A Summer Rain

For KK:

Ten million drops of water fell from the sky.
Two red umbrellas went dancing in the rain.
Four bare feet went splashing through the gutters.
One memory was made as voices sang and laughed.

*********************************************************************************

Paradise

Listening to the piano version of La Valse D'Amelie and remembering the best tomato soup I have ever eaten. It was found at Paradise Cafe and Bakery: 618 East 400 South, SLC.

The refrigerator talks

If one was to walk into my parents house and go to the refrigerator (which I often do), one would find a piece of paper with insightful and/or inspirational, sometimes funny quotes. I believe it is my dad's idea and also he who posts the quotes that change every so often. Besides, if you want someone to read something, what better place is there than the refrigerator door? That or the inside of a bathroom - which my mom has that one covered.

The latest quotes from the refrigerator door:

Choose your food as carefully as you choose your clothing because you may very well be wearing it.

Our health always seems much more valuable after we lose it

Unknown

The elevator to success is out of order.
You'll have to take the stairs...one step at a time.
~Joe Girard
And for that matter, the elevator to health and wellness is also out of order.
You'll have to take the stairs...one step at a time.
~LDS Wellness

The healthiest approach to weight loss is a combination of less food and more exercise

Peggy Hughes

There's no place like home

The phrase "There's no place like home," passed through my mind yesterday - and I realized that it was true...because right now, there's not.

But it's not what you are thinking. Read it again.

"There's no place like home."

For the past few months I have been here and there, no place has really seemed to take me and make me feel comfortable...or "at home." (except for certain cemeteries, but that's another post, and no I am not morbid)

For me, right now, there is no place like home, or that is like a home. I feel like my life is in a suitcase and I am not sure where my tickets that I purchased are taking me to. Is there a train that comes with this ticket? A free meal?

For the next several months - it will be the same. I will be here and there and end up who knows where.

This evening I was at my place, playing guitar - I looked around and realized that it wasn't so familiar. I was a stranger in my own home...and a feeling of awkwardness overwhelmed me. I packed up and left. I may stop by for a visit every now and then - as I am welcome that is. But for now - I'll take that free meal and a ticket to ride.

All aboard!

my sassy gal

This is the voice that used to be the (lead) voice of Sassafras...I came across this clip just tonight...Ang - I love you girl!

a WoRD FoR THe WaLL

I love words. And this one is a great one -

UBIQUITOUS: existing or being everywhere at the same time : constantly encountered

:)

.

SLC Afternoon Nap

I woke up - and after looking around in a daze - I remembered where I was at. Specks of cotton hung in the air, highlighted by the afternoon rays...moving slowly, moving methodically - just like July. Green and grey surrounded me.

After joking for the past two weeks that my family was going to have to have a wedding and a funeral on the same day - I found it ironic that I would choose a cemetery to take a nap in this afternoon.

I was tired and hungry and needed a break.

After scouting out a grassy slope that was shaded by an elm on the west end, I enjoyed a light lunch of a pickle, an apple, some cashews, 2 hard boiled eggs and a water - follow by a light nap - followed by some guitar. I am learning Eva Cassidy's "The Autumn Leaves," - which I will play profusely come Fall - because that's when we met - last Fall - and that's when I'll miss him the most.

The company just happened to be taking naps as well - how convenient.

You know - it's interesting - how when one is surrounded by death - that one focuses on life. At least, that's how it is for me. I think through more thoroughly about my life - what I am doing, why I am doing it; where I am going, why I am going there; what's most important, and am I doing what's most important and what do I need to do to get where I want to be. It's funny how sometimes we want to get somewhere - and yet, don't do what it takes to get there. Probably because it's hard. But usually anything that is really worth it - is hard. It's the hard that makes it good - it's the hard that makes it worth it. It's the hard that makes it valuable and appreciated. My motto used to be DO HARD THINGS! That was a pre-mission motto. Then I went on a mission. And it was hard (at times harder than I had imagined). And it was worth it (at times, more worth it than I had imagined). It was the hard that made it worth it. I am working through a hard situation right now - and am waiting for the worth it part. But it'll come...in what form, I do not know; and which way it will go, I do not know - but it will come. And it will be worth it.

