Memories Made With Music

Do you have songs that bring back instant memories?  We'll be sitting at a restaurant and my Dad will stop and tell us exactly where he was when he heard a specific song from when he was growing up.  It's one of my favorite things that he does.  Music has long been a marker of time for our family, and today was no different.

I knew as I was driving to Arlington that Maroon 5's newest album would always remind me of the day my Dad and I traded in my Tahoe for a 4Runner.  It was my graduation present {yes, from when I graduated 17 months ago}.

This purchase has not been delayed on account of my Dad, that's for sure.  Bless his heart, he's tried to buy me a car since January of 2009.  But I wasn't ready yet.  I searched long and hard, and test drove many a car.  

This was my last hoorah, the "you're really off the payroll now, Shay!"  I wanted to make sure I could live with this decision for a good long while.  So I took my sweet time, and I couldn't be happier about it!

Today was really exciting, but also bittersweet.  I try not to get too attached to "stuff," but sometimes it's hard.  Mostly just because I have lots of great memories in my Tahoe--road trips to Austin, just for dinner during college, loading it up with fun friends, singing at the top of my lungs and not caring because no one else was in the car, and carting sweet little munchkins around in the summer, just to name a few.  

My truck had Tri Delta letters and a Baylor sticker on the back.  It was a big day this past May, when I finally scraped off the old BU sticker to put up a Baylor Alumni one.  It may sound silly that it took me a year, but it was monumental.  I was ready to move on with life--a year  later.  I cleaned out my car and scraped my stickers off {again} this afternoon.  It was, once again, a big moment for me.  

Dad came over to my place around 2, and we narrowed down and called various dealers about the available cars.  The one that met all my specifications was about an hour away.  {Between my wish list and my Dad's low-mileage specifications, there weren't too many to choose from.  I'm sure some of you are thinking, "Shay?  Picky?  Never..."}

Then we began our car ride over to the dealership, listening to Maroon 5 and Sara Bareillis' new songs.  And we talked.  And it was so fun.  We got to the dealership, and fortunately our car salesman was actually pretty pleasant and not too pushy.  I drove the 4Runner we'd come to look at and really liked it.  And then Dad negotiated.  I signed my life away on documents too numerous to count.

Here's how the conversation went in the office while taking this photo:

Dad:  Should we put the check in the picture?

Me: Um, sure, I guess

Dad:  It's kind of funny.  Can you put these on Facebook?

Me: Dad!  I can't put this on Facebook!  There's a dollar amount on that check!  

Dad:  Ok, I'll cover it up.  

So I made the check fuzzy and put it on my blog.  Go figure.  

And finally I handed over my Tahoe keys. 

We took a few pics with the new {to me} car, and were on the road again!  This time the first song was Troy's.  And I have an Auxiliary plug now to use an iPod.  I'm probably most excited about this feature!!

  

We made the trip back and met Mom for pizza, and then I headed over to babysit the cutest little boys.  We built a train track, and I put out lots of fires before brushing their teeth and tucking them in under their Star Wars covers.  Currently they are hopping in and out of bed, and it somewhat resembles the "Whack-A-Mole" game.  {I don't bop them on the head, mind you, but they just keep popping up!}

And now, as I sit in their living room writing this, everything is still and quiet.  The music of my day fills my mind and makes me smile.  It's been a great day with my Dad.  And I'm one happy girl.  And most of that has nothing to do with the fact that I'm driving a different car.  :-)

Cozy On Up

I just looked through the Pottery Barn catalogue today, and it is so cozy.  Here are a few of my favorites. {All images are from PB}

This store always inspires me and makes me want to emulate it.  I would just prefer not to imitate the price! So I get my ideas from here and dream away.  If I'm lucky, I find something similar in a consignment store.  But I need more furniture like I need a hole in my head, so I just look.  :-)

Doesn't this one just scream "Hello Fall, please come right in!"

I don't think I would get out of bed all day if I slept here.  

Did anyone else dream of a canopy bed as a little girl?  

And look at these sheets!  They have French Calligraphy on them.  How cool is that?

Happy Friday.  Have a cozy weekend!

Reddish/Orangeish/Peachish

Color: that's the only thing these photos from my phone have in common today.  But I loved them all for different reasons, so here they are.

First, pumpkins!  It's officially the first day of Fall.  I think.  But when I saw these pumpkins outside the grocery store, I couldn't have been more excited.  The weather may not have changed, but at least the decor is pretending like it's a new season!

