A Few of My Favorite Things: Catherine

1. Road biking in a beautiful place.
I think my love for biking must have started as a child, when we'd go for rides with dad down to Massey Chapel road. I bought my first official road bike in Seattle in 2006 (because I didn't have a car). It was a vintage trek, a little too small for me, off craigslist for $65, and I fell in love. There's just nothing like going for a long bike ride on a crisp fall day or exploring a new city on 2 wheels.

2. cooking in fun dishes
Ang's post made me think of these. Mom gifted me them for Christmas a few years ago and I LOVE them! I give them 5 starts for aesthetics and utility. 

3. Phish food.
Like Charlie Brown says, happiness is 2 kinds of ice cream.  Hard to pick just 2 kinds because there are SO many. But, Phish Food with the carmel, chocolate chunks and marshmallows is an all-time winner. I would post a pic of Earnestly Chocolate (it's really #1), but that will just make me sad because it's only in Provo.

4. Wise, profound words of wisdom.
Sometimes, you just need a quality talk to inspire, uplift and make you think (I like to think about things). The BYU Broadcasting site has some great talks on a varied list of topics: www.byub.org and C.S. Lewis has some winners (The Four Loves, Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Weight of Glory to name a few).

5. Folk Music! 
This pic is of Wailin Jenny's (featured in a previous post). I think one of my dreams is to harmonize in a folk band some day. I tried out for the folk ensemble at BYU with my guitar, but didn't make it (probably because I played something like the only song I knew at the time - Green Day or something). I love the energy and soul that embodies songs like This Side (Nickel Creek), Heaven When We're Home (The Wailin' Jennys) or Aint no Grave (Crooked Still).

6. Early mornings
I love being up before the break of dawn and witnessing the majestic beauty of the rising sun while my mind is clear and ready to embrace a new day.  It reminds me of God's power and the miracle that is every day.

7. Runaway Bride
Call me cheesy, but I love this movie.
So many good lines. Always makes me laugh.

8. Brook's running shoes.
 I've been using these for years now and they've never failed me.
While I definitely wouldn't consider myself a competative runner in any way, running is one of my loves. It keeps me feeling healthy, grounded and happy.

9. Traveling
I love visiting new countries and experiencing and learning from new cultures. I think there is much to be learned from observing other people and how they live and love and struggle and find joy through life. I've been blessed to visit a few of this massive world's countries and I always return feeling inspired, grateful and more aware of the Lord's love.

10. Eddie Bower purses.
Not the girliest or cutest, but definitely the most functional! I have sported Eddie Bower for  over 10 years now (for better or worse). I'm on my 3rd purse now, which proves that they're pretty durable. The zippers and pockets are great and I love how un-cumbersome it is! Perfect size for cards, check-book, cell phone, chapstick, keys and Barnes and Noble planner (which I also highly recommend).