That's a lot of hard and worth it in one paragraph.

Kim's Song

My sister 4 years younger got married today - a fine day for a wedding.

Pictures and stories to come...but for now...the song that she and Kevin danced to for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell. And yes - I teared up. Gravity

Also - the song that all of us siblings danced to - ha. I'd rather dance with you

SiBLiNG SLeePoVeR

GooD MoRNiNG!

All of the single Halls (7) sleeping out together...worth the restless night.

A grateful heart

For the past how-many-ever-months, I have been working on a particular project trying to meet a drop-dead deadline of July 12th (yesterday).

The past few weeks have been especially crazy-busy and I have a few thanks to express to the people who pulled me through now that THE day has come and gone.

***********************************************************************************
THe HaLL GiRLS:

Last weekend everything had come to a pinnacle. When I thought of all that had to "magically" happen on site in one week, it all seemed so overwhelming. I was already physically and mentally shot from the previous weeks...add a troubled heart into the mix - and I was done. I broke down.

All areas of my life seemed to be in shambles or on the verge of - and I didn't have the capacity to deal with it - any of it. Functioning was no longer an option.

My younger sister by 4 years is getting married on Tuesday - so last Monday we had decided to have our last "girl's night out" before she says I do and moves to far away NYC. Monday evening arrived - and while I was up in Heber selecting stone for the project - my sisters and my mom were at my apartment putting it all back together from the previous weeks tornadoes. And although I was a bit embarrassed at having them open my door and see what a disaster it was - I was enormously grateful to each of them for putting my life physically back in order. I later met up with them at my parents house for a light dinner and a showing of "Father of the Bride." Thanks Mom, Allysha, Alena, Steph, Bethany, Kim, Nat, and KK!!!! Love you all tons - even though lately I have been too exhausted to be much fun.

***********************************************************************************
RoNNY:

He kept me on the edge - but wouldn't let me fall off. He checked in with me every once in a while to see how my emotional and physical state of being was - asking if there was anything he could do. He also fortified me spiritually and just hearing him talk kept me grounded.

We bonded a few years ago over Brazil - and that has been the base of our relationship ever since - being able to talk about the place and the people we love, and the message that changes lives.

*************************************************************************************
PauL:

My favorite aspect of associating with professionals in the business world are the relationships that are created, and that affect me, not only on a work level, but more so on a personal level. When I started off on my own I would have never thought to have gained so many friends with life-enhancing consequences. Paul is one of these many friends.

I could go on how he is amazing as a professional and gives wonderful service and insight into the project - and it would be enough to be quite impressive. But I would like to focus on how he has affected me as a person. Not only has he been a great sub, but he has been a friend, a confidante, and a counselor. I have been given business advice, book advice, and most of all heart advice.

A few weeks ago he stayed after hours just to talk with me about my concerns, fears, hopes and my heart. "Paul, the work day is over, you have a family to get home to!" "I wouldn't stay and talk through this with you if I didn't think it mattered."

On Wednesday I was almost to the point of delirium as a result of little sleep, little food and mucho stress - and needed to drive 40 minutes each way to purchase colored glass. There was no way I was going to make it safely on my own. So, Paul drove me, there and back again. We talked about business on the way there, and then he listened to my heart on the way back.

Thursday evening he brought his wonderful wife and 4 sons to help with a certain aspect of the project...talk about dedication!

Thanks Paul - to you and all of the gentlemen from your company. They have all treated me in the very best fashion possible and did whatever it took to get the job done. I was quite amazed and speechless at times.

*************************************************************************************
MaRCoS:

Marcos is my amigo on site. Many times we were the first two to appear on the job. All it took was an exchange of "AMIGO!" from me with a wave of both arms, and an "AMIGA!" from him with a big smile to start my day off right. I always looked forward to seeing my amigo a cada dia.

*************************************************************************************
THe BoYS:

They always asked me questions about the job, about plants, about rocks - sometimes I think it was just to strike up a conversation. This group of hard-working, upstanding gentlemen became dear friends and I always enjoyed the exchange of words here and there. They really cared about how things were going for me and always showed genuine concern. I was always so happy to see them appear and reappear on the job. They have the greatest smiles that just fill you up with happiness.

