being robyn lane

stray photo album

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Tue, 29 May 2012 00:47:00 +0000

When I'm on the organizational ball, I keep photo albums updated with prints from my trips, outings, family gatherings, etc.

When I'm not on the organizational ball, photos -- if they're even printed -- tend to stack up into piles with no home.

Also, since I moved, I've realized that framed photos can get out of hand if one is not careful. I love to share photos, but there are only so many frames that my occasion tables and wall space can hold, until a creepy family shrine begins to develop.

Needless to say, I haven't been on the photo organizational ball lately, and for weeks I've been racking my brain on how to display some prints temporarily, until they find their permanent home in an album.

I am proud to say that thirteen months after my last craft, I have this DIY solution to share!

I had some inspiration from Etsy or Pinterest, which I can't even find anymore to give props, so it's irrelevant at this point. But the real inspiration came when I saw the $75 price tag (?!), and I knew there was a cheaper option.

I just needed to figure how to execute sans sewing machine.

My version started with this framed cork board from Home Goods, a half a yard of canvas, and some decorative nails.

It eventually got a canvas coat (you could use whatever method to make that happen, but I confess I needed the help of a butter knife to get those edges tucked under the frame), pinned on by the decorative nails ...

Then I cut some canvas strips to serve as pockets, two taller ones for vertical snapshots, and one shorter one for horizontals, and pinned the bottom of each of those ...

And then I popped in some of my stray photos and hung him right up in my kitchen.

I'm pleased (except for that chipped corner that needs attention).

It keeps my fridge clear of photos that don't seem to be frame-worthy, but just end up junking up an otherwise clean surface.

It buys me time to get these photos into an album.

And if they'd like, guests can flip through some recent pics at their leisure.

Or not! No one is forced to see incessant amounts of family and friends of Robyn if they'd rather not.

A solid (and much cheaper) success, I'd say, and a satisfying ending to a perfect holiday weekend.

What are your fixes for stray photos?

summer supper

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:38:00 +0000

Lori came over tonight for a casual summer meal, and when I say summer, I mean summer. It was hot as blue blazes today.

Speaking of blazing, I've been grilling like a crazy person! It's just easy to whip up something so tasty.

Tonight, I made these two share-worthy dishes -- one on the grill -- and they were great make-aheads.

Grilled Chicken with Herbs

2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
3/4 c. EVOO
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts

In a blender, mix the parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, vinegar and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Rinse and dry the chicken, place in a glass dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Be sure the chicken is good and covered in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to overnight.

Grill chicken on medium heat for 7-8 minutes on each side, or until done. Let it rest for a few minutes before digging in.

And, a simple salad that you can make ahead of time that's the perfect accompaniment:

Asparagus and Arugula Salad

This makes salad for two, but you can easily adjust for the number of people you're serving.

2 c. arugula
1/4 lb. asparagus spears, cut into 1" pieces
2 Tbsp. pine nuts
2 slices prosciutto, sliced into thin strips
Parmesan cheese
1 lemon
EVOO
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus for about 90 seconds, and then immediately place in an ice bath to stop the cooking. The little guys will be bright and green and just the right crispness.

Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet for just a few minutes, over low heat. They'll be a nice golden brown color.

In the same skillet, cook the prosciutto about five minutes, until the edges crisp up.

All of this can be done ahead of time, and then when it's time to build the salad ...

Place arugula on each plate. Top with asparagus, pine nuts, and prosciutto. With a vegetable peeler, shave Parmesan cheese strips to top each salad. Drizzle with EVOO and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Stay cool this holiday weekend, folks. And fire up the grill!

thankful thursday #79

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:21:00 +0000

DMV.

If those three letters together don't evoke in you a significant rise in blood pressure, count yourself fortunate and blessed.

Five years ago when I moved to Birmingham, I spent a total of eight hours, over a period of two days, at the Jefferson County Department of Revenue. (The reminder that I was paying for this nonsense was salt in the wound.)

The inefficiency and attitude I witnessed made me swear I was living in an alternate universe. Where was America the Beautiful in all this? It was outrageous.

On Tuesday, I was renting a car for a work trip, and the nice man at Enterprise noted cheerfully, "Looks like your license is about to expire!"

Joy.

I promptly began to psych myself up for what would surely be a day not worthy of a Thankful Thursday shout-out. And because misery loves company, co-workers were immediately notified about my unfortunate circumstance.

