All You Need Is Love

Bible study on Friday night focused mainly on 1 Corinthians 13. The topic of love. Here’s an excerpt from the New King James Version.

(NKJV) 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love suffers long [and] is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails.

Of all the studies I’ve attended within the past several months, no cluster of words has been imprinted on my mind more so than: [love…] is not provoked.

How simple. How alarming. Love is not provoked.

That study was perfectly fitting to set the mood for the weekend to come.

The following morning, I attended, what is to date, the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. Leah and Daniel finally tied the knot! Everything about the wedding was simply elegant; from the candle-lit chapel, to the way Daniel cried when he recited his vows. I don’t think that there was a dry eye in the house! Well received, because it went down flawlessly. Leah was lovely, the bridesmaid’s dresses weren’t ugly, the slideshow was phenomenal, the favors were practical, the centerpieces were breathtaking, Daniel was a ball of energy, the cake was classy, and for once, the reception was actually... fun.

And just by looking, you could tell that Daniel is crazy about her. Just by looking. So romantic.

Photo: Mission Inn, Riverside

Live Life Like Keala

“I really wish that I could live my life the way that I drunk-dance. Because then I’d be completely honest. And real. And unafraid.”

Bye Y-vonne

The downside to making good friends is having to let them go.

There aren’t many people who I feel absolutely no reservations with, but you, Yvonne, are one of them. There is something that is uniquely “Yvonne” about you – and it’s that inherent nature that’s allowed you to easily finesse your way into all of our hearts.

It’s been a pleasure getting to know you this past year, and I truly hope that we’ll keep in touch over time. It’s a sad thought that through this process, work grew more, and Yvonne-Rowena time grew less. But we’ll always have the unforgettable forty minute break; where we engaged in conversations that were limitless and boundless. I enjoyed each one. Your patience, kindness, and nerdy-ness know no comparison. Whether it be your obtuse capacity to solve brain teasers, or the ardent dedication that you display for footwear, it is a lucky thing for me to able to have crossed paths with you in this lifetime. That sounds too corny (even for someone of my nature), but what I mean to say is that you’ve made an impression on me.

At the risk of sounding overly McCheesy, let me conclude by offering my final pinch of wisdom (until we meet again): Live life with vibrancy and unflappable spirit, and never cease to retain the capacity to love, laugh, and contain an unwavering idealism for romance. It’s unfortunate that we won’t get to spend our birthdays together, but I wish you all the best beyond your 25th year. It’s so easy to become more jaded and more cynical as we grow older, but I’m sure you’ll maintain that inner kernel of what is so very you, and I’m sure you’ll do it well. Apart from men and money, make a life that is completely your own ~ and always, always stay true to your heart. God has an amazing plan for you, and I can’t wait to meet with you in the future to hear all about it.

Congratulations on your new job! And always remember to… shake your vonne vonne.

Photo: Yvonne's last day!

Google Maps

How frickin amazing are google maps?!

In an effort to detach my brain from the abyss of work at the farm today, I distracted myself by typing in every address in my memory bank into google maps. That's when it dawned on me: if google.com had that capability, shouldn't google.co.uk? Low and behold, it does! Bloody genius!

The orange circle represents my, Norma, Mel, Mary, and Sandy's flat. That big turquoise thing is the British Museum (oh yes, the place where the magic did happen). See, I wasn't BS-ing when I told you folks I lived around the corner from the BM. Take it all in baby, take it allll in.


Photo: The British Museum!


Photo: Our flat!

Dear Maker

i get it
i finally get it
im where you want me to be
im where im supposed to be
living beautifully and free
living fruitfully with glee
living high
living life
given chances to do right
to laugh, to dance, to cry
and all the world ill tell
its good to smoke that which you sell

and theres a reason why im here
why im single
why im short
why ive loved and why ive hurt
why my skin is darker than hers
why my skin is lighter than hers
why i grow long hair
then decide to cut it all
and still am able to stand tall, erect
because i know that i am beautiful
even if only in your eyes

and theres a reason for my path
where ive been and where im going
what ive seen and what ill see
who ive met and have held close
who ive met and have let go
who ive met and who ive shared
a long kiss, a long embrace
or even just a smile
and theres a reason for my path
where ive been and where im going
where ive been and want to be
take me there again if its your will
for me