I know it’s hard to believe, but every now and then, I have no thoughts whatsoever.

Crazy right?

Over the past couple of days, I have wanted to do nothing more than watch a Grey’s Anatomy marathon (curious, since I have never watched Grey’s Anatomy ever, nor would I ever have pegged myself as a fan, but good gosh darn it all, I’m hooked), whilst knitting the same scarf I started last Christmas and sipping on some Irish Breakfast tea.  I think my brain is hibernating.

Hence, OPG: Other People’s Genius!

Here are a few people and things whose imagination, wisdom and genius has made me smile over the past few weeks:

1) Joy the Baker’s Peanut Butter BACON cookies.

Yeah.  Ridiculous.  I can’t wait to make ‘em.  In fact, I have a pack of bacon in the fridge, and a jar of peanut butter in the cupboard waiting for the just the right moment to bake a batch of them.  I think I’m going to add some chocolate chips to them and see how that goes.  You know how I love chocolate and bacon. What?  It’s brain food, right?  No?  Oh.

If you haven’t checked out Joy the Baker before, you’re in for a treat — her photos are marvelous, her recipes playful, her writing… well, the whole thing is just about the most adorable thing ever.  You’re welcome!

2) J. Period & K’Naan’s tribute to Bob Dylan

Just listen to it. It’s a fantastic mix of hip-hop and Dylan.  So.  Great.  And made without the intention of making money — created simply as a tribute to the legendary songwriter and activist.  They’ve created a new format: listenable, danceable audio documentaries.  You’ll also find “mix tapes” dedicated and inspiried by Fela Kuti and Bob Marley.  So.  Great!

3) Bring the Rain

If you hadn’t noticed already (where have you been?!), I am a follower of Christ.  And, can I tell you?  It’s SO HARD to write about my faith, even though it’s pretty much the most important thing in my life (yes, even more important than bacon.  I know, it’s hard to believe).  Faith is such a personal, nebulous journey — you struggle to put it in words because it’s not something that your brain always comprehends — it’s your heart that tells you this is the truth.  When I do write about it, I fear that I’m writing in a language others won’t understand or won’t WANT to understand because of their own (often mistaken, I must say) views of what Christianity is all about.

And yet, something in me says that I have to talk about it, the best I can, because I want everyone to have their lives TRANSFORMED, the same way mine has been by Him.  I mean, isn’t that what we’re all seeking?  Transformation?  The Great Makeover?  “Enlightenment”?  To be happier than we are?  To go from the ugly, unhappy duckling to the beautiful, ecstatic swan?  Somewhere, deep down, I believe all of us are pining for the same thing — to feel at peace with our lives and with the world/universe/God.

I’m getting off topic!  AGH!  See?!

What I’m trying to say is that writing about your faith is hard, without being boring, sanctimonious, academic, cold, over-zealous… but the woman behind Bring the Rain does it.  Her writing makes you feel as if she’s sitting across the table from you, coffee cup in hand, talking about how she’s dealing with the enormous heartbreak in her life — read about her daughter, Audrey.  She’s honest, encouraging, uplifting… and her post about why God asked Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” even though He knew full-well where they were because, well, He’s God… is the kind of thing that makes you giggle while it settles into your bones, and makes your soul hum in agreement.  It just feels right.  Hope you like her!

-x-
aarti