Secondly, I was cleaning out my closet a few weeks ago, and I found this t-shirt and thought of Troy.  Originally I bought it while I was in Spain at a bull fight.  I thought it was kind of cool.  But the more I looked at it, the more I realized that the bull was...well, ALL BULL, in all his glory.  Needless to say, I didn't really want to be wearing it. 

However, I did think that Troy might like to have it.  He's just random like that.  And he doesn't much care what other people think.  After a week long texting match back-and-forth, I finally got his address, and was rewarded with this photo on Monday evening...

Ever the multi-tasker, that T-roy.  He just cracks me up.  It totally made my day to see him wearing his new shirt.  And I was glad to know he still has good hygiene.  He loves that toothbrush.  

Lastly, I walked into my office after a meeting on Monday afternoon to find Adam sitting behind my desk with these roses in his hands.  I was busy texting, and looked up, only to gasp at seeing him there.  It was such a sweet surprise!  He was afraid I'd scream.  (Apparently I do that?!)  But I didn't.  I was just so, so surprised to see him there.  I didn't say anything worthwhile to say for the next hour or so--I was just so speechless!  And now I see them every morning next to my sink.  (But don't worry, I didn't include a photo of me brushing my teeth.)  

Tomorrow = Friday = Jeans day at work = weekend is on its way!  Yippee!

Got Me Thinking

I have a rather long list of wonderful people in my life that have shaped me into who I am today.  And I am so grateful.  One that I've never written about on this little blog, though, lives thousands of miles away, is seven years older than me, and is a fabulous wife and mama.

Meet Emily.  She originally started out as my high school Spanish teacher.  I'm pretty sure I've retained everything I learned in her Spanish class, simply because I loved walking in her door.  I can recall reflexive verb rules and the imperfect tense endings like I just learned them yesterday.  She is a gifted teacher.  She took that a step further, and began meeting with me and two other girls each week, discipling us, praying for us and listening to our  high school chatter.

Whether she knows it or not, she has made a huge difference in my life, and continues to do so.  Despite her several moves to different states and now another country, we've managed to keep in touch.  High School wasn't my most favorite thing--let's be honest.  Emily often told me that I was "made for college," and I think she was right.  But she helped make High School more than bearable.  

Even now, as I follow her blog while she is in Scotland while her husband gets his PhD, she makes me stop and think, just as she did as I sat in a desk in her classroom seven years ago.  While I haven't completely cut out Dr. Pepper, her cutting back her Coke Zero consumption has made me reconsider how much DP I drink, and I'm working on consuming less of it every day.

Emily recently posted about how easy and necessary it is to compost and recycle in Scotland, which got me thinking again.  Now Claire and I have so much less trash since we decided to find a place to take our recycling!

While both of these examples may seem rather practical, my point is that she makes me think.  I do not do these things because I have an I -want-to-be-exactly-like-Emily complex or anything, but just because I hadn't considered them before.

Emily and her husband Josh had been married about a year before I met them.  So I have had the privilege of getting a little glimpse into their married life for a good while.  They try their best to love each other well.  And it is so sweet.

We don't get to see each other all too often.  In fact, that picture was taken over Christmas, and it had been three years since I'd seen her last.  But I love that we've kept in touch.  And I love that she blogs.  I think that's my love language.  Ha!  It makes it easier to keep up with each other that way, too.  And don't even get me started on her kids...they are just too cute for words.

Once again, Emily has me thinking.  Thinking about who I am impacting, and who I'm pouring into.  Because I know it can make a big difference.  

So Emily, thanks for making a big difference in my life.  You are dear to me!

Love,
Shay 

Just Wanted You to Know

Dear AMP, did you know that this pic was taken 

hours before we met six months ago?  

I'm glad we both decided to go two-stepping that cold, snowy night.  

Just wanted you to know.

I'm thankful that you add extra laughter, smiles and fun to my life.

Just wanted you to know.

Sometimes we go out and get all fancy, 

but my favorite things are going to church together,  

running and cooking with you. 

 I'm all about the little stuff.  :-)

Just wanted you to know.

And it doesn't hurt that we build forts, wear silly hats, 

take (short) road trips together, have great conversations, and laugh a lot.

Just wanted you to know.

Happy Monday.

