Barely There

This is my favorite coffee mug in the whole wide world.  I permanently "borrowed" it several years ago from the employee lounge at Second Go-Round.  (Yes, I worked there.  It's okay.)  Espresso is certainly my drug of choice, these days.

In three weeks, the semester will be over, and my wedding will be one month away.  This is quite remarkable!  In the midst of the busyness (and my steadily disintegrating social life), this blog has been neglected, and I am sorry.

Remember when I wrestled with the question, "Are bloggers narcissists?"  I am unconvinced that my brief post resolved the issue satisfactorily.  Why do I continue to blog, and why do you guys read this stuff?

When I created Sojourn of Faith last summer, I promised myself that my posts would not be spiritual vomit.  This is would not my personal journal.  I would not write emotional, run-on sentences for the sake of "finding myself" (and simultaneously boring my readers).  I promised myself that Sojourn of Faith would be a fun, virtual scrapbook.  It is, I believe.

I now worry that my seemingly picturesque life has become packaged for idle consumption.  It seems that readers visit the blog, glance at the photos (occasionally leaving a comment or two), and leave the page empty-handed.  Artistic photographs and personal updates are benign, of course, but if my words do not provide challenge or encouragement, then Sojourn of Faith is a meaningless exercise for me, perhaps even an unwise unveiling of privacy.

What do you think, readers?  Why do you blog?  Why do you read blogs?  What should or should not change about Sojourn of Faith?

A Welcome Visit

Fellow college students, you understand the horrors of April!  The assignments pile high, the part-time job seems terribly inconvenient, and relationships often feel strained.  Only four weeks lie between me and the end of the semester!  The to-do list seems unending.

Last weekend, I enjoyed a welcome break from the overwhelming workload.  My mom visited downtown Chicago!  In addition to attending my two bridal showers in the span of two days, she treated me to an entire day of shopping and dining.  It was fabulous!

I enjoyed our time together!  My mother is a strong woman, and I appreciate her wisdom and encouragement.

Desserts So Sweet

When Josh and I are craving delicious, baked-to-order desserts, we head to the Grand Luxe Cafe, located on Michigan and Ontario.

Check out this apple pie!

The molten chocolate cake is also heavenly!  The Grand Luxe also offers red velvet cake, carrot cake, double fudge cake, pineapple upside down cake, strawberry shortcake, creme brulee, bread pudding, cupcakes and cookies, and beignets.  What's not to love?

New Old Things

During my brief visit to NC, I spent an afternoon with my grandparents.  They have a fairly large storage shed in their backyard, stuffed with decor, furniture, and linens.  My grandparents graciously allowed me to rummage through the items, and I uncovered handful of treasures for my new home with Josh!

I loved this vintage apron!

This blanket is handmade!

After sorting through the shed, we sat in the living room and enjoyed my grandfather's homemade, blueberry currant pie, topped with sour cream.  It was an afternoon well-spent!

Green (and I'm back!)

Blogger still refuses to upload my photos, but I eventually had success with Photobucket.  Here is the post which is long overdue!

As you may remember, I went home to North Carolina for eight days.  In the midst of the doctor's appointments, wedding planning, and church events, my family celebrated a birthday!  My sister, Grace, was born on St. Patrick's Day, and this year, she turned nineteen.

 Ain't she purdy?  Grace has always enjoyed wearing green accessories on her birthday, and each year, she never fails to request a mocha chocolate chip cheesecake.  Some things are too perfect to change.

Though my sister and I fought during the growing-up years, we have now become close friends.  We enjoy shopping, giggling, eating cookies, being silly, and watching nerdy TV shows.  And here's a fun fact: her bestest, best friend is the younger sister of Josh, my fiance!

I miss you, Grace!