Beets and bravery

Well. It's been a while since I posted, so I thought I should say something:) I have no new pictures, although maybe I'll post one of my haircut when I got my hair straightened. (Yes, the summer has been that exciting!) heheh.

Really, though, I am enjoying the more relaxed pace. Some days, it makes me restless and I have to get outside and walk about or something, and other days, I revel in the summertime spirit and just take my time about everything. I find I'm either rushing about, or walking quickly to get somewhere, or else I'm a complete slowpoke, wandering around the market or spending time at the library.

This weekend, I headed to the farmer's market and was treated to freshly-squeezed juice of organic veggies and fruits- a delicious mixture that zinged and kept me satiated for a good while. (That's where the beets come in.) I visited with a friend and made some new friends that day, and really I was all-around happy to be where I was. The rain was pouring steadily down, on and off throughout the day, but inside I was feeling cozy and bookish and quite pleased with poking around everything at the farmer's market. I headed to the library and discovered a newly-published book by my favourite author and I've been slowly taking it in, so as not to read it too fast, as is my wont:)

I know by now you are all riveted...hahah...but alas, I have to admit, there's not much bravery to speak of. I just wanted another "b" word in the title. I suppose there's a bit of bravery involved though, in daring to live life daily and fully; unashamed and with strength.

What do I mean by that? Essentially, that I have been waffling back and forth between various career decisions and ideas, personal/relational issues, and contentment in general. It's the constant tension between being content in one's situation and self, and striving to change or meet certain goals. I'm having a hard time with that balance and probably spend far too much time in introspection over it, but I'm getting through it. It's hard not having answers quick at hand- how many times have I rehashed that one lately?- but I'm continually learning to appreciate the time I am in now, and the friendships I have now.

Yesterday, after church, I walked to the market from my house, armed with a notebook and pencil. On the way, some guy called out my name from the back of a pickup truck, and I've no idea who it was, pretty funny. I lingered at the market, bought two truffles and some vitamins, and sat outside writing for a bit, at a table in the shade of a tree. Eventually the shadows shifted and I was sitting in persistent sunshine, so I headed for home. On the way back, a man on a bicycle called me "beauty." I was really amused and heartened by the moments of a day that you just couldn't plan:) and sometimes don't know how to interpret, but hey, I'll take the compliment:)

So, that's my daily dose of introspection (introspectiveness? hmm). I hope I haven't bored you to tears, and I'll try to post photos soon to make up for it:)

Nos bemos pronto. (I'm taking weekly Spanish lessons from my Mexican friends, so now I can say a couple other words other than just la ciruela - the plum- heheh)