Monday, October 29, 2012

Our Victorian Weekend

Our neighborhood began developing in the 1830's and thankfully many of the old Victorian homes still stand. We have heard that it is the largest collection of Victorian homes in the country. When you walk around, it seems as though you have stepped back in time in many ways and this weekend even more so.

Taken on the staircase in our home
Saturday night was the annual Spirit Ball. The Spirit Ball is a fundraiser for the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. The museum gives guests the chance to peek into the history of the neighborhood. While Victorian costumes appeared to be the norm, it is by no means required. The cast of the Wizard of Oz, Abe Lincoln, witches, pirates, etc. all made appearances. Attendees could have their face painted, fortunes read, bid on Silent Auction items, eat, drink, and dance. We saw many of our neighbors, met others from Louisville, and there were even people who came from as far away as Texas. We really enjoyed the evening.

If you came through Old Louisville at night, you might have noticed men in tails and women with hats parading around. It was also the weekend for the Ghost Walk. J and I acted as tour guides last night. On the tour, you were able to see some of the old homes and hear their ghost stories from actors. Nothing too scary (because you all know that I am the biggest scaredy cat in the world!). I will say that I am so grateful for the little fur wrap that I had because it was quite a chilly night for a stroll in a lace dress.

While we are still learning more about the neighborhood, I really have enjoyed all of the events and neighbors we have met. It is a thriving neighborhood with creative and social people. Our neighbors take pride in their homes and restoring Old Louisville to the grandness it once had. I am thankful to get to experience/play a small role in that.

Today it is back to modern times and work, but we had a blast stepping back in the past.
Taken at the Conrad-Caldwell House

Sunday, October 28, 2012

This Is The Way We Roll: Victorian Edition

We were schooled in Victorian style this weekend. Here is what we learned...

*If looking for a costume in Louisville, go to Louise Cecil's on Floyd St.
*I am becoming a hat girl. When in Kentucky...
*A simple ribbon around the neck can be a great choker.
*Walking canes need to fit you. If not, you will have back pain later.
*Cropped fur wraps actually do keep you warm while wearing as a tour guide in mid 40's temps.
*Long john pants under lace dress also help. :)
*J learned how to wear an ascot.
*J looks very handsome in tails and a top hat.
*Black Radiance lipstick does not come off. Ever.
*I now know why there was not physical closeness when dancing in late 1800's... big hats.
*When in doubt, Google and YouTube. Speaking of, here is a wonderful tutorial on Downton Abbey Inspired Victorian Hair.



*Getting dressed up even as adults is super fun!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

October

Couldn't find source. Pinterest dead link.

 

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness!
 Great is Thy faithfulness! 
Morning by morning new mercies I see 
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided 
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me!
-Thomas Chisholm

This hymn/poem is on repeat in my head this morning.

Loneliness has been a constant battle here in Louisville. We have not made many friends and due to crazy work hours (Way crazier than teaching! Hard to believe I know.) do not get to go out very often.  We have not been able to go to church. Our neighborhood folks are great, but there is nobody our age. But last night for the first time, I felt completely welcome amongst a group of strangers.

I met S for the first time the weekend of Derby. Her parents were guests at the inn and she came by to check them in. She lives across just across the park from us. I invited her to have breakfast with her parents at the inn, but she had classes that weekend so I did not get to talk to her again. A couple of weeks later, I went to a gentle yoga class at the Y. It was my first time to go (and last might I add) and when I walked in I heard my name. S was there! I pulled my mat beside hers and then we met J afterwards for a quick bite. J and I joke that we have 1 friend- S. Sadly, we don't get to see each other too often, but every couple of weeks we go to dinner. I am so thankful for the way God placed her in our lives.

S invited me to dinner last night. Over the course of our friendship, we found that we share a love for community and intentional living. S had heard about a house through one of her friends and last night was her first time to go as well. Immediately when we walked in, we felt welcome. There was no awkwardness, no judgement, but lots of fellowship. Everyone brought a dish. Simple meal. Afterwards everyone moved into the living room for discussion. We listened to a passage from the book A Monk In The Inner City and then discussed what another world would look like to us. Everyone spoke. Common themes in every answer. The night ended in signs of peace. I felt like crying the whole time because God was faithful. It was the best evening spent in Louisville so far and I can't wait to go back.

This morning I woke up feeling refreshed and my heart a little lighter. He is truly faithful and knows our every need.

Thank you S for your friendship. You have made our time here much happier.