My Life in a Nutshell

Teddy has decided that if I'm not going to post on my blog, he will do it for me. Isn't his nose disgusting?

Although I've been completely neglecting my blog, I haven't been neglecting myself.

• I signed up for an online photography class w/ Candice Stringham through Jessica Sprague.com. I had no idea I could change my shutter speed. I'm seriously pathetic. It has only been a week, but I've enjoyed playing with my camera and learning about what it can really do. My pictures aren't great, but at least I got the shutter speed correct.

• I'm terribly embarrassed at the number of books I've read on the Big Read List. I mean REALLY embarrassed. I'm trying to correct the matter and read the bulk of the books recommended. I just finished Anne of Green Gables and A Town Like Alice. OHHH A Town Like Alice- I can't say enough about this book. I'm sure y'all have already read it, but if you haven't I would HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy. It reminded me of my other favorite book Mrs. Mike. I also finished Hunger Games (fantastic) and Girl with A Pearl Earring (for bookclub). I just picked up The Five People You Meet in Heaven and I need to finish Palace Walk. I'm really enjoying this little reading kick I'm on.
  

arboretum

We have had ridiculously nice weather for the last week or so, so we have been enjoying the outdoors.

Teddy ate his lunch in the go bug because he wouldn't stop running off.

A bike ride and lunch in the park

My mom and sister are coming for a visit tomorrow. We have several fun things planned around town (Fossil Rim, the Tut Exhibit at the DMA, the arboretum). Hopefully the weather will hold out.

Book Club

Last week we had our monthly book club, and it turned into one of those nights I've been LONGING for.

It was at a girlfriend's house and it's one of those houses you feel completely and totally comfortable in. Partly because it was previously owned by some of our dear friends, but also because it still feels like HOME to me. Lots of people were missing, but those that were there are the bulk of my core friends. The ones that are always there to support you. We spent most of the night laughing and talking, eating delicious homemade Key Lime Pie and just enjoying the time together. It is a little bitter sweet, because one of the ladies is hightailing it out of here in the coming weeks, but it wasn't sad. Which, for me, was a relief. I was commenting to another friend how much I enjoyed it and she too felt the same. It was a great reminder that although lots of our friends are leaving, we still have an amazing group of friends that are remaining.

The other reason it was such a great night, is because of the book we read. It is called Same Kind of Different As Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. We selected it, because it is an autobiography written by two gentlemen that live in Texas . Ron Hall is this high end art dealer and Denver Moore is a modern day slave from Louisiana that ends up homeless on the streets in Fort Worth, Texas. Ron and his wife met Denver when they were volunteering at a mission. Through Ron's wife Debbie they formed this amazing friendship. The book is about friendship, faith, preconceived notions, pain, and what life is really about (I know- this little baby carries quite a punch). It is an AMAZING book and I would HIGHLY recommend it. I'll admit, when it was first introduced I was less than thrilled, but honestly it has changed my perspective on so many things and I'm thankful to have read it.