Around and Around

     Tonight, I took “us” on a date (meaning me and the dogs). Tim has been absolutely slammed with work and I feel pretty sad/conflicted about that. It is great for business. Bad for “us.” He is currently at a meeting at church, and when he gets home, I'll probably squeeze him pretty hard, but I'm sure you already knew that.

I feel like the next few paragraphs read like a fourth grade essay, you know...

“What I Did Over the Weekend...” By: Holly Young

But. Just stick with me, I guess. I mean. You've already gotten this far. ;)

     So. I decided we were going to Starbucks and The Dog Park even though I really wanted to stay home and feel sad for no real reason at all. Which sounds weird, I know. Sheesh. Women. Am I right?

     The dog park is my favorite place. It was our first visit of the season, and it just feels so good to be back.

     When we got home, I decided to take my bike out. I really, really love riding my bike. Our neighborhood is good for bike riding, but it's not a “through” street, so it's pretty tiny.

     At the entrance/exit of our neighborhood, there's another street that pretty much connects two busy “highways.” They're not really highways.  "State Routes," maybe? Am I a civil engineer? I don't know the correct terminology for these things.

But. It's busy. I tell ya.'

     I never venture out there on my bike because I'm terrified of getting hit. It's a pretty narrow road, and people are in a hurry because...America.

      As someone who has “been there/done that” before, I feel like that fear is justified. You know. Rational. It doesn't keep me from doing any day-to-day activities, but my brain, as an act of self-preservation, is always like, “Hey. Let's not go there.” 

I 100% support NOT getting hit by cars while riding bikes.

     But. Tonight. Guys. I found a short cut. A glorious- non-busy-non-street short cut over one crosswalk and a few “back” parking lots. They're all connected! Connected, I tell you! There's even a little “flashy” caution sign at the crosswalk because it connects buildings associated with a church/school. It is a formerly-hit-by-a-car-now-trying-to-take-courage-bike-rider's dream come true!

     After almost six years, I've now opened up an entirely new neighborhood! And the street names! Oh, the adorably quiet street names! “Pinewood Trail” and “Chestnut Court!*” I think I only saw four cars the entire time I was out.

So. There you have it. People say when you are afraid, “The only way out is 'through.'”

But. I don't know.

Maybe sometimes, the only way out is “around.”

            

     *Hi. These are not the real street names near our house, but you get the idea...because...let's be honest. You could be an ax murderer. I like you. Really. I do. But...nobody looks at a person and says, “Hey. That person could be an ax murderer. Let's not give them our address via the internet.” Am I right? I like you. I just don't want to make it any easier for people to make themselves a coat out of my skin. 

I feel like I just took that too far. But. I'm keeping it anyway.    

Love & if toe cleavage is wrong, I don't want to be right, 

Old Joy #592

     May 6th is one of my favorite days. On May 6, 2005 I was in a really ridiculous accident. (I don't know what a psychologist would say about this, but I feel like it's really important to me that you know it wasn't my fault. Ha.  Sometimes people just make bad choices and we suffer as a result).

With that being said, today, I am 9 years accident free, and I am pretty excited about that.

     In a lot of ways, I'm so "over it."  I have a weird dream, every now and then.  Last year, we watched a movie ( I don't remember which one), but it was really violent (oh, that Tim!), and I was like, "Yea.  I cannot watch this."  Other than that, everything is aces.

     Getting out of Georgetown (scene of the crime!) actually really helped in a way that both saddened and surprised me.  Sometimes, you just need "out," you know?  Every once in a while, an older kid would mention it.  It's fine. Really.

For the most part, no one really picks at those locks anymore, and I'm grateful for it.

I'm relieved.

I always look forward to this day.  It's like my own, personal holiday and I try to do something special.  Today, I got to do everything I wanted.

     I have said this a million times.  The time period of 2012-2013 was a real bummer.  Around this time a few years(ish) ago, I took a personal day and went to the zoo with Lucy & my sister.  If ever a personal day/trip to the zoo was needed, it was that day.  My goodness.

Once again, today, I got to be The Special Guest when my sister and her kids went to the zoo.

Just for fun, here are some photos of previous years.

It was so good being back at the zoo knowing that not only had I survived the last hard year or so, I had come out on top.  

