He fixed my break.

And showed me how to get the most power out of my little body and little cue.

Before: After:

At Home

I went to a barbecue this evening at the home of one of the elders in my church. I am not one to particularly enjoy social gatherings, and honestly I rarely look forward to them. I prefer the heart to heart of more intimate encounters as opposed to the typical party conversation centered around the weather, how quickly the summer has flown, the MLB wild cards, or the Broncos.

Tonight was different. I was thoroughly looking forward to being at this BBQ. I was looking forward to the connection that exists between so many of the people, and the genuine concern that each has with the heart of the person standing next to them--regardless of whether or not they're acquainted. Maybe it's partially because of who I have become that I allow myself to trust (I honestly am amazed by the extent to which God has grown me through the love I experience with Kel), but I feel that I have finally found my home in Denver. I have finally found a place that my heart feels safe without any need of that fact being articulated.

Daily I am learning to love better and more honestly, and daily I am feeling that love returned. To say that I'm excited about my Denver family would be the understatement of the year. What a sweet, sweet blessing.

Straight Shootin'

Shooting pool is what Baba does. He has studied the science behind it, and has practiced for years. Last night, I had the opportunity to watch him play in the league he is a part of. When the other team forfeited and he realized he wouldn't end up playing, he told me to order a drink, reserve the front table, and get my cue.

He ordered his teammate to "open the door for my daughter!" and made sure that I was treated with respect while at the bar. He taught me how to make my break stronger, and taught me a new approach to my aim. He patiently taught me during my shot, while silently dominating during his. That man knows his way around the table!

It was so sweet to see my grump of a dad in an environment in which he is adored, respected, and relaxed. It was even sweeter that he let me be a part of it.

This is my custom 54" cue he had made for me. Her name is Tiger Lily (for the tiger-wood maple, of course). She is "Mei Mei sized."

Practicing my new break. "Sounds good" he'd yell down the stairs. He just hears a quality stroke....sheesh!

Such a special night.

Returning to Madison County

Since I came home from visiting Kelly in North Carolina, I've been going over in my mind what I might say about it on my blog. Should I mention the satisfaction we received from helping his mom, or the hours on end spent playing and singing, or the innumerable kind things done for me, or the blue grass music and quirky friends, or the overwhelming peace that resulted from such sweet company? I simply do not know where to begin. Our time spent in Marshall was precious and beautiful in every way--I'm still just basking in that. What an incredible fifteen days.

It's the little things...

...that put life in perspective.

A tennis ball.

An old, familiar dirt road.

The frogs Cindy collects in her garden.

The park bench I stop to stretch at after the first mile.

The apples growing in the sunlight.

The swings.

The beautiful sounds of a sweet man's music accompanied by a crackling fire, a running creek, and chirping critters.

So lovely.

It's that time again :).

Time for Moon Cake!!!!

Holden came back from Hawaii tall and tan!