Grumpy to Grateful

This afternoon I was quite grumpy.  My day did not turn out like I had planned. (Shocking, right?)  I mentioned this to a friend who said, "Sometimes we feel grumpy when we forget to be grateful."  She was right.

I flipped through my pictures, some old and some new, and found several people and experiences that I was grateful for recently.  And I'm already feeling better.  I posted a similar story here last October about my mom singing "Count Your Blessings" to us whenever we complained.  Once again, it turns out she was right.

Here's what I'm thankful for today, at this moment:

{Amanda's wedding, August 2009}

I got to see Amanda two days in a row, since she was in town for work.  

{Baylor Basketball game, last season}

I had lunch with my cousins, aunt and uncle and a few others, on Sunday.  It was so. much. fun.  And we all know I love them.  My aunt and uncle just moved back here, so I'm excited to see them more often.

Because I didn't want her to feel left out, here's my cousin, Anna.  I've always liked this picture.  Maybe because we were just so goofy.  This was on a ski trip when my hair was braid-able...so a long time ago!

{My 22nd birthday lunch}

I had a nice little phone chat with my dad today.  It was sweet.

I got to catch up with Katie on the phone on Monday night.  Loved it.  

She starts teaching school this week.  So fun!

Papa and I had a little text session last night.  I love that he can text.  

And I also love this pic from earlier this summer when Troy was in town.  They love each other.  

And I love them. 

I'm looking forward to dinner with this chicky tomorrow night!

Isn't he just the sweetest dog ever?  

Tonight I had a good catch-up chat with Claire, and she let me play in her makeup.  She loves anything sparkly.  I watched her put on four different shades of shimmer this evening.  Hilarious.

  

These flowers next to my sink greet me every morning.  They are still so pretty after more than two weeks!  They make me smile when I think that this guy gave them to me...

AMP:  You make me laugh. 

I'm thankful for our run in the rain sprinkles 

last night, and the "dinner of athletes."  It was yummy.  

Thanks for being my most faithful reader.  

So now I'm feeling a lot more grateful--thanks for reading down this far!  :-)  My lesson for today: gratefulness often outweighs grumpiness.

All roads lead to...

...Fall!  At least on the calendar.  Not exactly on the thermometer.  Here's a cornucopia of my thoughts for Fall...

Fall Recipes

I've been craving cornbread and chili, so I made that for dinner tonight.  It hit the spot.  

Today on the Pioneer Woman this new recipe for Pecan Pie Muffins was posted, so I grabbed the ingredients while I was at the store, and they were so good!  The recipe only have five ingredients, which is always a plus in my book. (Six if you add chocolate chips, like I did!)

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The recipe:

1 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar

½ cups All-purpose Flour
1 cup Chopped Pecans (I used 2/3 cup instead and added 1/2 cup of chocolate chips!)
⅔ cups Softened Butter
2 whole Eggs Beaten

Preheat oven 350 F.

Grease your muffin pan (whatever size) or use the silicone cups. I grease my silicone muffin cups with Crisco or lard.

In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour and pecans. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and eggs together until smooth. Stir into the dry ingredients just until combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Cups should be about 2/3 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on wire racks when done.

Option: when you take them out of the oven, place a slice of butter on top and eat warm. You may also use walnuts instead of pecans.

Seasonal Music

I have a confession:  I've listened to "The Way You Look Tonight" ten times, according to iTunes...and I just downloaded it this weekend.  One of my all time favorite movies has always been "Father of the Bride,"  and I love the soundtrack.  This version is the one from the movie.  I used the Genius feature to create a playlist, and instead of similar songs, it pulled up Christmas music.  I just let it play.  'Tis the Season!  (Almost.  Maybe.  Ok, it's only September.  But a girl can dream.)

Fall Clothes

On another note, I got this Momism today in my email:

Wear your most comfortable shoes today.  It will make you feel good all over!

Ironically, these were the shoes I was already wearing.  I Don't suppose that falls into the category of "comfortable?"  While they're not recommended for the aforementioned grocery shopping, I was feeling quite chic.  Or something.  :-)

Here's to feeling Fallish!

You know you live with a teacher when...

...You find paperclips on the ground while vacuuming.

...You hear about fourth grade quotes that go like this: "Miss Chambers, you need to really work on getting a husband. You aren't going to have that pretty face forever."  {They are really concerned with her finding a husband.  It's truly hilarious.}


...You have a lunch box living in your fridge that looks like it could belong to a little kid.


