My Irish green eyes are taking in a new view these days, in more ways than one.
Forever and ever, I’ve wanted to move my desk to face my office’s big picture window. Forever and ever, I hesitated because that picture window faces the front of the house, and I thought the candles and other knickknacky goodies on my desk would look odd playing peekaboo outside the front window. So I committed to not moving the desk ’til I figured out how to have the best of both worlds: a good view without the clutter.
And then I read Nester’s book The Nesting Place and she {nicely} smacked me upside the head with this realization:
Instead of waiting ‘til I came up with a more perfect solution, I could just try my desk in front of the window and see if I liked it enough to keep it there.
So I did. And guess what? I fell madly in love with it. I love it so much, I don’t even care that you can see the backs of my picture frames from the outside. And what’s more, no window police or HOA official has ticketed me for a wackadoodle looking window. I love sitting in my chair watching everything from my kids sauntering home from school to the UPS truck making its rounds. It feeds the introverted-extravert that I am because it allows me to be a part of things without forcing me to be in the middle of it all.
It also helps me avoid work. But then again, it inspires me to work better, too. Gosh, it’s good to be the boss of my own office.
Second, you may have noticed I have a new view of my blog here, too. {Subscribers, click here to see all the goodness.}
Heaven knows it was time – I haven’t had a redesign since the original launch of Chasing Blue Skies three years ago. Which in blog years is really like waiting twenty. Erin of Design by Insight worked the magic, and I couldn’t love how it turned out more. I tell ya, Erin is the *perfect* blend of creative wonder and mind reader, and I’m mighty thankful for her.
Also? If you like my title font, please say so to Aliza Latta, a gifted artist {and new (in)courage writer} who designed it for me. It thrills me to no end.
I’ve spruced up several areas on the blog (including the about page). Feel free to get as nosy as you want around here, right down to opening my closet doors. I pray you find every corner chock-full of fresh air encouragement meant just for you.
Third, I’ll straight up tell you I didn’t think my view of our military families could get any better or brighter, but then I read the many care packages for military spouses nominations and discovered I was wrong-o. Mothers, friends, sisters, and military spouses themselves wrote snippets of unbelievable stories, and reading them made the tears flow. Without being specific concerning names, here are just a couple:
“Our unit always has at least two people deployed and she has been there for all of us during our deployments. She is the first to gather encouragement and volunteer to bring over dinner when someone is sick. Her own husband is now deployed and I think this would be a sweet surprise for her.”
“She has gone through nine deployments. Her brother was killed in 2009 in Afghanistan. It would be nice for her to feel the support she gives out so freely.”
And then several military members themselves nominated their own spouses, and my crying turned to all out bawling:
“My wife and I have two wonderful children and she has been doing her best to keep the family going. I have been away for almost an entire year and will be home for only a month before going away again for another year. The road has been a rough one but she has done her best to stay on track. . .”
“My husband is a wonderful spouse. He is a stay at home dad and takes great care of our daughter. Most of the spouses club are for women so I don’t think he gets as much credit as a stay at home dad. . . My dad wasn’t in my life growing up so I really appreciate my husband being here for me and my daughter.”
Gah. Pass the kleenex again. Words will never describe how much I love and admire these folks.
While I secretly hoped I’d get at least forty nominations, I ended up getting nearly three times that number. I only wish I could send a care package to every single nominee . . . and for that matter, every single military spouse. I know fun mail won’t fix longterm struggles, but I do believe it helps these wives and husbands know they are seen and valued. If you believe this too, then join me on Memorial Day when I’ll be inviting you to link arms with me to strengthen and widen the circle of encouragement for these brave, behind-the-scenes heroes.
And speaking of future announcements, I’m making a big one tomorrow. If you’d like to join me when I share, I’ll have the hot coffee steaming, the tea kettle singing, and the chocolate chip cookies warming for you. Much love, friends.
jennifer {studiojru} says
pass the kleenex is right. and i just love your new view!
Kristen says
Thank you, sweet Jennifer. So much love to you. xo
Ashley Wells says
Love the desk in front of the window, I can only imagine how inspired that seat must be!!!
The new look is amazing! The font…swoon-worthy!
Kristen says
Thanks so much, Ashley. You’re so kind to say so!
Kristin Taylor says
So. Much. Goodness. Here. You’re lovely!
Kristen says
Thank you, Kristin. Muah!
Beth says
I really need to get my hands on that book. Love your new view and new look. Most of all, I love your heart. Much love to you.
Kristen says
I simply canNOT recommend it highly enough! Love you, Beth.
KH2012 says
Loved this blog post – and can I just say I am in love with the font for your new header and then when I clicked over to read about the font designer I fell even more in love with the font on her page as well. Many talented/inspiring woman here. Also, your “Military Spouse Care Packages” project is one of the single sweetest things I have ever seen a blogger set out to do. I really enjoy everything you are doing, thank you!
Kristen says
Oh that Aliza (my font designer) is dripping in talent. But you’re right: her heart is even bigger than her talent.
Lisa says
Your space here is beautiful–I love the new look! And I’m glad you’re enjoying your new view too. 🙂
Kristen says
Thanks a million, sweet Lisa. xo
Stacey Thacker says
Just as lovely as you are. Enjoy your new view and we’ll enjoy the words you share that point us to grace.
xo,
Stacey
Jacque Watkins says
Beautiful friend. SO thrilled for you…xo!
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God says
Kristen,
Love your new view…looking forward to great inspiration as you look out upon the world! I’d love to have a desk like that to call my own 🙂 so for now may I share your view? Looking forward to your big announcement!
Love and ((hugs)),
Bev
Kristen says
Oh yes, Bev! Always. xo
Katie H says
Love the new look and feel of the blog. Wish I had some room to put a desk like that 🙂
Have to say as I was reading through the responses to your care package nominations, I was already in awe of what people had to say, and then came to one that I knew my husband wrote. I certainly have a special man in my life! Thank you for all that you do for military families!
Kristen says
Well Katie, you went and made me have to reach for the tissues again! And yes, your man is special indeed.
Sarah says
I like that phrase, ‘Introverted extrovert’. I think I’m one of those too.
Beth Williams says
Love the font, view, everything! Pass the Kleenex! I wish I had a million dollars to send a care package to every single stay at home spouse!
Love ya!
Sarah says
I love your blog! My husband has been in the Army for almost 8 years, three of which we’ve been married for, and I really look up to you as a good example of a Godly military wife!
I don’t know if this is possible, but since you got so many submissions I’d be happy to create a care package myself.