christmas: kari renee & gracie

My Christmas Postcard. A favorite of all cards done in the past 6 years.

Just bright.

Happy.

Fluffy.

Reflects a truly remarkable and joyful year. After it went to print I thought of other notable things about 2011, which are written on it to make sure that they are captured as well.

My address list has gotten longer. Which is a blessing. I'm thankful for the opportunity to sit and write. And despite the time that could be saved by using technology to print off labels, I personally really enjoy writing each card. I like writing the recipients name, address- and even if its just a few sentences, I like doing it. In some cases its the one time a year that I communicate with some folks, but still find their role in my life or past so significant, that it deserves a hand written Christmas note. If you are missing from the list, please let me know. It's been a crazed and chaotic season and I did the best I could in regards to updating addresses and people!

You are loved.

And missed.

And prayed for.

Always.

But most especially as we celebrate our Savior's birth!

Two Thousand and Eleven. A Blessed & Beloved Year.

1. A Packers Superbowl 2. Postcards 3. Cherry Blossom Festival with Matty 4. Sangria Saturdays 5. A Sierra Leone Pen Pal 6. Locks for the Keys 7. A Summer for Sisters 8. The Perfect Move 9. A Loved Job 10. Salem Chapel 11. House Guests 12. Disney with Courtney 13. Thirty One: Surprises and Love at every turn- A Sequin Celebration! 14. Winston-Salem Thanksgiving 15. House Dinner 16. My First Christmas Tree: Decorated in Friendship 17. A Morning in NYC 18. Packers/Giants with my Family 19. Answering to Kari Renee without pause 20. Coffee 21. New Friends. Old Friends. And the Best Friends. Forever. 22. Gracie for Always. 23. Knowing more tenderly and joyfully the love of our living God and Savior, born man; so that we might have life and life to the full.

Love. Love. kari renee

additions:

24. You are Loved with Krystal.

25. Date Days with JJ: Mimosa's?

26. 4th of July

27. 4 hr Dt's with Theresa

28. Late night talking with Emily in May

29. Easter with the girls.

30. Truth and Loved

31. Iced Coffee Dates

32. Matty's Monthly Visits

33. Leaving peaceful and prepared

34. Long talks with Brother

35. Letts writing lunch dates @ The Joyful Spirit

36. Allegria in April

37.Breaking long silences

38. Time Machines

39. Eternal Hope and Love in Jesus.

40. Life Group

41. Holding on and Letting Go

42. Happy.

Angel Oak: Brother

My brother came out of his way last week to share a meal, and a late night talking about some real and meaningful things. He was en route to visit our mother, in South Carolina. The late night talking led to a morning at breakfast sharing thoughts and dreams about the coming years. What moves that might, or hope to be had. It was one of my favorite times I've shared with him. Without other family lingering around, it was just us. I got this postcard. The impressive part, is that he doesn't really send mail much. But I mentioned I how much love it when he was here, shared my thoughts on appreciate the time and care behind penmanship.

I got this.

And it made my day.

Truly.


Looks like the nice weather ended up arriving before I did. South Carolina is really beautiful; especially with all the ornamented trees that make the season so beautiful. Good seeing you this weekend, we should do it again soon. Perhaps sometimes in the New Year.

Much Love,

Bill

Community: Feb 2011

Feb 2011 brought a Packers Superbowl win and huge party celebration with dB friends and the Lexington crew. It was truly a highlight of this year. I continue to be thankful for the ongoing friendship and the community I was able to create in Roanoke during the time I commuted to work. It lent to the confidence and assurance in Christ that the Lord was and would be with me in a move to a new city and state. I have been praying about an International move for a long time. It seems as if 2012 may actually bring one- crazy! So much prayer for that- and with this most recent transition made more confidently by building a community in Roanoke that met my Lexington home earlier this year- I am thankful and peaceful for the adventures that await.

Love,

me

bench: a whispered truth

Sometimes I see this picture and I am instantly placed there.

On the edge of the world. This was taken at sunset- in Santorini.

Sometimes I think if you went and sat down here, on this bench that you would find my heart. Beating with questions. Curiosities. Hopes. And prayers for what would come. That would require both strength but also grace and resolve. There has always been a meaning and story behind this image. I remember it well. I do not need to sit there and I don't need to see this picture to be reminded of it.

The greatest part of it lives on still.

