Birthday Ukulele Hooley

August 27, 2014 Karen Huber

Asher and I each had a birthday this past weekend and in lieu of birthday parties (which I generally dislike), we opted to co-opt Asher's special day and celebrate both birthdays by the sea.

One of our favourite places is People's Park in Dún Laoghaire. Every Sunday they have a food market that rivals any of our old market hang-outs in Kansas City. Instead of stands of produce (which is occasionally offered), they bring in food trucks, bakery and coffee stands from around the city, flowers, arts and crafts and general merriment. It's not huge and overwhelming in size and the food selection is fairly diverse, making it a great way to spend the afternoon. The kids could eat whatever they wanted, play at the playground, and Matt and I could enjoy the view and the serenity that another year of survival brings.

On being Interrupted (again!) and getting messed up for the Kingdom

August 17, 2014 Karen Huber

It's one of those cold, rainy Irish "summer" days where there's nothing quite like cuddling up in bed with a candle, one's favourite cableknit throw and a deep book. So it's a good thing I put off reading Interrupted* till the last minute.

(before you get too envious, it should be noted we came home from church to a doggy-upset-stomach stink you would not believe, so the candle is not just for show)

To recap: I love Jen Hatmaker mainly because, in her own words, she will "tell my little stories" or "have public rants" or "tell very borderline inappropriate anecdotes with no heed to the repercussions." This is right up my alley. If I don't make a new friend cringe in the first 60 seconds of our meeting...

Five Friday Favourites

August 15, 2014 Karen Huber

(I couldn't not include this photo. I mean, really.)

Here's five reads from the internet this week: 1) Sorta Crunchy's beautiful response to a misguided blogger on why depression for the Christian is no measure of your soul. 2) Rachel Pieh Jones' letter to her parents on never saying "don't go" when they moved across the world.

Traveling with cats... I mean kids

August 11, 2014 Karen Huber

Dear Karen, I love all the sweet pictures of your children as they accompany you on your travels. You always make it seem so fun and effortless. How do you do it? Sincerely, Asked No One Ever

the long goodbye

August 4, 2014 Karen Huber

We just did that thing again. That thing where you wave at your dad from behind the glass, shoes off and boarding pass out. One or two children huddle around you, throwing backpacks onto conveyor belts and walking back and forth through the metal detector. Your husband waits for you on the other side, while you pass through security and from one life to the next.

On one side of the glass you are a daughter. On the other side, you are a sojourner; though, in that moment, you probably don’t feel like one at all.

I remember our first time. A baby girl on my hip and a little-boy-hand in mine. We left on a Sunday, a cavalcade of cars burdened with luggage and hopes, and a great deal of uncertainty. I pressed my forehead against the glass, the warmth of a sunny, late spring morning effortlessly pulling tears from my eyes. Turns out, even after four years of support raising, I was not-so-ready to forsake my Kansas home for Ireland’s green shores. My heart literally ached, threatening to break in two. A large group of saints gathered round us, hands on backs and arms, prayers lifted high by people I have known all my life.

I remember my mother’s proud cries, and my dad’s wave goodbye.

***

I'm writing today at Velvet Ashes on how we say goodbye. Would love it if you joined me there.

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