* not with ink

Tonight, I was going to write a blog entry about Advent and this being the Week of Hope. Instead, I responded vulnerably to a vulnerably honest email and wrote a poem that will not be making an appearance on this blog. Last night, a friend told me they'd been catching up on my blog after a long spell of not reading it. Curious, I asked, "And what did you learn about my life from it?" "I learned that there are pictures of you in a bikini somewhere ." Not the response I expected. But funny. And true. There are photos of me in a bikini, and there are poems I have written this month, and neither are going to make it onto the blog. I am flaunting my right to privacy. Is that rude? You know what though, tonight's emails showed me that when someone is willing to risk vulnerability with me, I can surprise even myself with my ability to be honest in return. The End.

Nadine and I have magnetic poetry on our fridge door. I always wanted magnetic poetry when I was small. It is very satisfying to have it as a part of my "grown-up life." Whenever I spot a new poem, I smile. This one made me laugh out loud tonight: Spiderman could not climb the tree So he cursed every blossom & his life And this is one I am quite proud of writing: I am bruised like a cliche

...with a pair of boots. I hate shoe shopping. There are so few shoes that fit right, that are that perfect intersection of comfort, style, and utility. And right now, I need winter shoes. Winter boots and winter shoes. At least two pairs of durable and warm foot coverings for the coming months. These boots hit the sweet spot. Now to drum up $250 so I can call them my own. Kidding. I'll just think about them. All. Winter. Long.

Two preamble thoughts: a) I was going to save some of these for future weeks that are lacking, but I just couldn't choose which ones to pull. They're all soooooooo good. b) I've decided that Nadine is like Sleep Talkin' Man , except she says outrageous things when she is awake and uses less profanity. Also, there are fewer talking animals.  That is all. (Here are the last twenty-one weeks .) her: I'm trying to play Lexulous and it's stressing me out. her: Are you not participating in my pity party??? her: I don't want spells on my underwear. her: If I didn't have a body...It would be much cheaper to live. her: Remember when I said I was going to get up and brush my teeth? Iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii...didn't really mean it. her: It's not like, oh crap, I'm in an unhappy marriage because my mother WILLED it. her: Is that a sign of being a grown-up? Paying for the dentist instead of going to a Hanson concert? her: If not...

Being on the receiving end of unexpected generosity. Taking conversations with new friends from the "mid-range" level to the "honestly honest" level. Knowing how to handle gossip. Being patient with small children. Being patient with overgrown children. Waiting. For pretty much anything. Going to bed on time. That is all. For today.

I didn't grow up in a liturgically-religious family, and I only vaguely understood Advent and Lent for a long time. But since I finished university, I've realized that liturgy can be beautiful and solemn and joyful and incredibly meaningful. Last year, a friend sent me a link to a site called The Advent Door . It's a series of paintings and reflections to take you through the Advent season. I am going to enjoy it again this year, and wanted to share it with you all, should you be looking for some liturgy and art this month. I won't promise it, but I'm considering my blogging my thoughts/answers to her reflective questions. You could then leave comments with your own additions. (Santa Claus parade occurred today and I walked past part of it... Apparently Shrek, tractor trailers, and Westjet airplanes are now "holiday themed." Who would have known.)

Since I woke up this morning thinking about Megamind , I thought I'd just say that if you have a child, access to a child, or are a child at heart, you should go and see it. Hilarious and heartwarming. Here is the final trailer: And the ComicCon trailer: And a clip of witty banter: