Words_Here and Now

This Friday, my oldest niece turns eight. I asked my sister-in-law (her mom) for some birthday gift ideas. After some thought, she replied: "Gift cards." Yes, gift cards. For an eight-year-old. What happened to jelly shoes, slap bracelets and Jem and the Hologram trading cards?

Next week, I (finally!) take a five-day vacation with some of my oldest, dearest friends. We have miraculously coordinated an unprecedented group vacation to commemorate each of us turning 30 by the end of the year. How funny to think I'll be in a house surrounded by people who have been in my life as far back as 17 years. My, how we've grown!

I wish I was getting married tomorrow. Instead, I'm getting married in less than ten months. That is hardly tomorrow.

Starting over is a delicate wound that heals slowly with constant attention and care. My mom and I have started over after many years apart. She is love and forgiveness. I am unworthy but I am free.

I am Jo March. Writing is all I really know how to do. My ridiculous and at times nonsensical semi-humorous stories are her mystery vampires and 'The Sinners Corpse'. I am searching, praying, understanding, hoping for opportunities to grow and truly write from the soul.

Life is but a breath. And I hope to reflect on these times as stepping stones to something much more meaningful and transforming. I want to be OK with living lightly and modestly, I want to learn how to truly give and then give some more; I want to be more concerned with other people and their needs than with myself; I want to share the amazing things God does in my life without feeling stifled; I want to live as if I'm just here, passing by.

Words_August Tenth

It is nearly the end. We are sitting side by side, elbows planted like stems sprouting from the width of the bar. I drink a seven and seven; he orders a Guinness. He plunges right into the unknowns, as if returning to a conversation we had derailed from because of an interruption. He unleashes a surprising peek of what tomorrow might look like; and the next day, and the next year, and the next ten years. It's difficult to really hear it for what it is: bittersweet, transparent, and promising. He is a million things all at once and I am humbled, honored, and rescued. I close out our tab. We drive to his car. It is the end now. We say 'I love you' and kiss goodbye with as much meaning that three weeks apart could possibly mean. He disappears into his car and I am alone in a haze of wonder and tempered excitement. He is the sound of the unlocking and lift away.

Videos_Bon Iver

Can't think of a better way to start off August.
From Bon Iver's sold out August 1, 2011 show at 930 Club, DC.
Favorite song. Favorite lyrics: "This is not the sound of a new man, or a crispy realization. It's the sound of the unlocking and lift away. Your love will be...safe with me." 
Hats off to the iPhone for impressive sound recording.

Bon Iver at 930 Club from Kimi on Vimeo.


"Hinnom, TX" snippet


Applause