12.31.2006

Sit and Reflect



Friends, take a seat and rest. That is what I intend to do as I reflect on this past year. A year that has pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a place where I can hopefully grow and blossom in ways that I can't even imagine. I am still waiting for the latter part of that to happen...I will try to be patient. There is no resolution this year. I want to choose joy in 2007. And that will only happen if I choose it each day. I am tired of experiencing loss and being frustrated. I want to finally grab a hold of the blessings God is intending for me here so far from home. Why is it so hard to do that?

This blog has been such a blessing for me these past few months. I look back on my posts and I cannot believe how much time has passed since I posted for the first time. Each and every picture is a piece of me. Sharing my world here with you through my camera lens has given me real bliss (and it's cheaper than a therapist). :)

Thanks for all your comments. Please...if you visit, share a thought with me. I know you all are out there but I am not hearing from some of you! Happy New Year!


Photo taken at Kensington Palace, London, UK 2006

12.30.2006

Just Like Riding a Bike...



That is what I am praying for these days...

Here we go! After 8 months of reflection and prayer, we have decided to bring our kids home to homeschool them. Circumstances here have kept this issue in the forefront for us and have only intensified over time. We have homeschooled before when our family has been in transition but now we finally feel settled enough to bring them back here. Enrolling them in school when we arrived was an absolute neccessity, vital for their adjustment here and gave them a much needed routine. We are grateful for that time. And while it wasn't an easy decision to make, we are excited that we will be serving our kids in the area where they are needing it the most right now. I am a bit nervous but know that with the prayer and support we have from friends and family that God will bless this adventure for His glory. Already we are receiving some confirmations of our decision which is a huge joy for us both. Thank you to those who have prayed and counseled us.

Photo inspired by Alex Shrout

12.29.2006

Night Lights


I love to see the buildings in the city lit up at night. They are beautiful. Here is the London Eye with the sapphire blue lights that illuminate it at night. I just love the way it looks whether I am standing across the River Thames from it or right underneath.

12.28.2006

A Different View



Ever looked up while standing directly under a tree? I think that winter is the best time to do that. Every tree is different and you can really get some wonderful views of the bark, the branches and the trunk with the winter sky behind them. This tree is in Green Park in the city. It is so interesting to look at...the shadings, the foliage that still remains through the winter along with the unique bark. So simple and so interesting at the same time. My kind of photo.

12.27.2006

Window Shopping



It is never too late to do some window shopping and that is exactly what Jack was doing on Christmas Eve. He was fascinated by the things he saw in the window at the antique shop on our street. I love that he stops to appreciate the old and the new. If it were open, I know that I could have gone in with him and spent an hour just admiring all the pieces. He would have so much to say about these small treasures.

Candlelit Christmas...



It is a good thing to remember exactly why we are celebrating Christmas. We are still in the process of finding a church home here in London and on Christmas Eve we attended a small church in our neighborhood. We heard the nativity story that night. All the children of the church came dressed up as angels, shepards or kings and acted out the story. It was another sweet and gentle reminder of how our Lord loves us. The gift of His son to this world was the most precious gift of all.

12.26.2006

Trouble Posting Pics?

Anyone have any advice? I have been trying to post pics for over 2 hours and haven't been able to do it.

12.25.2006

Happy Christmas!

Friends and Family...and whoever else drops in...

My apologies for not having posts yesterday or today. I am enjoying some downtime with my family while taking in our first Christmas here in the UK together. I will be back up tomorrow with a few pics for you! Hope that you all are having a blessed day!

Love and joy,
Anna

12.23.2006

A Letter for the Post



To:
Santa Claus
North Pole
Earth

From:
Sam (the one in England)

Yes, even Santa gets urgent mail. Every now and then revisions must be made. On this eve of Christmas Eve, Sam told me that he had mail of the utmost importance....changes in his Christmas list. So he wrote it all down (and added pictures), addressed it and when we were on our way into the city to look at Christmas lights...he put it in the post (that is what they call the mail here). I wouldn't normally perpetuate this scenario to this degree but it really was cute...and I got a great photo. You can't tell from the pic but Sam is up on his tiptoes to get that letter in the box...so sweet. He actually mailed two letters for good measure. Where do kids get this stuff? This was taken on the High Street in our neighborhood just before getting on the bus.

