"The Giver" by Lois Lowry

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I choose to end this year by reading The Giver by Lois Lowry once again. I think this is about the third time I've read this book and every time I fall in love with it all over again.

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"The Giver" is set in an alternate world where everything is strictly controlled, from the day's routine to the job and spouse you will one day obtain. Everything is perfect and everyone has their place. However, something is missing. Jonas never knew what that was until he was assigned a special occupation as The Receiver at the age of twelve. His training is from The Giver, an older man who alone holds the memories of everything that came before the only community Jonas has ever known. These memories become Jonas's burden to bear as he experiences true pleasure and pain for the first time. Now that he knows the truth there is no turning back, only a question...Can there be change?

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Quotes:

Jonas frowned. "I wish we had those things, still. Just now and then."
The old man smiled. "So do I," he said. "But that choice is not ours."
"But sir," Jonas suggested, "since you have so much power --"
The man corrected him. "Honor," he said firmly. "I have great honor. So will you. But you will find that that is not the same as power."

Jonas wasn't interested, just then, in wisdom. It was the colors that fascinated him. "Why can't everyone see them? Why did colors disappear?"
The Giver shrugged. "Our people made that choice, the choice to go to Sameness. Before my time, before the previous time, back and back and back. We relinquished color when we relinquished sunshine and did away with differences." He thought for a moment. "We gained control of many things. But we had to let go of others." .
"We shouldn't have!" Jonas said fiercely.
The Giver looked started at the certainty of Jonas's reaction. Then he smiled wryly. "You've come very quickly to that conclusion," he said. "It took me many years. Maybe your wisdom will come much more quickly than mine."

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The Giver told him that it would be a very long time before he had the colors to keep.
"But I want them!" Jonas said angrily. "It isn't fair that nothing has color!"
"Not fair?" The Giver looked at Jonas curiously. "Explain what you mean."
"Well..." Jonas had to stop and think it through. "If everything's the same, then there aren't any choices! I want to wake up in the morning and decide things! A blue tunic, or a red one?"
He looked down at himself, at the colorless fabric of his clothing, "But it's all the same, always."
Then he laughed a little. "I know it's not important what you wear. I doesn't matter. But --"
"It's the choosing that's important, isn't it?" The Giver asked him.

"We don't dare to let people make choices of their own."
"Not safe?" The Giver suggested.
"Definitely not safe, " Jonas said with certainty. "What if they were allowed to choose their own mate? And chose wrong?"
"Or what if," he went on, almost laughing at the absurdity, "they chose their own jobs?"
"Frightening, isn't it?" The Giver said.
Jonas chuckled. "Very frightening. I can't even imagine it. We really have to protect people from wrong choices."
"It's safer."
"Yes," Jonas agreed. "Much safer."
But when the conversation turned to other things, Jonas was left, still, with a feeling of frustration that he didn't understand.

Jonas thought about it, about what it would be like for him. "Along with walking and eating and --" He looked around the walls of books. "Reading? That's it?"
The Giver shook his head. "Those are simply the things that I do. My life is here."
"In this room?"
The Giver shook his head. He put his hands to his own face, to his chest. "No. Here, in my being. Where the memories are."

"They know nothing," The Giver said bitterly...
The Giver flicked his hand as if brushing something aside. "Oh your instructors are well trained. They know their scientific facts. Everyone is well trained for his job.
"It's just that...without the memories it's all meaningless. They gave that burden to me. And to the previous Receiver. And the one before him."
"And back and back and back," Jonas said, knowing the phrase that always came.
The Giver smiled, though the smile was oddly harsh. "That's right. And next it will be you. A great honor."
"Yes, sir. They told me at the Ceremony. The very highest honor."

They have never known pain, he thought. The realization made him feel desperately lonely, and he rubbed his throbbing leg. He eventually slept. Again and again he dreamed of the anguish and the isolation on the forsaken hill.

