Is it Christmas yet??

So, I know it is only the middle of November but there was something about this morning that begged for Christmas music. I think it had to do with the grey chill outside contrasted with my cozy pajamas and warm apartment. It doesn't hurt that I'm already counting down the days till I get to go home for Christmas.

Therefore, Christmas music it is. This year, I thought I'd try to make it till Thanksgiving, but then my brilliant little sister bestowed some wisdom on me. Why wait? You only get to listen to it once a year. Thanks, Abbey. Happy Christmas music listening, everyone!

This Is My Home

The man in this video embodies a life well lived, selfless generosity, genuine human connection. He created a space to call home and lives to invite others in to that space. To him, home is a place to be opened and shared with strangers who quickly become friends.

my friend Tim

Tim is a beautiful soul. He is a neighbor who has befriended me and I him over the past year here in Fremont. Tim stands outside our neighborhood grocery store, mostly at night, no matter the bitterness of the weather. Sometimes he asks for money and other times he just says hello. He has made my day more than once. Tim loves to read and has a desire to return to school. He has a compassionate heart, as I witnessed when he saved a sick and broken bird, fed it, and kept it warm saying everyone deserved a chance at life because God created and cares for even this little bird. For a while, I had thought that Tim had forgotten me and the conversations we've had. And then the other night, he surprised me. As I smiled at him and continued on toward the grocery store door he said, "You cut your hair." I turned back, a smile on my face, and said yes I had. He said four words that said "I see you, I notice you, I remember you." I walked around the store wondering what I could give him as he stood out in the cold. I ended up walking out after making my purchases and handing him a turkey, ham, and avocado sandwich and the dollar I had in my wallet. "It's not much" I said. And he replied that a sandwich was just what he needed. What a beautiful man. He is a constant reminder to me to be in the moment, noticing the needs and offerings of those around me.

pure brilliance

"When the light turns green, you go. When the light turns red, you stop. But what do you do when the light turns blue with orange and lavendar spots?" -Shel Silverstein, A Light in the Attic


most of life lies in the "blue with orange and lavendar spots" category, doesn't it??