city girl, country heart.

why summer is my favorite.

2011-06-22T23:42:00.000-05:00

a few snapshots and a short happy list...

happiness is:

sundrop on a hot day. craft afternoons & mason jars. fresh fruit and shortbread cookies.

hydrangeas blooming. sweet baby William James!! and amazing sunsets.

happiness is: summer.

photo diary.

2011-06-07T23:38:00.002-05:00

i often say that i see in pictures.
people ask me about why or how i took a certain photo, and more often than not my answer is "i just saw it that way."
i'm not sure what that means but my brain is always composing pictures...but let's be honest here, i don't usually have my big ole clunker of a camera on my person, as much as i wish i had the patience to do so.
this is where my iPhone is a life saver. it's not a billion megapixels but it is always with me and if you have a little diligence you can come out with some good snapshots with which you can document every day life :)
plus a little instagram, photoshop express or any other app of your choice, of course, to add a little kick!

enough blabbering. some recent shots:

i am currently neglecting all my other bathing suits because i adore this one so much.

target knows my weak spots.

a little golf with the beau.

despite the lack of evidence, i did in fact play...er, practice a bit.

i'm making progress.

cotton, the sweet puppy I wanted to bring home. we cuddled.

mom wasn't too keen on the puppy but was fine with Herman the inchworm!

first morning at the beach.

one of the few things I will voluntarily wake up early for.

uncharacteristically clear blue water for the gulf. amazing!

the sure sign of a successful day at the beach.

another sure sign of success.

he'll probably shoot me for this but he was just so cute all tuckered out like that!

my favorite part of summer: reading whatever I want!

all photos taken w instagram.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

apology time.

2011-06-06T00:10:00.001-05:00

dear readers...
(or should that say people who used to occasionally drop by if they happened to think of me)

sorry for letting this little blog go on an unplanned, unannounced hiatus. sometimes life hits you all at once and gives you bigger things to focus on!

but dear sweet readers...
it is time to resurrect this project!
it is summer. and currently I am at the beach (and may be posting some little pictures and tidbits along the way this week) but I have all kinds of projects on my summer goal list that I plan to share here!
example: my sweet little garden, above. more on that later!

and not to be forgotten are happy lists and little letters, which have been so helpful in the past. (not only to write but to read others' as well!)

so, we meet again.
I can't wait to get the ball rolling on this one!
lovelovelove!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

pure joy.

2011-02-11T09:26:00.003-06:00

One of my professors showed us this video in class this morning (because art professors are the coolest) and I must say it was the perfect start to my day. [And that's after only getting three hours of sleep...quite a feat.] This is for real, y'all. Can you imagine being a kid (or a child at heart like me) that lived in this neighborhood?! It would be pure joy...this is the kind of thing that kids dream about, something wild and outrageous, and someone made it happen.

I hope it brightens your day like it did mine!

dreaming...

2011-02-07T11:53:00.001-06:00

lately, I've been pining for summer,

and warmer weather, and all those good things.

this poem especially makes me miss the sun:

happiness is...

2011-02-01T00:37:00.002-06:00

—a warm warm weekend (65 degrees! in January!) meaning:

—dresses, with cowgirl boots, without tights/a coat

—eating outside on the patio at Baja

—driving with the windows down, blaring country music.

—taking a nice little stroll around downtown franklin [and seeing MMG!]

—watching PBR bull riding on the weekends with Tyler. I'm becoming quite the fan...just ask me about my favorites.

—getting better at eating well & exercising often...and feeling much better because of it! There is nothing better than good self-esteem from treating yourself well.

—the exception to eating healthy: saturday Cokes & pizza with Tyler. It's a tradition my family has had my whole life, and for the past couple of weeks, we've picked it up too. I'm loving it.

—as of 30 minutes ago...pink fingernails. We'll see how long this lasts. Not only because I am horrible at keeping paint chip free, but because I'm not quite sure about this Barbie-esque color on my hands.

lastly,

one of my new favorite songs.

enjoy!

