12 in 2012

12 in 2012

found here via pinterest

 I realize that the new year has come and gone, but I do get SOME credit for posting my 12 2012 goals on the 12th, right? Right. :)

Of course, I'll keep you updated on my journey. 

1. Write at least one "you're awesome", "I appreciate you" or "I miss you" letter each month.  On pretty stationary, obviously.

2. Spend a weekend in Savannah galavanting with Mr. Blossom.

3. Take a class or read several books on photography.

4. Learn to knit something awesome other than a scarf.  Hat, mittens, socks?

5. Perfect the ultimate hummus recipe.  (Not that this is too tricky, I just havent' done it yet.)

6.  Make cute birthday cards for others. & send them!

7.  Dust off the ol' guitar and actually learn to play something halfway impressive/presentable.

8.  Make a habit of Farmers' Market-ing.

9.  Ride my awesome, vintage-y bike.  A lot.  More.

10.  Read & sing in Spanish more, more, more.

11. Visit and hike more of Georgia's mountains & pretty trails.

12.  Learn to drive a stick shift.  (This could get crazy. Send prayers.)

love at first pedal.

love at first pedal.

And the kid in me is alive again.

I have a new bike.  But it's not just any old bike. 
It's an ocean blue bike. And it looks like an antique. (The grandma in me loves this, duh.)
My newest, most favoritest toy is complete with a coffee cup holder and a rack for toting the latest delectable treasures from Trader Joe's.

I will only allow ONE test drive.

Pefect for cafe en la bicicleta.

Blurryness, iphone photo. SORRY!

Now, I feel like THIS all of the time.
:)

Stay tuned for pictures of this beaut complete with a latte and bouquet of flowers.  I don't even care how cliché that is.

dry socks, happy hiker.

dry socks, happy hiker.

When was the last time you chanced an afternoon-long rainstorm and went hiking?

That's exactly what we did this weekend and it was beyond beautiful. Sweaty, but beautiful.  The nature trails lead to the ruins of an old mill and straight to rushing river waves.  The water was so inviting that it took everything I had not to jump in.  However, Joe and I agreed that a hiker with wet socks is no happy hiker, so we refrained. ;)

The beautiful ruins of an old New Manchester Mill, Sweetwater Creek State Park, GA.

Over the past few days, I've been thinking about the ruins of that old mill.  The history behind it is ugly: each brick was made by slave labor and it was doused in gasoline during the Civil War only to become a hiding place for passing soldiers and ammunition.

Aside from the slavery, the flames, the war and the ruin, a passerby sees the ruin and declares it beautiful. 

I am in awe that God does not see an ugly past when looking at me.  How thankful I am to be considered beautiful, loved and new.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

fresh start.

fresh start.

So much newness.
And so many firsts.

A brand new husband, which also means a brand new marriage. Just ten days and counting.
New name.
New apartment.
New city. Oh hai, Atlanta, let's be friends.
New blog? Why, yes, you're reading it.

After months and months of planning, Joe and I were blessed with such an incredible wedding surrounded by family and friends. And to top it off, we honeymooned in BARBADOS. (pictures and video to come).

What now, after all that? Settling into our new apartment together, figuring out what it means to be husband and wife and oh...finding a job.

MISSION: Trust God with all of the newness and enjoy the excitement it brings.
I'm loving this new adventure. :)

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you  I entrust my life. -Psalm 143:8