the deliberate life

Desire to Inspire

You may have heard some of the buzz on the Internet. It’s finally time to celebrate the upcoming launch of Christine Mason Miller’s new book, Desire to Inspire. I was so honored and humbled when Christine first asked me to be among one of 20 contributors. I spied the names of everyone else and couldn’t help but question myself. Me? What did I have to offer? I guess the title of the book says what I had: the desire to inspire, the desire to guide others in creating a meaningful life. The book isn’t out yet, but a sneak peek is available on Amazon. It’s a beautiful book, and I’d think that even if I wasn’t a part of it.

            It sounds silly since I’m an editor, but to be a part of an actual book, to see my face on the back cover and my art and words are on display … it’s really too great of feeling to put into words. My passion has always been books, and to actually be in one? Wow. I can’t express it. And I can't express my gratitude to Christine for seeing something in me and inviting me to be a part of what's sure to be an inspirational book for so many.

            I’ll be joining Christine and many of the other contributors at the official launch party on December 15^th. If you’re in the LA-area, I’d love to see your happy faces there. You’ll also want to visit Christine’s blog each day as she counts down to the release with interviews and giveaways.

Recently

(The view from our backyard. Pinch me.)

I can’t believe how much has happened since my post, “On Goals & Dreams.” (From two months ago! For shame!) Shortly after that post, where I shared our big dream of having our own house, a unit in another triplex owned by our landlord became available to rent. This was the unit that I had said if it ever became available that I wouldn’t hesitate to move.

            As luck would have it, the unit was available the same day our current lease was up. We went to look at it and weren’t completely sure what we wanted to do. Our current place, though one-bedroom and yard-less, was completely upgraded inside — hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances … the works. This other place, though larger and with a second bedroom, was definitely older inside, with carpet, dated floors and countertops in the kitchen, and a freakishly low showerhead in the bathroom. I remember when we first walked through the place, my heart dropped a little. Surely I couldn’t leave all of my modern amenities and move here. Then we walked outside to a private yard — a huge one with gorgeous grass and an orange tree. We took a few steps into the garage and became oddly excited about the washer and dryer in there. You mean we could finally do laundry without having to head over to Kevin’s parents’ house or making sure we had enough quarters? It took us all of two minutes to make the decision to move.

            We’ve been in our new place for just over a month now, and I can’t tell you how much it’s already changed the way we live. We’re spending our days outdoors instead of inside. We’re working on little house projects instead of watching TV. We’re getting to play fetch with our wee little dog, who just may love the new house even more than we do.

            The first night we spent there, we both instantly felt at home already. We knew it was the right decision to make. It’s not a house of our own, which we still want, but it’s enough for now.

 

On a side note, with that second bedroom comes my very own craft space. I've actually been cranking projects out, so expect to be seeing those very soon!)