks so calm and soothing.
This will probably be my last blog for the weekend--no sense in taking a computer down world-class whitewater. Some might think to themselves, "No sense in taking ,yourself down world-class whitewater either." But where's the fun in staying on the shore? Sometimes you've gotta get in the water, right?
What challenges are taking place around you where maybe God is calling you to take a dip in the water and explore the unknown? Will you stay on the shore, or will you enter the adventure with Him? Who knows what will come up around the bend in the river? What we do know is that no matter what God is with us in every rapid, every falls, and every inch of the way!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Lightning show
Unfortunately, this picture isn't mine. I couldn't get my camera set up in time for the light show we saw last night from my deck. Morgantown had a huge lightning and thunderstorm. It's been a while since I've felt the power of a storm like that. It was like medicine for my soul. If I didn't have a bunch of people over for a little faith community gathering, I think I could have sat outside in the storm until my clothing was completely saturated by the downpour, the display of power, and by the intense winds that seemed to direct the storm.
I've always been drawn to storms. The ones that give the awesome light displays, not the metaphorical ones that take place in our lives. I've never had a fear of the storms of nature. Ironically it is the metaphorical ones that can cause my faith to shake. Just like the disciples, I feel like I need Jesus to calm the storm, and just like the disciples, I often hear Him say "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
How do you weather the storms--the physical ones and the metaphorical ones? Do you take time out to enjoy the light display, and feel the power of it all? Do you keep in mind that there is a greater power at work within you to accomplish great purposes in the world?
That, is a beautiful thing indeed!
I've always been drawn to storms. The ones that give the awesome light displays, not the metaphorical ones that take place in our lives. I've never had a fear of the storms of nature. Ironically it is the metaphorical ones that can cause my faith to shake. Just like the disciples, I feel like I need Jesus to calm the storm, and just like the disciples, I often hear Him say "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"
How do you weather the storms--the physical ones and the metaphorical ones? Do you take time out to enjoy the light display, and feel the power of it all? Do you keep in mind that there is a greater power at work within you to accomplish great purposes in the world?
That, is a beautiful thing indeed!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Sunrise
From the Rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised! (Psalm 113.3 ESV)
This morning as I was driving back from Parkersburg, I saw this beautiful sunrise. God gives constant reminders of His goodness, but often we are too busy, too pre-occupied, and/or too distracted to see it.
God put this scene right in front of me as I drove to Morgantown this morning. I love it when God illuminates the clouds with sunshine. I love it when He illuminates my life with His love.
What a gift, to see something like this as I was driving away from home this morning, I hope you enjoy it as well.
I love the mist in the mountains, the sun and the clouds, and the assurance that comes through an image like this that everything is gonna be alright!
This morning as I was driving back from Parkersburg, I saw this beautiful sunrise. God gives constant reminders of His goodness, but often we are too busy, too pre-occupied, and/or too distracted to see it.
God put this scene right in front of me as I drove to Morgantown this morning. I love it when God illuminates the clouds with sunshine. I love it when He illuminates my life with His love.
What a gift, to see something like this as I was driving away from home this morning, I hope you enjoy it as well.
I love the mist in the mountains, the sun and the clouds, and the assurance that comes through an image like this that everything is gonna be alright!
Guest Bed
Last night I spent the night at my mom and dads. I slept in the guest bed. Last time I was there, my brother was in the guest bed and I slept on the couch. it was kind of weird being there without him being there too.
I miss my brother.
Last night, I went walking with my sister and her husband along with my dad. Last time I was home, my sister and her husband had us over for dinner. We didn't make it over for dinner this time. My sister usually comes over before work and hangs out at my parents house. I had to leave this morning before she came. It was kind of weird to leave without seeing my sister this morning.
I miss my sister.
My family is awesome. I'm so glad that we are walking through this whole cancer thing together!
I miss my brother.
Last night, I went walking with my sister and her husband along with my dad. Last time I was home, my sister and her husband had us over for dinner. We didn't make it over for dinner this time. My sister usually comes over before work and hangs out at my parents house. I had to leave this morning before she came. It was kind of weird to leave without seeing my sister this morning.
I miss my sister.
My family is awesome. I'm so glad that we are walking through this whole cancer thing together!
