Starry Sky Ranch

bloom and grow

I haven't written a particularly thoughtful post in a while.  All my energy has been poured into moving and making memories here.  But I am thinking still <g> and wanted to share random things.  

People ask now and then if I would elaborate on living overseas for extended periods with children.  Why?  How?  There isn't one easy answer.  In fact there are a lot of answers.  Some of them can be found here here here and here.  It is hard to describe a decision that wasn't a decision.  I didn't really plan nor have a deep desire to do this (though I am so very glad I did) and I have precious little expectation for the future.  No earthly idea what it holds.  Seriously.  

If there is one thing that has been proven to me time and again it is that I am usually wrong about what I want and what is best. I can't possibly see the whole picture from my vantage point.  But God can.  And He has put us in places we could not have imagined and provided unforeseen opportunities.  Likewise, He has granted me some of my fondest wishes and often those did not end up being good things. 

The moral of that story is that happiness is not in getting what you want, but in wanting what you get - whether that uproots you or binds you to one place. 

So instead of holding rigidly to what I think I want, I have worked to embrace those 20 seconds of insane courage Benjamin Mee describes.  That is what got me on the plane here.  That is what is getting me to England.  And wherever else life takes us.  Just wild trust that God works every bit of it for good. That may be more country hopping.  It may be major illness.  We have seen both and so have those close to us. Life can change in an instant.  There is a good plan at work though.  Plan for hope and a future.  And I know where I am and what I am to do today. So I am going with that. 

Some random linking:

I love this family's house.  Period. Love.

I have thought a lot about this article about A Grown Up House since close friends are also relocating this year and we are all at the stage in life where some of our stuff is wearing out and some is just being outgrown.  Moving does provide stimulus to reevaluate one's earthly belongings and determine if they still meet a need.  Or not. 

on really BEing home 

yes, I like living in Japan - my friend Sue's thoughts on living abroad

 

 

 

 

with pen and pad

 

 

 

float

dance

 

en français

 

 

 

the cows come home

My buddies are back.  It's the little things in life that really make my day. : ) 

 

 

today was a fairy tale

Senior prom on a Rhine River cruise.   I think that qualifies as a fairy tale.  

Scenes from the hours beforehand...

Best friends and beloved sisters, pouring over hair and makeup options. 

 

 

twirl, curl, primp, set, brush

 

 

pin, tie, hug, cry

 

 

 

 

 

pose, laugh, dance

 

My beautiful girl, with her beautiful friends, on a beautiful day.  

(the rest of the images here)

over, under, and through

They were well equipped this foggy day for a perfect adventure.  The Rheinfels Castle, with its extensive mine tunnels were beckoning.  The castle sits high above the Rhine, strategically placed just before the river turns wild.  This location encouraged many travelers to pull off and regroup before hitting rougher waters at which point tolls could be collected.  It was also a target for invaders.  Clever castle guardians devised an intricate system of tunnels which allowed them to plant land mines many yards away from the compound.  The mole like burrows are just about boy size, unlit, damp, and irrestible. You know we had to try this. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

fill in the colors yourself

 

 

"Actually, all education is self-education.  A teacher is only a guide, to point out the way, and no school, no matter how excellent, can give you education...

 

What you receive is like the outlines in a child's coloring book.  You must fill in the colors yourself."  

~Louis L'Amour

Simple Pleasures: pears in the kitchen