Kelli. in real life

Homebody or Social Butterfly???

The last 2 weeks or so, I've been putting in some extra hours at work. We've got a few things coming up that require a little extra money. Instead of expecting my husband to "hand it all over', I've been doing what I can to bring in some extra revenue so we can move(in a few weeks), get some new furniture (thank God), and I'm supposed to go away with a friend for a week. (yay for mommy!)

In my free time, I've noticed I've been out and about more than usual. I'm normally the type that likes to be at home, curled up in front of the tv or reading a book; just relaxing and being quiet. (Well as quiet as quiet can be with a 2 year old).

Lately, I've been meeting up with friends for coffee, going to the movies, having playdates, or just venturing out on my own more often. It's not that I'm a shy person (the thought of me being shy is hilarious), nor am I quite the loner. But the truth is, I actually don't mind being a lone. Biologically, I'm an only child, so I'm used to entertaining myself.

What I've noticed is that the last 2 weeks have been emotional and filled with lots of ups and downs. Some of those "downs" are still kind of "up" in the air. There's been death, overdue bills, misunderstandings with loved ones, etc. Both my husband and I have sort of "taken turns" finding outlets to keep us sane. He's been playing at gigs, and indulging in a few rock band challenges with some friends. I've had more "coffee and/or movie" dates more than ever. And together as a couple, we've enjoyed fellowship with other christian couples.

It's a weird season in our lives, but both us have found strength by managing our time well, communicating honestly, and having some good, healthy fun.

How about you? When life throw's you a curve ball do you tend to stay home, or do you come out of your cocoon and socialize to keep your mind off things?

The Color Purple

Last night my husband and I were blessed to see "The Color Purple" at the Fox Theater in Detroit. A group of us went out to celebrate the 14th anniversary of a genuine, humorous, God-loving couple that attends our church.

There are so many things I could ravish in about the evening.
Fellowship.
Good conversation.
authentic mexican food.
continual quoting from the movie.
sitting next to the most handsome, gentle man I've ever known.
Being intoxicated by the subtle smell of his cologne.
Blushing privately at the realization that he's my husband.

smile.

But the highlight of the evening truly was...the color PURPLE.

Not so much the play itself, but the ability to actually see, hear, and sense the color PURPLE.

You see, as a singer, I often describe vocal tones and textures in colors and seasons.
I describe my voice as like unto autumn.
It texture is smooth but edgy, like wet leaves falling from a tree.
Warm but breezy.
A sort of pastel brown and pink, swirled together as one..creating this sort of
deep,
bellowing,
but gentle sound.
It comes from God, and still mystifies me when I hear it coming from inside me.

Last night...I could hear the color purple.

This young lady, Jeanette Bayardelle, was nothing short of amazing.

Not because she remembered her lines, or depicted Celie to such a truth that even Whoopi would applaud her.

But more so, she did what had not been done for me in book, nor the movie.

She created; with her voice, the color purple.

It was brilliant in tone.
It was melancholy in feeling.
It was magnificent in volume and texture.
It was pure in release.

It was freedom.
It was beauty,
It was PURPLE.

I've never liked the color much.
Although it depicts royalty, I've often thought it too much for me.

But this morning, its rays are still tickling my arms, dancing in my eyesight, and brushing across my face.

And just as I begin to turn my attention and thoughts toward my God to start my day...

I am well aware of his presence......

and today, ironically.....

it is...

the color... PURPLE.

Kelli Brownlee~2008