hmm...the smell of rain

don't you just love the smell of rain? some of you are nodding at your computer, thinking about that distinct odor the warm rain leaves the earth with once its gone (or sometimes when its on its way) or others of you are like 'rain smells? who knew' and still others are thinking, 'she likes that? weird.' no you are weird...ha! just kidding. but i guess it is fortunate that i like it, being that my new home is the rainy city of seattle.

i woke up this morning at 2:05am, shawn called me at 2:10am. when i woke up at first, i felt a little startled thinking perhaps some strange sound in the house had woken me. i strained my ears to hear anything beyond the rhythm of the fan and the hum of the shipping yards bearby...nothing. then i looked at the clock, red numbers announcing the time. 'ahh..' i thought. shawn should be landing in delaware right about now. about the time i had the chance to think all of that, he called. there is something weird that begins to happen when you get married...you know things. like, here's shawn landing on a plane way on the other side of the country and somehow at that same time i wake up. i don't think that whole 'one flesh' thing is just symbolism...or maybe its just that symbolism isn't quite what we think it is here on earth....maybe in another, higher world symbolism is really 'reality'...hmmm...go chew on that!

so i am trying out a new church this morning. by myself. why does that (usually) feel like being the new kid the first day of middle school...at lunch time? like you are carrying around your tray of disgusting, overly processed food looking for a friendly face among the masses of teenagers who (if they look at you) seem a little less than interested? its sad, but that's usually the experience. AND I AM A CHRISTIAN! its not so bad when you have someone's arm to cling to, but all alone...well, that's another story. so we will see how it goes. we have heard really great things about this church...what i have heard is this: the pastor isn't flashy (awesome) but is a good teacher (definate plus)...the people are really friendly and outdoorsy and not too cool (thank God! not so easy to find here)... the only thing is i guess the music isn't that great. i am not sure what that means...its not easy follow? that can be hard...its not polished? if that's the case, then it will quickly trade in that minus for a plus in my book! the two things i am looking for in a church are 1.) inspired and inspiring teaching and 2.) a community of people that isn't closed...so basically i am hoping God and Christians show up! anyway, you will get to hear about it later, i am sure.

another thing you will get to hear about sooner than later: i am nearly finished with ' a generous orthodoxy' and honestly, a little sad that my adventures with that book are coming to a close. a friend sent me a review of the book, which i read and plan to re-read when i have finished. that in itself will be a post, i am sure.

shawn's photo shoot was friday and it turned out better than anyone imagined. my hubby is so stinkin' photogenic! and joel is a ridiculous photographer assisted by his beautiful and equally- ridiculous (in the good way) wife. it was fun because a red-leather chair we picked up at value village on thursday ended up being in almost every shot...kinda the 'theme' of the shoot. it was fun...be checking shawn's site for pics from the day...

the best thing about the whole shoot for me though was connecting with cara. it is really awesome to realize how important human connection is...and i think as a woman, how vital woman-to-woman connection can be. its so good to tell someone 'this is where i am at...this is what i am feeling/struggling with/learning/hoping etc' and its better to find those human experiences are shared. there's a kind of relief that sets in.. its almost as if those conversations can be the fuel to keep the engine of life moving. i thank God for her and for a couple of days to laugh and talk and find some solidarity. (cara, if you are reading this, you are a gem! enjoy new zealand!)

well i have a little headache this morning and i am waiting for some good story or highlight from the week to come, but nothing.

wait! i made salsa all by myself yesterday. (for those of you who don't know, i am miserable in the kitchen. i seriously burned soup one time...remembe, britt?) shawn left and i wanted salsa, so i made it. and it was good. even he, who is a food critic at heart, mentioned that it was as good as the stuff he makes. cha-ching! money.

okay, have a great sunday..more later (and yes, i did say 'cha-ching'...move on *grin*)