Reflecting on Inflating Inner-Tubes, Writing Poetry, and Hiking Hills.

Adventure #1: Spend Saturday biking around Santa Ynez wine country? Sure, why not.

My darling friend, Libby Senna, and I have engaged in a blog challenge. We picked seven random topics and must write about all of them within a two-week period. It doesn't matter which days we write, necessarily; rather, we just have to get the posts done. It's supposed to be a lesson in accountability and conditioning. I hope that the challenge forces me to practice writing on a consistent basis, and that it encourages me to continue writing after we're through.

The first topic revolves around the issue of choosing a favorite quote. I think Libby and I both agree that selecting one phrase and titling it "favorite" would be impossible. Instead of trying to pick one thought, I'll choose a sentiment that I've been reflecting on recently.

I just finished Donald Miller's new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. The book review will come in a separate post (whenever I get back to THAT blog idea...hopefully this challenge will also serve to inspire me to continue reviewing literature) since I don't have the time to write about it now, nor have I been able to accurately assess how I feel about the piece in its entirety. Regardless of my thoughts about the story as a whole, there were some passages that really jumped out at me because of how strongly they related to my current stage of life.

The book is about storytelling, and about how we are essentially responsible for creating our own stories. God gives us the tools to make our own decisions and though He knows the outcome of our choices, He offers us the opportunity to live our best life, should we be up to the challenge. The following quote from Miller's book really stood out to me for the way it encourages readers to embark upon adventurous, life-changing journies:

• We have to get up off the couch and turn the television off, we have to blow up the inner-tubes and head to the river. We have to write the poem and deliver it in person. We have to pull the car off the road and hike to the top of the hill. We have to put on our suits, we have to dance at weddings.

This is something that I have found to be so true, and I'm thankful that Miller's words reminded me of this sentiment. I'd like to believe that I have an adventurous spirit, which I'll attribute to my friendship with Erin Macdonald. When I came to Pepperdine as a freshman in 2004, Erin and I cemented the foundation of a friendship that will only continue to flourish and grow. Though we were raised in Wheaton together (and made many hilarious memories growing up), it was at Pepperdine that we became as close as we are today. So much of that is due to the way Erin's outgoing and thrill-seeking personality affected me and shaped my character. She taught me the importance of walking through every figurative (and sometimes literal) open door, whether that's achieved by accepting an invitation to attend a barbecue on the beach or it's just the decision to dive into the ocean, fully-clothed, after a good run. Since then, I've always attempted to invest in the opportunities presented to me, as large or small as they may seem. Weekend trips, semesters abroad, living situations, afternoons outdoors, and impromptu vacations have all been decided upon based on my inability to refuse to accept anything less than extreme. Sometimes that gets me in trouble; other times it allows me to continue walking (or sometimes sprinting) down the path that Christ has set before me.

This isn't to say that I'm great at being adventurous or outgoing; to be sure, I fail at achieving that goal on days when I just can't get myself together. The point is, as Miller's quote reminded me, a journey-seeking life is one that I should be attempting to live. God gave us the tools to write amazing stories. He's asking us to intertwine the concepts of mystery, suspense, adventure, comedy, faith, and (only sometimes) drama in order to structure a story so great that we praise the One who gave us the resources to live it.

As Miller pointed out, God is not a puppeteer who controls our every action. Instead, He patiently waits for us to discover the loveliness of life on our own, allowing us to stand in awe of what He has created. He quietly encourages us to take part in the moments worth remembering. Maybe that's done by choosing to live in a trailer park in Malibu, or by deciding to eat only frozen yogurt for lunch...or breakfast. Maybe that's accomplished by taking impromptu trips up to Point Dume to photograph the sunset, or by buying a flight to Denver to visit an old friend. Maybe that's achieved through watching a foreign film, or by sweating through a Bikram yoga class. However it's done, the goal is to explore the beauty that exists in everyday moments. In coffee. In sunrises. In loft apartments. In fried cookie dough. In service trips. Equally in the great as in the small. And the whole time, being cognizant (that's for you, John Joyce) of the Creator who made it all, reveling in the treasures set out before us solely so that we can reciprocate by offering praise to the One who loves us most.

Throughout this post, I've thrown in some photos from some of my favorite spontaneous adventures. Some are huge choices or events while other decisions or happenings may appear small. Yet they all comprise memories that are essential to my very being, components that have aligned themselves to create Rachel's story.

Adventure #2: Going to Ghana after meeting Pam Cope resulted in passion, purpose, and, ultimately, a career with Touch A Life.

Adventure #3: Lunching with Miss Erin Macdonald, the teacher herself. I mean, why not go to Malibu hot spot, Geoffrey's, for two meals in a row? The restaurant boasts the best view in town as well as the tastiest crab cakes on the coast.

Adventure #4: A Memorial Day Weekend to be remembered: San Jose del Cabo 2009. A trip that was once dreamed of eventually came to reality, thanks to everyone's desire to reunite from all around the country and seek out adventure.

Adventure #5: Redefining the lunch break at White Rock Lake Park in Dallas (my new hometown), camera in hand.

