Monday, January 14, 2008

A Great Article~ (makes me wish I could be on a mountain today)


So, I didn't write this. It came in an email, but I really liked it and thought it was worth posting:

Keeping Things In Perspective - Mountains
Mountains have always captured our imaginations, calling us to scale their heights, to circle and worship at their feet, and to pay homage to their greatness. Mountains can be seen from thousands of miles away, and if we are lucky enough to be on top of one, we can see great stretches of the surrounding earth. As a result, mountains symbolize vision, the ability to rise above the adjacent lowlands and see beyond our immediate vicinity. From the top of the mountain, we are able to witness life from a new perspective—cities and towns that seem so large when we are in them look tiny. We can take the whole thing in with a single glance, regaining our composure and our sense of proportion as we realize how much bigger this world is than we sometimes remember it to be.
Mountains are almost always considered holy and spiritual places, and the energy at the top of a mountain is undeniably unique. When we are on top of a mountain, it is as if we have ascended to an alternate realm, one in which the air is purer and the energy lighter. Many a human being has climbed to the top of a mountain in order to connect with a higher source of understanding, and many have come back down feeling stronger and wiser. Whenever we are feeling trapped or limited in our vision, a trip to our nearest mountain may be just the cure we need.
There’s a reason that mountain views are so highly prized in this world, and it is because, even from a distance, mountains remind us of how small we are, which often comes as a wonderful relief. In addition, they illustrate our ability to connect with higher energy. As they rise up from the earth, sometimes disappearing in the clouds that gather around them, they are a visual symbol of earth reaching up into the heavens. Whether we have a mountain view out of our window or just a photograph of a mountain where we see it every day, we can rely on these earthly giants to provide inspiration, vision, and a daily reminder of our humble place in the grand scheme of life.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Packing Procrastination

So, I sit here staring at a load of boxes, loads of laundry and Christmas remnants. I am so excited for our new home but I'm not sure where to even start. :)
The theme of the week is "streamlining". I even have one of the Ma's coming over to help me lose the stuff I don't need. I think there is something to be said for a minimalist lifestyle. All the "stuff" just bogs me down.
I've also decided that the majority of my decorating is going to be comprised of things reminiscent of/attained during my travels... of course, I'll need to leave plenty of room for the FUTURE ones. :) But seriously, I think it will be great for the things that surround me to have meaning behind them.
I think my love of art and plants has definitely led me to an overabundance of visually stimulating pieces. haha.
I will say, however, that the new home has a beautiful (original) working fireplace that I can't wait to use/ spice up with some amazing artwork (that I have yet to find-lol). Christian thinks a flatscreen would be the perfect artwork... I have other plans.
On a completely different note, but still in procrastination mode, I will say these last few weeks have really made me focus on the value of true friendships. Spending a week with Mari on the beautiful island of Rarotonga, made me sit back, breathe and reminisce. We recalled so many good and bad times... quirky times... ridiculous times that essentially formed important parts of who we are. As I prepared my "Maid of Honor speech" I realized I'd have to talk for the whole evening just to hit the tip of the iceberg on what we had experienced, how we have become all that we are and why Eric was a lucky lucky man. haha. It was also really awesome to be able to see him in a new light... surrounded by HIS core group of lifelong friends.
There's a quote that says, "Everyone is your life has been placed there with a purpose. What you choose to gain from them is up to you."...or something along those lines. Point being: Our true friends, the ones that have been there forever and will be there from now on out, definitely have a major role in the definition of "you"...
Then there's Anne. The second phase of our friendship started out with two completely different people and yet I think we've both learned SO much from each other... and retained positive qualities from each other that we maybe hadn't mastered beforehand. She is also my source of laughter in so many things. I completely value having a friend with a since of humor as goofy and quirky as mine. One outing and we have years worth of laugh-worthy moments. I don't even know how we manage to do it... maybe it's a language we developed in the first phase of our friendship (when we were 2-6 yrs. old). We definitely had just as easy of a time finding trouble back then as we do now. LOL
I could go on but the boxes are infusing guilt, the washer is done and Kahyim is entirely too quiet...
I'll post pics of the new house when I manage to get there! :)