Oh, Amber

Yesterday started out as the perfect day. The air was crisp, the wind cool, and the sky overcast. I opened the doors and windows of the house to let the breeze blow through. I even opened the basement walk-out door to air out that area. I made sure to put the lock on the screen door so that nobody would come in through the basement and kill me. One needs to think about these things, you know.

Upstairs I did the same; I opened the front door wide to let the breeze come in and make it look like this was a welcoming house. Then, I made sure to lock the screen door. I didn't want any cuckoos coming to the door, posing as salespeople, and killing me.

After seeing to the inside of the house, I deemed it necessary to earn a few wife points by mowing the lawn. (If you don't know about wife points, you'll want to ask my friend Anne. Every wife should know about wife points.) I opened the garage door, yanked the mower to the driveway, and began. It occurred to me that with the garage door open, anyone passing by would be able to see inside the garage and see the tools that Zac has been slowly acquiring. Anyone passing by would most likely want to steal them, and then come inside the house and kill me, so I closed the garage door and began mowing.

Can you see where this is going?

I had three passes of the lawn left when it occurred to me - I had successfully locked myself out of the house. Even the key we put in the "special spot" had no help for me because I locked those screen doors. The only way into the house was through the garage, and my garage door opener was locked in my car. Zac came to the rescue some time later, but that time in between gave me room to think. I sat in the backyard and realized that all my neighbors were home. One of the two guys on the right side was home, the guy on the left was in his backyard, and the wonderful woman down the street was home (as always). Most important of all, I didn't see any suspicious people lurking around the shrubs of any of our backyards, waiting for unlocked doors to use to gain entrance to our homes.

Yesterday's lock-out makes me think that my fears hurt ME the most.

Something About Today

Can wind carry feelings?
If so, today's wind is carrying inspiration.

It's one of those days where you know something great is going to happen.
It's one of those days that you see your to-do list and just don't care.
It's one of those days where you know you better have a pen in hand for the creativity that's about to hit.
It's one of those days where joy seems to burst out from every corner, and you hope you can document just a fraction of it.

The creative, cool wind enters in through the windows, moves with a mission, and leaves this house changed.

A Visit to the Farm

Zac and I decided to be part of a CSA this year, which stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA programs are good because they spread the risk of farming out among many people, create a connection between the grower and consumer, and provide those who don't live on farms with fresh produce each week.

Every Tuesday Zac and I receive a box of produce which is sent to a nearby grocery store from Featherstone Fruits and Vegetables near Rushford, MN. It has been exciting to receive that box every week; it's like Christmas!

In each box, there's usually at least one new vegetable that I've never had before. I'm thankful for the recipes they include in their newsletter which have given me ideas on how to prepare these new-to-me foods! I've been eating the healthiest that I ever have (mom, you should be proud), and I even found a way to enjoy spinach! Look out, some Popeye pipes are on the way!

Zac and I have been very pleased with the quality and quantity of produce we've received, and I grew even fonder of the farm when I got to visit on Wednesday! My mom and I drove to Rushford and got a tour of Featherstone, where we met wonderful people who are working hard to farm responsibly and raise good produce. Below is one plot that they farm which is nestled next to a beautiful bluff.

Zac had been talking about this surprise date for weeks ahead of time. I kept trying to guess what it was, but he wouldn't let on about any of the details. Finally, the evening came and he told me we were going to a concert. An India.Arie concert. My mouth dropped open and a huge smile engulfed my face. I love India.Arie. Her music is guaranteed to make this awkward white girl dance, no matter my mood. When I'm needing a pick-me-up, I put her tunes on and dance around the house. She's GOOD.

We made our way down to the college of St. Catherine's and approached the concert hall. People of all colors and styles were filing nonstop toward the doorway. Energy, excitement, and anticipation filled in all the empty spaces where someone wasn't standing. We found our seats, high up and directly in front of the stage.

The concert was truly phenomenal. She captured my attention the entire time with a delightful, genuine, fun performance. She even got this white girl to dance a little, although I felt shy sandwiched between beautiful black people who put my moves to shame! What a great night!