"and a song that lasts forever, keeps on gettin' better all the time.

life is beautiful, life is wondrous;

ever star above is shining just for us.

life is beautiful on a stormy night–

somewhere in the world, the sun is shining bright."

the year in (lots of other people's) photos.

2011-01-05T02:02:00.001-06:00

I'm quite a few days late on this...

in fact, I wasn't even planning on doing one of these

"what happened this year" posts.

...but, I got to looking at pictures and couldn't resist.

2010 was a rollercoaster, and I grew more than I could have ever expected to.

I couldn't have grown without all the wonderful relationships that were made and continued over the course of this year:

this spring, I took the most lovely little sister there ever was.

(not that I'm biased or anything.)

I spent Spring Break in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, building houses.

The people above are my family: my sister Dulce & baby brother Avi.

Don't you see the resemblance? These two own my heart.

I might get in trouble for this.

This may be far too mushy for the blog world.

But see that boy in the black sweatshirt? That's Tyler.

Well, we met in Honduras. Yeah, we may have had class together but it took us going to another country together to meet.

And the rest is history.

...and here's a better picture of us because, heck, sometimes I look rough in Honduras.

There was Phi Sigma formal, and I met my best friend Kat.

There is not enough I can say about this girl...she is simply one of those people who is irreplaceable in my life. She is my confidant and kindred spirit. I love her!

This summer brought interning at Westwood, and with that came countless more additions to the list of people I love. These people became my family, and hold a huge piece of my heart. I would not have become the person I am today without them!

Speaking of Westwood family...

top is Tim & Beth Deason, bottom is Dee.

Dee was my summer mom. I call her Mama, and cannot imagine having lived with anyone better than her and her family this summer.

Tim & Beth and their kids are my McMinnville family. There is simply no other word to describe how I feel about them: family.

And school begins again.

I can't leave out this picture because it is priceless...

not only because we look goofy, but because there is so much dang love.

We added another to our family...Jenn!

AND I got a little brother. So much fun.

This one deserves big pictures.

It was one of the most defining moments of my semester, and one of the proudest moments of my life.

I sang in Tau Phi Cowboy Show.

If you know me at all, you know it is not a conceited statement when I saw that I am amazed at myself for doing the show. This was my first time singing anything in front of anyone. (Apart from anyone that has sat in the passenger seat of my car, mind you. I'm quite the car singer.)

Basically, it was a big deal, but I couldn't have done it without Kate & Katie.

[especially sweet Katie, we auditioned together!]

Lastly, my dear dear friends Sarah and Casey got engaged at the beginning of December.

I am so blessed to have been a witness to the beginning and growth of their relationship, and I can't wait to see how it continues! I am so glad that I can call them close friends.

If you're still reading, congrats.

I will bore you no further!

Have a wonderful 2011!

be happy...

2010-12-07T03:19:00.001-06:00

...be happy, be happy, be happy.

this is what i'm telling myself right now.

it's 3 am and i'm still awake

reading about Marie Antoinette.

thrilling, honestly.

but let's be real:

this girl needs her sleep. i consider it a pretty high priority.

so instead of letting myself fall into a funk,

things that make me happy:

belly laughs

christmas music

snow flurries that make me feel like i'm in a snowglobe

candy canes

cozying up in leggings, a sweater, & wool socks

good hair days

Tyler taking care of me on bad days

finally catching up with my dear friend Kat

only 2 more days of class.

(i think i can, i think i can...)

and lastly,

divine intervention when i am feeling stressed:

In the multitude of anxieties within me, Your comforts will delight my soul.

-Psalm 94:19

it's been a while...

2010-11-12T00:10:00.000-06:00

it's been far too long...

almost embarassingly so, but I'm back!

I have been trying to decide all day what I wanted to post about.

nothing was striking me as worthy...