12.22.2006

Another Goodbye



At 8 am this morning, the train carrying my sister and niece pulled out of Victoria Station in Central London heading toward the airport. It was a solemn morning that snuck up on me. This will be my first Christmas outside of the US ever and so being away from all of my extended family will be difficult. One thing that we have been told about a life of outreach is that your relationships can end up looking like a revolving door. Today that is exactly what it felt like. Even though this trip was a short one, I wouldn't have traded it for anything. It was great to reconnect with my sister, hang out together and show her a bit of our life here. I snapped this photo as the train was pulling away from us (in between tears). Of course it left right on time! :(

12.20.2006

Sisters...


This was a sight for sore eyes! No, not the hot Starbucks...my sister, in London, visiting me. I snapped this while we were out touring the city. We are doing the "Unofficial" London Starbucks crawl.....not really, although we have hit many of them. She drinks coffee. I sip on a hot chocolate. I am so grateful for her and all that she brings into my life. We became friends about 14 years ago and each and every year since has proven sweeter than the last. This time here with her has really given my soul some much needed comfort. And we are NEVER short on laughter when we are together. My heart is already aching at the thought of saying another goodbye to you. There really is nothing like a big sister....

12.19.2006

A Moment Alone...


Sadie and I had a mother/daughter day in Paris today with my sister and my niece. They had not been to the city before and the four of us had such a special time hanging out together. I am extremely tired as I sit down in my big, comfy chair to update my blog. We are amazed at how much we saw today. We left our home on the Hill at 4:30 am to catch the 5:34 am train to Paris on Eurostar. We arrived home tonight at 10 pm...LONG DAY! That is right...our whirlwind tour was a day! I snapped this pic as we were walking under the road to see the Arc de Triomphe (which is at the end of the Champs-Elysees). Paris was quite crowded this week before Christmas so when I realized we were alone in the underground tunnel I took this. I like that the natural light is pouring in from the street level on the stairs.

12.18.2006

Winter Calla Lillies


One of my favorite things about London (OK, I have a lot of favorites) will always be the flower stands from street to street. In this country where it is cold for most of the year, it always brings me joy to see flowers in bloom. With the weather what it is...I am sure that makes them even more vibrant and attractive for me to gaze upon. As we were walking in the city again today, we noticed a stand overflowing with flowers just off Oxford Street. It was beautiful and I could have stood there for an hour taking in the colors and the smells. I just love these calla lillies. I like the very smooth petals and the way they hang so pretty when they are all bunched together...perfect. There is just something blissful about flowers...

12.17.2006

Calling a Truce...


Today we were in the city sightseeing. It was crisp and cold but a beautiful day to be outside. We walked through Green Park next to Buckingham Palace just before dusk. As we did, the boys pulled out the American football from Johns backpack and started passing with eachother. Jack and Sam are eighteen short months apart in age. In case you dont know, that means that they are the best friends one second and then enemies the next! Some days (OK, most days...) there are battle lines drawn in our home between them. You can imagine how happy I was when I looked over and saw them having fun together. It was a good moment and they had several of those today. Yes...today was a good day.

12.16.2006

Visitors!


I have to say, I love this sign. When I am under it I am very excited! It means I am waiting for visitors. My sister and my niece landed here in London at 8:55 this morning. I snapped this while I was waiting for them at Gatwick Airport. I am hoping to share just a bit of my world here with them. I think that airports are fascinating. The hustle and bustle...the people coming and going from all over the world. I could people watch there all day long...no kidding. There has to be some study on human behavior set in an airport...

