tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39720915077172130702023-11-15T08:48:24.719-08:00cherry hill photographyJessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-42624738420027767582011-01-03T21:44:00.000-08:002011-01-03T22:02:08.863-08:00a new little blog . . .<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />So I've decided to start a new little blog . . . one that fits my goals better . . . so if you want, please go and see <a href="http://jessinall.blogspot.com/">A Knock at the Door</a> and let me know what you think. I'm envisioning it more as an artist's notebook than a photography blog, and I think that's why I decided to change.<br /><br />happy new years,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-84633257643578428362011-01-02T10:07:00.000-08:002011-01-02T12:05:33.177-08:00thoughts on the liturgical year<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />"The liturgical year is not an idle discipline, not a sentimentalist's definition of piety, not an historical anachronism. <span style="font-weight: bold;">It is Jesus with us, for us, and in us</span> as we strive to make His life our own. It is goad and guide to the kind of personal spirituality that is worthy of the Jesus whose commitment to the Word of God led Him all the way to the cross and beyond it - to Resurrection. It is, without a doubt, learning to live the liturgical year that makes a difference to every other year of our lives."<br /><br />(Joan Chittister, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liturgical-Year-Spiraling-Adventure-Spiritual/dp/B004AYDB1C/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1293998543&sr=8-4"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Liturgical Year</span></a>)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-1920735864027783722010-12-19T12:02:00.000-08:002010-12-19T17:01:46.472-08:00the first semester<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog6-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog6-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{saying goodbye}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog11-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog11-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{orientation week square dance}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog9-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog9-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{first day of classes}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog10-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog10-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{sunny afternoon at the park}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog4-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog4-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{around my room}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog3-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog3-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{the path that I walk everyday}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog1-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog1-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{autumn hayride}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog2-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog2-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{silver medals at the regatta}<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=blog5-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/blog5-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br />{quiet afternoon study breaks}<br /></div><br />One of the first nights at college in August, my RA had each of us write a note to ourselves that she then gave back to us this past week. This is a small snippet from mine, which I found meaningful as I reflect back on this semester . . .<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Jessina,<br /><br />You just finished your first half-of-a-week of classes at college. And now you are sitting in Sarah's room, with all the girls on your floor. It has been an amazingly easy transition and a good first week at college . . .<br /><br />And yet I know that within the upcoming months, in the intervening time between when I write this now and when I open it up at the end of the semester, there will be many challenges - many times when all I will want to do is hide away or cry, or times when I will be overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed to the limit. But remember these two things:<br /><br />First, like Mrs. D. reminded you before you left, remember to grant yourself much grace - realize that you are not perfect, but that God is constantly and always sanctifying you, and making you more like himself. Maybe this wasn't the perfect semester, but trust in God's goodness and love towards you, which he has shown you in an infinite amount of ways in the past and present, and most certainly will in the future.<br /><br />Second, remember this: all will be well and all will be well and all matter of things will be well. No matter what happened in the past three months, all will be well. Trust in the Lord's love. And have hope.<br /><br />. . . and in the end, realize the abundance of God's grace and cultivate an eye to see His presence in the lives of those around you. Love much. Serve wholeheartedly. Listen to others with compassion. And be more concerned about giving than getting.<br /><br />See you at the end of the semester,<br />Jessina<br /><br /></span>And now I am here - at home, back in my little beloved room, at the end of the semester. It was good. It was rich. It was more than I had anticipated. It had challenges and difficulties. But overwhelmingly, it was full of much grace.