Just words today

I have no intended message here.  Not sure why I feel the need to write today...?  For me?  For you? Whomever you are.  Life is so full of everything right now, I am not keeping up well.  That plate idea - not only do I have a side salad and a full dinner plate, but some soup, dessert, and at least 3 glasses of something.  People in different spheres ask me if there is too much, but to an extent, I like it this way.

I love the work I am doing.  The hugs I get from the children, the stories from parents, and the appreciation from others that my ideas and energy are motivating and helpful - that's what gets me through chapters and chapters of reading.

I love the babysitting I get to do.  Each one of the children I get to cart around with me are a joy (albeit - not always) and getting to know them, share in their stories, and just laugh and play keeps me sane.

I love my friends.  There are a great number of people in my life right now who are honest, authentic, and challenging.  We all have needs.  I can't fill them all.  But it makes my soul sing to be present with others in their lives.  I learn so much.  It's not always sunshine and roses, but I try hard to look through the storms to see the beauty of a raindrop, or feel the comforting embrace of the wind.  I am truly an annoying eternal optimist.  I only wish I could be with them more, offer more of myself and my resources, yet life and responsibility calls.  There are so many in whom I have already lost touch with.  It scares me how fast people walk in and out of my life.  All I can do somedays is live in the moment with whom is here, and continue to add the others to that never ending prayer list.

Interpersonal.  It's my best learning style.  Just be with me.  Talk to me.  Teach me.

I could get on the "people don't understand me" train.  To be honest, I think that it's partly true.  Many have told me (for years) I am the most extraverted person they have ever met.  Some friends roll their eyes at my habits of knowing a servers name at a restaurant  or honestly answering the question "how are you today?".  I know I'm a handful in a travel size package, and I know that I talk to much.  So what?

I intentionally decide to interact with the world around me and see the good.  Most days it keeps me happy.  Other days I color.  Or sing.  But it's hard when life beats on you, or someone you care about.  There are times where you are trying so hard, and it just flies back in your face.  Then I cry.  And I sing, or play piano.  And I pray.  And finally, I get the crayons back out, and color some more.

I have a million things going on right now, with work, school, and people in my life - but I love them all and am grateful.  My masochistic self even offers to do more.  Sleep is over-rated anyway.  Realistically though - I am young and single and live in Chicagoland.  I don't know what my life holds, but I hope someday I won't be single or childless.  Then opportunities will change.  For today - I shall put on my cute and cuddly winter things, and head out with a smile.  Good morning world.

Peace,
your sister in Christ,
Erin      

Stress relief and inspiration

For stress relief I love to watch movies and... crochet.  I just learned from some wonderful friends around christmastime and have since finished one blanket and am halfway through what will become a shawl.  It is relaxing yet productive and I'm loving it!  I donated my last blanket to the Project Linus - an organization which makes, collects, and gives out homemade new blankets to children in need.  I'm also working on shawls for work - living history costumes.

I love color and quotes and a little crazyiness, so I got myself some window crayons (inspired by another friends markers...) and drew all over  my closet doors (they are full length mirrors).  There are positive things people have said about me, pictures, and quotes.  Every time I see it I feel great and smile!

Just gotta go out on a limb and be creative and artsy sometimes.
God Bless,
your sister in Christ~Erin