AfricanKelli

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Sarah’s dad walking her down the aisle, holding her son (his grandson) brought tears to many eyes. The personal vows they recited, the windy and crisp weather, the large fountain babbling in the courtyard, the tiny lights on the trees, the fun cast of characters in the bridal party and the flower kids — it was a ceremony to remember. It was all simply perfect.

So many people I love, in one room. And yes, there was a bit of dancing too.

I cried too much, ate too little and laughed just enough. And there might have been a little wine.

It was such a fun evening and really, I could think of a better way to celebrate this new family.

~K

Hiking in South Mountain this weekend with a friend, there was little color. The desert is on the cusp of blossoming, but isn’t quite there yet. We had to find hue where we could:

I am going to miss my desert, especially the smell after a hard rain, the saguaro blooms in May and the cactus wrens. It is such a harsh, strong, gorgeous landscape.

~K

Do you ever wonder who are those people who get talked into infomercials? Or, say, the cute guy selling super blenders at Costco?

Well.

Smoothies today, skinny tomorrow. It’s already working for my wallet.

~K

“Hey! Maybe you’ll wake up with a bit of bravery tucked in your pocket tomorrow.”

I spoke those words this week. Bravery doesn’t come easily.

I recently failed at being courageous when I woke up in the middle of the night in Malawi to an animal being attacked nearby. My heart raced as I lay under the mosquito net, the piercing cries of the house cat echoing in the otherwise quiet night. Was it a snake? A rabid dog? I thought the noise was coming from the veranda — pitch black in the African night. I threw back the net, and raced in my pajamas to help. Adrenaline fueled, I threw open the bedroom door to alert someone — Matt, his family, anyone asleep on the other side of the house — when I realized, in fact, the attack was not happening outside, but in the room I just entered.

The dark room.

The dark room with a very peculiar smell and an eeriness that made every inch of my body lurch. I spun back into my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. As soon as I was safely back within the light, with the door closed, the fight continued. The poor cat was fighting for her life in the adjoining dining room — but I didn’t know where the light switch was or how to get anyone’s attention on the other side of the house.

How did the attacker get into the dining room? Could it get in my bedroom?

And I knew one thing for certain — I was not brave enough to go into that dark room and save the cat.

I tucked my yellow belly back into bed,  shaking with fear and nerves — my terror of snakes running rampant. By the time the sun rose, I’d fallen back to sleep. I’d meant to stay awake until the moment I could rush to the other side of the house for help, but I crashed. By the time I got up and found Matt’s mom — she was entirely confused at my worry. She’d woken to an open kitchen window and a couple animal “accidents” on the dining room floor, but no blood.

And no cat.

It took a while for the house kitty to return, but she did. With tufts of her fur matted, she sauntered back into the living room one afternoon. I nearly cried with relief. I was convinced she’d gone into the jungle to die after I’d failed to save her from the mysterious boogieman. The little warrior had survived again, more than likely an attack from a village cat that had climbed in the kitchen window looking for a snack. Once I realized she was fine, it was me who left the room with my tail between my legs.

I always eye dare devils with suspicion, wondering if they actually like life. It must be easier to take sweeping risks when what you have isn’t so precious. My move to Colorado in April is about as brave as I’ve been in the last 10 years. It isn’t like moving to Cameroon to live in a village hut, but it is fully challenging my routine and comfort. I hope becoming a bit braver is just the first of many great changes.

~k

Winter snow

Spring flowers

Summer clouds

Fall moon

The pieces of a big dream are carefully being placed. Drawers emptied. Purchased halted. Boxes taped. Newspapers saved. Zip codes researched. A fresh start.

It is going to be a very exciting week.

~K