"Go to the Shelby County DMV. No lines."

What? How had the thousands of people like me, who've wasted hours of their lives, missed that memo?

Glory be, it is all true.

This morning it took me less than ten minutes, and that's even counting the few minutes that the printer was throwing a tantrum. The kind DMV worker (that seems so oxymoronic, based on my experience) apologized for the delay.

"It can't be worse than the Jefferson County lines. Take your time. I'm good."

I'm so thankful to know of this local tip-off. Tell people you love, friends. It's not something to hide.

What's got you feeling thankful, and lowering your blood pressure? Go on, be grateful!

to slow-cook, or not to slow-cook

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Sat, 19 May 2012 13:30:00 +0000

That is the question.

Thursday I succumbed to a long-standing aversion to crock pots and made this recipe for some friends:

Easy Pot Roast

1-2 lbs. of any kind of beef roast
1/2 of a red onion, sliced
1/2 a bag or so of baby carrots
6-7 red potatoes, halved
1-2 Tbsp. beef base (not beef bouillon, I learned, but nearby in the store)

Add an inch or two of warm water to a slow cooker and then stir in the beef base (about a tablespoon for every pound). Add the roast into the water. Add the onions on top of the meat, and then add the veggies. Only the meat should be covered by the water when you first turn on the cooker. Allow at least 8 hours to cook on low heat for best results.

I'm not ready to go buy a crock pot yet (calm down, you crazy fans), but it was tasty enough to consider experimenting again with a borrowed one.

So, to the crock-pot groupies, I ask:

1. What size crock-pot do you promote?
2. What's your favorite slow-cooker recipe?

Link me up, people.

thankful thursday #78

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:05:00 +0000

Dear Crock Pot,

You know I've rebelled against you for many years. Why, you ask? Let me count the ways.

Philosophically, I'm a kitchen purist. I don't like silly gadgets, or one-use appliances. You are a one-use appliance. I could never get on board.

Practically, you take up so much space in a cabinet, or worse, on a counter top. Clutter and I don't do well together, so you've just never had a place in my world.

Physically, you're not attractive. Even if I had the space, I wouldn't put you on display for all to see. To be blunt, you're frumpy.

Your fan base, though, is hard to ignore. It's crazy-big, and a little overbearing, actually. People swear by you, and promise that once you're given the chance, there's no going back. They are so loyal, those fans.

Today was a big day for you and me, though. I borrowed you from a friend and volunteered to try this "Easy Pot Roast" recipe for some guests. To say I was nervous all day long would be a vast understatement.

Frankly, I feared coming home eight hours later to a big hunk of raw meat.

But, you came through for me. (Thanks for keeping your I-told-you-so's to yourself.)

Not only did you slow cook that roast to a fork-tender state, but my guests raved that it was very delicious. That it looked like a roast that someone named Mamaw or Nana would prepare.

Here in the South, that's a hefty compliment.

And let me say, you could not have performed on a better day. On this Thankful Thursday, I'm publicly thanking you for living up to your hype. I'm very grateful our first meeting went well, and I vow to keep an open mind about you in the future.

Sincerely,
Robyn

P.S. Big shout-out to your people, who worked a deal with Reynolds on those slow-cooker liners! Couldn't have asked for an easier clean-up.

to the moms

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Mon, 14 May 2012 00:53:00 +0000

Our church honored moms so well today.

Mother's Day services are risky, I think. They can be cliche, or obligatory, or unoriginal. They can open wounds of ...

... the women who want so much to be moms, but aren't

... the children who have lousy moms and wish for better

... the people who are mourning the loss of their moms, whether that happened last week or 25 years ago

... the moms who've buried their children.

Risky, those days of honoring moms.

On the other hand, everyone has a mom, and in the eternal perspective of a sovereign God, that means there's something we can all learn from our moms.

I loved learning about Jesus's mom today. I forget that when Mary gave birth to Jesus, she was likely between twelve and fifteen years old. Can you even fathom?

She went on to raise three boys, and despite the supernatural anointing of her eldest, she still wrestled and worried just like any mom would.

Great moms are notorious for making sacrifices, almost to a fault, but Mary? What pain she must have felt, when she released her child to the brutality he endured to fulfill the will of God.

A friend's mom once told me that letting go of her children -- that is, watching them grow up and become independent -- was far more gut-wrenching than any physical pains from child birth.