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"But why can't everyone have the memories? I think it would seem a little easier if the memories were shared. You and I wouldn't have to bear so much by ourselves, if everybody took a part."
The Giver sighed. "You're right," he said. "But then everyone would be burdened and pained. They don't want that. And that's the real reason The Receiver is so vital to them, and so honored. They selected me--and you--to life that burden from themselves."
"When did they decide that?" Jonas asked angrily. "It wasn't fair. Let's change it!"
...
"The decision was made long before my time or yours," The Giver said, "and before the previous Receiver, and--" He waited.
"Back and back and back." Jonas repeated the familiar phrase. Sometimes it had seemed humorous to him. Sometimes it had seemed meaningful and important.
Now it was ominous. It meant, he knew, that nothing could be changed.

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Jonas nodded. "I liked the feeling of love," he confessed..."I wish we still had that," he whispered. "Of course," he added quickly, "I do understand that it wouldn't work very well. And that it's much better to be organized the way we are now. I can see that it was a dangerous way to live."

"Do you love me?"
There was an awkward silence for a moment. Then Father gave a little chuckle. "Jonas. You, of all people. Precision of language, please!"
"What do you mean?" Jonas asked. Amusement was not at all what he had anticipated.
"Your father means that you used a very generalized word, so meaningless that it's become almost obsolete," his mother explained carefully.
Jonas stared at them. Meaningless? He had never before felt anything as meaningful as the memory.
"And of course our community can't function smoothly if people don't use precise language. You could ask, 'Do you enjoy me?' The answer is 'Yes,'" his mother said.
"Or," his father suggested, "'Do you take pride in my accomplishments?' And the answer is wholeheartedly 'Yes.'"
"Do you understand why it's inappropriate to use a word like 'love'?" Mother asked.
Jonas nodded. "Yes, thank you, I do," he replied slowly.
It was his first lie to his parents.

For the first time, he heard something that he knew to be music. He heard people singing. Behind him, across vast distances of space and time, from the place he had left, he thought he heard music too. But perhaps, it was only an echo."

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I have yet to see The Giver movie starring Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep. I look forward to it though, especially with such a rave review from author Lois Lowry (seen above). "The Giver" is now available to own on DVD, though I believe I may rent it through Amazon first. I'll let you know how the movie is when I get around to doing just that.

This is an amazing book that I would highly recommend. In a way, Lowry was ahead of her time considering the large volume of future dystopian novels out now including Hunger Games, Divergent and Uglies. Nonetheless, it carries a similar message. Our society tried to make life better for everyone and somewhere along the way took the life right out of living. It makes you stop and realize how good we really do have it. There are copious amounts of hate and violence, but even among the worst of it there are brilliant rays of hope and love. The good cannot live without the bad and vice versa. The Giver encourages me to stand up for what I believe in and to not take one seemingly insignificant moment for granted. It inspires me to live everyday to the fullest and love with all my heart.

I hope this novel will inspire you too. Read it...you'll be glad you did.

"Through Glass" by Stone Sour

This song was one of my favorites for quite a while. I haven't heard it in forever until it came on a Pandora station the other day and now I can't get it out of my head. I was living in Florida when this song was on my playlist. The thing I love about music is that it triggers memories. One that this song triggers is this one random day my now husband and I went to eat Mexican with a couple friends that I haven't talked to in as many years and then ended up in a bookstore where I bought a new book by Ted Dekker, which I later resold. Random I know, but anyway...it's good music.

"Through Glass"

by Stone Sour

I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

Oh, god it feels like forever

But no one ever tells you

That forever feels like home

Sitting all alone inside your head

How do you feel? That is the question

But I forget you don't expect an easy answer

When something like a soul becomes initialized

And folded up like paper dolls and little notes

You can't expect a bit of hope

So while you're outside looking in

Describing what you see

Remember what you're staring at is me

'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

All I know is that it feels like forever

And no one ever tells you that forever feels like home

Sitting all alone inside your head

How much is real? So much to question

An epidemic of the mannequins

Contaminating everything

With thought came from the heart

It never did right from the start

Just listen to the noises

(Null and void instead of voices)

Before you tell yourself

It's just a different scene

Remember it's just different from what you've seen

I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

And all I know is that it feels like forever

And no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,

Sitting all alone inside your head

'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

All I know is that it feels like forever

And no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,

Sitting all alone inside your head

And it's the stars

The stars

That shine for you

And it's the stars

The stars

That lie to you, yeah-ah

I'm looking at you through the glass...

