Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

The cool coastal air felt good on our faces as we walked back to our cabin. Shockingly, when we arrived at our room, we noticed a note hanging from the doorknob. I figured it was house-keeping or some kind of promotional pamphlet. But it looked like it was written in red lipstick. So I raced to open it up and read the inside which said, “Great time last night.” So my first reaction was to see if there was an address on the note. I thought that maybe someone had put the incriminating material on the wrong door handle. So obviously my next course of action was to chat with Eric directly.

“Honey, do you recognize this hand-writing,” I asked patiently.
“No, what is it?” he asked truly curious.
“Well it’s some kind of love note, which makes me wonder why the heck it’s on our door-knob,” I said feeling kind of irritable.
“Well I have absolutely no idea who that belongs to. I mean, is it some kind of joke? Do you think Jen did this to stir up some cruise-ship drama? You two are like best friends. Maybe she thought it would be sooo funny,” he said laughing out loud while rubbing my neck.
“Not even Jen would play a cruel joke like that on us. What do you think this is? All I can think of is that it might be Molly trying to burn us somehow. She seems like she’s got some kind of vendetta against me with mega jealousy about my friendship with Jadan, so that’s my first thought,” I said sounding incredibly pissed.
“Well there’s only one way to find out,” Eric announced as he grabbed our room keys and his cell phone.
“What, we’re just going to walk over and interrupt their breakfast? I mean, what if it wasn’t Molly? Then that will be one more level of drama,” I said in a stressed out tone.
“Well let’s just charge it Hon. I’m not going to let someone else wreck our cruise and our time together. You know I wouldn’t pull this crap on you, Renee. I’m totally confident in our relationship and I want you to be as well. So I’m pissed that someone is trying to frame me. This is not gonna happen on my watch,” he said like a confident police officer.
“Okay, then let’s head back over to the restaurant to chat with the group about it,” I said having tentative feelings about how this would play out.

When we arrived at the restaurant, the two couples noticed our intrusion the instant we walked in the door. I think they could hear my heart beating a thousand beats a minute. Eric walked straight towards Molly and challenged her directly.

“What’s the meaning of this? Did you write this note?” he said as he threw the note covered in red lipstick at her face.
“What? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said defensively.
“Okay, well we thought maybe you put this on our door since you’ve had a problem with me the second we got on the airplane,” I retorted uncomfortably.
“That’s so strange, someone left that on your door?” Jadan wondered as he looked over the napkin like a professional detective.
“Yeah, that’s so weird,” Jen echoed over the chaos.
“What’s so strange is that I recognize this handwriting. It’s totally familiar to me,” Jadan said glaring up at Molly.
“You’re seriously accusing me Hon? I can’t believe you. After all that we’ve been through and you’re acting like I would do something that insane,” she dog-paddled.
“Well, I recognize that funny little twirl you do on your cursive g’s. Plus this lipstick is totally your color. So I’m pissed too, Hon. These are my friends and you’re wrecking the whole damn cruise,” Jadan said slamming down his water cup for emphasis.

Obviously Molly felt totally discovered and cornered, so she ran out of the restaurant crying. We’d found the culprit with total accuracy. Even though it was so uncomfortable, I was so thankful for Eric’s direct approach. I mean what kind of a week was it going to be if I had to be wondering who was trying to sexually assault my husband? All this to say, the rest of the day was pretty interesting.

Labels: book excerpt #14, Stream of Consciousness

This past Sunday, Sandals Abolitionists took part in their third Freeze Project at the Riverside Plaza. Sixteen people, ranging in age from college-age to mid-fifties, participated in the effort to raise awareness about the reality of human trafficking both here locally and abroad. The first Freeze Project took place in November, 2010 and more are planned for the upcoming months as well.

The Freeze Project consists of volunteers who perform a series of five-minute "freezes" in a highly populated area. Then after the five minutes are up, the leader calls out "Done," and everyone returns to normal. Then participants walk around looking for individuals to form discussions with while handing out note-cards containing information about human trafficking.

One of the biggest goals of this month's Freeze Project was to get out the toll free number to the National Resource Center: 888-3737-888. The note-card not only includes the helpful phone number but also gives a description of human trafficking: "... a modern form of slavery that often begins as a promised job that becomes forced labor under threats against the person or their family, or debt servitude."