I imagine that of all the moms who can relate, Mary's calling to embrace her son's calling was a challenge not many could withstand.

When I watch Katie as a new mom to Little Man, I know she's only begun this epic journey of provision and guidance. She loses sleep, and puts another's needs above her own. She feeds and changes and teaches and protects. She says no to things she wants to do, because she wants more for her son to get her best.

It's never over.

I'm one of the lucky ones, who has a mom that died to herself just like that for a lot of years, and who continues to joyfully make sacrifices for her kids every day.

I hope today you have a chance to say thanks to a mom who's shown you that kind of love somewhere, some how. The world is better with those moms in it.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms in my life who model for me the love of Christ in such tangible ways. Be blessed!

thankful thursday #77

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:02:00 +0000

Aren't special deliveries so fun?

Especially when you're singing the blues in the real world!

You can imagine my gratefulness when these were delivered to my door last weekend ...

"RLF! Congrats on the new pad! Put these on an unpacked box and enjoy. May they brighten your day and let you know you are loved and appreciated!"

That's what the card read! So, so special.

Funny story: as it turned out, the florist didn't take the right name of the sender, so the signed name on the card wasn't anyone I knew. I had to do some sleuthing to find the culprit, but so happy I did!

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I get to call some of the world's greatest people, friends.

They sure know how to lift my spirits!

Who made your day today? Or your week? Go on, be grateful!

thankful thursday #76

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Fri, 04 May 2012 02:25:00 +0000

One of my favorite birthday gifts -- from my awesome folks -- is my gas grill. Can anyone tell me of a tastier meal prepared with an easier clean-up?

When I lived in my apartment, grilling was prohibited within ten feet of the building.

And well, I wasn't going to tote him down stairs and into the parking lot.

So he pouted on my balcony for nearly five years. (Read: I pouted every time I wanted to use him.)

I was excited to move into my house for many reasons, but the luxury of grilling out again was near the top of the list. (It's the simple things, people.)

As a dear friend was getting the grill all cleaned up for me (I do have great friends, don't I?), the rack was beyond help. To call it rusty would be the understatement of the year. It laughed in the face of 409.

Dad helped me identify a replacement part online, which I ordered promptly and hoped to high heaven that it would fit properly.

The rack arrived yesterday, and it fits like a glove. I am so proud.

And thankful! I'm going to get him back into grilling shape this weekend, and I can't wait.

What simple things are you happy about this week? Go on, be grateful!

blue therapy (in my kitchen)

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:30:00 +0000

The weekend was such a sweet one, and I have publicly owned the fact that I had a total meltdown when I left Athens.

Does anyone else feel that sad, when they leave their family who lives in a not-so-close place?

Mercy, I hate it.

And then I returned to my house-that-isn't-yet-a-home. I'm still settling, and unpacking, and generally adjusting to new surroundings.

Blah.

I needed a night in my home, alone. I needed to grocery shop. I needed to menu plan. I needed familiar. I needed to be in my kitchen. I needed therapy, and cooking is mine.

I whipped up this dish tonight from Skinny Taste, which is emerging as a pretty fantastic resource, and has boat-loads of recipes with potential. This one was a winner that made me feel better:

Chicken and Mushrooms in a Garlic White Wine Sauce

8 chicken tenderloins, 16 oz. total
2 tsp. butter
2 tsp. olive oil
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
12 oz. sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup white wine
1/3 cup fat free chicken broth
salt and fresh pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 200°. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour.

Heat a large skillet on medium heat; when hot add 1 tsp butter and 1 tsp olive oil. Add chicken to the skillet and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side, or until chicken is no longer pink. Set aside in a warm oven.

Add additional oil and butter to the skillet, then garlic and cook a few seconds; add mushrooms, salt and pepper stirring occasionally until golden, about 5 minutes.

Add wine, chicken broth, parsley; stir the pan with a wooden spoon breaking up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook a few more minutes or until the liquid reduces by half. Top the chicken with the mushroom sauce and serve.

Question: What's the food that chases away your blues?

thankful thursday #75

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:53:00 +0000

Our family is growing up.

The sibs and I are not in school anymore, so no guaranteed spring breaks together.

Christopher is married, and they now have Little Man. They live far away (boo), and travel isn't exactly easy for them these days!

Pat is wrapping up his internship and staring real life straight in the face. Vacation time isn't a gimme for him anytime soon.

Summer doesn't mean "off" anymore, either. We're working, going about our lives.

