Originally, I thought this Blog would be about strictly writing and/or how writing effects life.  Now, I’m realizing that the purpose of this blog has expanded.  I realize that life affects writing more so than writing affects life.  I don’t want to neglect the writing process or experience at all, nor will I as I discover new aspects and tricks of the trade; however, the question remains: how can one write about life if one is not living it?  So, maybe I created this Blog for writing–yes–but living is a huge part of that, so I see no reason not to document these experiences as well.  Which I have already begun to do…But now, I do it consciously.  Also, the name of the Blog extends nicely to the addition, so maybe it was meant to be all along.  I think it’s really neat to acknowledge growth as it happens, even if it is within ourselves.  I hope y’all don’t mind.  Maybe I’ll tag these types of post something like, oh I don’t know, “Life” so if you don’t want to read them, you can skip them.

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My birthday was at the end of July, and I had very low-key, sweet mini-celebrations which, I’ve come to learn, is the best way for me to celebrate my birthday–or any occasion for that matter.  I like being able to visit with groups of friends and family on different gatherings rather than rushing from one group to another at one large gathering.

So, Husband organized a gathering of some friends, he, and me to go to my favorite Irish Pub for dinner (mine food looked like this:)

And we had cookie brownies at our house after.  Great night!

The next weekend, I had a surprise dinner with my Mom and Dad.  My parents have 7 kids at their home, so to get just them for a few hours is a present within itself.

Dad cooked some amazing smoked chicken, okra, and rice and gravy.  I only have a picture of the chicken, though.

And mom made my all-time favorite sushi.  The kind I grew up on.

I love this picture because you can see her hands making it in the top right corner.  Completely unplanned but adored.

It’s so easy to convince yourself that you are under-appreciated, unloved, unspoken for.  Thanks to all my loved ones who took the time to tell me differently.