saving ceecee honeycutt by beth hoffman

Confession . . . when I first picked up this book I was almost positive I wasn't going to like it.  I let it sit and collect dust on my book shelf for almost 2 years before I finally picked it up because of a lack of anything else to read at that moment. I should have picked it up sooner.  Amazing story.  Beautiful! Nothing like what I thought it would be about.  I know...don't judge a book by its cover. ;) 

It really was a great story though. A story of sadness, struggle, 2nd chances and blessings. We are introduced to a young girl and follow her through a period of her life that would discourage many and at times gets her down. Ultimately, however, we get to see the connections she makes with those around her and how those connections save her.

*** Pick it up. Read it. Let me know what you thought.

i am malala by malala yousafzai

My daughter recently came home from school very excited to read a book about a young woman from the other side of the world.  Since she was deep into reading Around the World in 80 Days for her English class I decided to read it first.  I am so glad I did.  It was the perfect peak into the heart of a child living in a completely different reality than my children or even than how I was raised.  Fighting against atrocities I would never have to experience under circumstances I can hardly even imagine.  We should all take the chance to learn what we can about those living in different circumstances than ourselves.  Malala was a young girl, daughter of a school owner/teacher, living in the Swat valley of current Pakistan.  The story follows her as she fights for the education of young girls just like her, gets shot in the face by the Taliban for this very same fight and what happens after she is shot.



*** I would highly recommend this piece of literature to all. There are names that may be difficult to pronounce for some readers and although not a difficult read in writing style, content can be discouraging as you read about the horrible things that Malala, her friends, her family and the citizens of her country were facing everyday.  You can purchase your own copy here or I encourage you to search it out at your local library.  Olyvia will be reading it soon and I will share her thoughts on this post at that time.

davis family at kingston waterfront

There is something to be said about getting to spend time capturing a family enjoying each other. I had a truly wonderful time photographing this wonderful family.  We spent a little time on the Kingston waterfront and the kids and adults enjoyed playing with the little crabs that were hiding under the rocks. Thank you so much for choosing me to capture the joy surrounding your family.  What a treat!

 

a week away

Over the last two years with how busy Kimco Plumbing and Fern Hollow have been, Robb and I had been unable to get away for a vacation just the two of us.  We started thinking about it this last winter and realized it had been over 13 years since Robb and I had gotten away on a trip just the two of us.  No family, no friends, no wedding, no mission trip to organize and lead, no conference to attend, just the two of us spending time away together exploring a new place.  The last trip the two of us took was in 2000 when we spent a week in San Francisco and camped along hwy 101 on our way home.  It was an amazing 10 days.  We loved being together just the two of us, exploring new things and seeing new places.

So, when we found out that we were being given an all inclusive trip to the Dominican Republic we were elated. Now, since the trip was through work there would be a couple dinners/cocktail parties we would need to attend but otherwise we would have an entire week to be just us relaxing and enjoying some time in the sun.  This last February we headed to Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana for a week of luxury. 

For those of you who are planners out there, the idea of turning over your travel itinerary to someone else...well you can understand when I say it is a little nerve wracking. Up until about 10 days before our trip, we didn't even know our flight information.  We received it though, along with our transportation info and hotel reservations and on February 17th we arrived at the airport at 8:30pm and checked in for our 10pm flight. We were embarking upon a long journey but we were excited. :)

Here is a little glimpse at our trip, from lounging at the beach, to exploring our resort and our trip to Santo Domingo to see the 1st city in New World.  It was a great trip simply because we got to spend it together. I look forward to our next adventure together...my husband truly is my favorite travel companion. :)

The beach in front of our resort was beautiful.  We spent hours lounging, reading and sipping ice tea.

The very first cathedral - built by the Spanish but uses French Gothic influences in the architecture.  It was quite an amazing site to see.

Robb loved all the history - like how Sir Francis Drake (the English Privateer...read Pirate) took over the Cathedral and slept in it in order to show that he had power and control or the people.

Quick snapshot between stops. 

Construction projects take years and years to complete.  We saw many buildings in this phase with no one working on them.

Entrance to the city for the common folk and servants.

The door into the home of the Columbus royals.

The armor brought over by Christopher Columbus that was never used because it was too hot.

As of course, because of the profession we are in, we couldn't leave without taking some photos of the plumbing in the city.  Robb especially loved the downspout line that went against gravity and traveled in an upwards direction halfway down the building. :)

Robb and the guard at the capitol building.

The lighthouse where Christopher Columbus' body is laid to rest.

An amazing trip to Santo Domingo.  There is so much history there.  We loved our day in the city.

Stephanie, our Moen rep. :)

We ended up meeting a great couple (Mat & Rita) who live in Buckley and had dinner with them a couple nights as well as spending one of our days hanging out with them at the pool. 

It really was a beautiful resort and a beautiful beach.  That said, I think the beaches in Maui were more beautiful simply because they were less populated and more serene.

  

Our last photo at the resort after enjoying a wonderful breakfast before heading to the airport.

Hubby carved our names and the date onto one of the posts at the airport. 

Goodbye to the DR!