To Stumble into an Ah-Ha Moment

This outfit was born way back in November when I saw Sydney of The Daybook fame post this little ditty.

I've tried it a couple times before and failed miserably.  I hated the look on me and hated the pictures even more.

But today, I was determined.  I intended to photograph and post the look.

Come hell or high water...

And then it started raining. Cats and dogs. COLD rain.

I got dressed and was feeling icky, so I changed jeans. Twice. 

I looked for every excuse not to go out and take photos.

Did I mention the COLD rain?

But I was determined.  I drove around for a few minutes to locate the perfect covered outdoor location. 

When I finally found it, I paid the meter and set up the tripod.

I readjusted the outfit, set the timer prepared to get this done and the camera flashed a horrid message.

"NO MEMORY CARD"

This mean little message meant, I had to go back home to retrieve the memory card in order to take any photos.

Hmmmm, this seemed like an excuse to give up.  But, NO, I was determined.

I got back in the car and began to create a list of the positive things that I had going for me at the moment.

*I had no place to be this afternoon so I had time to go home

*I wasn't very far from home so it wouldn't take me that long to pick up the card

*The drive would give me a chance to finish the great podcast I was listening to

*etc. etc.

Is this reaction sounding a little too Pollyanna to you?

I guess I should explain that several years ago I started praying for patience.  The thing is you don't just wake up one day and poof you're patient. Patience (for someone with a short fuse like I have) is something that develops as a result of surviving trying circumstances.    

The trouble is, really trying circumstances are not something that a person lacking patience is equipped to handle very well. See the conundrum here?  I promise it's been a tough couple of years.

But today I discovered a silver lining.

Several years ago, circumstances (just annoying not super TRYING) like I faced today would have sent me into a rage.  I would have boiled over in frustration cursing, spitting throwing a temper tantrum that could make a 2 year old blush.  But today, I started making a list of positives in the situation instead.

AH-HA

Answered Prayer.

I've begun to develop and embody patience.  Sure it's still a miniature sized portion, but I've got some!

You guys, that is kind of a huge gift.

Trouser Jeans: Loft; Snowdrift Booties: Nine West

Brown Woven Belt: Thrifted (similar)

Brown Crewneck Oversized Sweater: Hand Me Down (similar)

Light Blue Pashmina: Gifted (similar); Striped Top: Thrifted (similar)

As I drove home with a memory card full of pictures of an outfit I'm still not totally sold on, I added that gift to my list of positives.

Now it's your turn... any Ah-Ha moments so far this week?

More Lands' End Canvas...

Join in the fashionable fun over at Of Such is the Kingdom. Today is Fashion Wednesday #3!!