for starters...

Three things came together in creating this new space. Firstly, I realized that Benjamin's blog was becoming less and less "all about mr. benjamin!", especially as he got older and my life became less consumed by feeding/changing/schedules. Secondly, I was at a women's retreat with my church 3 weekends ago and we started talking about the wisdom that we get from other women. We were reminded that often times we gain this wisdom through simple, everyday acts (like the gift of presence, to name one), and then we were challenged to pass on the wisdom we've received/picked up to others through some small way. Not to say that I'm wise or that I have something in particular to pass on, but I think we learn from the support and struggles of other people... and I certain have my share of those. Long story short(er), I decided to blog about myself more frequently, in the hopes that someday my stumbling around will be useful to someone else. And thirdly (3 things, remember?) at this same retreat I realized that I never take specific time for myself anymore -- I'm usually running around trying to finish something for school or with Benjamin, or taking much-needed lazy breaks. My hope is that I will be able to spend some time in the mornings, before Benjamin is up for the day, and quiet myself a little. I don't promise to share that time with a blog everyday, but you never know.

Don't worry, I couldn't keep up a serious blog for long. This will also be a space for family updates, to share pictures, and all of the whatnot that happens in life. See?
Behold, the hole in the ceiling that sags whenever it rains but is apparently invisible to the landlord. You would have NEVER got to see that on the old blog!