12.15.2006

Warmth in Winter


I wasn't looking forward to today. I was to be home all day cleaning for my sister and niece who are visiting from the States. I am a big procrastinator when it comes to cleaning. You know I can't be like a sane person and do a little each day...I work better under pressure! My husband disappears on these days with "important things to do"...hahaha. It took me all day and it is finally finished. I took this photo this morning before the smell of bleach and laundry was in the air. It was just breathtaking. Now that I am finally sitting down (it is midnight here), it was nice to look at this sunrise all over again. The image seems to reflect exactly what I was seeing. I hope that you can sense the vivid colors and the warmth.

12.14.2006

Hill View



This is the view of our small neighborhood from the foot of "the Hill"...Harrow-on-the-Hill to be exact. I like this view of all the homes lined up and at the top is the steeple of the Church of St. Marys. I have posted about that before. For more info on
St. Marys check out my post called "Quiet Retreat" from September 21, 2006. The skies are grey all winter here but no matter what time of the year it is...that beautiful green grass is a constant. It is the direct result of the downpours that we get...often! While I have been showing you all close ups of my life here, I though you all might like to see the bigger picture.

12.13.2006

The Simple Things



Here are two homes side by side in our neighborhood. I like the blue and the red doors...and notice flair in the brick work...unique!

12.12.2006

New Traditions...


We packed a 20 foot container to go across the Atlantic to London last year. Due to space where we were moving (or should I say lack of it), I did not bring our ornaments for Christmas. That was a mistake. I truly underestimated how important it would be for me to have our familiar trimmings as we decorated for the holidays in our new home. Despite feeling a bit lost in the holiday shuffle, we bought our tree last week and that night John put on those little white lights. I have to say that it is one of the prettiest trees we have had since we have been married. Pondering how to do ornaments since ours were all left at home was quite hard. After being inspired by a friend here, I decided to do things different this year. We purchased some Christmas movies and the kids and I sat for a few hours and made popcorn and cranberry garland for our tree. It was a real sweet time with my children doing something none of us had ever done before. A new tradition. A new memory. Later I snapped this pic of my son Jack. He single-handedly decorated our tree with a few ornaments that have been given to us by friends here...and he did a great job. I haven't moved one of them! Thanks Jack for picking up my slack...I can tell you that your excitement is contagious!

12.10.2006

Cold London Afternoon?


Yes, that is right...afternoon. I took took this picture at 3:45 pm outside our back door. The blues is this are breathtaking to me. Can you feel the cold air? I can. Come January here it will be pitch black by 3:30 and not light again until 9:00 am.

12.07.2006

Rainy Days and Thursdays...


always get me down. The morning started off not so well. My transition here has had its ups and downs. I have been realizing that I am still in the battle of surrendering to Christ...letting go of fears and control has been tough. Some days are better than others...it is a daily struggle. My husband and I met with some good friends of ours this morning and I felt very encouraged by fellowship and the scriptures we read together. I feel very loved by the community of believers here and I am so grateful in the Lords provision for me in these precious friendships. After lunch, John and I headed back home and I took this picture on the rainy High Street in our neighborhood. It is a shot of the Harrow School on the Hill. I love the old buildings and I never tire of looking at them and imagining it in another time...

Neighborhood Walk


In my project to bring you scenes from my daily surroundings, I snapped a pic of one of the entrances to a home near us. I enjoy the way people cut and shape their shrubbery here whether it is in the garden, the park or over a doorway. They are meticulously manicured with loving care on the little patch of land that they call home. You can find some pretty amazing gardens as you stroll the narrow streets. There is quite a picturesque feel in our neighborhood. From the old homes to the rod iron signs hanging on storefronts that make noises in the wind. These cozy welcomings only add to the feel of the area. Look for more tomorrow.

12.05.2006

Door to Door


Another day, another trip up and down familiar streets. Most of the pictures I snap are of my small little world here. I pass by this door quite a bit. Everytime it looks so inviting. I decided get a photo of the door knocker this afternoon. Maybe one day I will meet who is there...there is always tomorrow!

