I'm stealing this from Megs because my entire family will love it!!!

Hey fam, notice anything about this girl's eyes?? First thing I spotted. :) Her eyes (which might also be green), no lips, "mousey brown hair"...I think we may have a long-lost sister. The nose is entirely different, but we all three have different noses, so chances are a fourth would have some random nose too. Or, you were telling the truth all these years and you really did find me in a puppy box, and I just found my real sister.

I little bit about Tennessee. Sunday afternoon, after church and lunch at Leper's Fork we stopped at the Flea Market. (Is that really how you spell it?) Though we were only there an hour or so, I found a few special new treats. I wish we had flea markets around here! It was incredible: rugs, antique jewelry, furniture, and all sorts of vintage doo-dads.

These mason jars go for $30 dollars at the antique store near my house. I bought these three for $3 each. I also learned from the seller that these jars, with 13 on the bottom are commonly sold for $70. They were considered unlucky and therefore housewives would break the jars after using the contents. So few remain they are now collecters items. Imagine, sometimes it really does pay to not follow the crowd. ;)

Inside, I found this wrought iron frying pan. The Pioneer Woman served her Rosemary Dinner Rolls I'm in love with, in one and I loved the presentation. After deciding to buy it for "baking" I realized it would be a fun purchase for it's conventional uses too. This is my $8 wrought iron frying pan. It's wanting a little scour pad loving, but if you're ever over for dinner you might see it full of the most delicious dinner rolls you've ever tasted.

And of course with all the sweet boutiques we wandered (including Posh, one of my favorites and only in Tennessee) I found a few other purchases, including a shirt (not pictured here) that Kristin informed me looks like the top of an 80's prom dress. "What are you doing?" "I'm looking for scissors. I just want to cut those frumpy sleeves off that thing." Thanks sister. :P

Reading through old poems... this will always be a favorite, and just feels perfect for today's stormy-looking weather. (I know I've posted it here before.)

Saturday, December 11, 2010
Building Forests

The danger of a little girl like me, who's very name is Hope, is she can't help but build forests with whatever seeds she finds to sow. Oh fell the trees. And while her tears fall at dusk, let them feed those seeds no more. Tell her some trees grow for centuries and can't be moved by a passing breeze. They were planted long before you Hope, but Hope is carved at their feet, and whispered by their leaves.

PS, I wrote something new today, if you know the secret password. ;)

I'm kind of antsy to go hike Granite now... thanks to a good 'ol chat with LBL accompanied by a roll of photos he took two weeks ago.  Anyone?? Up for a hike, perhaps next weekend? 

The conversation began something like this:

LBL: Yes, Katrina?
Me: Oh, just wanted to look out the windows. (His office is all windows and looks out at the mountains and the Sound - we'd been talking earlier this morning about how I have NO windows where I sit.)
LBL: Oh yes, it's important.
Me: It looks like it's going to storm! :)
LBL: What are you going to do this weekend Katrina?
Me: Oh, lots of things.  You wouldn't approve of my weekend plans. (He criticizes me for being too busy with things that are for other people.)
LBL:  What about boys? Are you going to meet any boys?
Me:  Mmm, nope.
LBL:  Oh well then it's all a waste! A waste, Katrina!
.....

The debate: Tomorrow. Do I go the productive route? Violin lesson, gym, to the office to make up some hours, church, evening with friend. Or? Do I return from my lesson and spend the day like this? Blankets, book, coffee and the porch swing.  I'm pretty sure I'll go with the first, but I'm indulging momentarily in daydreaming about the second.   Perhaps, I will make that the majority of my Sunday.  That, and a fun birthday gift project I've been thinking up... :) Oh weekends, you are lovely.

Someone was supposed to make me a quilt, a few years back.  I picked out patterns, and colors.  I wonder whatever happened to that.  Hmmmm.  I wouldn't mind getting one for my 25th birthday, perhaps one that matched my room, with tans, browns, maybe some olive green and/or the 'terracotta' color of my wall.  Hmmmm.  I wonder...  ;)

Good Morning.

And Happy Friday!

You put your arms around me and I'm home.

(Christina Perri, Arms)

These three dresses are so lovely. As I was looking at them, I started thinking back on dress shopping with my sister Kim, and then Elise. The fact that Elise brought me along on such a special day still touches my heart deeply and remains one of my most treasured memories. I just realized for the first time a fun detail: Kim brought along Tina with us girls and my mom when she went in search of her dream dress. Kind of fun when you see families tied in many ways.

