I don't really have a lot to say, but it had been awhile since I wrote on the blog and even I am getting tired of seeing the same 'ole shoulder shots on the first page. So, I thought I'd add a new one...

Can you believe its almost Christmas? I'm happy to say I'm three gifts away from being done with my shopping. No, I didn't go shopping on Black Friday! I don't like shopping the other 364 days a year; I'm definitely not going on that day! Nonetheless, I'm almost done.

Last Monday night I thought I'd take a cruise out to Opry Mills for a quick round of the mall. I thought "its Monday night...no one goes shopping on Monday night!" I might have been right about that, but what I wasn't counting on was the 400-500 teenage kids running around. Apparently there was some sort of conference going on and the kids were finished for the night. It was a stark reminder to me of my junior high days ---loitering around the mall, paying no attention to those around me, and trying to act as though I was about 10 years older than I actually was. (And all this was BEFORE cell phones!) The other night was madness. Kids running around, talking on the phone, running into people, standing...no...lying in exits. I literally had to step over someone to walk out of the mall. Needless to say, it expedited the whole shopping trip. I figured I was there, I might as well finish what I started.

(It was also my first night out of the sling; perhaps the kiddos would have been a little more attentive to the girl with the gimp arm had I kept it on.)

So, in summary....................I'm glad I'm not a junior high kid anymore.

Shoulder Update

Front of shoulder

Back of shoulder

Well it's been nearly four weeks since surgery and things are going pretty well. Much better than expected actually. I have physical therapy three times a week and though they kick my butt while I'm there it's really paying off. I can lift my arm over my head (after stretching), I can carry light-weight items, and today I tied my shoes!! I'm "supposed" to be in the sling another two weeks; but, I'll be honest I take it off now and then. It's funny how your body knows what it needs; I take it off when I feel cramped and put it on when it feels weak and apparently that is working for me. I CAN drive again, providing me with the independance I needed to feel better. I still can't write that much but typing is getting easier. It appears we use more shoulder muscles for writing than we do for typing. Who would've thunk it??

Season of the Senses

Barn at Gentry's Farm

Fall View at the Farm

Tyler hiding in the maze

Traci and Tyler with our findings -- the smallest and cutest pumpkins.

I love fall! I love the feel of cooler temps, sight of colorful leaves, the smell of bonfires, the sound of football, and taste of chili, gumbo, and s'mores. Fall is the season of the senses in my book and I love it!!

Fort the past several years, mom has brought Tyler for a fall visit. And one of our favorite things to do is look for pumpkins at Gentry's Farm in Franklin. This year's visit was full of fall festivities; corn maze, searching and carving the best pumpkin and attending a HUGE bonfire. We had a great time and I eagerly anticipate his next visit.

This weekend the trees have peaked in color and I'm hopeful to get out and take a few shots (to be posted later). And football.... Do I really need to tell anyone that the TITANS are 7-0??? I'm SO hoping to go to the game tomorrow. (Say a prayer that my friend ends up with an extra ticket!) If not tomorrow, I already have tickets to a December game, so I can wait patiently.

So during this season of the senses, I'm very content. I love thanksgiving; being with friends and family, eating good food, and watching football. I'm easy to please, what can I say?

Behind the Wheel ---not!

My car looks lonely, doesn't it?

Argh... so I called the doctor today to see if I could drive yet. I've been a good girl and haven't gotten behind the wheel (mostly because my friends wouldn't let me) and finally called the doctor, certain he'd give me permission to drive. Wrong. "Not until next week's appointment". Again, I say, ARGH!

I've been staying with a friend, so getting to work has been easy. Even getting home has been problem-free. My problem is I'm a list-maker, a task doer and I want to get some things done. Things I can't do on my own because I can't drive. So, until next week I'll get chauffeured around and save gas.