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Dad after 3 doses
Well, my dad didn't actually have chemo, but he has sat with my mom all through this challenge. He has been awesome; it's like he is a hero protecting his damsel in distress.
Of course he would play it off like it wasn't any big deal, but it is a huge deal. You see, he is my mom's #1 supporter. He cares for her all of the time. Us kids, we are around a little bit of the time, but he is here 100% of the time.
It's awesome seeing how much love exists among our family. I think it's kind of like God's love. God's love is always there, but you really experience it at the times you are really close with Him, or when you are going through really difficult circumstances.
My mom and dad are heroes to me. I hope that I can love people as well as they love. I hope I can sacrifice as well as they sacrifice. I hope I can give like they give. Look at that glance. That is a glance that cares. He was lookng at my mom when I took this pic.
Do you have any heroes in this world? You should tell them sometime. Those words, and those moments are priceless.
Of course he would play it off like it wasn't any big deal, but it is a huge deal. You see, he is my mom's #1 supporter. He cares for her all of the time. Us kids, we are around a little bit of the time, but he is here 100% of the time.
It's awesome seeing how much love exists among our family. I think it's kind of like God's love. God's love is always there, but you really experience it at the times you are really close with Him, or when you are going through really difficult circumstances.
My mom and dad are heroes to me. I hope that I can love people as well as they love. I hope I can sacrifice as well as they sacrifice. I hope I can give like they give. Look at that glance. That is a glance that cares. He was lookng at my mom when I took this pic.
Do you have any heroes in this world? You should tell them sometime. Those words, and those moments are priceless.
After the Third Dose
Well, mom made it through her third dose today! Here she is chillin' in her chair. It was a really long day for all of us, but the cool thing is that we were together. Each dose they have my mom come in earlier in the day in the hopes of completing her treatment before the cancer center closes. Today, she made it just under the wire, and we made it home by around five in the afternoon.
Doesn't she look great? I am so proud of her!
Doesn't she look great? I am so proud of her!
Up to Something?
I took this candid shot of my mom while I sat with her during chemotherapy today. She just looks like she is up to something in this picture. Maybe it is the dose of ativan she took before they started her chemotherapy.
It's been great sitting with her as she walks through all of this stuff. The doctor and her have both noticed a reduction of the size of the tumor in her breast. What does that mean? It means cancer is losing to this strong Indian woman (as if it had a chance!). I'm so proud of her for fighting through this.
She is making wise choices in terms of diet and she is probably the most compliant patient I have ever heard of. She is doing everything within her power to beat this illness. She has a positive attitude, and tons of support. And beyond this, her hand is being helped by the hand of the Almighty!
So many people are praying for her, and she knows it, and is extremely thankful. So if you are reading this blog and keeping up with her, she and I and the rest of the family send you a hearty thank you!!! Keep on praying--it is making a huge difference for all of us. In fact, if you are reading this, stop and pray right now--thanks again!
It's been great sitting with her as she walks through all of this stuff. The doctor and her have both noticed a reduction of the size of the tumor in her breast. What does that mean? It means cancer is losing to this strong Indian woman (as if it had a chance!). I'm so proud of her for fighting through this.
She is making wise choices in terms of diet and she is probably the most compliant patient I have ever heard of. She is doing everything within her power to beat this illness. She has a positive attitude, and tons of support. And beyond this, her hand is being helped by the hand of the Almighty!
So many people are praying for her, and she knows it, and is extremely thankful. So if you are reading this blog and keeping up with her, she and I and the rest of the family send you a hearty thank you!!! Keep on praying--it is making a huge difference for all of us. In fact, if you are reading this, stop and pray right now--thanks again!
Fruit of the Vine
A few years ago, I went to hang out with my friend JR in Hollywood, and see how he and his crew were preparing for the launch of a new church in East Hollywood near Los Feliz, Thai Town, and Little Armenia. My brother and I attended the first gathering of this church together. It was a pretty cool morning because my brother was able to meet a number of my friends on the west coast, and we were able to just spend some quality time together as we made the long drive from Orange County to Hollywood and back.