Don't know how much time has passed

Oh, god it feels like forever

But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,

Sitting all alone inside your head

'Cause I'm looking at you through the glass.

Don't know how much time has passed

All I know is that it feels like forever

But no one ever tells you that forever feels like home,

Sitting all alone inside your head

And it's the stars

The stars

That shine for you, yeah-ah

And it's the stars

The stars

That lie to you, yeah-ah

And it's the stars

The stars

That shine for you, yeah-ah

And it's the stars

The stars

That lie to you, yeah-ah, yeah

Oh when the stars

Oh oh when the stars that lie

>>Lyrics thanks to azlyrics.com<<

"Us Against the World" by Coldplay

"Us Against the World" is one of the most beautiful songs in the entire world. I heard it for the first time when Coldplay filmed live in Austin, TX. We watched the music series hosted there for a couple months and Coldplay was one of the best performances we saw. This song especially really stood out for me, but then again Coldplay has so many great songs it was simply filed under awesome in my head at the time.

Tonight, as I finished watching one of the last episodes in the series "One Tree Hill," this song once again took my breath away. Honestly, "One Tree Hill" is another thing that I can't speak too highly about, especially when it comes to their use of music. This song played a very special role in the series as the finale of season 9's episode 11 titled "Danny Boy." But even as I watched the scene play out, I was swept away by the sheer beauty of this song.

Songs mean so much to so many people, including myself. One of the reasons I post so many songs on here is because music speaks to me in a way that nothing else, even words, can. It can express an emotion when words fall short. When you hear music that makes you feel whole, there is nothing comparable. "Us Against the World" is a song that speaks to me when I am happy, sad, lonely, or thoughtful.

I tried to pick a verse as my favorite, but there are so many good words in this song. "Through chaos as it swirls, it's just us against the world," is such a powerful visual. It describes a moment in life that I believe everyone can relate to. Everyone has a time where you feel like you are taking on the world. If you are lucky enough to have someone to take it on with you, then there is little more that you could possibly ask for.

"Sing slow it down." So often in this life all we need to do to gain perspective is to slow it down. There is just so much. I'm rambling now. It is so hard to put these thoughts, these feelings, into words. Thankfully, we have music. There is a melody that makes us feel connected, happy, meaningful and fulfilled. To everyone, that song, that melody, is different. For me, this songs covers a lot of those.

I'm going to stop writing now and let the music do the talking:

(This second video is the same song, but it is one that I enjoyed the lyrics with so I wanted to share it as well.)

"Us Against the World"

by Coldplay

Oh morning come bursting the clouds, Amen.

Lift off this blindfold, let me see again.

And bring back the water, let your ships roll in, 

in my heart, she left a hole.

The tightrope that I'm walking just sways and ties.

The devil, as he's talking, with those angel's eyes.

And I just wanna be there when the lightning strikes.

And the saints go marching in

And sing slow it down,

Through chaos as it swirls,

It's us against the world.

Like a river to a raindrop,

I lost a friend.

My drunken has a Daniel in a lion's den.

And tonight I know it all has to begin again,

So whatever you do,

Don't let go.

And if we could float away,

Fly up to the surface and just start again.

And lift off before trouble just erodes us in the rain

Just erodes us in the rain

Just erodes us and see roses in the rain

Sing slow it down

Slow it down

Through chaos as it swirls,

It's us against the world.

