havent reads

I was looking through the bookshelf pictured above when I realized I should divide my books into "have reads" and "havent reads." That way I can be one of those old people with thousands of books on her shelves, all "have reads." Would you rather speak to speak to someone like that, in all her intrigue and allure, than the individual who surrounds herself with books for fluff, decor, and an air of intelligence?

And so, the list of "havent reads" goes like this:
Calligraphy
Steppenwolf
Praha
The Great Kettles
Jasmine
The Bonesetters Daughter
Memoirs of a Geisha
Houses that Change the World

That is not as bad as I had thought. I suppose it helps that many of these were from lit courses where I was forced to read at break-neck speed. I dont think I will ever really read "Calligraphy" but I will start my small list at The Bonesetter's Daughter and see where the reading world takes me [if I can escape the haunts of the cathedral builders in Pillars of the Earth first].

math or history?

Hold fast to dreams,
for if dreams die,
life is a broken-winged bird
that cannot fly.

I have had these words from Langston Hughes taped to my laptop for some time now. Rather than being utterly inspired, I find myself despondent. What happened to my dreams? Am I selling out by trying a career that I have never envisioned myself in? Am I losing sight of all that I am if I turn towards this job, this degree, this life? Or is this what I was supposed to find all along and somehow got distracted along the way? How does one stay true to oneself while trying new things? Is it fear that holds me back? Or is it the sense that I will be giving up on my dreams?

For years I have been gearing my studies and jobs towards history and preservation work. And I have loved it [even when I felt completely lost surrounded by architecture grad students in HP 410]. But, after working at JJs and meeting with Ray and discussing goals with my husband, the pathways have turned. I find myself looking into MBA programs, searching out marketing and sales jobs, wondering how I would look in business suits. But I am not EXCITED about the idea, I am excited about the prowess, the success, the money [honestly], and the idea that one day, we could own our own place.

It is nothing compared to a different type of excitement. The one I feel towards my passions. I am thrilled and intrigued when I find historian jobs and preservation internships and project director jobs that I could one day [not now, not enough experience or schooling to be a project manager] apply for. I am more intrigued by teaching high school history than I am selling math textbooks. And so, why am I doing this? Is it to prove myself? Is it cause Dad has always said I would be good at sales and business? Is it to a step to get out of Clemson? Is it a step towards business school? Is it just a way to get back to Charleston?

How have I so lost my way and why is it so hard to see clearly from this thicket of brambles?

a visit to the cheese molding pit of despair

Once upon a time, there was a magical land smelling of sulfur and illuminated by head torches, pocket flashlights, cell phones, and the sparkle in a child's eye...


In this tunnel, named Stumphouse, a railroad tunnel was being built: a project doomed by war and poverty to be forgotten. Until a school called Clemson used its moist atmosphere to mold its legendary bleu cheese. Today, the tunnel is visited by locals and tourists, playing Tom Sawyer and Becky. There are three sections... the first is safe, the second eery, the third flooded with stale rain water and reeking of swirling clouds of sulfur. Illuminated, it looks like this:
But in reality, it is a dark dark place, with no light...We were a little bit scared and giddy. For more entertainment, especially when Crazy Claire came out, see Life in the Orange Sky



Nearby, is the famous Issaqueena Falls where you can sneak behind the waterfall, if you are sneaky and wear your best stealth gear.

the siobhan

I just read this quote off a website called Kiss the Groom

"Bridemaids are our sisters, our best friends, our fiance’s cousins….
they are the lovely women who help us navigate our weddings & all that is involved… these are the women that help you get into your dress & stay up late at night reminiscing over days gone by…so choose carefully…be sure to surround yourself with woman who love & support you…& who bring joy & peace to your wedding day…."

I was blessed to have my girls, sisters and life-long friends, surrounding me that day- helping out- smiling- looking gorgeous- loving and supporting me. Thank you, ladies.

jess

once, I had this awesome friend named Jess.
She moved to Italy to work on a farm and learn about all things Tuscan.
I miss her.