don't ever wanna forget the good part {kate york}

What is it about a good thunderstorm that draws me into a pensive state of mind?

For the past 45 minutes I've just been sitting here by an open sliding door on my patio, leaned against the end of my couch, watching lightning streak across the Knoxville sky with nothing but a wine glass full of Orange Juice and this song playing on repeat through my iPod earbuds as I enjoy the cool smell of rain in the Spring night air. I came home from Bible study and as soon as I heard thunder I knew homework could wait until tomorrow.

These days in Knoxville are good. 

Even though I can go a couple of months pinching pennies and not knowing how my bills are going to be paid, I would not trade this past year for anything. 28 and single and living on my own is definitely the life for me. 

I sometimes watch my married friends interact, loving glances when the other isn't looking and a small caress of the hand on top of the dinner table, and it sometimes makes my heart long for my own soulmate. 

But then I think about all the works God is using me for, works that wouldn't have been possible if I was married and making babies. 

I think of those moments when I'm driving alone down a long, lonely stretch of interstate, sun roof open, listening to the perfect song and thinking everything's right in the world. 

I remember ;azy mornings when I wake up alone in my snuggly bed and just lounge with a book, coffee, and morning sunlight filtering into my apartment. 

I think of nights like these. Nights when I can spontaneously sit, watching thunderstorms with my own thoughts and dreams.

I have a wide, open future laid out in front of me. Nothing on my plate that I don't want to be there. Nothing but opportunities and friends and places yet to come. 

I want to hold on to this moment tonight. This quiet calm after the storm. I want to remember daydreaming in this open window as the sound of thunder rolled across Knoxville. I want to remember looking around my apartment in the darkness, feeling full and happy. I want to remember this simple moment in time when I felt confident in myself and my future. I am embracing this life to the fullest.

I want to spend these days on my own full of laughter and adventures and memories that last after the smiles are gone.

...it's supernatural, extra-terrestrial...[katy perry] {parenthetical thoughts are cool too}

It's the first day of Spring and I'm already kind of missing winter. GASP! I should shut my mouth...I did complain about all that snow and cold weather...I longed for warmer days, I know...but my body is not ready to give up sweaters and extra layers. I've got to get to work on this ASAP.

It's 1:21am EST/12:21am CST on March 21, 2011 and I'm sitting on half a sofa in a quiet and newly remodeled 'office' at the Cortezes abode in Alabama. I've spent the last half of my Spring Break with good friends, good eats, and good places. I really did mean to post some blogs during my break, but alas, assignments for writing classes, sleeping, and traveling took precedence and my time for blogging was limited. Not to mention a nasty stomach bug that had me down for the count on Saturday. Thanks to Amelia for her mom-like skills in taking care of me while I laid in her guest bed for most of the day.

Reading my good friend J. Crowe's blog earlier tonight reminded me of some of the things about which I've been meaning to blog. It made me regretful that I've put my blog on the back burner. So this is my public declaration:

I promise to blog more starting tonight/this morning. I will be diligent about setting time aside for my private thoughts and feelings to be expressed, matters that are close to my heart to be outpoured, and suggestions for a better life to be offered.

Does that make you feel good deep down inside? It does me.

Here's to the second half of my now next-to-last semester.

{I've got to go-big-or-go-home...it's now or never}

Here's to more blogging and reading and commenting.

{it's really a group effort...}

Here's to a renewed dedication to my hobbies & putting down my smart phone.

{it's a sickness, really...}

Here's to the 1st day of Spring being one of new goals and strivings.

{these thoughts are being expressed on the 2nd day of Spring, just FYI...}

Here's to Spring 2011 being one of continued change and new opportunities.

{and I'm vowing to make Spring 2011 the best Spring ever...it's the 0-1-1 son!}

Here's to using words like wanderlust and pithy in everyday conversation.
{yes, it's possible...and it will make me look smart}

I'm Tef Marie

& this Spring is bringing a new ME

Alabama-bound!

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7

prayers, prayers, and more prayers

Hi friends! I'm sorry I've been so non-existent on blogger lately. I really need a better internet connection and a motivation to write. 

Unless you've been living under a rock (and if you have, let me know how that goes, might make for an interesting piece) then you are well aware of the tragedy and suffering that is going on in Japan.

