Two Hearts, One Suitcase, No Map

Moving is such a strong word but its the only one I have that fits. Sorry my friends, I never meant to be dramatic. Over the past year Nate's been working on the west coast.  The latest project's taken him to San Francisco. He's been traveling back and forth while I worked on a plan.  

Thankfully, the Lord has brought all the details into play. None of it's long-term. It goes a little something like this: Tuesday, May 5th: Nate, Sophia & I, travel to San Francisco for some much needed family time. We will be living in a lovely flat in San Francisco exploring the city and living like locals.

June 2nd or so, we will have a lovely family moving into home while they relocate from out of state.

June 24th our family is planning on returning to Iowa camping-out at my parents between travels.  

After that I'm not sure. We may be traveling some more but it's all in God's hands. Right now, I'm so thankful it's all working out. I'm looking forward to rest and change of scenery. I'm looking forward to being done moving!

Miles to go before I sleep.

A couple of the items on my list at the moment:

Paint over the crayon marks on the wall.

Replace the batteries in smoke alarm (in our two story living room! Who ever thought that was a good idea?)

Move clothes into my parents house.

Pack for San Francisco. (10 days and counting)

Finalize rental agreements on our home here and our temp housing in San Francisco.  

This is when I really believe in the grace of God (and divine intervention!) I'm not coordinated enough to do all of this while Nate commutes back and forth. But yesterday, when I was completely out of strength, my mother and grand-mother breezed in. They're pro's! It's very obvious that the domestic gene, running proudly through the women in my family, skipped me and went straight to my daughter. She's so happy with a Clorox wipe in her hand scrubbing away!   Sticking to something I'm good at--I made lunch and then marveled at four generations gathered around the table.  Hard work yes, but very sweet memories!

I HEART GOOGLE EARTH

Two things I'll admit to:

Being a travel control freak (ask my family)

Assuming most technology is overrated.

With Google Maps/Street View and Craigslist I can take over the world! Not only can I check out a possible place to stay, but I can visually walk down the street and around the corner checking out parking, local food joints and even the shape of the neighborhood. It's so good I feel like I can peer into windows! Course nothing that sophisticated has been done in Cedar Rapids Iowa--but San Francisco here I come!  

It was the Best of Times. It was the Shortest of Times!

They say anything worth doing is worth doing well.  Recently, for our family the axiom would be better said; anywhere worth going--will take you some time.  This weekend was unfortunately a prime example.  After wishing each other anniversary tidings over I-chat on Thursday.  I was thrilled Friday to head to Des Moines (why there and not the Cedar Rapids airport? long story. ) I'd scored a 4 star hotel on Priceline.com ($45.00!)  Making the best of Nate's 10:30pm arrival I was looking forward to a little 'me time' to get all dolled up.

We'd celebrated our first anniversary similarly only six weeks after Sophia was born. Safely stowing her with adoring grandparents we drove west to Des Moines visiting Jasper Winery, La Vida Loca Winery, and Summerset Winery, to name a few.  Apparently Iowa was prime wine country at the turn of the century until farmers discovered that corn was a much more valuable cash crop! (sigh, what a loss.)

Nate, my brilliant husband, came up with the idea of recreating this lovely little adventure.Since someone had to pick him up Friday night. Why not a romantic rendezvous and visit our favorite little wine haunts on our way home Saturday? 

Life inevitably gets in the way of the most romantic plans. Friday was not the exception. Leaving Cedar Rapids in a flustered mood unable to find my valuable little make-up bag no idea when I'd seen it last (after all my husbands out of town all week) 

Then I tried to keep my chin up when he called--bad weather in Houston and he'd be running late. How late?  Three am to be exact.   Consoling myself at the outlet mall along the way, I figured big king bed is only a little comfort when your in it by yourself on your anniversary!

   

Needless to say we didn't make it to any of the winery's this trip.   We did stumble into Thai Flavors in Des Moines.  A surprising little hole in the wall with some of the most incredible Panang Curry I've ever had.

  

Unfortunately, this wasn't the end of the our saga (I never found my make-up  but it didn't seem to matter much to Nate)  Time wasn't on our side this trip as we said goodbye less then 42 hours later.  (I know I counted!) It only took Nate 13 hours to get here and ten to get back! 

In the end, the time we had together was very sweet.  We were able to fit in time together and plenty of quality time with Sassafras.  Maybe next year I'll try Sarah's Panang Curry recipe to recreate this  short but ardent anniversary?