The card also informs people about some common signs for those trapped in human trafficking: bruises, depression, fear, overly submissive attitude, a debt owed to an employer or an inability to leave a job, one who lives and works in the same place, one who doesn't speak on her own behalf, and someone who lacks control over her personal schedule, money, I.D., or travel documents.

Since many people think that human trafficking isn't actually a local problem here in Riverside County, they might decide not to get involved. But that would be a huge mistake. There are so many ways that you can help. Take a first step and begin to PRAY! Go ahead and ask God for wisdom and courage for the victims in our area who are trapped in bondage due to human trafficking. Also ask God to help Sandals Abolitionists to raise the awareness in our community so that people will begin to report suspected cases of trafficking.

Besides praying, you can get involved with Sandals Abolitionists by joining them for upcoming Freeze events. Or you could donate graphic art services for future printed materials. Maybe you feel like painting some wooden hand-held signs for future projects. Or perhaps you could donate money for t-shirts to raise awareness. For more information about how you can serve, join the Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/abolitionists. Or you can email the group's leader, Monique Lewis, at SandalsAbolitionists@gmail.com.

Monique was encouraged about the people who came out to Sunday's Freeze event and said, "The people who came out really wanted to do something to raise awareness." She also encouraged new people to join in the next Freeze, which she will report on in the near future. She stated, "Anyone can come out and support the Abolitionist's agenda."

But she especially wants to motivate Christians to step up to the plate. She said, "It's really important as Christians that we're out in the community advocating. Spreading the Gospel is the most important thing. In this ministry, people get to see Christians living out what they believe... advocating for FREEDOM!"

The key verse for the Freeze Project was Isaiah 1:17A which states, "...learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed." It sounds pretty basic, right? So let's hear from some of the people who lived out this verse last Sunday.

One mom who I had the pleasure of getting to know shared what drew her to Sandals Abolitionists. She told me how her own daughter is currently a victim of human trafficking here in the United States. Her hope is that public awareness will be raised and that trafficking will be better addressed legally. She also longs for more effective law enforcement at the local level.

Two UCR students got involved for the first time and had a great experience. Laura Henricksen said, "The best part of the experience was when people would ask me for more flyers. They were receptive." She expressed that she would definitely participate in a Freeze Project again. She felt like it was a worthwhile group to minister with and just wishes that even more people had come to get the word out. Cheryl Kaestner shared how she was shocked by, "...how many people who haven't heard of trafficking."

One participant shared how she was looking for a ministry where she could connect with others at our church. After her husband passed away two years ago, she tried Sandals out and wanted to find a place where she could serve. She feels that Sandals Abolitionists is a great group to get plugged into. She's glad she took the first step to get more involved.

Jessica Boctor is member of Sandals Abolitionists and a longtime Sandals member who cares deeply about the topic of human trafficking. She even wrote a book about human trafficking and bondage that you can check out at Phantomblonde.com. As the group moved around participating in four separate five-minute freeze sessions, Jessica manned the table and passed out trafficking literature for those passing by.

Beatriz Castro Ortiz has enjoyed being a part of the group since January of this year. She said that she, "...finds it easy to defend that the evil is not the Lord's-- it's the enemy's (work). We blame God but this just puts a name to the face of evil." Her passion allows her to go deeper as she spends time with actual individuals facing these types of hardships.

Jose Pacheco said this was his first time participating in a Freeze Project. He also shared how it was a bit intimidating. But he was concerned about "...the lack of knowledge and resources out there." He commented that the event was fun and how, "...it brings down the intimidation of what we have to offer. It's important to educate others cuz this is happening and I didn't know this until joining (this group)."

Stephen Thomas also experienced his first Freeze this past Sunday. He saw the informational tables after church a few weeks ago and dove right in. He shared about how the Freeze mob gets people's attention and said, "It was really fun. I'm a good communicator so it's easy for me to hand out flyers and inform (people)." He would definitely consider returning for another Freeze event.

If any of this pulls at your heart strings, check out the pictures and get on board with this amazing ministry. Sandals Abolitionists welcomes you and your passion to raise awareness and ultimately end human trafficking in Riverside and beyond. Share your thoughts here. We'd love to hear from you.

Labels: human trafficking, Sandals Abolitionists

As a family, we are taking Matt's call about "5" very seriously. All five of us are pumped to charge his admonition with energy and enthusiasm. But my husband, our three kids, and I express that very differently.

