As of Late

Lately my heart has been very happy.

Lately I have found affirmation in our silences and in our words.

Lately I have realized I don't miss paper books as much as I thought I would.

Lately my words have been in brush strokes.

Lately I have found joy in thankfulness.

Lately I have been learning what it means to choose love always.

{That Colossians 3:12-17 type of love}

"12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father."

Photog - Lost Pictures

{Thanks, A CUP of JO}

Photog - 'I sure do love you'

Giggler

I love that I giggle every time someone asks me about my man.

{I might blush to a nice pink too}

Say the word "giggle" outloud.

Weird, right?!

I  ♥ words.

Caged Bird

Caged Bird
by Maya Angelou

A free bird leaps
on the back of the wind
and floats downstream
till the current ends
and dips his wing
in the orange sun rays
and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks
down his narrow cage
can seldom see through
his bars of rage
his wings are clipped and
his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze
and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees
and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn
and he names the sky his own
But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams
his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream
his wings are clipped and his feet are tied
so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
of things unknown
but longed for still
and his tune is heard
on the distant hill
for the caged bird
sings of freedom.

On Living at Home

So, I'm 29 and I've lived at home for the last four years.

I know I'm not the only one in my age bracket in this same situation. Fortunately, my reasons for living at home do not include financial trouble, a habit turned addiction, or sheer laziness.

This is the part where you want to know the real reason, isn't it? The reason from four years ago are vastly different from today. That's all I'm going to say about that.

It's been great, but baby bird is ready to leave the nest. Again. Sometime.

4 Little Words

Four little words were his first response to how I handled a situation at work and with a friend.

"I'm proud of you."

And, that's why it's amazing that your boyfriend will never be your girlfriend.

Who knew those four little words could be transformative?

It's not like it was the first time someone said that to me, but some how it was different. Same words, very different feelings.

I'm proud of me too.

For reals.

There are some things you don't know that you don't know until you are in the situation.

When it comes to communication, your boyfriend is not your girlfriend, and that's amazing.

I'm just sayin'.

A New Year, A New Rear?

I admit, I'm a bit late on the 2010 Year in Review blog post.  I have a good excuse though! December was crazy. Between health issues, Christmas parties, spending time with family and my man, the blog was put on the back burner.

2010 was a significant year, for sure. It was a year of hope fulfilled and dreams realized.  I had the opportunity to write for ExemplifyOnline, I met my weight loss goal after two years of work, I finally found community and friendship in my city, and a relationship was unexpectedly restored. Month after month, my expectations were blown away. It wasn't without struggle, but it was outweighed by the blessing.

When I look forward to 2011, all I can see is a big question mark. I definitely have more questions than answers, at this point.  The one thing I do know is that this is the first year in my adult life that I, Alison Hunt, do not need to lose weight, and that's pretty darn significant. 

Here's to a year filled with pleasant surprises and surpassed expectations!

A Family Made of Friends @ Exemplify Online

I cannot believe I forgot to post the link to my last article at Exemplify Online!

Here it is... A Family Made of Friends

Enjoy!
Alison