<br /><br />He is indeed faithful.<br /><br />candles & pencils,<br />Jessina<br /><br />P.S. Back to all things Christmas tomorrow!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-5760885750239022552010-12-02T15:41:00.001-08:002010-12-02T23:58:29.058-08:00staying warm<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />A few favorite coats - most beyond my budget, some not that great for staying warm, but nonetheless pretty to look at and be inspired by . . .<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shopruche.com/see-the-sea-gray-jacket-p-4747.html">See the Sea Grey Jacket</a> - <a href="http://www.shopruche.com/index.php">Ruche</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=coatruche.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/coatruche.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://www.bridgeandburn.com/product.php?category=women&type=outer&name=10FW03A_earhardt">Earhardt Jacket</a> - <a href="http://www.bridgeandburn.com/">Bridge and Burn</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=coatagain.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/coatagain.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://www.bridgeandburn.com/product.php?category=women&type=sale&name=10SW02A_librarian">Librarian Herringbone Jacket</a> - <a href="http://www.bridgeandburn.com/">Bridge and Burn</a><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=coatlibararian.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/coatlibararian.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Outerwear/Jackets/Expatriate+Jacket">Expatriate Jacket</a> - <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/">Mod Cloth</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=coatmodcloth.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/coatmodcloth.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Outerwear/Guild+House+Coat">Guild House Coat</a> - <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/">Mod Cloth</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=coatguildhouse.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/coatguildhouse.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Part of my <a href="http://cherryhill-photography.blogspot.com/2010/12/staying-warm.html">favorite December things</a>.<br /><br />tea and gloves,<br />Jessina<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-39968439307816330272010-12-02T01:29:00.000-08:002010-12-02T01:47:22.445-08:00welcome december<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=christmasfavoritethings-2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/christmasfavoritethings-2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My roommate and I woke up to a magical world of glistening snowflakes and snow-covered ground this morning. I love the excitement that surrounds the first snow, especially on a college campus. Everyone is eating snow and throwing snowballs and running about with scarves and mittens and smiles. And the first snow on the first of December = perfect way to start this lovely month.<br /><br />And so in honor of one of my favorite months, I'm stealing a little idea from <a href="http://www.summerharms.blogspot.com/">Summer Harms</a> and will hopefully be sharing some of my Christmastime favorites over the next few weeks.<br /><br />much peace,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-17808256148138174302010-11-28T20:38:00.000-08:002010-11-28T20:40:18.845-08:00set us free<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />"Well do I know that<br />it's not our ambitions, dreams,<br />desires; hard, hard work<br />or inner fires that set us free:<br /><br />it's whatever that He wants."<br /><br />(Olivia Meldrum)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-15500797357200904672010-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:002010-11-16T06:00:12.108-08:00autumn flavors<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=PumpkinPearCrumble.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/PumpkinPearCrumble.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div>Just three recipes that I hope to make over Thanksgiving break . . . which is just a week away!<br /><br />+ <a href="http://www.fresh365online.com/recipes/2009/10/30/market-basket-pumpkin-pear-crumble.html">Pumpkin Pear Crumble</a> (click for picture credit)<br />+<a href="http://summerharms.blogspot.com/2010/09/roasted-broccoli-parmesan-pasta.html"> Roasted Broccoli and Parmesan Pasta</a><br />+ <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2007/10/butternut-squash-and-caramelized-onion-galette/">Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette</a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=PumpkinPearCrumble-1.jpg" target="_blank"><br /></a>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-51870266917100825692010-11-12T18:42:00.000-08:002010-11-15T09:08:23.316-08:00taking the world into my arms<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=HotChocolateatSchool.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/HotChocolateatSchool.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=FallTree.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/FallTree.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Highlights of this past week:<br /><br />+ Wednesday evening: grace to somehow crank out a philosophy paper in just a few hours. (Hour-long phone calls with philosophy-PhD-aspiring brothers who can explain how thoughts could exist without thinking beings are always helpful.)