My husband and six-year-old daughter feel most challenged by the task at hand. Inviting five people to church seems the most daunting to them. They're just not as comfortable starting up a "random" God-conversation with one of their friends. A little bit down the spectrum sits our seven-year-old son, who excitedly wrote out his list a few weeks ago but who kind of freaked out down the road. Then there's our four-year-old daughter and myself, who take on Matt's challenge as a fun adventure.

So what does that mean for you? You probably identify where you fit on that spectrum right away. Maybe you've already invited like one hundred friends to church and you're running out of the cute little note-cards. That would be more like me. But perhaps, you're more like my son who got super excited initially... but then lost his steam when push came to shove.

My little guy was so pumped about inviting his Muslim buddy and their family. But when I asked him recently if he'd actually invited him, he said, "No." And the conversation pretty much ended right there. He still wants his friend to come to one of our Easter services, but he's trying to figure out how the actual conversation will play out.

Maybe you're more like our middle daughter who feels shy just praying at the dinner table. Perhaps you guys can just pray for the rest of us as we put ourselves out on the line. But even she got excited about inviting her best friend, Haley, (who already attends another awesome church) to Easter service. So, what excuse can my husband have? His own daughter, who hides under a shell, figured out who she wanted to invite. Shouldn't he be able to think of his closest friend from work as well?

Our youngest daughter is even more outgoing than I am. She's more talkative than the Press and has probably already invited her entire preschool. With a few simple reminders about Matt's challenge, she'd just start going door to door if that was an option. Matching her enthusiasm, I have already thought of and invited way more than five people to our church for Easter. And I continue to pray and ask God, "Who else, Lord?" I tell Him that I will invite whomever He leads me to. It's simply not that hard of a task!!!

But since we're wired with a plethora of different personalities, it's important to accept your own skill set where it's at. That said, it doesn't mean that shy people get off the hook completely. Instead, it could mean that you should reach out to two people that God has laid upon your heart, instead of FIVE. I mean I know Matt said FIVE, but we'll catch your slack if you simply can't reach that goal on your own. I'm planning to text blast an invitation to most of my local contacts by tomorrow, so you can borrow a few of mine if necessary, okay?

The most important part of this challenge no matter how old you are or regardless of your personality type is that you TRUST the Lord to step up to the plate. Remember all those cool verses about the Holy Spirit? Like how He'll intercede on your behalf and how He'll give you the words to say? So, as you pray over these next few days, believe that God is going to lead you to the right people. If it's not His will, it won't play out anyways.

The thing we all have to remember is that we'll go before the King one day and He's going to hold us accountable for what we have done and also for what we have not done. When I frequently check the updates on one of my favorite blogs about a ministry in Uganda, I'm always humbled and weeping. Missionary Katie has adopted thirteen girls by herself as a single woman in her twenties. Sure she misses Starbucks and fun movies, but God's call on her life is way BIGGER!!!

Recently, she set up a triage center for those living in the slums near her village. She and her thirteen daughters did their best to bind up the physically oozing, dripping, and bleeding patients (many who were HIV infected). They dealt with their deep physical wounds, fed them, and offered the water of life for their souls with a simple invitation to meet JESUS.

I challenged my husband this morning with Missionary Katie's recent post and asked, "Can't we at least tell people about Jesus?" My observation for most Americans is that no matter how hard we have it, physically, financially, or emotionally... we still have it exponentially easier than two thirds or more of the world. At least we get clean drinking water. At least we get access to a warm bed, to three meals a day, and to safe transportation.

I'm not doing one hundredth of the amount of outreach that Missionary Katie is doing for her small Ugandan village. So can't I at least tell someone about Jesus for a few minutes over a coffee? Or can't we just invite them to our church so Matt can tell them? Go ahead and take that next step. Just invite that person that God has already put on your heart for the last few weeks... you know the person you see every day of the year (except for holidays)!!!

If fear stops you, cover it with courage. If panic overtakes you, let the Holy Spirit give you His peace. If confusion floods your mind, let the Comforter guide you. If you are in the way of what the Lord is trying to do, then get out of the way. Let Him step in to use you so that you can begin to find fulfillment in the journey of planting eternal seeds.

