Talking {Coffee} Shop

We all know my love of coffee shops.  Here is a few things happening in and around the coffee shop before I head of to work...

Hearing Conversations About:

The free cup of coffee when buying  a bag of beans and the amount of people who don't redeem it

An older woman who doesn't have her usual seat, "It's such a busy morning..."

A group from the company down the street on the different type of men's v-neck t-shirts

"I don't remember what I did last week, soccer?  Yes, it was soccer non-stop..."

Camp Galileo and the cool {overwhelmingly so} science projects

Cranberry scones and "Are you allergic to almonds?"

House blend, they have to brew a new pot

Laughs

Pinching children's cheeks, they are just so dang adorable!

Business deals

Weekend plans

Seeing:

Empty cups

Red walls

Breakfast scattered tables

Business clothes

Casual clothes

Bright bags

Pouring liquids

Computers

Specially brewed coffee

Brown coffee bags

It is a busy day!  Happy Friday!

Conversations of Joy

I've been away for awhile.  Blogging could not be a priority.  And even in the midst of that, I was still writing.  My thoughts still poured out on a page.  Nothing bad happened, there was no catastrophe, I just wasn't posting.  There were things in life that were more important and those things took time and attention.

This was written awhile ago, but I can express these sediments today as well.  Happy Sunday!  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

How do we discover joy?  I think as others have said before me that joy is found in the little things, the things in which we stop and are thankful.  And if it true that we find joy in the things we are thankful for then I am thankful for conversations.  Conversations bring me joy; especially conversations that come from nowhere, in a coffee shop, in the park, on the bus.  They are of an introductory nature.  A catching up on life and the things that make it beautiful.   A way to see the world as a place where passion and discovery grows.  People know things.  They know what makes their world tick.  They know what makes them excited.  They know more than I will ever know.  And they can do more things than I will ever learn to do.

Oh life is beautiful.  Have a conversation and discover joy in relationship.

Quiche: Everything but the Kitchen Sink version

Friday night I came home from being out of town for the previous 24 hours.  It was a stressful day and I had been meaning to make quiche all week.  I forgot to buy a crust at the store {cause that’s what happens these days, store bought crust}.  So it was leftovers and quiche combined.

 

If you are like me and forgot to buy or are too lazy to make a crust make a simple cracker crust.  I used Ritz crackers because, well I was too lazy to make a flour crust.  Mix the smashed cracker crumbs with melted butter (3-4 tablespoons) and pat into a pie crust.  Bake for 10 minutes at 250 to set.

Chop up whatever veggies you have and sound like they would be good together.  I had roasted brussel sprouts earlier in the week and so that went in with the red bell pepper and zucchini.  I suggest adding some protein, we added sausage that actually had spinach, cheese, and garlic inside.  Fill your crust with the veggies and meat and top with shredded cheese.  I used cheddar and parmesan because that is what I had on hand, but my favorite is swiss.  Mix 3 eggs with ¼ cup milk and few dashes of pepper.  If you don’t have garlic in with a veggie I suggest adding some to the egg mix.  Pour over the top and bake for 25-35 minutes at 375 or until cheese is slightly browned.

Enjoy!

 

I also figured that since I just talked about coming to the table this was a perfect opportunity to show you what's been on my table lately.

Elfin Forest Adventure

When I was Italy I had 4 months to do everything…and I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I was there, in it all.  And now I have 5 months of college left…and in some ways I deny the fact that there is such a short timeline.  5 months.  That’s it.  Done. I’ve started making a list of things I want to do while I’m in this place and this community.  Some of them I’ve done before want to do more often, and others it will be the first time.  On that list was going to the Elfin Forest.  Not the Elf forest, but the Elfin forest because there was some confusion.

My friends Katie and Alison and I went on a Saturday afternoon adventure.  We went and got Costco samples as treats, then hit up the coffee shop for some warm beverages {otherwise known as hand warmers} before heading to the beautiful town of Los Osos.

The Elfin forest, not what any of us expected.  But it was beautiful and we took pretty pictures.  We watched the sunset and talked like girls do.  We laughed and looked at Morro Rock.  We saw the low {too low} tied of the marsh lands.  And we breathed the fresh air.  It was marvelous and one thing off the do list. 

Yay for Saturday adventures…and many more to come!

Sick

It’s been an interesting past week. Tuesday night was the night that the last month and a half caught up with me. Yuck! I struggled through Wednesday at school and came home to sleep. And did no homework.  And then decided I needed to go to school on Thursday.  I’m glad I did…Yay extra credit!

