Distant Passing Stage

There’s a patch of perfectly trimmed green lawn wedged between two garages in my neighborhood. A stone memorial bench sits in a shady corner of the small space, and well-tended flowers pop with color against the neutral backdrop of the adjacent buildings. A low chain gate discourages dogs and passerby from entering, and up until a few days ago, I had never seen anyone there. On my Sunday afternoon run, a tanned woman in her mid-40s was out watering the landscape. She smiled at me as I ran by, and as the sun sank in the sky, a mixture of bittersweet emotion crossed her face. I wonder whose memory she honors with her watering…a lost husband, father, or son? A sister, daughter, or mother?

And I’ll be back ’round again
Yes I’ll walk in time with you old friend
And we’ll find that place
That we had danced so long ago
-The Song That Jane Likes, DMB

My dog died today. My parents are visiting for the weekend, so we found out a few hours ago when the vet called. Perhaps it’s a bit silly to grieve the loss of a pet…but I totally am.

Her name was Nala (yes, like the Lion King character). She was a Cairn/Scottie terrier mix, and a relative gave her to our family when I was eight. I remember how little she was as a puppy, and even as a full grown adult, she topped out at a mere 10 pounds.

She lived for 14 years. I remember holding her in my lap throughout elementary school as I sat and did my homework at our kitchen table after school, and I remember when my brother and I begged our parents for months to let us bring her on our summer camping trip.

Nala was incredibly loyal, and she showed us all the kind of unconditional love that only dogs can give. I know that the next time I go home, I won’t find her waiting in the kitchen to greet me, or leaping with excitement to go on a walk. Those realities break my heart.

Love Never Fails

On Saturday, I went to my friend’s (and former discipler’s) wedding. It was a breathtaking afternoon and evening, and I was blown away by how perfectly the ceremony and reception fit the personalities, values, and lives of the bride and groom.

The couple’s story is not without trials or pain. They have been friends for years, and he loved her, unceasingly, for quite a while before she ever saw him in a romantic light. A year ago, her heart was transformed by God and their relationship began.

As I watched them dance in the twilight, I was struck by how much this couple has meant to my life, and what they have taught me about love and faith. Last spring and summer, she was a rock and a source of comfort to me as I dealt with the heart breaking end of a relationship. She made herself available to me every single time I needed someone to talk to, and she always answered the phone, even when I was crying too heavily to get a word out.

She has consistently lived out her faith to me since the day I met her, and she has always lived with unwavering confidence in God’s goodness and promises. When I saw her light up the reception with her typical joy, I realized how dear she is to me and how much I’ve missed our coffee dates and conversations since moving to L.A. She is truly a gem of a person, and someone that I’m beyond blessed to know…my prayer is to be even half the woman she is one day.

So take your place here next to me
And I’ll take my place there next to thee
No matter how far we may roam
It’s by your side I make my home

And I give to you my everything
Because you’ve given me these loving wings
And angels have all gathered round
To hear me sing my love out loud
-Loving Wings, DMB

Only in L.A.

I can only imagine what the surrounding apartment dwellers must think of me on the days that I go grocery shopping. You see, my apartment building is located on a very steep hill in Hollywood. A good portion of the street is marked as a “no park” zone, so I park up above on the adjacent streets.

On Thursday I trekked my way down the hill after work, carrying four Trader Joe’s bags that weighed a total of 50 pounds (Yes, I weighed them with my scale when I finally arrived at my apartment). My neighbors must think I’m crazy…or perhaps the sight of me traipsing up and down the hill is a source of free entertainment. Who knows?

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” -Thomas Edison

I wholeheartedly agree with Edison. The greatest triumphs of my life have not been easily or simply attained. Instead, I pressed on despite challenges and adversity, and made it through, one step at a time. I suppose what they say is true: life is more about the journey than the destination.

Note to self:

Showering at the same time as my neighbor results in less than desirable water pressure.

Scratch that.

Showering at the same time that my neighbor bathes with her tiny excuse for a dog results in less than desirable water pressure.

Now, I love animals as much as the next person, and I’m a huge fan of multitasking. But you’ll never catch me bathing with my dog. Come on, people!

Summer Sounds

All I can say is: amazing. Don’t miss this fab DMB performance of Loving Wings, circa 2002 at the Gorge Amphitheatre.

Or this one, of Sugar Will circa 2004 at Penn State.

Stay American, Baby

I have the day off tomorrow. This was completely unexpected, yet I am beyond grateful to spend the next few days relaxing in the sun. I’ll attempt to sleep in, though the construction outside my apartment (which will last until October of 2009, by the way) will probably render sleeping impossible. Then I’ll make my way to the beach, and spend a few hours tanning on the warm Santa Monica sand. Stoked!

On Friday, I’ll probably hike Runyon, then try to catch the fireworks show at the Hollywood Bowl in the evening. The hill above my building has great views, so if I’m lucky, I can enjoy the show for free.