CELEBRATE

Today at the Arizona Science Center, I saw a giant map of Phoenix. This was helpful because everyone keeps telling me I am in the easiest city to navigate but I could still do well to have a map like that.

Curiously, a woman pointed out her house. As in, her exact house on the biggest map I've ever seen which as far as I could see didn't locate things like particular houses.

It made me realize that we all see differently, even if we are staring at the same thing.

I'm learning but right now am happy if I choose the correct location somewhere in a 5 mile radius on the map.

Side note: when I give directions, I typically use landmarks. Phoenix doesn't work quite like that.

Just turn left at the sea creature mural?

 

I am not sure what constitutes a coffee experience anymore. I probably need to have more interaction with some of these people I meet. But I am learning a lot from them.

Good news: I think I have been to every coffee shop within my five mile radius. So, there's that.

The city is growing on me and I am sure I am growing being in the middle of newness. I probably overuse that word so I will choose another word.

It is sweet being here, and it's been easy to celebrate. Life still feels a little limbo-y, but I'm realizing that's okay.

None of us have it all figured out along the way.

Change is so weird, but I think it is necessary. Since I didn't have a lot of words about this season and change, I am grateful Emily did.

Here's to change and even if it sounds backwards, finding little ways to celebrate it along the way.. aka I will accept any wall map you want to send my way as long as you can find your house on it. 

linking with kate

There are Trees in Arizona

I want to be like the palm tree.

The palm tree only gets stronger by the blowing winds because it digs its roots deeper. I don't worry about the palm tree outside my window falling down for good when the weather changes drastically. It might have moments where it topples a little but as it digs its roots down deep, it straightens up again and is even stronger.

It's easy for me to be light and airy during most of my writing on here, especially because I am interviewing other people and talking about adventures, but I still need some moments to remember things like what the palm tree teaches.

It reminds me to dig my roots down in Christ who strengths me and anchors me because otherwise it's too easy to topple around everywhere. Life is so strange and cool and funny and sometimes words don't explain it but I am so grateful for all His grace in this new season! A fun city to explore. My fave coffee who makes life sweeter. Trees. New faces. Train rides. Mountains. Reminders of people in my life all over who are still there. Lots of adventures already!

Update on Timbler: he is safe and sound and rode the train for the fun of it this afternoon. He hardly wanted his picture taken. Don't tell him he's been the feature story in the blog today..

 

Maybe they aren't the same trees, but there are still trees in Arizona.

 

Linking with kate for a very delayed post!

Timbler the Traveling Man

I am learning my way around and have been enjoying traveling around the city of blue skies and sunny days. It's been the rainy season here so I encountered my first Arizona storm last night. I was about to take a walk when the weather changed in the matter of seconds. In the morning, all was well again and it was as if nothing ever happened. Onward, we go.

Before I left North Carolina, my friend Amy and I decided to purchase a traveling friend who would belong to both of us, and split his time between Phoenix and Raleigh. We found the tiniest of traveling creatures and named him Timbler. We knew he was just right for the job.

Don't underestimate him.

 

He made the long journey and then he made his first stop in the desert at Lola's to eat some breakfast. Yum.

 



 

 

The library was fun but big! He liked riding the elevator. He decided to go easy on the reading for awhile and just keep seeing the sights.

 

 

Where will Timbler be next?

 

He was in my car the last time I checked, but now he's not there. You can't be lost when you're on an adventure, but hopefully, he didn't try to escape during the storm last night.

 

I will keep you posted. He is such a traveler, I am sure he will have many stories to tell us. Perhaps over coffee.