I get home to find my mother waiting up for me in her silk night gown and a cup of tea. The look on her face is of hopeful relief. Relief that I have returned and hopeful that I haven't done anything foolish. I've only been gone less than twelve hours, after all.
"Where have you been my sweet girl?" Acting like everything is perfectly fine is an art my mother has mastered over the years, but I can read every line on her face.
"I went into the city to see Jules. I needed to talk to a real friend," I lie unable to look into my mother's eyes.
Jules is a party girl I grew to love over the course of my years at NYU. My parents didn't approve of her since she was a free spirit, unsettled young wild thing. She didn't come from a good family nor did she have any desire to find a good man anytime soon. Flying through life day by day working at Quips Pub was good enough for her.
When I first got engaged, I thought of Jules as my maid of honor, but there was no way my parents would allow that. And Jules would never have agreed anyway. Her loyalty would stay with jack. Jules always said we belonged together. No...she would never stand by my side as I marry another man. 'A sham of a marriage' she would call it.
Mother knows that Jules means I am in trouble. She wants to believe I was there just to simply see an old friend, but she knows there is more to the story. I can bet she already assumes I saw Jack.
I never breathed a word of my feelings for Jack to anyone outside of our crew, but my mother could see young love from a mile away. From the moment I introduced Jack to my mother two days before graduation, her guard was up.
I remember the fierce way she grabbed my arm, pulled me aside and demanded, "You will never see that young man again, do you understand?"
I stood speechless - frozen in time.
Why? Why would my mother demand such a thing? I didn't know until the day I was called into my father's office. I was set up by my own parents. I was not to decide for myself who I could love. Clearly, Mother knew that I loved Jack and he loved me. A respectable girl like myself could never marry a Lower East Side journalist's son.
"Sweetheart, if you need some good ol' gal time, why not talk to Annabelle? After all, she will soon be your sister-in-law," Mother says trying to calmly fix the situation. I know she doesn't want to ruffle any feathers this close to the wedding.
"Annabelle?" I ask and finally look straight into my mother's eyes. "Annabelle barely speaks to me. She doesn't know me!" I'm starting to get irritated and flushed in the face.
"Emily, calm down. Let's talk in the morning. I'll bring you up some tea to bed."
****
I fight to open my eyes. Jack might have been upset even in my dream, but at least there, I am with him.
I'm startled and squeal at the sight of Annabelle at the foot of my bed.
"Your mother called," she says with zero expression. "How are you feeling after yesterday's little adventure?"
"What?" I'm confused. What has mother told her?
"Your mother didn't say a word. She didn't have to." The smirk forming on Annabelle's face makes my stomach turn. "I followed you into the city. I was bored."
Annabelle Pryor. Twenty-seven, widowed, and silent...until now. "I won't tell your little secret, sweet Emily, if you can help me with one of mine."
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
short story chapter 2: It doesn't matter what is logical anymore
I'm laying bare across Jack's rickety iron bed watching him write by candle light. He's always been inspired after we make love. Nothing has changed and everything has changed.
The first time I ever spent the night with Jack Berry was after the premiere performance of Boy Meets Girl at New York's Cort Theater. I slipped in unnoticed, or so I thought, with my Dobbs hat pulled far down over my face. Showing up alone to the theater as a young woman from University wasn't the kind of attention I wanted to attract. Especially considering my father's friends and colleagues would most likely be in their usual box seats.
I glanced around the top deck of the theater and tousled my hat hair when I spotted him staring from five seats over. Embarrassed, I looked down at my hands and slipped off my satin gloves. I didn't look up until the lights dimmed and the curtain rose.
By intermission, Jack had slid down three seats with only one in between us and he said, "I've seen you before."
"You have?" I asked knowing full well when and where. The NYU library was a spot we both frequented as freshman trying to execute our best efforts for academic success.
Jack had already made a name for himself. A freshman he may have been, but his writing already had the professors talking. They titled him the next Walter Winchell for his candidly foul wit.
"You know I have." Jack lowered his glasses down the bridge of his nose and it made me laugh.
