This Little Light of Mine

Those rumblings are happening again.

I can describe it only as a voice of suggestion— a gentle nudging that could almost be dismissed if I weren't paying any attention. Its the reverberations of discontent. The word discontent is loaded with so much negativity. I mean discontent in its truest form— literally 'not still', or in my case, not on auto-pilot. Its actually an exciting and coveted place to be, and I need to keep reminding myself of that. Some people spend their whole lives never once touched by the fires of creative possibility. And baby I'm burning alive.

With the blessings of talent and vision come the responsibility of doing something meaningful with them. And therein lies the rub.

My mind reworks the components every day like some jigsaw puzzle that you have no idea of what the finished picture will look like. That feeling like a word that you are trying desperately to remember is right on the tip of your tongue but you just can't get it— that's how close I feel I am. And its frustrating at times.

Its not just some idea for a new business, or some project or hobby. Rather, I believe this is the thread that will weave itself through all the experiences I have had in life thus far and bring me full circle. God gave me this toolbox of natural abilities to work with. I know what inspires me. I know what makes me feel alive. Now how can I use these tools so as to reflect God's glory and live the life He meant for me to live?

In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus states: "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven""

So I keep praying the prayer of the constipated creative... for that breakthrough. Divine Ex-Lax anyone?

A Letter to the Editor

Dear Composed Fresh,

I am panged by guilt everytime I pass by my desk. I know I have neglected you and been a bad blogger mommy. Its not for lack of thinking of you- I think of you everyday... what we would talk about, what has been new in our lives. I just have not had much of an opportunity lately alone at my desk when I am not consumed by the act of creating money (rather than spending it- but that's another post entirely.).

In reality though, I must admit that you are a bit lower on the priority scale. Unfortunately for you, you stand behind time spent with my darling girl, time spent being a good wife and a good business owner, (and a good employee, good friend, good housekeeper... etc.)

I do intend to resume work on our relationship diligently. You are good for me-no doubt about that. I just wanted you to know. I hope to talk to you again very soon.

XOXO,
me

Family Vacation (x2) 2009

A new frontier was crossed by the Dawsons last weekend—the family vacation. We thought that was too much fun for any family to handle by themselves, so we called for backup. Good friends of ours joined us for what was their maiden family voyage as well. Yes folks, 4 adults, 3 children, 2 dirtbikes and 1 RV made its way northward to the Upper Peninsula on Thursday for an extended weekend in Marquette. It was an excursion full of unexpected surprises... but all made for a delightful (mis)adventure.

"We found what that mysterious burning smell was..."

Contented campers for the moment

We were barely on the road an hour before calamity struck in the form of a blown tire on the trailer we were pulling. "Darn, we may have to leave the dirtbikes here all weekend, honey!'"

Mr. Bear passing his noisemaker. Poor Mr. Bear...

Barbara "skipping" rocks on Presque Isle

Beloved Mr. Bear required some major elective surgery over the weekend. That cute little rattle isn't quite as cute when you are sharing the same bed with your toddler. After a crude colonoscopy and removal with the cheese knife, Mr. Bear was feeling better (and now thankfully silent). Later that day we took the kids to Presque Isle. It was actually beautiful despite the rain and gloom, and the kids loved climbing on the rocky Lake Superior shoreline. Other highlights included a much-deserved trip for Ann and I to the casino in St. Ignace sans husbands and of course, children. A good night at the casino, meaning we played all night, had a couple drinks and a pizza, and still left with most of the money we came in with. Good times.

Allen and the boys take on Sleepy Bear
We took the scenic route on the way home, which included a stop at Empire and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Allen the Fearless made the descent with children in tow, and unbelievably returned in less than twenty minutes- which is an amazing feat considering small children involved. Being a first trip with another family, we did more than survive- we thrived. Now if we can just get our husbands to make good on that offer to ride dirt bikes in Hawaii....