Self Reflections

Yesterday was the first day since Asher was diagnosed that I cried. I had just gotten home from work, and I checked Facebook to see if any updates had been made to The Brooklyn Project. Susan had posted a status on the page, and it wasn't one I had expected.

The bravest little girl in the world just stood there and let me shave her head with zero protest. This child amazes me.


And that was all it took. Waterworks central. Tears rolled down my face, and I just let them. When we found out she was sick, I made a pact with myself to not cry in front of her. And I've kept it. So these tears were three weeks of held-back tears. Talk about a release.

In the midst of my crying, Susan sent me a text of this.

And I lost it again. More tears. How beautiful is she? Look how happy and at ease she is. This child's life has changed drastically in the past three weeks, and she still has the carefree, child-like smile and attitude (for the most part).

In a desperate attempt to get myself together, I went for a lone run at the Big Dam Bridge. And I was blessed with the most wonderful inner peace.

All was right. My mind was quiet. My worries ceased. It was just me, the sound of my feet on the pavement and my easy breathing. The most perfect run.

I could have ran for days. Or at least it seemed like it. But it was getting dark quick so I called it quits when I hit the 5K mark.

As I drove home, I reveled in post-run glory and thanked the Father over and over for giving me just what I needed. What I've been needing for a long time. And He delivered just at the right time. How sneaky and perfect is that?

"Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way." 
Colossians 3:15-17 The Message Bible.


Today's the day I begin working on cultivating thankfulness in all areas of my life. Asher's diagnosis has taught me patience and perseverance. But Asher, the old soul trapped in a three-year-old body, has taught me to keep moving forward through the bad moments and to be thankful and happy for the good moments. This is only the beginning...So many more lessons to learn from her. #Godisgood


What has she taught you? Leave a comment if you'd like to share.

One Fine Day

So I had a successful day at the zoo Sunday. One of the best days I've had in a while. I've got some highlights of my little trip. I provided some commentary of my thoughts and views from the animals perspective. Something about giving animals human attributes makes it much more fun.



This is Karen. I'm pretty sure Karen is a male, but when I saw him my mind said "Your name is Karen." He gave me some pretty great poses. I think this one really captured the essences of Karen. Look at those lashes!



This is Ernest. He did not like the fact that I put my iPhone in his face to take a photo. I loved the ways his eyes look, even if it's kinda strange and maybe a little gross with all those knots. Regardless, he is a very handsome pelican.

My most favorite: The Penguin. I was all too happy to watch these little guys swim. The Little Rock Zoo has a total of nine penguins so far. They hope to have baby penguins in the future. This African penguin loved to show off for the crowd and get his picture taken.

This is Bo, the Sloth Bear. When this picture was taken, he was in the middle of his daily exercise routine. I watched him flex his paws and lean over to touch his head down to his feet. This was the oh-so-important neck stretch. Pretty photogenic, if you ask me.



This is Camille. She enjoys sitting in the shade while all the roosters and chickens walk around acting like fools. She's a goose and wants nothing to do with the poultry. Camille is a bit diva-ish with her flowery feathers, but that is what makes her such a looker, don't ya think?



Pinnacle Mountain was saved for later in the afternoon. Probably not the best idea since it was so hot. I have officially gotten my first sunburn out of the way. But I burned in some strange places. I'm pretty sure I will have Farmer's Tan and a sweet line from my V-neck shirt on my chest. Great. I love the hodge-podge of suntan lines. But I think the view was totally worth it.



The best view in Arkansas. The top of Pinnacle Mountain is one of my favorite places. The only thing that could top it is a beach. But I'm not complaining. The perfect view to end the perfect day.

I hope you liked the zoo pictures. I am going to try to do better about posting photos. I love looking at photos so I should do better about sharing some of mine.

Until next time...