"The theater is where you go when you're not at the library, Mr. Berry?"
"Ah and I was just about to introduce myself, Miss Thomas."
"You have quite the reputation already at University, Mr. Berry, but how do you know my name?"
Jack smiled with his eyes and said, "After the second time you walked into my quiet corner, causing me to lose all concentration, I had to find out who you were."
He offered to walk me to my dorm, but halfway there, he offered up his for a friendly drink and a rare presentation of amateur poetry. His words consumed me and the bourbon washed away all of my sensibility. I let him kiss me and tuck me in at 3AM...drunk.
I remember waking up and finding him asleep at his desk- paper notes everywhere. I carefully removed his glasses from his boyish face; he had a delicately defined boyish face. I wanted to kiss him but stopped for fear I'd wake him. So, I left.
****
"Did you know I was engaged before I showed up at your door?" I ask with cautious curiosity.
"Of course I did."
The way his face falls breaks my heart. What am I to do? If I dig any deeper, it will cause an uproar of emotions we both wouldn't dare to give up.
'I love you.'
'I hate you.'
'Why did you ever come?'
'Why didn't you come for me?'
'Why did you say yes to him?'
'Because you never asked me!'
'Run away with me!'
'I can't.'
'Then leave!'
I know us- the Jack and Emily fight sequence. This time might end differently than before, because this time, there's too much to risk. If I don't marry Stanley, my father may never forgive me. My mother would be very disappointed, but she would eventually forgive me. She couldn't help but love her only child more than life itself.
Jack gets up from his desk, still naked, and takes my face in his hands. They move from my face to my neck...to my breasts and the small of my back...to my thighs. He devours me like this might very well be our last time together. I want to let go and let him take me, but reality comes flooding in and I panic.
"Jack," I say as I stop him, "I can't do this." The tears come more quickly than I thought they would. I don't want to leave but I know I cannot stay.
"You're choosing him," Jack says like he assumed this would be the outcome. Our love story ends in a final tragic scene.
"If it were up to me, you know I-"
"IT IS UP TO YOU!" Jack yells and I'm dressed and out the door before we can hurt each other any more.
The last lonely train is waiting to take me home. This time, it isn't warm. My tears feel like they turn to ice with every drop.
Of course, I made the right decision. For the both of us. I just needed to see Jack one last time to truly know for sure. Marrying Stanley makes the most sense for the path my family has laid out for me. It would be dishonorable not to follow it. After all, my father's way has always been the only way.
But I can't stop myself from thinking about Jack and how I walked out on him. I start to sob uncontrollably, because it doesn't matter what is logical anymore. My heart wants love. And my love is with Jack.
The first time I ever spent the night with Jack Berry was after the premiere performance of Boy Meets Girl at New York's Cort Theater. I slipped in unnoticed, or so I thought, with my Dobbs hat pulled far down over my face. Showing up alone to the theater as a young woman from University wasn't the kind of attention I wanted to attract. Especially considering my father's friends and colleagues would most likely be in their usual box seats.
I glanced around the top deck of the theater and tousled my hat hair when I spotted him staring from five seats over. Embarrassed, I looked down at my hands and slipped off my satin gloves. I didn't look up until the lights dimmed and the curtain rose.
By intermission, Jack had slid down three seats with only one in between us and he said, "I've seen you before."
"You have?" I asked knowing full well when and where. The NYU library was a spot we both frequented as freshman trying to execute our best efforts for academic success.
Jack had already made a name for himself. A freshman he may have been, but his writing already had the professors talking. They titled him the next Walter Winchell for his candidly foul wit.
"You know I have." Jack lowered his glasses down the bridge of his nose and it made me laugh.
"The theater is where you go when you're not at the library, Mr. Berry?"
"Ah and I was just about to introduce myself, Miss Thomas."
"You have quite the reputation already at University, Mr. Berry, but how do you know my name?"
Jack smiled with his eyes and said, "After the second time you walked into my quiet corner, causing me to lose all concentration, I had to find out who you were."
