Dandy Lions...

This weekend was yet another to add to my collection of wonderful times with Colin. I am looking into getting a new job so on Thursday night he helped me fill out an application. The world of art is oh so tiring when you are stuck in the same old job, with the same ole' people, both requiring you to be creative from the dreaded hours of 9 to 5. Not possible. So I'm looking into an art teaching job, that I desperately hope to get. Colin and I wrapped up a 4 hour application, and it was time to hit the hay. Friday, Colin is in class from 11 to 3:30, I work until 5. We decided to do lunch around noon, we went to one of my favorite places "Magnolia Foods" on Rivermont (where he will be living next year!) Lunch was great, it is always good there. I looked at my phone and we still had about 15 minutes to kill, so we took a walk down the street, talked of our the future, starting our own business, and of course sharing stories the other hasn't heard. There is always something new, everyday. Something new about him, or his family, or his friends that just captivates me more and more to learn all that I can, like he's going out of style. Which he will never of course, but its like a hunger that only he can fill. So back to work I went, he dropped me off, his hand lingering in mine, I didn't want to let go. I hate letting go. "I love you honey, I love you too baby." (car door shuts) Back to the trenches. Colin's car is in the shop so the past couple of days he has been driving my whip. Which is fine because he looks a lot better in it, and actually drives it like a mustang should be driven anyway. 5:00 a the Shanty, it doesn't get much better than that. I shut down my computer and await his arrival like Christmas. I see him, and in with him walks a delicious (my favorite, strawberry, banana and peach) smoothie from (my favorite) Tropical Smoothie Cafe' ~ what a treat (oh and the smoothie too!). I love his little surprises. Love Love Love them!!! We left, and decided nothing better, at this point, sounded better than a nap. The day was cloudy, raining on and off, I couldn't wait to fall asleep. We woke up around 6:30PM and had made plans earlier that day to go over and hang out with one of my best friend's Jami. She is almost 6 weeks due to bring little Selah into our lives, and I am ecstatic. Colin is gearing up for the countless petticoat's this little one will have. After half Italian, half Chinese dinner we made our way to living room where conversations started, laughter was apparent, and having Colin be apart of it all leaves me speechless. Before nights at Jami's were fun, but with Colin there, its like I don't need to be any place, I have all those I love...right here. 1 bowl of "Moosetracks" down, we decided to call it a night. Colin was wonderful. He just fits, and I love that so much. Him and I have said this to each other before that we love how we don't have to entertain one another when we are around our friends - we just do our thing, the occasional eye contact paired with a mouthed "I Love You' is sufficient. Saturday we parted ways. I, to my dad's for the "If I work for you, will you pay my rent?" day, and of course Colin worked from 11 to 4. I dusted, washed, and pulled weeds, he refilled, smiled, and gathered tips. I met him after work at my house, a few nachos back, we decided to watch a movie at his place, order take out from Applebee's and just relax. Sunday brought church, meetings for Colin, lunch with my Mom, and then something new. A photoshoot! Ah yes, my first since my Junior/Senior Year of high school. Of course I am thankful for the "2006" being left off the lower right corner, but all and all the pictures turned out great.
I think the important thing is that he had a good time, and opened my mind to new things. I will literally grin and bear it to see him happy. But surprisingly I actually had a good time. It felt good to be the focal point, or center of attention if I may. Now, I am no model by any means, but in his eyes if I am seen beautiful...then what other pair of eyes do I need?!? No ones. I am so thankful for the walls that he breaks down, walls of camera shyness, walls of insecurities, walls of an untrusting heart. He
makes me lie down in Dandy Lions, he leads me down wooded paths, he guides me with his hand, holds me with his heart, loves me with his all. "Surely goodness and love will follow us all the days of our lives, and wewill dwell in the house of the Lord...Forever." Psalm 23:2

Capturing him...

