There are times to lean forward, yearning, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. The whole world seems to be rushing, surging forward, with an insatiable current.

There are times that are lived stretching back. The beautiful, longing ache of nostalgia and memory draws the gaze to the past.

Then, there are times when the present overwhelms all notions of what lies ahead or behind. There is an urge to dig deeply into the current moment; to soak up every last ounce of its precious glory. The rush of the wind, the tiny kisses of a gentle rain, the soft generous glow of a cloudy morning, the limitless possibilities of every passing second. The future and the past fade into the muted background of the unfathomable intricacy of the current. There is nothing to do but hold on and embrace the peace of burrowing as deep as possible into the wonder that is all around.

A few more photos of our trip to Oregon, this time from my phone. We really had an amazing time out there.

Hannah and I have been settling in to our new home. It is already a really special place in our hearts. It’s just perfect for us. The right size, the right feel; so much light and life. We’re forming new habits, routines, and traditions. Every day is an exciting new step. I’m sure we will remember these days with a very unique fondness.

Peaceful and still. Not moving. Not tense. No longer ill at ease.
Not changing, shifting, or transitional.
Calm and steady. Settled and free. Open and safe.
Breathless and surprising. Full of blessing and thankfulness. The most settled, right place.
Side by side and by the sea. A new home away from an old home.
Found a place. Received a gift. Giving and getting.
Belong together, belong to each other.
Stable ground, like these cliffs. The most beautiful place we’ve ever been.

Download the playlist here
Listen to it on Rdio

1. How Do I Know — Here We Go Magic — A Different Ship — Purchase
2. Lessons — Beach Fossils — Shallow EP — Purchase
3. Linus Spacehead — Wavves — King of the Beach — Purchase
4. When We Fall — Grouper — Dragging a Dead Deer Up a Hill — Purchase
5. Anything You Want — Spoon — Girls Can Tell — Purchase
6. Deep One Perfect Morning — The Jesus and Mary Chain — Darklands — Purchase
7. Just As I Am — Willie Nelson — Red Headed Stranger — Purchase
8. Eraser — No Age — Nouns — Purchase
9. Zürich Is Stained — Pavement — Slanted & Enchanted — Purchase
10. Other People — Beach House — Bloom — Purchase
11. Heartbreaker — The Walkmen — Heaven — Purchase
12. I Want You — Bob Dylan — Blonde On Blonde — Purchase
13. Faithless — Heavenly Beat — Faithless — Purchase

Some images from a quiet Spring day around the house. Love these days, and the freshness and calm. Interesting season to look forward and look back. Changing seasons both in the year and in life. But so refreshing and alive.

Some images from a road trip to Maine in August, 2009

Went to Great Falls for Hannah’s Birthday the other day.