He offered to walk me to my dorm, but halfway there, he offered up his for a friendly drink and a rare presentation of amateur poetry. His words consumed me and the bourbon washed away all of my sensibility. I let him kiss me and tuck me in at 3AM...drunk.
I remember waking up and finding him asleep at his desk- paper notes everywhere. I carefully removed his glasses from his boyish face; he had a delicately defined boyish face. I wanted to kiss him but stopped for fear I'd wake him. So, I left.
****
"Did you know I was engaged before I showed up at your door?" I ask with cautious curiosity.
"Of course I did."
The way his face falls breaks my heart. What am I to do? If I dig any deeper, it will cause an uproar of emotions we both wouldn't dare to give up.
'I love you.'
'I hate you.'
'Why did you ever come?'
'Why didn't you come for me?'
'Why did you say yes to him?'
'Because you never asked me!'
'Run away with me!'
'I can't.'
'Then leave!'
I know us- the Jack and Emily fight sequence. This time might end differently than before, because this time, there's too much to risk. If I don't marry Stanley, my father may never forgive me. My mother would be very disappointed, but she would eventually forgive me. She couldn't help but love her only child more than life itself.
Jack gets up from his desk, still naked, and takes my face in his hands. They move from my face to my neck...to my breasts and the small of my back...to my thighs. He devours me like this might very well be our last time together. I want to let go and let him take me, but reality comes flooding in and I panic.
"Jack," I say as I stop him, "I can't do this." The tears come more quickly than I thought they would. I don't want to leave but I know I cannot stay.
"You're choosing him," Jack says like he assumed this would be the outcome. Our love story ends in a final tragic scene.
"If it were up to me, you know I-"
"IT IS UP TO YOU!" Jack yells and I'm dressed and out the door before we can hurt each other any more.
The last lonely train is waiting to take me home. This time, it isn't warm. My tears feel like they turn to ice with every drop.
Of course, I made the right decision. For the both of us. I just needed to see Jack one last time to truly know for sure. Marrying Stanley makes the most sense for the path my family has laid out for me. It would be dishonorable not to follow it. After all, my father's way has always been the only way.
But I can't stop myself from thinking about Jack and how I walked out on him. I start to sob uncontrollably, because it doesn't matter what is logical anymore. My heart wants love. And my love is with Jack.
Friday, October 11, 2013
short story chapter 1: the way a man in love should.
I don't know what I am running to just yet, or what exactly I am running from, really. I just need to catch this train. The city knows me. The city understands my need to escape.
Back in New Haven, Connecticut I am engaged to a man I barely know. We are ten days away from holy matrimony and I am terrified. Contrary to popular belief, I am not smitten at the thought of spending the rest of my life with Doctor Stanley Pryor and the overwhelming security that comes with it. All of my friends coo over me whenever I am forced to give up any details about the wedding. I simply smile and appease them. My mother has planned the entire event, thankfully. I might be the star in this charade, but that's all I'm good for. To sit back and stay pretty until my cue to walk down the aisle of St. Patrick's Cathedral. F. Scott Fitzgerald married Zelda Sayre there about twenty years ago or so. The thought is romantic enough for the arrangement to please me at times.
The train car shields the cold February wind from my ruby cheeks and I sigh with relief. Not from the cold, but from the platform- the place I could still be found before the rumble of the train wheels against the track ease forward. I made it. I am safe for now.
I glance down at my trembling hands. I forgot the matching gloves to my red scarf I am wearing. A gift from Stanley for my birthday last month.
I think about the first time I met Stanley. I was twelve and he was fourteen. Our parents had become fast close friends when his family first moved to New Haven from the Upper East Side. Doctor Stanley Pryor Sr. aided in my father's recovery after he collapsed unexpectedly one afternoon. The stress and exhaustion from his never ending trial was enough for any defense attorney to break.
Since that fateful spring afternoon, our parents had been planning our future together. Two powerful families merging into one. The classic tale of two young betrothed souls seemed promising in my youth, but every time I saw Stanley Jr., he barely spoke to me. I would catch him staring and I would smile, but there was no warmth in return. No expression of any kind but of curiosity, maybe.
