A Fiend in Need is a Fiend, Indeed

How would you describe the sound that tin foil makes as it is being unwrapped? The type that I hear is the thinnest of foils containing some unknown delicious treat. Would that sound be a crackle, or perhaps a tinkling, announcing that someone is indulging in a weakness of probable little nutritional value? As Valentine's Day draws closer, candy companies are given yet another reason to celebrate, and I find myself magnetically drawn to those shiny wrappings; needing to discover the hidden chocolates inside and reacquaint myself with each flavor.

One particular weakness of mine, which I will divulge even though I'm sure I'll get critiqued about it, would be heart-shaped boxes of chocolate. From Russell Stover to Jean-Philippe, I can't discriminate when it comes to the tiny squares of yet to be discovered tastes and textures. Saturday night comes to mind, when Jeremy and I went to the movies after dinner. Unknown to him I had made a trip beforehand, down the street to Walgreen's where I picked up some "dessert". Out of my purse came the box, wrapped in foil and containing a random assortment of creams and caramels covered in milk chocolate. He couldn't help himself, he dove in right along with me.

And now I sit in this quiet office, listening to someone as they have a small snack of what could only be chocolate. Or, perhaps it's just a mouse nibbling away on his own mid-day meal.

Working on Some Perspective

As mentioned recently, I have been in need of a great book. More than a page turner, I required writing that would lift me from among the piles of paper and files at my office desk, and gently place me in the midst of colorful words as far as the eye could see. I wouldn't have to follow complicated directions such as "Second star to the right, and straight on 'til morning," I would simply be able to open the cover and start at page one. I have continued to be in a gloomy frame of mind every evening as I return from my job, because there is no passion in work that doesn't involve someone's interests. Having all but had one particular book shoved in my face, I reluctantly picked it up last night as a last resort to save myself from checking my Facebook page one more time.

The Noticer, by Andy Andrews, didn't seem like the wonderful escape I had in mind. After the first few pages though, I felt that it was speaking to me about the very situation I had found myself in. One thing I was able to take away from the first few chapters was that I may think I want to be on that mountaintop with a dream career, but to realize that the top is only good for the view, and you'll be looking into the grassy valleys below. You have to come down because there is no growth that high up, and the water and food are always found as your hiking through to the next mountain in the distance.

Maybe everyone else has heard this before, but it was eye opening for me. Finding a different perspective has allowed the work day to be a little less mind numbing, and made me a much more enjoyable person in the process.

Somewhere Between Feast and Famine

Just about everyone who overate throughout the past few months of nonstop smorgasbord-type parties can verify that they have started a "get healthy" routine. Magazines are now laden with these features, grocery stores are promoting Splenda-alternative products, and The Biggest Loser has captivated audiences once again. And while I must include myself in the legions of individuals purchasing more plums and less pudding this month, I will also note that I've been all or nothing in the effort.

Having done this in the past, I know my cycle. Weekdays are spent eating SO healthy that come Friday's date night, all bets are off and I'm ordering the Chocolate Decadence with a side of fries. Saturday and Sunday are spent much the same, because I've allowed myself to eat what I like on the weekends. Key words should have been inserted at that point of my decision - Moderation and Self Control. Unfortunately at the time of consumption, those phrases were not on the Scrabble board, and I received 22 points for Gluttony.

Having realized this, I have blown the dust off the Beth Moore CDs and now drive down the road listening to the Fruits of the Spirit. What a difference having a daily dose of a specific Word can have on an Achille's heel. Today was spent clearing a path between the overgrowth of Feast and the desolation of Famine.

Monotony is the New Black

Anyone with the eyes to see will be able to tell you what the trend of the moment is. Closing my eyes and praying it's simply the South's molasses-textured way of doing things (i.e. slow and resisting movement or change), I tried to ignore the months of tedious repetition where articles of clothing were concerned. This being a Saturday, and having the freedom to do a little shopping, it occurred to me once again that nothing is moving. There is no scent of change in the air; no feeling that this game of Follow the Leader may be about over and perhaps a nice round of Tug of War could begin.

Maybe it's always been this way, and the bold trends of the moment are just more eye catching this time around. Perhaps this year's skinny jeans (and the last three years for that matter), are the same as Seventies-inspired bell bottoms that came back for a short period of time. Allow me to make a promise though; the sight of one more girl in tight pants tucked into riding boots will cause a knee-jerk reaction in me to do some early Spring cleaning in my closet. The look itself can be attractive on the right person, but is similar to listening to a loved song one too many times, causing you to sour towards it. Once something unique catches on, it ceases to be exclusive and becomes the standard. Sadly, there is nothing I can do about it but gripe, so let this be my moment of kvetching.

Another Trip Into the Wardrobe

With frigid temperatures outside, and a cozy quilt calling my name on the couch at my home, I sat at work dreaming of lounging underneath that warmth while reading a great book. Unfortunately I had just finished my latest read, so I set myself to the task of finding its replacement. Being at work and needing to appear busy, I went to Borders.com to find one that sparked my interest. Instantly I was attracted to a literary memoir about one girl's love of the Narnia books since childhood, and her views on it after rereading as an adult. Thinking I would feel a kinship with this author, I reserved a copy. Unfortunately I did this before reading reviews of the publication.

One very honest reader had mentioned that while the cover makes you want to pick up the book immediately and discover the reason for the author's love of the fictional paradise, the reality was much less appealing. The author openly admits that she is not a fan of Lewis due to his religious beliefs, and rants about Christianity as a whole. Finally, she claims that had she known this was the underlying theme of the series she adored so much as a child, she would never have read them...also stating that Narnia would have been better off without Christ being involved. (My thoughts are...it would have been just another fantasy book had that been the case, and would therefore not continue to be read sixty years later.)

Recently it seems that memoirs have become something other than their original nature. The author doesn't tell a story, as much as stand on their soap box and tell their uneducated views on the hot topic of the moment. Yes, it may garner a few loyal fans in the process (Running with Scissors author Augusten Burroughs Picador is a prime example), but usually it only allows the author's ignorance and closed-mindedness to shine through.

Instead of purchasing a book that day, I went home and began reading my own copy of a well loved children's book. I was happy to discover I adored it every bit as much the second time around.

Every Journey Tells a Story

Once upon a time...there was a journey. That journey had adventure, romance, hidden paths and secret doors. Friendships were made, lessons were learned, and those involved would regale others in the future of the happenings and occurrences of those travels. And while many will only dream of having their own story to tell, a few will take that step, making the journey that they themselves created the map for.

For this very reason, I am seriously considering helping people find that path. Hopefully I will be able to provide the pen so that they can map out the direction and write out the stories they will be living. I have always been fascinated by books; any and every kind. Even when younger I could not consume enough information. Fairy Tales were a favorite, and from those early years I have longed to travel and be a part of what I had read. Having a few of my own tales now, I want others to not just daydream, but to live and breath it.

Would this be an endeavor that people would be interested in? Would anyone use my services? These are not questions that can be answered at the moment, but something that I am stepping into with faith, knowing that passions and knowledge in certain areas are instilled within us for a purpose.