Bonjour, Paris!

I visited Paris--finally!

My trip had its stereotypical "American in Paris" moments.
I was too sure of myself as an international traveler.
Visiting a country that didn't speak English, without anyone with me (except for Sunday with Kristy), and not having proper vision (eye problems)--I had a humbling weekend.

As I stepped on to the Air France plane and a flight attendant greeted me with, "Bonjour!"
It hit me--they are speaking French.
I don't speak French.
Shoot.

My seat buddy was a Sri Lankan immigrant in France who used to live in India.
We made interesting conversation--interesting because of the almost double language barrier.
Upon our arrival at Charles de Gaulle, he guided us through the airport (it helps he works there), past border patrol, and showed me which ticket I needed to get to Gare du Nord.  After a few stops on the train, he hopped off and I kept going, all the while processing that I was finally in France--Paris, France!

At Gare du Nord a nice couple offered their assistance, but I assured them I had it under control.  A few minutes later, I was wishing I had accepted their offer, although there was always the possibility that they were conniving.  However, I was swindled out of 30 euros a few minutes later by a sickly-nice Parisian young man who wanted to assist.  I'm still not sure what happened, as I saw him make the ticket purchase--and the ticket worked!  However, the next day it did not.

It was a "Lucy Moment."  I didn't get counterfeit bills, but I did get taken (speaking of Taken--as in the film--I watched both movies on the way back to America.  So, I've now finally seen them.) in Paris.  A rite of passage, maybe?

The rest of the evening I spent finding my flat, exploring Paris, trying to get to Sacre Coeur, only to walk through the Moulin Rouge, sex shop, etc. district, ate dinner at the Sacre Coeur, got lost, may have been followed by a strange man, and royally annoyed another Frenchman by completely ignoring him (while I tried to figure out where I was).  After discovering I was 4 kilometers from where I needed to be, I hailed taxi.  The driver informed me I wasn't in the safest of places.  Joy!  Now, I thought it was around midnight.  The next day I learned that my phone didn't change time zones...and I was out, roaming the streets of Paris, at 1AM.

The next day everything looked brighter.  I met Kristy back at the Sacre Coeur, and we went exploring!  We had a few things that we wanted to do, but other than that, we had an open schedule.  We visited Notre Dame, where I wanted photos of the flying buttresses!  So beautiful.  Then, I looked up and realized we were standing on the famous Lock Bridge.  After crossing it, there were the book stands along the Seine (Midnight in Paris moment).  We found a boulangerie and purchased baguette sandwiches and ate them along the Seine.  Next, we took the Metro to the Eiffel Tower.  The Eiffel Tower is now one of my most favorite structures.  It is magnificent!  We even had time to sit in a sidewalk cafe, savor a glass of wine, and share good conversation.  We moved on to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées.  We circled back to the Latin Quarter, bought gelato (yuuum!  made me miss Regensburg), and ate it while listening to music outside of Shakespeare and Company.  Shakespeare and Co. was incredible.  I cannot wait to go back and spend so much more time there.  It begged for hours of long, intellectual conversation.  Finally, we left and ate dinner in a creperie.  So yummy!  We wandered around a while more before parting ways at Saint-Michel.

The following day I visited the Louvre, saw the Mona Lisa and a few other things and then traipsed off to see Monet at The Musée de l'Orangerie.  Bliss, pure bliss.  I sat and gazed, soaking in the beauty of his work (even if it wasn't my most favorite).  Then, I went to the lower floor to view works by Degas, Renoir, and others.  Yes, I did hope to see the painting from Midnight in Paris that Gertrude Stein, later repeated by Gil, considered "a petit-bourgeois statement of how Picasso sees her..."  It was not there.  However, there were loads of other lovely paintings to enjoy.

I discovered I do like macaroons.
The Latin Quarter and other areas of Central Paris are my favorite.
Paris, overall, warrants another visit.

Riding the train into Paris

Sacre Coeur by night

Notre Dame--magnificent

With the flying buttresses!

The lock bridge--maybe I'll add one someday!

Book stalls--all in French

Baguette sandwich along the Seine?  Yes please!

Visiting Paris with Kristy--best first visit ever!

Love the Eiffel Tower!

Again, magnificent...and so detailed!

Yuuum!  Gelato!

I could have stayed here for hours!

Beauty

Preparing to say "au revoir"

The Louvre

It's Been a Very Good Year

It's two days before my birthday.
But, I won't have time to write this tomorrow night, because I'll celebrating with my cousins in Stevenage.