I always wondered if Stanley loved another. Had he met someone at Columbia? Courted her until graduation when his father insisted-no- expected him to write my father?
I remember the day just seven months before. My father called for me into his office- a place I was never allowed to enter unless called upon. He wore a rare smile and told me to sit down across from his desk...letter in hand. I loved my father's smile. I would do anything to keep that smile plastered on his handsome face.
I was to be courted by Stanley after his visit to our house the following week. It was not asked of me, it simply...was to be.
Stanley was nice enough. He was pleasant enough. Had attractive features that I hoped would become more profound as we got to know each other, but my feelings never grew to love. Only to contentment until the inevitable day that he asked my father for permission to marry me. The light in my father's eyes alone was enough for my consent. I thought, surely, my feelings would eventually grow to love. The wedding planning would make my heart race and cause the fluttering feeling deep within me. The feeling I've only had one other time.
I step off the train and my tight limbs loosen with the intake of city air. New York, how I have missed you.
I only know of one place to go. One place I will regain that familiar feeling again.
A letter with his street address is all I have in my possession. A letter I was able to hide from my parents, miraculously. Since the engagement, their firm grip has loosened on me enough to slip a few things past them.
I walk up the crooked staircase one floor and find his door. Apartment 2C.
I can hear my heart thumping uncontrollably as I think back to the last time I laid eyes on him. It was two days before graduation. We spent four unbelievable yet unethical years together at New York University. I can hear his soothing rasp of a voice as he explains his most recent exposition. The love we both shared for literature and narrative poetry that made me hang on his every word. I can feel his hands caress my bare back and the taste of cheap bourbon on his lips. The softness of the sheets we spent hours in at a time.
I hold my breath and knock the familiar tap that always lets him know I'm at his door. At first, nothing. Then, sudden quick footsteps coming closer and the swift twist of the door knob. The door opens in defiance and there he is- Jack Berry.
"Emily," he says in a startled whisper.
Jack is just how I left him- hair in a fixed mess and the same dirty lens glasses and old trousers he's had since I met him almost five years ago. He is still long and thin and...beautiful in my eyes.
"Jack," I answer and just stare at him until he takes my left hand in his. He eyes the ring I had hoped would take him longer to see, but all I can say is, "I have missed you."
That is all it takes for him to pull me into his arms and kiss my lips with a longing desire. He stops only to push back the dark brown waves from my face and look into my eyes the way a man in love should.
"My prayers have been answered," is all he says before our lips meet again and we tumble deeper into his apartment.
This is the feeling I've been waiting for. This is true, heart-wrenching, unexplainable love.
Back in New Haven, Connecticut I am engaged to a man I barely know. We are ten days away from holy matrimony and I am terrified. Contrary to popular belief, I am not smitten at the thought of spending the rest of my life with Doctor Stanley Pryor and the overwhelming security that comes with it. All of my friends coo over me whenever I am forced to give up any details about the wedding. I simply smile and appease them. My mother has planned the entire event, thankfully. I might be the star in this charade, but that's all I'm good for. To sit back and stay pretty until my cue to walk down the aisle of St. Patrick's Cathedral. F. Scott Fitzgerald married Zelda Sayre there about twenty years ago or so. The thought is romantic enough for the arrangement to please me at times.
The train car shields the cold February wind from my ruby cheeks and I sigh with relief. Not from the cold, but from the platform- the place I could still be found before the rumble of the train wheels against the track ease forward. I made it. I am safe for now.
I glance down at my trembling hands. I forgot the matching gloves to my red scarf I am wearing. A gift from Stanley for my birthday last month.
I think about the first time I met Stanley. I was twelve and he was fourteen. Our parents had become fast close friends when his family first moved to New Haven from the Upper East Side. Doctor Stanley Pryor Sr. aided in my father's recovery after he collapsed unexpectedly one afternoon. The stress and exhaustion from his never ending trial was enough for any defense attorney to break.