<br /><br />+ Thursday night: in bed before midnight for once - both Kathleen and I warm under our bedspreads sitting in the dim light reading our books.<br /><br />+ Friday morning: silence in my room after getting back from early morning pilates class. Organic yogurt, my favorite design blogs, prayer, a bit of reading, some Jon Foreman, and a little knitting - all before 9am.<br /><br />+ Saturday afternoon: walking on the leaves-scattered sidewalk around the quaint neighborhoods, decked in scarves and mittens, eating a baguette fresh from the French bakery, breathing the brisk and rainy air.<br /><br />+ Later Saturday afternoon: knocking on the door of my professor's home, being ushered into the scent of pumpkin pie and the sound of Christmas music and the warmth of the smiles of all the elderly Mennonite women - learning the rhythm of working and talking with them.<br /><br />+ Sunday afternoon: tea and cookies in my room with two sweet girls . . . talking about Dante and Dostoevsky and all the places we want to go in Europe.<br /><br />+ Sunday evening: dinner with Margaret in a young couple's apartment from church . . . homemade chorizo tacos, friendly conversation, and generous hospitality.<br /><br />I don't mean to make it sound like my life is perfect - believe me, there were plenty of moments this week that weren't so beautiful. But I find that reflecting on those moments of grace helps me to grow in the discipline of amazement . . .<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When it's over, I want to say: All my life</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I was a bride married to amazement.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.</span><br />(Mary Oliver)<br /><br />all this grace,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-9407765246755169502010-11-01T16:19:00.001-07:002010-11-01T16:30:32.507-07:00a losing position<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />Starting today, I hope to be back to regular posting. It was one of my <a href="http://cherryhill-photography.blogspot.com/2010/01/two-thousand-and-ten.html">goals for the year</a> to post more often - mostly because I enjoy it, but also because it is good practice for writing and helps me stay focused and intentional regarding my larger life goals - so I plan to try and get back into the habit, as best as stressful college life allows me.<br /><br />Today, though, I simply want to share this quote, which I reread tonight. I had underlined this paragraph when I read Wirzba's book earlier this year, and as I picked up the book again tonight and flipped through its pages, I found much needed grace in these words again.<br /><br />"We are too much social climbers, angling and jockeying for position within an ever-changing hierarchy of prestige. We continually compare ourselves with others, seeing who is more successful or popular or beautiful. This is a losing position to be in, since there will always be somebody who compares better in some area. It is also theologically naive, because it assumes that God sees us in a similar hierarchical manner. When we recognize that we are all sinners, there is no cause for boasting and no need for competitive comparisons. In God's household all members are equally important."<br />(Norman Wirzba, <span style="font-style: italic;">Living the Sabbath</span>, pg. 60)<br /><br />under mercy,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-58733246169841547402010-09-27T19:28:00.000-07:002010-09-28T21:43:13.164-07:00multitude monday<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">continuing my list of one thousand gifts . . . (and I really did write this on monday - just didn't get around to actually posting it until now) . . . </span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />101. a long walk and good conversation in a sunshine-scattered field with the beautiful sarah<br /><br />102. the kindness of a sophomore who drove me to whole foods - so glad to have yogurt and strawberries and granola again . . . little things that I miss from home<br /><br />103. the smoky scent of autumn wafting through the air<br /><br />104. the thought of apple-picking this saturday<br /><br />105. a merciful professor who gave our entire class an extension on a paper<br /><br />106. how all the girls on my floor pop out of their rooms whenever I get home from a regatta and give me a grand welcome back and cover my door with welcome home signs<br /><br />107. the old oak trees that line the path that I walk several times a day<br /><br />108. the unexpectedly large and blue mid-western sky<br /><br />109. yoga class tonight with kaitlyn<br /><br />110. grades that turned out much better than I had anticipated<br /><br />111. the complete silence of the chapel (silence is something quite rare here)<br /><br />112. talking about international justice mission with elise around the bonfire sunday evening<br /><br />113. package slips in my little post box . . .<br /><br />114. . . . and homemade apple bread from my wonderful mother<br /><br />115. church-sponsored art exhibits<br /><br />116. good health and no colds (yet)<br /><br />117. the night tara and I spent reading our favorite poems together<br /><br />118. quiet tears that always birth new hope<br /><br />119. lunch with the lovely jessica every monday, wednesday, and friday<br /><br />120. returning to an anglican church this week after several weeks elsewhere - and speaking all those wonderfully familiar prayers again - it felt like going home<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">. . . grant us strength and courage to love and<br />serve you with gladness and singleness of heart.