The Chronicles of Janie

Some people might think I'm brave. Others undoubtedly believe I'm totally off my rocker. Me? I prefer the term 'adventurous'. Honestly, though, if I'm compared to some of my friends, I lead a totally mundane, risk-free existence. Then again, compared to others of my acquaintance, I'm definitely living on the edge...with one foot dangling over. I'm not brave, and I'm not a show-off (okay, well, not much of a show-off). I'm merely curious and fun loving. I'm also a story-teller. I'll admit that I've often been pushed into doing something adventurous by the little voice in the back of my mind that whispers 'you know, this will make a great story...' Attempting things for the sake of the story is really a win-win effort: If I succeed, it will be a good story. If I fail, it will be an even better story. Sometimes, my quest for adventure can get a bit unmanageable. After all, landing on my head while attempting a back hand-spri...

Lately I've turned into a bit of a list-doer. I've always been a list-maker, but I've never been good at accomplishing the things I list. Procrastination is still a big part of my life, but I'm getting a bit better at accomplishing things and sticking to self-imposed deadlines. With that being said, here's a list of Things I'd Like to Accomplish this Summer 1. Cut bangs. I've been without them for roughly ten years. I think it's time for a change. 2. Lose 15 pounds. I would originally have said 20, but I've already gotten rid of 5. *mental high-five with my evil twin* 3. Get a nose stud. Don't freak out, I just want a teeny-tiny one. I've decided it will be my celebration when I get down to my goal weight.  4. Buckle down, squelch my trepidation, and get my driver's license. Hopefully without killing anyone or totaling any vehicles. 5. Stay close to God, become more sanctified, and be an effective witness to everyone I enc...

Fact of Janie: I don't like parties with lots of noise and lots of people I don't know well. Universally Acknowledged Fact: It's impossible to socialize and take photographs simultaneously. For many years, my coping mechanism for parties has been to take my camera along and (figuratively) hide behind it. It has been my safety net, my security blanket, essentially, my crutch. My photography is something familiar and wonderfully antisocial. But now I'm coming to see that I wasn't doing myself a favor by hiding behind my camera all those years. I've withdrawn into myself more and more, letting a camera lens become the face of my social identity. Sure, all that extra practice has made me a much better photographer, but was it really worth the thinning of my (already scanty) arsenal of social skills? Probably not. Furthermore, is God happy that I'm drawing comfort and security from a camera instead of from Him? Is He content with my refusal to let Him s...

Wind can not be fully enjoyed unless both eyes are  closed and both arms outstretched to embrace it. Praise from lips that praises seldom cross is truly worth having . The people I am most comfortable talking to are those I am comfortable being silent with.