7 Things Sunday

One. After graduating high school I started sending my bff Andrew postcards and various forms of snail mail. I’ve more or less kept it up for 6 years now. I’ve never once gotten a piece of mail from him in return…UNTIL THIS WEEK. Okay, so it wasn’t a letter or postcard. In fact, there wasn’t anything written anywhere. But he did send me this:

Commonly known as ‘The Man of My Dreams Pillow’ or ‘The Boyfriend Pillow’. I guess it’s my own fault for joking about getting one? If anyone wants to borrow this awkwardness, it’s all yours. And he still needs a name. Suggestions are welcome.

Two. NEEDTOBREATHE  on the Riverfront was definitely the highlight of my week. I enjoy them even more live than I do recorded. It was the perfect summer night. The view. The sunset. The people. The dancing. Aaaaahhhhh.

Three. ArtForceIowa just completed the first week of our DSM Immigrant Heroes Video Production Workshop. My team, which had students from Ecuador, Congo, and Liberia chose Nancy Mwirotsi as our DSM Immigrant Hero. It was wonderful getting to hear her story. She is an intelligent and incredibly servant-hearted woman doing many great things for the refugee community in Des Moines. You can check out all the DSM Immigrant Hero interviews here.

Four. I really miss the time in my life when rollerblading was my main mode of transportation.

Five. This documentary is worth the watch: 

Six. On a less serious note…this video is also worth the watch (if you’re a New Girl fan): http://video.gq.com/watch/the-new-girl-guys-moty-2012

Seven. Today as we celebrate Fathers, my thoughts are with those who have lost them, although they live on in memory and spirit. Since last Father’s Day, I’ve had two friends and a family member say goodbye to their fathers. I also began working closely with a population of youth that are largely fatherless, emotionally or physically. After hearing their stories, I realize some of them are probably better off without their dads being involved in their life. There is biology and then there is character. If you feel a sting of pain on this day for whatever reason, I’m so sorry. May you relish in any good memories you have of your father. Maybe you can still write him a Father’s Day card whether he’s around to receive it or not? That sounds therapeutic. Whatever your situation is, I hope that you can think of someone to celebrate today; I hope there has been some man who you admire that has been invested in your life. I don’t claim to have a clue what I’m talking about or what it’s like. Just know I’m holding you in my heart today.

Love,

Taylor

When Dad Meets Daughter

There is this cassette tape I have. If you listen to this cassette tape you will hear a recording of my birth.

If you’re wondering…yes, it does feel strange to listen to labor.

But I get over the strangeness quickly when I hear a voice say, “Hi Taylor. Hi little girl. I’m your Dad.”

I am listening to my dad speak his first words to me. We’re making introductions. My mind is blown as I imagine this; this moment before all the moments to come. In this moment the only thing my dad knows about me is that I’m 7 lbs, 8 oz. and 21 inches long. The only thing I know about him is the sound of his voice…a voice I will grow to recognize instantly; a voice that I will always love to hear.

In my tiniest form I am not yet aware that-

This is the voice that will sing ‘Once Upon a Dream’ while he spins me in his arms and then tosses me in the air before I land, giggling, on my mattress. Then he will pull out his guitar and sing ‘Forever Young’ by Bob Dylan a million times.

This is the voice that will whisper in my ear before the sun rises to wake me up for a special breakfast.

This is the voice that will make me feel safe.

This is the voice that will direct my sister and I in home-made short films such as ‘Misson Possible’ and ‘Maddyella’.

This is the voice that will read me epic adventure stories out loud, character voices included.

This is the voice that will make me cry when it’s raised.

This is the voice that will pray over me.

This is the voice that will tell me I’m lovely (even when I have missing teeth, thick glasses, and bangs that are far too short).

This is the voice that will ask me questions. Constantly.

This is the voice that will make me laugh until my sides ache.

This is the voice that will give wise advice when asked.

This is the voice that will cheer me on through successes and failures.

This is the voice that will appear in countless postcards, Bible margins and wax-sealed letters addressed to me.

This is the voice I will trust.

I will always love this voice.

Love,
Taylor