<br /><br /></span>All is grace.<br /><br />grateful,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-71282459674822396042010-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:002010-09-19T14:02:06.365-07:00top six | cooking blogs<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />One of the things I miss the most since coming to college is having a kitchen. On days like Sunday when the only on-campus food option for dinner is basically a hamburger or a veggie burger, there is nothing more that I'd like than a homemade banana-blueberry smoothie or a quick whipping up of whole wheat pasta with basil, tomatoes, and feta. Somehow greasy burgers don't compare.<br /><br />So on days like today I suppress (or perhaps increase) my desire to cook by using my study breaks to look at food blogs. These are a few of my favorites today . . .<br /><br />1 | <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/">Smitten Kitchen</a><br />2 | <a href="http://thekitchensinkrecipes.com/">The Kitchen Sink Recipes</a><br />3 | <a href="http://eggsonsunday.wordpress.com/">Eggs on Sunday</a><br />4 | <a href="http://www.fresh365online.com/">Fresh365</a><br />5 | <a href="http://cannelle-vanille.blogspot.com/">Canelle et Vanille</a><br />6 | <a href="http://www.honeyandjam.com/">Honey & Jam</a><br /><br />all's grace,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-46067728580642367812010-09-10T21:07:00.000-07:002010-09-11T13:10:45.672-07:00and this is college<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=CollegeLife1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/CollegeLife1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">trip downtown to get frozen yogurt with some lovely people</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=CollegeLife4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/CollegeLife4.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">saturday morning on campus, walking to the farmer's market</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=CollegeLife2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/CollegeLife2.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">roommates<br />(and no, I didn't shrink - my lovely roommate just happens to be six feet tall)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I feel like ever since I first stepped foot on this campus, I have been breathing grace after grace after grace.<br /><br />I had braced myself for college, expecting it to be challenging and uncomfortable at first. And yet it has been unexpectedly good. I don't know quite how else to express it. I <span style="font-style: italic;">have seen</span> the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living - I have seen it here in the faces that I've gotten to know, along the tree-lined paths I walk everyday, in the community of girls on my floor, in the kindness of my professors who give me rides to church each week, in the quiet moments alone in the chapel, in the late-night conversations with my roommate, in my crowded room as girls gather to watch a movie, in the boat as I yell at four guys to keep rowing, in the friendly faces I pass each day as I walk around campus, in the strength to wake up at 4:30am, in the knowledge I feel I have already acquired from my studies, in the cafeteria, in chapel, in classes . . . at that moment each night when I put my book aside, turn my light off and let my muscles (finally) relax in the darkness, as I whisper prayers upward.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>I would write more, but I have been out all morning at the river and a lot of reading and paper-writing needs to get done before this evening. But thank you for all who have been praying for me - I know your prayers have truly carried me.<br /><br />power tens and fall breezes,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-55364896028239238082010-08-10T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-10T08:00:00.191-07:00fabric-covered bulletin board tutorial<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=BulletinBoardDIY1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/BulletinBoardDIY1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=BulletinBoardDIY4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/BulletinBoardDIY4.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I've had a basic bulletin board above my desk for about a year now, but ever since I hung it up, I've been wanting to fix it up a bit. It looked a bit too blah and classroom-like for my taste. And so I decided to cover it up with some fabric. The process was much easier and hassle-free than I expected it to be, and it turned out quite lovely. Other than gathering the supplies, I'd say the whole thing only took about 20 minutes.<br /><br />I used <a href="http://freshvintage.typepad.com/freshvintage/2008/01/post-2.html">this tutorial</a> as a guideline, but this is how I did it:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Materials</span>: a piece of fabric large enough to cover the cork (I used some extra white linen I had from another project), fabric sheers or scissors, masking tape, spray adhesive, a piece of ribbon or trim long enough to cover the border of the cork, and hot glue or tacky glue<br /><br />1. Cut out a piece of pre-washed material to fit the interior of your bulletin board. The piece of fabric should fit right up to the frame, but not past the frame. If it's not perfect, that's alright. The ribbon will cover up the inconsistencies.<br /><br />2. Iron the material, if needed.