Since that fateful spring afternoon, our parents had been planning our future together. Two powerful families merging into one. The classic tale of two young betrothed souls seemed promising in my youth, but every time I saw Stanley Jr., he barely spoke to me. I would catch him staring and I would smile, but there was no warmth in return. No expression of any kind but of curiosity, maybe.
I always wondered if Stanley loved another. Had he met someone at Columbia? Courted her until graduation when his father insisted-no- expected him to write my father?
I remember the day just seven months before. My father called for me into his office- a place I was never allowed to enter unless called upon. He wore a rare smile and told me to sit down across from his desk...letter in hand. I loved my father's smile. I would do anything to keep that smile plastered on his handsome face.
I was to be courted by Stanley after his visit to our house the following week. It was not asked of me, it simply...was to be.
Stanley was nice enough. He was pleasant enough. Had attractive features that I hoped would become more profound as we got to know each other, but my feelings never grew to love. Only to contentment until the inevitable day that he asked my father for permission to marry me. The light in my father's eyes alone was enough for my consent. I thought, surely, my feelings would eventually grow to love. The wedding planning would make my heart race and cause the fluttering feeling deep within me. The feeling I've only had one other time.
I step off the train and my tight limbs loosen with the intake of city air. New York, how I have missed you.
I only know of one place to go. One place I will regain that familiar feeling again.
A letter with his street address is all I have in my possession. A letter I was able to hide from my parents, miraculously. Since the engagement, their firm grip has loosened on me enough to slip a few things past them.
I walk up the crooked staircase one floor and find his door. Apartment 2C.
I can hear my heart thumping uncontrollably as I think back to the last time I laid eyes on him. It was two days before graduation. We spent four unbelievable yet unethical years together at New York University. I can hear his soothing rasp of a voice as he explains his most recent exposition. The love we both shared for literature and narrative poetry that made me hang on his every word. I can feel his hands caress my bare back and the taste of cheap bourbon on his lips. The softness of the sheets we spent hours in at a time.
I hold my breath and knock the familiar tap that always lets him know I'm at his door. At first, nothing. Then, sudden quick footsteps coming closer and the swift twist of the door knob. The door opens in defiance and there he is- Jack Berry.
"Emily," he says in a startled whisper.
Jack is just how I left him- hair in a fixed mess and the same dirty lens glasses and old trousers he's had since I met him almost five years ago. He is still long and thin and...beautiful in my eyes.
"Jack," I answer and just stare at him until he takes my left hand in his. He eyes the ring I had hoped would take him longer to see, but all I can say is, "I have missed you."
That is all it takes for him to pull me into his arms and kiss my lips with a longing desire. He stops only to push back the dark brown waves from my face and look into my eyes the way a man in love should.
"My prayers have been answered," is all he says before our lips meet again and we tumble deeper into his apartment.
This is the feeling I've been waiting for. This is true, heart-wrenching, unexplainable love.
Monday, August 26, 2013
yikes! how have 6 months gone by??
... I know how. I've been very happy learning the ropes and enjoying married life, diving into new career adventures, and exploring life with new eyes, a stronger heart, and a lighter spirit.
I promised my facebook friends I would update and blog more often now that I've left a few social media outlets. Its all for the good of this path I'm walking... I promise ;)
When six whole months go by, its very difficult to choose what I could possibly update anyone on. So I'm simply going to make a list of everything I can think of (without boring you...hopefully)
Here go:
1. We got a new puppy in May (yes I'm jumping ahead-I'll go back) and named her Penelope (Penny)! She was 10 weeks old when we picked her cute butt up and now she will be 6 months old on September 8th. If you follow me on instagram janesdaughters instagram, you've seen about 100 pictures of her already.
8. I appreciate those of my family members who HAVE come to visit. =)
9. I have come to appreciate my Mother, Brother, and Father so much since moving back to PA. I always want to be around them and can't get enough of them. My bro often stays with me and he's even gone with David and me on a short overnight trip to Boston on one of David's SWA overnights. He's the best guy to be around and learn from (after my hubby).