That afternoon, he and I, along with his wife and son, took a little trip to one of the most beautiful places I have been on the West Coast--Laguna Beach. While we were sitting eating gourmet pizzas in a local laguna restaurant, my brother began drawing. We had enjoyed communion together with the church earlier in the day, and perhaps his mind drifted back to that moment as he drew. We were in one of those restaurants that gives people crayons and the tablecloth is made from paper, so we were enticed to be artistic. Well, my brother has a gift and a flair, I believe for capturing the profound in a simple sketch.
He drew this picture. It might not seem all that complex, but it has intrigued me since I watched him draw it. I asked him to sign it, and I took it with me from the restaurant, and I have kept it with me since that day.
For me, when I look at the grapes producing liquid, and that liquid going into the glass I think of a number of things. I think that is a quality of good art--it sends your mind going from a central idea in a number of directions.
Today, as I think about it, I think about my life. Jesus told us that He is the vine and we are the branches--apart from Him we can do nothing. Whoever abides in Him bears much fruit. I think about the fruit I am bearing on my branch. You see we are all branches either connected to the vine or not connected--if we aren't connected, we die. If we aren't strongly connected, the fruit we bear will be minimal. If we aren't pruned regularly, we won't produce the best fruit. Fruit like this cluster of grapes that is slowly dripping into the glass and becoming something that can be given to other people.
Is your life producing the kind of fruit that can provide sustanance to other people? Are you rooted to the vine? How is God transforming your fruit that it may be used in ways you had never expected?
So much profundity in such a simple illustration. Thanks Chuck, for this beautiful work of your hands, and the beautiful way of living that you demonstrate!
That afternoon, he and I, along with his wife and son, took a little trip to one of the most beautiful places I have been on the West Coast--Laguna Beach. While we were sitting eating gourmet pizzas in a local laguna restaurant, my brother began drawing. We had enjoyed communion together with the church earlier in the day, and perhaps his mind drifted back to that moment as he drew. We were in one of those restaurants that gives people crayons and the tablecloth is made from paper, so we were enticed to be artistic. Well, my brother has a gift and a flair, I believe for capturing the profound in a simple sketch.
He drew this picture. It might not seem all that complex, but it has intrigued me since I watched him draw it. I asked him to sign it, and I took it with me from the restaurant, and I have kept it with me since that day.
For me, when I look at the grapes producing liquid, and that liquid going into the glass I think of a number of things. I think that is a quality of good art--it sends your mind going from a central idea in a number of directions.
Today, as I think about it, I think about my life. Jesus told us that He is the vine and we are the branches--apart from Him we can do nothing. Whoever abides in Him bears much fruit. I think about the fruit I am bearing on my branch. You see we are all branches either connected to the vine or not connected--if we aren't connected, we die. If we aren't strongly connected, the fruit we bear will be minimal. If we aren't pruned regularly, we won't produce the best fruit. Fruit like this cluster of grapes that is slowly dripping into the glass and becoming something that can be given to other people.
Is your life producing the kind of fruit that can provide sustanance to other people? Are you rooted to the vine? How is God transforming your fruit that it may be used in ways you had never expected?
So much profundity in such a simple illustration. Thanks Chuck, for this beautiful work of your hands, and the beautiful way of living that you demonstrate!
Friday, September 29, 2006
Praying hands
The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. James 5.16b
I was reading with my friend Brett earlier this week, and this verse just stuck out to me. I had never really noticed it before. I mean, I have heard it quoted in a multitude of versions, but this week it pierced me as only the Sacred Text can do when we are humbled before it.
Prayer is something powerful to be reckoned with. In the ESV it says that "The prayer of a righteous man has a great power in its working."
Do you know what is ridiculous about this? It is ridiculous how seldom we pray. If we really want to see our world changed, does it not make sense to pray. Maybe it is in prayer that our own transformation takes place as well.
In order for prayer to be all it can be, I think we need to realize that prayer in essence is about submission. It is about humility. Maybe that is part of the difficulty. We believe that we are in greater control of our lives and world than we really are. And so, often, instead of submitting to the power of prayer, we end up trusting in our own abilities to cope with situations and impact the world.
If prayer is something powerful to be reckoned with, why would we not be willing to do it regularly. Are we that confident in ourselves?