I came home and slept some more and then made a cake for my bible study girls.  No worries, it wasn’t taxing just fun.  And I substituted ingredients that I had in excess.  Even though I told them it was an experiment and they didn’t have to eat it if they didn’t like it they told me it was delicious.  Thanks girls!

Friday and this weekend is just for laying low and having fun.  {Already made pancakes for breakfast and spent time reading}

Oh…and I'll be catching up on homework

Fall Retreat {Weekend Recap}

This last weekend I spent time with some awesome people at “fall Retreat.”  500 of us invaded a Marriot Hotel in Ventura, California.  Its craziness, but oh so much fun.  We had a wonderful speaker talking who did a great job of connecting with her audience.  I had the opportunity to talk with her one on one.  Yeah, we talked about other places in the world :)

Megan and I mid date

 

She is a globe trotter…4 continents in one week.  Impressed?  I was tempted to ask if I could go in her suitcase, or maybe I could be her personal assistant.  She just came in from Accra, Ghana.  We talked about the Frankfurt airport and how we really don’t like it.  We talked about people’s insensitivity to culture.  After our conversation I am convinced that I should be a trainer for groups that want to go abroad on cultural norms, dos and donts.  I shared in her horror as she recounted a recent cultural slip up that she witnessed.  Let’s be aware of other cultures people!

I got to hear parts of 3 amazing girl’s hearts.  I love first year of college students and the way that they have a blank page before them.  These girls have gone through so many things and yet I can see the ways in which they grow.

There was a crazy dance party on Saturday night.  The theme was Disneyland and there were some pretty creative costumes. Yay for dance parties!

I got to go on a lovely beach walk date with Miss Megan.  We’ve been meaning to steal some time away and it was so good to catch up on life.  Friend dates are a necessity of life.

That is just a flavor of this last weekend. 

Sports Weekend

via

This was a weekend of sports…and yes another weekend of no camera.  How did that happen?

{The no camera, not the sports.}  I got a little sunburned at the first event.  I knew I should have put more sunscreen on.  I now have a nice red triangle from my v-neck.  Thankfully it doesn’t hurt, but it looks painful!  I was watching my sister’s first soccer game of the season.  Unfortunately, they didn’t win…but that only means they can get better!

After the game we ran into some friends and had fun chatting on the sidelines.  I got some love from a girl I babysit.  It’s so nice to feel loved.

This weekend I also had the opportunity to go to my first professional baseball game.  I grew up an hour south of San Francisco and this was the first time I’d been to a game.  I know it's a little sad.  {It helps when you know someone that has season tickets.}  And boy did I go to a good game!  I know the Giants and Dogers have a rivalry {we joke about it at home…in the safety of our home} but I did not realize that it is the oldest rivalry in the history of baseball.  Thank you Giants for winning, you made it an enjoyable game and ride home!

On the way to the game {an hour or more in the car} we listened to the 49er game.  I didn’t realize that they would show the game on screens at AT&T park before the baseball game.  It never occurred to me that baseball fans might be football fans as well.  Silly me.  It was a great day to be a fan from the Bay, the 49ers beat the Packers.

Even though I wouldn't be considered a loyal sports fan it was fun to celebrate with those that are devoted to their team. 

Who were you rooting for this weekend? 

 

My Other Name

Olive is my other name.
 

{Part of my inspiration}

Source: media-cache1.pinterest.com via Haleigh on Pinterest

 The name that I named myself this Labor Day weekend.  It’s hard to get accustomed to a new name.  It’s almost a new identity.  It’s odd to think that I am the same person...with a different name. I have very few nicknames.  Some that Ii shy away from...or more like run from. Some that I allow, only because I know the intentions behind them.  And some that I adore.  My sweet friend calls me belle. And I adore it. Or Haleigh belle. Or Haleigh girl {yes, where this web address originates}.

 

This was different. Sometimes these fake names stick. You have to choose carefully. Sometimes they are just for a season...a few short days.

I think besides naming myself {odd concept}, the worst part was responding.

 

"Olive, olive, olive!" shouts the little girl. Oh, that's me...brain, respond. That's me; I have to say something back!

 

Source: o-logy.com via Haleigh on Pinterest

 

{I just love her!}

 

But now that I am no longer at camp and with children who only know me as Olive my name hasn't kicked back in. I don't know what to do.

Hi, I'm...oh, that's right. I'm Haleigh.