Bottom line, it's tough to all be together!

Well. It wasn't intentional, but starting tomorrow, we'll all be in the ol' hometown, for a long weekend together, and I couldn't be more excited. It's only natural, then, that today I can't contain my gratitude for this weekend's spontaneous reunion!

In fact, it will be the first time we'll all be together since Little Man has joined our family. I know that these times won't happen often enough, so I want to be present for them when they do come along.

And in between, when we're fragmented and living apart, I'll remember that our time together sometimes comes along unexpectedly, and I'll be thankful for that. And be hopeful for more of it!

Do you have fun plans with the people you love this weekend, like me? Oh, I hope so! Either way, though, you gotta be appreciating something. Go on, be grateful!

re-purposed

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Brand new clothes can be fun. A new hairdo is always fresh. New places are adventurous. First-time recipes are a nice change of pace.

I have to say, though, I do love some re-purposed furniture.

For quite some time, my claim to fame has been that in scanning my living room, the couch is the only piece of furniture that I purchased new.

Partly, that was out of financial necessity when I was first starting out (thanks, Mom, for that awesome old trunk that serves as my coffee table), and partly, it's because I love a good bargain (I'm not ashamed of that chair I picked up on the side of the road in Destin and had recovered).

Those pieces have grown on me over time. They are memories for me, and they tell stories of where I've been.

Even now, when I am perusing furniture catalogs and stores, I am drawn to furniture that looks worn, distressed, comfortable.

Furniture that looks like it's lived a good life, and has a story to tell!

When I lived in Starkville, a friend passed off to me this unwanted piece of furniture ...

I had no use for her at the time, but she was a freebie, so I took her. I sewed the fabric panels to replace the broken glass, and she eventually became a functional piece for me.

But I never really loved her (the furniture, not my friend).

When I was moving a couple of weeks ago, I broke down and decided to have her farmed out for a face lift. Karen Bush over at The French Flea took her in for about a week and worked her magic.

Look at her now!

She needs some fun drawer pulls still, but she's so much happier. That was money well spent. (Karen is so reasonable! Give her a call!)

Question: What's your favorite re-purposed piece? Or do you love all things new?

on my mind

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:27:00 +0000

The chaos of my recent move has absolutely spilled over into my brain.

My mind is all over the place, and pulling together anything remotely worth posting is a lost cause.

To illustrate, here's one big bunch of ramblings that are rolling around in my head today:

I had a conversation today with a friend about half marathons. I think I'm getting the bug again. Scary.
Dad mailed me a note, just to be the first one to send me something to my new address. I just love him for doing things like that.
Moving requires some out-of-pocket expenses, I'm well aware. But can we all agree that the saddest bit about those necessary expenses, is that they are unseen? Mr. Non-Skid Rug Pad, you are so blah.
I think I'm going to have start sewing again. Everyone start putting that on the prayer lists.
The previous owner of my home installed a lovely koi-(mini)-pond-water-fountain-feature, which currently houses three koi fish. They've been named Finn, Gill, and Nemo. I'm glad to have that settled.
Finally, and most importantly, I want to plan my annual trip-to-a-place-I've-never-been-before. I have a couple of spots in mind, but give me your suggestions! I'm open to any and all you got.

One thing I am able to focus on, though, are these cute cheeks I get to kiss in three short days!

And that is enough for this chaotic mind.

While I focus on that, let me hear those vacation ideas, friends. Don't leave me hanging.

thankful thursday #74

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 04:39:00 +0000

I don't know about your week, but I don't remember the last time I was looking so forward to a weekend!

Tonight I hosted the Bible study gals in my new digs for the first time. Don't be fooled, I'm not at all unpacked, and my house was indeed a last resort. But I was happy to have them.

And as if my friends' company wasn't enough, they came bearing a gift!

They called it a housewarming gift, but really, it was more than that. They were sharing in my excitement, celebrating with me, blessing me with some tangible loving!

It's what good friends do.

I'm so undeserving to have good friends all around me, but I sure am thankful and blessed.

And I'm pretty darn thankful for that gift, too. My shopping list is growing daily!

Who's blessed you this week? Go on, be grateful. And thank them for it!

pyramid

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 02:29:00 +0000

Dick Clark passed away today. Probably to the general public he was best known for American Bandstand or his New Year's Rockin' Eve, but during my childhood, he was a household name because of Pyramid.