Karl Barth once said--The clasping of the hands in prayer in the beginning of an uprising against the disorder in the world.
Will you trust in your own ability to do something about the disorder, or will you submit your requests, your needs, and your very life to the One who is able to powerfully transform our hearts, our lives, and our very inmost being?
I want to be a conduit for the power of God to break out and transform the world around me. I also know my own weakness and limits, so I need prayer to live. As much as the circumstances of my life need prayer, I need it even more. The best solution to countering my own selfishness, is to submit to God and let prayer counteract the disorder in my own life.
Maybe part of the reason we don't pray is that we don't fully grasp our own need for change, and our own limits as well. Will you take time today and allow God a time of transformation in your life so that you might truly have the ability to live as a new creation?
I was reading with my friend Brett earlier this week, and this verse just stuck out to me. I had never really noticed it before. I mean, I have heard it quoted in a multitude of versions, but this week it pierced me as only the Sacred Text can do when we are humbled before it.
Prayer is something powerful to be reckoned with. In the ESV it says that "The prayer of a righteous man has a great power in its working."
Do you know what is ridiculous about this? It is ridiculous how seldom we pray. If we really want to see our world changed, does it not make sense to pray. Maybe it is in prayer that our own transformation takes place as well.
In order for prayer to be all it can be, I think we need to realize that prayer in essence is about submission. It is about humility. Maybe that is part of the difficulty. We believe that we are in greater control of our lives and world than we really are. And so, often, instead of submitting to the power of prayer, we end up trusting in our own abilities to cope with situations and impact the world.
If prayer is something powerful to be reckoned with, why would we not be willing to do it regularly. Are we that confident in ourselves?
Karl Barth once said--The clasping of the hands in prayer in the beginning of an uprising against the disorder in the world.
Will you trust in your own ability to do something about the disorder, or will you submit your requests, your needs, and your very life to the One who is able to powerfully transform our hearts, our lives, and our very inmost being?
I want to be a conduit for the power of God to break out and transform the world around me. I also know my own weakness and limits, so I need prayer to live. As much as the circumstances of my life need prayer, I need it even more. The best solution to countering my own selfishness, is to submit to God and let prayer counteract the disorder in my own life.
Maybe part of the reason we don't pray is that we don't fully grasp our own need for change, and our own limits as well. Will you take time today and allow God a time of transformation in your life so that you might truly have the ability to live as a new creation?
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Running and Focus
Well, since that Clarksburg 10K back in june, I have really been focussing on getting myself in shape. So far, I have made it out almost every week since then at least twice a week. I am starting to feel the difference. I am starting to feel accustomed to exercise. I am recovering quickly. I am still slow as molasses, but that's ok. I don't have my sights set on the olympics.
This morning after I came back, I saw this picture on my desk. It is Steve Prefontaine running a race. "Pre" was a running legend in the late sixties and early seventies, and a few years ago, I saw a movie about him. One of the things that I liked about him was his focus and his drive. That quote in the photo haunts me when I think about running a race. It also creeps into other areas of my life as well.
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
As I ran this morning with my friend Mark, I felt like it was a time of focus, and encouragement for both of us. We get together every couple of weeks. We hang out. We share what's happening in our lives, and we dream.
As we ran this morning, I just felt so focused. In my opinion, life and running have a lot of similarities. You have good days and bad days. Slow days and fast days. Hot days and cold days. But through all of those days, one thing remains to keep you going, and that is focus. We are stimulated with all kinds of stuff on a daily basis that attempts to disrupt our focus. It is hard to remain undestracted. Running has helped me keep focused. Prayer and scripture also serve to help me focus. Without prayer and scripture, I think I would easily be distracted by all of the circumstances swirling around me.
When you are running through life, what helps you maintain your focus?
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Fine Dining with Family
Sunday night after h2o, my family went to casa d'amici for some good eats and QT together with some of our h2o community.
I am filled with joy every time I look at this photo. It's been incredible living together and doing things together for a couple of days.
It pops all of these cool memories into my mind. Like, we used to eat meals together virtually every night as a family. Or at least that's how I remember it. it might not have been every night, but it was a regular occurance. We would sit down and eat a home-cooked meal together.