I needed some inspiration.

my dear friend Seth burned me some new CDs,

including the Mumford & Sons album.

love.

their lyrics are speaking to my heart.

and now I've made this huge buildup to what is quite an anticlimactic point:

these lyrics. They are simply beautiful.

"Love it will not betray you

Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free

Be more like the man you were made to be

There is a design, an alignment, a cry

Of my heart to see,

The beauty of love as it was made to be"

-Sigh No More, Mumford & Sons

things i adore.

2010-09-15T23:37:00.000-05:00

friday night fireworks at turner field, after a victory over the Cardinals!

things i adore.

[a very brief and incomplete list]

baseball.

Namely, the Braves. I was raised on this team: listening to games on the radio or watching them on tv with my dad before I could even comprehend what was going on. Baseball season warms my heart. Last friday marks the first time I've ever seen fireworks, though! It was beautiful and it helped that I was in one of my most favorite places on a perfect September evening!

sunday nights.

Sunday nights bring much-needed joy to my life. Worshipping with my church family at ethos has become one of my favorite parts of the week. The real, honest love I feel when I'm in fellowship there is truly something to behold. However, church is only the beginning of Sunday night fellowship. Whether it's a group of 6 or 20, we always go eat and spend more time together--laughing, crying, making smores around a firepit. I wouldn't trade Sunday nights for anything!

autumn.

September is my favorite month. Why? It's my birthday! Duh. Oh, and the weather is always perfection. (That should probably have an asterisk beside it because, let's face it, consistency in weather is not Tennessee's forte.) 75 degrees and sunny, with a slight breeze and smell of pumpkin spice wafting from Starbucks into the square? I'm ready! I am still rotating between summer and fall clothes, but I can't wait till I don't have to have the argument with myself that I cannot wear jeans on a 90-degree day, even if it IS September!

change.

This semester feels so different to me, and I can't put my finger on it. I have grown so much since school ended, and I can feel my boundaries being continually challenged and broken. I am taking classes that challenge me and make me more interested in learning. My graphic design class makes me feel like all those miserable foundations classes were worth it. I am finally doing what I love!

I am somehow finding confidence in myself unlike any other time in my life...I am singing in Cowboy Show, for crying out loud! If you had told me last year that I would actually be doing this and not just dreaming about it, I would have laughed in your face. It's just one of the ways that I'm stepping out of my comfort zone and finding how freeing that can be!

happy lists. (it's been a while!)

2010-09-04T23:47:00.001-05:00

things that make me happy:

weekend trips

being blessed with a great group of friends

[i can't imagine life without them!]

finally taking classes that peak my interest to learn!

being home with sanctuary & my ethos family.

beautiful, perfect september weather.

laughter shared around campfires.

reading in my hammock!

auditioning for & MAKING THE CUT FOR Cowboy Show!

[who am I and where is the old, stage-frightened me?!]

daily Seinfeld & The Office with the brother.

[and the occasional Fantasy Factory]

the Braves rocking their division.

a photographic memory...

2010-08-30T18:16:00.000-05:00

home sweet summer home.

just some photos of where i lived this summer:

the best sunset of the whole summer!

My pets for the summer...2 out of the 5!

summer storms are my favorite.

...so are old red barns.

(especially this one that was down the street from me)

oh how i love queen anne's lace!

[all photos by me. taken in Viola, TN.]

2 more sleeps.

2010-08-14T12:16:00.000-05:00

When I was little, we would countdown to every holiday/vacation/etc. by how many "sleeps" we had left...sometimes counting the days gets confusing. I said all that to say, I only have 2 sleeps left in McMinnville. What a bittersweet statement.

I truly feel like I will be leaving my family when I leave Monday morning! I haven't really faced the fact that I am leaving except for writing notes to all my girls...I'll deal with that tomorrow night at the Intern Farewell Party.

On the other hand, I am so excited and ready to be back in Nashville! I don't think I truly realized how much I love it until I left. I can't wait to be reunited with all my friends, especially the ones I haven't seen in three months!

