of fairytales, fireworks and fly balls

Oh the blog, how I've neglected thee.  It is not for lack of thought that I haven't been posting lately.  Rather, it's been quite the opposite.  There have been so many thoughts in my head that it's been nearly impossible to sift through it all in order to assimilate said thoughts into a cohesive, streamlined narrative.  And so, be that as it may, I will save my deep, thought-provoking reflections for another day and instead, "stay the course," so to speak and just throw up a random assortment of iPhone pics and call it a day.

The summer has been drifting along at a leisurely pace and has actually been somewhat carefree and uncluttered of the usual busy weekends jam-packed with activities.  On the one hand, I like to be busy, but on the other hand, it is nice to not rush from one commitment to the next without the customary cat nap that I so enjoy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

In the typical tradition of summer, in general, the past few weeks have included the obligatory wedding, fireworks show and good 'ole fashioned baseball.

Up first was the sweet wedding of my friend Meagan's older brother, Brad.  I've known him since high school (when Meagan and I first met) and was so happy to help celebrate his marriage.  Not only did I get to be a part of their beautiful, Christ-centered ceremony, I also got to join two of my very best friends on the dance floor where we rocked the house for nearly three solid hours.  When I tell you that I didn't leave the dance floor for even one song, I am not exaggerating in the slightest.  (as proof, I woke up later that night on two separate occasions due to massive foot cramping--this girl doesn't mess around.)  I also got to spend some time with "Grandma" (we're on a first name basis) which was a real treat.  I've gotten to know her over the past 10 years or so at various Cavanaugh functions and she's been a regular at many of our wine tasting parties.  I think my favorite part of the night was when Meagan's mom gave me a hug and told me I was a part of their family.  I would be honored to be an honorary member...

Up next was the 4th of July which wasn't terribly eventful.  The main festivity actually took place the night before on July 3rd.  We got decked out in our best red, white and blue attire and watched the largest fireworks show I think I've ever seen.  No matter what, fireworks always prompt feelings of patriotism and nostalgia.  I never cease to tear up when I hear "God Bless America" whilst viewing a myriad of fireworks flash across the sky.  Happy Birthday, America!

Last on the update agenda was a good 'ole father-daughter/granddaughter outing to the minor league baseball game.  There's nothing more American than baseball on a hot summer night and this one was a scorcher I tell ya.  We ate our way through the ballpark (hot dogs, chicken strips, chips, BBQ, ice cream) and managed to endure the entire game.  I think it's safe to say the only reason we made it to the 9th inning was the promise of yet another fireworks display.  While it was a bit brief, they still managed to put on a pretty impressive display.  We capped off the night with a serious dance party in my car as we fought the traffic getting out of the parking lot.  Haylee wasn't too amused, but Michelle and I certainly enjoyed ourselves.

At that's all she wrote, dear friends.  I will leave you with a prayer that I've found to be particularly applicable to my life these days (i.e. challenging/convicting) and I encourage you to reflect on the words of St. Francis:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.


O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.