I got introduced to someone as Haleigh and it almost sounded foreign. Why is that?

It reminds me that I have many names. And some of those names are my identity. They are the ones that count. That matter.

Someday it would be wonderful to be called Olive again, but for now I am so happy about my name.

 

Hi, my name is Haleigh and my identity is not in that name. I am a child of God, saved by the grace of Christ, and the daughter of a king. It is so nice to meet you!

Dirt and Water Makes Mud

It was a dirty weekend.  But something about saying that just sounded wrong...

I was a camp counselor this weekend and it was wonderful but tiring.  I spent time with 1st through 6th graders in the Santa Cruz mountains.  I love the fresh pine smell and the clear air.  I personally could have done with a little less dust.  Whoever said 'a little dirt don't hurt' better be right, because I think I inhaled quite a bit over the course of this weekend!

There are so many fun activities that these kids get to do at what we call Day Camp.  Since it was just a weekend {even a long weekend} the programs were shortened and change a little bit.  I had a group of 3rd and 4th grade girls.  They were a blast!  I got to take them down to the creek {or as we joke 'the creech'}.  Down there they can build a dam, go crawdad hunting, or do rock painting.  There are sand rocks and clay rocks, so with a little water and some rubbing you get "paint."  I got the opportunity to be painted.  I ended up with a dripping necklace, a dotted crown, pictures on my back and some arm and leg art!  Love little imaginations!

I wish I could show you pieces of this weekend, but you will have to use your imaginations.  I decided that I was going to limit the camera use this weekend.  It worked so well that I forgot my camera at home...oops!  Imagine tall redwoods on sloping mountains, laughing children, and ridiculous costumes.  Imagine 130 kids in a pool full of splashes.  Imagine the sweetness of holding hands to cross {suspended} bridges.  Imagine power fish {goldfish} and sitting on stumps in a circle.  Imagine ice cream and late night donut runs {both these without children}.  Imagine making new friends and bonding over silliness.  Imagine {fake} camp names and yelling 'lawn chants' {voice is a little scratchy}.  Imagine late into the night chats with a missed friend and canoeing with new friends.  Those were some of the moments this weekend.

Thanks for using your imagination with me!  

Friday Letters

Oh Friday...I'm glad you're here

Dear week, you have gone so quickly.  Where did you run off to?

Dear biblestudy, you were wonderful last night.  Just what I needed.

Dear summer projects, you are no where near done, but I feel like summer is ending.

Dear kitchen, I've been inspired to create deliciousness in you again.  Be expecting me to stop by more often!

Dear school, I like learning, but do you have to start again?

Dear coffee, we have to figure out a balance.  I like you, but I don't want to be needy. 

I'm linking up with Ashley.  Go say "hi"!

Check back soon!

It’s been a wonderful week.  I spent time with my family and rested.  Over the last couple of years I’ve learned what rest is and that I don’t take enough of it.

That being said, it’s going to take me a little while to get back in the groove. I loved being by the coast and not having an agenda.  We also didn't have internet access.  Thus, no additional updates.

We had many cameras with our family and everyone capture different events.  Look for updates, but know that I’m rounding up pictures!

Hope you have a wonderful day and check back soon!

At the Coast

I’m off with my family this week, spending time at the coast.  It is potentially our last family vacation for awhile, as just the 6 of us. 

We are going too far and will be cruising the central coast of California.  We are spending time on the beach, visiting Hearst Castle, and going for some hikes.  I’ll be {hopefully} reading a book or two, journaling, and resting.  And the bad news…the house we are renting has no internet access.

I may be popping in to say hello, but we shall see!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Dear... {Friday Letters}

via

Dear Weekend I’m excited you’re here, but I don’t know what we are doing together.  Should be fun!

Dear kiddos, I’m excited to see you Saturday night.  I know that your curious little minds are going to ask me about Italy again.  What story will we tell this time?

Dear Sunshine, I’m missing you.  Date this weekend?

Dear Siblings, You can come back now.  I want to hear stories of houseboats!

Dear Greek food, Yum!  You are delicious! {garlic fries with gyro meat on top and zucchini fries}

Dear YL community, thanks for last night.  I needed that.

Dear Life, Will you please slow down?

Linking up with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds

Friday Letters

Dear Friday, I'm really glad you're here...but I'm kinda more excited for Saturday this time around.

Dear Dance Show, you are going on this weekend and I am so excited to see you in all your amazingness.  Please, go off without a hitch.  I know my sister has put a lot into you.  