One last time...ARGH!

recovery update

just wanted to check in and give you all an update. i had the shoulder surgery on the 13th, according to the doc "it was really lose". (I knew that, that is why i opted for the surgery.) :) mom stayed with me through yesterday and i am now staying with a friend for the next few days. i can't drive yet and need some help getting dressed from time to time. i was progressing nicely until today, but am pretty sore now and am not sure why it hurts so much more today than yesterday. i took a few photos which i will post in a few days. i have my first day of physical therapy tomorrow and am hoping to work a half day in the afternoon. we'll see how that goes.

i am gonna see if i can catch some zzzz's. write more soon,

Here I Go Again

During my junior year of college I had what is known as a capsular shift to my right shoulder. I remember vividly, waking from the surgery and feeling as though there had been some terrible mistake. I couldn't move my arm at all! The next several months were days of physical therapy, sleepless nights, and a whole lot of dependance on my roommate, Sarah. Years of sports, chronic instability, and poor posture brought about this surgery and now about 10 years later it's time to do it again!

On October 13th I go under the knife again - only this time on my left shoulder. I knew several weeks ago that it was getting to be too much and that this day was likely inevitable. And indeed it is. Yes, I've been through this before and survived; but I gotta be honest --- the fact that I've been through this before causes me great anxiety. It's one thing to opt out of a class now and then, but I'm not likely to opt out of work any more than absolutely necessary. Relying on my roommate to wash my hair, button my pants and prop the pillows was a gift I likely took for granted. Mom is going to stay for a week following the surgery, but those simple day-to-day tasks could be a bit difficult for the next few months. I'm really dreading it. I've thought more than once, "Maybe I should just cancel it. Live through the pain and just be careful not to dislocate it." But, why put off til tomorrow what you can/should do today, right? I'm not getting any younger and its far more likely that I'll recover faster at 34 than I will at 44. So .... here I go again.

*** On a happier note: the TITANS are 5-0!!

Meet Me In Montana

When I was a kid, my sister and I loved the song, Meet Me in Montana sung by Dan Seals and Marie Osmond. I had never been there but I sang it with all the heart and soul I could muster. Well the days of anticipation are over. I few weeks ago, I was able to vacation with a family I've become close with over the past few years. So, if you're prepared to take a trip down memory lane with me, read on ... if not, I strongly encourage you to check out the pics:

My friends', the Orsaghs, were celebrating their 40th wedding annivesary and as a means of celebration they decided to take their whole family on vacation to Montana. Their eldest couldn't attend the family retreat due to an already large family of his own and another little tike on the way. So, I was graciously offered his spot and with little (no) hesitation at all, I said yes. My co-worker and friend, Marla and I, flew out of Nashville and met up with her brother, his girlfriend and her sister at the Minneapolis airport - from there we were off to Billings. After a long drive and hours of waiting for her parent's delayed flights to catch up we were all sleeping peacefully in our cabin in Gardiner, MT.

While in Gardiner, we spent a 1/2 horseback riding at Hell-A-Roarin ranch, covering the country-side and checking out the yellowstone river from above. We were fortunate enough to spot a small bear cub sun-bathing on a nearby rock. (We were also fortunate in NOT finding it's mother!) Later that night we had a wonderful dinner at CHICO's restaurant http://www.chicohotsprings.com/ and hot springs. Pork Chops! Yum, some of the best I ever had! The following day was spent touring Yellowstone Park where we saw Elk, Bison, hot springs, gysers (including the much over-rated Old Faithful) and more bison. Day three in Gardiner included a lazy ---yes, I said lazy --- rafting trip down Yellowstone river, which flowed right beneathe our cabin. We hit two class 2 rapids and the rest was much like a lazy float down the river. Still very scenic and even more relaxing. All of our rafting and horseback riding was planned through http://www.flyingpigrafting.com/ Very well organized and great people!