12.04.2006

Chimney View



One of the first things that I noticed when we moved here was the rooftops. The area where we live is quite old and the chimneys and roofs are reminicent of the Mary Poppins movie. There are very different from what you would see in America. I snapped this of a chimney that I see often from our home. Just liked the way it looked.

12.03.2006

The Bliss of Friendship


I am so thankful. God has put several wonderful women in my life....and each one of you know who you are! One of the hardest things about leaving to come here was dreading the physical and emotional separation from women that bring true joy to my life on a daily basis. Some of the women I had known for years, some for months. Strange how God put those friends in my life even just before I was leaving. I can't tell them everyday but not a day goes by that I am not thankful for you my friends.

I went to a lunch today for my friend Josephine. We met just 15 short months ago in the States and are living 45 minutes away from eachother here. Our paths have crossed by the grace of God and she has taken care of me here. I can be myself and she loves me anyway...while at the same time, pointing me to the cross. She celebrates her birthday today (I will be nice and not give out numbers...besides she would kill me!).

Today I decided to post my favorite pic of her. It was taken last May in Greece on a retreat that our families attended together. She looks joyful. When I see this I think of all the times we have enjoyed together. I can't remember what she was laughing about here but I can guarantee you one thing...my stomach was probably hurting due to laughter. What a blessing she is to me! Thank you Lord for providing for me through my friends...

12.02.2006

Day of Celebration

Today was a big day for us here...so y'all get two pics...enjoy!


Another year is gone. Hard to believe that my baby is seven. Time flies. Where did it go? As I do with each of my children on their birthdays, we took out Sam's baby album and looked through it together throughout the day. It really is so special every year to do that with them. I love the fact that he doesn't want to grow up. It makes me smile when he curls up tight in a ball to try to show me that he can fit in my tummy still. Those are among the thousands of moments that I will treasure of Sam. And everyday I am excited to make new ones with him. He is such a blessing and joy! Happy Birthday Sam!



Tonight we had a multi-cultural Christmas worship service. Alot of our South Asian friends and their families were there to take part in the celebration. The backdrop was so vibrant and colorful with the fabrics and the many women in their sarees. It was a festive evening of fellowship, dancing and of course...flavorful fare. The kids acted out the story of the nativity which was a much needed and wonderful reminder of the true meaning of this season. These are traditional Indian votives. They are beautiful all lit up and so I had to share a picture of them with you.

12.01.2006

Light Show


It was a perfect day to see a movie. It was rainy here all day (surprise, surprise) and now that it is December, it gets completely dark by 4:15 in the afternoon...nice, huh? We are celebrating a birthday of one of our children tomorrow who turns the big 7! He is so excited he can't stand it! So tonight we gathered up another family and went to see a movie. I snapped this as we were walking back to the car in the "car park"...for the people Stateside...that is a parking garage. I still have this thing for lines. I liked the way this looked...all the light cans lined up against some of the cement lines of the structure going in the opposite direction. And where the light and shadows fall make this a pretty interesting photo.

11.30.2006

Why I Love Flowers


Another one of my favorite things is flowers. Who doesn't love them? I took this picture at my friends home today. I was coming down her stairs and saw them in her foyer and just stared...and then got my husbands point & shoot camera. She is very creative and has an eye for putting things together. The flowers, mirror, and candles express..."Welcome into my home." How inviting and warm for this to greet guests upon their arrival. My day was better from just looking these. It has been 11 years since I snagged my better half...and to this day when I smell a Stargazer Lilly and I am wearing my wedding dress and saying "I do" all over again. That smell is so distinct to me that memories and emotions come flooding back. My favorites (besides the obvious Stargazers) are wildflowers...what are your favorites out there? I would love to hear.

11.29.2006

Finding the Words...