<br /><br />3. Using the masking tape, tape off the frame of the bulletin board so that you do not spray any adhesive on the frame.<br /><br />4. With your material ready and on hand, spray the cork with the spray adhesive and immediately apply the material onto the board. Flatten out any wrinkles while the adhesive is still wet.<br /><br />5. Once the adhesive is dry, cut out lengths of the ribbon or trim to fit the four sides of the bulletin board. Using hot glue or tacky glue (I found hot glue worked better), attach the ribbon or trim along the edges, within the frame.<br /><br />And that's it! You could also paint the frame of the bulletin board before doing this, if you didn't like the coloring of the frame. And while I wanted something sort of understated and plain, there are endless possibilities with patterned fabrics or bolder colors.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-82843992672765465102010-08-08T08:00:00.000-07:002010-08-09T21:11:07.413-07:00multitude monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=PicniconMyBirthday.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/PicniconMyBirthday.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=AmyPeachPickingLaughing.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/AmyPeachPickingLaughing.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />continuing my list of one thousand gifts . . . I'm one-tenth of the way there now . . . </span><br /><br />0081. eighteen years of life<br /><br />0082. richard foster's books<br /><br />0083. the kindness of a lady who graciously gave me (an almost total stranger) a beautiful old film camera<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">0084. peach-picking and picnics</span><br /><br />0085. achingly hot summer days, when the sun feels very close<br /><br /><span>0086. a brother who surprised me and came home from his summer away just to celebrate my birthday</span><br /><br />0087. this constant and eternal hope<br /><br />0088. childhood novels<br /><br />0089. divine rest . . . <span style="font-style: italic;">come all who are weary . . . </span><br /><br />0090. visits from old friends<br /><br />0091. anticipation<br /><br />0092. sunflowers and farmers markets<br /><br />0093. the giggles and shouts and sheer noise of a classroom full of five and six year olds with boats sinking into the seas and porcupines crawling about<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">0094. having amy home again</span><br /><br />0095. letters in the mailbox from faraway friends<br /><br />0096. peach custard pie<br /><br />0097. my new-found love of cantaloupe<br /><br />0098. the complete silence of the house while reading in bed each night before turning the lights out<br /><br />0099. how very green the world is, particularly this time of year<br /><br />0100. this last week when I can still imagine what college will be like, without yet experiencing it, knowing how naive I am, and how much I will most likely grow and change this next year . . .<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />all's grace,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-20223329609805268252010-07-28T11:27:00.000-07:002010-07-29T11:32:34.329-07:00eighteen<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=JessinaWithPeachesW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/JessinaWithPeachesW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />"O God, my times are in your hand: look with favor, I pray, on your servant, as I begin another year. Grant that I may grow in wisdom and grace, and strengthen my trust in your goodness all the days of my life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">The Book of Common Prayer</span>)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-21981572274373440392010-07-25T18:57:00.000-07:002010-07-25T20:08:10.696-07:00cafes in paris<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />I declared to Mother the other day that perhaps I will go to cooking school in Paris after I graduate college. ("Mm-hm," she said.) I think all of the cooking shows that I've been watching since getting my wisdom teeth out have been influencing me. But goodness knows that the food and cafes in France convinced me of this declaration as well, particularly the cafes. The relaxed atmosphere, the little wine glasses on each table<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>, the scrumptious <span style="font-style: italic;">haricots verts, </span>the sauces, the smaller portions, the cafe tables facing the street, the open windows, the waiters who come out with chalkboards . . .<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=CafeinParisW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/CafeinParisW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=AmywithCoffeeinParis.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/AmywithCoffeeinParis.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=MenusinParisW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/MenusinParisW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=CafeinParis3W.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/CafeinParis3W.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=glassesontableinparisW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/glassesontableinparisW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=CafeinParisatNightW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/CafeinParisatNightW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=WaiterinParisW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/WaiterinParisW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-74100247797721022012010-07-24T18:43:00.000-07:002010-07-24T19:01:05.621-07:00an attic room<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I've always wanted a room just like this . . .