Month: September 2013

Beans

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I keep meaning to write a proper entry here. One in which I go through my life as of late, what I’m thinking – what I’m learning. But I keep failing miserably at that, partly because I never manage to turn on my computer when I have enough time to actually sit down and write! Well, someday. I’m actually sitting in Beans Cafe just now, but it’s almost 11:30 and I think it’s time I move on! I came here a few hours ago and had a nice omelette to go with my iced coffee(yes, when walking from my apartment to here, I decided there was absolutely no way I was going to get a hot drink. Not going to happen). I should have a little time this afternoon to run errands and clean my place a bit, but tonight – wedding time! (Don’t worry, not mine). Bethany is getting married tonight, what!!! I’m so fortunate that I’m actually back in Houston for it! So me and Megan are going to drive over there at 4:30, and a night of joy and love and awesomeness will be had. So let it be written. So let it be done.

And why have I not had more quiet times to write lately? Well, I’m still trying to settle in here. Still trying to find a “permanent” apartment. Still trying to meet people(went to my first “community group” this past Tuesday night! One linked with Bethel Church). And last night, went to my first-ever book signing!! Got to meet Brandon Sanderson, whoa! He’s the author of some of my favorite books. Besides finishing the Wheel of Time series, he’s also written heaps of other books, including one of my all-time favorites – Mistborn. Anyways, it was weird being there where I realised how much more everyone there knew about his books than I did. I’m used to being pretty knowledgeable about books…yeah, I was outclassed there. Still, great fun meeting him(despite me feeling oddly nervous!!) – I even confessed to being a failure as a writer, since I agonise too much over my writing and don’t just sit down and *write*. He was very chatty and when I went back later in the night to get a few more books signed, he remembered my name! Very cool guy.

Now, I think I’m going to close my computer, get a cup of Earl Grey, and enjoy some quiet reading time. I love you all, my friends.

Wild Card

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Just going to write a few words tonight, because I can! Hope you all are doing well this fine evening, my friends(whether you’re in Scotland and now sleeping or…not in Scotland and probably still awake!) I currently have a pot of chili bubbling away on the stove and the Rays-Yankees game on TV. Fantastic!

And now just chatting with a few friends and I’ve decided it’s time to bring this extremely brief entry to a close. I do want to eat dinner soon after all – and after that, a good book calls my name. This is indeed a sweet night that my Lord God has given me.

Peace, my friends!!

Little Flock

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So just reading some fantastic verses here – Luke 12 is really a great chapter! I’m not even done with it yet, but so many good parts – I’ll just excerpt the following:

‘But seek His kingdom, and these things will be
added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for
your Father has chosen gladly to give you the
kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to charity;
make yourselves money belts which do not wear out,
an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief
comes near nor moth destroys. For where your
treasure is, there your heart will be also.’
-Jesus Christ, Luke 12:32-34

I could quote a lot more, but you’ll just have to read for yourselves! Anyway, just good to ponder these things, especially living in a city and culture consumed by the longing to make itself happier by the gaining of material possessions. Truly, these things matter so little – when we know our Lord Jehovah is coming back someday soon, how can we be so enthralled by the things of this world? I know not, but it is good for us to remind ourselves how important it is to dwell on the things of God instead, and to follow His commandments and to love as He has loved us.

And now I say – I did not mean to write so much, but I will not take it back now! I am currently sitting here at Beans Cafe Coffeehouse…in Houston, Texas. Because yes, I am truly moved back to America and I am no longer in Aberdeen, my friends. I must confess – this coffeehouse is only a mile away from my apartment, yet I drove here! I was going to walk, but it was raining and so…yeah, I crumbled. Oh well, guess no Saturday morning walk for me.

And this place is fantastic, even if it’s no Books and Beans! It’s only one floor, and it’s much smaller than Books and Beans, but it looks like it offers lunch too, which makes me happy. I’ve already read a bit and posted some pictures on facebook and now I think it’s time to read some emails from some dear friends and respond to those. Maybe I’ll write more here later?

We’ll see. For now, farewell, my friends. Farewell from Houston.

Full Moon

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I’m going to say this now – will not write much!

Feels so good to sit down and relax with my coffee, feeling clean after my shower and enjoying the end of a long and productive day. Me and Dad have definitely been making the most of our time here!! Oh yeah, and by here – I mean Houston! After a two day drive through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas – we finally arrived in Houston this past Sunday! It’s a bit weird to be back after a three year absence, but I know it is good for me to be here.

