Evie Is Avant-Garde

Evie calls this "Snowman". 

This is "Julius the Monkey and Girl in a Bunny Suit".

And this is her studio, otherwise known as our living room. Unfortunately in this photo I neglected to include the third set of paints she used that were balanced on the arm of a chair to the right.

I think she's brilliant. How typical, right?

Sunny Day Regardless of Clouds

Our offer was accepted for the house we wanted! 

And not only did that bring big smiles to our faces, but these bloomed today. 

Awesome.

God's goodness still amazes me.

Farther Along by Josh Garrels

 This is a beautiful song. I want you to hear it. You can even read it if you like.

Farther Along 

Lyrics by Josh Garrels

Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
So, cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine
We'll understand this, all by and by

Tempted and tried, I wondered why
The good man died, the bad man thrives
And Jesus cries because he loves 'em both
We're all cast-aways in need of rope
Hangin' on by the last threads of our hope
In a house of mirrors full of smoke
Confusing illusions I've seen

Where did I go wrong, I sang along
To every chorus of the song
That the devil wrote like a piper at the gates
Leading mice and men down to their fates
But some will courageously escape
The seductive voice with a heart of faith
While walkin' that line back home

So much more to life than we've been told
It's full of beauty that will unfold
And shine like you struck gold my wayward son
That deadweight burden weighs a ton
Go down into the river and let it run
Wash away all the things you've done
Forgiveness alright

Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
So, cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine
We'll understand this, all by and by

Still I get hard pressed on every side
Between the rock and a compromise
Like the truth and pack of lies fightin' for my soul
And I've got no place left go
'Cause I got changed by what I've been shown
More glory than the world has known
Keeps me ramblin' on

Skipping like a calf loosed from its stall
I'm free to love once and for all
And even when I fall I'll get back up
For the joy that overflows my cup
Heaven filled me with more than enough
Broke down my levees and my bluffs
Let the flood wash me

And one day when the sky rolls back on us
Some rejoice and the others fuss
'Cause every knee must bow and tongue confess
That the Son of God is forever blessed
His is the kingdom, we're the guests
So put your voice up to the test
Sing Lord, come soon

Farther along we'll know all about it
Farther along we'll understand why
So, cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine
We'll understand this, all by and by 




This album is going to be in high rotation here at our house. The artist is a new favorite. And in another example of God repeating and bringing home His Word to me, this song happens to have an obscure verse reference that just last week I learned and love. 

Malachi 4:2

  But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy.

"Society is Afraid of Alonedom"

 Did I forget to share this with you until now?!
I'm so sorry. 

Tanya Davis is the performer/poet in this video... 

I relish her vulnerability, there is strength in it. 

I have posted another video of hers previously, I love it also.

I wish she would perform somewhere nearer to here than Canada, sigh.

I was out with a friend the other night and the topic of going to a movie alone came up in our conversation. Mentally and verbally I applauded her for doing so herself, and I was reminded of this video. These lines are especially nice.

"Society is afraid of alonedom, like lonely hearts are wasting away in basements, like people must have problems if, after a while, nobody is dating them. but lonely is a freedom that breaths easy and weightless and lonely is healing if you make it."

Tanya Davis

We shouldn't be afraid of being alone.

There is a lot to be said for the comfort of our own company.

A Botanica Family Membership Makes Me a Happy Girl

You might remember me whining about how much I missed our Botanica membership? 

Well, not to fear dear reader you won't have to hear anymore of that, we have one again! Happy early birthday to me, THANK YOU Momma! 

We are hoping to make it there this afternoon after Evie's "nap". 

And as a reward to myself for finally raking and cleaning out our flower-beds, I'm on my way to get some lovely pansies to brighten our front walk and porch. 

I'm thinking deep pink and plum colors...

I voluntarily set myself a spending limit for this nursery trip, Philip was quick to agree. 

He knows me so well.

Art Opening at Elevate

I forgot to tell you all that I have an exhibit on display in Lawrence, Kansas! 

And since Philip makes it a habit to be amazingly supportive, he stayed with Evie so I could go up over-night for the opening!

Autumn, the owner of Elevate, and her partners had expected about 150 people to attend, but the biggest conflict I can imagine in a college town happened; the K.U. Jayhawks had a championship game at the exact time the opening was scheduled. 

Needless to say, it was a modest turn out, but still a nice night! 

If you happen to be in the area or want an excuse to go up, you still can. 

There will be another event next month on April 29th (Final Friday), from 6-9pm at 

1403 Massachusetts.

The most exciting part of this is the location, Elevate. 

My cousin Autumn (who is the closest thing I've known to a sister), started this non-profit massage business, and 10% of their proceeds go to fund educational programs in Kenya.

I'm really proud of what she's doing!

Elevate also carries Bead for Life, handmade bead jewelry made from recycled paper, 

they work to eradicate extreme poverty in Uganda. 

It's an awesome place.

I couldn't resist this wall on the side of the building, the colors and textures!

This is the 14th Street entrance complete with sign made by Autumn's business partner Andy, and logo design by Elisabeth Owens. This entire endeavor is filled with gifted and talented people!

Here are some of my pieces from Haiti, 

next month there will be more hanging below this bamboo shelf!

$10 foot detox sessions in the far corner

Chair massages!

If you cannot tell already, Autumn has a complete knack for decorating! 

Everyone wants to move into this space.

I hated to use the flash in these rooms, the muted light was a big part of the ambiance, but I want you to see the Bead for Life and other fair trade merchandise.

This photo without the flash gives more the feel of the place.

These are some of my prints from Thailand.

Yummy food and another Emily.

Autumn and I.

And to end on the cutest of pics, here's Autumn with her daughter Gaia, and little Clover (who liked sitting by herself like a big girl, thank you!). 

Beauties!

Thank you Autumn for the opportunity to be a part of what you are doing! 

You are Wonder Woman.