...You help with stacks and stacks of paper that involve cutting.  {I actually found that cutting stuff out is really relaxing!}

...You feel bad for your roomdog when it rains, because that means that the kids have to have indoor recess, which usually means chaos.

This was last year at Christmastime when I got to come read The Polar Express to Miss Chambers' class.  I loved it.  I went back in the spring to read again, and they wrote me a huge card to say thanks for coming.  I loved that, too.

Roomdog...thanks for making life so fun!  Proud of your mad teaching skillz.

Where Were You On September 11th?

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The first thing I heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York was in my second period biology class.  I had just come from choir, and there were two guys in my class that typically said idiotic things.  So when I heard them say, "The World Trade Centers have been hit."  I thought they were being ridiculous.  And then I quickly realized that they were actually telling the truth.  And then my biology teacher confirmed it.

I remember after biology that we had chapel, which was one of my favorite parts of the day.  (Maybe because wasn't actually in class?!)  As I look back, I am more and more grateful to have been able to go to a Christian school where we were able to pray.  Right then.  

The rest of the day was a blur.  I just remember that our counselor and assistant principal pulled a TV out of their office and plugged it in under the stairwell in the main entryway.  There were students hovered around the TV the rest of the day.  Remember how they played the images over and over and over again?  I do.  

I remember coming home and finding my dad there in his study.  They'd evacuated all the buildings downtown, just in case.  And we sat in his office and continued to watch.  That night, I remember watching President Bush speak on our TV upstairs in the game room.

I remember feeling very American.  Very united.  Very prayerful.  And I remember hugging my family a little tighter that night.  

What do you remember?

Compassion International & My One Hundredth Post

After almost a year of blogging, I have reached my 100th post.  I've been thinking about what I wanted to write about for this entry the past week or so, as I knew it was approaching.  I knew that I wanted it to be more than just about me.

If I could tell you about just one thing, I think I would focus on Compassion International today.  The timing is perfect, because right now, there is a group of some really great writers who are blogging from Guatemala now through September 11.

Each morning, I anticipate the entry of Amanda Jones.  And I have recently discovered the beautiful writing style of Canadian Ann Voskamp.  {Seriously, if you read one thing today, check out her post on meeting her sponsored child.}  There's also Lindsey Nobles from Nashville, and South African Gypsy Mama, Lisa-Jo.  Each of them provide a unique perspective on how this week is impacting them.  

But one thing they all have in common is the obvious difference sponsorship makes in the lives of one child, the difference it makes in their family, and the difference it makes in the community where Compassion International is working.  It's really incredible.  

For a long time, I had heard people at church encourage people to adopt a child through Compassion, but it wasn't until last October that I finally decided to take it upon myself and find a child that I could connect with.  

After searching, I chose to sponsor Juliet in Uganda.  It's kind of overwhelming because there are so many children in need, but I just finally picked one.  I thought it would be a sweet reminder to find someone similar in age to the twins I keep, J and G.  And she loves music, which we also have in common.

Last week, I picked up some mail from my parents house, and I realized I had received not one but two letters from Juliet.  One was a thank you for her birthday gift, and another one was just to say hello, and it included an updated photo.  I cannot tell you the joy it brought me to find those in the mail, especially the one with a new photo.  Juliet has grown so much!  I loved seeing her.  And if I get excited about mail from Juliet, I can only imagine what it must be like for her.  

When I see her picture each morning, Juliet reminds me that this world is so much bigger than myself.  But our God is bigger.  And although we come from very different backgrounds, he loves us the same.  It is so humbling to me.  And you know what else is humbling?  She tells me that she prays for me and my family.  

So with this one hundredth post, I would like to encourage you to consider sponsoring a child.  For $38 each month, they are fed, clothed, educated and poured into spiritually.  Often times, it ends up impacting the entire family.  

And if you already sponsor a child, then I encourage you to write them today.  I did.  It only took me a few minutes, but I'm already anticipating the letter I'll get back.  

I'll leave you with a quote from The Hole in Our Gospel that I mentioned briefly in my last post really struck a chord with me.  

"Bob Pierce once said, 'Don't fail to do something just because you can't do everything.'  These are wise words to anyone overwhelmed with the magnitude of human suffering in our world.  We are not asked to help all of them at once, just one at at time."  (page 152)

Laking it Up

This weekend was gloriously long, and I loved it. Friday and Saturday were low-key at home, and then we headed to the lake for Sunday and Monday.

