octolilly [through the years]

I’m working in the lovely little town of Piedmont this week and each time I am sent here, I’m reminded how small town life is absolutely the quaintest thing ever.

Everyone knows about each other’s personal lives, we get sacks of vegetables from customers occasionally, and we are the first ones to know if Mr. Jackson’s cow got on Route 4 again. It’s charming, this little town.

So, this morning I settled into my routine of helping these sweet, old-fashioned, and delightful clients. Mrs. So-and-So was very kind but quiet as I finished her transaction. I noticed her staring at me but I didn’t think anything of it. I handed her money to her and asked if I could do anything else for her.

She said, Young lady, you have the prettiest lips that I’ve ever seen. Thank you, and have a good day. And then she just left.

My lips are nothing grand to behold but I am wearing new lipstick.

~

Side note: The retreat was absolutely lovely. Exactly what I needed.

I’m leaving tonight for a retreat in Tennessee.

In all honesty, I feel like I need this time away. Life is just very busy and full of change and I think a breath of fresh air, some good fellowship, and some time on the Southern Belle will do me good. I’m making myself leave my laptop at home (which is exceptionally hard since I found out that the hotel we are staying in has high speed internet access) because everyone needs a little break from the online world once in a while. So I won’t be answering email for a bit. Or phone calls.

When I get back, I have a few more updates for Lesser Things, I have to figure up how to pay for my 4-point $282 ticket I got on Memorial Day weekend, and then I have some heart-related decisions to make. Oh, and I also need to plan some proper revenge on customers who stuff their dime wrappers with pennies.

There have been very few moments in my 23 years in which someone’s kind words to me have stirred me in such a way as I’ve been stirred this evening. I’ll never understand the beautiful picture of grace in godly friendships. The give and take. The concern and care. The sweet, sweet love that is born because our souls match.

My understanding may wane with different circumstances, but my gratitude will be ever present. I don’t take friendships lightly and when you find someone with whom you mesh like never before- it’s best to realize it at once. I can only hope that I’m half the friend that you’ve been to me, my dear. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you. [Phil. 1:3]

~

Well, I had my first house-drama while running around and getting ready for church this morning. I left the door to my deck open for a little bit of time last night and unwittingly let an unwelcome houseguest in. While hunting for a particular cd among some gift bags near my back door, this large and exceptionally ugly roach scurried across the floor and sat there.

My mouth fell open and I screamed. He just sat (well, how do you know when they are standing or sitting?). And then I realized that I was the only one in the house – which meant I had to do the dirty work. And so I screamed again. More out of frustration. In a split second I realized that my days of calling my dad to kill things are now over! It was a very harsh and bitter realization.

Oh, and he’s dead now.

~

Believe it or not, my parent’s are giving me their piano! I never dreamt that I would be able to take it with me, but I’m positively thrilled that I’m going to get it. The catch is this: it will take about 4-5 strong men to move it. So, it might be awhile before we can gather the friends/family over to move it.

Unless…any strong men (or women, I suppose) up for a road trip to SC? =) If you help move my piano in then I’ll bake you some cookies and play you a song.

I know we can work it out
Spend some time to talk it out
I know it will all work it out if you say so
All work out if you say so

Please don’t you rush about
If you don’t know that I’m down and out
I know it will all work it out if you say so
All work out if you say so…

– Samson, Starflyer 59