Who knew this would lead to our first family book club?

What I've Learned: 5 Love Languages = A Reading Revolution.
Had I only known, Reader, that a little purple book would inspire my books-are-for-sissies Cousin to spend most of the weekend devouring chapter after chapter while sharing what she's learning with the rest of the family, I'd have brought home Dr. Gary Chapman's The Five Love Languages ages ago!

My fabulous fun-friend, K, suggested it to me over the summer back in 2009. After hearing what a difference the book made in her relationships (her entire family read it), I always meant to pick it up and garner some new insight into the love-motivations of the people in my own life.

But it wasn't until just a few weeks ago, after again hearing about the power of this book on K-Love, my favorite Christian radio station, that I stopped by my local Family Christian Bookstore to pick up a copy.

Fast forward to this weekend where Cousin is up for a prolonged stay owing to some medical stuff. While out having lunch yesterday, she and I got to talking about relationships and the importance of showing the people you love how much you care in ways they will really appreciate. The 5 Love Languages immediately popped into my mind. I told her I knew just where to go and we zipped right over to the FCB and bought another copy.

Much to my amazement, Cousin (who I've never seen in close proximity to a book) cracked that book open as soon as we got home. Well, if she was that serious, then I was all in too! So I ran upstairs and got my copy. We've been readin' fools ever since. Cousin reads aloud important parts and after each chapter, we discuss Aunt Chef's favorite question: what have we learned? Who knew this little purple book would start an impromptu family book club? And I'm not naming names but there's definitely some color-coded highlighting of important points going on...


This girl is even taking notes...

Funny stuff aside, Dr. Chapman's book is straight-forward, easy to understand & offers wonderful, practical advice for improving all of your relationships. His concepts of the love languages and the importance of having a full 'love tank' are right-on and simple to execute. Love really is a choice we make each and every day. Highly recommend you check out this book, Reader, as well as the accompanying website (linked above), which offers numerous tools and an online assessment to help you determine your own love language and dialect(s). I'm betting it will revolutionize the way you approach the important relationships in your life.

Shoot, just buying the darn book has turned the literary status quo upside down in our house! I'm so enjoying sharing this knowledge-journey with Cousin, Aunt and (hopefully) the rest of our clan. Thank You, Lord, for this opportunity to better love those around us!

Mud-Masqued!

What I've Learned: There's nothing quite like bonding over facial products.
While Cousin is up visiting for the next few weeks, we have plenty of quality time to spend together. Unfortunately, the cold is still keeping us mostly indoors. So, we've had to get creative and find new ways to stay occupied. Tonight, she humored me and sat patiently while I broke out the skincare regime. Nothing like a good mud masque and hyaluronic acid serum treatment to cap off a quiet Tuesday night. Of course, we must have pictures. And you knew, Reader, they would end up on my blog for you to enjoy too.

Ah, the joys of girl-time & mud masque memories!


A few of my favorite skincare products...


Cousin ala Facial

Chunk, My Valentine

What I've Learned: Valentine's Day is more for giving than receiving.

Am single for another Feb. 14th, Reader. Normally, I would feel kinda mopey or, at least vaguely sheepish about this (always feels like I'm missing out a bit). This year, however, I'm expanding my definition of Valentine Cheer to include anyone I meet who seems to be in need of a little extra love or compassion. I decided to make the most of every opportunity to be warm and fuzzy that came my way today. I made some truffles to spoil my coworkers, held the door for someone with their hands full and even took a chance by hugging a known non-hugger.

I not only encouraged loving behavior wherever I found it, but I was the love today. It was so much fun to bring unexpected joy to an otherwise blah Monday. It's easy to forget sometimes how great it feels when you focus on someone else for a while and forget about your own junk.

Chunk Expression

God Bless all the Valentine's everywhere and all of their devoted sweeties!


The World According to Cat

Bubba, My 1999 Dodge Ram 1500

What I'm Learning: I Need to Rethink My Auto-dentity.
Crashing my beloved truck into a telephone pole has brought some surprising revelations, Reader. When the insurance adjustor called to say it was a total loss and the damage was too expensive to fix, I immediately felt despair. I also felt profoundly naked. Oh, I had clothes on. But I suddenly felt like a big part of my outward identity was gone.

Owning a big truck had somehow become an integral part of how I defined myself--the freedom of mobility, driving something big and useful (and, frankly, cool) had inspired a certain bravado & pride. I let driving a truck go to my head. I was up higher, had a bigger engine and could intimidate any silly little Toyota or Nissan in my path (my apologies, Toyota & Nissan owners). I felt safe & invincible. Not surprisingly, my driving became more aggressive. Then, in an instant on a slippery road, the truck that always kept me safe was gone. And there I was, alone and not feeling safe at all. An uncomfortable realization.

What would I drive now? The Kelley Blue Book value was not promising and I'd only just finished paying off the truck in October. Instead of thanking God for keeping me safe, I felt helpless and afraid. Add to that, the pain & increased nervousness caused by another accident shortly thereafter and I've been feeling pretty low about my transportation prospects.