     So.  Between remembering my last trip to the zoo & today being what it is, I gushed all day.  I gushed and gushed.  We had been there for five minutes...we hadn't even gotten out of The Zoo Shop*, when I was like...almost in tears (happy tears).  We met a woman holding a snake named "Dune," and Lucy (3) petted her (the snake, not the woman) with "two fingers" like the zoo worker instructed and it was the sweetest, cutest thing in the history of this entire planet and already (in my head) I was like,

"Auntie Holls (that's me), you have to hold it together."  

On a totally unrelated note, I just feel like this guy really knows how to "do" life.  Am I right?

     I just spent the entire day being really grateful.  I realize, as someone who, according to this study, had around a 15% chance of surviving, I take way too much for granted, but every year, on this day, I try to be grateful.  Wow.  Is it just me, or was that a lot of commas?

     My sister's kids (Lucy, 3 & Lucas 3 months), are doing a fantastic job of representing light and magic and joy and everything that is good in the world.  (As most children do, I don't want you thinking I am that delusional about my niece and nephew. Ha.).

So. I'm just happy.  I feel like I've gotten  a 9 year bonus and today I just want to squeeze everyone.

I want to squeeze That Tim. Hard. When he gets home, that's probably the first thing I'll do.

You can read a previous "Old Joy" post here.  I must just really like the zoo, I guess.

*Side story.  Lucy is really into "Mommies, Daddies & babies."  She got this huge, purple snake at the zoo last week...then my mom gave her a little snake so she used her piggy bank money to buy this matching pink snake today.  I don't know why I find this hilarious.  Baby snake's name is "Hamill?"  and mommy snake's name is "Flincher."

     I said Lucy is really good at coming up with Hipster Baby Names.

"Hello. These are my children...Flincher & Hamill."

Ha.  Do you think Flincher is the boy or the girl?

via 

Love & I'll squeeze you, too...if you're into that sort of thing.  The line starts here.

We're waiting anxiously!  (Notice the gushing)

P.S.  Sarah from @Girlgrows up was our Bondbons giveaway winner!  :)  I'll notify you privately with details about claiming your prize! 

A Bondbons (chocolate covered treats) Giveaway!

     Today we have a giveaway from a small business owned by Courtney Bond.  The business is called Bondbons (how cute is that?). Courtney not only teaches high school English, she also sells gourmet cake balls and chocolate treats out of her home.  She has sweetly agreed to give away 12 treats to one hungry reader! 

     The winner may choose between her main flavors: oreo, minty oreo, red velvet, peanut butter, or strawberry (cake). You can choose all the same flavor or a mixture.  (I'm dying to try minty oreo)!  Bondbons also specializes in gourmet cake balls, Oreo balls, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate covered oreos and more. If you're interested in ordering (um, who ISN'T interested in ordering)?  The best way to reach Courtney is through her Facebook page.  She's announcing her new flavor for May. Go find out what it is!  We'll wait here! :)  

Photos Courtesy of Courtney Bond 

....ANYWAY...

      One of my goals, as a blogger, is to emphasize the importance of adult friendships. I'm thrilled that Courtney is not only a fellow small business owner, but also one of my best friends. Courtney and I met in college and have been Besties ever since! Every summer, she comes to Ohio, and we make a trip to The Gap Outlet & Don Pablo's. Shopping & Mexican food... she “gets” me. Courtney is featured on the blog in this post! 

     I love that Courtney hosts regular giveaways, features a new flavor every month, and has even used some of her proceeds to help others who are ministering around the world.

I'm so proud of how she's grown her business in such a short time.

     After a miserably cold winter and the loss of two family dogs in just one week, imagine my surprise when a tin of Bondbons showed up at my door! They were so delicious, and I look forward to working with Courtney in the future! 

Here are the ways you can enter! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A winner will be randomly chosen on Monday with details to follow via winner's email! 

     And as I wrap this up...here I am with Courtney & two of our besties at our College Homecoming. Courtney is the tiny, adorable person on the far right.  ;) 

* I do not know if I am supposed to tell you this or not, but I was not compensated in any way for hosting this giveaway.  I just got the pleasure of talking to Court. on the phone while we planned this little shindig.  No currency exchanged hands...FYI in case you're the type of person who worries about these things. ;)  

Love and I wish I could win, 

Post Haste, or the opposite

Sometimes, I go to put things on Facebook or Instagram, and I'm like, "Wait. I have a blog!"