My parents let us use the lake house while they were out of town, so Adam, Skippy Dog and I headed down to meet Amanda and Joey. It was the first time they had gotten to come, and it was so fun. We ate a lot, talked a lot, and jet skied.

Adam played grill master all weekend, and the chicken and burgers he made were delicious! Joey took out the trash a ton, which, as silly as it sounds, was really helpful too.  Four people surprisingly make a lot of trash!  And we all worked together to wield the sea doos into submission with the waves.  Quite the adventures.

And I discovered that Amanda is a speed-demon on the Jet Ski.  She loves to go fast!  I just hung on for dear life, and screamed a lot in Adam's ear.  {Sorry, AMP!}

Amanda and I got to spend time talking over morning coffee and tea, which are always my favorite times with her. We have the best discussions,  so it was fun to have some girl time.  She even came in the bathroom so we could put our makeup on together.  {Yes, we only did that to take our picture, haha.} :-)  Makes me wish we lived closer!

It was such a treat to have some of my favorite people together. Here's to lots more times like it!

Flying

I flew to San Antonio today for work on Southwest's airplane painted for the state of New Mexico. Quite colorful, that plane.

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I was so excited to get to wear my new gray boots. It was border-line cool enough to wear them when I started out because of the rain we've been getting. But really, I just wanted to wear them. And I made an executive decision that even though it will end up in the 80s, it's after Labor Day. And sometimes you just have to bust out the boots, baby.  And let's talk about the rain. Oh, the rain. It's made it so much cooler here and has been great, except it makes me want to snuggle in bed all day.

So...I just had a few interesting experiences at the airport.

I was talking to a lady at the gate, admiring her cute new baby. He was really sweet and even had a fuzzy head of blond hair. Precious. I'm pretty sure she was just trying to make conversation, which was really sweet, but she asked if I had any kids.

Excuse me? Kids? Do I look old enough to have kids? Oh my.

Then, I was standing in line to board and noticed a man with a Baylor athletic shirt on and struck up a conversation. I don't know if people from other schools do that, but it's definitely one of my favorite things about being an Alumni. He graduated in 2004. When I told him I was an '09 graduate, he said, "Oh wow. So you JUST graduated." Yes...about a year and a half ago.

How is it that I can be so old and so young in the span of 10 minutes?  Someone please explain this phenomenon.

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I interned for Southwest Airlines one summer in college, and so I am a huge fan of theirs. One thing I love most is their Fun-LUVing culture. Today was no exception.  The flight attendant today reminded me of Jack in Will & Grace. If you've ever seen the show, you know what I'm talking about. If not, just imagine a vey dramatic and flamboyant man. It'll make you laugh.

Today I was reminded of a few things about myself: one, I love wearing boots. Two, I enjoy traveling, especially on Southwest. And three, perhaps my favorite thing about traveling is the people I get up the nerve to talk to. It's always interesting. And always entertaining.

And another good thing about flying is that I have some good, uninterrupted time to read. Right now I'm reading The Hole in Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns. It is really opening my eyes to serving those in poverty. Hopefully I'll be able to write some of my thoughts on it soon. But for now, I'm going back to reading.

Happy Thursday, blog friends.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dear Dad,

Today is your special day...I hope you feel loved and celebrated!  Thanks for being such a wonderful Dad.  I love that you find so much joy in the music Troy and I make.  You and Mom are our biggest fans, no doubt.  Thanks for making it possible for us to go for our dreams, even when being a Rock Star is not always practical.

{March 2010--At a show in Deep Ellum, when Troy's band came to Dallas to record}

{June 2009--American Idol Tryouts}

Thanks for my education.  I'm grateful to carry on the legacy of being a Baylor Bear.

{On Campus, May 2009}

Thanks for showing us how to love and be loved, 

for exactly who we are, and who we can be.  

Thanks for showing us that you can always grow, change and learn. 

 All it takes is a willing heart.

And thanks for showing us how to have fun and laugh...

at ourselves.  

{Easter in Mexico, 2010}

Thanks for all the opportunities and the experiences we've had to make us who we are today.  It has made all the difference.  Not everyone can say they have a Dad that would go the distance for them.  

But I can.  And I'm so thankful.

Happy Birthday, Dad.  I love you.

Love, Shay

Today's Letters

In the style of Today's Letters...