Happy 4th Anniversary Baby

Where he is, I am home. 
-- Julia Evans 
In hindsight, I'd still choose you. 
-- Natana Gill 
Wonder-filled, and never a dull torment. 
-- Diane Ackerman 
Endurance is an expression of love. 
-- Lee Woodruff
Everyone's crazy except you and me. 
-- Mark Frauenfelder 
May I have the last dance? 
-- Robert Hass 

My heart is my strongest muscle. 
-- Shanna Katz 
He's Velcro, I'm Teflon ... love endures! 
-- Kay Murcer 
Her beautiful eyes ... my guiding light! 
-- Bobby Murcer 
My life's accomplishments? Sanity, and you. 
-- Elizabeth Gilbert 
What once were two, are one. 
-- George Saunders 
What do you want for dinner? 
-- Drew Magary 
We belly laugh every single day. 
-- Michelle Ottey 
Love means lying about my weight. 
-- Ann Ingalls 
Hearts never look both ways first. 
-- Tanya Jarrett 
A kiss can write a secret. 
-- Annmarie Howell

Maybe I've seen to many movies? (Actually I haven't seen Duplicity- my mom mentioned it!) When our cable went out on Saturday your first thought may not have been sabotage?  But then you didn't see just how desperately it crippled Nate's work.  In the (cough) CABLE INDUSTRY!  Smack the middle of a highly competitive, contentious project and poof every things gone!  No phone, no TV, no internet!  Now this wasn't the end of the world. (Course didn't help that I was sick and had NO voice-VERY quiet weekend in our house!)  But when the cable guy scratched his head today telling me the problem was OUTSIDE! Hmmm? Then a simple twist and we were back in business? Just in time for me to do important blogging while Sophia catches up on her Little Einsteins!   Makes me wonder? Anyway! Can't blame a girl for wanting a little excitement in life?

Happy Easter From Our Family To Yours

^"5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." Matthew 28:5&6

Easter Egg Hunt!

Sophia & Nana we're very excited about the annual egg hunt at Gi-Gi's house (Great Grandma & Grandpa's lovely retirement home)  My husband said it best--being with older people and little people in the same place helps you see what life's really about.

HAPPY 25th LIL' BROTHER!

Coffee Break with Daddy!

This morning Nate & I finally used our Mac's to Ichat. Even though he'd just left us, it was ate 4 am and we were far from coherent. Several hours later and a cup of coffee he had a lay-over in LasVegas.  What a perfect daddy date.  Sophia loves to see all of us on the computer and we get some virtual quality time before Nate gets sucked into meetings and the business of the day. What a wonderful gift!

Music in the M.U.D. (Marion Uptown District)

Nate & I had a great time last night at Cedar Rapids Gallery Tour.  We met a FABULOUS Russian artist based out of Iowa Tatiana Anatolievna Ivaschenko. We also met Julie McGlauflin,  Iowa paper artist who's gorgeous work is on display at the Campbell Steele Gallery.  We're thrilled to hear the gallery is starting a great new event of music & wine surrounded by great art!

Each Saturday evening. The bar opens at 5:00, with music from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

April 4 / The John Shultz Trio
April 11 / John Shultz solo at The Grand Mesterhazy
April 18 / Pat Smith & Rich Wagor Duo
April 25 / World Port

No admission charge

Make plans to stop in for a glass of wine on your way to dinner ... We'll have a cash bar at our wine bar, featuring a wonderful selection of wines by the glass and by the bottle, as well as an assortment of great beers.

In Progress

                                    Too many gods. . .

The gilded spines line the walls

Like eyes the haunt me. Following me. 

The penetrating eyes of forgotten children--displayed for judgment.

Like a protective mother I long to love them all, breathing comfort and purpose.

How can anyone appreciate each one when there are so many?

 

Reaching out for some ones baby, innocent and pure.

I receive a caged clone.

Grown-up parts captured on a page.

They bite, they hiss, they shock, they kill.

My scared hands help me see

Not all books are meant for me.

Open Invitation

Personally, I don't get poetry.

I don't know the rules

I hum along like an outsider 

Recently every aspect of life has been challenged, even my ignorance of poetry.

If you get poetry, or are up for a little culture please join us:

Voice Box Poetry Slam

9pm, Every Thursday

Paul Engle Center

1600 4th Ave SE

Cedar Rapids, IA

What we've been up to. . .

IMAGO CHRISTI @ CENTRAL PARK

"They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:47