When I turned twenty, which was a difficult mental and emotional process for me, I decided to call this decade me "Roaring Twenties."  I just went back and read the post I wrote on 8 July 2011.  Reading what I wrote before knowing anything the decade would hold is special.  One of my favorite things to do is to look back on specific times in my life six months or so after they've happened.

As I look back two years later, reading that twenty year old me had no idea what my twenties would hold, I smile thinking, "If only you knew."  However, even now the same thing can be said.  I have no idea what the next eight years will hold.

However, when I turned twenty I never could have dreamed up all that has taken place.  Actually, the first year seemed a little dull--you know, school.  But, really, God was already beginning to change things about me that I thought were unchangeable.

I never thought I would want to work with a youth group.  Yet, at age twenty and a half, that's what I started doing.  God created a love within me for high school students.  Then, I found myself wanting to stay in Columbia, SC (shocker!).  An opportunity arose for me to study journalism in NYC.  Finishing the program, I didn't think journalism was for me.  After making every effort to move back to Columbia, I realized I had to stay in Virginia.  I started substitute teaching and enjoyed it.  But, I was in a rut...a post-graduation depression of sorts.  I missed my friends and my church.  J. Crew was hiring for peak season.  I obtained a job, moved to Lynchburg, and started a job that increased my customer service skills, provided me with fabulous clothes, and taught me that I cannot stand a monotonous job.  In December I evaluated my passions and loves and decided I wanted to pursue a career in even planning.  It seemed like a good time to move to England.  Then, I received a job offer as a part-time newspaper reporter.  I interviewed, was offered the job, and after thinking about it, called and said I would like it if they were still offering.  The message I received was not, "Great, glad to have you."  It was, "There is an event Sunday, can you be there?"

Thus began the last almost six months.  I love writing for the newspaper.  As a result, I've met amazing people in a town that is blossoming more than it has since its railroad days.  I began substitute teaching again.  One fateful job pushed me through the door at the high school to really get to know the students.  I am forever thankful for that.  God has given me a high school full of amazing students to get to know.  Spending time with them, laughing with them, teaching them, even when they make me blush, is a highlight in my life.  Because we live in a small community, I love getting to know them out of school, as well.  Like the pageant.

Now that school is finished, I am working as tennis assistant to the tennis pro at our county's resort.  Actually, I worked two days and then left for England.  But, I'll be back next week.

Looking back on the past year, because most of what I've shared happened in that span of time, I am overwhelmed with God's presence in my life.  The year has had its tough times.  Graduation from college brings a lot of emotions that I didn't expect. But, God is patient, "...for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust..."

I am blessed with three jobs that I absolutely love, a community in which I love becoming more involved, and  a patient God who teaches me gradually.  Life is a grand adventure full of joy, happiness, sorrow, pain, and love.

Here is to being 22!

In a Nutshell

England is magnificent.

The first week was busy, but things are slowing dow now (yay!).

In a nutshell, I've visited Bristol, stayed with Mary, Tim, Jude, and Julia, traveled to Paris, visited Uncle Gavin's for dinner, visited the University of Oxford, seen Jude and Julia's school, and spent some time relaxing and visiting.

It's a wonderful, semi-short visit.

It's incredible how much difference experience and two and a half years makes.

But, it's funny the insecurities that arise in an environment other than the one in which you've grown up.

I'm sitting at the kitchen table, glancing periodically out to the garden, sipping a cup of tea.

One of the many things I love about England, is when you go to someone's home, typically they will offer you tea.

Anyway, today I go to Stevenage to visit lovely family.

As I was thinking about it this morning, I became very excited.

When I get back to the USA, I will post pictures and share more detailed accounts.

Until then, watch for me at Centre Court during the Men's Wimbledon Finals!

Who do you think will be there?

P.S. Any guesses when the Royal baby will arrive?

Dear Friday: So Much

Dear Friday, It's hard to believe you've arrived.  Actually, harder than you think.  It seems crazy that I left the States on Tuesday--it doesn't feel that long.

Dear England, I'm here!  I hope you're ready for me.

Dear Family, It is wonderful to have seen you and I look forward to seeing the rest of you very soon!

Dear Paris, Come Saturday and I am yours for 2.5 days.  Cannot wait.  Absolutely giddy with excitement!

Dear Cary Grant, Yep, I took a picture with you.

Dear London, I'm so excited to walk your streets and re-familiarize myself with you.