I am still struggling with exactly what to write here. Some things you don't need to describe because the picture says it all. Example...this is Ari. She is the daughter of some friends of ours. Her eyes are just beautiful and she looks so content. She is just now walking and trying to keep time with her older brother. She is one tough coookie so he better look out! I snapped this today while getting coffee with her mom. For those of you who know me, you know I am so NOT a coffee drinker. I ordered what is called a Luxury Hot Chocolate Abyss. Doesnt that sound wonderful? It was...every sip. Anyhow, Ari was trying to decide where to climb in the restaurant when I took this. I have enjoyed watching these children here grow and being a part of their lives. They are such a blessing!

11.28.2006

My Favorite Things

TWO NEW POSTS...My Favorite Things & Shameless Plug


One thing I have tried to do to help myself adjust to a new country has been that I have surrounded myself with familiar items. Let me first start by saying that I am NOT implying that I AM, in any way adjusted yet...my husband is probably thinking,"since when did you adjust?" Whether it is pictures, trinkets, quilts, scrapbooks, whatever...every now and then, I find myself feeling familiar in a strange place. I took this snapshot of a picture that I love. This photograph was taken by me, almost five years ago. It is our children on a cold beach in Florida...it is my favorite of them. Have you ever gotten that photo that was just right? This was mine. My brother-in-law who is in advertising...took the picture from me, added some effects and then had it printed on a huge piece if artists canvas that is about 16x20. Later that year, I had it put into a driftwood frame for my husband for Fathers Day. It was the first item in our home here in London to have a spot. Everytime I look at this, I feel joy. I thought I would share with you all just one of my favorite things...

Shameless Plug...


OK, no I did not take this pic...and yes, I will be posting another pic later...

I was inspired by another friend who blogs to share this...her own mother is the Appalachian folk musician...Anne Lough. My father Bill is the baritone in the Social Security Boys...he is the handsome man on the right of this CD cover (the one in the snazzy suspenders...oh wait, they all have those on). You heard right...my dad's CD "dropped" earlier this year. You can find a link to their website (with tour dates, CD's, contact info, etc) to the right of my page. If you like southern gospel music or know someone who does, it would make a wonderful gift for Christmas. I found out while I was home that they are playing on 1100 stations all over the States and the feedback has been very good. I am so happy for them. Way to go boys!

11.27.2006

Winter Trees


Just three short weeks ago this tree was filled with leaves...loads of them, so thick that you couldn't see through. After looking at it out of the window for a few days, I really do think that this is just as pretty. I love the blue, blue sky as the backdrop for this massive tree and all the branches protruding from it. I can truly appreciate every line I see. This photo looks very crisp and purposeful. Year after year, season after season, this tree does exactly what it is supposed to do. Without fail. What God intended for it to do. It comforts me that some things do not change.

11.26.2006

Sleepy Head


This is the perfect snapshot of my day (yesterday and today). Nice, huh? I have been asleep in this bed for the last 36 hours on and off. For some reason, the jetlag I am experiencing has been pretty rough. I have never had such a hard time adjusting to coming back. I am glad to say that I am feeling much better now and am hoping to be a productive member of my family by tomorrow (my husband is praying for that too)... :)

Please Stand By...

Hello friends.

After quite a journey yesterday and the worst case of jetlag I have EVER experienced...I am finally home. I arrived to gray, cold, and rainy weather in London...surprise, surprise. I will be posting my next photo later tonight. I am "in-between" cameras now with mine officially out of commission. So thanks for understanding that I am doing the best I can to make do.

Check back later for the next post with a pic. Thanks!

11.23.2006

Family Time


Is anyone else tired and full after the big Thanksgiving Day meal? I sure am...I was ready to sleep at 5pm tonight. I got this pic of my brother-in-law putting the finishing touches on his tasty dumplings. He made them at my request and they are just one of my favorites he makes. He's a country boy living in the city and boy can he cook! Thanks Janice (that is his mom)! It was a wonderful last day to spend with all my family. I am going to miss them so much. We will be on a plane for much of the day tomorrow crossing over into the London time zone.