This is probably one of the most incredible pictures I've seen. My first thought was, I'm going to do that on my wedding day. It seriously didn't strike me until just now, about an hour later, that neither of my grandmothers will be at my wedding. And that, that makes my eyes fill up with tears that quickly, surprises me. My mom's mom passed away when I was still a baby and yet because of how much my mom has shared with us all about her, I don't really realize that I never knew her. I feel as if I do know her, I still know her. And my Dad's mom passed away when I was about 12 I think. I knew her, and wish I'd known her more, and known her in her earlier years. My parents love and honor their parents, but still in so many ways they've been the "firsts" or "seconds." They're first generation Christians, and that changes everything to begin with, but there's much more than that. They're building generationally and parenting in ways their parents just never did. I'm excited for my children to one day know their grandparents.  Normally it doesn't get to me too bad, but still, there's times my heart aches for my grandma to be near, to know life in a generational way that I don't. To have a photo of my hand, my mother's, and my grandmother's, to have a symbol of the wives we've been and the families we've cared for. I'm so grateful for my mom, for all she's fought to learn and change. For how she's honored her mom, and transported her character into her daughters' lives and hearts. And for how she's added to the legacy by forgiving, growing, and learning many things as she goes. You're really remarkable mom.  

Dear Literary Friends (and Austen lovers - of which I am assured there are two classes),

I am reading Emma.  I bought it a couple weeks ago and placed it in my queue.  Funny since Braden told me yesterday, "You should read Emma next."  I began laughing because I'd started it that morning.  So here you are friends, I've begun my second Austen novel.  So far, I'm enjoying it, but I'm on my guard for the emotional hurricane I know she's setting out to stir up.  Judging by the fact that she got to me in Persuasion, (that letter-writing scene?!) and this one is 3x the size, I'm a tad bit frightened.  Obviously I know the story, but one must read a famed author with a bit of fear whether or not they've seen the "film."  It's not just the story, it's the craft and say what I will (and have), I know Austen has a lot of...craft.  So here we go. 

With Love and Attention, 

Katrina

I need to share something that's really been bothering me.

I end sentences with prepositions.  Often.  :(   I know it's wrong, but sometimes it just sounds right.  I might try to rearrange the sentence, but then I think "Egh."  And I leave it. 

I did it at least twice just yesterday.

Do you make others feel valuable?  Loved?  Wise?  Brave?  Beautiful?  Capable?  I want to.  Lord, root out the self love and competition that keeps me from raising up others above me, without limits or hope of recompense.  

A Little (Afternoon) TMI:

Another from TKOW.  She's an English Lit. major and I tend to appreciate her, or at least laugh at her... as is the case here.  Only, because.... well, you probably know.

Comment from TKOW reader:

Kind of curious that you look for grammatical awareness in a man but you struggle with your own grammar a lot of the time. but it's good to know that you do appreciate it though!

-Anonymous

TKOW's Response:

I need him to help me, duh! Hahah, I am always rushing, when I type and talk to get my ideas and feelings out before they disappear, I tend not to stop and take a breath, I think having a helping eye with the editing is always good.
However I am talking more in the sense that in conversation and text he can compose words fully. I hate texting guys who respond with “u” and “lol”. Thus, grammatically “aware”.

Us English majors, we're tough critics of those who can't use proper grammar.   My eye seems to find every grammatical error in a brochure, handout, menu or novel (and I will literally circle it in my book and consider mailing back the copy to the editor just to notify him.   So far, I haven't mailed one.)   Yet, I know my blog is littered with misspelt words, typographical errors, excessive commas and more smiley faces (emoticons) than an old Walmart commercial.   I KNOW!   And I'm with TKOW, the very reason we're so tough: we're hoping to find ourselves a free editor.  ;)  I've definitely given a few guys a friendly brush-off because of their insistence on spelling "your" as "yer" or the like (TMI? Probably).   I'm okay with "lol" and even "u."   I use both.   But, if you're not even cutting out a syllable, or you're using the same amount of letters just to spell a word like a thug or toddler... I cannot help but lose trust in you as a possible partner for all of life's challenges.   Grammar is important, for landing jobs, and a wife.   Learn it.   Use it.

Flaunt that command of the written and spoken language, it's handsome.  As illogical as it may seem, it makes a girl think you might be able to handle a drill, or her heart.  And if you can play with words, you can probably play with kids.  If you can pay attention to your grammar,  you just might pay attention to the special dates, new shoes or the subtle sadness that gives her hurts away.  Okay maybe that's just English Lit. girls. ;)    And as I already confessed, we may just be looking for a free editor, because Lord knows in our fury of typing out the worlds in our head, we need a steady guy to spell check!