The following day we were up and at 'em and headed for Glacier Park. I LOVE THIS PLACE! I had never been before, and it was amazing. We stayed in East Glacier Park Lodge. We spent a full day on on the Red Jammer tour which took us through Glacier on a widing mountain side. We started at about 3000 feet and wound up at 6500 feet. I did get a little queezy on the ride, but was still able to get some fasintating photos. We traveled on the Going To The Sun road, visited Lake McDonald, Logans Pass, St. Mary's Lakes (and took many other stops along the way.) I'm convinced the most amatuer photographer couldn't go wrong in this place -the views were absolutely breath-taking.

Our last day at Glacier was less than expected. We drove to Great Forks, MT to meet with some other family members for lunch. It was a longer than anticipated drive and though the scenery was beautiful, everything paled in comparision to what we had seen the day before on our Glacier trip. We drove along Flathead Lake, a serene view of the mountains and Big Sky (a very suitable nickname for Montana). The following day we departed for Billings for our last night in Montana, spent in the Hampton Inn. http://www.hamptoninn.com/

The trip was great and pictures and a small blog account hardly does it justice. I recommend this trip for any and all who love the outdoors, love beauty, and want a sharp reminder of just how small we are in this great big world we live in.

Attitude

ATTITUDE
by
Charles Swindoll

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think, say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a church... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.
And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes”

During college the above quote could be found on the bulletin board in the girls' locker room. I saw it before and after every practice and every game. And I read it every single time. It's probably one of the most important things I read during my four years of college and even more likely to be one of the few things I continue to recall frequently.

I've noticed over the past few years that my attitude seems to be "adjusting" and not always in a positive way. I'm not sure if it's because I'm older and my body aches. Or because I'm a workaholic and I'm too tired to socialize and talk through whatever is on my mind. Or if it's because I've become jaded by life, relationships, and the knowledge of life's condition.

It doesn't make sense really, because the truth is I'm better today than I was a yesterday. I'll be better tomorrow than I was today. And so it goes. With that said my life- My attitude- should continue to be more and more positive. I'm a better person because I've been blessed with one more day of life, love, and laughter. So if that is 10% of life, then the other 90% is what I do with it:

• 
  
  live life


• 
  
  love deeper


• 
  
  laugh harder

That's what I'm gonna do with it.

Phelps, Pools, and Puzzles

Last week, my mom, dad, sister (Kelly) and nephew came for a visit. They stayed Wednesday through Monday, giving my nephew more than enough time to practice his swimming strokes in the pool. Tyler's time was spent on the 3 P's -- Phelps, Pool, and Puzzles.



Several years ago during one of Tyler's visits, I introduced him to puzzles...and this has quickly become one of our past-times together. I really enjoy it, though we only made a small dent in the 1000 piece puzzle we began working on, but it'll get finished. He enjoys looking around at the puzzle pictures which serve as artwork in my garage. The theme is ALWAYS Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.



The evenings were spent watching Michael Phelps earn gold after gold, which (I think) modeled both good sportsmanship and determination in Tyler. He spent the next day at the pool perfecting his breast-stroke and underwater turns and working on his good-looking bronze tan.



He'll be 9 years old on Thursday! That absolutely blows my mind. Seems like yesterday I got the call of his birth and was so excited to have a little guy to spoil rotten. Spoiled? Yes! Rotten? Not a chance. I couldn't be prouder of this little man. He's a GREAT kid and a blast to have around. I can't wait til October when he comes back for his Fall visit! *Yeah, to grandma and papa for bring him!

I'm Here

Thanks for the response to my "simple question"? I'm back. I hadn't forgotten about the blog world. My reason for absence is simple --- I haven't had much internet access lately. That'll change soon once I get COMCAST out to the house, but until then, please be patient with me.

As for now (tonight) I'm hanging out in Memphis. I am speaking at a conference tomorrow and decided I'd use the offer of a free hotel stay as an opportunity for a one-day get-a-way. I arrived this afternoon around 1, ate some lunch, took a short walk around downtown and have been in the hotel room ever since. It's been nice. My temptation was to run around town and complete some errands, but then I thought "why? I can do that later." So, since about 3:30 this afternoon, its been me, my computer, and the olympics. Again ...I say, NICE.