It's time to go to my other home...

Thanksgiving Eve in Kentucky



The blues and oranges are beautiful tonight out my sister's back door. Once again, I am in awe of the Savior's blessings upon me. Missing my family and an ocean away, I am reflecting on how my Father showers me with His unconditional love...

"You are my God, and I will give you thanks;
you are my God, and I will exalt you."

Psalm 118:28

11.21.2006

How Inviting!


If this swing could talk...

Boy, would I love to hear those stories. Hung with love by my father...it has only been there for few years. Swung on by his 11 grandchildren (not to mention the brave adults). Open for fun during spring, summer, fall, and yes, even winter. I have to admit even at my age, I have gotten on it more than a few times for a ride...ok, it was a slow ride. How fun! It makes me feel like a kid again. I walked outside earlier today and there was my pic. The wind was as still as it looks in the photo. And very cold. Regardless of weather...how inviting that tire swing looked to me!

11.20.2006

Far From Home


This isn't my normal type of pic. I am showing you how we all communicate when we are on separate continents. I certainly don't feel 5000 miles away when I am looking at my husband on the webcam. We are a mac family and I dont know how I would be surviving without that camera. That sign he is doing is how we say I love you to eachother. I am so grateful that he has sacrificed for me to be here while my family needs me. It is not easy being the mom and dad while I am gone. I can honestly say that he is my better half. I know exactly what my blessings are this Thanksgiving....I miss you and I will be home soon.

11.19.2006

One Last Look


We finally left today for our road trip! I snapped this pic just outside my parents home before we pulled out of the driveway. I like the reflection of the trees and sky in the door. So clear. I miss home already. It was nice to get a reminder of all things familiar...the smell of my dad's pipe, my parents grilling out on the backporch and so much more. My hopes are that these things will last in my memory awhile until my next visit home.

Head In the Clouds


Another day, another beautiful North Carolina sky. The clouds are so different here than in London. I wonder why that is so. I guess it is the different atmosphere. Anyhow, I took this tonight just before dusk.

11.17.2006

Farewell Fall...


Aaaahhhh...the sounds of fall...leaf blowers! :) My mom and dad are so good with that stuff (outdoor stuff)...I never really got into yardwork! I snapped this today after the front yard was blanketed with leaves that had fallen over the past few days. The seasons change again...

Stillness


I never thought today I would get this picture. There was a torrential downpour in Virginia today, all day. The flooding, the powerful gusts of wind. In the end, I couldn't stop looking at the sky and how beautiful it was so quickly after the storm. As I was sitting on the front porch swing, out of the corner of my eye I saw this windchime, against the trees in the background and the clear sky. I watched the chime for awhile and it did not move. That is how calm the winds became. I was reminded of the song by Caedmon's Call called "There is Only One"...Here is the chorus...

There's only One, only One, who beckons the morning light,
There's only One, only One, who sets loose the gales and
ties the trees down tight

What a powerful picture. Why do I not remember the scope of His strength? Why do I think my own strength is good enough to rely on? God is so magnificient and powerful and yet gently cradles me close to Him. Just a reminder for me to go to Him in all my chaos and be still.

11.16.2006

State Line



OK. Sorry this took so long...I am experiencing technical difficulties in my travels not to mention my camera (it's official...it has been forcefully retired). The computer I went to use last night is on dial-up and it wouldn't let me load pics onto my page. But another day, another try and it worked! Here is a pic snapped as we crossed the state line from NC into VA. I planned a last minute trip to see some family there. I have always wanted to get this pic and never have. It seems like a lifetime since I have lived here but it wasnt that long ago. It really was good to be home...