     Right now, I am in the middle of a Community Group with several women I met through The Influence Network.  It is strange and exciting and ridiculous to love these people I LITERALLY JUST MET, but I feel it nonetheless.

     We are reading the book of Hosea, and the first sentence I wrote down was, "The hardest prayer on the entire planet is, 'Your will be done.'"

     Because basically, God says to Hosea, "Look, I need you to do me a solid and live a pretty ridiculously stinky life because I'm kind of trying to prove a point right now."  (Hosea marries a woman who is unfaithful, and God asks him to name his children horrible things like, "No Mercy.")

It's sad.  But it's for a greater good, and I guess Hosea gets that.

     If my interpretation is wrong, please elaborate/feel free to correct me.  Today has been a weird day.  I ran into Tim at Home Depot today (how weird is it to RUN INTO family members when you are out in public.  Fun/weird, right?)

Me: What do you have?
Tim: It's a big magnet.
Me: What do you need a big magnet for?
Tim: (non-plussed) ...to pick up metal things.

So. It has been that kind of day.

All this to say, feel free to gently correct me.

     Right now, I'm in a season where I do a lot of crying in the car.  You guys.  It's ok.  I'm not depressed.  Everything is fine.  I do not tell you this so that you will feel sorry for me.  It's fine. Really.

     I'm just realizing that sometimes things just take a long time.  They just take a long time.  It is all about, what The Old Timer's call, "Kingdom Living."

Your will be done. 

Commence the crying in the car.  See what I mean?

     One example.  I started The Couch to 5k app on my phone, and I love it.  It's hard.  I had to skip a week because, Hi. Shin splints and allergies.  I could not breathe, guys.  I COULD NOT BREATHE.

     But then the rain came today and washed this entire pollen-covered world clean, and tonight, I had to start on Day 3 Week 3 again even though I should really be in the middle of like, Week 5.

     And at night I come home and I intentionally do not cook the frozen peas because I know I will need to put those ice cold bags on my legs.  On my aching knees.  On my shins.  It's hard.

But it's for a greater good.

And tonight, I kept saying to myself, "Holly. You are not breathing. You have to breathe."

While I ran, I watched the news.  There are boats sinking and planes falling straight out of the sky.

And I think about my sister's kids.

     Tonight, I put my nephew's name on my contact case in permanent marker so I could remember to pray for him (specifically) at night before I go to bed.

     My sister.  She's the mom of a newborn.  She worries.

     And I think about how, when Lucy (3) doesn't want to do something she says, "Um. How 'bout later?"  And I think about how I CANNOT think about how much I love them when I am running because I start to cry my stupid head off and then I can't breathe.
   
     And I think about how there is a mom sitting cross legged on the airport floor waiting for her once- three- year old who is never coming home. Not even "how 'bout later."

And  I do not know why these things happen.

I do not know.

     But I do know that when I get too distracted by the questions, I also get short-sighted and forget that the Most Important Prayer is, "Your will be done." 

(((I'm not saying that planes fall out of the sky and boats sink because "it is The Lord's will.")))

But...

     Tim Keller says, "Our bad things can be used for 'good.'  Our 'good' things can never be taken away from us, and the best is yet to come."  

     Sometimes, maybe life is just hard and you cry in the car or in Hosea's case, you have to make hard choices, and it stinks and then you get to go to heaven.

In a perfect world,  I am articulate enough to get my point across.  Lord, help us all.

Right now, all I really know is that when I click that little workout app and that divinely-inspired voice says, "Ding, ding, ding...start running."

I start running.

I was in no mood to post a "sweat-covered-gym-selfie."  Please accept this blurry photo of my dogs cuddling as payment.

Love and sometimes, it's hard to hit "publish."

Youse Guys & Some Exclamation Points

     Just wanted Youse Guys to know I've updated The About Me & About This Blog sections if you're interested in learning more about all that.  Things are happening!

I wish I lived in the part of the country where you could ACTUALLY use the phrase "Youse Guys."

Let's try to make it work, shall we?

    Every year, I take a trip to Starbucks & Lowe's to get a treat and pick out some flowers for the front yard.  I think tomorrow's the day. Impatiens! Geraniums!  It's a dream come true!

Spring is upon us! I can tell because of the sneezing!  My nose won't let me forget!

I hope you have a beautiful weekend!

Love and Zyrtec knocks me out.  It's amazing and confusing all at once.

Fun, Helpful & Good

My friends! Happy Saturday to you!

