what i’ve been up to

i seem to have patterns of writing and dormancy for this blog.  most of my energy has been focused on another blog—a project worthy of such effort.  depression has left and i am alive and in wonder.  i’ve been running a lot, and slowly emerging from the fog.  perhaps when the marathon extravaganza is over [...]

Rest

I need lots of rest—mind, body, soul.  I read this poem differently now than I have in previous years.  It is from a book of poems given to me seven years ago.  The “journey” spoken of is the journey to the cross through the season of lent.  At a time when foundations have been shaken, [...]

Light within the Darkness

A case of being in the right place at the right time with the right camera.  This picture captures how I have felt as of late…light shining through darkness, beauty, hope. (taken on 31 December 2008 at the Agra Fort in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India)

A Walk in Lodhi Gardens

28 December 2008
The distinct odor of exhaust and pollution hangs in the air.  It covers the visibility of the sky above and sticks to my lungs.  High above black Kites soar in circular patterns over the city.  There isn’t a place nearby for a vantage on my two feet, although I’m not sure there’s much [...]

Arrival in Delhi

I am going to write about my travels in India. What you’ll see is a patchwork of stories as told through narration, rumination, and information that may or may not be in chronological order…I haven’t decided yet how to continue.  Today’s story is my arrival in India, and first impressions of Delhi.
Saturday 27 December 2008
After [...]

Cursing My Disease (or, not the way to start a day)

This morning I cursed my disease.  The genetic disease Neurofibromatosis (NF) is always with me, as are the 30+ tumors on my body.  I am a strong woman, but there are days when it defeats me.
I don’t sleep as heavily as in years past.  Regular bouts of insomnia have interrupted my sleep over the last [...]

Grace

I have resolved tonight to turn my thoughts on grace.  I want the words and images to fill my heart and mind for a few days.   Then, perhaps, I shall write my reflections here. Grace is much needed in my life now, especially from myself.
Until then, here’s what prompted this: There was an article in [...]

Confession

Somehow, somewhere I’ve gotten off track.  Things aren’t right.  I am still not centered enough to write about my travels.  I need to find my spiritual center before I can continue…and there’s a little bit I think I can share on a blog.  Highs and lows are to be expected on the spiritual journey.  As [...]

blog break

I need a sabbatical.  I’m not able to write what I intend at this time, as life post graduate school and travel adventure is not as full of vigor and motivation as I had hoped.  The last few entries are a reflection of how I feel—oscilating between loving life and dropping into loneliness.  I think [...]

I Love the Whole World

Sometimes I become caught up in the negative cycle of heartbreaking and frustrating news that finds its way through the media to my corner of the world.  Wars, famines, injustice, torture…it can be overwhelming.  Yet, with my most recent travel through thousands of miles across the North American Continent, my love for the world was [...]

Loonies in the Campground Shower

Wednesday 25 June 2008 — Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
It was a cold night. After writing in my journal at 2am by the natural light radiating from the horizon, I passed out in the tent, only to be woken up by the early morning chill. And the cries of a baby. Somewhere nearby [...]

Sleeping away the stress

Last night I lay on the couch at 9pm, reading. Since sometime back in May I have been extremely focused and tired. It’s no wonder my eyes slowly felt the weight of graduation and three weeks of travel. As I drifted off into a heavy slumber, I was aware that this [...]

An Update on the Road

Well, actually, I’m not on the road anymore.  I’m in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and I will be here over the weekend.  After all the long hours spent in a car it is wonderful to have time to stretch and walk and chill with a friend.  Yesterday I walked around Sioux Falls and watched the [...]

Experiencing the Midnight Sun

Tuesday 24 June 2008 — Yukon Territory, Canada
We had crossed the border from Alaska into the Yukon Territory hours before. Dazzled by the geographical wonders that continuously passed before my eyes, I hardly noticed the late hour. Midnight approached and the sun, low on the horizon filled the open sky; dusk was soon [...]

Leaving Alaska & The Art of Photography from Moving Vehicles

Tuesday 24 June 2008 — Palmer, Alaska, USA
We had a long day ahead of us. After a stack of delicious blueberry pancakes prepared by his mother, Ray finally finished packing up “Dora” the Ford Explorer. A few hugs were exchanged, goodbyes said. We drove away from his life in Alaska on a [...]

Back home, for now…

This is a quick note to say I am in Seattle…arrived early this morning. The adventure thus far has been amazing. Details to come with more frequency, as I now have internet access. I have stories to share, to be written as I have time. Below is a gorgeous view from [...]

A Song on My Heart Today

Much Afraid
(by Jars of Clay)
Empty again
Sunken down so far
So scared to fall
I might not get up again
So I lay at your feet
All my brokenness
I carry all of my burdens to you
Chorus:
All of these things
I’ve held up in vain
No reason nor rhyme
Just the scars that remain
Of all of these things
I’m so much afraid
Scared out of [...]

taking a blog break

Unfortunately, I am in need of a break.  Writing is something that renews me and gives me life; however, reading blogs and maintaining one at this point is draining my energy.  So I’m going to take a break to create some space in my life for renewal.
So many things I have intended to write about [...]