Keeping it real. Share your thoughts here and let us know how your adventure of FIVE is going. We'd love to hear from you. :)

Labels: church post, evangelism

After we’d all unpacked our things, we decided to head to one of the ship’s restaurants for some fresh Mexican cuisine. I got some lobster tacos that were divine. The sauce alone could have been bottled and sold for ten bucks a pop at Sprout’s or at Fresh & Easy. I’d have to put in a suggestion on their blog when I got back. Jen got steak empanadas just to be different and Jared ordered a cilantro chicken burrito with cream sauce. He obviously wasn’t on a diet. Eric loved his chipotle shrimp tacos and Jadan and Molly enjoyed their Mahi Mahi tostadas with melon margaritas. Since I’d already had a glass of bubbly, which I don’t usually drink, I decided to play it safe with a beer. Bohemia was the order of the day since we were headed down south to Mexico. It had such a rich and comforting flavor, which reminded me of my college days while studying abroad in Mexico City.

Talk about culture and adventure. The Pyramids were amazing, as was the Palacio Nacional with a plethora of Diego Rivera’s murals. The National Ballet was inspirational and the castle in Chapultapec was so European. I loved Frida Kahlo’s museum in Coyoacan as well. To think I got to stand in her old house. I remember that there were tons of wild kittens running around in the garden area that day. Man, she had a tough life. I feel bad that she couldn’t have any kids of her own. But it made her a passionate artist, that’s for sure. That part of town had the best churros and chocolate I’ve ever eaten. I should catch up on my Spanish dictionary over the next few days. I don’t want to sound like I've never studied Spanish before, especially since I used to teach it prior to having my kids and starting my writing career.

After dinner, we all decided to head to one of the pools. We opted for the private one that adjoined our first class row of rooms. The perks were really starting to line up. I’m so glad we included Molly and Jadan on this brilliant adventure. Molly said she was going to lie down because she’d acquired a headache. But Jadan was still game for the Jacuzzi. And Jen and Jared were on board with a post-dinner swim as well. But Eric said he was ready to hit the hay since he hadn’t slept much the week before. So it was a little bit awkward for me to stroll over with the two love-birds and Jadan. But my neck was feeling tweaked from the four plus hours on the plane and a decent bit of driving and standing around. I definitely needed to get some heat therapy for my nerves as well.

Watching Jadan hoist himself out of his chair onto the side of the Jacuzzi was a bit awkward for me. Just like our initial encounter at Starbucks, I didn’t want him to think I was staring at him. Even though he transferred himself so gracefully, it must have taken lots of practice and lots of patience to get used to this new lifestyle after the accident. First, he locked the wheels of his chair. Then, he kept one hand on the chair as he pressed the other hand onto the ground to transfer the rest of his body to the ground before sliding into the Jacuzzi. He was totally confident though and even made a comment to me about how it would get less bizarre to see him getting in and out of his wheelchair as time went on. He was so direct about things. It was eerie how he could read my mind. Jen and Jared were over in the pool, so this gave me and Jadan a chance to chat.