Dear Summer, you are flying by and I am along for the ride. Slow down just a tad, please.

Dear summer Project List, would you please become easier to tackle?  Oh, and have lots of fun projects?

Dear Organization Motivation, thanks for hanging around.  Can you stay for next week too?

Random Sillies

Since I haven't posted all week I figured it would be good to go into the weekend with a little bit of fun.  I have plenty of posts written, but they need a little bit editing and hopefully some pictures.  Next week should have a better track record.

Now serving some randoms and sillies....

I have an office chair because I sit at a desk {obvious, I know but we had to clear that up}.  Said office chair is a mystery to me.  It barely slides under the desk, and even being the smart highly capable person that I am I have yet to figure out how to lower it.  It makes me question calling myself smart and highly capable.

It should be noted that I love to write letters, good old fashioned pen to paper and snail mail letters.  Somehow I can't seem to get them in the mail.  I was so excited last week when I wrote, addressed, stamped and mailed a reply letter the very next day.  Its the little thing sin life right?

I was searching for something in my email inbox the other day and found emails from jr.high.  wow.  what a great time in life.  when I was going through jr.high, I knew that it would be silly looking back on it.  I am so glad that I had that forethought, but I don't think it changed much of what I said or did!  I am so glad I can laugh at the silliness.

Lately I've been noticing people's laughs.  I love a good laugh and when people are genuinely joyful, so full of glee.   I got the treat of meeting some new friends this week.  We had a great time bonding over some good laughs.  Bring on the silliness! 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend full of laughs and fun sillies! 

Feel free to share a silly from this week in the comments section

Movable Feast

So I was trying to be on a roll this week. 

I prepped my posts, and tried to have pictures for every single one. 

But alas, yesterday, no post

And today, well we’re up and running…at 10am

And this is why I love grace

God knew I wouldn’t have any adventures to post if I posted them all this week! {hehe}

There are some cute kids coming up next week…But for now a picture overload for the weekend!

This is the best kept {not so} secret in San Jose.  Some great food being loaded up and moved around the Bay Area.  It comes in the form of food trucks, but it is called gourmet.  It is delicious! 

If you live in the area you should check it out or start one in your own area.  Here are some pictures I took when we went last week:

http://www.mvbl.org/

What did you honestly think when I put food truck and gourmet together in the same sentence?

Pretty Pretty Picture

You know how I promised pictures...well here they are {some of them}.  You know how I said I would post more and write more.  Hmmm about that... Its week 5 of the 10 week quarter system.  And that my friends means that as much as I want to write.  This week is going to be a little lite on the posts. 

I'll stop babbling...Enjoy!

Sunset and a Rodeo {Weekend Recap}

It’s another Monday and another week. It’s times like these that I remember how fast time goes. This is a little lighter post than some of the last month because I got to do so many fun things this weekend. I’m sorry I don’t have all the pictures to prove it, but you have a good imagination right?

This weekend was Cal Poly’s open house or Poly Royal as it has been formerly known. I purposefully didn’t sign up to man any booths, but I ended up being at school anyways so I got to enjoy the festivities.
Every open house they host the rodeo and I got to go Friday. We have had so much rain the last week so it was muddy! On Thursday night my family was in town and we went out to farmers market. It started to pour and then it hailed! Yes, I live in California. Yes, it is April…. Anyways the rodeo was lots of fun even though it was quite cold and windy. I was bundled up and I still was cold. A guy I knew was one of the steer riders. He did a great job, and was the only one that stayed on which means he got the highest score.

Saturday I went and got my first pair of “big girl” cowgirl boots {is that what I call them?}. I haven’t worn them yet, but pictures will be coming soon. I got to walk around open house with my Daddy and brother {My brother is coming to join me next year! Yay!} and then grabbed some coffee with my Daddy. It was such a nice day. My sweet friend came and spent the night at our house. It was so fun just to spend time with her. Girls night consisted of making pretzels. Yum!

I think last night ended the weekend on the right note. I had spent a lot of time studying and to preface it was a school assignment. I have to go look at the sunset multiple times this quarter and so last night was time # 1. Talk about beauty! If God cares enough to paint beautiful sunsets, then he must care an awful lot about you and me. We drove through a couple valleys in the canyons and then up onto the ridge. It is so green and lush from the recent rains. And it was the perfect lookout point. Again be looking for pictures. I may just have to do a post of pictures!

What have your recent adventures been? I’d love to read your comments!