10. I am still creating burlap bouquets and roses in my etsy shop and locally (with my Mama). God has blessed me with more than one creative outlet and for that, I am so thankful. Stay tuned for a new department of our shop soon!
Jane's Daughters Etsy Shop
11. David and I have been getting our booties into shape! For the past almost 2 months, we have dramatically changed our health and lifestyle for the better. We feel amazing! There are days I wake up at 6AM like a spider monkey and I'm this ball of A.D.D. until about 7PM. Then I become old again. I love it.
12. My husband...MY Husband! I love saying that. I can't stop saying that. Marriage is good. I like it. I think I'll keep him and the title of Wife. Scripture has helped me so much to appreciate our union and to love it and take care of it the way it deserves.
13. I changed my hair! Twice! Long blonde, then short blonde. I think it's gonna stay for awhile.
14. I'm going back to school! More on that soon.
15. The highlights of my typical every day are walking and cuddling my pups, going for my run and bleacher weave, writing my book, reading my bible, reading someone else's novel, working on Jane's Daughters with Mom, most likely talking to my "girlfriend", hobby lobby errand, and dreaming and making plans with my husband.
Last, but most importantly... My Lord and Savior. Whew, what times I have put you through. I'm in awe of your love and your patience. The relationship I have grown gets me through each day with ease. I know who I am now. And I like me better now. Thank you, Lord, for changing my heart so I can be the woman you created me to be.
More thoughts and updates to come! Promise! If anyone has any questions, feel free to comment.
Much Love,
Lindsey
I promised my facebook friends I would update and blog more often now that I've left a few social media outlets. Its all for the good of this path I'm walking... I promise ;)
When six whole months go by, its very difficult to choose what I could possibly update anyone on. So I'm simply going to make a list of everything I can think of (without boring you...hopefully)
Here go:
1. We got a new puppy in May (yes I'm jumping ahead-I'll go back) and named her Penelope (Penny)! She was 10 weeks old when we picked her cute butt up and now she will be 6 months old on September 8th. If you follow me on instagram janesdaughters instagram, you've seen about 100 pictures of her already.
Penelope cuddling her big brother, Tyson
2. I started writing my first book. There's not much I want to say about it just yet (I know...why say anything at all) because first novels are...well...thrilling, difficult, all-consuming, frustrating, mind-blowing, brain-devouring, heart-exploding, emotional-rollercoasting, can't-wait-to-wake-up-the-next-day-and-do-it-again-ing ALL. At. The. Same. Time. When I am finished, I will start giving out tiny little excerpts to get your feedback.
(I do have character and scenic inspirations on my pinterest account for my book):
3. I have about 1, 2, 3...counting...9 other book ideas clouding my brain. Pray that I might be on to something, please. ;)
4. I still sing and write song lyrics every time I'm in the shower. Then I grab my phone with a wet hand and proceed to record the idea which I can never hear well when I listen back a month later. The most I can make out is the water running.
5. I have had two of my best beautiful friends come to visit me since moving to PA, Karen (I call her Wifey) and Suz (I call her Sister). Having a little piece of Nashville each visit was just what I needed during this transition.
Karen (Wifey) and me in NYC
Suz (sister) and me at home in PA. Red solo cup style just like old times.
6. I have gotten even closer to this one lady in particular who my husband likes to refer to as my "girlfriend". My dear friend, Ashlyne. Even though we have not seen each other since I moved, we talk almost daily and she has been such a blessing in my life and a big part of my new journey.
-AHR to me
7. My cousin, Kate (I call her KDD, cousin, and more than most nowadays, Sister), has been my bestest friend and I am so very thankful that she is only one hour away now. It had been over 7 years since we lived that close (and she doesn't even mind driving the hour to my house! I've learned since moving that some people would rather get the flu than drive to my place of residence). She's opened my eyes to so much this year and has introduced me to my new favorite place, The Baker's Table in Lancaster, PA. Great coffee. Great energy. Gets my creative gears turnin'. I love it.
