Radical

It's amazing how quickly everything can change. I'm not just talking when you move or change a job. Those are big changes, don't get me wrong. I'm talking about the shake you to your core, knock the breath out of you type of change. I'm living that right now, in this moment, in the past moments, and future ones to come. I'm not who I was even 2 years ago, my path has veered another way, my roots are taking hold, and I'm starting to grow.

I'm terrified, shaking, unable to catch my breath but when I stop and listen, it's there. That peace. I'm loosing those I have held so dear for the majority of my life and that is heart achingly, heart breaking, and pure...hell. Again, I stop. I'm gaining people, wonderful people. People that lift me up, build me up, and let my light shine.

I can't be who I was, who they all want me to be, because that girl has evolved. The woman, the radical woman I have become and am still growing into has other goals in mind. This radical woman is fiercely protective of her family, determined, gentle, hard working, and....happy.

Looking down the path, I see warm light and a place to rest. A place to celebrate. A place to take root and grow wings. Scared, yes; but hopeful. Trusting in Him that the warm light I'm wandering towards is home. I can't wait to get there.

Stop. Take a breath. Close your eyes. Do you feel it?

My Story: Unremarkable Me.

You must follow the link above! This post inspired so much of my soul for how to move forward with this blog of mine. I am just brimming with ideas and now I feel I may have the courage to follow through. Super excited!

Also, I am officially taking guest posts for November! Please comment if you are interested or email me at alysa(dot)kowis(at)gmail(dot)com.

Migraines and Spicy Soup

So I had this big plan for a nice long post about our weekend to be published today. I doubt that's going to happen. I've had a killer migraine, slept most of yesterday, and today I am happily medicated and eating spicy Santa Fe style soup! I'm hoping that by tonight I can get that post banged out and uploaded for tomorrow but no promises!!

I'm thinking about allowing guest posts in November. Thoughts?

Sacred Sunday

Exalt the Lord our God, and worship his holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy!

-Psalm 99:9

10 Things Fridays

1. New adventures. I both hate and love them.
2. Fall! It's here and I'm in love <3
3. Pictures. With Lizzy's 1st birthday fast approaching, building a new home, and lovely weather I just want to photograph everything!
4. Tamales!! Fresh home made tamales.
5. Family. I get a nice family visit this weekend. It's good for the soul!
6. Angie Smith - everything about her speaks to my heart right now.
7. Crafts. New to them but willing to try :)
8. Paper roses.
9. Orchids.
10. Evolving love.

Journey to Home

J and I have started a little journey, a journey to home. Our home. Our first home! We are building a lovely home on the outskirts of Houston. The area is quaint with friendly people, lakes, and parks. I am going to document the entire process with pictures and posts. I can hardly wait!

I can not wait to share this experience with you! Many milestones are ahead. A lot of planning and joy, with a healthy sprinkle of anxiety. More to come quickly so stay tuned!

Be aware. Act. Reflect.

I had the unique opportunity to experience a new way to find some “me time”. Cerra provides little ways to escape and reflect. My personal favorites are the Sensory Oils and Pebble Candles. There are a variety of scents that match emotions, like, Grounded, Creative Energy, Gratitude, Loving Kindness, Courage, Wisdom, and Inspiration. The candles, oils, and other relaxation items come in these scents. My blogger kit came with a small sample of lotion, a full set of Sensory Oils, dissolving notes, keepsake notes, tea, and a journal.

Blogger Kit

Sensory Oils

Journal

The journal has wonderful pages that outline your entry with Be Aware, Act, and Reflect. There are also neat little cheat sheets with idea starters for each of the emotions. It has become a game at my office for us to pick our Sensory Oil of the day! Such small little things can create an awareness of your emotions in that moment. Cerra provides this in a unique and personal way. I have greatly enjoyed my experience and can’t wait to try more of their wonderful products!

To hiatus and back again

So my hiatus was unannounced, and for that I apologize. After I was laid off, my focus was finding a job. Once I found a job, my focus switched to establishing a new routine for my family and settling in to my new workplace. Now I am settled and we have began a new adventure! But more on that later!!

I am now back in recruiting after my short stint back in HR. I’m a staffing manager at a national staffing firm. I enjoy my job for the most part, it has a lot of elements to it! I stay very, very busy (did I say very?). I work with wonderful people, God centered people. It’s lovely to work in a place where we read devotionals out loud in the mornings and pray for one another at lunch.

Elizabeth is now 10 months old and the proud owner of 5 teeth! She seems to have grown up over night, as it always does. Here are some recent pictures (about a month ago) from a trip to Austin.

I have a lot more to update you on but motherhood calls! Look for an exciting update about mid this week!!