This game show evolved from The $10,000 Pyramid and The $25,000 Pyramid in the 70s, to The $100,000 Pyramid in the early 90s. And then Donny Osmond somehow found his way to that podium in the 2000s, and I can't imagine anyone watched anymore.

Essentially the precursor to Catch Phrase and Taboo, Pyramid paired plain ol' contestants with celebrities, and players tried to guess a word or phrase, based on their teammate's descriptions.

(Incidentally, as I reflect on the winner's circle at the end of each episode, the ticking clock in this game might be a contributor to my anxiety of all timed missions.)

But Pyramid had Dick Clark! What a guy.

Good-natured. Clean cut. Polite. What more could we want from a game show host?

In honor of that awesome game show that I watched more times than I can remember, here is my week's recap in Pyramid code:

Professional movers. Mom for moral support.
People Robyn never wants to move without!

Delayed flight. Rude people at baggage claim. A 45-minute wait in the TSA security line.
Things that make air travel a total nightmare!

Endless kitchen cabinet space. A garage to park in, for the first time ever. A patio and perfect weather.
Things Robyn loves most about her new house so far!

Boxes stacked in the living room. Complete disorganization in the guest room. Furniture configuration number two.
Things that overwhelm Robyn in her new house!

Insurance refund checks. Offering an elderly lady a walk under my umbrella to her car in the pouring rain. Lori cooking dinner on moving day.
Things that made Robyn happy!

Dick Clark, you will be missed. So for now, so long.

Question: What do you remember most about Dick Clark?

things change

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 02:07:00 +0000

Some change is welcome; some is not.

Some change is necessary; some is not.

Some change is healthy; some is not.

An address change? Exciting, overwhelming, tiring.

As of yesterday, I live here now ...

... and if you'd like my new address, feel free to drop me a line.

In the meantime, I'll be unpacking.

For the next six weeks. ~~Yish.~~ Cheers!

thankful thursday #73

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 02:50:00 +0000

The world we live in is beyond materialistic. I know this. I struggle with that sin to a point, although I rarely think of myself as having outrageous amounts of stuff (save for the closet and pantry purges of 2011).

For the past two weeks, though, I’ve not had a clear path to walk in my apartment, thanks to all my possessions coming out of hiding and into stacks of boxes.

The movers have told me they will call me tomorrow for a final box count, so they’ll know what size truck to bring. I haven’t counted the boxes yet; it will probably be embarrassing.

So here I sit, writing my final Thankful Thursday from this address. I move in less than 48 hours to a new home – just up the road, not far – and I’m looking quite forward to new. New space. New décor. New projects. New memories.

But alas, saying hello to new means saying goodbye to old. Not surprisingly, the ol’ nostalgiais kicking in, and I can’t help but feel grateful tonight for ...

The awesome neighbors I’ve had here, whose median age is 70, and who do not party hard.

The pristine landscaping my landlord demands.

The prompt maintenance service I’ve received, but only needed on a few occasions.

The tiny increase in my rent, which happened only once in five years.

The nearby trail that I accidentally discovered last spring.

The accessibility I’ve enjoyed to everywhere in Birmingham. Location is king.

Living five minutes from Lori.

The friendships born here that grew into the accountability group I adore.

Stay tuned for more fun facts about the “new” that’s around the corner for me, but in the meantime, celebrate some “old” in your own life, and for the goodness therein. Go on, be grateful!

thankful thursday #72, a maundy thursday edition

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 04:44:00 +0000

It is a special Thursday in the Church's calendar, and one with a Lenten service I love.

Today marks the day of the intimate Passover meal that Jesus shared with His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion.

If we're honest with ourselves, we relate to Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, yet was still seated at the table as His guest of honor.

We remember the command given to His people, to love one another, as He loved us (John 13:34). And not the flippant kind of love, but the sacrificial, servant, wash-another's-feet kind of love.

We confess, accept forgiveness, and receive communion with the Body of Christ, in remembrance of Him and His sacrifice.

The paraments are carried away from the altar, and the ritual symbolizes the arrest, stripping, and beating Jesus endured before His death. It is solemn, reverent, gut-wrenching.

I was thankful today for the Maundy Thursday service I attended, and for the opportunity to settle in to its liturgical rhythm.

Be blessed -- and grateful -- this weekend. He is risen!

God of grace, may we who have celebrated your Son's great love, never forget that despite our unworthiness, He serves and welcomes us. Remind us always that He was broken that we might be made whole. May we show in our lives the fruits of His redemption; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.