Through chaos as it swirls,

It's us against the world

Christmas Memories 2014

This was a Christmas to remember. Every year we spend Christmas day together, just Stephen, Zoey and I as a family, but this year was still different. As our first year living in Seattle, we were completely on our own. We didn't go see any family before or after Christmas day like we usually would. We saw everyone back on the east coast during Thanksgiving, but we won't be back until spring. This was our first Christmas in Seattle and it was an amazing one. 

There really is truth in the quote "home is where your family is." Even though we were in a new city and a new home, it still felt like Christmas.The anticipation leading up to it felt different for me (read more of my thoughts on this: Merry Christmas...Here's to Magical Memories); nonetheless, it turned out to be a wonderful day.

Zoey didn't wake up until almost 8:30 am. I have to admit I was thankful to be able to get the sleep. I woke up to use the bathroom and peeked in the living room to find Zoey sitting on the coffee table staring at the Christmas tree stocked with presents. I sneaked back into the bedroom just in time for her to come running and jump on our bed.

Zoey found her stocking and new friend, which she named Fifi. 

A quick pose while we made coffee and prepared the living room for unwrapping chaos.

It never seems like there will be much under the tree, but every year I am surprised by what is waiting to be unwrapped. Zoey was so excited to see her name on the presents, yet she still constantly made sure her daddy and I had something to unwrap as well. There are moments when her sweetness simply takes my breath away.

Zoey reading the names on the presents...she was so excited!

Since we weren't going to get a traditional Christmas with our extended family, Zoey's grandparents mailed some of her gifts to put under our tree for Christmas morning. It was really exciting to see her enjoy all of her new surprises. She was very thankful and really loved everything she received. I am blessed to see her grow up and get more and more big kid things.

Zoey loved her Hello Kitty rain boots...perfect for Seattle's weather.

I loved Zoey's reaction to this much desired Princess Lego set.

 Zoey was much more specified in her wish list this year. Instead of simply wanting Legos, she wanted the Rapunzel Tower Lego set; instead of a Barbie, she wanted the Barbie with two puppies who walk; instead of toys, she wanted a new Shopkins set. She even requested a chapter book at 5 years old..."Pippi Longstockings." She got it too and we've enjoyed reading a chapter a day over the past couple of days. It is very exciting to see her grow up and really know what she wants.

Zoey announced..."Mom, this is the exact Barbie I wanted!"

 Zoey takes the highlight for most of the day, but Stephen and I had a blast giving and getting presents too. I was so excited to receive a Bluetooth speaker system, a couple much desired books and more. Stephen got "Ender's Game," Adventure Time Munchkin, a remote control car and more, including Legos. It was a great time spent together, we laughed and played and truly enjoyed being together as a family.

There is nothing greater in this life than to sit and laugh with those you love.

The star of this Christmas was Legos. Stephen and Zoey got three sets of Legos and then Zoey received a bucket containing 1600 bricks to create her own masterpieces made by her own imagination. Zoey and Stephen both were in Lego Heaven. It was the first and last thing played with during the day. I enjoyed seeing them so happy.

Every little boy's dream. And girl's dream. And grown man's dream...swimming in Legos, a dream come true.

They built all the sets together first.

Then it was time to break out the monster bucket.

...A beautiful sight.

 It was such a great day. We played and laughed from the moment we woke up until our eyes closed that night. I didn't want the day to end. It felt like a moment suspended from reality where anything was possible and it was impossible not to feel absolute joy. It was a Christmas day full of magic and love...it doesn't get it any better than that. We are in new city with new people and new routines, but family remains the same, I am so blessed.

Christmas Day sunset over the Puget Sound as seen from our porch.

I hope you had a Christmas full of magic and joy. No matter where you are or who you are with be blessed for these moments that take your breath away...it is what we live for.

Merry Christmas!