I can remember my sister having her friends over, and how I would always be the rotten little brother who would come in and bug her and her friends because that's what little brothers do, and that's how I roll.
I can remember me and my brother staying up really late at night on weekends and playing trivial pursuit against each other. Sometimes he would even let me win, or at least come close.
I can remember our old house. I thought it was a really nice house, but we all live in houses that are so much nicer now.
It wasn't ever about the location though--it was about the people.
What about you? Are you taking time to enjoy moments with the people who are around you? It seems like folks will always be around, but now my family lives in four different houses. We don't stay up late playing trivial pursuit. We don't even get a meal together that often.
But those moments . . .
They are always precious.
I am filled with joy every time I look at this photo. It's been incredible living together and doing things together for a couple of days.
It pops all of these cool memories into my mind. Like, we used to eat meals together virtually every night as a family. Or at least that's how I remember it. it might not have been every night, but it was a regular occurance. We would sit down and eat a home-cooked meal together.
I can remember my sister having her friends over, and how I would always be the rotten little brother who would come in and bug her and her friends because that's what little brothers do, and that's how I roll.
I can remember me and my brother staying up really late at night on weekends and playing trivial pursuit against each other. Sometimes he would even let me win, or at least come close.
I can remember our old house. I thought it was a really nice house, but we all live in houses that are so much nicer now.
It wasn't ever about the location though--it was about the people.
What about you? Are you taking time to enjoy moments with the people who are around you? It seems like folks will always be around, but now my family lives in four different houses. We don't stay up late playing trivial pursuit. We don't even get a meal together that often.
But those moments . . .
They are always precious.
Siblings
Can you believe my parents were able to bring up the three of us? It was soooo incredible to spend time together this weekend.
I think I've got a great brother and sister. It's a shame that we all live such busy lives that we don't spend more time with each other.
My sister and brother are amazing. A lot of people don't get along with their siblings, but I am sooooo grateful for mine.
They had to put up with me being a rotten little brother, and they still love me. I think Mom and Dad gave us each a big heart for one another, and for other people as well. We had so much fun laughing together this weekend. I am going to cherish our moments for sure.
I hope you take some time to cherish your siblings today too.
I think I've got a great brother and sister. It's a shame that we all live such busy lives that we don't spend more time with each other.
My sister and brother are amazing. A lot of people don't get along with their siblings, but I am sooooo grateful for mine.
They had to put up with me being a rotten little brother, and they still love me. I think Mom and Dad gave us each a big heart for one another, and for other people as well. We had so much fun laughing together this weekend. I am going to cherish our moments for sure.
I hope you take some time to cherish your siblings today too.
Me and Mom
Mom still has energy after a long weekend with all of her kids. Can you believe this lady? She is amazing.
Lovely Couple
Here are my mom and dad posing for the camera. My dad looks like he is up to something, although I am not sure exactly what.
Couldn't you see them hanging out in a place like this on a date or somethng. They just look so cute.
you can really tell that they love each other!
Couldn't you see them hanging out in a place like this on a date or somethng. They just look so cute.
you can really tell that they love each other!
Bro and Sis
Sunday night, my family came up for the evening in Morgantown. We went to Casa D'Amici for some delicious pizza at the end of the evening. Here is a great picture of my awesome sister and me. Isn't she beautiful?
Sorry fellas, but she is taken.
It was really great spending time together over the past couple of days.
Sorry fellas, but she is taken.
It was really great spending time together over the past couple of days.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
family photo
OK, so yesterday was awesome! I think it marks the first time the five of us have done something as a family in several years. Unfortunately my brother's wife and son, and my sister's husband weren't able to join us, but yesterday, we were a family.
As we went through the day, I kept thinking about how much has changed in our lives, and yet, with all of the changes, we are still family.
I think my mom may have felt like the Williams branch of the papparozzi were on the loose yesterday. Between us I imagine we took over 100 pictures.
But, when it has been at least seven years since all of us have been in the same place, I think we all run with the realization that moments like this are precious.
And pictures like this are precious too. I hope you enjoy it. And I also hope you take time to enjoy your family when you are given those rare opportunities of time together!
As we went through the day, I kept thinking about how much has changed in our lives, and yet, with all of the changes, we are still family.