11.14.2006

Pics of Home


I couldn't help myself...I would be kidding myself if I didn't have Target somewhere in my pictures while I am home. I was so excited to be able to go in and find anything I want...I could browse those aisles for hours. Yes, I understand that I could have serious problems. When I walked in for the first time after arriving here, I was completely overwhelmed with choices...and how ginormous (that is from one of my FAV movies...ELF, with Wil Ferrell) the place was. If you are wondering, my camera still does not work. I snapped this with my mothers camera tonight as I was attempting to do some Christmas shopping.

11.13.2006

Hues of Red


Other than the man at the camera shop saying "that isn't good" about 12 times in our conversation, as he was looking at my camera...there is no diagnosis yet as to if it will work for me in the future. His best guess was no. So, it wasn't a good morning. That being said, I realize that I can hardly have a negative outlook when I am passing these splendid trees while out driving today. Have you ever seen such a beautiful color? Is it ruby, scarlett, auburn??? I am not sure that there is a word for this color yet. Whatever it is..I couldn't take my eyes off of it. I am always in awe of the colors on the Lord's painting pallette...and that He constantly offers to us new and amazing things to gaze upon. Today I am feeling blessed.

11.12.2006

R.I.P


I can't believe that I am writing this on my blog...I snapped this pic early this morning during a downpour with my mom's camera. I wish that I could say that this is a pretty fall leaf that had fallen in a small pond and I just happen to catch it. But that is not the case. I woke up to realize that I had left my Nikon Digital SLR camera outside last night and forgotten to bring it in. This puddle is identical to the one that my camera was in when I found it this morning....drenched and waterlogged on my parents patio table. I don't have the words to describe how I felt at that moment...and that is rare that I am speechless. I have had it just over a year (my ten year anniversary gift...sorry honey) and it is my constant companion. It is ruined. For now, I will be using my mom's camera...and by the way, I am now taking donations for another one.... :)

11.11.2006

Fresh, Living Water


As believers, nourishment is vital to our walk with Christ. For the past several months, I have felt parched like no other time in my life...maybe it is because I know the difference now in my life when I am in His word and when I am not. For me, coming home is a chance to get sustenance. Spiritually and emotionally. I am praying for a moist, rich soil in my heart...so that the fruits of the Spirit can grow out of me freely, without restriction and please my Father. My starting place will be in His word. I passed by this watering can today and thought of one thing...the fact that in order for me to grow...I need living water.

Jesus answered, "If you knew the generousity of God, and knew who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water."
John 4:10

11.10.2006

FALL...again



I feel so blessed that I am getting to enjoy my favorite season twice in one year! Once in London, once here stateside! I love fall! The trees are now turning in North Carolina and they are beautiful. This tree is off of my parents back porch...when I saw the gold leaves against the bright blue sky I could not help but stare...and keep staring! Below is another bonus pic!

11.09.2006

Jack & Mom's Excellent Adventure

Scroll down to DAY ONE to get the pics on order...sorry they are so late!


DAY TWO...

This pic is from the Farmers Market here in Raleigh today. Don't these look so inviting? We had a nice morning walking from stall to stall and gathering up our favorite veggies to have with dinner tonight. It really was a photographers dream to stroll through here...the colors are beautiful and vibrant. Your senses are pulled in all different directions...the sights and smells. It made me want to eat it all! Jack especially loved the jars of honey with the honeycombs inside and the free samples of fruits that he could try.



Second stop...Flight 59 from London Gatwick to Atlanta. This had to be the longest 24 hours of my life. Jack did great other than the last 3 hours where he was literally arguing with me in his sleep while making sounds I have never heard from a human being. I got several great shots out the window of our 767 plane and this one was my favorite. We spent some of our time trying to figure out what these clouds reminded us of...some of our answers? Cotton, cotton candy, water, waves, snow and sand in the desert. 17 hours, 2 flights, and three time zones later..we were snoozing in the States! It was totally worth it.


DAY ONE...

First stop...Starbucks at the London airport. This is where Jack and I stopped to share our favorite drink...a strawberries and creme frappuccino...YUM! It was the perfect way to start off our time together. We only stopped there to get "reacquainted" with American culture...it worked! Hehehe.