That is all I have to say right now, boring I know! But I had a few seconds and thought I should update!

Love love love!

2010-07-23T01:25:00.000-05:00

[photo by me]

since returning from huntsville,

I have been trying my best to soak this all in...

there are only a few short weeks left of my internship.

not only am I trying to cherish my moments with the kids,

but as I walk or run or drive I am constantly trying

to notice new things about the rambling countryside

through which I drive every day.

(and boy, do I drive a lot! I have seen my odometer gain at least 2000 miles this summer.)

I've noticed:

--that I can watch storms rolling toward me on my drive home.

--that some country backroads, no matter how well you know them, can make 45 mph feel like much faster.

--that I've grown to expect (and habitually give) the 'pointer finger wave hello' from complete strangers.

--that sometimes the most beautiful things are far from perfect.

--the absolutely marvelous creation all around me that changes by the second. (and has therefore taught me to always have my camera.)

--that singing LOUD with my windows down can cure the worst "bad day"...and I've had my fair share of those this summer.

--that wildflowers are my favorite.

--that I am really gonna miss this place!

[it's alright that this is out of focus and my feet are dirty and i obviously can't jump. this was a day of simple pleasures.]

lincoln village.

2010-07-13T18:39:00.000-05:00

"Is this not the kind of fasting I have chosen:

to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke,

to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry

and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--

when you see the naked, to clothe him,

and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn,

and your healing will quickly appear;

then your righteousness will go before you,

and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard."

Isaiah 58:6-8

Last week I had the privilege of visiting Huntsville with some of the kids from Westwood, the church where I am interning. We were down there to work with Lincoln Village Ministries, an amazing ministry that is doing big things for God in north Huntsville. I could try to list all the areas they help with, but I know I would leave one out, so check out their website.

I am blessed to have witnessed what Mark Stearns is doing down there. His life story of how God has used his immense brokenness for good truly showed me that the darkest parts of our lives are often where He works best. If Mark hadn't been subjected to such a broken life, he would not be able to relate to the people he is now ministering to. It made me see that if God can heal his darkest moments and use them for good, he can most definitely do so in my life as well!

The most convicting moment of the week for me was Mark sharing the thought that it is just as big of a sin for us to see someone in need and do nothing as it is to commit murder, adultery, etc. When we see someone that we can help, we should do so. It is not our place to judge them and try to decide whether or not their needs are legitimate...if we have the means, we should give of them. And lastly, we cannot sit around lazily, waiting for God to throw something in our lap; we must always be aware and looking for ways to offer ourselves to others.

Anyway. I'm stepping off my soapbox!

My main point is: get out there and do something. Pray that God will show you a way to use the talents He has given you; this is a hard one for me because there is not really an obvious service area for artists as there is for nurses or teachers. But I try to keep my eyes open!

and of course:

things that make me happy.

sweet tea. blue dresses. my camera. my sweet sweet youth group, and how they always keep me laughing. my best friends, who always show me God's love when I need it most. psalms, isaiah, & paul's letters. home run derby & the all-star game. (and the Braves being #1 doesn't hurt either.) fresh fruit. clean laundry & a neat room. singing along to my favorite country songs on the way to work. my family visiting me.

little things...

2010-07-02T23:26:00.002-05:00

it's been a pretty calm week here, thankfully...

I was absolutely worn out from traveling.

things that make me happy:

We got two, count em, TWO days off

which meant lots of catching up on sleep!

[I sure do love to sleep.]

From taking the kids to the city pool

to having pool parties after church,

to just laying out with the girls...

I decided to splurge and got the cutest swimsuit I think I've ever seen:

[jcrew; urbanoutfitters; anthropologie]

it makes a great trio with my knockoff wayfarers and summer reading [pride & prejudice], don'tcha think?

p.s. I am in love with that book. Incredible.

anyway.

i love baking.