[Believe it or not, I did not write this list.   TKOW did.   I seem to be liking her blogs more and more lately.  There's some things in there my little Romantic dreamy mind will probably steal away for my own someday lists.  Megs and I played this game once, and it ended up being one of many of my favorite times together.  Taking turns sharing ideal dates.  It's probably nothing special to the majority of girls, but to us, it was a blast to dream and giggle aloud together about all the special and semi-common things we're going to relish when our one days become today.  -Katrina]

------------

Dates I think about planning…. eventually.

I am single, but that does not stop me from planning kick ass dates in a future world where I have a future honey that enjoys the same things I do.

1. Gun range.
2. Professional Stunt Driving lessons (Yeah, if and when I am made of money)
3. Scavenger hunts in a big city library.
4. Woolrich outlet store in Woolrich, Pa
5. MMA classes
6. Sailing
7. Drive in movies with a homemade dinner
8. Dance lessons
9. Playing with nieces, nephews, cousins, any little kids. There is just something great about getting back to the care free attitude with little ones.
10. Kickball guys verse girls.
11. Never ending tally of thumb wars. Just pick up where we left off ex. 32-21, in your favor, for now.
12. Music festivals. Newport Folk Fest especially.
13. Laying around watching movies and eating bacon.
14. Laying around and reading the same book.
15. Flea market, each go in with $20 separate and haggle for the best present for the other person.
16. Go to the local arcade and play any of the games with the gun controllers, take a nearly endless supply of quarters and snacks.
17. Make things. Bookshelves, bed frames, tables, anything.
18. Get dressed up and sight see. Be a tourist.
19. Paintball.
20. You teach me something, I teach you something. I teach you how to bake french bread, you teach me how to tie special crazy knots.

September in Seattle:  A great time for...

PICNICS!

This cracked me up... as it sounds very, very familiar to me. I think a couple (strike that - three, no, more) of my best friends would be classified as Left Brain. Only, insert "words" where it says "numbers" - for ONE of them.

And then, I saw this.   : /

At first, I felt mocked.  lol.  I can see a mix of both in all of my friends the more I think about it... and in me.  And I think we should all be grateful for that.  But still, fun to see how friendships grow across these paths and between these very different personalities.  We're better for the people we allow close to us.  Life is so much more of a joy when we stop trying to turn others into ourselves, and we begin to see how much we need one another... Friendships become blessings (not to mention, communication begins to become a bit easier). 

21/25

Nightmare Abbey reminds me of a book one of my friends would write.  A certain friend who likes to tell me I'm too sentimental.  The entire book seems to be a satire on many of the British female writer's many of my friends are so fond of.  I must confess, I was laughing along with the author, and even from time to time at myself.  I couldn't help picturing a young guy much like my friends, sitting down with a pen and a great fondness of teasing.  I plan to read some academic essays on it, as I know there was a great deal being discussed that I missed, issues surrounding the British Radical culture that followed the French Revolution, popular culture and literature and philosophy.

Hey, Morgs...

Let's get on with that taking over the world bit. ;)

It's not always about what you can see, or understand. And right now, I like that.  To think He trusts us with one another's hearts, dreams and destinies.  I'm grateful ultimately, it will be Him who finishes the work He's begun in each of us.  His faithfulness carries peace to me.  It carries me in peace.

Waiting at the airport to leave... it's a horrible feeling.  

When I get home I'll add some of the photos of my short but very sweet (double meaning) visit with Kim & Jason here in Nashville.  It's amazing how different the city seems to already be from my visit two years ago.  I suppose it found me very different this trip too.  One great new change, they've opened a few great coffee shops! 

Alright, we're boarding.  See you all soon.  

In recent news (like the backyard last night).

First sips of deliciousness 

Sorry if this photo is stepping over that line of obnoxious "let me share every detail of my life."  (You know, the ones who post every time they have a 'great exercise' a cute outfit, or read their bible? One's fine. Maybe even one a day.  Don't turn our livefeeds into your life's daily stage directions.)  But, I am very excited, and since I've been spamming you with my personal journey of coffee-surrender these past weeks, I feel it only proper to share this moment of sheer happiness and celebration with you, my beloved readers.
Turns out, when you've been off coffee for a bit, it can give you quite a caffeine high.   After a couple hours of serious giggles and hyperness at work, I am crashing.   That was interesting.   (2 hours to go. And lots to now do.)

Coffee, I'm on my way. : )

Tomorrow is the start of my vacation -- and the day I get to taste coffee again!!

Getting a little excited, can you tell? On Friday mornings we do a coffee run at our office. I think we are going to run a few blocks further and get Pete's to celebrate!!

Our first trip to Tennessee, August 2005.