Dear Wellies I've Yet To Buy, I can't wait to take you home with me!

Dear Mama, Thank you for getting me to the airport.  And rushing me to get my glasses fixed.  And still have time to pick up some shoes (that I wore yesterday!).

Dear Kristy, I get to see you SO SOON!  Beyond excited!

Dear Jamison, That dessert was amazing.  Let's make that our thing.  Gristmill for lavender ice cream and creme brulee!

Dear Amanda, I'm so glad you're in my life.

Dear Life, I have so much to be thankful for.  I am blessed with amazing friends, family, co-workers, community, and so much more.

Cheers!

How Two Visits to Kroger Made My Night

Periodically I experience moments that make me love life more than usual and very grateful to live in a small area.

After work I finished packing and began my list of errands.
I found myself at Kroger--twice.

The first time I hear, "Hi Kirsten!"
I look up and try to verify the speaker (I'm having eye problems that make recognizing people difficult--I apologize if I've looked at you in the past week and not said hello).
It's Matthew, a student and the little brother of a friend.
He and I chatted briefly.
It made my day that he so brightly said hello to me.

The second time I went in, I ran into Jon and Uncle David, and then I saw someone at the cash register I knew.
So, when it was time to check out, I went through Melissa's line, and we caught up.  Then Scarlet pulled in the lane two people behind me.  So, we had a little social party in the check out line.

Scarlet and I talked all the way out to her car.
Then I saw someone else I recognized--finally.
And, then two more people I had to say hello to.

Oh, and last but certainly not least, I waved goodbye to my cute little brother who was getting carts.

As I walked away, I was filled with a joyful love of the area.
I love getting to know everyone.

P.S.  It struck me today that I am going to miss my town council meeting tomorrow night : (
Someone else gets to write the article.
Hmph.
At least I'll be headed to England : )

Summertime and S'Mores

I've shared a lot about my love of substitute teaching.
One of the best parts of my job is building relationship with the high schoolers.
They are smart, funny, caring, sometimes insecure, confident, changing, and growing individuals.

I spent most of yesterday with a group of them.
Two (actually three) of "my students" are moving at the beginning of July, while I am still in England.
So, five of us hopped in the car and decided to spend the day at the river swimming and roasting hot dogs and making s'mores--you know...goodbye.

Oh, and, while sitting at a roadwork stop sign...they did a Chinese firedrill.
I want to think the VDOT man holding the sign went home and told his family about it.

They were troopers while I did an interview for the newspaper (by troopers I mean, got drinks and food and had fun--rough life, eh!).

I love spending time with these teenagers.
I'm thankful they enjoy spending time with me!

Enjoy a few photos of our day!

All Photos by K.L.R.

Summertime

Today...

I had an emergency eye appointment that confirmed I am not crazy and I do, in fact, have a problem with my right eye.  The good news: it can be fixed.

Rebecca and I went to the river but did not go swimming due to high, swift water...and the overcast sky.

We had hot dogs, marshmallows, and s'mores.

Mmmm.  Yum!

We attended a Flag Day/238th Birthday of the U.S. Army celebration.

My account will be in the paper tomorrow (yes, I should be writing an article, not a blog post).

Tonight, I'm just being a girl.

Under the Tuscan Sun is such a great movie.

I'm eagerly anticipating Paris.

I just need to make sure I don't forget a teensy thing that I really want to do.

That would be tragic.

And now I've written and you've gotten to read the brief account of my day.

Don't you feel privileged? ;)

P.S. Losing the ability to see clearly is the worst.

The Beauty Overwhelms Me

You know the weeks that seem a month long because they are so jam-packed?
Welcome to my week.
I can barely remember Monday.

Virginia's standardized tests were this week.
I was SOL coverage for different people throughout the day (mostly the same schedule everyday, though).
I enjoyed spending time with the students in each class.
Watching teenagers having a good time is so fun (I was in three P.E. classes--funny things happen).

But, other than school, I was playing tennis, helping with tennis practice, getting rained out of tennis (resulting in a grumpy me), planning our 5 year high school reunion (when did that happen?!), and I explored new parts of Bath County (have I mentioned I live in an extraordinarily beautiful place?).

Yesterday I went out for coffee with a couple of the girls---without homework!  We had fun laughing, sharing, and drinking our yummy frappuccinos (made by Amanda!).  Girl time (and, I'm sure guy time) is critical to our well-being.