Once there was a curious girl who pursued a time of reflection and understanding of self and her Savior. She didn't know what it would take to find both- or where she would have to go. On the edge of the world she sat. Watching a tremendous and quiet sunset. She got up when it was finished. Walked away. Needing one last look- she glanced back and captured this. It whispers, "Strength was here the whole time. Home is coming. You are more then ready. Don't miss it. Slow down. Breathe deep. I am your God. I love you." Thankful for the here and now. But also for that girl who finally came home and knows. The truth.

Happy Day: 7 Favorites

Some favorite things right now:

1. The hookup of free coffee @ BUCKS

2. Africa is now stateside. Which means we are on the same continent and time zone. We can text message- and when on the phone there is no longer a 3 second delay. And most of all- soon we get to hang out. Yay.

3. My brother came for a quick visit. We talked for hours. Like really talked. About life. Love. Family. The Truth. Hope. And Faith.

4. Christmas is almost here! So close!

5. Days off have been restful and good.

6. Anticipating Krystal's arrival.

7. Doing well.

:) Kar

Tim Burton: Alyssanne

2nd one.

For the blog.

This made me smile!

Kari-

I hope you had a blast on your NYC trip. Last year when I was there I went to the Tim Burton Exhibit at MOMA. It was fantastic! I love exploring and enjoying the creativity of others. I also love NYC, especially at Christmastime. I hope to venture there soon!

Alyssanne

Frankenmuth: Seth

15 December 2011

Merry Christmas Kari Ann!

I onced visited Frankenmuth, MI as a child- It's Christmas there ALL YEAR ROUND! Crazy, I know. What's crazier are the people who visit there (i.e. me and my grandparents)> There is also an exact replica of the Silent Night Chapel there from Austria. So Seasonal! Anywhosit, enjoy your holiday season! See you in the New Year!

-Seth

(Check out this vintage 1994 holiday stamp!)

The Earth Stood Still

Love came down and the earth stood still... a favorite Christmas Song

A teenage girl and her soon to be

A simple trip far as they could see

The sky was clear, what the night would bring

Lonely hearts strung across the land

They've been waiting long for a healing hand

My heart was there and it felt the chill

Love came down and the earth stood still

Shepherds stirred under starry skies

Tasting grace that would change their lives

The angles trembled and the demons did too

For they knew very well what pure grace would do

The hope of the world and a baby boy

I remember him well like I was there, that night

My heart was there and I felt the chill

Love came down and the earth stood still.

Love came down and the earth stood still.

Love came down and the earth stood still.

Christmas: Rawls

Truly impressed with the transition to postcards by friends!

This one just made me smile. So cute.

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a wonderful year for us! We just celebrated our 2nd anniversary. Life in Lexington continues to be good. Theresa is still working in the office at the Young Life camp. Steve is still the area director for Young Life in Rockbridge County. Mogadore, the great dane, is finally starting to settle down. At the end of the summer we had the chance to take a wonderful trip to California. We saw San Francisco, the Redwood forest, and wine country.

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas with friends and family!

Much love,

Steve and Theresa!

Merry Christmas Friend! I thought of you when I picked a postcard for our Christmas card! Hope all is well in N. Carolina- Love, T and Steve

Christmas: Matthew Hypes

From the Front:

Bless This Season!

With Lucifer beneath you and God above

If either of them ask you what you're living of...

Back:

SAY LOVE! ~the avett brothers

As I look back over this year my heart is overwhelmed with blessings. I traveled to new places both near and far, the journey and the destinations, were filled with people I love. This summer marked my 11th at camp! We had a group of interns who made this summer one of the best! I was renewed and pushed towards Christ in incredible ways. I am continually blessed by the relationships the Lord started with each of them. My heart swells when I think about this year in Lexington. It has been full of new friendships and great depth with old friends. May the blessing of love, God's love, reign throughout your season and coming year!

I love you.

See you Soon friend, smooches!

Matty

Christmas: Vas

I love.

And miss.

Them.

A lot.

May the blessings and peace that only

His birth can bring, be with you this day

and throughout the new year.

Blessed Christmas & Merry New Year!

Love,

Tony, Sandy, Lucas, and Renee

Snow and Puppies: Alyssanne

Ladies and Gentleman. She makes an appearance.

Alyssanne is actually one of the sources of inspiration for this postcard project. At the close of last year we discussed becoming pen pals. I took that conversation to some friends and we broke down how much I missed postcards, writing them to others, but mostly as a journal of an adventure, season, and time of my life while traveling. That conversation and brainstorming idea would not have come if not for two girls, whom have only spent a handful of hours together had not prior decided to be pen pals. Through postcards.

