where the road meets the sun

Last Sunday, David's Aunt Joanne passed away from a 20 year on again/off again battle with cancer. At her memorial service today, there were several powerful moments. The morning burial at the gravesite with family filled with prayer and reading Bible passages out loud while also being enveloped in the comfort of the warm sunbeams. Walking around the cemetery with Karis and Hope, Joanne's young granddaughters, as they commented on all the pretty flowers they saw. Listening to an amazing live version of "That Old Rugged Cross" sung during the public service. Hearing an uplifting and thought-provoking message from Joanne's son-in-law about her reality of being in a 'better place' ---rejoicing in heaven at the feet of Jesus--- being biblical truth, not just wishful thinking. Spending quality, blessed time with Joanne's family; her husband Wade, her daughters Katie and Barbara, and all the rest of David's extended family. It was a day of mourning a family's loss and a day of hope due to heaven's gain. Two verses to ponder:

"It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of everyone;
the living should take this to heart. "
~Ecclesiastes 7:2

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful."
~Hebrews 10:23

October-fest

October is a good month for many reasons. It ushers in a new season of cardigans, pumpkin-flavored items, and the celebration of another year of my life. This October is off to quite a nice start. My hubby and I had a glorious breakfast feast last Saturday because it was the one weekend this month that he does not have his MBA classes so we could sleep in and lounge over a morning meal. We made beignets, which are French doughnuts with powdered sugar that they serve in New Orleans. For our first time making them, I was very proud! David also whipped up delicious goat cheese and prosciutto omelets, muy delicioso!

Then last night, I went to see Legally Blonde: The Musical with ten other girls for a ladies night out and it was just as much fun seeing it the second time as when I first saw it in San Francisco three years ago. The show has so much energy that you can't help feeling upbeat when you leave the theater!

This morning, my co-workers and I strolled over to the Good Life Garden, which is a public garden for UCD staff, students, and faculty by the new Mondavi Institute for Wine & Food Science. They had a free "harvest" today which means you can come by and take as much basil, oregano, mint, thyme, and other fresh herbs that you want. Score!

On Friday, I'm headed into SF to catch a concert at the Fillmore with my younger bro and then I get to spend the night with one of my besties Kate and her husband Chris in Walnut Creek. October has definitely been a fab month so far and can only get better in my opinion!