Yesterday was Easter Sunday and boy what a day it was. My mom was baptized at 9:45 AM and there were certainly not enough tissue boxes in Blue Ridge. She was asked to read her story (in front of 500 people) and she knocked it out of the ball park. Someone even asked her if she had ever considered Stand-Up. She climbed into that water, Stephanie and I helping her in. Jean Brebner, a friend and staff member at BRCC said those words (In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit), I held her back, Steph and Jean, her arms and down she went. When she went under, my heart, my mind, my soul rejoiced so loud it was unlike anything I have ever experienced. She did it!. As her head came out of the water and she stood up, God truly wrapped his arms around her and welcomed her to the family. I loved what Colin said. He said, she was following God's lead in her heart ~ she is such an inspiration to all of us. And he was so right, she truly is.

After the dunk show (hehe) the family and extended family (Brit) went to Rita & Skeeter's house for a celebratory cook-out. (Here's a little background: Rita and Skeeter are Luke, Jami, and Adam's parents. Luke - is married to my sister Stephanie. Jami - is one of my best friends. Adam is the youngest, yet 21 isn't so young anymore is it?!) We gathered on the back porch to watch the potato/lemon gun show, and some of us even chose to be targets!! You won't ever fail to laugh around these people (I apologized to Colin in advance before I threw him into the mix.) Good food, good friends and great times, sum up the evening. After our tummies were filled with hot dogs and hamburgers, Colin and I decided to take a walk. One of my favorites places in my neighbor hood is a place called "The Ruins." (Jami and I named it that about 8 years ago.) It's an old one room cottage, with no roof, no windows, no doors, only the cinder block bones and a broken chimney remain to tell it's story. Wisteria grows wild all around it, the smell is wonderful, and the scene was perfect for me to take photographs of him. I love so much that Colin and I share so many of the same interests. If we aren't nose to screen on our computers, laps warm from our powerbooks or one eye closed the other behind a lens, we are just simply enjoying each other's company. The conversations we have are ever changing, but always come back to one simple point: How much God has blessed us with entrusting each others hearts with one another.

So our walk carried us down the street and to the ruins. It is only about 15-20 feet off the road, so it was sort of an easy place to get to. I kindly asked the poison ivy to stay still while I tipped toed around it, Colin and I both had on sandals. He was so cute, and he is SO photogenic no matter what he says. I as turned out so great. Granted we all have our deletes (thanks digital technology) but he barely had any!! After many shutters were shut, and many flashes were flashed, we felt raindrops on our parade. So we packed up and headed out. He teaches me so much. The best parked him to go there, sit here, and look at this and that. His picturest was not only taking pictures of him, but as I am doing so, he is teaching me how to do it better. He is a pretty skilled photographer and I have had many to compare. My friend Melanie, who I lived with my senior year of college - like Colin, teach me just through watching her do her thing. She was a photography major and her senior work was awesome. I was surrounded by art in college, I mean, I lived it. But I regret never having the time to take a photo course. However, it's quite nice having a boyfriend who can teach you what you would have paid $1000 a semester for anyway. And being a great teacher at that.

Racing the rain, we made our way back to the family, his hand in mine, just smiling and laughing as always. I love him and all that he is in my life. It is my sincere hope that I continue to learn from him everyday, both physically and spiritually, for the rest of my days. May we continue to love and trust, and capture each other always.

Always.

Another Weekend Away...

So here I sit, wishing it was still the weekend, but nonetheless class awaits me in the very near future, almost mocking me as I attempt to avoid the clutches of its ever so boring existence. So here I sit, the air filled with the sound of a professor babling unceasingly about the intricat details of the old testament. The consistent monophonic tones of his voice creates a downward spiral of interest, thus my mind of course begins to wander to a far away land of this past weekend. Ah, Yes the days of fun when nothing matters, cell phones are off, and sleeping in is manditory. While experiencing this mental oasis of bliss, I am rudely brought back to reality by the professor calling me out and asking me a question when he KNOWS I wasn't paying attention. Punk. I give him the "I have no clue and you know it" look. and he moved on with his lecture. After this episode, I made the decision to longer engage in his seemingly meaningless lecture, and I am now here writing to you.

