life on the farm

I've spent a few days alone at the house when I haven't been filling out applications and going to job interviews. Today is one of those days. I finally landed two jobs: one as a beauty adviser for Clarins in Macy's and the other at Bath and Body Works. Bring on the employee discounts and freebie's! Anyways, I start one tomorrow and the other next week so today I'm left at the farm all by my lonesome. I like it this way and days like this will be missed. Days of solitude and tranquility with nothing but the braying of a donkey and the meow of a cat. There are actually 3 donkeys and approximately 10 cats but who's counting. I've grown fond of all of them and their sounds.

I'm liking life on the farm thus far. It is an escape from day to day struggles and anxieties not to mention the stress of an upcoming wedding. I'm not stressing but I know some people who are. We are some fourteen days away from the pending nuptials of my lovely sister Jessica to the always charming Brandon Kerns. We have a few loose ends that need to be tied quickly, but never fear. It will all come together. I can't believe it is only two weeks away. So exciting.

Right now I am altering my bridesmaid dress, and enjoying the sounds of Mr. Big and Ziva stomping at the bothersome flies, and this adorable orange and white cat (whom I shall name Garfield) begging to be let inside. Just another peaceful day in my new life. God is so good!

a new day

As some of your may have heard. I sneaked my way back into Massachusetts on Saturday night. I loved my summer in Idaho and hope to visit again one of these days, but New England was beckoning. I've been on the move for years hoping to find a place to call home. Finishing college had made that difficult. I would live in Boston for the school year and back to Florida for the summers, constantly packing up my belongings and on the go. Then when my parents moved to Philly, I really felt like I had lost my center, the place I called home. I've literally felt homeless for three years at least. When my plane started to close in on Boston Saturday night, I felt it. It felt like home. It didn't matter if I was still living out of a suitcase or still didn't have a home for my beloved books. I was at home in New England. My eyes started watering as I saw the city lights, and my heart swelled at the chaotic view below me. I love the crazy accents and moody weather. I had missed the aggressive driving and the lack of proper street signage.

My parents moved to this small town in northern Massachusetts called Groveland. The house they rented is on a farm full of animals. At first I was hesitant of being so far away from Boston and my friends and the area I knew best, but on Sunday morning I woke up to the sounds of horses outside my window. I went to the kitchen and out onto the back deck and saw the most beautiful view. I knew I would have to stay as long as possible, ha. Then of course you factor in the beginning of sweatshirt weather and changing of leaves and its near perfection. It's the perfect location to finish my book. (forgive the quality of my cell phone pic ha)



I'm loving life on the farm. I'm slowly meeting all the animals. Mr. Big, Ziva, Matilda, Swifty and Pete are the horses. I only know Randy the donkey, but there are two more. Then there are several dogs. I've met Duke. He's like a hound dog or something similar. Almost knocked me over he's so friendly and loves to give kisses. Then there was Molly the mule, may she rest in peace. It was a sad day the other day because they had to put her down. She was lame and was in so much pain. It was hard watching the other animals as they seemingly grieved the loss of their friend.

My dad took me to the beach on his day off. It was so good to see the beach and be near it again. There is something healing about the sea air and sounds of the ocean. I could sit atop those rocks all day and marvel at all the wonders of God and His creation. And lets not talk about the smell of fried fish and fritters as you drive by! Yummm! I can't wait to have some good seafood. I'm thinking lobstah!


So its a new day, a new start, a new home in New England.

good read

I love reading a good novel. I've already mentioned some of my favorites throughout some of my blogs. Recently, I brought up Francine Rivers' series Lineage of Grace. Excellent retellings of the Biblical accounts of Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. I've also mentioned Rivers' Redeeming Love. I don't care if you are into fiction or not. That book is a MUST read. It's Rivers' statement of faith. Such a beautiful portrait of our Savior and His redemptive love for us.

Now I am also a big movie watcher. I love a good comedy or suspense/action movie. Especially when I watch those who-done-it types, I have a mental competition to try and figure it all out before anyone else. If you watch one of these with me I'd ruin it for you. That is probably why people won't go to the movies with me anymore.

I'm a big fan of the Bourne series or any other kind of high intensity action flicks that have me unknowingly biting my nails. That's what I loved about this next book on my list. It just so happens to be written by my very own cousin. You could say I am a little biased, but hey so what. That's what family is for.

The book is called Cursed Blessing by J.M. LeDuc and is the first in a trilogy. I am chomping at the bit waiting to read the next. He let me write a blurb for the book and this is the ad that showed up in Suspense Magazine.

I am so excited for him. I never knew he had such an imagination and ability to spin such an intricate story. I must say, I'm a little jealous. I tried writing a suspense once. Still have it on my flash drive. While reviewing it I realized I am just too soft to write with such edge. Maybe someday. But in the meantime read this book.