1
Lil Hungry Man
Posted by alicia on Dec 30, 2005 in Life
Landon enjoying lunch.
Favorite Christmas Gift
Posted by alicia on Dec 29, 2005 in Life
Dan got me Ariel by Sylvia Plath. I’m so excited to start reading it. What was your favorite gift?
Christmas in Narrows
Posted by alicia on Dec 26, 2005 in Life
Christmas in Narrows was nice and strange. Even on Christmas day I didn’t “feel” like it was Christmas. I know a lot of people say that, and I’m not sure what Chirstmas is suppose to feel like. But anyway, on Chirstmas morning we all went to First Baptist with my family. I don’t understand why it is such a big deal to my mom & grandmother for us to go to church with them, but once my grandmother saw us sitting in row on the padded pew she started crying and couldn’t stop. I would like to ask her why it means so much to her for us to all go to church together, but I’m afraid it would offend her. Then after church we exchanged presents, ate a huge lunch, and napped. I feel like the family didn’t spend much time together, which is very strange. Usually Christmas in Narrows is spent by all us hanging out watching movies & playing games. Tomorrow we are going to spend time with my family and try to hunt down some friends who are also in Narrows for Christmas.
Back to Richmond, then out again
Posted by alicia on Dec 22, 2005 in Life
Dan & I will come back to Richmond this evening, only to leave again tomorrow to spend Christmas with my family in Narrows. May it be a peaceful visit.
Neighborhood Gossip
Posted by alicia on Dec 20, 2005 in Life
I recently introduced myself to Church Hill author, Joshua Poteat. Through emails Joshua seems like a really nice guy. Today I got an email that his book Ornithologies is being published.
Congrats Joshua (or Josh)!!! May you celebrate with a wine & poetry night!!
Going to Maryland
Posted by alicia on Dec 19, 2005 in Life
Well, I guess Dan & I are some love-sick people. Yesterday afternoon he left to spend the week in Maryland, and by that evening we both decided that I should ride the train up tomorrow morning and spend the rest of the week with him. Can’t stand being apart from each other, now you know the real reason why I don’t have a job yet.
Party @ Adele’s
Posted by alicia on Dec 18, 2005 in Life
Thanks to Adele for throwing an awesome Christmas party last night. It was a great excuse for me to dust off my halo. I had such a great time with all of our friends at the party that I’ve been inspired to have our own party. So, stay tuned because very soon I will announce the date of “Game Night”.
Jarrett
Posted by alicia on Dec 16, 2005 in Life
Today my brother is coming into town. I’m so excited, he hasn’t seen our house yet, plus we always have a good time together.
Special
Posted by alicia on Dec 15, 2005 in Life
Sette has half priced martinis tonight. Anyone want to go?
Merton’s Virginity
Posted by alicia on Dec 14, 2005 in Life
I wanted to make this post on Monday in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe, but I’m a little late. I’ve slowly been making my way through Thomas Merton’s The Monastic Journey, which I have loved. The pages overflow with wisdom and his words on the monastic life speak directly to my spirit. I just read a passage about virginity of spirit. What a weird phrase. I know I’ve never heard anyone else say it, but I do like what Merton said about spiritual virginity, the peaceful soul moving with the breaths of the Holy Spirit within us. Here is a bit of Merton’s wisdom on virginity of spirit.
Spiritual virginity is not arrived at by violence or strain. The first step is the total acceptance of our self, our whole being, as God has willed us to be - the acceptance of all the parts of our being - body and soul, mind and instinct, emotions and wills, in order to give all to God in the harmony of a balanced and spiritualized personality.
The passion of my teenage years opened me up to the reality of God in the world and in my life. Through my twenties I have been learning the truth of who I am, who I was created to be. I have been trying to accept myself and let my spirit breathe. The words of John Elredge, Anne Lamott, and others who don’t know me, plus those who know me very well have encouraged me to seek the reality of me. Discovering and accepting my true self will be the greatest thing I ever do. Sometimes, like tonight, it is the most complicated task I will ever have before me.
One more Merton Quote:
In order to be perfectly what God wants us to be we must be truly ourselves. But in order to be truly ourselves we must find ourselves in Christ - which can only be done if we lose ourselves in Him. This is our great vocation.
Creating
Posted by alicia on Dec 14, 2005 in Life
Dan & I have been making Christmas gifts like crazy this week. I think we may out do Santa’s Workshop.
Engagement
Posted by alicia on Dec 13, 2005 in Uncategorized
Congrats to Joy & Jon who got engaged last night. I’m betting that they elope while in Florida next week. 
Wine & Poetry Night
Posted by alicia on Dec 11, 2005 in Life
As you may have read on Dan’s blog, last night we had Wine & Poetry Night. We spent the night enjoying wine, poetry, and each other. It was such a good experience. We’ve both been feeling the stress of my employment situation (aka unemployment). The wine helped us to forget the stress and the poetry reminded us to appreciate life. By the end of the night we were openly and strongly expressing gratitude for how we are provided for and also, our eyes were opened to how much we are letting this stress affect us. I’m so grateful for last night, amazed at how God used the wine & poetry to communicate His love & provision for us. I look forward to many more wine & poetry nights.