Back to this weekend...
The weekend started with a drive up to Fredricksburg to The Loft in downtown fredricksburg, where I would be mixing sound for Six Chasing Seven. As we arrived and began the tedious (and at times disorganized) process of equipment setup and sound checking, I couldn't help but think of what lay ahead of me that evening. Laura was coming to this show! I know that may seem childish, I know that may seem completely asenine that I am excited about such a small thing, especially since i see her nearly everyday anyways, but it was still great. I continuously and repeatedly reminiced the previous time I was at The Loft, where Laura suprised me by showing up, and I kept glancing over to the stairs, picturing that exact situation as if it was happening in real time. My heart jumped with the hopes and assurance of knowing that she would be there once again. In my opinion, the best kind of de ja vu is reality. Everything was soundchecked, the opening band BosC was up and playing and still no Laura, but I knew she was coming. The show started at 9:30 and it was nearly 10pm, and I began to wonder if she was ok...So, I plunged my hand into my pocket and extracted my personal wireless communication device (cell phone) and in a morse code fashion I created a message and sent it to cyberspace in hopes it would find her not only in safety but en route. Sure enough, she was on her way and safe, and assured me she would be there soon.

There she was...I saw her as she came up the stairs and a star trek like tractor beam instantly teleported me to her. I love this girl. Her mere presence makes everything more enjoyable and exciting. I greeted her best friend Raygan who lives in Culpepper and came along with her. I love having her there to support me in everything that I do. Everyone of my friends who saw that she was there, of course went to greet her as well, because they see how amazing she is like I do. Everytime I am ever with her and in the presence of my friends, they always inform me that I need to figure out a way to clone my Laura so they can all have one too...(NOT A CHANCE.) So the show went on, the watched and got something to drink, and I mixed and the show went great (yada,yada, yada). We tore everything down, and then made plans for the evening.

The band had originally planned to get a hotel in Fredricksburg, so they would not have to drive three hours back to Lynchburg at such and ungodly hour of the night. Most of the band shot that idea down, and decided they would be driving back that night, and that they'd take their chances. All but Daniel and Adam went home, and Daniel and Adam stayed in Culpepper at Raygan and Jason's House along with Laura and I. Since all of us were just exhausted, well each went to our place and instantly fell asleep. When the morning came, I was gloriously awaken by their chocolate lab, Keller. Apparently he thought my face was a lol-i-pop and decided he was going to do everything in his power to lick off every gram of flavor. Now covered in drool (mostly my own but Keller's as well) I roll over to find Laura and Raygan just sitting talking. A few minutes later, Daniel and Adam strolled in and after some casual chitchat, they left.

Jason, Raygan, Laura, and I just spent some time sitting around talking in the living room, and it was really nice. Their house is beautiful and made me want to have a house of my own. However, I know that's fiscally out of the question... Well Jason had to run to work, so the three of us that were left just took our time getting ready. After showers and things of that nature, we took a stroll down the street (the live in downtown culpepper) to a quaint little restaurant called Lucio's. It was one of the most romantic places I've been to, and the only thing that was better than the ambiance and environment was the taste of the food. It was A-freakin-mazing. We had good times and lots of laughs.

After lunch we strolled back to the house, where we were met by even more of Laura's friends. We all decided to go for a walk around downtown and it was so much fun. We went to some of their favorite stores, and even saw where Raygan and Jason would be getting married. We then went to an amazing coffee place that was just awesome. We all agreed we wish we could just live there. We then walked back towards their house but en route, we got a tasty tour of the history of culpepper. It was lots of fun, and it made me want all those victorian houses. We spent a few more minutes at the house, but then we said we'd be on our way and the started our drive back to Lynchburg.

On this drive, Laura and I had a really good conversation. I love it. I love learning more and more about here everyday. I/we have learned that if you keep the radio off, or low, it's a condusive time to have great conversation. We talked non-stop all the way to Charlottesville, where we stopped and ate and Qdoba...Yum. It's no chipotle, but it's a decent start... We sat and talked, and people watched for sometime, and just basked in the time that we had to spend together. Laura and I always have an amazing time together, and every moment is another moment of memories. We drove home from there, and the ride home was fun as well... I am so thankful for Laura in my life. She is such a blessing and brightens every aspect of my life. God is so good to me/us.

I am so thankful for the time that we have gotten to get away for just a little bit, it is always much needed. It's just a chance to step away from the insane business of life.
Until next time. bye4now! Thanks for reading.
~CH