-- Selected prayers, Maundy Thursday service, Independent Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama

big easy, big memories

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:01:00 +0000

I've been in New Orleans this weekend. The baby bro is completing his internship here; the dad is working; and I'm just being a plain ol' fan at the Final Four. Good times.

It's no secret I'm a sucker for nostalgia, so while putzing around town today, I decided to check in on my little studio apartment off of West Napoleon Avenue.

It was eleven years ago that I moved out of New Orleans, out of my very first apartment. On the day I moved out, New Orleans had a flash flood (don't be shocked). I remember the waters in my parking lot were knee-deep, and Mom and Dad had to wait until the waters receded before they could come and load the car.

The memories were a little like that. They flooded, and I let them wash over me, and settle over the next few minutes in their own time.

In the parking lot, I remembered the pang of watching Mom and Dad's tail lights as they left me to my first bout with adulthood. I bawled like a baby. The ugly girl cry! Help them that day, I did not.

I saw the pool, where I spent most weekend afternoons. I was dirt poor, and reading library books poolside was a free activity. The first friend I met in New Orleans introduced herself to me there. I was searching for low-cost recipes in a cook book, and she was interested as a recent graduate of culinary school.

I saw the corner apartment where she lived. Chef Kami, as I called her, was interning at one of Emeril's restaurants, launching her career as a fine, fine pastry chef. She taught me baking tricks, and I loved her for making cookies for no reason.

I remembered keeping a list of every book I'd read, and movie I'd watched, since graduation. Every one of them came from the local library, because goodness knows my intern salary could not afford otherwise.

Despite going to a Southern Baptist-affiliated university, contemporary Christian music became a favorite genre of mine for the first time. Again, since I had no extra income to purchase CD's, I'd record local stations' playlists on cassette tapes in my apartment. With the radio host's commentary cutting in to the end of the tune. (Don't tell me I was the only one.) Those were the days.

This was the place I morphed into an adult. I paid my own bills. I worked a job. I met my own friends. I grocery shopped and cooked for myself.

It's crazy to think of all that has transpired in the past eleven years, and crazy to think how quickly it's passed.

Big Easy, you are a wild place, and a place that is the opposite of my heart, if there is such a place. But you still have a little piece of me anyway. Thanks for the memories.

thankful thursday #71

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:19:00 +0000

Last weekend, Mom came to visit. In actuality, she was in town because I needed her help, and God love her, without hesitation, she came, she worked, she loved me well.

I'm thankful for all those things!

As a bonus, Saturday was her birthday, and we were able to celebrate together. When moms and daughters don't live in the same city, this is a special treat.

And speaking of special treats ...

Yowzaa. Yep, this birthday cake was as good as it looks. You should be jealous.

I'd be remiss if I didn't stop and appreciate the talents of Diane Olexa, and for her delicious cakes. They really do make the world -- or at least Birmingham -- a better place.

What tasty something makes your celebrations more fun? Go on, be grateful!

nice girls win

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 20:28:00 +0000

I love my sister-in-law Katie for many reasons, one being our shared appreciation for books (and well, reading them).

Last weekend on my visit to see Little Man, she and I skipped over to Delray Beach to a book signing by Jodi Picoult.

Upon our arrival to the library, we were disappointed to learn that even the stand-by tickets had all be given out, and that we would only get to meet Jodi "by some miracle."

(It was Mr. Organizer's code for, "Don't count on it." He didn't fool me.)

Now we like Jodi, and we know a lot of other readers do, too. She tackles some pretty hot topics, and we figure her audience includes other young(ish) adults like ourselves, and maybe women up to say, around sixty years old.

We just didn't think so many of them would be at this particular library, on this particular day.

We also didn't consider the overwhelming number of 75-and-uppers that would storm the Delray Beach Public Library for a free Sunday afternoon activity. Three hundred and eighty of them, in fact.

"I really don't think the majority of these people have read one of her books," Katie lamented. The fairness quotient seemed out of balance already.

We decided to wait to see if the "some miracle" would happen; I admit I hoped it would.

We watched the stand-by ticket holders be escorted to the overflow room, where they would only hear the audio feed of Jodi's presentation and reading. I was grateful we didn't have the stand-by tickets.

Then we watched five others with no tickets push their way up to the auditorium door, demanding to be granted entry.

