by Amy | Sep 5, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of Faith, The Art of the Moment
Today reality hit me in the face. Back from vacation and a “do-list” a mile long. {I’m a big list maker in case you didn’t know.}
Reality.
Lists. Work. Editing. Emails. Phone calls.
Then I sat for a minute and saw this photo. I snapped this at Sylvan Lake at Custer State Park over the weekend. And suddenly, unexpectedly, I remembered that this is reality too. Both are real and wonderful in their own way.
I need to embrace both of them and appreciate the fact that both of these realities have been hand-crafted by God. My loving heavenly Father.
What reality has He crafted for you?
Amy
by Amy | Sep 4, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of the Moment
You know when you are on vacation and you ask a stranger to take your photo?
I think we’ve all been there. Over the weekend {possibly the best Labor Day Weekend I’ve ever had} we were at the Crazy Horse monument in South Dakota. I’ll tell you all about the trip in the coming days….but for tonight I just wanted to fill you in on this little awkward moment.
So. Back to the original statement. We are at Crazy Horse. I was setting up my camera on self-timer when a kind gentleman asked if I wanted him to snap the photo for us.
“What a sweet offer. Of course. ..Yes we were trying to get both the scale model and the monument in the photo. Thanks so much….It’s the big button in front there.”
As we crowd together. He starts waving his hand as if asking us to scoot to the right a bit. So we shuffle. While scooting over he clicks the photo. Then he says to his wife, “Not them. You honey. Move over a bit.”
A large woman in a highlighter yellow t-shirt gives a light laugh and says, “Oh, haha, was I in the picture?”
Her husband replies, “No, I think it was okay.”
We review the photo. The subject of the photo is supposed to be Derek, our dear friend Megan and me. But, as you can see…someone else stole the show. Yeah…I think she made it out of the photo in time. No, not really. You are definitely in the photo. In hindsight, you are the subject of the photo. Classically awkward. Love it.
So let’s raise a glass to all awkward vacation photos. Right here, right now. I bet you have a few of your own.
Amy
by Amy | Aug 29, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of Faith
This is a small blog. I don’t get too many comments and I have no need for a FAQ page. It’s a hobby really. I’ve always like to write and journal. As I’ve been pulled away from my home town and my family…I find writing here very therapeutic.
I’ve been writing here consistently for over a year. Originally it was a place that I could slap up workouts for my fitness class participants. If they missed a class they could still get a great workout. Then I added some recipes. And updates. And photos. And a little TMI…
Then a month ago I merged my small photo/video business with my blog so all my online presence was merged. That was a good move.
And finally it all left me wondering what I’m really doing. How can I put into words what it is that I spend time writing about? Why should you read? Why should you tell your friends this is a pretty cool place to hang out?
I honestly felt like it was time to put my finger on what I’m doing…and add a little focus to these musings.
After lots of praying God opened my eyes to what every single thing I post is about. It’s something most of us have in common: We are all living a life unexpected. So there you have it. The theme of my writing, my projects, my business, my crafting. It is all about being unexpected, using unexpected materials, finding inspiration in unexpected places, and discovering unexpected solutions.
When I boiled it all down, my whole life has been an unexpected adventure. Especially my adult life. I’m not living where I expected, or working the job I thought, or even keeping the company I assumed. Life has been one unexpected journey. And that’s a good thing.
The greatest people in the world lived unexpected lives. The Bible is fully of people whose lives went in directions they never dreamed. I’m sure Mary expected to grow up an impoverished girl in a ghetto neighborhood. Jonah didn’t expect to chill in a whale for a few days. Noah {a man of the desert} never expected to be the captain of the history’s most famous ship. And the orphan Esther never thought she’d be a queen.
If we hope for the life we expected, we are turning our backs on the boundless possibilities God sees for us. Because only He knows our true, deep-down potential.
As far as the content goes…you’ll see the same stuff. It’s just that now I’ve got a reason behind it. I’ve got a little more focus. You’ll see me working on crafts made out of unexpected things {like the time I made a hair clip from an old t-shirt, or that wreath out of paper bags.} I’ll try to surprise myself with my handiwork around the house. I’ll continue to do as much as I can for as many as I can for as long as I can…through unexpected acts of kindness.
Let’s all start embracing our life unexpected.
Amy
PS–You should go read the new “About” page. It puts this unexpected theme in a nutshell.
by Amy | Aug 21, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure
This past weekend Derek and I started our first major house project. Well…if you don’t count the roof thing. Okay, this was my first major house project. {On this house.} And the first that made the house look prettier.
And I would love to show you photos…but my little point and click camera is dead…and I cannot seem to locate the charger. So you’ll have to wait another day or so.
Instead, I’ll show you photos that I’ve been putting off for a while. Photos from my family’s weekend excursion to the Elroy-Sparta bike trail in Wisconsin.
I realize school is starting back up {or already has}, but it’s not too late to have one more adventure before the Midwest turns to a winter wonderland. So start planning now for a long weekend over fall break or Labor Day Weekend.
The Elroy Sparta State Trail runs from {you guessed it} Elroy, WI to Sparta, WI. It’s 32 miles long and runs along the abandoned Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. The fact that it runs where rail tracks used to be means a nice smooth ride…free of steep hills. So, even if you aren’t a pro biker you can easily tackle this ride. And the kiddos will do great too.
But maybe the absolute coolest, greatest thing about Elroy-Sparta is passing through the tunnels. The trail runs through three rock tunnels that go right though the hills. When you first enter the light at the end is tiny and you can barely see in front of your face. {So be sure to bring a flashlight.}
Now…I won’t be too lengthy here. But I will recommend camping at the Tunnel Trail Campground. It’s smack in the middle of the trail, so you can ride either direction. It’s clean and the showers won’t make you lose your lunch. Take a flashlight. If you go before Labor Day, ride into Wilton, WI on Sunday morning for an all you can eat pancake breakfast. It’s $5. It’s good.