I think my mom may have felt like the Williams branch of the papparozzi were on the loose yesterday. Between us I imagine we took over 100 pictures.
But, when it has been at least seven years since all of us have been in the same place, I think we all run with the realization that moments like this are precious.
And pictures like this are precious too. I hope you enjoy it. And I also hope you take time to enjoy your family when you are given those rare opportunities of time together!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Green Yard and Blue Sky
So I got up today, and it was just a beautiful day. I knew I wanted to take some photos, but I wasn't sure what I should attempt to capture. So I walked out into my front yard, and took a picture of the beautiful green.
I was able to get some folks to come over from a lawn care group in town and help me out--there was no way I would have been able to get this done this week. And, honestly, it needed to happen like 3 weeks ago. But it really looks beautiful now!
I love the area where I live. It's a cool little neighborhood. And I like weather like we had today. What an awesome end to my week in Morgantown.
I can't believe I get to spend time with my brother, sister, mom, and dad for the next couple of days!!! It makes the long week worth it!
I love the area where I live, but not as much as I love spending time with my family!
I was able to get some folks to come over from a lawn care group in town and help me out--there was no way I would have been able to get this done this week. And, honestly, it needed to happen like 3 weeks ago. But it really looks beautiful now!
I love the area where I live. It's a cool little neighborhood. And I like weather like we had today. What an awesome end to my week in Morgantown.
I can't believe I get to spend time with my brother, sister, mom, and dad for the next couple of days!!! It makes the long week worth it!
I love the area where I live, but not as much as I love spending time with my family!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Sky Behind Sozo
Well, my buddy ryan gave me a call and told me I needed to take a photo. So I did.
I just love the sky when it looks this way. Day or night, when the sky is lit up and glows with brilliance it does something to me. I can't quite explain it.
Today has felt like an amsterdam kind of day here in Morgantown. As I walked the street, I felt like I was in the nederlands. I can't describe it, but I will try. It just seemed like the sky possessed that unique overcast brightness that is found in Holland in the winter.
And then, to see the blue break through was simply brilliant.
Has the weather ever taken you back to a memory of a place? What about the clouds and skyline? Have you ever felt like you were somewhere else just because of the weather? That's how I've felt most of the day.
I just love the sky when it looks this way. Day or night, when the sky is lit up and glows with brilliance it does something to me. I can't quite explain it.
Today has felt like an amsterdam kind of day here in Morgantown. As I walked the street, I felt like I was in the nederlands. I can't describe it, but I will try. It just seemed like the sky possessed that unique overcast brightness that is found in Holland in the winter.
And then, to see the blue break through was simply brilliant.
Has the weather ever taken you back to a memory of a place? What about the clouds and skyline? Have you ever felt like you were somewhere else just because of the weather? That's how I've felt most of the day.
See ya in the funny papers!
This morning, our new cafe downtown made it in the campus newspaper. We were on the front page. THe guy from the Daily Athenaeum here at WVU came in yesterday afternoon and took a bunch of pictures. He had a really cool tattoo on his left shoulder, and I would love to see more of his photos, because this one was really great.
Anyhoo, it is pretty sweet that we were able to get some free publicity directed around this new space. And the picture says so much about how relaxed and connecting this little cafe is.
It couldn't have come at a better time either. This week, we are showing a film, "Invisible Children", Thursday night @ 7PM, and we are formally opening the artspace portion of the cafe this Friday during morgantown's annual artwalk.
Although I probably won't be around for much if any of this stuff, it is pretty cool to see this little space at the top of high street start to come to life, and find some resonance within our campus community.
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A group of four of us went down the river, and we didn't lose a single person from our raft.
But in this picture, I am the guy toward the back of the raft that has water pouring over. You will notice that the entire back side of the raft was submerged. I am just to the left of the guy in yellow.
While we didn't lose a single person, we definitely got wet. There were some intense moments, and we saw other people/groups take spills.
Although it seemed like a relatively safe and uneventful trip, I am still somewhat tired from the whole thing. I never thought a boat ride would take so much energy out of me. I just feel kind of beat up, like I ran a long race, but it really didn't feel like I expended that much energy.
But, maybe that's what happens when you get submerged a few times--even if you don't get flung out of your raft.