My presentation isn't until tomorrow morning at 9:30am. I purposefully arranged it to be first thing in the morning so I'd (as my dad always said about family vacations) "get it over with". I should be done around 11 and should be at the Pottery Barn outlet by noon. YEAH!

I've fought the temptation to run across the street and check out the Redbirds baseball game, but figured, pjs, bed, and room service sounded much more appealing. Ahhh.... these are the days when single-hood seems so very pleasing to me.

One Simple Question????

Does anyone read this anymore???
Please let me know.

a day off

Yesterday and today I attended a conference for work. Fortunately, today's session ended early and I did something I seldom do... I took some time off. I figured I had coverage, nothing scheduled and plenty on my TO DO list; so, I opted to take a half of a day off work. I finally made the long-awaited purchase of some flowers and planted them out front of my house. The photo attached is not what I planted but for the sake of attaching a photo, I attached one I took from a the home of one of my friends. I'll show you in the days to come what was planted today, but redish-orange and yellow won out. After planting some flowers in the mid 90 heat, I took a short trip to the pool. The best part --- despite the 90 degree weather, I was the only one at the pool.

HELP WANTED:

I'm in serious need of some flowers outside this front door. I'm thinking Arizona Sunflowers, which I find beautiful, but I'm just not sure. I definitely need some color but am trying to steer clear the traditional pansies. So.... any ideas??? Let me know what you think.

Happy Fourth of July and every day after...

Each year some friends of mine have a large gathering for the 4th of July. They own a building downtown along the river and the rooftop offers a front-row/eye-level view of Nashville's fireworks. I'm so grateful for Freedom... and all that comes with it. I'm grateful to those who continue to protect our freedom and our country.

Sunday's Change

Part of my Sunday morning ritual typically consists of watching Meet the Press. You don't have to be into politics to know that NBC lost a great teacher in the world of politics. Tim Russert always struck a cord with me because he was able to help me understand the world of politics and what was doing on in our country. I'm gonna miss him on Sunday mornings. I have no doubt he'll be difficult to replace after 17 years in that chair each morning. But, we're the lucky ones... in a few weeks, I'll wake up turn on channel 4 and someone else will be informing, interviewing, and interrogating those in the limelight of politics. As for Luke Russert, he won't be able to find a replacement... he'll be without his father. This Father's Day it made me all the more grateful for my dad. And, I'm hopeful Sunday's change to take place in upcoming weeks will motivate me to make a Sunday change of making every Sunday Father's Day.

I Wanna Play....

I'm going to jump in and play "tag" with Karla. She didn't get me, but I'm gonna play anyway:

MY JOYS:
1.) watching a child learn something new
2.) my nephew
3.) good conversations with good friends

MY FEARS:
1.) clowns... happy or sad, I don't like them.
2.) missed opportunities.
3.) losing my health.

MY GOALS:
1.) to adopt a child
2.) to obtain a doctorate degree.
3.) to pay off all school debts.


MY OBSESSIONS:
1.) work
2.) photographs
3.) work


RANDOM FACTS/SURPRISING THINGS ABOUT ME:
1.) I, too, loved the Sex and the City movie. :)
2.) I don't like peanut butter.
3.) I don't currently have a swimsuit (that's for you, Mandy!)

TAG, YOU'RE IT:
1.) Sarah
2.) Michelle
3.) Holly

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Ever have those days when you attend a church service and the whole time you think "dawg, this was being said just for me."? I do and today was one of those days. Lately, I've been attending our 6pm service, for no other reason than convenience. I have been using the mornings to sleep in and the afternoons to work out. By six, I'm ready for a little introspection and "divine dialogue".