What are you waiting for. Get planning.
Amy
PS–It’s Garage Sale Week! That means I’ll be purging loads of goodies. And we have an amazing guest post coming up from Kuzack’s Closet!!
by Amy | Aug 9, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of the Moment
Sometimes I get nervous about things. I know…for those of you who know me this may come as a shock. Just kidding. Those of you how know me best know that I’m a bit of an anxious bird.
So, even though I’ve been in my new house and new town for more than a month, I’m still feeling a bit ill at ease. In Shreveport, I felt like I was finally understanding who I was supposed to be and the work that I was supposed to do. Then along comes change and shakes it all up.
Friends lived with us here for a while. Which gave me a decent excuse for not jumping in and establishing life here. I just figured I’d wait until things settled down a little more. And when the house was empty, I was anxious and at a loss about what I’m supposed to be doing with myself. I’m 25 and not getting any younger. Shouldn’t I have it all together by now?
In the face of all the uncertainty, I pulled a “classic Amy.”
I went home.
When everything is spinning out of control, it’s nice to put yourself back in a situation where everything makes sense. Where things smell familiar and the rhythm feels natural. When I go home {especially if I go home without Derek} I feel like I’m back in college…or high school. I drive the old Jeep that I drove when I was 17. I sleep in my bed. {Without a boy crowding me out.} And summer means time around the pool and a trip to the beach.
That’s how summer has always been. Even the photos don’t change that much. {The top photo is from last week…the photo below that is from 2007!} And as glorious as “new” and “adventurous” can be…there is something to be said about “familiar” and “known.” Just because you yearn for familiar sometimes, doesn’t mean you can’t be bold and daring. Trust me.
Now that I’m back home to Minot…I cannot say things have magically fallen into place. But I do feel back on track. Refreshed and ready to move forward.
Thank you Elkhart and everyone at home. For simply being home. For simply being my safe, sound, ultimate happy place…without even trying. I cannot wait to be back.
Amy
PS…Where is your regrouping place? How do you find focus again when things start to get intimidating?
by Amy | Aug 7, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of the Kitchen
Tonight I am going to change your campfire world. Ready? Let me introduce you to s’more’s younger sister…The campfire cone.
I originally saw the idea here…and since I was in charge of bringing dessert for one night of our camping weekend, I thought it would be a perfect addition. Here’s the drill. You’ll need:
Waffle Cones * Mini Marshmallows * Chocolate Chips {or a mix of chocolate & peanut butter chips} * Banana* Aluminum Foil * A Camp Fire * Tongs
Here’s what you do. This is a DIY creation. So, name your own adventure. Put in what you like…and leave out what you don’t want. Layer in marshmallows, chips and fruit until your cone is full. Then wrap it up in foil. Place the wrapped cone in the embers around the fire {not on direct heat} or on a charcoal grill. Use the tongs to turn them every minute or so until everything is gooey and melted. This will take about 5 minutes. Be sure to turn them or else you’ll end up with a burned cone!
Have the wet wipes handy…this can get messy. But I promise it will be worth it. I’m so glad I stumbled across this tasty treat. I hope you enjoy!
Amy
by Amy | Aug 4, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure
Photo inside one of the Elroy-Sparta trail tunnels
If you are reading this…I may be dead. The possibility is there, but chances are I’m still kicking. While you read this, I’m off on a grand adventure with my favorites people in the world. My family.
We are biking the El Roy Sparta trail in Sparta, WI in honor of my daddy’s 60th birthday. We took off yesterday in a large RV. We being my mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law, cousin, my parents 3 month old puppy, my sister’s goofy labradoodle, and myself.
So…going back to my opening statement…I may have been offed by now.
I’ll be back on Monday to share all of the adventure’s finest points. My dad is a whiz with cast iron, so I’ll have some camp fire recipes to share with you for sure. Wish me luck. I’m sure this weekend will be filled with lots of laughs {and lots of wedgies from the bike seats.}
See you Monday!
Amy
by Amy | Aug 3, 2012 | Blog, The Art of Adventure, The Art of Faith
I’ve had a great time being back home in Indiana. I’ve gotten to do so many things that I love about summer….but have not gotten to do for years and years. I’ve done the things I grew up doing. Things that just feel like summer.
Swimming and laying out by the pool at the house. Check. Drive the Jeep around town with the windows out. Check. Get blue moon soft serve at Dairy Fair. Check. Go to the Elkhart Fair. Check. Spend a day lounging around Weko Beach on Lake Michigan…double check.
Going to the beach is one of northern Indiana’s best summer traditions. Michigan’s coast is absolutely breath taking. And so are the cute little towns that lead to the beaches.
So we went and had a fab day.
When we returned home…this happened.
Yep. That’s me, water spilling out of my mouth, laughing in the street. My sister and our friend Courtney made me laugh so hard I fell to the ground. The water I had just sipped came out of my mouth and nose…and I just sat in the street laughing. Kind of pathetic, right? But seriously…wouldn’t it be great if every day had a moment like this. Do I look like a fool? Of course. Do I care? Heck, no.
Pure happiness and glee come along all too rarely. So when a moment strikes you…I say…to heck with it. Fall in the street and sit in a puddle of your own spit. Drool down the front of your dress. Moments like these don’t happen enough. When you are with people that can push your happy buttons, you should always let them.
Here’s a toast to summer and to happiness. I hope you find an abundance of both today.
Amy
PS…take a look at that photo one more time. See that big RV in the background? That’s my next adventure. A family camping trip in an RV. One child, five adults, and two dogs {one is only 3 months old} will be driving to Wisconsin tomorrow. Wish me luck.
