February 24, 2010: Seattle

I sent this postcard almost exactly one year ago- Feb. 24th, 2010. I remember I wrote it in the hotel lobby of the W in downtown Seattle. I had just gotten off the phone with my mother who was sharing about her trip to Florida to visit her then boyfriend at the time. I was having a great time with Kyle and with Tex and it was a great road trip. I have some favorite pictures from that vacation out West. However, life could not be more different a year later. My mom is now married. I did not move to Indiana like I was scheduled when I left for the Seattle trip. I am focused on physical health, and last year I was intimidated after an intense bout with bronchitis. I was unable to communicate at the time how I was struggling, and now I can- and am finding myself the strongest I have ever been emotionally, mentally, and spiritually... ever.

This postcard encourages me that on February 24, or 27th of 2012 that anything is possible. Anything. Absolutely anything. That this life is grand, bigger, and more amazing then anything you can think will, could, or might be. It on its own... is fantastic.

Where were you a year ago today?

What were you doing?

What were you thinking about?

What was about to happen that would rock your world?

What were you looking for? Hoping for?

Did you find it?

Were you laughing? Were you sharing?

How are you better today, then you were then?

Are you amazed more that life goes by so quickly, and yet slowly?

Are you someone you love more now, then you understood then?

Did you know that you were going to be ok? Did you really believe it?

Number 9 says: Happy. It's true though I wasn't completely. I was happy in moments and days because I was distracted and free... but I have learned how those things are fleeting.

A year later I am happy because I'm focused and secure. And even in my struggle, hurt, and own mania- I know joy and love more sincerely right now because a year later... I grew up. I changed. I found my voice. I remembered. And I continue to be found where it matters most. In my relationship with JC, and by being able to share deep, authentic, and real love with those that continue to pursue me.

Number 9 today... says Happy. In the way that matters most.

Next year... what will I say? I can't wait.

What about you?

What would you write on a piece of card stock and place a 28 cent stamp on,

to capture this time, moment, and experience?

Share. I'd love to hear about it.

Self.

1) Sunset Evening View

2) Starbucks: Original

3) Kept. Came. Laughter.

4) Beautiful Weather

5) Photography. Several Favorites.

6) Time with BFF

7) Ease in group dynamic

8) New adventures

9) Happy.

Richmond Picasso: Matty Hypes

Yes... he deserves a gold star and blue ribbon for two postcards in one week.

He's just that supportive of me, my ideas, dreams, and heart.

Seriously. Most loyal and most amazing best friend ever.

Matty. Thanks. Love you to the moon and back.

Kurry,

BC & I just finished walking around the Picasso exhibit here in Richmond. I never realized the diversity in his portfolio. It made me wish we had more museums in Lex (not counting Stonewall's). We should come to RVA more often, just throwin' that out there.

Smooches,

Matty

Sock Monkeys: Matty

I have been thinking about this post for a couple of days. I got this postcard on Saturday, and in the midst of some other happenings in my house I was not able to get it posted. The writer does not really need an introduction... if you know me, you know him. You've either met him in person, or you've met him in my stories.

The fact is. Matty is the most loyal best friend I've ever had. Our friendship has had growing pains, and easy tides. We've explored different parts of the country, and we've recreated favorite ethnic dishes at home. He knows my whole family, and my brother Bill is his greatest fan.

As I write this I am remembering an email I wrote a couple of days before Thanksgiving. The night before I had a hurtful conversation with someone and I was giving him the little update. In contrast to the way I had been treated, I think for the first time I had the words to describe to Matt how I felt about him...

"You have always been an incredible stable and loyal force in my heart, life, and pursuit of Christ- and in recent months I have been so humbled and amazed at the way that in our friendship- known, tried, true: how we are continuing to grow in a more special way as brother and sister pursuing Christ... thanks for always having my back and protecting me in groups of gossip, and celebrating life with me in groups of love."

We drive each other crazy. And my Bridal Christmas season has impacted our friendship... but I love him. He's an amazing brother and best friend, and my heart aches with joy and anticipation when I think of meeting his wife and kids one day, and all the stories we will be able to share with our families about the adventures, love, and laughter the Lord blessed us with when we met all those years ago.

Kur,

Found this and thought it would be a great postcard! I'm really excited for House Dinner tonight, Cashew Chicken in the best! HD at your house is always special since that's where it all began. Thanks for being you.

Smooches

Matty

p. Sock monkeys are taking over. Watch out Teddy Bears!

Disney: Jeni Stegman

Jeni Stegman is mother to Mandy Stegman one of my favorite BFF's ever. Jeni recently was in Disney World and sent me a postcard. She's amazingly wonderful. I admire the way she's passionate about family, and her daughters, and I don't doubt that she would do anything for either one of them. Including cleaning their cars, rooms, and laundry (she did this when she'd come visit Mandy during her residence in VA).