I was out of town last weekend and unable to attend church, so yesterday I logged on to listen to the sermon --- to see what I missed so I'd be prepared for today. I was blown away with what I heard. Pastor Pete spoke of "being stalled" in your spiritual walk. I've been there for what seems to be going on two years now, so I was feeling intrigued. Despite the temptation to do other things this evening, I showered up and headed to church. I went in with that ... "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" mentality. And He did.



I'm feeling a little open tonight, so I''ll just preface the next part with --- I've been seeing a counselor for the past several weeks. (I'm a licensed counselor and there is a little truth to the "they want to fix everyone's problems, because they can't fix there own" mentality".) Anyway, during my last session the therapist and I spoke about my hurried life. The feeling of being over-worked, over-whelmed, and under-rested. The feeling of never being caught up, good enough, or having enough hours in the day. She encouraged me to take time out to rest ..... to breathe.... to just "be" in the moment. I stink at that. Sure, I may not have kids. I may be single. But I hit the ground running and don't stop until the meds kick in and I pass out at night. So as you can imagine, I was stopped in my tracks tonight when the sermon started off with the Pastor saying, "I'm addicted to hurry". Me too!!



My counselor asked me to think about my hurried life and why it is that I put so much effort in staying busy. I began asking, What am I afraid of uncovering in the silence? Who's voice am I afraid of hearing? Emails, radios, cell phones, unfinished laundry, dirty car ... my life is full of distraction. It's all stuff that can wait, but I choose to make it priority out of fear. I fear silence. I fear calm. I fear what will fill the void of "empty time". So, I'm convicted by my counselor and The Counselor tonight... when will I make some time for solitude this week? How will I slow down my pace during the work day? What will I FEEL when I take time to breathe and just be in the moment of silence?



What do you do to create solitude in your life? Am I the only one preoccupied with multi-tasking, making lists, and thinking about the next appointment?

"In solitude I get rid of my scaffolding; no friends to talk with, no telephone
calls to make, no meetings to attend, no music to entertain, no books to
distract, just me - naked , vulnerable, weak, sinful, deprived, broken --
nothing. It is this nothingness that I have to face in my solitude.
A nothingness so dreadful that everything in me wants to run to my friends, my
work, and my distractions so that I can forget my nothingness and make myself
believe that I am worth somethings". (Henri Nouwen, The Here and Now).

Just for kicks

I wish I had some deep, profound thoughts to share today but I don't. I'm distracted by all I have to do and all that I didn't do today. I guess it was a good day though. I began working on my tan. Sat in the sun and read for awhile. My arm and legs now a vibrant red color. It'll turn soon enough. I did wash the car and go to the office for a short while. So, I guess maybe it was more productive than I am giving myself credit for.

I thought I'd attach a few photos taken in recent months --just for kicks.

Georgia On My Mind....

Cute, huh?

What a great deck... where I spent most of my time.
Silly Faces- isn't she beautiful?
The "man" of the group - he turned four.

Do you know this song? I think Willie Nelson sang it. Anyway, it's always been very mellow, relaxing song and it's very fitting with the weekend I just had. I accompanied a friend to Atlanta for the weekend and had such a relaxing, restful time. I even read a book. I NEVER read a book; muchless a book in a weekend!

We went to my friend's parent's home and visited with her family. They have the most gorgeous backyard you've ever seen and it was the perfect spot for reading, napping, playing with the kids. We got there Friday afternoon and the three kids (my friend's nephew and two nieces) stayed with us Friday night. Despite a very restless night of sleep due to getting steam-rolled by a six year old little girl-she was all over the place. IT was a very relaxing evening. We ate delicious ribs, played hide-and-seek, and read. Saturday we went to a birthday party at this gymnastics place and ...well, let's just say they almost got charged for having three additional kids there because my friend, her sister and I were all over the trampoline. It was fun. Sunday was sleeping in, reading, and yet another cake and presents for the little guy that turned four. Big fun.