     I wanted to tell you that choosing a blog name proved to be way harder than I thought.  You would not believe all the fantastic names that I came up with...

that were already taken.

     One of my ideas was the phrase, "fun, helpful, and good," but eventually decided against it.

However, I liked the idea well enough to turn it into a mini-series of sorts here on the blog.

Every so often, I'd like to share some sites that I'm finding "fun, helpful, and good," in the areas of my own faith, marriage, friendship & home.

SHARE THE WEALTH, am I right?  Here are some links for you!

Faith >>> Meg Romeo has quickly become one of my favorite people on the internet.  As an aspiring runner, I love how she ties her own running routine to her faith.  Always sweet. Always encouraging.  Her post titled "empty from the enemy" really resonated with me.


Marriage >>> I highly recommend Sheila Wray Gregoire's site, (To Love, Honor, and Vacuum).  I love the relevant topics she covers, and I also love that she discusses sex (within marriage) in an appropriate, honest, and dignified way.  There is NO  WAY I could ever do that, and I give her credit for pulling it off!  She covers a lot of questions people have but may be too embarrassed to ask, and I never feel awkward reading her posts.  Now, if you need me, I'll be over here blushing like crazy, trying to act like a mature adult, and praying my dad doesn't read this post in which I mention the word "sex."  Look away, Daddy! Look away!  


Friendship >>>  I recently discovered the website, getlifeboat.com .  While I'm still navigating and learning about the site, I did find it encouraging that there's a website dedicated to helping people learn how to built more meaningful adult friendships.  Here's a quick passage from their "About" page.

     Lifeboat is a movement of people rediscovering great friendships. We’re not a social network or app. We’re not about grand solutions or complex schemes. We’re about simple things that work. We’re exploring the uncharted art and science of friendships — academic research, philosophy, expert advice and our own heads and hearts—for a better path forward.

The video is pretty cute, too. 

It all sounds good to me! 

Home >>> I have been really enjoying Lauren Brimley's Instagram account @eating_whole.
She also has a blog you can check out here. Sometimes, I look up clean recipes, and it's all...

"Wing of bat...Eye of newt..."

I'm like, "I DO NOT HAVE THESE THINGS!!!"

     However, this is not the case with Lauren! I love that she uses ingredients that are easily found at the store and also DELICIOUS.  Avocados, sweet potatoes, brown rice, etc.  I made her chicken nugget recipe, and Tim said it was "FANTASTIC!"

This week, I am making her honey wheat bread  recipe.  If you are looking for clean / yummy / easy recipes, Lauren is your girl!


     I hope you have a great weekend! I'm making one last pot of vegetable soup to carry us through the rest of our drizzly, spring days (it snowed last Tuesday)!

Love and I added spinach and I'm kind of scared, but Tim says it smells good,

#1

Via

My Friends!  I am so glad you're here!

Today is the first day of my blog's re-launch, and I'm so incredibly excited!

First, some information for my history nerds ....

     I started blogging in college (circa 2002) using Xanga (can you believe it?). At the beginning of 2008, I switched to the blogger platform, and "yourstrulyh.blogspot.com" was born.  In the middle of 2013, I re-branded to The Young Museum.  In 2013, I got involved with The Influence Network and attended The Conference in September.

     The Conference blew my mind, you guys.  I realized my space, voice, and overall "brand" could be used as a ministry, of sorts, and my current blog wasn't scratching that itch.

Six months...fifty-eight emails...four hundred and thirty two prayers later...and this blog was born.

     And now, for those of you that like a good (short) story...

     The year 2013 was brutal.  We have a tiny hallway that connects our bathroom and two other bedrooms.  I used to come home from work, sit on the floor, and cry to Tim in that hallway while he showered.

     I started thinking about how badly I wanted a life that inspired "cartwheels down the hall" instead of crying, and...let me tell you...The Lord did not disappoint, cause things are now on the up & up. ;)

With that being said, I'm so glad you're here.

When I started dreaming about a re-brand, I wrote a list of prayers / desires /wishes for the blog and the words to come.

The one that stood out the most...that would become my "Manifesto!" was this...

I wanted The Lord to use this space to help women strengthen their faith, marriages, friendships and homes. 

So... here we are.  With busy hands & an open heart. 

Curious.  Anxious.  Excited.  

My best to you.

Love & I'm so glad you exist,