I just love when I get to be in the kitchen alone, listening to my favorite music and singing along while making things for people to enjoy!

...saturday is the annual "4th of july weekend"

Merritt family reunion...and I am so excited.

it is easily one of my favorite events of the year.

this year i kind of went out on a limb while making a dessert to bring,

but it was most definitely worth the risk!

i made pies in tiny mason jars.

this may be my new favorite recipe.

cherry & blackberry

(I attempted hearts in the beginning and then gave up.)

i can't get over how cute they are.

and alright...i caved.

it was delicious.

lastly, the little things that make life better:

sweet tea. linen shirts. my favorite colors this summer; coral, white, gold, sapphire, and jade green. sales. simplicity. sunsets. full moons. fireflies. baseball. riding with the windows down. fantastic friends. laughter.

2010-06-28T23:26:00.000-05:00

in a month's time...

I cannot believe that I have been here for a month already!

I'm halfway done with my internship

and that makes me a little sad...

I'm already planning my trips back here to come see my kids!

I can't wait to see what the next six weeks will bring.

The idea of uncertainty is a little scary and a lot exciting.

I have learned so many priceless things already:

like how in love I am with my family and hometown;

or embracing that I'm a city girl with a country heart;

or, most importantly, how to trust in God & His love before anything else.

But now, it is bedtime for this girl,

so I will leave you with this:

Cute and positive.

(and her name is Jessica. nope, I'm not biased.)

nothin's sweeter than summertime.

2010-05-24T22:56:00.000-05:00

the driveway.

well, I'm now living in McMinnville.

one week down, the rest of the summer to go...and I couldn't be more excited!

reasons this week has been awesome:

my best friend Kat got baptized at ethos on the 16th!

my first trip as an intern.

[gatlinburg with the seniors was awesome!]

hot weather & cold sundrop, all the time.

the most beautiful drive to & from work every day.

country roads & country music.

[still trying to convince dad that he should buy me a truck...]

seeing billions of stars every night.

a short trip to see Tyler before he left for hawaii.

wonderful voicemails from best friends.

my great "summer family" that i am living with.

there is so much more, but to list it would take too long and would make me feel boastful.

i hope everyone else is enjoying their summer!

it is by far the best season of all!

new new new.

2010-05-14T23:45:00.004-05:00

Oh, where do I begin?

I am sitting in my living room, on my last night at home before I move to McMinnville for the summer. If you know me at all, you will not be surprised to know that I haven't yet begun to pack. (The past 5 weeks have been nothing but packing and unpacking...I have travelled a lot.)

It's so bittersweet and I hadn't really realized it until tonight.

I went to dinner with my best friend/sister Paige; it was definitely the best way to spend my last night here. We ate Baja, wished our lives away at REI, played Nertz (a card game that Paige somehow always wins), and laughed at her silly family. I am going to miss my best friend, but I know she's just a phone call away.

[Yes, she is one of the few that I willingly have a phone conversation with. I normally hate the phone.]

I was on my way home from Paige's and I was thinking about leaving my hometown and how that is something I've never really done. Let's be honest...I grew up and went to college in the same zip code. I didn't really have the "going away for college" experience at all, and now it looks like that's what I'm gonna get!

The one thing that makes me nervous is the fact that this isn't my hometown and I don't know it like the back of my hand. Driving places I'm not familiar with makes me nervous and I'm scared of getting lost. Now that everyone knows I'm a big sheltered baby, I'm done having a pity party for myself. Let's get on with the good stuff.

I can't believe that I am moving to McMinnville tomorrow. Tomorrow!

This semester has been a whirlwind of events that, if you had told me about them in January, I probably wouldn't have believed were possible.

I have been so blessed and I know that tomorrow is only the beginning of another story that is going to change my life. I have no clue what big things are in store for me this summer but I am excited to see what God is going to do!

happy lists.