Pentatonix: Christmas Favorites

I have always loved Christmas music. Once upon a time I would begin listening to it after Halloween and still not be tired of it after Christmas day. I'm not exactly sure what happened to get me so cynical about Christmas music, but this year it has not been quite the same. Perhaps it is listening to the same twenty songs over and over ever year. Or listening to the same tracks over a retail stores's sound system for over a month. Or maybe I just got old and cynical. Any or all of these are possibilities. Nonetheless, I have a point. Even though the traditional Christmas music grates on my nerves in a way I never thought it possibly could, I still enjoy the Christmas tracks of one particular band...Pentatonix.

Pentatonix is an A Capella group that caught my attention a couple years ago on the Sing-off. Since then I have been following them on YouTube. Their music is amazing to say the least. There are only five of them with the occasional guest musician and their sound is as big as an entire orchestra. It is a combination of talent and skillful composition. All of their music is wonderful, but at this time of year when most Christmas music makes me cringe, Pentatonix comes through with beautiful melodies.

I want to share a few of my favorite of their Christmas songs:

"That's Christmas To Me"

This song took my breath away when I first heard it. I was literally cooking dinner and had a YouTube playlist running in the background and when this song came on I stopped everything and turned to listen and watch the video. It is beautiful.

"Mary, Did You Know?"

"Mary, Did You Know?" is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Musically, it is one of the most beautiful songs, especially as a duet. When I was a kid, I saw a couple sing this in my church that sent chills up my spin. Listening to Pentatonix's version of it has that same effect. I love this song, they did such an amazing job with it.

"White Winter Hymnal"

I actually heard this song first on the track loop we have running in Old Navy where I work. I loved this particular song when it came on and asked a co-worker if she knew the name of it one day. She said Pentatonix. I was astounded, not only because I know how wonderful they are, but because I was proud of them for making it onto the track loop for a retail store. There is just something about "making it" that comes with that. I saw this group when they began and it is wonderful to see them do well. This song is amazing, beautiful and technically very impressive. I enjoy it greatly.

These three songs are my favorites that came out this year. They each make me smile and really appreciate the season. These guys are so talented and their music is full of passion. I am excited to share this with you and I wish Pentatonix the best as they enter into the new year and a new tour beginning in Feburary 2015.

For More About Pentatonix:
Official Website: http://ptxmas.ptxofficial.com/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmv1CLT6ZcFdTJMHxaR9XeA 

Do you have any favorite holiday songs, new or old? I'd love to hear them, share a link in the comments!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas...Here's to Magical Memories!

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Today is Christmas. Thanks to a beautiful five year old it is a day absolutely filled with magic.

This year, for the first time in pretty much ever, I lost most of the build up of anticipation to this one day of wonder. This loss caused me heaps of anxiety during the week leading up to Christmas. However, now that it is Christmas day and long after all the presents are unwrapped and the playing has commenced, I think it simply the first year that I have truly  experienced Christmas as an adult.

Life is busy and crazy and the anticipation of Christmas day gets lost in action. Nonetheless, I completed the actions, the parental and societal duties and stacks of to-do lists and then began to prepare for the inevitable chaos that Christmas day brings. In the end, it was a genuinely great day and I feel immeasurably content with my world, even a midst the pandemonium of most every child's favorite holiday.

I am happy to let Zoey enjoy the magic of this season and even create that atmosphere for her, even though that means I had to wade through a sea of disarray. Now I sit with a steaming cup of coffee watching my daughter beam with joy and know that all the confusion and mess and stress was more than worth it. Hearing her laugh drift through our home lets me know that life is even better now that I've grown up to create the anticipation instead of simply live it.

I get to enjoy these moments once for myself, once through the eyes of my child and once more surrounded by the love of family and friends. These are the moments worth living; ones that I will remember forever. Contentment is an ideal long searched for by many. Many times it is found by simply stopping for a moment and truly living in it. Today I sit here perfectly content, reveling in this wonderful Christmas day.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Always,

Announcing the Lilla Rose Giveaway Winner!

I am so excited to announce the winner of my Lilla Rose Giveaway! 

Congradulations to...