<br /></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://mommycoddle.tumblr.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/turquoiseatticroom.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-31700966195854336552010-07-23T09:17:00.000-07:002010-07-23T17:46:56.316-07:00an alphabet of grace<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />"Both life and death are present for me in the house this summer. I look at Mother, and think that if I am to reflect on the eventual death of her body, of all bodies, in a way that is not destructive, I must never lose sight of those other deaths which precede the final, physical death, the deaths over which we have some freedom; the death of self-will, self-indulgence, self-deception, all those self-devices which, instead of making us more fully alive, make us less." (Madeline L'Engle, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Great-Grandmother-Crosswicks-Journal-Book/dp/006254506X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279918086&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Summer of the Great Grandmother</span></a>, 53)<br /><br />"The times I have been most fully me are when I have been wholly involved in someone or something else; when I am listening, rather than talking; cooking a special, festive dinner; struggling with a fugue at the piano; putting a baby to bed; writing. A long-dead philosopher said that if we practice dying enough during our lives we will hardly notice the moment of transition when the actual time comes. But I am far from a saint, and I am seldom able to practice consciously this kind of dying; it is not a do-it-yourself activity. I know about it only after it has happened, and I am only now beginning to recognize it for what it is." (Madeline L'Engle, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Great-Grandmother-Crosswicks-Journal-Book/dp/006254506X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279918086&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Summer of the Great Grandmother</span></a>, 53)<br /><br />"Did Mado ever have the sudden, intemperate rages which sometimes hit me, and which are produced by what seems completely inadequate causes? She surely had reason for rage and resentment, and yet these are qualities which are never mentioned in regard to her. If they were there, she kept them to herself, and healed them in her own way, with prayer. I have her battered Bible, which Mother had rebound for me. It was much read, much marked, and there are stains which came, I think, through private tears. Perhaps through it she will teach me an alphabet of grace. She had that spontaneous quality of aliveness which illuminates people who have already done a lot of their dying, and I think I am beginning to understand the truth of that." (Madeline L'Engle, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Great-Grandmother-Crosswicks-Journal-Book/dp/006254506X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1279918086&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">The Summer of the Great-Grandmother</span></a>, 179-180)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />trying again, by grace,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-12995147490169520552010-07-21T17:40:00.000-07:002010-07-22T10:28:08.325-07:00six nice things<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />1 | These <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/banana_bran_muffins.html">Banana Bran Muffins</a> from <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/">Eating Well</a>. I haven't made them yet, but they look scrumptious (without the nuts and chocolate, please). And they'd be the perfect way to use up that extra pound of whole wheat bran I've got in the pantry that Mom's been encouraging me to use . . .<br /><br />2 | I know it's trendy and the thing to do if you're in certain college hipster crowds, but I nonetheless think that <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens?view=all">TOMS</a> is a wonderful brand with a good mission and some awfully cute shoes. I especially like the <a href="http://www.toms.com/womens/classics/natural-burlap-classics">burlap ones</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=TOMSBurlap.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/TOMSBurlap.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />3 | I am so totally in love with this <a href="http://www.russell-life.com/2010/07/display-of-24/">picture display idea</a> that I found via <a href="http://www.russell-life.com/">Domestic Life</a>. And I have a huge wall in my room that I've been debating what to do with for a long time, and I think this will be perfect in every way (especially with that price of $16).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=displayofpicturesonwall.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/displayofpicturesonwall.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />4 | The movie <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forrest-Gump-Two-Disc-Special-Collectors/dp/B00003CXA2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1279760726&sr=8-1">Forrest Gump</a>. I've never seen it before today, but I liked it a lot. (Though be warned that there were a few parts I fast forwarded through . . . )<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=ForrestGump.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/ForrestGump.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />5 | This "<a href="http://charlotterivers.