"They got here after us. This isn't fair." Bless her, Katie is a lover of justice, and these circumstances were too much. I felt her pain.

In that moment, I didn't want the riff-raff room with only an audio feed to offer. I wanted in. In the room where Jodi was presenting. In the room that was supposedly full, with no more tickets available.

We wanted justice! We needed a strategy.

Mr. Organizer announced that two seats were available in the stand-by room, and a couple eagerly (albeit unfairly) whined their way into those slots.

The strategy mantra was coming into focus: No whining. Smile big. Win over Mr. Organizer.

Next, Mr. Organizer invited three people in to take single seats in the auditorium. Three (rude) folks slipped inside, and I wondered if the last of the "some miracles" had just been exhausted.

No whining. Smile big. Win over Mr. Organizer.

Katie and I continued to stand in the lobby of the library, chatting with one last kind, decent soul. One more seat inside opened up, and we insisted that she take it. It was her birthday after all.

We're the only ones left. We've been nice to Mr. Organizer, and there is no way he's going to look us in the eye and tell us there's no room left in the inn. It's gonna happen, I coached myself.

The resolve was peaking, and I convinced myself that we'd played our cards so well, that they would give us VIP access.

The doors opened a last time, and another library official -- Mr. Organizer's assistant, maybe? -- flashed a smile and said, "There are two reserved seats left. Come on in."

They weren't VIP, per se, and they were on the very back row, but they did have "Reserved" signs hanging on them.

We felt vindicated. We were in. We enjoyed ourselves. We left with signed books.

I know life doesn't always work out this way, but three cheers for justice.

And that is how the nice girls won that day.

thankful thursday #70

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 03:18:00 +0000

As mentioned a week ago, this week could really go nowhere but up.

And it did.

Despite my busted March Madness bracket, the pollen count that is well off the weatherman's charts, and the sad fact that my weekend with Little Man is behind me, it's been good to have a little more pep in my step; to find myself giggling again; to be more naturally grateful.

In fact, I've had a hard time deciding what nugget of gratitude to feature today!

Yesterday a friend and I went to play tennis after work. I haven't hit a tennis ball in over a year, and I haven't played regularly in well over four years.

Although it takes me a bit to get back into a groove after these long breaks, it's always so great to get back on the court!

My mom is an outstanding player, and for as long as I can remember, she's played every week, and often more than once. She still does.

When I was little, I liked to be a ball girl for her matches, or sit in the umpire chair and pretend I had some authority. I also have a memory of one of her tennis friends promising me a quarter (or was it a nickle?) for every tennis ball I found around the courts. I seriously thought I could get rich!

Anyway, even though I don't play often these days, when I do, I'm so thankful that Mom and Dad gave me opportunities to learn the game of tennis growing up. People say it's a "life sport." One you can play 'til you're old.

It really is true, and I look forward to the next time I get to dig out the racket and run some drills (cause goodness knows, I need them).

Our trees are turning green and filling out, and the sun is finding its way out around here. I hope wherever you are, you're finding reasons to be outside for the fun of it.

Go on, be grateful!

book it

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:13:00 +0000

I don't prefer to read multiple books at one time; it makes me feel like there are incomplete to-do list items, and well, that's just not my M.O.

Of late, however, I've been bouncing between for-real books (love the smell of those pages!) and e-books (love the convenience when I'm flying all over God's creation!).

Here's what's been capturing my attention in 2012:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

This is old news, but what a great read! I put this one off for about a year because I typically don't love historical non-fiction, but I'm so glad I bit the bullet. I physically cringed more times than I can count during this book. It's hard to read about POWs, and the unspeakable treatment they endured, but it was worth it in the end. Louie Zamperini's story gave me a renewed appreciation for our soldiers today, and for the ones who've fought so hard for us over the years.

Gospel Wakefulness by Jared Wilson

The American church could use a kick in the pants, and this book issues an urgent plea to believers, to be aroused from our lukewarm slumber, and into a place where the Gospel is everything. In particular, I appreciated the balance of a deep love of Christ's church with the unwillingness to accept the passionless culture it has fostered.

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

I love a good love story. So sue me. Ever since a friend introduced me to The Notebook over ten years ago, I've been hooked on Nicholas. They are feel-good reads, not difficult, and hopeless romances. Of all his books, and believe me, I've read them all, this would land close to the bottom. Maybe I'm bored; maybe his originality is waning; I don't know. I'm not giving up on him, though.