Kate (KDD, sister, cousin)
8. I appreciate those of my family members who HAVE come to visit. =)
9. I have come to appreciate my Mother, Brother, and Father so much since moving back to PA. I always want to be around them and can't get enough of them. My bro often stays with me and he's even gone with David and me on a short overnight trip to Boston on one of David's SWA overnights. He's the best guy to be around and learn from (after my hubby).
Shot taken from the video Ain't Nobody Got Time For That
At the airport on our way to Boston
Mama, Andy and me
About to board the train in New Freedom, PA on Andy's birthday (July 14th)
The train!
Birthday goofiness (Andy's)
Such a handsome fella
Dad's birthday! (March 10th)
Jane's Daughters Etsy Shop
11. David and I have been getting our booties into shape! For the past almost 2 months, we have dramatically changed our health and lifestyle for the better. We feel amazing! There are days I wake up at 6AM like a spider monkey and I'm this ball of A.D.D. until about 7PM. Then I become old again. I love it.
Nike Free feet!
FITBIT!! We're obsessed!
Avocado toast on ezekiel bread.
Quinoa pasta, steak, avocado, and tomato
grilled chicken, quinoa, organic veggies and side salad
POWER BREAKFAST! Steak, eggs (1 egg-1 egg white), tomato slices, and avocado
Broccoli, spinach, and basil omelet
12. My husband...MY Husband! I love saying that. I can't stop saying that. Marriage is good. I like it. I think I'll keep him and the title of Wife. Scripture has helped me so much to appreciate our union and to love it and take care of it the way it deserves.
13. I changed my hair! Twice! Long blonde, then short blonde. I think it's gonna stay for awhile.
14. I'm going back to school! More on that soon.
15. The highlights of my typical every day are walking and cuddling my pups, going for my run and bleacher weave, writing my book, reading my bible, reading someone else's novel, working on Jane's Daughters with Mom, most likely talking to my "girlfriend", hobby lobby errand, and dreaming and making plans with my husband.
Last, but most importantly... My Lord and Savior. Whew, what times I have put you through. I'm in awe of your love and your patience. The relationship I have grown gets me through each day with ease. I know who I am now. And I like me better now. Thank you, Lord, for changing my heart so I can be the woman you created me to be.
More thoughts and updates to come! Promise! If anyone has any questions, feel free to comment.
Much Love,
Lindsey
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Wednesday Walk - Working Hard for God
We're all there or have been there... We're in a job that is not ideal. We feel its getting us by financially and that's what matters OR its a temporary placement until we land our dream job/promotion.
I'd like to change your mentality a bit. Is it going to make you like your job more? Maybe not and most likely not right away, but it will change your way of thinking and how you view your worth in the work place. That is the goal.
Before, after, and during your shifts practice being present and in the moment at all times. Bring passion into every single detail of your job description no matter what and I mean NO matter what the task is. Pray that God gives you strength and peace to get through the work day. To give off positive energy to your coworkers and clients. Give gratitude to God for having the job to begin with and you will really start to appreciate subtle and small parts of your job that you might be overlooking. Through your positive outlook and energy, you might help a coworker get through a difficult task with your help and encouragement or make a client's day with your uplifting attitude. It will give you purpose for your hard day of work.
You can also look at your job as work for the Lord. In EVERYTHING you do, do it for God. That's the ultimate goal in this life anyway.
I'd like to change your mentality a bit. Is it going to make you like your job more? Maybe not and most likely not right away, but it will change your way of thinking and how you view your worth in the work place. That is the goal.
Presence. Passion. Prayer. Purpose.
Before, after, and during your shifts practice being present and in the moment at all times. Bring passion into every single detail of your job description no matter what and I mean NO matter what the task is. Pray that God gives you strength and peace to get through the work day. To give off positive energy to your coworkers and clients. Give gratitude to God for having the job to begin with and you will really start to appreciate subtle and small parts of your job that you might be overlooking. Through your positive outlook and energy, you might help a coworker get through a difficult task with your help and encouragement or make a client's day with your uplifting attitude. It will give you purpose for your hard day of work.
You can also look at your job as work for the Lord. In EVERYTHING you do, do it for God. That's the ultimate goal in this life anyway.
