Kew Gardens

From the smallest greenhouse - the lilypad house

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew was absolutely breathtaking. I spent a wonderful 6 and 1/2 hours wondering around the enormous grounds.

The Rock Garden - Prettiest Rock Garden I ever did see

From incredible views atop the Treetop Walk (I posted a collage on my instagram if you are so inclined to view), to the seemingly endless park space, to the Georgian House and Kitchen, this place was so worth the price of admission. 

All that time walking around, thinking of everything and nothing all at once - simply taking in the beauty of God's creation (wonderfully manicured by the staff at Kew).

I even got my paintbrush wet, and even though it was only a few dips of color, it was a nice exercise. 

As always, I find myself planning on taking this with me when I go home - to explore the beauty close (or semi-close) to home and really take my time to explore it - to savor whatever it is that makes it beautiful.

Also, I realized that a good pair of shoes is essential.

Sunday Service Comfort

Today I attended Hillsong London (Dominion Theatre), and it was incredibly refreshing to my spirit. Not only was the worship great - though that's not surprising since it is Hillsong - the message was inspiring and the people welcoming.

The message was about worship, real worship, and how it isn't an external exercise but an internal one; it is a posture of the heart. In everything we do, we can worship because in everything we do, we can give God the glory. When we work, shop, eat, love, we are reflecting our relationship with God (for better or worse).

Now, if I find I am being short-tempered or self-centered, I can surmise that I am probably not spending enough time in the presence and in the love of God. What better way to live than to be so filled with love that it cannot but help to pour out to those around us? What better way to live than to be secure in the knowledge that the God of the universe loves you wholly? After all, isn't that what it means to live a life more abundantly?

I love being reminded that my walk with the Lord isn't a checklist of behaviors, but rather it is getting to know Him more and more. It is understanding this closeness is the true catalyst for interal and eternal changes.

A Thought from London

I am finding it hard to journal here. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I am trying too hard to find meaning in what should be simple enjoyment.

I came here for adventure and to experience the city. I am fortunate because I am getting to do just that. But I wonder if I didn't also sneak in a "life-changing" in front of that adventure goal, and now I am looking too far into the future meaning of things to simply write about the now. Everytime I meet someone or relax at a park, somewhere in the back of my head, I am adding to a pros or cons list of living here instead of just taking it in. The idea that the experience, if written down, will need to be categorized.

Even with that said, I am thoroughly enjoying my time; I'm just not writing about it like I thought I would be.

Too old for new?

When is too old? Does each dream have its own, unique expiration date? I’m 35 (just about) – though that still seems so arbitrary – and want something in the way of a life adventure, something to take me out of my comfort zone. I have daydreamed about living in a different city in a different country for a while, and for a long time, that was enough. It was enough to simply dream of the possibility. 

Then, when what I thought was an opportunity to try it out came into focus, the day dream was more of a plan. As with many dreams, reality forced me to take a step back. Turns out in my enthusiasm, I somehow missed the fact that I was a year too late for this particular (and particularly perfect) opportunity.

I’m not gonna lie – there was no shortage of disappointment or tears. There was also no shortage of over-analyzing. I had attached so much to this potential opportunity, that when it failed, I had to acknowledge how much of that daydream was, in reality, an actual dream. A real, honest-to-goodness desire of my little heart.

When I realized this little venture wasn’t going to happen, it forced me to acknowledge how much I wanted a change to my comfortable life because I don’t want to live based only on routine. After all, I don’t have a lot of the traditional things that keep one tethered – I don’t own property; I don’t have a spouse or children; I don’t even have a pet. In many ways, I’m quite free. In others, I’m quite not. I have a job that is secure and a family structure that is local and supportive.

These are not things everyone can claim, and I don’t want to be ungrateful for them. However, I also don’t want to wake up when I’m 50 and wish I’d taken a leap of faith for a chance at something slightly more than average.  

After Googling countless ways to make this happen, it seems as though a lot of the “just go and do it” type of pages were geared toward college students or recent grads – neither of which comes close to describing me. There seems to be an unspoken “you should have your life figured out after your mid-20’s” vibe there. I looked but couldn’t find the “hey, you’re mid-30’s and want something new” how-to page. Has the dream of picking up and going for broke to chase a maybe expired?

The quick answer is no. But is longer, thought out answer different? Today, I honestly don’t know. I guess I’ll let you know when I do.

Day One: Found Poem

Please forgive the quality of the photo - is was taken on my phone.

After writing 7 letters of recommendation and filling out 10+ college application forms for students, I must admit on day one of my 30 day challenge, I almost postponed the start until tomorrow. Of course, that would defeat the purpose of the challenge: to make time for creativity.

I know this one may seem like a bit of a cheat. After all, I simply circled words that someone had already published; however, I hold that this counts. It is different than it was before, and now it is mine.

I am also thinking that this 30 day challenge may require a bit more planning on my part. I do love spontaneity in my creative ventures, but perhaps being more intentional is what I need, to develop a more habitual creativity.

Well, I have to say, I am looking forward to the next 30 days.

2015, Let's do this

I figured in the slue of 2015 New Year's centered posts, I'd add to the noise as well. (Seriously, how'd we get to 2015 already?)

I'm not usually one for New Year's resolutions because...who cares. However, I'm embracing the idea this year, thirty days at a time. Last year, my boss brought up the idea and extended the 30 challenge to the entire staff. Promise to yourself to do something for 30 days. Not bad, really. 30 days to a new habit.

I'm starting off 2015 with the challenge to create something everyday in the month of January. It's a bit of a broad stroke creativity challenge from Pinterest inspired crafts to new recipes - most likely also found on Pinterest. So perhaps, in part, this first challenge is to justify my Pinterest addiction, but at least I'll be channeling that addiction into something positive. As long as something exists at the end of the day that didn't at the beginning, I'll consider it a win.

I want to try new things and experience a me that is more productive with what God has given me and not wasteful of the precious time we have here.

Happy New Year, Dear Friends!