Marvin Gaye as My Life Soundtrack

Day 27/100
A picture of your favorite night.

A cool night in Boone accompanied by a warm fire. Jess and I had gone up for an escape from our everyday. Boone is always a favorite haven when work and life becomes overwhelming. Cuddled up in front of the fire, watching TCM with it's black and white classics while enjoying some rich hot-chocolate. More than the environment is the company kept, that is what made the night great. Having the love and affection of my wife in those quiet moments are treasured and I try to recreate those moments as much as I can. The perfect atmosphere for some intimacy in front of the fire, but that could wait, the moment was too perfect to change. I'd love to go back to that night as much as possible.

We Are Family

Day 26/100
A picture of something that means a lot to you.

Some have a group of friends that become their family. I have a family where every member is a friend. I would be a fool not to value these people. Every one of them would give of their knowledge, time and occasionally resources to help me along. Really? How many friends would stick around through pooping your pants, teething, stealing their stuff, constantly hitting them up for rides and money, general whiny behavior and constant questioning (with a touch of mimicry). My family has grown considerably in the past year and a half, almost by double. I now have in-laws and step-siblings. I've been very happy with this blessing, needless to say I'll take 'em.

Year Gone By

Day 25/100
A picture of you from last year.

Doing everything I can to suck in that gut, having to suck in twice as hard this year. Still just as pale and still loving mountains as much as I can get back up there.

Two Buddy Bloggers.

Day 24/100
A picture of someone you miss.

I miss these two. The incomparable Ben and Nia Greene. The short time I spent around and working with Ben and Nia was not enough. I've had the joy of meeting up with them once on one of their trips through North Carolina, but that was almost 3 years ago. They are a wonderful couple. Both parts of this duo are incredibly talented, Ben with the visual arts and Nia with her words. They are lovers of God, gifted conversationalists, and full of encouragement and off-beat humor. With characteristics like that, who couldn't enjoy their company? These two have also increased their family with two insanely cute children, and a third is on the way. I must thank the wonder of social networking for keeping me in touch with these two, but keeping in touch cannot replace sharing a meal around a table and hearing the laughter of friends.

You can check out Ben and his artwork @ Lines of Sanity.
Also check out Nia and her gift with words @ Momvelist Extraordinaire.

I miss you two.

A Real Life Fantasy

Day 23/100
A picture of your favorite book.

Ignore the movie. As much as I enjoy Tim Burton and Ewin McGregor I don't feel they got it right. A son trying to learn about his father, a father with a flare for storytelling. Setting aside discerning reality from fiction the stories really do paint the father as a hero. Where the movie raises constant question the book allows a son to see his dad as the hero he always wanted to look up to, and allows the father to be the hero he hoped to be. This book mainly connects with me on the level of storytelling. Daniel Wallace being a North Carolina native definitely grew up in such an environment. Those with lack-luster relationships with their fathers may struggle with finding any good in this book, but don't let that turn you away. If you love the fantastical and enjoy when it crosses over into our real lives even more, give this a try.

Never leave home without it.

Day 22/100
A picture of something you never leave the house without.


Wallet and phone. The "essentials". They have been captured in their natural habitat. They may spend 8 to 10 hours of the day in my pocket, but the rest of their days and an even greater part of the weekends are spent on my kitchen counter. I definitely have days that one or the other would be welcome to stay behind. I find my identification to be very necessary as I don't want to risk any mistaken identity encounters with the police. Having the cash and debit cards on hand is quite handy for the mornings I don't take the time to make lunch. I mean, c'mon, who'd wanna pass up on ANY fast-food value meal? Also in my wallet is a collection of "valued customer" cards and wadded up receipts. Keep your receipts and check back to make sure your tips are being charged properly. Trust me, I've heard some horror stories.

As much as I talk about going off the grid, I really do enjoy being connected to family and friends. The phone goes where I go, whether or not it's charged is another story. Lastly, some change. Nothing like a little jingle in my pocket to entice the muggers.