Wiley Family

I want to thank Melody Detwiler for her support is this giveaway! Check out more Lilla Rose Products:

• Lilla Rose Website
• Melody's Lilla Rose Facebook Page
• Product Catalog
• There is still time to sign up for the newsletter, which contains sales and updated products!

{Wordless Wednesday} The Day My Hair Made Me Feel Happy

I am not one to fuss much about hair styles, but I was very excited to try these hair clips by Lilla Rose. Not only are they practical, but they are also beautiful and durable. I love how this picture came out especially, it makes me happy!

Check out my **Giveaway** for a chance to win your very own Lilla Rose "Hair Jewelry" Flexi Clip!
[LINK HERE]

Check out Melody Detwiler's Facebook page and Lilla Rose Website for more beautiful clips and more!

Link up and join in the Wordless Wednesday fun!

Lilla Rose {Hair Jewelry} Review and **Giveaway**

I have to admit, I am not one to fuss much over my hair or how it is styled. I have thick, long hair that usually ends up in a messy ponytail at best. I have always wanted a solution to my bland hair style without having to spend precious time or energy straightening or curling or trying to figure out some fancy hair contraption. I think I may have found the solution.

A wonderful lady named Melody Detwiler, an independent consultant for Lilla Rose, offered me the opportunity to try out her product, what she described as "hair jewelry," and provide a giveaway through my blog. I wasn't sure at first, but after I looked through all the pictures and products she offers, I couldn't wait to try it.

I received my clip in the mail and was struck speechless. I was beautiful! Sometimes, it's hard to know how something really looks by pictures on the Internet. It wasn't so much that I was skeptical about the product as much as it simply succeeded every expectation I had about it. I immediately found a mirror and tried it on.

It took me a few tries at first to fasten it right, but once I did I was in awe. It was just perfect. It was beautiful and so easy. I wore it everyday for the next week, getting a feel for it and looking fabulous in it. Though it took me a little time to get used to the mechanic of the clip, by the end of the week I could easily sweep my hair into a beautiful style in seconds!

The Lilla Rose Flexi Clip is different from other hair accessories because it is ornate and beautifully designed in a multitude of colors. It is one piece so you do not have to worry about losing a piece of it. The Flexi Clip fits all different hair types and comes in 7 sizes: mini, extra small, small, medium, large, extra large and mega. There is even a sizing guarantee so you can order in confidence. If you do not like the size your ordered you can contact Lilla Rose within 90 days and they will exchange it for different size.

Check out the Flexi Sizing and Styling Video!

The Flexi Clip is beautiful, but it is also durable. The metal parts are casted in either zinc or brass, which is very strong and durable. To plate the clips, either Sterling Silver plating, Imitation Rhodium or Gold/Silver mixed metal is used. It will easily stand the test of time.

My favorite way to wear my hair is tails-up because it keeps my thick hair off of my neck without being so heavy. Lilla Rose's Flexi Clip is perfect for this style. I look forward to learning the many different ways to use beautiful this clip in my hair!

Now that you know that Lilla Rose comes highly recommended from me, lets get to the fun part...

***Giveaway***

I am excited to announce a Lilla Rose Flexi Clip Giveaway sponsored by Melody Detwiler!

There are two options to enter this giveaway:

1. Sign up for Melody's Lilla Rose Newsletter 
2. Look through the Lilla Rose Online Catalog and choose your favorite clip 

Use the Comments below to announce which clip is your favorite and in which size you'd like. Also use the comments to let me know that you have signed up for the newsletter.

This giveaway will end on Sunday, October 26 at Midnight! Be sure to enter using both options to get twice the chance to win! I will announce the winner on Monday morning. (If you enter using an anonymous user account, make sure I know how to contact you!)

Just One More Thing...

I want to thank Melody for this opportunity to review Lilla Rose's beautiful Flexi Clips! It is truly an amazing product. I want to fully support her and her product.

Check out Melody's Facebook Page and her Lilla Rose Website!

