Cultivating Solitude

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.183683821.jpg Today, I needed to get away. I am having a wonderful time with my family, but sometimes, our souls just need the warmth of solitude. Luckily, I am in this amazing place and remoteness is all around, just waiting to be discovered. I drove a couple miles into the cove, not sure what I was looking for or what I would find. I came to a road where the sun seemed to be shining brighter. I drove Macy Grey (my car) down the road and found exactly  what I needed to calm my heart. Through the sun, my heart was calmed.

Virginia to Tennessee

I made the drive from Virginia to Tennessee yesterday. It was the longest drive I've ever taken by myself. It wasn't so bad. There is something freeing about a full tank of gas and a highway stretching miles in front of me. 

I made it safely to my Mom and Dad's in 9 hours and 20 minutes. My body was aching and tired, but my Mom's flowers in the front yard and the fresh, damp air gave me new life. It's always so good to come home.

Our Life in 87 Boxes

The movers came on Wednesday and packed up our apartment. It took eighty-seven boxes. Eighty-seven boxes, containing belongings that say so much about who we are. Books, blankets, quilts. Photos, old greeting cards, a small box of addresses. Our little dining table where we've prayed over so many meals. Our love seat where I have fallen asleep on Jared’s shoulder countless times. Illustrations of our life for the last five years. 

I'll miss the families of sparrows!

 I needed a break, so I walked over to a local middle-eastern restaurant for a falafal sandwich. So good!

On Thursday, the movers came and took all of our stuff away, leaving an empty apartment with only memories filling the space. Jared had to leave before me. After he left, I sat in the middle of our bedroom, said a prayer, thanking the Lord for so many blessings, and walked out, closing the door on the past five years.

It was raining as I drove to a friend's house. The traffic was awful, so I took a couple of pictures to help me remember what I won't miss....

 And what I will about this amazing city.

Life in Disarray

Our apartment is a mess! Even though we have movers coming to pack and ship our stuff, we have still managed to create an area of hysteria! It’s madness, I tell you! 

We've packed all of our sand and seashells into baggies.

All my teacher stuff.

Walking is no easy feat right now!

I know the remote control is around here somewhere!

Ugg!

 I’m feeling a slight tinge of what it might be like to be a hoarder. Seriously, there is stuff EVERYWHERE!