beginnings of a new one.

oh what little faith i have to try and try
staying here
and the distant trumpet sounds within me cry
please be near

courage is of willing heart and humble state
wanting more
and the distant pathway winds toward the gate
what's in store...in store?

running down into the sea to wash away
all the fear
arms held open toward the sky, round they sway
falling tears

car of my dreams?

the truth is, i don't have one. everyone has a dream car, it seems.

in high school i wanted a 69' Mustang...that was high school. it would be fun to drive a VW golf...or a mini coop. but there isn't a car i dream of having.

Artghost.

Artghost is 2 independent designers, Eric Adler and Liz Wong, working out of Seattle. they handcraft everything on their site. their retro 50's paintings and greeting cards are great...hope you see this and laugh like i did.

Tire Swing.

"Joey never met a bike that he didn't want to ride.
And I never met a Toby that I didn't like.
Scotty liked all of the books that I recommended.
Even if he didn't I wouldn't be offended."

love this chorus...good job Kimya Dawson.

Most.

in 2003, this short film came out. Most is a Czech film with English subtitles. i saw it last weekend for the first time. i wish i would have seen it sooner. it is incredible. truly.

at times, i become numb to the idea of the cross...being that i have been constantly reminded of it and it's significance in my life since i was little. i take it for granted. the concept of sacrificial love was renewed in my mind and heart this weekend after watching this short film.

i ordered 2 copies today. if you haven't already watched Most and would like to, i would love to let you borrow it.

sweet Jo.

i realize it can be awkward to blog about your friends when they are an actual 'blog friend.' i just have to. i have a friend, and many of you know her...her name is Jolleen - also known as Jo Jo (not to be confused with Jodeling).

it is hard to write in words how sweet Jo truly is. there are few friends in life who give, encourage, and love you at all times. Jo is that friend to me. she is always steadfast. always trustworthy. always loving.

last night, i had a show at Flying M. Jo brought me a card and the most adorable vase you have ever laid eyes on with flowers in it...just to say good luck. she also brought me a card for my first (bigger) show a few years ago - and i still have it in my guitar case.

all this to say, i am so grateful to have her in my life. everyone needs a Jo Jo.

watching houses.

we went on many road trips growing up. as we drove through city or countryside, i would always watch the different houses we passed (as much as you can watch driving 60 mph by a house). i usually didn't notice what each house looked like - i was looking for signs of life in or around the house....kids playing in the yard, the soft glow of a lamp in the front window, people watching television, etcetera. what kind of family life do they have? do their parents treat them well? are the kids slobs? i wonder if they have traditions? these are the kind of questions i would ask. i always hoped for the best.

i drive by many houses each day now...except i am the driver. and i usually notice what the houses look like....the color, style, yard.

i want to be a watcher again.