A few days later Kim was engaged.

Kim and Kristin started going to the Ellensburg Rodeo when I was in Junior High, and then began taking me.  It became a sister tradition.  And then Kim moved to Tennessee. 

20/25

(And another to check off the Guardian's list!)

A quick word on Men Without Women.

I haven't read much Hemingway.  This summer I read In Our Time, one of his collections of short stories (and his first work published in the US).  It left me deeply impressed, but with a sad, uncomprehending impression. There is no doubt why he became known as "the voice of the lost generation." When I picked up Men Without Women from the library and discovered it was once again a collection of his short stories and once again hosted similar (and some of the same) characters, I must confess I sighed a small, heavy sigh.  But there's a reason why The Guardian included this collection in their top 100 novels ever written (novels?).  Once again the overall feeling is very heartbreaking, as it listens in on a couple discussing an abortion, watches a boxing champion's downfall, a young man's first real heart break, and the death of a famous matador.  Hemingway's narration skills that won him the Nobel Prize in literature make this book an enticing read.  While it is sad, don't expect it to be painful.  It's beautiful.  And his skillful handling tells you just what you need to know, in the most offhanded way.  If you're wanting to learn from masters of the craft, read Hemingway for his narration, his voice, and his ability to make a reader feel pain for a world that sometimes seems so distant from our own, filled with characters just like ourselves.  And if you're going to read Hemingway, read Men Without Women.

Sunrise, Sunrise looks like morning in your eyes

The picture never does do it justice, but what a lovely show it was from the bus stop this morning. As if the skies weren't grand enough, the pavements decided to reflect the myriad of colors as well.

I sat beside you and became myself today.

-Joshua Radin

Spotted.   Look what we found today!  Only a few blocks from our office.  This will mean more to me next week.  I'm pretty certain it's new. 

Would not mind this coat, or those shoes one bit.

So a certain couple of my (male) friends keep commenting on how girls seem to all love fall.  I'd just like to say, that in my house, it's my dad who loves fall and my mom is already grieving the dying days of summer.  I began loving fall as a little girl, out taking walks with my dad.  We had to get Starbucks just to keep our hands warm as we strode along (dad doesn't hold hands, he needs 'to keep his stride/ flow going').  I'd be bundled up in a coat, and hopping from leaf to leaf.  Still today, I can't seem to keep myself from hopping on every leaf I think might give a little crunch.  Our conversation was trailing behind us as little white puffs.  If on the Burke Gilman and headed toward Seattle, we'd always stop and sit and the log (still do).  If headed the opposite way, we'd walk over to the long arching bridge over the slew and just stand there, taking in the view of the changing trees reflected in the slow rolling water.

I love the summer.  I love the endless days of swimsuit wearing (or what once was), playing in the water, reading in the grass, bonfires and late nights out on the patio.  I love that the sun is up before me, and stays out to play 'til late.  I love the Perseids.  I love sun dresses and sandals and painted toes.  Long car rides along the coast, or runs out along the trail.  I LOVE summer.  But when fall peaks in its sweet, warm and ever so familiar head, I run to give it a HUGE hug, and a cup of hot coffee or cocoa. 

Fall is promise and hopes and memories.

A, it's Zooey Deschamel and I love her.  B, she's playing the violin.  C, yeah.  I play this song.  I know. Be impressed.


PS, She and Him are actually pretty great... in my mind. But that's the sort of music Kristin still teases me for... and my dad likes to comment that it sounds straight out of the 60s or something. I sort of love it. :)

The past couple weeks, I've been relearning that the Lord is near.  And that all of life is designed to cause us to turn into Him.  I'm not exactly an extrovert, or an introvert I guess (I talked about this with a wise friend for a bit yesterday). I do like for things to be worked out. So even though I naturally don't talk about the things that are deepest in my heart, I'll try to talk out whatever's gone awry in a friendship.  But, every now and then I seem to enter these seasons where I can't really explain or figure out what exactly has gone wrong... and it seems to usually be a pile at once.  And that also results in or coincides with a sort of alone season.  And then I remember that I just have to turn into Him.  Just sit and let Him be near, because I'm not going to be able to sort this one out in my head, or with my words as much as I want it to all just be right. 

I'm talking with my sister (Kim) about what movie to see at the
 drive-in this weekend. 

Somethings you take for granted, until you can't.

And now I'm tearing up at work... over a drive-in. 

If you don't know what I'm feeling, I can't explain it to you. 

But, if  you've lived away from family before, you get it.

Little moments together are no little matter.

Next book

No. 11 on The Guardian's Top 100 Novels Ever Written

Nightmare Abbey

Started it last night...