And I did say I’d be brief – Dad’s talking to Maryanne now, and I think I’m going to get handed the phone soon! Anyways, this evening after a long day of errands(mostly involving driver’s license fun times – I now have a temporary Texas driver’s license!) we made a delicious dinner of hamburgers, baked potatoes and green beans! We also watched the Rays lose to the Rangers, but that’s unimportant.

Anyways, now I’m off. Peace, my friends.

The Outback

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So I do not have too much time to write now! But thought I’d write a quick paragraph as I sit here at home – home in Tampa! Back in the USA, y’all!! I still can’t really believe it, and still don’t think I’ve fully comprehended that I won’t be traveling back to Scotland in a few days. But it’s true. One saga of my life has ended, a new one is about to begin. And so now, as I listen to the Rays/Twins game in the background and get ready to eat ice cream with Mom and Dad, I will say no more. Just ever so thankful for the love of God! I love you, my friends, always.

Also – happy 27th anniversary to you, Dad and Mom!!!! You’re the best parents anyone could ever dream of. I love you so.

Glorious

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And now I sit at work with my coffee, a few minutes before eight. Time to start work soon, but I wanted to write just a bit. I’ve been meaning to write more for a while now, but I simply have no time!! I’ve been spending all my free time with my dear friends. And this is not a bad thing at all.

And as I begin my final day here in Aberdeen, I do not know what to say. Other than I must and shall praise my God for all that He has given to me. Praise Him with great praise!!

I think on the past few days and all the glorious times contained therein. A most lovely dinner at Lairhillock with John and Ruth – friends eternal. Hanging out with John on Friday night, watching Batman(oh no, now Batman music is stuck in my head…) and just relaxing together. Glorious.

Sunday. Would take far too long to describe now, but being in my church. Being with my family. Saying farewell, but never forever. Praying and thanking our God and Father for his boundless blessings to us. Worshipping together and hearing the Word of God preached. Saying goodbye to far too many dear friends and being crushed by the kindnesses and encouraging words lavished upon me. Yesterday stopping by Chris and Jo’s for one last cuppa and chat. Oh how I’ll miss them. Then being with John and Andrew Wilson last night, enjoying some classic frozen pizzas(baked in our shiny oven – finally clean after what John aptly named the Great Calsayseat Oven Cleaning Debacle of 2013!).

And I’m just writing what I’ve been doing, not what I’m feeling. Because I don’t quite want to delve into my emotions at the moment, but suffice it to say that I feel my heart swirling in a maelstrom of love and longing and joy. So so happy to be going back to America – to see my family!! So so sad to leave so many friends back here. But what can I say? I am blessed. I am blessed.

And today, driving to work for the last time, listening to Classic FM and watching the blustery skies and the brilliant sea flash by as I pondered these last few beautiful years…

And now, it’s time to go and take cakes out to the guys in the shop, say my farewell to them!

Peace, my friends. Always.

Sleepytime

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Should I write anything in here now? Almost definitely not, since I am far too sleepy to write anything coherent. This much is true! I did want to write an epic essay in here, but alas. Not to be! Just know this – today, my last Sunday here in Aberdeen for…quite some time – has been most amazing and most awesome. And I have far too good of friends. Far far better than I deserve.

And hopefully I write more later about these past few days I’ve had…with my friends, with such dear brothers and sisters. But for now, I just praise God for what He has given me. He has blessed me with so much. Saying goodbye to so many people today was not easy. But as I think of the times I’ve had with my friends…my heart sighs in joy. Thinking of the chat and laughs, my times with John and Ruth and Alec and Pip and Caroline and Joel and Graham and Ben and…I won’t go on naming everyone else. But just thinking now, of how much I am blessed. My Father and my God – thank you. Always.

And now, I really need sleep! It is almost midnight. Oh dear.

Last Train Home

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Hello my friends! I sit here this morning, as traditional, at Books and Beans! I’ve been here far too long, but now I’m waiting for John so we can grab lunch, so hopefully he turns up soon!

Ok – so John got here like ten minutes ago and we’ve been looking through my newest music playlist, Calsayseat – he approves! And now it’s lunchtime. Peace y’all!