However. Those two girls are way busy. Both pursuing jobs and opportunities to be stretched both professionally, creatively, and relationally. We stayed in touch this year mostly through Facebook. I put some pressure on A, when I realized that December would close the project for 2011 and she had not yet sent a postcard in! Blasphemy.

The story is short. I met Alyssanne while visiting my beloved friends Chris and Caroline McGlade several (can you believe that was SEVERAL?) years ago at Windy Gap. Alyssanne was an intern. We instantly hit it off. I met also then Sarah Spooner whom continues to delicately and profoundly play a role in my writing, and life. Those two ladies are two women I met and loved instantly while enjoying a game night hosted by Chris and Caroline.

I think if Alyssanne and I could both coordinate a long weekend off and met up in some fantastic location, we would be best friends (though, I do not believe the location needs be fantastic, I think we could have fun anywhere). I would ask her tons of questions about photography (she's an incredibly gifted artist), and the secret of getting in with Starbucks forever. She's kindhearted, encouraging, and I am inspired by both her eye for the vernacular (which I myself, am captivated by), but also her keen sense of how to photograph a soul, heart, and smile in people.

At the completion of this year, all of the images scanned and posted are going to be collected and arranged in a hardcover book. It will be a lot bigger then I originally anticipated, which is a huge blessing. I know that I will treasure it, and I will continue on, documenting life in this unique way- it really became an amazing marker of my growth, the people active in my life, and how the Lord used it all to grow me tenderhearted to His purpose and path for me. The Postcard Pen Pal volume 1, would not have been complete without Alyssanne. Not even slightly. And so, here's my favorite Boston pen pal writing in about... snow and puppies. Love it and her!

Kari!

This is my long over due correspondence! Winter is finally showing up in Boston- though I'm not complaining. I do want the dog and the snow on the front of this card for xmas! I hope your season has been full of warmth and cheer and you receive everything on your christmas wish list. Stay warm and adventurous!

I hope our paths cross soon!

<3

Alyssanne

Madrid: Seth

Seth wins the award this year for the most contributions and from the most varied locations. His submissions included: Uniontown, PA (I know, exciting), Sierra Leone (several times), Brussels, and now Madrid- which I might have a twinge of jealously that won't go away. Spain and I need to be friends. In any event, here the Postcard Blog's BFF from Spain. (Jealousy twitch will ensue). It also included a much more attractive combination of postage.

Kari Ann,

This is your second European postcard in a few weeks, mailed from the States. Sorry about that. Anyway- Spain was great- excellent weather, tons of beer, bread and cheese, and garlic and beautiful scenery. Our day trip to (can't read the location based on silly usps postage cancellation). Was a blast- Saw an ancient Roman aqueduct and toured a medieval castle. Also ate roast suckling pig.

Can't wait to reunite in a few weeks! Prepare yourself!

-Seth

Minnesota: Bob, SJ, and Dave.

Three friends took a road trip. They took a drive to Minnesota. Which is sort of far from Virginia. Which means that they were together for a long time. I wish. So much that I could have been able to take a peak into their banter and just listen, and laugh with them.

All three have played different roles in my life, and helped create a season of sweet friendship during my residence in Lexington. Bob and I both now live elsewhere, Dave and SJ continue to work at Rockbridge. There are things that I really appreciate and value in each of them- Bob made some of my favorite House Dinner's- like seriously. They were delicious. He was always fun to be around, and I appreciated his perspective and light he brought to our community. He might be one of the most unique people I know, and he is one of those people that I instantly enjoyed upon meeting.

SJ and I had some dinner dates that helped bring me back home after returning to Lexington last summer after a very emotionally challenged 6 months in Ohio, Oregon, China, and finally Connecticut. Some of those talks very tenderly pushed me forward and helped me focus on the healer of my heart, Jesus. She's wonderfully funny, warm, and desires deeply to share true friendship with those in her life. I appreciate that quality and attribute. I have thought often back to some of those conversations over Sushi, and I'm thankful that we were able to connect, share life- the good and the hard of it. SJ is a special piece of my story in Lexington.

