blog idea #1

Last month I not only had a lot on my plate but I also was having a blog dry spell. The beautiful musings of postings past had drifted away from me and I was unable to find what I wanted to write about. I would sign in to Blogger and sit in front of my layout for about an hour or so without anything coming to mind. Being a true Nichols girl, I went to the pen and paper for help. Life always seems better when there is a list to be made. The subject of this list was "blog ideas - write away".

Today as I turned in my journal to that blog list I decided to start with #1. Two magical words sang back to me as I felt happy with my decision to start at the top.

#1. Friend Spotlights
(write down friends/family names and draw them at random to do a spotlight on them. Make each one personal and easy to read.)

I wrote down names of loved ones and put them into a blue coke-a-cola glass and drew the first spotlight.

drum roll...

Spotlight: Rachel Ream

Full Name:
Rachel Erin 'Mckinnon' Ream

Things I love about you:
You are such a thoughtful and sincere person. You take friendship and family seriously. I can always depend on you to listen or to have someone to be there for me. I love that you always call me or write me a letter on important dates regarding my mother. You're always on time and you are super dependable. You are the best massage therapist in the world. I love your urban fashion and your many ways to pay less for amazingly cute things.

Something Rachel doesn't know:
I think of Rachel as one of the key roles in me gaining a testimony of the LDS church. Between the conversations while working at Shopko, going to church, and just being a wonderful friend, I was given many enlightened experiences. She helped me realize the love that Heavenly Father has for me. She also was extremely supportive of me taking my time to gain a testimony for myself.

Things to know about Rachel:
She has an amazing singing voice. It's sweet, clear, and beautiful. She is a great writer. She is my co-captain of the 'rieting time' group. She is a very patient and loving mother of 3. She is extremely smart and always witty.

Some of Rachel's nicknames:
Scout, Pookie, Rache...

A memory of Rachel that she might not remember:
In girl's camp we were hanging out in our group's tent. I was lying down on a sleeping bag and reading. Rachel was looking through a notebook where I had some drawings and random things that I had written down. On the first page there was a disco song that I was in love with. She sang the song in a jewel-like voice and in a very slow and indie rhythm. Later when we were home and I showed her the insanely heavy disco beat that came from the actual song - she hated it. I have never sung that song with it's real tune since. :)

Small note to Rachel:
I'm so grateful that you are my friend. I have so much respect for the way that you love and mother your children. I love how our friendship has grown so solid over the years. I am blessed to have you to depend on and to be able to talk to. Your kind and wise words have helped me so much. You are one amazing lady and I hope that in the future I can be as genuine and sweet hearted as you are. Thank you for always being patient with me and my craziness. I love you very much. XO. Rie.

Time may change me

Hello friend.

My blog gives the impression that I’m slacking. My posts have decided to take a vacation without my knowing. Some people I work with had asked my why I haven’t been blogging. My reply to these unexpected readers…I was busy. To quote one of my Heroes Jane Austen, “Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings.” When ever I feel overwhelmed by life’s demands I always can hear the strong clear voice of Fanny Price say this memorable line.

However, as of late, my life seems to be full of busy some things instead of nothings. I was born with the mind to go through life with a die-hardism objective. I find change extremely difficult. I look to the past and compare the present to it with a lack of hope.

Presently, I find myself comfortable with the outcomes of my recent stresses.

Between all of the packing and unpacking, moving and finding new roots, and the goodbyes to a much loved friend as she left her wedding reception coupled, I feel completely happy with my present changes.

One of my favorite movies is French Kiss. I think that the protagonist Kate and I are kindred spirits. She is loyal, stubborn, and knows exactly what she wants in life. Her fears corner her into life habits. She also finds herself sincerely surprised when there is anything that doesn't follow her plans.

At the end of the movie her struggles are all mollified by the new life she was in. She was happy, standing in a vineyard that smelled like grapes and lavender while being held by Kevin Kline. (Not too shabby!!)

I didn’t know 6 months ago that my best friend would marry a man that she wasn’t interested in dating. Luckily Shannon and McWayne fell into a perfect love with each other. I couldn’t imagine a better match for my friend. He is kind, generous, spiritual, and supportive.

I was surprised by how many people I had at disposal when I asked for help. My move was so quick. I had so many volunteers that I had to send people home. I have had to make schedules for people to help me pack and unpack. I’ve had so many loved ones supporting me.

I had no idea a few months ago that I would be moving into a smaller bedroom with a small dog and two roommates. I was trying to get my own place. I was furniture shopping. I was planning my color choices for each room. I was buying things that would only fit into my own dream place. But that didn’t happen. I’m living in my old apartment complex that I moved out of into a larger living arrangement. But I notice I’m smiling as I’m unpacking. I’m at perfect ease when I talking to my roommates. It feels natural as though I’ve been here for years. I feel as though my life has lead up to be here. To be sitting on the floor next to a bed frame that is only half way put up. Happy. I’m so happy.

I feel as though I’ve been repotted and immediately my life is blooming. My roots are already deep and sheltered.