triggers...

it's amazing how such a small thing such as a smell, a sound or in my case a coat can bring back such an abundance of memories. I grabbed my warmest coat to take some mail out to the mailbox. As i walked out the door into the cold wearing the long down cream coat i immediately felt like i should be in New York with a companion by my side, i needed my bag full of supplies, and i was hoping i would see some faces as we walked down the street. I haven't worn that coat for quite a while. I checked my pockets to see if i had any of my old pass along cards hidden inside. But no they were empty. I spent so many days in that coat walking in deep snow. i made a snow angel in that coat :) with sister Anderson after a long hard day. I was hesitant but she convinced me saying we were allowed to have fun as missionaries. So i did! And it was fun. I sat in many houses with that coat on and i remember roasting but not wanting to take it off because the warmth was too good. I wore that coat mostly in Albany serving with Sister Anderson. It treated me well and still does to this day. I just remembered another funny thing about that coat! I wore it the winter before my mission on campus at Utah State. My friends would tease me saying, "why are you wearing your sleeping bag to school?" i didn't care though cause i was warm and to me that overrides any type of fashion.

this is the Whitney Houston i remember

so speaking of triggers...Whitney Houston died and that made me sad. Andy and I got The Preachers Wife in memory of her. I was just in awe listening to her sing in that movie. Not only because her voice is incredible but also because of the way it makes me feel. I feel inspired and only wish i could express my feelings through music the way she did. Since then i have been listening to her music it reminds me of my little self. I loved Whitney Houston as a little girl! Our family had The Bodyguard soundtrack and her "I'm your baby Tonight" CD.  i would dance all around our Bountiful home to "I'm Every Woman" and lip sync to "I Will Always Love You". Hearing her voice makes me feel like i am going back in time. My most favorite song she sings is from The Preachers Wife, "I Love the Lord" it really touches my heart. So thank you Whitney for such great music and sharing your talent with the world!