Christmas Time

This Christmas was full of so much family and so many new things. It was wonderful. I ate all day at numerous different places. Ah, the joys of having more than one family now.

When People are in Love….

They do crazy things.

I cooked dinner.

I know shocking.

Yes, you read correctly. I COOKED. Despite the belief that I am completely unable to complete such a feat of domestication and depth.

And it was pretty darn good.

Ryan and I, both being photographers, also went on an adventure yesterday afternoon in an attempt to shoot our own engagement photos.

Might I add that is was one degree outside.

ONE FREAKING DEGREE.

I couldn’t feel my toes or nose by the end of it. But I think they turned out just swell.

Being in love is awesome.

Ghosts

“A man’s reputation is what other people think of him; his character is what he really is.”

The ghosts of my past weigh heavy upon my frame in these past few weeks.

The stirring up of dust and grime that covers my forgiven past still creeps its way into my current life at times.

I shall have no more it.

It is said that one can take 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to quickly lose it. How in one single moment or comprimise, all that was once so carefully built will be as dust in the passing wind.

I know of the things I have done. I know of the things I ran far away from. And I know of the souls that I let down.

I wish only that the ghosts of my past would no longer look towards the brokenness of my once perfected reputation and be able to again realize the drastic changes that God has been doing within my character.

I am not the woman I used to be.

Far from it.

I know that I can not buy back my time, or one’s respect, but I can be the one to bring about the changes in my life; as I have been since my fateful move back to Colorado.

I’m no longer focusing upon the bitter remains of my reputation, but the building of the new foundation of my redeemed character.

“Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”

-A. Lincoln

I’m focusing upon the growth of a tree, no matter how shattered and tired it may have become.

I am a new creation, only by the sheer grace of God.

The ghosts of my past may never truly understand, yet someday I hope they will be able to see.

The tree instead of the shadow.

Hmmmm….

90/10 Benefit

This past weekend I experienced a sense of community like I never have before in my life. I wanted only to stop time and stay in that place of peace, community, and remain surrounded by the music that filled Everyday Joe’s. Friday night was spent at my own show, playing with a looper pedal, embarking upon a solo show that I had not had the guts to do. It was a very nerve racking, yet freeing experience.

Then Saturday I played a set with my lovely fiance, Ryan, for the 90/10 Benefit at Everyday Joe’s. The place was packed and never before have I felt so free and satisfied at a show. We ended the set with a cover of “Falling Slowly” from the movie “Once.” It went so well. I loved every second of it.

Also….

Ryan and I were part of a compliation record that Everyday Joe’s created to support their non-profit organization and the musical side of things that they are invovled in. Please download it. Please donate if you can. The artists on the cd are some people that I have come in contact with over the past few months. They are all amazing, they are all awesome artists and people. Help support local music and organizations!

…..“Love, Everyday Joe’s – Volume 2:…and a child will lead them is our gift to you, our community…a free CD for you to download and enjoy. It’s our way of saying thanks and merry Christmas. 20 of our favorite musicians have been kind enough to donate songs to the compilation for your listening pleasure.

They are:
Sleeping At Last, Katie Herzig, Paean, Bradley Hathaway, Aaron Strumpel, Lifeboat Etiquette, Andrea Ball, Brooke Waggoner, Baily Stauffer, Dan Craig, Rob Drabkin, Jessica Sonner, Eva Holbrook, Aaron Espe, Stephen Delopoulos, Trace Bundy, The Autumn Film, The Dowry, The Riflemen, and The Blackthorn Project

Again, this compilation is free from us to you. However, if you feel like supporting Everyday Joe’s (your favorite non-profit, volunteer run coffee house & concert venue), please consider donating a dollar or two. All donations will be used to help pay our music licensing fees. Click on the handy donate button below to help us with that, and then click the album artwork to download the album & start listening.

Love, Everyday Joe’s”

Download here:
Little Child Compilation!