*************************************************************************************
THe DeTeCTiVe:

From day 1 he was a driving force - and a reason to do my best. His approval was always sought after and he brought out the best, creative, hard-working Lorflor possible. He made me think through my ideas, gave advice and answered question after question. Sometimes I wondered if he ever tired of my indecisiveness or my lack of knowledge...but if he did he never showed it. I have spent more time with him than any other person since last fall - and now that the project has significantly slowed down, I don't think I shall be seeing him as much...how odd that will be, how sad that will be. The next project I start - I am sure I will be looking to my left and right - waiting for him to come around the corner so I can bother him about this or that. I don't know how I will do without him. We made a great team. When I ask for trivial advice or for an opinion from most people, I do the opposite of what they say. I surprised myself when I found that I actually agreed with most of his ideas and opinions. And although I have been looking forward to the completion of this project, I am not looking forward to the completion of this relationship. I know, I know - he'll always be a friend, you say. But it won't be the same.

Aside from the professional impact - the personal impact has been just as great if not greater. He brought out the me in me - and I could be myself with out being self-conscious. I have been through a lot personally since we met and have grown greatly emotionally and spiritually - he has been the catalyst for much of this growth. People come into your lives at certain times for certain seasons - and this has been one of the more significant ones. I don't know the length or the exact reason of this season, but like autumn - it has been full of rich color and beauty; like winter - the delight of a soft, fresh snowfall; like spring - new life and new hues; and like summer - the warmth of the sun's rays in the late afternoon.

So here's to triangle tubes, raw corn on the cob, steak, clear glass, sound-effects (especially zing), walking the streets, paying a lot in fees for over-texting (I eventually switched my plan to unlimited), the nutcracker, buying too many new shoes cause I thought he would like them, bottled water, music mixes, lots of smiles - along with lots of tears, and, of course - the number 11. CHeeRS!

*************************************************************************************
MY FaTHeR

My dad has been a guiding strength through this all and has supported me in numerous ways. He has provided me with strength and is willing to talk about whatever, whenever. This past week he called to see how I was surviving, and that simple phone call made a difference. Thanks dad! My appreciation for you goes forever and ever.

I'll end this post by paying tribute to my Heavenly Father. He has been through this with me every step of the way - I have looked to Him for design advice, plant advice, heart advice,...just about everything you could think of! He is a constant companion and has guided and directed me throughout this past year. He has answered prayer after prayer...and at times I have been overwhelmed by His love and interest for me. After all - he was the director for the creation this world! Who, but He, would be THE most qualified to give advice as far as landscape design goes! He is the Master Designer - and I hope I can show my love and appreciation for Him through how I live my life, and in the choices I make.

*************************************************************************************
There are numerous others who deserve a paragraph or two in this post. Just know that I am grateful to ALL who made this possible and supported me in any aspect.

Wayfarin' Stranger

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir does a fantastic rendition of this spiritual. I listen to it most nights as I prepare for sleep...along with some other great songs sung by the MoTAB (good ghost chasing strategy it is....) 5th paragraph is my favorite.

I am a poor wayfaring stranger
A-trav'ling through this land of woe.
And there's no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go.

I'm going home to see my father
I'm going there no more to roam;
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I'm just a-going over home.

I know dark clouds will gather 'round me
I know my way is steep and rough;
But beauteous fields lie just beyond me
Where souls redeemed their vigil keep.

I'm going there to meet my mother
She said she'd meet me when I come
I'm just a-going over Jordan
I'm just a-going over home.

I want to wear a crown of glory
When I get home to that bright land
I want to shout Salvation's story
In concert with that bloodwashed band.

I'm going there to meet my Saviour
To sing His praises forevermore
I'm only going over Jordan
I'm only going over home

37 hour days

Out of the last 65 hours or so I have slept about 6 of those, give or take. Just so much to do and so little time to do it in. And who knows when I'll be able to hit the pillow tonight...

Once the sun has set and it's too dark to work on site - I move to the computer to process information so that the project may continue to move forward. From the time I wake up - until about ten (or later) my only focus is work related. And after ten you ask? What would one do between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.?