“So, you starting to relax yet?” Jadan asked me as I dangled my feet atop the hot water.
“Not really. I’m not very good at relaxing. I carry my stress with me, even to the Caribbean,” I chuckled as I rolled my head from side to side.
“The water feels great. You should just get in Renee. It’s really not that hot,” he informed me lightheartedly.
“I will. I don’t adjust as easily to hot water as I used to in my twenties. I’m just getting used to it first,” I said flicking a bubble with my big toe.
“No worries. So what’s Eric up to? He didn’t feel like a late night swim, huh?”
“Well he actually loves the water, but he was pretty tired from a crazy schedule this past week and from all the traveling today.”
“Hopefully everyone will wake up nice and rested and ready for some fun tomorrow,” Jadan said as he rubbed his hands over his face while his feet floated to the surface.
“My gosh, your feet are just doing their own thing, huh? Those are pretty cool water shoes Jadan. I want some for myself,” I laughed in a friendly way.
“Well since I can’t use my legs or my feet, I have to let them do their own thing when I’m in the water. Or I can just hold them down with my arms. And I try to keep my shoes on so it's easier to get back up into my chair. It keeps my feet from slipping around and makes it more manageable to keep my feet tucked in close to my body. I hope that doesn’t weird you out… but at least I got you to laugh for the first time since we’ve been on the ship,” he said with a smirk.
“Awww, you’re sweet. Don’t worry, I’ll get into the swing of things and start to chill out. I’m glad that Eric doesn’t judge me for my depression and my anxiety issues,” I said feeling kind of shy and embarrassed.
“Depression, huh? That sucks. Well, I’ve been there at times too. But try to let that fade away this week. Whatever weighs you down, just let it go, you know, for a few days anyways,” he said bonking me on the head like he was lecturing his little sister.
“Okay, Mister Fearless, nothing gets you down, amazing paraplegic millionaire,” I said trying to knock him over where I thought he wouldn’t be as tough here in the water.
“Not a chance. I may not be able to use my legs, but I’m a tank when it comes to upper body strength. Didn’t I tell you I just completed the LA Marathon last month?” he reminded me.
“I think you mentioned it once or twice last week while we were at Starbucks,” I said moving back over toward the steps.
“Are you getting out already?” he wondered.
“I think I might head over to the pool for a quick dip. I’m gonna check on the love-birds and see how this trip is starting out for them,” I said trying to grab for my towel up on a nearby chair.
"Hey real quick, I just want to remind you that whatever happens in life, when you fall down, you just have to get back up. That shows that you're bigger than the problem. For me, I lose my balance and frequently fall down, but I always get back up," he said showing me his sentimental side.
"Thanks Jadan. I'll remember that, especially when I feel trapped inside my own head like there's no way out of the darkness," I said pointing towards his water bottle.
“If you could grab my bottled water up there on the table, that would be awesome,” he kindly requested while rubbing the symbolic arm-tattoo he'd told me about a few weeks after we met.
“No problem Jadan. Let me know if you need anything else. Just holler,” I said handing him his water and then diving right into the pool for a refreshing wake up call.
“How’s the water?” he asked taking a few gulps of ice water.
“It’s nice, way warmer than I would’ve thought. It’s in the low 90s for sure. Hopefully there’s a cooler lap pool somewhere else on the ship. I was really hoping to swim some laps in the morning. I’d definitely overheat in this bathtub,” I said laughing as I looked over at Jen and Jared juggling their feet on the edge of the pool together like two newly weds.

I heard my phone buzz and leaped out of the pool to see who it was. It was about ten thirty our time, so that meant it was like seven thirty San Diego time. So it was probably my mom putting the kids on the phone to say goodnight. But I was wrong. It was a text message from Eric.

Got the room all ready for some amazing romance. Foot massage awaits u. How long must I wait for my beautiful mermaid? Not so tired anymore. Couldn’t fall asleep without u by my side.—hubby :)

Labels: excerpt #13, Stream of Consciousness

After dinner, we took out Jen’s mud-pie, well not hers, it was from Charthouse. Like Jen could cook! She could hardly make a piece of toast without the fire alarm going off. Seriously, without frozen dinners and salads, Jen would die of starvation. But she mostly ate out with her newest fling, whoever that happened to be that particular week or month. This month, it happened to be Jared, but I was starting to hope he’d stick around. For all I’d pre-judged about Jared, I was turning out to be surprisingly wrong. I bumped into him over by the silverware and napkins and we chatted about the success of my amazing plan.

“So Renee. You worked it all out. You saved the cruise. You got me and Jen back on track. So I owe you big-time,” he said giving me a huge hug.
“Thanks Jared. You know, you helped me too. I needed this to work for me too. The whole reason I wanted to go on the cruise in the first place was because I felt like I needed to protect Jen from you, in case you turned out to be some kind of weirdo freak,” I said nonchalantly as I counted out ten plates, enough for all of us plus the kids.
“Wow, that’s really something. Like I don’t even know how to respond to that, Renee. But since I like you now, I guess I’ll just decide to ignore how bizarre that sounded,” he said trying to muster up an authentic laugh.
“No, I’m mostly kidding. It’s jus that Jen’s seriously important to me. So I started getting concerned. Then my worry turned into this exciting plan and then I got to know you and I think you’re actually really great. So please don’t misinterpret me on this. I’m so glad it’s all working out,” I said as I joke-punched him in the arm.
“Okay, I’ll let it go,” he said pinching me on the arm a little bit harder than I’d liked.
“Don’t make me get my hubby over here to defend me. He’ll kick your white a--,” I halted in my words as my littlest wandered over begging me for some dessert.
“Mommy, Tangled is over now. Can we please have some dessert?” she asked with a red pizza sauce ring around her mouth.
“Of course you can. But I’m not sure you guys will like the mud-pie because it’s got coffee ice cream in it. So I’ll get you guys some rainbow sherbet or some chocolate chip ice cream instead. Go up and ask the big kids what they want and I’ll bring it up to you in a second. Ask Miss Chelsea if she wants anything,” I said running my fingers through her long curly brown hair.
“Okay Mama. I’d like some sherbet and some chocolate chip please,” she said as she raced back up the stairs.