Dave. Yes. There is no one in my world quite like him. We've pushed, pulled, disliked, and loved each other through a lot of life. In preparing to move to North Carolina, and the overwhelming process it was- I wanted to focus on one on one time, quality and intentional conversation with some people I had known and cared a lot about my entire time in Virginia. Dave set up a time to come over, and we talked, and we laughed and shared funny stories. He was the only person that I cried saying "see yah soon" to. When I think of how I "grew up" in Virginia- I always think of Matty and Dave. They are special. They are different. I am proud of the friendship and care Dave and I were able to mature into. There's nothing I wouldn't do for that man, and I'm thankful that we've shared Holiday meals- ventured into NYC to visit a beloved Christmas Tree, spent nights with my family in CT winning big at the Blackjack table (oh the Rhode Island and CT Christmas reunions were the BEST), we've shared heated arguments, and we've laughed. I remember one tense time we had specifically. He and I had hit a rough spot. After lunch one day at camp he came down to my office and sat down. He addressed it, he told me my friendship was worth talking out the hard stuff, and we were able to move on. I felt so loved, albeit uncomfortable because it required vulnerability on both of our parts- which he led and pursued. I always think of that specific conversation when I think of Dave. He's a great man. I admire him, and value his friendship and love in my life.

Thankful for these friends that thought to send a postcard from their road trip- and am glad that this project will come to a close in a couple of weeks with them included.

Greetings from Minnesota!

Karwee,

We were talking in the mall of america and SJ stepped on a chocolate covered oreo then we ate it.

Love Bob

Don't worry Kari... I survived the trip. <3 SJ

Love Dave

Love Dave

26 November 2011: Seth

This was sent, or at least written before Africa left Mercy Ships. The stamp is still ugly. Which makes me appreciate the postcard I received after this one that did not have an ugly stamp on it. :)

26 Nov 2011

Kari Ann,

Last Patients Discharged: YESTERDAY

Coming to America: VERY SOON

Seeing you in W-S: REGULAR SOON

Take me to Snook's please?

(I'll bring Hypes if you say yes.)

-Seth

Moving Announcement: Ash Ham

And... she's coming back East, to where all the cool kids are! ;)

Well, Kari, its official. I'm moving. Unless something big happens, I'll be bak in VB. I'm excited to be back East. But sad to leave the Canyon- its been a special place for me. How are you friend?

-Ash Ham

Waiting. The Light.

In places of worship- most notably in Catholic Churches there are altars of light prepared and presented before the congreation to come and rest. To place their prayers before God and bring Light. To their Darkness. To bring hope to their weighted concerns. I was drawn to this while exploring Italy. I stood before rows and banisters of people waiting to bring light to their prayers. Burdens. I remember looking at this candle holder. empty. Waiting for its purpose to be fulfilled. I was quiet and thought about what weighed heavily on my heart- and rejoiced for what my time abroad was releasing from my spirit. If I were before this fixture now- these months and years later- I am grateful for what has changed but for what has also remained. That God would use me. Stretch me. that I would continue to find my value in Him. That I would choose love. Aways. That I would trust him. His timing. His plan. that I would continue to seek his Light. To banish my darkness.

This picture always spoke that it was waiting for prayers. The anticipation. The great expectations. I love that with Christ- Life is much like that. In patience and resolve. With hope and Light!

2 Weeks To Go

12.12.11

I am in the midst of the final 2 weeks. Christmas is nearly here. I had my breaking point last Friday. I talked it through with Matty and felt better. By the time Sunday morning came- I was struggling again. The 2nd song at Chruch was a Christmas Hymn. The tears began. When the service was done I turned around and heard "Kare Bear" from Justin and at the conclusion of short banter I acknowledged it had been a hard week. He said that he knew- and that it would be over soon. I couldn't stop the tears. Streaming. I love my new community- but I have felt stunted in my participation recently due to my work load and schedule. thankful for a empathetic and knowing friend who helped me own my feelings and let them flow. It's almost over. And now that my heart has been restored and healed in terms of Christmas decor, music, and tradition...

I.Just.Don't.. Want.To Miss. It. Or. Wish it Away!

Infuse Peace: Ash Ham

She's been a consistent contributor- and this one made me smile because its always fun to hear how people are being stretched in their walks with the Lord- and letting that happen! It's hard! But also so very encouraging!

Kari!! This postcard if from a place I stayed at with myparents in Portland this summer. My postcards have been lacking lately- sorry friend. To answer one of your questions, I've learned a ton about letting the Lord infuse peace into my life. It has been huge in my life this past year- one that has been a great stretching- learning year. Grateful for my Canyon Family. Love the Canyon.

Ps. Still want to grab coffee w/ you. Why isn't OR and NC closer together?

-Ash Ham

Unbridled Laughter

Holiday is hard. The pace is crazy - and its increasingly more difficult to relax and truly rest.