I returned to Nashville on Sunday and had the day off on Monday. Nice. Highly recommend sandwiching travel days with additional days off. And, today it was back to reality. Work. Busy day. The good news is that thought I dreaded the return this morning when I woke, by the time I got to the office, I was ready and happy to be back. It's good when you like your job.

So, below are a few pics of where I stayed. But prepare, it will make you want to vacation and do nothing at all.

Sunny Days

It was a gorgeous day here today... one of those 75 degree days, sunny, and slight breeze. You know the kind. Where whatever you do - you want to be outside. Sometimes I find myself looking for things to do outside just to enjoy the weather. Today I went and took some photos. I don't have a super snazy camera - just a simple digital camera, so don't be expecting some fantastic shots. But, I like them. It's a little reminder of why I like TN and what lured me here in the first place.

Taking Time For Me

WOW, good thing I checked my blog out! Another week or so and we'd be looking at one month since I last blogged. Truth is there hasn't been much to blog about --- thoughts in my head have revolved around work as of late and that has not been worth sharing. Today, I almost have the opposite problem. Thoughts in my head are probably worth sharing, but I'm a "processor" and like to think through things before I put a voice to them (or in this context "typing".)

I was asked the question today "Traci, what do you do for yourself?" And I had a hard time answering. I say this not to be arrogant or haughty about my profession or my personality. It's not a good thing to not care for yourself. So my task(s) for the next couple weeks: #1) find something to do for me and only me, and step #2) slow down long enough to do it.

With rising gas prices and a desire to continue having transporation, I believe I have decided to keep my motorcycle. I bought it about 3 years ago with the intentions of long cruises through TN country-side but in the past year haven't ridden it at all. (Battery went dead and I never bothered to charge it or get a new one). BUT, tonight ... and over the past few weeks...I've thought, "nah, I need to keep it." So that's my decision. We'll see how much I ride it this summer, now that I have my new found intention of doing something for me. I'll let you know how it goes.

"Debbie Downer"?

A good friend recently posted the question, "Are you happy with your life?" My “issue” is though I’m happy with my life, I feel I’ve taken on a pestimistic attitude towards my job. I love what I do and with whom I work, but lately to hear me you wouldn’t think that is the case. I’ve been thinking, “wow, I feel like all I do is complain”. And the chances are, if I think that -everyone else does too! Don’t get me wrong, they’re legitimate issues, concerns, complaints; unmet deadlines, mimimal resources, being lied to, manipulated, and ignored by others when I’m trying to do my very best at my job. BUT, though these may be real areas of concern and issues that need to be voice and addressed, I can’t let them dictate how I feel about myself or communicate with others.
So, I’ve challenged myself, (beginning today) to finish conversations with a positive. Perhaps a compliment to the one with whom I am speaking, or vocalizing an observation regarding my surroundings, the weather, etc. Point is…. I want to end conversations on a high note not a downer.
Anyone else up for this challenge?

I'm................

People find you: Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you lovable - even if you don't love them

You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you

You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil

How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others

http://www.blogthings.com/thesesamestreetpersonalityquiz/%22%3EThe Sesame Street Personality Quiz

IN AN INSTANT........

.......Life changes.
How often I feel my life is the same day after day, week after week. I often tell friends and family who complain of not hearing from me enough that "nothing has changed; therefore, I have not much to say". But, it can change so suddenly. I think I take for granted the fact that right now at this point in my life - it's consistent. Almost predictable. Work, home, hang out with friends, sleep, have a good conversation, sleep and do it all over again.

I'm sure we all wish we could add a little spice to our life now and then. Bypass the boredom. Not me. Not now.

I went to church last Sunday and was greeted by a man with a gentle smile, a friendly hug, and the most calming of voices. He appeared health and was what I've recently referred to as a "quiet servant" with a strong presence among our small "church community". (A large group of us had recently joined with another church and this man was already serving in our new-found church). Anyway, I received word tonight that our friend, Jacky, had died. He had come down with the flu, which turned into pneumonia, caught a virus, ended up in a coma and was taken off life support earlier this evening. All in less than one weeks time. And so I say, in an instant...
Life Changes.