Angel and I checked out a couple locations for our high school reunion.  Hopefully by the end of today we will have decided on a place.  Our little jaunt ended up lasting over two hours...and we explored new parts of Bath County (well, she'd been there...but I hadn't--at least not to some of them).

Also, a note of importance, I may have found the perfect place to get married!  It is a little piece of England in Bath County, VA.  More on that later...when I either find out information....or waaaay later...if I get to plan my wedding :)

*Side note: that makes me want to watch Candleshoe.*

Today my little brother goes to his Junior Prom.  Yes, there will be lots of pictures!
I'm so proud of him.

And, in just a few hours, I'll know when I'm going to England!  WooHoo!

Here are a few photos from yesterday.

Enjoy and have a marvelous Saturday!

Hidden Valley
Photo by K.L.R

Hidden Valley
Photo by K.L.R.

Dunn's Gap
Photo by K.L.R.

Dunn's Gap
Photo by K.L.R

When You Only Have One Piece

Photo by K.L.R.

I'm pondering my next step...actually, the step after my next step.
You all know I'm a planner.  I want to organize what is going to happen.
But, sometimes it is too much.  I realize I don't have enough pieces to make a picture.
Instead, I must sit, wait, gather more information, and pray.

While thinking about my future plans a few moments ago, I remembered that each time I face an open future, God comes and fills the next space.  He places more stones in my foot path, allowing me to proceed.  Or, perhaps the analogy of adding more stepping stones in a quickly flowing river is better, since I don't want my life to be boring...and working your way through rapids, while trying to remain standing, is anything but boring.

Just like in December, when I didn't know what I was doing and suddenly I decided to move to England and pursue event planning, and then I found myself moving back to CF and BC, writing for the newspaper, substitute teaching, and loving being back where I partially grew up...plans change.  And that's okay.

It doesn't feel okay all the time.  I'm coming to terms with all the new emotions and desires I have.  But, for now, I am here and this is where I am content.  I am not settling.  I love the people I spend time with, I love the students I have in class and get to know, I love the scenery I drive through, I love meeting new people...I love it all.

I am gaining a new understanding of how important relationships are to me.  If you add people to almost all situations, whatever it is you are doing becomes better!  For now I will stay where I am, travel when I have the chance, and continue learning how to be a grown up (it's an ongoing process).

Becky: She's Getting Married Tomorrow!

Nearly five years ago I met one of my dearest friends.
She's the Diana to my Anne.

Tomorrow, she marries a man who loves her dearly, makes her laugh, protects her, and licks chocolate icing off her face after smearing the grooms cake on it.

But, for tonight, she is still Rebekah Fern Somerville...
The girl who...
...I spilled my drama to after knowing her for a short time.
...prayed for specific things for me...and I never knew it.
...loves me and doesn't judge me.
...used to make me so mad...but then we'd forgive and it would be ok.
...shares openly.
...shared new experiences with me.
...knows my secrets, and I'm glad.

I'm blessed to know her.
My life would be very empty without her.
I pray we remain friends till we die.

First picture Freshman year

Winter Formal Freshman year

My 21st with Becky's homemade wine!

Life At This Moment

Photo by K.L.R.

I love this life God has given me.
I'm grateful for the moments I realize there is a lesson I need to learn.
I'm thankful for the lessons I've learned and continue to learn.

Tennis in warm weather is marvelous.
Visiting the high school when I'm not substituting is great.
High school students make life grand.
Walking in the cool of the spring evening is bliss.
Hearing Trey say, "Oh my gosh," while walking down the hall eating brownies I just made makes me happy.
Feeling content is amazing.

Tomorrow I will teach in the morning, go to court in the afternoon (and try to get out of a ticket), and then drive to North Carolina to prepare for the wedding festivities of one of my best friends from my freshman year of college.

It's going to be a fabulous long weekend.

Friends, laughter, champagne, and the beginning of a new life for two individuals.

Happy Birthday to Four Fabulous Individuals!

All of these people turned a year older today!  I love you four dearly!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Barbara!

And this handsome fellow is 17!

And these beautiful twins (an old picture) are both MARRIED and 23!

Dear Friday: Teacher Appreciation, Chocolate, and Girl's Night in a Boutique

Yay for subbing on Friday of Teacher Appreciation Week!