Which got me thinking about my Auto-dentity. Why did owning a truck significantly change the way I saw myself? What difference did it really make (other than adding a good-sized car payment to my budget)? I was the same person--same flaws, same weight, same life. So, what was different from driving the 20 year-old Impala I had before? And why did that sense of confidence seem to evaporate when the truck was gone?

Maybe this seems too personal a topic to discuss in my lovely little blog. But I know a lot of people whose identities are tied up in or shaped by the vehicle they drive. So, this feels relevant. Why is it that we (for the most part) accept as unconditional, this idea that we're defined by the style, color, make, model and year of our cars? Why do we buy into the idea that our status--how important we are--is defined by what we drive? True, a vehicle is one of the largest and most expensive purchases many of us will ever make. It's also true that we want to get the best value for our money.

But a car, like money, is a man-made thing. A piece of stuff. I can't consume either one. Neither is crucial to nourishing my body or spirit. Neither can create life or heal the sick. Whatever power they represent we have assigned them.

Funny, everything I have: body, mind, soul and spirit were given to me by God. I never needed a big truck to change the way I see myself. I didn't need a vehicle or a chunky car payment to raise my 'status'. The only person in who's eyes I appeared less, were evidently my own.

Big stuff. Anyway, now I'm kinda hoping to buy a hoopdie, a jaloppy, a clunker--well, anything that has low mileage, gets good mileage and has enough room for all my photo & show gear. If it has nice lines, that's cool too. But however that vehicle-to-be depreciates (and you know it will!), it won't change the value I have in Christ.

Just something to think about, Reader, when the next Lexus commercial comes on.

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not. ~Author Unknown

Quote Courtesy of The Quote Garden.

30th Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic,
Prairie du Chien, WI, Sept. 2010

Best of 2010: Photo Highlights
For your enjoyment, Reader, here are my best shots from last year:


Pansy at Nursery, March 2010


Michael Scott, 30th Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic,
Prairie du Chien, WI, Sept. 2010


V., Charming Charlie Shoot, Summer 2010

Rose at Nursery, Summer 2010

Grace & Sarah, Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien, WI, Sept. 2010

Thoroughbred Mare, October 2010

Uncle & Team Raking the Hayfield, Nov. 2010

Circus Wagon, FVSA Show Costume Class, August 2010

Rose, Heinz Bros. Nursery, Summer, 2010

Aunt & Poodle, 4th of July Trail Drive, 2010

Mocha, Caribou Coffee, Spring 2010

Chunk In Stone, Planter's Palette, Summer 2010

Ornamental Onion, Summer 2010

4th of July Trail Drive, Hampshire Forest Preserve, 2010

Dressage Demonstration, St. James Farm Homecoming, May 2010

Poppy, K&J Landscaping, Spring 2010

Around The Barrel, Big Hat Rodeo, Kane County Fair, July 2010

Acting Up, Big Hat Rodeo, Kane County Fair, July 2010

Red Velvet Rose, Heinz Bros. Nursery, Summer 2010

Aunt Chef & Bibiena, St. James Homecoming, May 2010

Kelly & Rosie, ADS Show, August 2010

Passion Flower, Summer 2010

Uncle & Fred, ADS Show, August 2010

Bearded Iris, May 2010

'John Said', Thoroughbred Gelding, 2007-2010

Delphinium, Spring 2010

Cousin & Little Man, Memorial Day Weekend, May 2010

Assorted Ducklings, Spring 2010

Aunt & Poodle, ADS Show, August 2010

Flower, Kane County Flea Market, Spring 2010

Hershey, Fjord Stallion, FVSA Show, August 2010

Paphiopedilum, Batavia Orchid Show, Feb. 2010

Andalusian Stallion & Handler,

St. James Farm Forest Preserve Homecoming, May 2010

Flower Opening at Nursery, Summer 2010

Snowpacalypse Feb. 1st, 2011

What I learned today: Ask God for opportunities to improve yourself and He provides.

Here I sit, Reader, tucked into a warm bed and typing away on my new laptop (an incredible Christmas gift from my family). Meanwhile, the worst winter storm in over 40 years is raging outside with 60 mph wind gusts and blowing snow coming down at the rate of about 2-4 inches per hour. Though I was able to leave work early today due to the impending weather, it still took me almost 3 hours to get home. Isn't it funny how all our technological whiz-stuff makes us feel all smart and superior? At least until uncontrollable natural events disrupt everything and rake havoc with our tidy, time-tabled lives.

Ah-ha! But, you see, now is not the time for petty frustration and the grumpy rolling of eyes. For here, God has provided me with an opportunity to practice my word: relinquish. I had the chance to relinquish all control of the situation, my timetable and even my apprehension about driving in bad weather (stemming from my recent auto misfortunes). I took a few deep breaths, stilled my panicky thoughts (what if I get stuck somewhere?) and prayed about it. I prayed for a calm heart and to accept that I am not really in control of what happens next. I gave it over to God, knowing that whatever happened on my drive home, it is part of God's plan and He would be there with me.