Adventure #6: New Year's Eve 2009 in Nashville with Carter. Such an impromptu decision turned into a weekend of good food, great dance moves, and the best time spent catching up with friends.

Forever on the Dance Floor.

Celebrating the Spences in Napa Valley.

:: It's like I waited my whole life for this one night

It's gon' be me, you, and the dance floor. ::

-- Chris Brown

Brad Blakey is always the best date because he unabashedly loves to dance. He was my date to Pi Phi formal my senior year at Pepperdine and that was when I realized how much I appreciate it when people can dance anywhere, anytime. Besides the fact that I adore him, this was a huge factor in my decision to ask him to be my date to Karli and Nick's wedding in Napa Valley. Another good thing about Brad is that he doesn't seem to mind when I repeatedly want to get down to Chris Brown's, "Forever," my favorite dance party jam. And by repeatedly, I mean every day.

I would prefer to have dance parties on a daily basis, but because of jobs and other such limitations, I've resigned myself to the fact that I'll just have to wait for epic occasions like Kar and Nick's nuptials (although sometimes, I admit, I've been known to host impromptu dance parties in parking garages, friends' kitchens, and grocery stores). In those situations, I depend on a date like Brad to be just excited about the evening's dance party as I am. And he always lives up to the expectations I have for him. In fact, he usually surpasses them.

I've noticed that many people are uncomfortable with strutting their stuff on the dance floor, and this realization has allowed me to learn how much I appreciate those people who don't give a care in the world what others think about their moves. So here's to you, Mr. Blakey, for always being the perfect date, the perfect friend who will never fail me on the dance floor.

Also, I would like to have the acoustic version of "Forever" played as
my first dance at my own wedding someday.
Please, no one steal this idea.

Thanks be to Libby Senna.

:: Considering life's brevity, we should travel abundantly, with great enthusiasm. ::

Peter Megargee Brown

The balcony of Chateau Smith in Malibu. Long live 21228.

So. I haven't updated my blog in TWO MONTHS. How does that happen? Complacency and busyness, I suppose. I had a few faithful blog followers mention something to me about how I hadn't written in awhile, and, because I appreciated that they read my blog, I promised to update its content soon. But I never did. It wasn't until a serious fire was lit underneath me by Elizabeth Senna. I met Libby through Katie Van Buskirk and, to be honest, our friendship has grown thanks to social media. I think it's safe to say that we keep tabs on each other through Facebook, Twitter, and our blogs. Except that she couldn't keep track of my blog because I wasn't writing anything. Which must have prompted her to send the following message via Twitter:

• "RayJ, I religiously check your blog to see if you've updated and you NEVER DO. As a loyal reader, I'm begging you to update!"

I don't know if it was the capitalization, the use of one of my favorite nicknames (also fondly used by Jonathan Clark), or the compliment of securing her readership, but I was just thrown into writing/updating gear. Libby is an incredible writer, so her encouragement was just what I needed to get me back to blogging.

So why did I spend so much time away from my blog? I'd have to blame it on the travel. I am so blessed that I lead an insanely busy, beautiful life, full of exciting adventures that focus on the exploration of the world. Since I last updated in July, I've:

• Lived in a beach house in Malibu (thanks to the Smith brothers, who kindly let Erin Macdonald, Dave Kob, and I move in)
• Toasted to Karli and Nick's engagement at a couple's shower in Pleasanton, CA
• Checked "see Coldplay live" off of my life's to-do list by attending their concert in San Diego with Becca
• Gallivanted around Los Angeles, going to Dodgers games and sailing across the Pacific Ocean (maybe not quite across it, but definitely from Marina del Rey to Malibu)
• Celebrated Karli's engagement (again) by having a bridal shower at the gorgeous, '70s/James Perse-inspired Ace Hotel in Palm Springs
• Traveled home to Chicago for a Jantsen's Gift book party honoring Pam Cope and Aimee Molloy, while rounding out the weekend by enjoying Mike and Renata LaBelle's wedding
• Gone to Ghana for two weeks to volunteer at the Children's Art Village, work with my incredible boss (Pam), and rescue 13 sweet children from Lake Volta
• Been honored by the greatest group of friends when they threw a "moving-to-Dallas" surprise party for me in Malibu
• Loved on Jonathan and Mallory Clark as they recited their vows, and reveled in another Commune-ist reunion
• Paddle-boarded in the ocean off of La Costa beach in Malibu with Nick Mason, constituting one of my favorite adventures in Southern California
• Spent Labor Day Weekend with Karli and her other bridesmaids, soaking up the sunshine, drinking Steve King margaritas, and enjoying the few weeks Karli had left as a single lady
• Moved from Chateau Five Oh Nine, my sweet apartment in Santa Monica, and road-tripped to Dallas, Texas, where my new loft awaited me
• Participated in the most beautiful wedding of all time in Napa Valley, also known as the union of Karli Megan and Nicholas Michael Spence

As you might imagine, this didn't leave much time for blogging. But after I read Libby's message, I started wondering why I didn't carve out the time to write. I guess part of it is due to the fact that I'm a people-person; given the option, I'd always rather spend time with loved ones than absorb the peace and quiet of an evening in. But pausing is so important. It allows us to give thanks for the amazing adventures in our lives, reminding us of the little details that compose our very beings and make them so much richer.

