Like a lot of people, I've been thinking and praying for the East Coast and the troubles they're facing. 

But some have expressed, and I agree, that it's rather remarkable when life gets so completely entirely interrupted.  When we're stranded.  Inside.  In physical proximity to only a few people.

I've felt that way with our more extreme snow/ice storms in the Northwest the past few years.  Obviously the Eastern Seaboard is facing that right now.  And though not facing a hurricane (thank God!), Seattle has been deluged with enough rain to make someone want to stay in.

Moments like those are special.

And I think they can lead to incredible creativity.

I know of a few pieces of art started under such circumstances.  This is an example of just one of them.

I've returned lately to one of my favorite bands, Future of Forestry (and Eric's previous Something Like Silas).  This "trailer" inspires me in a lot of ways.  I love the unconventional studio.  I love seeing the personal moments behind what's coming through my speakers. (I could go on a whole tangent about how music has become so impersonal during the last hundred-fifty years of its evolutio... but I'll save that for a different post :) 

I sublimely admire the notion of being stuck, with only the tools to create and time to spend.

To those "stranded" or just drawn toward home by our October weather, what will you create?

It's officially a Monday :P In other news, I want to know who decided to plan employee picture day in October :/

Love this family!

You know you're in Portlandia when...

Me: um, excuse me, do you know where the closest starbucks is?
Hipster: No, but you should try real coffee

Today is my grandparents 59th Anniversary!

[Taken last year at their joint birthday parties]

I am so amazed by them.

Both grew up during the depression. They met on a blind date. He was a soldier; she was a nurse. They lived in Yesler Terrace with my young uncle and dad while she helped put him through UW to become a weatherman. 

[The entire Surface family at my cousin's wedding this summer--Madelyn and Jack in utero]

Four kids, eleven grandkids, and four great-grand children later--they still amaze me.

[With Bapa this summer]

Today we found out that we're going to be saying goodbye to "Bapa" very soon.

Too soon.

I knew this day was coming and am so grateful that this year has afforded me extra time with them down in Portland. 

But that doesn't make it any easier. 

I know many people--many of you--who have gone through the same thing very recently. And its taught me to take advantage of every "I love you" and every moment spent together. 

But part of me still can't believe it.

I had always assumed that he'd be at my wedding. That my kids would sit on his knee and hear about life "back in 1938..."

Still, there is much to be grateful for. And through my tears I am overwhelmed with gratefulness to both my grandparents and to the Lord.

I've been reflecting on this hymn quite a bit lately, and in light of today, I'll end with a portion of it:

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,

And all is darkened in the vale of tears,

Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.

Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay

From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on

When we shall be forever with the Lord.

When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,

Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.

Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past

All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Merry Christmas!

"Beautiful she is, sir! Lovely! Sometimes like a great tree in flower, sometimes like a white daffadowndilly, small and slender like. Hard as di'monds, soft as moonlight. Warm as sunlight, cold as frost in the stars. Proud and far-off as a snow-mountain, and as merry as any lass I ever saw with daisies in her hair in springtime..."

- Samwise, describing Galadriel to Faramir

The Two Towers

Been thinking of this place lately.

Someday, I will see it in its fall colours.

Can I just say... I love being referred to "the English major" at work. 

The other day, the head of the Tax department called me just to ask where an apostrophe went.  haha!  Kind of feels like I have a magic power... so much for English being a "useless degree" =P

On my mind on the way into work:

Happy Friday!

My poor mother... she saw a book on my shelf and made the mistake of asking, "So what is Heart of Darkness about?"

And she just got an earful about Colonialism, the carving up of Africa, the Belgian Congo, framed narratives, dream genre, parallels with the Aeneid, Conrad's tri-lingual capacities, the viscous cycle of Colonialism, critiques on race, etc... all packed into a 70 page novella.

Aaaaaghh! =)

Finally!!



[via]



sweater weather :)

This is the best.

On my way to meet Jack Baker :')

The Fifth of October



[Quote: Norm Willis  |  Design: Kelsey Greeson]