Jeni makes me laugh, and drives me a little crazy. I think these two things are mutual. But I love her. She creates a home for me in Ohio, and opens her door each time. When I lost my passport she came to the rescue in Paris, and I felt so incredibly loved by her "take no prisoners we will get this back" approach. We got it back. She was a huge factor in that. Her friendship that day was priceless, and more then that- she was a Mom to me, and well... that means more then any postcard or intro to her could ever say.

Thanks Jeni for the Disney love, it was great motivation as I get excited for this fall and the Half Marathon!

xoxo

Kari,

Just finished my visit with Mickey & Friends.

They were wondering when you are gonna come visit them again!

Hope to see you next week!

Jeni

Green Door Random Thoughts 2.16.11

Green Door photograph is courtesy of Santorini. Favorite place in the world I have ever been. Next to Italy, of course.

Random Thoughts of Today: 2.16.11

1) I am not a morning person. But I aspire to be. I don't like talking first thing after I wake up- I need a good hour to warm up to the day. I wish I loved mornings more because I would love to start the day with a good work out.

2) I love my new queen size bed- but Gracie still takes up more then her portion. I love that she won't get up on the bed until she's given permission and that when she's not under the covers- she sleeps with her head on the pillow like a human.

3) I used to be an avid reader. I miss it. I don't know what I do with my time now that I've stopped reading so much. I have so many great books waiting to be started (and 8 pages of Harry Potter to finish)

4) I daydream everyday about my Spring plans. I ache for skirts, Rainbows, t-shirts, and sunscreen. Ache so much. Come faster.

5) I'm thinking about breaking up with Diet Coke for good. Yes, I'm serious.

6) I love this green door. I want to move to Santorini.

Feb 6-12 Recap

My sister Krystal and I took a little road trip this summer. One of our stops was to our summer home below. Just kidding. But we did visit Hearst Castle: and LOVED it. Everything about it. Just a little recap from last week a little bit late... this post begins the massive updating! Enjoy!

Feb 6-12 Recap

Self:

1) Obviously the Super Bowl- which already had its own postcard.

2) Met Chad for a 2+ hour coffee date. We walked towards W&L and sat on a bench (I heart benches) and I mostly listened. I don't think I've ever enjoyed Chad more than I did during that afternoon pow wow.

3) Quiet day off was uber productive! Though I am still slacking... a lot.

4) The weekend was intense. I know that is always is. But for some reason Saturday felt less fun and more stressed.

5) Holly and I chatted for a little while. I love that we can go so long w/o being in touch but once we talk its like she and I never fell out of touch. The Lord does such great things in our friendships- I so often see that with Holly. She's truly a gift. Love her.

6) Otherwise uneventful but altogether full of goodness with Packers, Chad, & Holly.

Love.Love.

me

Passport Lost: Paris 2009

A few years ago I learned one of the biggest lessons about trusting God in all circumstances and situations while in Disney Paris. I lost my passport on a ride. And after hours of talking to people at the US Embassy, and trying to sort out how I would obtain an emergency passport before my departure the next day to Greece, I was still left without much of a plan.

I left for dinner with the Stegmans whom I had met up for one day of fun out of five weeks of solo time. In the midst of dinner shortly after I said that I knew and trusted God, Jeni's phone rang and my passport had been found. I have written a lot about that day, how I felt, and what that experience meant to me on my personal blog articulating all things I think. I learned so much that day, and those weeks away I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to go. This small blurb about that trip almost seems disrespectful to everything that I learned!

Yesterday in the midst of an incredibly difficult circumstance I found myself remembering that day in Paris without a passport with the Stegmans. I remembered how joyful I was and how much I knew that I was safe. That I was not in control, and how that was a good thing. I thought of this postcard that I sent a friend in the States, and as I went to sleep I thought how so much of this postcard from that day, is exactly what I would have said about yesterday. Thankfully some of my favorite postcards I've ever sent were used in compiling my scrap book and so I have them scanned for my own copies. So... its the Sentimental Sunday offering this week.

I have a bunch of updates for tomorrow- but today will leave this simply to close out a very intense weekend.

June 15 The Most Intense Day Ever...

"I cannot begin to describe what the experience of yesterday has done to my heart. I start crying when thinking about it too long- and I am so moved by the way that the Lord carried me, and how in a way that is typically impossible for me... I let him. The park was great- there was much left undone but I feel confident that I will be there again. I laughed and was excited about it all- and even in the midst of devastations the peaceful calm and trust that I was ok..."