Dear Tahoe, yesterday you hit 100,000 miles.  Thanks for toting me back and forth from Waco to home so many times during college, and now from work to home for almost a year.  Someday if I get a dog, I think I'll name it Tahoe.  Because I like you that much.  Dear day-off from work, I thoroughly enjoyed you.  Please come again soon.  Dear Papa, I'm glad I caught you between all your many travels.  Lunch with you was sweet, funny and entertaining, as usual.  Dear College Football, I'm so glad you're back.  You provide such a great soundtrack for fall weather, afternoon naps, and lots of school spirit.  Dear New Running Kicks, I'm really grateful for you, because now my little toes don't hurt when I run.  Dear Roomdog, glad we got to catch up last night, slumber-party-style.  I've missed you.  Dear AMP, spending yesterday with you was a great way to enjoy beautiful weather and running in the park.  Loved every minute.  

Happy Weekend!

A Tale of Two Tickets

I got a speeding ticket last month.  I was on my lunch break, going to switch cars with my dad for the weekend.  They were taking a bunch of kids from the youth group to the lake and needed a bigger car.  (I seem to always be on a "good mission" when I'm speeding.  Why is that?)  So there I was, on I-35, caught going 75 in a 60.

I'm used to the speed limits on the Toll roads being 70, so it didn't feel to fast at all.  But this officer caught me.  I'm pretty sure I had the music up loud, and I was singing along, not really paying attention to my speed.

I have today off from work, and besides sleeping late and cleaning the apartment, I decided to do other riveting things like go pay my ticket.  Prior to heading to the courthouse, I deposited my bonus check, knowing full-well that I would use at least some portion of it to pay my ticket.  Isn't being an adult fun?

I was the only one in line, and I must admit, this was a pretty nice place.  Not exactly what I expected.  I was given the option of paying $107 and agreeing to take defensive driving, or pay $297 and not have it on my record or take defensive driving and just be done with the whole blasted thing.

Honestly, it didn't take me two seconds to calculate the cost of defensive driving was less than the $190 difference, but I did think about it, if only for a millisecond, when I remembered how I really wanted to spend my bonus check (it does not include paying for a ticket, in case you're curious).

I debated dressing nicely for this occasion, wondering if they would treat me differently if I came in wearing a t-shirt.  But since it was my day off, I decided that I didn't really care, and the ticket was going to cost the same no matter what.  I ended up choosing one of my favorite Baylor shirts, and had the nicest conversation with the lady behind the glass about a time she met our mascot, only to later discover the other bear killed it.  Sad story.

But, I must say that paying this ticket and having a nice little conversation with Barbara was much more pleasant than the time I got caught going 62 in a 40 down Valley Mills road in Beverly Hills (a tiny town at the edge of Waco) on a cold Sunday afternoon, had to visit their old, dirty and dark courthouse twice, for reasons I've apparently blocked out of my mind.

Today was much more pleasant.  So, here's a valuable lesson: if you have to get a ticket, don't get one in Beverly Hills, Texas.  Or just don't get a ticket at all.

Book Recommendation: Crossing to Safety

I'm sitting in my "rainy day clothes:" a faded pair of jeans and a Baylor t-shirt that smells freshly of laundry detergent.  I'm feeling quite cozy on this rainy Wednesday afternoon, and I thought it would be a good time to recommend a book that I just finished called Crossing to Safety, by Wallace Stegner.  {And sorry, you can't really "look inside," but it's the only photo of the cover I could find on Amazon.}

Someone else recommended this book to me, and I'll just take a snippet from the back cover to tell you about it.  "Tracing the lives, loves, and aspirations of two couples who move between Vermont and Wisconsin, it is a work of quiet majesty, deep compassion, and powerful insight into the alchemy of friendship and marriage."   

I've been so busy lately that it's been difficult to find a book that would hold my attention, and I also find it difficult to read regular fiction (as opposed to Christian fiction) that is not, um...dirty.  But I had a chance to read on vacation, and I would highly recommend it.  

The part that stuck with me was the couples' friendship that lasted their entire adult lives.  It reminded me of our Baylor Summer Bunch, and how my parents and their friends have been friends through thick and thin.  

I'll leave you with a quote.  This was as the narrator, Larry, and his wife, were leaving their good friends.    

"Our hands were out the windows, our necks craned for a last look at the people who above any other two on earth made us feel good, wanted, loved, important, and happy."  (p. 215)