I'll take my mundane, same 'ole same 'ole life and be blessed by it. Yes, our friend is in a better place. I don't grieve for him. I grieve for his family and friends left behind whose life changed -
IN AN INSTANT.

Sick Days

I was home sick from work today - the bronchitis I had a few weeks ago thought it would return just to torment me a little. Sore throat, cough... you know the drill. BUT, as the day went on I found myself feeling more energized and, in Traci-like fashion, spent my entire day in busy-bee mode. I did stop for a little chicken noodle soup mid day, then it was back to laundry, cleaning windows and organizing those few piles of miscellaneous items. I know, I know, not typically how one spends a sick day. I think it all had something with the fever I was running... SPRING FEVER! It was 70 degrees -- crazy since less than 5 days ago we had snow. (It seldom snows in Tennessee).

In addition to the previously mentioned errands, I took a trip or two down memory lane on a trail of college photos, letters from friends and old high school yearbooks. I sat in the garage for nearly two hours triggering memories; birthday parties, proms, college RNO's, sporting events and numerous BFF's from junior high, high school and college. Unbelievable how many years have past. At the end of the two hours I found myself very encouraged and blessed and far healthier than I was when I first started my trip. If laughter is the best medicine, then I'd have to say good memories are a close second.

One of my favorite things....

Is spending time with my nephew, Tyler. About three weeks ago, mom and dad treated me to a long weekend of fun with Tyler (and them).

Tyler's normal request during visits is to eat at the Aquarium restaurant at Opry Mills Mall. He loves checking out the fish, sharks and other sea life in the big tank. But, I gotta tell you, the food is over-priced and honestly just not that good. So, I thought we'd have big fun and check out the REAL aquarium in Chattanooga. On our way home, we stopped off at Rock City and took the hike. Tyler loved it and more suprisingly....dad enjoyed it too! So it was a good trip by all.

Nashville Church Hop

Yesterday started out like any other Sunday ... up and off to church. "Church" has been somewhat different over the past several weeks. After losing our lease on the space our church community had been utilizing, as well as other unavoidable circumstances, we have been meeting in the home(s) of some of our church leaders. Our small community of believers has been quickly dwindling over the past several months; some moving out of state, others moving across town and still others simply making the choice to move churches all together. I, however, had really grown to love the group of people I called "my church" and so I choose to stay despite the adversities before us.

One of the things that drawed me close to the church in the beginning was the diverse group of people attending there. Pentecostal meets Southern Baptist meets Republican meets Independant. Tatoos and ripped jeans meets suit and tie. Liberal meets Conservative. But on Sundays we all meet to learn more about ourselves, others and God and how to love all in real, tangible ways. George a Bible-believing, Gospel-preaching, fun-loving guy led us by example, teaching us to live out love to those around us, particularly those hurting among us.

George shared with us on Sunday that despite the loyalties of this small community of believers, our church just couldn't continue on as a "church" any longer. After seeking many other alternatives and meeting repeatedly with our leaders, as well as, other churches it was decided it was time to "celebrate what we've accomplished as a community and go". I knew it was coming, it was no surprise, but I was upset just the same. I was upset that so many churches split over logistics and legalistic views and dis-respect and dishonesty among it's people. This church, the one I grew to love was forced to shut its doors due to numbers (of lack thereof). Few numbers means few dollars and regardless of how small the "church" is, it still needs funds to grow and bring visions to fruition. I believe that God had/has His hand in this. I believe God is going to do great things with each person in this church. But, it saddens me that we are not going to be doing it together as the church community I had grown to love.

So, in Nashville-like fashion, I begin the "church-hop" once again. I've been to 4 churches in my 91/2 years in Nashville and I've never been more loved nor loved the people more than I did here at Designers.

Attached are a few photos from a recent church gathering. They'll be more to come in the upcoming weeks as we meet for a few more gatherings.