Dear Friday, it's 11:11 and today is great.
Dear School, I don't want you to end...what will I do without my students for the summer?
Dear Sunshine, thank you for two days of you!  The rain was nice, but I'm glad you're back.
Dear Teacher Appreciation Week Inventor, you are awesome.  Chocolate fondue, strawberries, pineapple, cookies, brownies, chocolate covered pretzels, and so much more...yuuum!
Dear Jamison, we need to have girl's night more often!  Talking, chick flicks, chocolate, tea...and all in a fabulous boutique.  Yes.  The best.
Dear Life, you are still complicated, beautiful, sad, happy, and all around...wonderful and busy.
Dear England, I'm coming.
Dear Wimbledon, best birthday ever....I'm anticipating you excitedly!
Dear Weekend, I'm ready for you.

Why Do "Huggers" Win?

Instead of hugging, we take awesome pictures with elbow gloves.

"Huggers" win.

Are you a "hugger"?
I'm not.
I like genuine hugs.
I like hugs from particular people.
I like the freedom to not hug.

In college, I was introduced to "huggers".
I don't like being forced to hug people.
It feels artificial and stiff.

I have a friend from high school who I think I've hugged...twice?  Ever?
We both hug other friends, but we don't hug each other.
It's just how our friendship works.
We are happier that way.

Why do the "huggers" get to win?
Can I just stand there, hands at my side, and refuse their hug?
Why do I feel obligated to hug, and even initiate the pending hug, if I don't want to hug?

Crazy, super-casual, overly friendly, societal expectations.

Maybe I will start forcing myself to lean away.
Turn my body.
Extend my hand.
You don't see hugs abounding in Jane Austen.
Let's revert to the old ways.

It's nothing personal.
Hugs are just special.
And they are not indicative of your friend status with me.

*Disclaimer: I do like hugs.  Just not every time I see you.  Let them mean something.*

My Unplanned Sabbatical is Over

It seems I took an unplanned, two-week sabbatical from blogging.
As a means to slide back into a writing groove, I'll share bits and pieces of my busy life.

Since my last appearance, I took a mini-vaca to SC and NC.  It was blissful, rejuvenating, and a joy-filled long weekend.  Instead of squeezing in every possible person, I spent quality time with a few very special people.

Love this girl.

Matt and Baron...just packed up the tent.

Andrew...love Deborah's face in the background!

These two are amazing.  Fav prof and his wife.  Now, more like family.

Sweet girlies : )

They're getting MARRIED!

I know, finger should not be on trigger.  Love B's face.

When I returned, my mini-me (aka, my 12-year old cousin Nikki) was visiting.  We had a lot of fun laughing and singing in bed, watching White Collar, introducing her to Duck Dynasty, and going with her mom to look at cats at the animal shelter.

This was April 4.

Cousins : )

The past two weeks, but especially last week, have been crazy.  I love when life is busy and I'm constantly going from one thing to the next.  I subbed four days, spent Tuesday covering two stories for the paper, went to Michael's baseball game, spent time with friends, coached a pageant girl,  made scones, and helped with a pageant tea.

Watching baseball!

Pageant time...we looked uber similar that night.

A beautiful early morning shot.  Amazing.

Now, as a new week begins, I am enjoying a quiet morning before subbing a half day.

It's funny, after Spring Break my Freshman year of college, I became more introverted.  I was peopled out.  Since graduating from college, my extrovertism has sky-rocketed and my need for people, laughter, and socialization increased.  I'm grateful to have family and friends with whom to laugh and spend time.  I'm also incredibly thankful for substitute teaching.  I'm paid to spend time with an amazing group of kids.

Dear Friday: Snow, Spring, Softball

The sun showed it's face!

Dear Friday, today I will take a picture for the newspaper of an event in which I grew up participating.  Very cool.

Dear Snow, I like you, but I'm hoping when I return from my mini-vaca that you will have melted.

Dear Springtime, please hurry up and arrive!  I want to wear sandals.

Dear Thursday, you were awesome.  I got to go to the Holy Week service, reminisce a little, go to Michael's game, and (the biggest surprise) watch Bath Co. play softball!  I loved getting to see all the students.

Dear Subbing, you are such an awesome job.  I am paid to do something I love--hang out with students and try to share some of my excitement of life and learning!

Dear Council Meetings, you gave me a doozy of a week.

Dear NC and SC, prepare for me to visit!  WooHoo!

Dear Duck Dynasty, you are so awesomely hilarious!  So quoteable, so funny, and so clean.

Dear Homes, I love having multiple of you.  I have many places to rest my head and many places where I am loved.

Dear Trey, I had fun with you the other night.  I like sharing "sibling moments" with you.