2010-04-15T00:17:00.000-05:00

Today in Art History, Caitlin and I were doing our usual blog browsing, sending each other links to various pretty websites, when I look over and realize she has my blog pulled up. Then I realized how much time really has passed...eek.
I could give a number of excuses but I won't. Back to business!

happiness.

hot weather.

pool time with friends.

BASEBALL SEASON!

paletas.

sonic happy hour.

yellow dresses.

embracing curly hair.

[i think my hair has been straight twice in the past 3 weeks.]

summer nights.

the boyfriend.

[i am a 12 year old. i know.]

singing.

sweet tea.

Phi Sigma.

What is it that makes summer so much more fantastic than any other season?

p.s. photography post coming soon. promise.

maybe I'm in denial...

2010-03-28T15:49:00.001-05:00

Yep, I have been home for a whole week and I'm still wishing for hot weather, the sounds of Spanish, living with amazing friends, and all the other things that make Honduras so special. I don't foresee myself feeling any differently in the near future...

however. This has been quite a wonderful week.

10 things that made me happy this week

1. drinking lots of sweet tea. i sure did miss it!

2. going on two wonderful dates with a very nice boy :)

3. spending ridiculous amounts of time in the square on beautiful days.

4. laying out for the first time...and the smell of Hawaiian Tropic!

5. a great visit with my youth group for this summer! (I start May 16!)

6. Baja & Las Paletas with my best friend who is in town on Spring Break.

7. finding PF Flyers at a vintage store (sadly, they were men's and WAY too big.)

8. seeing Into the Wild...it easily makes my top 10 movies list.

9. discovering new things in my hometown

10. country music...it's my favorite in the summertime.

home is where the heart is

2010-03-21T12:39:00.000-05:00

honduras

is definitely in my top 10 list of

"things that make me happy"

(actually, more like "things that make me so happy i cry")

I am glad to have returned safely,

but it breaks my heart to not be at home in Teguc.

I shot in film the whole week...

I tried (and majorly failed) to scan in my negatives last night;

here are the few pictures I got before giving up!

my honduran little brother, Avi. this child has my heart.

the Tegucigalpa city dump. it was my third time to visit, and it was still a powerful experience.

a child who lives in the dump.

a view of Teguc from one of our worksites!

we loved watching the planes land all day.

a perfect example of the beautiful joy found in the people I met all week.

one of the best worksites of the whole week!

Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame.

--Psalm 34:5

okay, okay...

2010-03-09T23:41:00.000-06:00

wow, um...

has it really been a week?!

let me just do one big list.

what has made me happy this past week:

sanctuary. ethos. singing. best friends. campfires & movies outside. [the Sandlot!!!] buying tickets for the Braves home opener! [if you were not aware, i am a very loyal fan.] Sarah McInturff being "home" for the week...and her sweet sweet dog, Dakota. pretending my job was being a photographer on saturday. [i wish.] a wonderful portfolio review, as well as a great Photo critique today! BEAUTIFUL weather. chacos, flip flops, tshirt and dress weather. [not all at once, of course] alone time, and seeing things fall into place all by the hand of God. How I love Him!

and...

I will be home:

in a little over a day.

(And yes, I will be breaking my soda fast while I am there because I only get Uva and Fresca once a year!)

This also means that I will not be updating for a week but apparently that's nothing new :) I promise I will get back in the hang of things when I return. Please be praying for our efforts in Tegucigalpa...I know God has some huge things in store for our group and I pray that all our hearts are opened to what is to come.

2010-03-03T23:36:00.000-06:00

[wednesday happiness]

catching up with old friends.

a photo adventure by myself.

my last wednesday night class.

[time to finally get to go to 5:15]

an email from Leopoldo.

going to honduras in 8 days.

real talk, coffee, happy tears.

accepting my curly hair.

flannel shirts.

this video:

(if you don't know much about art you probably won't find this as hilarious as i do]

70 Million by Hold Your Horses ! from L'Ogre on Vimeo.

doubts.

