14 fresh out of Changsha

Can't remember the last time I was so anxiously anticipating a new release!

 the creation of our good pal Noah

aka The Offshore Accounts --

Full album and lyrics here. Free download here.

There was no sleep in our house until we listened to every track.
You will love this album.

You'll hear vignettes of life in Changsha, all up against the backdrop of living in relation to the Creator -- If you believe in sharing stories of the human experience, if you wanna rock out, if you can relate to sentiments of Chinese life, if you view the world a bit differently that most of the peeps around you, this record will move you.

I tried to make like a Rolling Stone writer and review Cardinal, but I cannot do it succinctly. It's as if Noah gave birth to fourteen babies and I'm trying to describe and summarize all the special characteristics of all fourteen in one paragraph. I can't! It's too much to behold. Pretty mandolin, dirty dobro and crunchy electric guitar all in one song, you've never heard a sound like this before!

Do you know anyone who can do this? One guy writing songs, himself playing and recording a big lineup of instruments, mixing and producing it in his tiny home office in his spare time as a side hobby. Ridiculous. The creativity springing out of everyday people is inspiring.

DO NOT MISS

(Noah was generous and let me sing along on this one!)

Here's Noah at the grill with Drew. That day we had bottles but no bottle-opener so the clippers became our tool. Just in case you're ever in the same pinch, now you know.

I can't mention Noah without also sharing that his wife Naomi has been such an influential person in my life by her example. She is my peer and yet my role model, I admire her character and attitude -- faithful, gentle, supportive, grateful, hard-working, considerate, selfless, generous, smart, frugal, nurturing, patient. She's a native Hunan Chinese, a mother of two little girls with another baby on the way. I see Naomi two or three times every week and each time I can't wait to connect with her. She is a great encourager and a true friend. I love her.

And, certainly the creation and release of Cardinal is owing to her empowerment!

counting the graces

thank you Father for

catching up with Zeng Ting and feeling so comfortable together

a starting conversation with XY

broccoli quiche to greet my husband when he arrived home from work

figuring out a little game and concept to help Jonathon enjoy eating and eat faster

watching Drew when he sleeps

just enough for today