2 Timothy 15 & 20-21
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
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In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are used for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
What this new outlook will do is empower you on a daily basis. You'll be surprised how your entire life changes with this shift. All of a sudden, new ideas will pop into your head that will expand your wallet. You'll think of great suggestions to present to your boss and you will be heard because you have the confidence to back it up.
Take the first step. Practice being present in each moment. Every little thing you do. Do it with purpose and passion. Watch your life change and be thankful.
My Creative Work
I finally have some new items in my shop that I'm PUMPED about! I have started to work not just with burlap fabrics to make roses, but regular cotton fabrics to incorporate more color and patterns into my work.
My first creation outside of my burlap box is my Tiffany Something Blue Bouquet. -->
Tiffany Something Blue Bouquet
I also added my rosette headbands that I LOVE wearing. I can't believe I didn't add them sooner. You can find 8 or 9 listings in my shop (link below). MANY more to come! -->
Jane's Daughters Etsy Shop
I will soon have pillows, garters, other intricate beading hair pieces, and many more fabric bouquets!!!! I'm praying that God blesses my shop because I can't contain how much I love love love making every single item. I love customizing orders for clients as well. Its the greatest feeling giving someone a product that will never be duplicated. My mother has had her home decor business since the early 90s but has never taken it to the interwebs!!! Can you believe it?! Its time, Mama! I can't wait to share more of her items in the shop!
**PROMO TIME!**
1st Promo - If you share my etsy shop link on your facebook, twitter or instagram accounts, snap a screen shot or send me a link to your account and I will message you a code to receive $5 off any purchase of $15 or more for Jane's Daughters items.
2nd Promo - If you either HAVE a blog or have a friend who writes a blog with more than 1,000 followers/readers, inquire/write a blog about my shop and receive a burlap rose bunch of 6 roses of your color choice (white, ivory, natural, sage, brown, or red - you can also mix colors) FOR FREE (including free shipping)!!!!! If one of your best buds is the blogger, he/she would receive the same FREE gift as well!!
3rd Promo - Get 20 of your friends to LIKE my Jane's Daughters Facebook Page, and I will send you one burlap rose of your color choice, FOR FREE (including free shipping). All you would need to do is send me the list of names of your friends that liked the page.
Thank you for all of the support and I hope you enjoy my shop!
Filled with LOVE,
Lindsey
My first creation outside of my burlap box is my Tiffany Something Blue Bouquet. -->
Tiffany Something Blue Bouquet
I also added my rosette headbands that I LOVE wearing. I can't believe I didn't add them sooner. You can find 8 or 9 listings in my shop (link below). MANY more to come! -->
Jane's Daughters Etsy Shop
I will soon have pillows, garters, other intricate beading hair pieces, and many more fabric bouquets!!!! I'm praying that God blesses my shop because I can't contain how much I love love love making every single item. I love customizing orders for clients as well. Its the greatest feeling giving someone a product that will never be duplicated. My mother has had her home decor business since the early 90s but has never taken it to the interwebs!!! Can you believe it?! Its time, Mama! I can't wait to share more of her items in the shop!
**PROMO TIME!**
1st Promo - If you share my etsy shop link on your facebook, twitter or instagram accounts, snap a screen shot or send me a link to your account and I will message you a code to receive $5 off any purchase of $15 or more for Jane's Daughters items.
2nd Promo - If you either HAVE a blog or have a friend who writes a blog with more than 1,000 followers/readers, inquire/write a blog about my shop and receive a burlap rose bunch of 6 roses of your color choice (white, ivory, natural, sage, brown, or red - you can also mix colors) FOR FREE (including free shipping)!!!!! If one of your best buds is the blogger, he/she would receive the same FREE gift as well!!
3rd Promo - Get 20 of your friends to LIKE my Jane's Daughters Facebook Page, and I will send you one burlap rose of your color choice, FOR FREE (including free shipping). All you would need to do is send me the list of names of your friends that liked the page.
Thank you for all of the support and I hope you enjoy my shop!
Filled with LOVE,
Lindsey
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