Elusive Ink

Currently Listening
Lost!
Coldplay



Life is pretty fantastic right now. Busy, and stressful, but fantastic.

Before I go into the past few days, there's been something I've been wanting to share for a while. I have people ask me this all the time, and I keep typing it out over and over and over again, so once and for all...this is it. This is my hope, my plans, my overriding "someday" goal for the future, as told to a friend of mine tonight. He got me started thinking about it, and I thought I'd post it once and for all. That way I can just refer back to this post when people ask.

I've always felt like my purpose in life was to make people feel accepted and loved, to give them a friend who would never judge them, and always be there, and a place where they could pursue their passions, and God-given gifts, without judgment, only support and encouragement. Somewhere of acceptance and friendship, in a very relaxed, chill atmosphere. I've also felt very strongly about supporting the arts.

So, my dream has always been to restore a historic house and convert it into bookstore/coffeehouse type of thing. That's not really what it is, but the best way I have to describe it. My working name for it is "The Passion Center" although that is definitely only a working name, and won't be the final name. I have pages and pages of notes, drawings, and plans for it. The left half will be filled with books, floor to ceiling, and free coffee, exotic teas, and hot chocolate, and the books will all be handpicked, the best of the best, meaty classics, inspirational and thought provoking best sellers, priceless antiques, and unbelievably compelling reference books.

The right side will have several round antique tables, with a mixture of modern decor to really give it a bohemian vibe, round tables to symbolize that no one is better than anyone else
and it will be a place for people to meet with friends, have book clubs, and study groups - where local bands can share their flavor and get exposure, local starving artists can have shows, and I can host lectures by really positive speakers, to help people find their passion, grow them, and develop them – all in a very warm, loving, accepting atmosphere.

The top level of the building will house my studio, for photography and artwork,
and my children will grow up in this free-spirited atmosphere, completely devoted to learning, and growing, and being creative, and accepting of anyone, no matter what, just like Christ would. A place that would be completely devoted to giving people a place to pursue whatever fulfilled them, and using their imagination. My friend compared it to "the closest thing God will allow to intellectual heaven on earth." but it's really not about academics, it's about, growing fruits of the spirit.

Maybe I'm an idealist, and maybe it will never come to pass...but it's important to me that I try, that I pursue and at least attempt to conquer.

I always have said, and continue to stand by the fact that I will not have a television in my living room when I get into my own place. I've always thought television was such a distraction from using your brain, and your imagination and your capability for creativity so, when I have children, my family will have a really nice, really expensive projector, and surround sound - and watching movies will be a cinematic experience, really spectacular, but rare, and special - because don't get me wrong, I appreciate good quality films. In fact, I'm a bit of a film buff myself. Not top-notch or anything, but I like to think I can appreciate a good variety of shows and movies. I will be the first to admit, however, that over the past few years I've watched a lot more television than I ever did growing up.

My siblings watch so much TV...and I remember, playing outside a ton when I was little.
My memories of being little are COMPLETELY integrated with my imaginary games
and I remember things so clearly that weren't even there: dreams, and adventures.
I associate memories with whatever adventure I was going on at the time with peter pan, or alice in wonderland, or undercover with my spy agency. I want to give my future children the same benefit. To be able to explore that world of just, being young, and innocent.

So, that's just a little of my optimistic hope for the future.

Moving on...the past week has been an absolute whirlwind. My grandmother was here staying with us for ten days, left yesterday. And I've been in the middle of transitioning between two jobs, and trying to stay on top of school. (Unsuccessfully.) I'm finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I think I'll be ok, provided I can make it through the rest of this week.

Alright, my mind is beginning to wander to all the things I need to do today. More rambling later.

-Lindsey