Looking back on February, in no particular order, a few favourites came to mind:
Serial, of course. I could go on and on about Serial. Season two is so interesting and I could listen to Sarah Koenig for hours. I just love her voice. Plus she's brilliant and captivating and I feel smarter and sharper just by listening to her. The storytelling in season two creative and fascinating. It's a true story told week by week (actually bi-weekly now). New episodes come out every second Thursday.
8. Vision talk.
1. Snow camp with my family on Family Day weekend. So much snow and sunshine and family time. Camp Crossroads in Muskoka is a magical place for us.
2. Fresh tulips spontaneously dropped off by a friend. Just because. Made my day and my month, really.
3. Podcasts.
These days I am all about podcasts. They have become a weekly highlight for me. I literally wait for them on the days they are to be released! Two of my favourites right now are:
Serial, of course. I could go on and on about Serial. Season two is so interesting and I could listen to Sarah Koenig for hours. I just love her voice. Plus she's brilliant and captivating and I feel smarter and sharper just by listening to her. The storytelling in season two creative and fascinating. It's a true story told week by week (actually bi-weekly now). New episodes come out every second Thursday.
Secondly, I am loving the Practice Podcast. It's all about learning the unforced rhythms of grace through contemplation and ancient spiritual practices. The journey through lent (specifically talking about lament) has been nothing short of transformative. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. I can't say enough about this podcast. LOVE. I look forward to new episodes coming out every Tuesday.
4. Syrian friends.
I wish I had a photo to go with this one. Unfortunately, I don't (yet). Our sponsor family is here from Syria and they are a gift. Just wow.
5. My nephew, Simon arrived this month and he is pure delight. We are smitten. Plus, his big brother Jack is so funny and reminds me of my sister (his mom) at his age times a million.
6. Right now, Steve and I have one show that's "our show" and it's called Nashville. Admittedly, it's a bit edgy - but we love country music and the story line has won us over. If you watch the show Nashville then you can grasp the truth that meeting Deacon, hearing Deacon perform in concert and hugging Deacon was a massive bright spot in my month. My face still hurts from smiling so much. Oh and his name is actually Charles Eston.
7. Buses were cancelled on the Tuesday after the Family Day weekend and we had a snow day! Sweet!
Vision day happens twice a year (September and February) at my church and each time it is a total highlight. I've never been prouder to be a leader and a participant in my church community than I am right now. We are on a beautiful and stretching "love beyond belief" journey. So much clarity and momentum wrapped up in this message by my friend Jeff Lockyer.
9. Hello goodbye.
My friend Becky introduced me to this show on CBC. It takes place at the Pearson International Airport. It airs on Friday nights at 8:30 p.m. or you can watch it anytime online (like I do). I've always adored airports. I love people watching at the airport in a way like no other. When I'm travelling, I often find myself wrapped up in the stories of people that I meet. I can't even stop myself from finding out people's life stories. Something about the airport and being on a plane compels me. This show reminds me that everyone has a story and that some of our most meaningful, most emotional and most excruciating moments take place at airports. I love this show and am basically kicking myself that I didn't think of creating it - ha. Have your Kleenex close by!
10. Mars Bar Squares.
I love Mars bars and have basically waiting my whole life for a dessert that called for 4 actual Mars bars in the recipe. Here it is. It's divine, decant, easy to make and worth waiting for. It takes minutes to make and your people will thank you.
Mars bar squares:
4 Mars bars
1/2 cup butter
Melt for approximately 2 minutes.
Add 3 cups of Rice Krispies.
Mix in 9x9 pan.
Melt 1/4 cup butter with 1 cup of chocolate chips for approximately 2 minutes.
Stir and spread on top.
Enjoy!
11. My husband has been working around the clock to complete our basement project which includes a family room, bathroom and two bedrooms. We (well mostly he) are in the home stretch. It never ceases to amazes me what he can do.
Well, that's a wrap! My life feels exhausting, gritty, messy, full of hurt and heartbreak and uncertainty just like yours does. There's no escaping it, life is hard and beautiful. It seems that we can't have one without the other. The hard stuff makes the beauty dazzle all the more brightly. I'm not sure if my inconsistent once-and-a-while blogging is just for my own sake but here's the thing - sometimes I just need to take stock and remember the bright spots. I just need to savour the sweet stuff. Thanks for entering my world and letting me share. Hope you enjoyed your extra day in the month of February and happy March! We're one step closer to my favourite season - Spring - although my kids are crossing their fingers for a snow day tomorrow!
