so, because i don't necessarily have a cohesive thought put together, here's a few mini ones. that always seems to get the ball rolling.
i love this season. i love this season. i love this season. there's an extra awareness of gratitude, which is so sweet and good, and the bubbling excitement of what is coming so soon (at least for me... i'm crazy about christmas!), and so many intentional gatherings with the most loved ones because of the season. it's unlike any other time of year that way and i really cherish it.
i'm trying to navigate gift-giving this year. i'm really moved by a way of living that is less. less stuff, less buying. pushing back from the ravenous beast that is consumerism and so easy to be swept in because it's so cultural. ugh i'm so snarky towards black friday. and the spirit of obligation or gift comparison. those two things make me want to throw up. ha. i was going to try to get my family to think about maybe skipping gift-giving this year, but i genuinely enjoy and greatly value giving and generosity. basically i want to do gift-giving well this year. to give a little bit more than i think i can, in ways specific and personal to the people, and find creative ways to give as well as different people to give to.
seriously, you guys, if anyone has any tips or anecdotes or ideas, i would be so grateful to hear them! what have you learned or do in this area that you could share with me? ALL ears.
josh garrels has a christmas album coming out and i am SO FREAKING EXCITED i can hardly stand it.
not sure how it was possible, but i managed to outdo myself in my previous cactus-killing records...(remember this?!) a whopping THREE DAYS this time, you guys, and the brand new cactus i bought (even worse, it was supposed to be a gift for someone! *palm to face*) i literally DROPPED IN THE PARKING LOT head-first where it came out of its pot, dirt and all, after leaving it in my car to get very cold for two nights. oh, alexi. come on, girl. (i'm good with kids, I PROMISE!)
i also have outdone myself in previous terrible-phone-etiquette records, and am at an all time low. didn't think that was possible. ugh. WHY AM I SO BAD AT TEXTING BACK?!
i listened to michael buble's new album today and it rocked. sometimes he feels a little too sappy to me, but that man's voice is smooth as buttah! you should listen, too.
i want to be excited about things and yell like phoebe buffay gets excited about things and yells. when i watch friends it's for phoebe.
yesterday, in a church group i'm a part of with really beautiful people, we spent the whole time talking about how God loves us. just soaking in it and letting it sink in and learning about it and meditating on it... how's that for a big ol drink of water for a thirsty heart?!
i had the sweetest night with my sister the other day, eating soup and drinking tea and looking at art and talking about our favorite things. i want to do it all again! IT WAS SO GOOD.
if you're looking for a good and easy read, i really recommend the christian atheist by craig groeschel. my favorite books are ones that give me thoughts that pop up randomly days after, and that one has.
i decided to write down my dreams. like my actual dreams when i sleep. for no reason other than wanting to remember what i dream about and see if there are patterns and see the people who pop up! last night, three people from high school that i haven't thought about in a long time were there! i think this will be fun. it made me excited to go to sleep last night, to see what my imagination might come up with!
wowza, who knew i had so many things to share? psshhh...i did. who am i kidding. i always have random things to share, haha!
sweet dreams, friend! i'm so grateful that you would care about the things i have to say here.