Also, Melody currently has some great deals going on and she loves doing Facebook parties! She will set up the event and all you have to do is invite your friends and attend the party! It is a fun hour of "girl time" with hairstyle tips, a flexi giveaway & Lilla Rose product demonstrations. Free and half price items begin at $100 - so it is easy to receive Lilla Rose products!

*I received this item free in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.

Make sure to write in the comments that you signed up for Melody's newsletter and which clip is your favorite to enter the giveaway!

Best of luck to everyone!

{Wordless Wednesday} As Close As Family

We had some friends visit us this past weekend that are as close as family. We have missed them since we moved. It brought our whole family great joy to see them again.

"Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." ~Flavia Weedn, Forever

{Wordless Wednesday} Home-Cooked Anniversary Dinner

This past week held our anniversary. My husband, Stephen, made this wonderful home-cooked meal. We had Chicken Cordon Bleu with Italian and garlic asparagus. It was delicious, a great way to celebrate our 7th wedding anniversary together.

Observations About City Life

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This summer my family made the 3,000 mile move across the country from Charleston, SC to Seattle, WA. I had no idea how much it would change me and the way I think about things, especially myself.

I now want to launch into a post about my self discovery. It is a good one, but I'll save it for later. Instead, I want to describe some of the things I've notice about living in the city. I am a country girl, but I have always wanted to live in the city. As most great things, the opportunity came when I least expected it. I really wanted to like living in the city, thankfully I was not disappointed.

Living in the city reminds me a lot of being on campus at college. Granted, though it was large, I went to a university out in the middle of nowhere. It was a city, but only a very teeny tiny one. However, there are a lot of similarities. For example, we use buses to get everywhere. When I was in college it was to commute from the parking lots to the classes. In the city, it is from my apartment (to the closet bus stop) to wherever it is I am going. Today I was thinking about all of this while sitting on the bus on the way to the library, which would otherwise be quite a long walk.

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I am also reminded of campus life because everyone, young and old, walk around the city with headphones in their ears. This happens everywhere in college, everyone goes about their day listening to their own soundtrack. It is quite the phenomenon if you think about it. Somehow listening to music makes you feel less alone while you navigate through the day. Any of the people with headphones in will still often acknowledge and talk to you so it isn't fully a means to alienate, it is simply the lifestyle. Everyone accepts it, most do it.

Everyone being so close to each other reminds me of college too. When I lived in the suburbs (so most of my life up to this point), you see people when you get to places. If you go to the library you see people there. If you go to the grocery store, you see people there. If you want to see a friend, you go to their house. My point is this...you don't see people in between. You get in the car and you arrive at your destination. Yes, you see other cars, but not the people in the cars. In the city, there are people everywhere all the time. You see people as you walk, as you arrive and as you leave. People are just closer, they're everywhere, and it is completely normal to have others see you.

Everything is closer. After college, one of the things I always missed was the fact that you were closely surrounded by everything and everyone you needed. The store was close, the coffee shop was close and your friends were close. In the city, everything is close. The store is close (a convenient store is even closer). There are three coffee shops withing two blocks of my apartment (more as you travel closer to the heart of the city). The best part is that my friend is right next door. Even the library, that I complained was such a far walk is still only a mile and a half away.

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I love it. I am glad I do, I really wanted to love it. In fact, I fall more and more in love everyday. I love the weather, the people, the culture and the freedom. There is a beautiful freedom of being seen by others while being you. There is no need to hide because you are in plain sight, with everyone else being unique and themselves.

One thing that has really stood out to me this week is how living in the city makes you the background in many other people's stories. Everything is closer and you see more people. Well, those people also see you. As they go through their day, doing their routine with their own drama and purpose, they see you. You are an extra in their life. They see you walking on the road. They see you on the bus. They see you at the coffee shop. How often have you commented on people you see out and about - what they wear, how they act, where they are going? How many people have commented on you? I understand that this is a thought that could disturb some. However, it comforts me. It lets me know that I am here, I have a story, I have a purpose. I am okay with being an extra in someone else's life. After all, they are just trying to get through the day, same as me.

