I'm Melting!

I've been tagged by Dineen Miller. Here goes:
1. A friend who has blessed me: I’m listing three: Armida, a best friend that sort of snuck up on me. She has moved far, far away, and I’m not quite sure what to do without her. Christina and Tran, friends that share my love of the arts, spoil me with paintings and chocolate chip banana bread and massages and laughter.
2. An unexpected gift: My husband, Chris. I was headed for the mission field when God put him in my life. We each almost ended it every time we saw each other (unbeknownst to the other) because of the missions thing but never could. So we got married instead, and God is using my passion and training and our shared heart for missions in a different way than I imagined. My husband pushes me and stretches me and spoils me. (I’m seeing a trend here. Apparently I like to be spoiled.)
3. A kind word shared with me recently: An editor of a local paper said she wanted to see more of my work. That’s all it took to make my day.
4. Something that makes me stop and praise God: I know this is veering on the TMI track, but I’m going to be completely honest here (the weak of heart should skip this and move on): sex. I love it.
5. Something I'm looking forward to: California trip in a couple of weeks. It’s for a wedding (boo) but we are going to stay a couple of extra days to spend time with Chris’ family and sightsee.
6. A particular part of me I'm pleased with: The color of my eyes and my curly hair. Crazily enough, I’m keeping the exact answer of my predecessor. I would like to add that I’m pleased with the loud-mouth part of me that scares others off. I should be ashamed of it, I know, but it makes me laugh.
7. Something in my life that I wanted but never expected: Writing a book. Again, this is the answer of the Obi Wan before me, but I leave it as is. This is exactly what I would answer. That and the baby grand my parents gave us for a wedding gift last year.
8. A place that moved/moves me: The ocean. Anywhere on the ocean. It impresses me with the magnitude of God’s love and sovereignty, his danger, yet his fun. It is overwhelming and constantly moving.
9. One thing/person that always makes me smile: My husband. That man is just down-right funny. Also this morning’s reading in Judges: love that it mentions how fat Eglon was. And the fact that he was on the pot. Ha!
10. Most recent "love note" from God: It’s a good thing to use our talents for God, even if these talents are only a slow drip in the ocean compared to the torrents of Dostoevsky and Twain and Austen. It’s a good thing to enjoy the good gifts He’s given us.
I'm tagging: Robin (the faithful queen of comments), Willowtree (who might be a bit bitter at having to be left out of carnivals because of the whole testosterone thing), and Erin (whose creativity on the road - literally - amazes me)