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-working-at-home.html">Work Hard & Be Nice to People</a>" poster that plays off the wording and styling of the "Keep Calm & Carry On" poster that's been circling around the design world for some time now. But I like the message of this one better, along with the more rustic design.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=WorkHardPoster.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/WorkHardPoster.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />6 | I love this idea from <a href="http://inchmark.squarespace.com/">Inchmark</a> about how to host a <a href="http://inchmark.squarespace.com/inchmark/2010/7/15/favorite-things.html">"favorite things" party</a>. What a lovely idea. I've also heard of having book swap parties, which I've thought sounds wonderful too.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-36141371276006192612010-07-09T16:36:00.000-07:002010-08-08T19:28:39.842-07:00to live with arms stretched out<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />Forty days until I up and away to college. So much anticipation + excitement + fruitless curiosity.<br /><br />About these classes:<br /><br />Classical and Early British Literature<br />Freshman Seminar<br />Public Speaking<br />Foundations of Ministry<br />Introduction to Philosophy<br /><br />And about K., the roommate-to-be, and all the other people that I shall meet.<br /><br />And about all the adventures and happenings that will take place there.<br /><br />Yet I am also trying quite purposefully to simply enjoy this summer. I've been doing a lot of reading (<span style="font-style: italic;">The Hobbit</span>, currently, and an awful lot of Madeline L'Engle's non-fiction). And a lot of baking. And a lot of shopping with Mom. A few too many doctor appointments. And probably too much sleeping. And smoothies with dear girls. Watching cooking shows as I eat my lunch. A little bit of crafting and creating. Attempts at the ballet <span style="font-style: italic;">Don Quixote<span style="font-style: italic;">. </span></span>An awful lot of cleaning and reorganizing.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><br />And beginning tomorrow I am off for a week downtown with my church to work with kids in a not-so-good area of town. I'd covet your prayers . . . that I'd truly be able to love in a self-sacrificing way.<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /></span></span>bright as yellow<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">,<br /></span></span>Jessina<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-60834054791851821262010-07-08T18:10:00.001-07:002010-07-08T18:14:25.913-07:00birdies or patchwork<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />So, another college decision. Which bedspread?<br /><br />Option Number One: <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=80&startValue=1&selectedProductColor=&sortby=&id=14852792&parentid=A_DEC_BEDDING&sortProperties=+subCategoryPosition,+product.marketingPriority&navCount=105&navAction=push&color=&pushId=A_DEC_BEDDING&popId=A_DECORATE&prepushId=&selectedProductSize=">Birdie Stamp Duvet</a><br /><br />Option Number Two: <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=79610&catId=SHOPSALE-BEDDING&pushId=SHOPSALE-BEDDING&popId=SHOPSALE&sortProperties=&navCount=15&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=spy&colorName=SPICY&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=E">Iris Quilt</a><br /><br />Comments, suggestions, advice? Option number one is a bit more practical because it is machine washable. It is also green, which I like very much. Option number two is a bit more unique, and also a lot softer. Help?<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-67701609651682160562010-07-05T13:17:00.000-07:002010-07-05T15:45:49.307-07:00multitude monday<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=IntheAirplaneW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/IntheAirplaneW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=DanielleandIW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/DanielleandIW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />continuing my list of one thousand gifts . . . </span><br /><br />0061. the summertime sun<br /><br />0062. peace & safety after the car accident<br /><br />0063. madeline l'engle and all of her writing<br /><br />0064. little friends decked out for the fourth of july with red, white, and blue ribbons on their pigtails<br /><br />0065. these words: "<span style="font-style: italic;">. . . do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares . . . </span>"<br /><br />0066. the strength to jog up long hills at noon in the middle of july<br /><br />0067. being inspired by the selflessness & love of an old friend<br /><br />0068. time to be creative, cook, and just sit down and read for an hour<br /><br />0069. laughter in the back seat of the car with Brother<br /><br />0070. a very good sermon<br /><br />0071. the stressful fun I had scheduling classes and the anticipation for it all to begin come august<br /><br />0072. the way the sunshine always settles in my room every afternoon and leaves geometric patterns all over the floor<br /><br />0073. the truly overwhelming kindness of others<br /><br />0074. my stack of art postcards that I bought in europe (oh, how I like them)<br /><br />0075. megan's eyes (because I was admiring how pretty they were the other day)<br /><br />0076. a kind nurse who attempted to distract me while she poked around to find my blood vessel (unfortunately, it didn't work . . . I still fainted)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">0077. our travels to europe . . . so grateful for the opportunity to go and the many memories made</span><br /><br />0078. the beautiful smile and kindness of an older lady at church who always stops to talk to me<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">0079. meeting danielle at the gryphon and catching up</span><br /><br />0080. icy summer drinks, fruity smoothies, and frozen yogurt<br /><br />all is truly grace,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-4815671559107522592010-06-24T17:48:00.000-07:002010-06-24T18:22:15.087-07:00postcard | to brother with love!