I will continue to travel, abundantly, and with great enthusiasm. But I will begin to document the details so that I can properly celebrate the little things. I'm talking about the little things that compose the bigger picture that is life. You know, the little things that, deconstructed, are the things that mean most to us when our confusion about life and love is at its height. Those little things that never cease to remind us of the blessings found in every crevice of life. And I will continue writing about them. I will continue blogging. Abundantly, and with great enthusiasm.

Spending Fourth of July on the beach with Becca.

Mike Miller and I could be soul mates, I think.

Mom visited Malibu and, of course, we had to take out one of her favorite friends (and mine): Nick Mason.

Karli and Nick's couples shower in Pleasanton.

I love that no matter what changes in our lives, we will always maintain the most beautiful, creepy friendship.

The Coldplay concert in San Diego. Perfection.

Family (Brody, Erin, Mac, and me) at the Dodgers game.

Sailing all over the Pacific Ocean. Our best adventure yet.

Karli's bridal shower at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs.

There's not much better than a night of outdoor living rooms, not having to change out of your bathing suit, fabulous food, and the best friends.

We were obviously addicted to the photo booth at the hotel.

At the Jantsen's Gift book party in Chicago with Mom, Pam, and Aimee, three of the most influential women in my life.

High school girlfriends (Molly, Katie, Kelly, and I) re-unite for Mike's wedding.

Oh, how I love my brother and his return to the United States.

Back to Ghana, where I left my heart.

Momma with three of my favorite boys: Famous, Dodzi, and Moses. How lucky am I that my mom and I get to have these adventures together?

With Emmanuel and Joel. So beautiful.

Pam and I with our irreplaceable staff (George, Jr., George, and Kofi) on Lake Volta.

I have the best boss on the planet. No contest.

Sweet Joseph, waiting to get a check-up at the clinic in Kete-Krachi. One of the most difficult and important days of my life.

My best friend in the whole, wide world, who orchestrated the most fabulous surprise party.

I had NO idea. My friends are epic.

With my fabulous bests (by the way, yes, you can have more than one best friend; though it's a term I've used throughout this post, it doesn't diminish its meaning because the women who earn its title deserve it), Erin and Bec, at Jon and Mallory's wedding.

Commune-ists together again.

Floyd brought us some sweets before we hit the dance floor.

Nick took me paddle-boarding so I could check it off of my Malibu bucket list. We had the greatest afternoon.

Nicky, you are just too fantastic.

Gettin' it, with Chateau Smith in the background.

The most perfect Labor Day weekend spent at the most perfect lakehouse.

I just don't think I've ever laughed as hard as when Katie and I were tubing.

Chateau Five Oh Nine, you served me well.

I will always be able to call Santa Monica "home."

Roadtrip nation. Do it to it, Lars.

Somewhere in southwestern America. Let's say Arizona or New Mexico.

Dallas, Texas. Loft life begins.

My beautiful best got married!

With the bride and the maid of honor.

Bridesmaid-ing.

Bradshaw Blakey is always the best date.

Another fantastic reunion. We are good at this game.

Soaking up time in the vineyards. Napa Valley, I will be your resident someday.

The Uniform Project.

I didn't realize that my 21-year-old brother was one to subscribe to blogs (other than anything found on ESPN, of course). I actually had no idea that he was even reading mine. So when he observed that I hadn't updated my posts lately, I realized that it was really time to get into gear and start updating my writing.

Good thing that there's something that I can't get off my mind--something about which I need to write, something about which the world needs to read: The Uniform Project. The Uniform Project is a topic that is perfect for blogging purposes. Karli Meg shared this Web site/cause with me while we were gallivanting around Pleasanton together this weekend and I can't stop thinking about it. Sheena Matheiken started The Uniform Project to perform, as she calls it on her Web site, "an exercise in sustainable fashion." For 365 days, she will wear the exact same dress. She has seven dresses, all of which are exactly the same, and she rocks a clean one each day of the week. To distinguish between outfits, Matheiken reinvents the dress by wearing accessories (think jewelry, handbags, tights, shoes, vests and hats) that have been handed down to her by supporters of the project. (Even you can be a supporter of the project by e-mailing Matheiken at theuniformproject09@gmail.com. Tell her you want to get involved and she'll respond, telling you how you can send accessories her way.)

In addition to donating accessories, participants can also donate to the project itself. The Uniform Project doubles as a campaign to raise awareness of and funds for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots organization that seeks to revolutionize the education system in India. A former student in India herself, Metheiken always had to wear a uniform to school. She and her peers found ways to individualize their style by adding accessories, therefore distinguishing their tastes from one another. The funds raised by the project will support the Akanksha Foundation's efforts to provide school uniforms and other educational expenses for children who live in the slums of India.

I think that part of the reason I love the Uniform Project so much is because it goes to show that there's no limit to the things you can do with a little innovation. Creativity and generosity are the catalysts in ensuring that change effectively takes place in the world.