Kindred Spirits

Typically every year or so I spend a chunk of time watching Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea straight through. I think what first attracted me to the movies when I was little was that Anne had red hair like me (although, unlike Anne, I've always liked my red hair!). Now I love Anne because she has a wonderful story with lots of humor, deep friendships with Diana, and of course pretty much the most romantic saga of all times with Gilbert :) What really strikes me about Anne though is her discovery of "kindred spirits". Of course, she automatically discovers some of these kindred spirits, such as Diana Berry, and sweet Matthew. But what I particularly love is how people that make Anne furious also eventually become kindred spirits. Gil--who makes Anne so mad she breaks her slate over his head--because a kindred spirit (and eventually husband). Rachel Lynde, the town gossip who speaks her mind, eventually wins over Anne's heart and is dubbed a kindred spirit. And there are many others...Diana's Aunt, the Pringles, and old Mrs. Harris. Once Anne enters into their world and discovers what makes them who they are, she finds something lovable in them after all. I absolutely love that--and think it is something we can all learn from. There is a saying that "hurt people hurt people." I think a lot of the time that is true--those that are wounded most sometimes act out and cause pain to others. Those people that are the difficult ones in our lives, and usually the ones that need the most love. Once we spend time to see their story, we can become kindred spirits after all. I've seen this more recently in the tv series LOST. When LOST was first beginning we were introduced to so many characters, and quickly discovered that many of them had not-so-nice pasts, including murder. But when the episodes showed flashbacks of individual characters' lives, did we almost automatically start rooting for that character--or at least, understanding why they did what they did? Of course, there are always some things that there are no excuses for. But on the whole, I want to be the kind of person that can find a kindred spirit in most everyone. I want to be someone who is slow to speak, quick to listen, and who will be willing to alter her first judgements of people. I want to be someone who sees beyond labels into the uniqueness of an individual and cherishes who they are. I want to be like Anne, not just because of my red hair :) Thank Jesus that I already have so very, very many kindred spirits in my life, and I hope to always leave room for more!

Wait, I have a blog?

I haven't forgotten about my blog, I've really just been at a loss for what to share! Leave it to Stephanie to give me a push :) So here are some ramblings:

-Things at work are still lameo, but I'm moving to a new position within the company, which is supposed to be accompanied by a little raise, so there's a little bit of hope. I figure, even if I hate the new position as much as I hate what I'm doing now, at least I'll be making a little more money with it, right? Seems logical.

-I am so much falling in love with my church family. Seeing the way they care for each other, work through issues together, and spend time together just makes me so happy. If it weren't for the fact that the following day is Monday which means I have to go back to work, Sundays would hands-down be my favorite day of the week! I really look forward to Sunday morning service, I love the Sunday evening potlucks they sometimes have, I have fun at choir practice each Wednesday evening, and I was even glad I went to the church budget meeting! It is wonderful to be around people that love the Word and seek to be faithful to the Lord's will.

-If you remember from last summer, my good friend Lisa and I planted a garden together in her yard (since sadly I am lacking my own yard). Well this year we doubled the size of our garden, and so far things are going GREAT! The tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers are doing well just like last year. However this year we have added corn--which has been AMAZING to watch grow--it actually looks like corn!!!, string beans, lettuce, spinach (which sadly has already died), and we are getting ready to plant some watermelon and canteloupe seedlings. So great! Come visit me and maybe I can give you some produce :)

-I really like wearing lipstick. This is neither here nor there, but something I have come to terms with, even if it does make me sound like a little old lady.

Alright, well I think that is good enough of a start to get me back into the swing of things! And if anyone (coughstepaniecough) has any suggestions of what I should be talking about, feel free to let me know :-P