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=DerekandIatVersaillesW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/DerekandIatVersaillesW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=DerekwithumbrellasatversaillesW.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/DerekwithumbrellasatversaillesW.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Dear Derek,<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />Thanks for lending me your jacket when it was pouring at Versailles. And thanks for making life more fun, while also always being willing to have a serious conversation. Can't wait to see you tomorrow!<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />love you,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /></div></div>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-39532582201497129922010-06-23T17:16:00.000-07:002010-06-23T19:15:14.456-07:00beauty & wisdom<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />"Plato once remarked that if wisdom were visible, the whole world would fall madly in love with it. Although wisdom is not visible, beauty is. And this is why, for Plato and many other philosophers, in loving beauty, people are moving in the direction of wisdom. The important implication here is that we human beings simply cannot do without beauty . . . If beauty will save the world, it is because beauty presupposes love and points in the direction of wisdom." (Donald DeMarco) Read more <a href="http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/apologetics/ap0319.htm">here</a>.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />"The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust them; it was not in them, it only came through them, and what came through them was longing. These things--the beauty, the memory of our own past--are good images of what we really desire; but if they are mistaken for the thing itself, they turn into dumb idols, breaking the hearts of their worshippers. For they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of the a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited." (C.S. Lewis)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />Thinking about the difference between an ascetic life and a life intentionally surrounded by beauty. So often the gospels seem to encourage a life of an asceticism, of giving up everything, of stark plainness. But then--how does this seemingly innate longing for beauty fit in? And I always come back to the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%2014:3-8&version=NIV">woman</a> with the expensive perfume. And these words of his: <span style="font-style: italic;">"She has done a beautiful thing to me . . . </span>" (But then there are his words to the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%2010:17-22&version=NIV">Rich Young Man</a>.)<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />Considering G.M. Hopkins' struggles between his monastic life as a priest and his work as a poet, I think I might have more in common with him than just a birth date.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />whispered prayers,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3972091507717213070.post-62495759214276026572010-06-22T10:54:00.000-07:002010-06-22T13:43:14.758-07:00whole grain crackers with parmesan reggiano + ground black pepper<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><a href="http://s785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/?action=view&current=parmesanpeppercrackers-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/yy132/Jessina17/parmesanpeppercrackers-1.jpg" alt="Photobucket" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">While in France, we had dinner with Brother's French host family from when he had studied abroad in Strasbourg. One of the <span style="font-style: italic;">appertifs</span> they served at the meal was cheese with ground black pepper sprinkled on top. I'm not a big eat-cheese-by-itself person, but the addition of the ground black pepper made it delicious.<br /></div></div><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />And with a bit of leftover parmesan reggiano from last night's dinner, I assembled my own little cracker-cheese-ground pepper snack. I should note, perhaps, that I obviously have no authority on the subject of cheese and it is quite likely that this type of thing is done just as much in America as in France. But anyway, I thought it was good idea and I for one had never heard of it before. Try it out . . . and while I'm sure any cheese would work, the nutty flavor of the parmesan reggiano combined with the pepper was particularly scrumptious.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span><br />too much <span style="font-style: italic;">fromage</span> and lots of smoke,<br />Jessina<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">-</span>Jessinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03887560839425892037noreply@blogger.com0