What you might NOT be aware of, is the fact that my sweet, independent cousin (cousin Hannah's sister), Elisabeth, is over there serving in the mission field in Osaka, Japan along with Hannah's friend, Lora Christenberry (I like to call her Dingleberry). They are south of the main danger zone, and were not affected drastically by the earthquake in their own home, but were under a tsunami watch on Friday and have undergone various consequences since. 

They are now traveling north to Sendei, in a mini-van loaded with supplies from CostCo to help the relief efforts of those who have been severely impacted from the tsunami and earthquake.They will be encountering scenes and situations they are not familiar with, and unforeseen glitches along the way. Pray for their safety and for ease of travel to get to where they need to be.

Elisabeth has a big heart and a greater love for the Japanese people than most. She is using this opportunity to shine her light for Jesus in the darkest of nights and I hope that you will pray for her, Lora, and their whole team in their efforts to help others. They greatly need it. They have positive spirits and servant attitudes, but I know they can't do it without the Lord's help and our prayers and assistance.They know that too, and would greatly appreciate any help you might be able to give them.

Here are some of the things they need help with (copied from Elisabeth's blog--you can read more HERE)

As for financial needs, there are and will be many if you are

interested and able to help.  The network of churches here in Osaka is

also giving towards this.  Here is just a short list:

1.  Truck - We are looking into the opportunity of buying a used 2-ton

truck for only $4000 - $5000.  Instead of renting a truck for long

periods of time to haul relief supplies, we may be able to use this

truck for the next 3 - 4 months (?) of relief work and then sell it,

coming out ahead in the end over renting.

2.  Relief supplies - We are currently planning to purchase supplies

here in Osaka (shelves in stores in Tokyo were being emptied today by

people stocking up!) and drive them up to distribute.  These supplies

will probably vary as the needs change, but they will include things

such as water, cooking fuel, instant foods, diapers, formula, baby

food, wet tissues, dry shampoo, feminine supplies... the list goes on.

3.  Travel expenses - gasoline, food and water for teams making the trips.

4.  Assisting the CRASH network with any excess funds collected.

 Here's the information you need if you would like to assist their efforts:

If you or your church would like to support the earthquake/tsunami/fire/nuclear victims, you can send money through me and I will do my best to use it wisely and to the glory of God.

Checks should be made out to Team Expansion.  Do not put a note in the

memo, but add a note with the check indicating that it is for

Earthquake Relief.  Sent it to:

Team Expansion:EJ

8901 NW Topeka Blvd.

Topeka KS 66617

These donations will be kept separate from my regular support.  All

monies will go towards the relief efforts.

 Above all else, if you can't contribute, they really covet your prayers. You can keep up with her efforts at the following link:

http://web.me.com/lifeonthevine09/Life_on_the_Vine/Blog/Blog.html

Thanks for your help!

a book that will change your life {besides the Bible}

What story are you telling? from Rhetorik Creative on Vimeo.


It came out today in paperback. So exciting. I suggest you go and get, and get it with a quickness.

I read this in October, and now I have tickets to go to the Story Line Conference in June in Portland. Remember that post? It's that good.

You can get it here.

just another maniac monday, whoaaaa, whoaaa {the bangles}

I always thought I would like to have really bony feet.

That's a true statement. Make of it what you will.

Happy Monday!

non-inspiring & non-inspired {blame it on the rain}

This weekend I have to write a short story for my Fiction class.

This is probably something I should have started 6 weeks ago.

This is me starting at 6 pm on Friday. Due on Sunday at Midnight.

I'm looking for at least 8 pages of inspiration. Good inspiration.

I'm just going to start writing and see what happens. I haven't written any real "fiction" before and it's kinda scary.

I always thought I wanted to write fiction when I was in high school, and even in years past, but after taking my two writing courses {'Writing Creative Non-Fiction' and 'Writing Fiction'} I've quickly discovered I'm a non-fiction girl all the way.

I'm sorry for the lack of blogging this week. I am absorbed with all things school, CSC, and friends right now.

Here's a 'Funny for Friday' that could serve for a 'What I Wore Wednesday.'

Cousin Hannah posing.