The Art of Racing in the Rain – Garth Stein

Posted by Matthew on Jan 27, 2012

Earlier this week, I decided that I wanted to read a book for pure enjoyment. My brain was stretched and I just wanted to relax and enjoy myself for a while. I called my pastor, Greg DePriest, to get a recommendation. He suggested The Art of Racing in the Rain. I purchased the book and began reading that night.

I must say, my pastor’s interpretation of “enjoyment” is different from mine because this is probably the most depressing book I have ever read. Yet, it is one of the best modern fiction novels that I have read. The entire book is written from the perspective of a dog.

2011 – Quick Trip to Flag Rock

Posted by Matthew on Oct 28, 2011

Flag Rock can be found near Norton, VA and offers a beautiful view of the surrounding valley.

Flag Rock

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Today in Art | Pictures

Reconsidering Scars

Posted by Matthew on Sep 10, 2011

Today, as I sit and watch my beautiful Savana’s comeback to volleyball, I am reminded of the painful journey the last few years have been for her. She has made it through and today marks one of the great personal milestones she had set for herself on the road to full recovery. My daughter understands pain and she has the scars to prove it. She has always tried to hide her scars feeling an insecure sense of privacy over her surgeries along with a clear disdain for their ever-remaining evidence. Just last night, however, she shared a story about swimming class and an inability to hide her scars. Instead of being upset, she was smiling. You see, the scars had invoked a great deal of attention and interest on the part of her peers allowing her to share the amazing story she has to tell.

Though Savana’s scars will fade with time, she has found new purpose in their presence and will here forward embrace them as part of her life story, an inspiring story of courage, endurance, strength and faith that is definitely worth telling.

Perhaps we should all reconsider our scars.

Today in Art | Thoughts

2011 – Hiking with Samuel to Baskins Falls

Posted by Matthew on Aug 21, 2011

Samuel and I have a tradition – the last weekend before school starts back up is “boy weekend.” This year included camping, fires, frisbee golf, golf and an exciting hike to Baskins Falls in Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Samuel proved to be a real trooper on this trip. Upon reaching the falls, we decided to climb our way to the top. On that climb, we crossed up a nest of yellow-jackets. This added a total of 17 bee stings to a 2.5 mile, uphill hike back to the truck. My son was amazing. He set a pace of determination and we prevailed. It is a weekend we will never forget.

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