The Art of Therapy

Oh, what Shouldn't I be doing right now that I said I'd do on my lunch break? Oodles of things. But I'm inspired. Just came across my friend, Sara's, blog on vaginas, and really I'd love to guest blog. Really. My story with Ben has been fraught with emotion, from me asking on our, what was it, third date? "What would you do if I got pregnant?" waaaaaay before pregnancy was even possible, to my continual fear that each month will bring about that lifelong change that I...and we, are not ready for. Even though we are taking every precaution.

Which leads me to, therapy. Yes! I have started therapy, and though I've only had one session, I feel BETTER. I don't feel like crying or hurting someone in very hurtful ways every day. It's delicious. My therapist explained her view of therapy this way: " I believe in a Wizard of Oz kind of world. We're all either Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, or the Scarecrow, and I'm the Wizard. And what did the wizard do when they came to visit? He showed them that they ALREADY had what they were looking for, they just needed to know how to use it."

I had chills when she said that. CHILLS.

So, just a few areas in which I hope to apply this newfound wisdom:
my relationship with my parents
my relationship with Ben
how i see myself
my work relationships (can you call them relationships?)
Anger Management

Africa...

The fun thing about having a husband who grew up in Africa is all the miscellaneous and interesting artifacts his family has kept. Gail's been cleaning out her guest room to prepare for a bigger bed, and while unpacking boxes, she came across a few things for us to have. One, a marriage chain. All of the pieces are carved from the same piece of wood, and the head on each end represents the husband and the wife. The significance is, the two are still individuals, yet one unit. I loved hearing her tell me the story behind it, watching her smile at the beauty of the symbolism. Despite everything she's gone through, she has hope, resilience, and a sheer love for life and its possibilities. Which is why I admire her. She doesn't give up.

She also gave us an East African batik, and explained the differences between east and west african art techniques, and a carved candlestick and linens from various countries. It's awesome for me having people who know and want to continue to learn about everything - she comes from a line of travelers who've brought interesting items from every country they've been too, and through her life, was able to provide her kids with the same love of culture and the world.

That's something that's important for Ben and I as we go forward. To, when we have kids, and even before and after they're grown - to TRAVEL. To experience life in other countries, and in our own country too.

Now, if we could master the art of traveling to small Virginia towns without being assaulted by the local police force, we'd be set...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPT_3PEjnsE

The Dining Room

Inspired by Young House Love. Officially the most elegant curtains I've ever had. I have a single tear in my eye.