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Living in the city has given me more confidence in being myself. I am not afraid to choose. I am not afraid to be bold. I am learning to be brave. This is something that began before I moved, but I don't think I would have gotten where I am now without this move. This transition has made it all possible in a way that I can't describe.

It is still life. There are still good days and bad. There are still happy moments and lonely ones. I don't think those things ever change, no matter where you are. However, the city has brought me to life in a way I never expected. For that, I am forever thankful.

Have you ever experienced city life? What are your observations? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Mesothelioma Awareness Day: September 26, 2014

September 26 is a very important day in the lives of many. It is the 10th annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day. That may not mean much to you, honestly, it didn't mean much to me until a brave and beautiful woman, Heather Von St. James, reached out to me to raise awareness for this rare, yet deadly disease.

Mesothelioma is a rare, but aggressive cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. What are asbestos? I'm glad you asked. Asbestos are naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were used for many years as an industrial insulation component. Even though asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen, a substance or agent that tends to produce a cancer, it is still produced and used in America and throughout the world. It can still be found in many homes, schools, public facilities and commercial or industrial buildings.

I don't know about you, but that last fact is a little scary.

Photo Credit: ELSL Law, one representation of mesothelioma victims

Even over 30 years after the peak of its use, asbestos still remains the number one cause of occupational cancer in the United States. It was greatly used throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Those who are electricians, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics and machinists are especially at risk. Additionally, there is a risk of second hand asbestos exposure if you live with and handle the clothes of one who is regularly exposed.

Navy Veterans from WWII through Vietnam were also probably exposed to high concentrations of asbestos through the engine rooms, boiler rooms and even sleeping quarters of their ships and in the shipyard. This exposure to asbestos often develops into Mesothelioma.

The sneaky aspect of this form of cancer is that mesothelioma has a long-latency period. This means it commonly sits dormant in the body for approximately 20-50 years after the initial exposure. As a result, Mesothelioma is most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 50-70, many years after the initial exposure to asbestos.

Over a long period of time, asbestos fibers slowly inflame the lung's internal tissue and disrupt organ function. Roughly 80% of mesothelioma cases occur within the lining of the lungs. However, there is also peritoneal mesothelioma which occurs in the abdominal lining and pericardial mesothelioma which occurs in the heart lining.

Photo credit: Mesothelioma Guide

This is a very serious disease that affects many thousands of people in the United States alone. This year approximately 10,000 Americans will die of asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer or mesothelioma. Over 200,000 will be living with asbestos.

However, there is hope! Awareness is the key. The best way to avoid mesothelioma is to avoid asbestos completely, since it is its cause. Nonetheless, consulting with a physician at the first sign of symptoms or if you believe you are at risk can make the difference. Early diagnosis provides a greater range of treatments. Most mesothelioma cases are not diagnosed until the advanced stage giving the patient only on average 10 months to live; however, early diagnosis can quite literally save your life.

Heather Von St. James is a voice for Mesothelioma Awareness. In 2005 at age 36, she was diagnosed with Mesothelioma right after giving birth to her only daughter, Lily. She was only given 15 months to live. However, after a life-saving surgery that included the removal of her left lung, she is not only alive, but thriving. After being one of the few to survive this fatal disease, she and her family have dedicated their lives to spreading awareness of Mesothelioma.

I am in awe of Heather's passion and eagerness to give a voice to the victims of asbestos exposure. I am very thankful to have this opportunity not only to learn about this grievous disease, but to spread awareness and hope for the future. There is no cure for Mesothelioma yet, but awareness is the key to advancements in treatment and hopefully a cure for future generations.

Learn more about Mesothelioma Awareness Day Campaign!
Learn more about Mesothelioma!
Learn more about Heather's Story!
Read more from Heather Von St. James!

A couple additional links about Mesothelioma and Mesothelioma Awareness Day.

In honor of #MesoAwarenessDay, I am giving my voice to victims.