Its been a hard few weeks- ad this week felt the burden more heavily. Which is challenging. But today I was able to laugh. Truly. Part of that is because of the people I work with- and also due to quick phone calls home. And how talking things out sometimes are the perspective fix we need in the day. Laughter. True. Unbridled release. That is beauty. Joy. Thankful for that.

Bouchon Bakery: December 4

I sat in Bouchon looking at the tree and scribbled onto postcards to people I loved. Matty's was first. If I hadn't addressed it already it would have been sent to myself instead because it so perfectly captured the moment. Those are my favorite postcards. The ones you know that without the privilege of the person sitting beside you, articulate fully what you are witness too.

My heart is full and content as I sit here- eating breakfast at Bouchon Bakery in Rockefeller Center. My view is perfect. The tree in all its splendor perched perfectly allowing all those to celebrate Christmas to gather. This moment is perfect. There has been an ease and quiet to this day which is welcomed to this very tired worn out girl. I have instantly felt at home and it feels as though Santa is real mostly because a little girl beside me is talking about an email she received from Santa Claus himself! My family arrives later today for the game. But I am so thankful to have had this time. This morsel of time to remember and celebrate the joy of the Christmas Season.

Love.Love.

Kar

The Beginning of 2011

As November closed I kept thinking about how Decemeber will complete and finish this year. This crazy. Wonderful. Amazing year. I want to take time to reflect on it. The Highs/Lows, the in-betweens. Favorite songs. Movies. Moments. Memories and Laughter. What wisdom would I impart and help cast a vision for 2012. I suppose its helpful to start at the beginning of 2011. Which I joyfully brought into focus with the help of JJ and BRian with a dinner out- champagne, pretty dresses and laughter. I began this year with a new friend. Someone I am thankful to still call friend- though no longer new. January was an intense time at work- and I found myself leaning in on that new friendship with JJ as I continued to gain perspective on 2010 in the wake of a turbulent summer, but most especially a very confusing Christmas. Bringing in 2011 I was hopeful. In anticipation of 2012 I am thankful for that hope! ;o)

November 21.

written pre-thanksgiving.

pre-chaos.

pre- when everything sort of hit the fan at work.

But the sentiments are the same, even though sometimes the Joy takes a more fervent fight.

Still.

Happy.

Just real tired.

;o)


21.11.eleven

Self.

In my life I am typically on the "I just need to get through to next (blank)", and then I'll be ok. With my new perfectly assigned position- I could do that and think that way for a very long time. Somewhere and somehow I have let go of that part of my thinking. I hadn't even noticed it until this week. My pace is set in accordance to my responsibility and in the midst of that I have been able to experience full, complete and total Joy in the middle of what it my busiest time and season. It has been amazing to live in this place, space, and time. Carefully considering new adventures and journeys with relationships, work and self. And a wonderful treat to that- a day off before Thanksgiving to rest. Think. And Laugh. Yes. Lots of laughter. Thanks to the amazing friendships I have discovered here. Yay! Love.Love. Me

brussels via uniontown: seth

Seth sent me a postcard from America. Though was purchased in Brussels (and my scanner didn't know how to crop it).

I have to admit. It's a little weird to get mail from Seth sent from PA.

But I am PUMPED that I will see him so soon when he "makes his Winston-Salem premier".

Can't. Freaking. Wait.

3 Dec 2011

Kari,

It was a harrowing journey, but I finally made it home last night! My parents and grandparents were very surprised! My grandma was practically speechless. Now I have to leave again for Spain! I could get used to all of this jet-setting! SEE YOU SO SOON- just a few more weeks!

-Seth

Your Thoughts.

It's strange to think that it was at Christmas time last year that this idea was born.

In light of all that this year brought, I am going to finish out this project for 2011 with a collection of favorites, best of's, and just consider each day what I would like to remember most as we close out this year.

I would love to hear what:

you've learned

have missed

have found

maybe even lost (Mandy always loses things, like cameras)

favorite movie, song, piece of scripture...

if you could relieve one night which would it be?

what do you think has left the largest impression?

send them in. I would love to include your closing thoughts of 2011 along with my own, and they will be put into the keepsake book when the year is complete!

Send them in:

2331 Murphy Lane

Winston-Salem, NC 27104

And an early but grateful thanks to Matt, Jessica, Seth, and Mandy for their multiple appearances this year!

Thanksgiving: Jessica Tyree

From Jessica. Whom I miss and love dearly.

Kari,

I count my blessings every time I think of you! God knew I would need a friend as amazing as you! Love you doll!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jessica Tyree