Well...laundry, write checks for bills that need to be paid, organize, visit PO Box, mail the bills that need to be paid, read, eat blueberries, take a shower, get pulled over for speeding, water my plants, a simple crunchy taco from Taco Bell, think, blog....hee. It's these hours that I have time to keep my life running outside of work. Although, after this week - my schedule should revert back to a normal, 9 to 5 kind of routine. Which will be very nice, indeed.

In the meantime...does anybody know where I can get 37 hours a day?

Yes Officer?

"Good evening, Officer."

"Do you know why I pulled you over?"

"Because I was going over 60?"

"66."

"Oh."

"The speed limit is 50."

"Oh. Really? I didn't know" (What?! I didn't! Although I probably should have - I drive this canyon so regularly)

"Yeah, a lot of people say that - there aren't very many signs along this road either. Where are you going and where are you coming from? You seem to be in a hurry tonight"

"Yes sir, I am working on a project in Park City and needed to come down to my apartment/office to take care of a few things then head back up."

"Do you normally speed?"

"5 to 7 over the speed limit - or with the flow of traffic..."

"Well, at least your honest. License, insurance and registration please."

[as I wait and wait I organize the papers in my car while the blinding lights continue to flash]

"What are you - a contractor?"

"A landscape designer. This is my project I am working on. [conveniently pull out master plan] There is going to be a wedding on site this Saturday - they are going to get married in this gazebo...right here...and there is still a lot to do."

"I need some work done on my backyard...well, I am not going to give you a ticket. Although for 16 over you deserve a ticket."

"Yes, sir."

"Drive safe - there's wildlife in this canyon - and you don't want to hit it, especially going 16 over and in the dark."

"Yes, sir. Thank you. Have a good night officer."

An Old Client

So I am sitting here in the middle of the dirt on one of my projects in PC. It is now too dark to work...so I shall be heading for the shower soon. Thank goodness.

While I was working on my project I received an email via my blackberry from an old client...over two years ago.

He emailed me some pictures of his backyard - now that it has had a couple of years to feel at home.

This plan is what the design was based off of.....

Yikes!

And this was the result (these pictures were taken by the client):




It was my first time ever placing plants on site myself and working with a landscape contractor and his crew - telling him to move the tree just 5 more inches to the left...wait! A little to the right now - there - good.

I was super nervous about this job when all was said and done - and wasn't sure how I had done. I have come a ways and still have a long ways to go....but I love it.

And it's great when a client calls up years later to thank you for creating a beautiful space for them to live in - because some days I just really wonder what in the world am I doing?

It's moments like these that make it all worth it.



:)

Fly me to the moon

When I was younger I so much wanted to be an astronaut and fly to the moon. But my poor mathematic skills and my body's unwillingness to endure high speed motion beyond a backyard swing (and even then) keeps me pretty grounded.

I guess I'll be fine with Europe...and Brazil is always an option, naturally.

SoMeDaY

Someday I'll make it....someday I won't have to post other people's pictures...someday I'll eat gelado and ride a bicycle through the narrow streets, or out in the country...someday.

"la chica"

"Sometimes you're decked-out, sometimes granola, sometimes punky...always changes"

"So, what am I today?"

"Normal."

?

Sunday Notes

Trials and tribulations tend to squeeze the artificiality out of us, leaving the essence of what we really are and clarifying what we really yearn for.

Neal Maxwell

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.

C. S. Lewis

Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.

C. S. Lewis

Believing requires action.

James E. Faust

SPLiSH SPLaSH

The last time I was at the water park with my siblings...I can't remember when. YYEEAARRSS......ago.

Myself, Nat, Nith, Kim with fiance Kevin (Bethany showed up a bit later).

Great sibling bonding time...it was an evening of laugher, screams and goofiness.

Insightful Read

insighful read

What's your fortune?

Okay - I have two fortune cookies in front of me.....one for you and one for me. Which one do you want?

The one on the right? Okay - good, because I usually take the cookie on the left, my left that is.

My fortune cookie says....."You will step on the soil of many countries."

Sweet.

Your fortune cookie says....."You will soon receive pleasant news of a personal nature."

Hmmm...very nice.