Jared and I were done talking for the moment. Within half a second, I’d gotten the ice cream orders and soon thereafter handed out all of the desserts. U2 was playing in the background, so I knew Jadan had switched my music up again. But I didn’t mind because I liked them better than Mark Anthony as well. It really seemed like everything was going perfectly. Everyone devoured dessert. Then we all enjoyed ourselves for a few hours after that with great conversation, some dancing, and even a few laps in the pool.

The night was a huge success. Even I started to relax and took advantage of a few songs with my wonderful husband, who was elated about our upcoming cruise. Surprising him was the romantic edge we had needed for a pre-vacation you-know-what. Yes, snuggling turned into much more and we were both feeling really connected and stress-free before my mom got there the next morning.

The doorbell rang at like six thirty in the morning. I truly couldn’t believe my mom got there so early. So I rolled my eyes the minute I heard Nugget freaking at our front door. What was my mom thinking? She’s going to wake everyone up! I put on my slippers and grabbed my robe as I noticed Eric buried under his pillow. How is it that he can sleep under all those covers and pillows over his head? He’s so claustrophobic in most instances. It’s completely strange.

I could still smell the rich aroma of barbecue sauce and grilled veggies, along with the remnants of candle smoke and sweet sugar from some ice cream that had been left out by accident. I wondered what my mom would want for breakfast, since she’d chosen to come so early. But when I opened the front door, no-one was there. There was simply a note that said, “Lawn-care provider, back and front lawn, $50 per week.”

Nice. So I was woken up from my sweet dream of Cosette and Marius from Les Miserables for this stupid lawn-care note. Like I’m gonna use their service now, I don’t think so. Plus, Eric really enjoys his chance to do his man-jobs. It’s so funny how he’ll say stuff like, “Honey, the yard’s my domain” or “Don’t mess with my garage!” At any rate, I’m up now, so I suppose I could take this next few hours of uninterrupted solitude to write another chapter of my book. But first, I need to make some coffee. Some seriously strong coffee. I guess I had one two many pina coladas last night since two is really my maximum without waking up with a huge headache. The coffee should definitely help. Maybe I should read just a few pages from Victor Hugo before I write my own stuff.

Ah, how romantic his stuff is. I mean, I know it’s the French Revolution and there’s lots of death and tragedy, but the love parts are so old fashioned and passionate. It would have been pretty wonderful to live in the 1800s with carriages and lovely dresses. A bit bumpy though and I probably would have been dead by now. So I guess I’ll enjoy the twenty-first century while I’m in it. Just think, I’d miss out on Coke, the gym, sunscreen, and my new swagger wagon, which I love. Plus, we wouldn’t have movies or the Wii. Oh my gosh, my kids would die if they didn’t have that. Maybe that would have been better, come to think of it. We all would have read more though, taken longer strolls, and had a lot more candles. Oh but not the fruity ones from Bath & Body. And I probably would have had like ten kids too and would have been required to use a man’s name as my writer's pseudonym, which would’ve sucked.

I opened up one of our copies of Victor Hugo from the downstairs office library and started reading smack dab in the middle. It was another one of those books where I could open up to any page and instantly be immersed in the poignant emotions and events of that particular chapter. I felt I had to stay downstairs because if I even stepped foot up one single stair, somehow one of the kids would sense that I was awake and beg me for a donut-run. It was best to find refuge on my dark leather couch with my fuzzy red throw blanket.

I loved my newly painted steel blue wall. Eric had done such a great job all by himself. And that is why I loved him so much. He served me like he truly cared. Of course he would have preferred to chill out on the couch with a beer and a game on television, but he stayed up until 2am because he knew it was important to me. My grapevine and ocean prints looked so crisp and artistic hanging on the new wall. Ah, I rolled my neck, took my slippers off and snuggled on the couch next to Nugget. Oh I love this part where Marius is spying on Cosette from behind the bushes. He convinces himself that she doesn't notice him, but his love is not as secret as he thinks. Remember when her dad notices his spying as well?

Labels: excerpt # 12, Stream of Consciousness