Small Things
I’ve been busy lately. Very, very busy. I got a second job a week ago, and coordinating both work schedules each week is a practically a THIRD job. Bryson and Lindsay’s wedding was GREAT! It was a stressful day because I was the photographer, sister of the groom, AND played guitar and sang with my sisters during the ceremony! Thankfully, everything flowed smoothly and it was an absolutely beautiful day. I’m working on the 20 gigs of photo/HD video in my spare time and plan to have at least the photos finished this week. I’ve got several shooting jobs booked for May, a Liberty graduation coming up, and planning my own wedding for October.
Therefore, I’m having to make a conscious effort to take breaks every so often so I don’t overstress. (Is that a word??!)
Some photos from several of my small moments this week:
(my dining room table)
(homemade sandwich from my lunch yesterday – all fresh and locally-grown ingredients from the Amish store, Anderson’s Market, on freshly baked whole wheat bread! SO GOOD.)
(Left: my backyard garden is growing! Most of the seeds we planted last week have sprouted – I can’t WAIT until it all blooms!)
(Right: This little plant is called Hens and Chicks. Josiah and I went to the Lynchburg Community Market this morning and a nice little lady let me take one of these home 
)
(Two old magazines I bought on Main Street today in downtown Lynchburg. I’m in love with all the ads inside – advertising designers were so much classier back then. The magazine on the left is dated September 15th, 1941 – 3 months before the Pearl Harbor attack. The magazine on the right is from 1949.)
Stay in touch! I’ll be posting the highlights from Bryson and Lindsay’s wedding soon!
The Chronicles of My 23rd Birthday
My birthday was so great! Josiah surprised me on my “birthday eve” when I got home from work – he had snuck into my house and decorated my room and door with pretty streamers and Happy Birthday banners. When I woke up on my birthday morning it was wonderful to hear the cheerful birds chirping outside and see those festive streamers!
To start with, the weather cooperated. It was sunny with blue skies and fluffy white clouds – the whole day! Slightly chilly, but no rain.
Josiah came over with the cake he had baked (his first cake-baking experience ever!) and it was sooo good – he did a super job! He also handmade me a card, complete with birthday party stickers allllll over it. Loved it!
We then hopped into the truck and headed to historical downtown Lynchburg. We walked around and visited some shops, and found this cozy greenhouse with lovely flowers. I wanted to take them ALL home! (including the greenhouse)
Instead, I walked away with two potted succulents (pictured below), two Dahlia bulbs, and about 5 packs of seeds – Sweet Pea, Snap Peas, Watermelon, and Okra. I can’t wait to add them to my little garden!
I also got to take my own sweet time (such a luxury these days!) and photograph some pretty flowers outside the flower shop.
And a shot of the handsome guy accompanying me….
Later that afternoon Josiah had to leave for drill with the Army, and my parents and sister arrived to Lynchburg. We dropped Dad off to look at the gun store and Brelynn, Mom, and I hung out at JoAnne’s – YES! Obviously, we didn’t emerge from there until several hours later, blinking and blinded by the sun.
Mom and Dad gave me some gardening-related gifts to help with my newfound hobby, along with a potted Gerbera Daisy and baby Daffodils! Mom also bought me a teeny garden gnome at JoAnne’s who will find his way onto my blog soon…..
We dropped Brelynn off at Liberty for the Rush of Fools concert, then headed over to Bulls Steakhouse. It was fantastic. I was only slightly embarrassed – the staff brought out a loud cowbell and sang a short song to announce to the WHOLE restaurant it was my birthday. Totally forgivable.
Mom and Dad went back to Danville, and I picked Brelynn up from the concert – she’s spending the night with me tonight! YAY!
Today was packed full of fun and I really loved how my brother and other sister, Brittany, took time out of their busy schedules to send messages my way. Also, last year Josiah was in Iraq for my birthday, so it was a big gift just having him home!
It was so, so good to be able to devote the day to what I love – family, creativity, and laughter.
Love in Springtime
Today I got home from work and decided to go ahead and plant my new seeds! I got this neat mini-greenhouse where the seeds will grow and sprout for a few weeks, then I’ll put them outside. Hopefully later this year I’ll have African Daisies, Squash, Cucumbers, Peppers, Cosmos, Snapdragons, and Moss Roses. I can’t wait! 
Oh, I should mention how big of a help Josiah was in the planting process.
He looks like a poor, sad, homeless person….
Of course I had to get my rings involved in planting….
Hurry up, Spring and warm weather!