Several times I had to mentally stomp on the fear that threatened to spill over at every weather report and dire storm warning, but once I got behind the wheel, I felt a strange sort of working-peace descend over me--my head was clear, my reflexes ready (if need be), but I wasn't panicked or dreading the extended drive. Well, I made it home safe and unruffled. Check off one well-used opportunity to practice my word. I can't wait to see how focusing on these little challenges will shape my character. Can already feel myself stretching in positive ways.

Hello, dear Reader. Well, 2011 is in full swing. Hope it's shaping up well for you thus far. What a century it's been! And this year already promises to be a memorable one. For me, it's been a rough start: 2 car accidents in the last few weeks. My beloved truck (newly paid-off) was totalled on a telephone pole (after I slid off an icy country road). Fortunately, I was not hurt. Three days later, a careless driver ran a red light and hit Aunt's new Jeep (lent to me for a job interview) while I was making a left turn. This time, I wound up in the ER with very minor injuries and a sore neck and back. Now my Chiropractor and I have a 'date' 3 nights a week. Not a great way to start out the year.

But all this got me thinking. About God and faith. About priorities and what I should be focusing on in 2011. In 2010, the focus of my blog entries was a daily joy--finding something illuminating, pleasurable or funny in each day to keep me focused on the positive.

2010 turned out to be a great year! Not an easy one, by any means, but a great year nonetheless. As I recall, it started out rather rocky as well. A relationship ended and I returned home to Illinois to start over once again. But this time it felt different from the get-go. I hit the ground running and with much support from my whole family, launched my photo business and landed a great job working for a large, Christian company whose products are making people's lives healthier. I have worked hard and played even harder--spending many weekends shooting friends and family having a wonderful time at horse shows and going on interesting mini-adventures. I also found a local church I really enjoy attending and have been making new Christian friends. Thanks to Facebook, this year I've also reconnected with many former classmates and childhood friends and begun to rebuild those friendships. The end of 2010 saw me feeling very fulfilled in my personal relationships.

But where do we go from here? What will define 2011? What do I want to do differently? How to move forward and continue to grow in this 2nd decade of the new century? Last year was all about resilience, persistence and joy. This year, I'm longing to go deeper. I want to make strides toward becoming the person I want to be. Wasn't sure for a while who, exactly, that was. But I think the two near-misses I've had in the last few weeks are God's way of tapping me on the shoulder--and reminding me that I'm here to fulfill His purposes and not my own.

So, for me, this year is about giving up control and waiting patiently (me? seriously?) and expectantly on God. I want to be what He wants me to be. Cuz, let's face it, I'm not doing so hot on my own. And He has better ideas. And infinite resources for making them happen. Ok, so this brings me to my word.

Tomorrow is the 1st of February, Reader. Did you make any New Years resolutions in the last month? Are you still sticking to any of them? Or are you feeling low and hoping to change the subject and talk about the Super Bowl? Wouldn't it be great to start out the year with all the fresh hope you had that first week and actually be able to keep it for the next 365 days? Maybe the best way to do that is stop making resolutions and get yourself a word.

Wondering what the heck I'm talking about? Check out this website. Instead of making resolutions to fix the areas of your life you're already struggling with and beating yourself up when they don't work, try thinking about the kind of person you want to be. What is that person like? What traits and characteristics does that person have? Pick a trait you really admire and would like to incorporate in your own life. Make that trait or virtue your word for 2011. Use it as a lens to examine the many different facets of your life and see how it changes your perspective and shapes your behavior each day. Let that positive word begin the change you want to see in your heart. The site I gave you at the beginning of this paragraph (www.myoneword.org) has all the tools and advice you will need to succeed. It's free and it's life-changing. Instead of a rigid resolution that sets you up for failure, your word is a dynamic, living thing that moves and changes with your life, revealing the person you were always meant to be.

My word for 2011 is relinquish. Not an easy thing for me to do--whatever we're talking about. My first instinct in a situation is to adjust, re-direct, shape, manipulate, change, alter, test and tweak the parameters. But, this year I'm working on taking a deep breath, stepping back and relinquishing control of people, circumstances and outcomes. I'm gonna let God handle it. Already, I'm noticing that when I make that conscious decision to let go, I feel such a release. If I don't worry about it, somehow it still manages to sort itself out. A-mazing! How much more energy will I have to devote to my spiritual journey and the difference God wants me to make in others' lives when I'm not worrying about stuff I can't really control anyway?

Relinquish...wow...big stuff. What about you, Reader? What word do you want to live with this year? What would you like to see shaping your life in 2011? There's still plenty of time to pick a word. I would love to hear about it too--and how it changes your life over the next 365 days.

Here at Ordinary Wonderment, 2011 will be a year of lessons chronicled. Specifically, what I'm learning as I follow my word and see where it takes me. Of course, there will be plenty of time to stop and appreciate beauty along the way. And you will still find blessings counted, recipes and stories shared as well as photos of things that catch my eye. God will be here too, permeating each word as He does every molecule in our lives. I look forward to sharing another year with you, Reader. May it be even more illuminating than the last!