...today I took my time crawling out of bed.  The clouds persuaded me to lay there awhile, fully absorbing the peace of the morning.  Within about five minutes and with a little hop in my step, I wandered out of my room to see where D was.  Actually, now that I think about it, I don't remember what he was doing...oh yes, he was on a video chat with his Mom, Dottie, & Mrs. Bush.  Out in the kitchen, I realized I still wasn't feeling great.  Today is day number 4 with this attack on my sinuses, but thankfully I am down to "drainage."  Still hard to breathe, but I feel progress.  Curling up next to D with my mini-wheats in soy milk, I got to say hi to the family and leave cares to the rest of the world for a few moments. 
Shortly thereafter we said our farewells, and for the first time, I practiced a little with D as he went through Sunday morning's songs, laughing through my funny-sounding, sick head-clogged voice.  I look forward to next time.
...


On a whim, we decided to pull out our espresso machine and play around with latte art.  Though not as suave as those noted on Youtube, we had fun trying our hand.  Pulling double shots one after the other, we made a few different drinks and did a little tasting. I liked them all in different ways, some better at the first sip, some at the finish. Of course, not to forget another favorite part, our milk frothing was pretty successful too.  Soy milk has a velvety-soft feel as it slides across the tongue with a hint of sweetness, putting any beverage made with soy into its own category.  After about a half hour of experiments, I was ready for a full drink.  I landed my decision on a decaf double-short, soy, one-sugar latte. Filling my want, I was satisfied to have a seat and watch the rain. Encouraged to view these days through a different lens, about five years ago I began falling in love with cloudy, rainy days.  Even my wedding day was charmed with clouds and light air, at which I sighed with a smile and heart of joy for the special occasion.  In my renewed perception, clouds might as well be the substance of peace.  It is never a downer of a day because it's raining...rain brings the life that we enjoy every other day.  I won't ever be able to look at another wet, gray-cast day the same way again.  So, paired with a morning at the bar -the espresso bar- I'll say it was a morning to cherish and a day to celebrate.

We're going on a golf-outing today, Darin and I. I've been learning a lot about the game and we were able to get some new irons for Darin.
When we first got there, we were looking at the different irons in each set. I pick one up that had and "S" on it and asked D what it signified. He replied with "Sand Wedge" that sounded much more like (as I heard), "Sandwich"...
Lol.
I said, "Sandwich?!?"
I was seriously, honestly confused for about 3 seconds.
He laughed at me, and shook his head. "No no! Sand-Wedge"
Ohhhhh! Got it...
I laughed deeply 



Haha...goodness.
We'll have fun.

Darin, working...
me? haha.
taking time.
I am hoping to receive a call on a job...with the news that I got it.
listening to undertow by sara bareilles. it's good, funky.

At this point, I have the urge to clean but kind of wish I could snap...like childhood dreams to be like mary poppins. Darin said I was talking in my sleep all night. he asked what time it was early this morning, and I replied "bubbles" ( ) ... he said, what?? in a circular motion, I pointed to my face and said, "right here" (haha!) I am laughing just posting this. I am not really sure what happened, but it was humorous.

I am remembering days like this, cloudy and breezy. I would sit in my dorm room with the music on softly, journal open, laying on the floor. Sitting and cherishing my time with the Lord...it was such a coveted time. I miss the times they would come into my room with a soft knock..."shayna? ... what are you doing? ..." and we would talk, share, laugh, smile.
I miss my friends. Those girls that would encourage me, push me, hold me accountable, love life with me, cry with me, worship next to me...such wonderful memories to hold...[thank you].

This man...he is my hero. I get to live with him for the rest of my life. wow. (haha...a long time). And he loves me. He loves me. I am still learning what his love is and what it can do...but from what I've experienced, it's healing and freeing. I wish the world could know him.
I respect him.
I look to him and he leads...very well. I just hold on tight. I can go on about him, it could be endless.

I am learning about joy all over again. Happiness has been fleeting and I can't seem to stay put. Contentment has been a distant friend and I've not chosen peace in those moments. Peace. Tara asked, "what is it with us and peace??" haha...she was right...(you had that affect on us Tara )

Micaela. where have you been all my life??? [haha]. You know...  I still needs to take you you Lake MI. Glad you're here for the long haul. [let's meet in the middle].

*sigh*
Memories are cherished and beloved friends are missed.