If My Body Is a Temple, Then I Was a Megachurch by Scott Davis

Praise God, I'm not looking to lose 132 pounds! Last week, a friend from here tipped me off that it was free for the Kindle, so I snagged it up. It was a great weekend read for my flights to see Little Man. He's a comedian, so I giggled a lot, but he's also a serious evangelist, and I was pleased to see sound scriptural references for this man's impressive journey to a healthier life.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

I'm mid-way through this one. I love learning about how brains work and how people are motivated, so this one is right up my alley. The author is a staff writer for The New York Times, and the subject matter is the science of habit formation as it relates to individuals, organizations, and societies. One thing I'm enjoying about this book so far is this guy's ability to present scientific information in a way that even I can understand. That's saying a lot.

Next in my reading queue is Quiet by Susan Cain.

I can't wait to learn why introverts like myself are so awesome.

What are you reading these days? Gimme, gimme those recommendations!

thankful thursday #69

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:56:00 +0000

Not gonna lie, this week has just about sent me into hiding. In spite of you, Week-I-Could've-Done-Without, I am pleased to give thanks for these things:

flip flop weather: My toes are pedicured and officially ready to usher in spring.

and thus the opportunity to be outside: I went for my first outside run in a very long time today. It wasn't pretty, but the sunshine was.

a trip this weekend to visit little man: He told me today he was stoked to spend his first St. Patrick's Day with me.

the really expensive flat screen in our conference room: March Madness is highly competitive in the offices of our little sports management company.

that the spring concert for colla voce is over: It's a miracle we did not stop and restart any of our pieces. We were that unprepared. We were so unprepared, in fact, I did not invite one person to attend. And I'm happy about that.

ceiling fans: My air conditioning is persnickety these days. It's just not the time for it. Not. The. Time.

In one of my lowest points this week, Lori reminded me that spring is a time of new beginnings, and sunshine, and happy things. So even if you're coming out of a week you could've done without, I hope you find much to be thankful for.

Go on, be grateful!

thankful thursday #68, the late edition

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 02:44:00 +0000

A year ago, I realized that during the week I'm working at a conference basketball tournament, Thankful Thursday happens the Sunday after. It just does.

It is postponed. Takes a back seat. Doesn't happen as scheduled.

I confess that I struggle with legalism in more than one area of my life, so this interruption, this letting go of my ritual once in a while, is healthy.

It was so nice to hear from a couple folks, though, who missed it! I sure am thankful for those dear ones.

This trip was challenging in a lot of ways, but during those times when all circumstances aren't perfect, and all news isn't good, intentional gratitude can be a game changer.

Every year at this particular event, we host some Olympians for some hoops games on our very own Center Court. I mentioned them briefly in this very same post last year, but they are worthy of their own post!

For the hours that I'm watching these guys and gals compete, the trappings of this world -- the "stresses" that consume my thoughts -- fall away, and I find myself wondering why any of those things even matter.

So, hey, Olympians from this week in Kansas City, from our team ...

... to your team ...

... thanks for giving us a reason to love what we do.

Who's a special person that had you appreciating something this past week? Go on, be grateful!

thankful thursday #67

noreply@blogger.com (ROBYN LANE) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:54:00 +0000

I've heard some parents say that having children gives them a fresh, unique perspective on God's love.

Like God the Father, they want the highest and best for their children. They ache when their children hurt. They desire to share wisdom with their children. They teach them and prepare them and train them up to make right choices, but they never stop wanting to be involved in their world.

On the other hand, I've never heard children say that having loving parents gives them a fresh, unique perspective on God's love.

Like God's children, we think we know best. We make poor decisions. We learn lessons and receive favor, but we count them as great things we have done, not as products of our parents' guidance and direction. While our parents long to be a part of our world, we are satisfied by living independently, exerting our own authority.

Obviously, no one has perfect parents. Some spend a lifetime wrestling with the mistakes of their parents, and never see even a glimpse of God's character through their earthly example.

There have been a slew of unrelated events happening in and around my life over the past couple of weeks that together have provided a piercing reminder to me that although not perfect, my mom and dad did a whole bunch of things right, for and by their kids.

And I'm thankful for it.

So while I don't have the parents' perspective of God's love, I hope I can be a child who never forgets her parents' example of a holy God's sacrificial love for His children.

What perspective are you thankful for this week? Go on, be grateful!