2010-03-03T02:30:00.002-06:00

Okay, you two or three people who read my blog: I have a question to ask you. Don't get nervous, this isn't a DTR...I'm not breaking up with you. To quote Baby Mama: "I'm joking. That's me trying to make a joke."
Moving on. While I really enjoy what I have been doing for the past 2 months, I am asking for a little input. Sometimes I read back over my posts and think they just sound like lists of "oh my gahh this is why my life rules!" I'm exaggerating of course, but I am wondering if they are interesting or uplifting at all. My whole point to this project is to help myself see the good in every day but, ultimately, if I'm not engaging you then my point of spreading positivity/invoking reflection is lost.
I have things written down that I would like to write about, but I never seem to get around to them, partially because I don't know how interested people will be. It's mostly spiritual things, which I guess can be harder to open up about...especially to an unknown and unpredictable audience. Maybe I should take that challenge since I am going to be faced with it eventually in my job this summer.
(I'm really just talking to myself now.)
So...I guess the question I'm trying to get at is:
Would you like to see more writing? Any particular subject or questions? Any suggestions for improvement of format? (Maybe focusing on one thing instead of a list and expanding on that one thing?)
Okay now I'm really rambling to get things straight in my head. ha!

p.s. I'm thinking about sharing more of my photography too...

(tuesday's list.)

good critique days. naps. breakfast for dinner. seinfeld. seeing God at work in others' lives. phi sigma meeting (with the baby dolphins!) free coffee. sincere compliments from sincere friends. cookie cake. my wonderful pledge class. real talk with two different friends. the thought of going home to Tegucigalpa in 8 days!

sunday, monday happy days...

2010-03-01T22:43:00.001-06:00

things that make me happy:

fellowship

ethos

singing

being done with pledging

quality time with my dad in his workshop!

the beginning of march.

[spring is soon! this also scares me because of how fast time flies]

laughing so hard you get afraid that you can't stop.

potentially living with 7 of my favorite people ever next year!

hello there, life!

2010-02-27T23:45:00.001-06:00

well, hello again!

Pledging is officially over and I now have a life again. I didn't realize how much work it is being a big sister...but it is definitely worth it in the end! I can't believe it is already over and I have 18 new sisters who are all so precious. I have so much to be thankful for and Phi Sigma is a huge part of that!

things that make me happy

[feb 21-27th edition.]

ethos.

being a big sister.

painting.

the rewarding process of photography.

sonic happy hour.

best friends.

real talk with my phi sig sisters.

being uplifted by loving friends.

phi sigma christmas :)

laughing till my stomach hurts.

the olympics.

[i will miss curling after this week!]

a relatively easy schedule during pledging.

sleeping in!

saturday videos:

i heart stop-action videos!

be sure to check out this article on this first video...knowing about "the making of" really makes it that much better!

Typophile Film Festival 5 Opening Titles from Brent Barson on Vimeo.

This Is Where We Live from 4th Estate on Vimeo.

saturday videos.

2010-02-20T23:45:00.000-06:00

i don't know why i decided to make

"saturday videos"

a little blog tradition...but i like it.

today's videos don't have a cohesive theme,

except for the fact that they all make me smile!

capucine, the most precious little french child ever,

speaking about her valentine:

My Valentine from Capucha on Vimeo.

rob morris (LOVE146 founder) delivering a message i wholly agree with!

Love Thoughts from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

thursday, friday, happy days!

2010-02-19T23:45:00.001-06:00

phi sigma happiness!

so, pledging started thursday.

...and I took a little sister!

(i'm a little obsessed, okay?)

she is perfect for our family!

...and she's just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

anyhow, pledging started (for real) today and i just love it!

everyone comes out of the woodwork to hang out in the student center.

(and in the square, since it is finally sunny!)

today was wonderful...

sunny, clear blue skies, and so warm.

a sonic happy hour day for sure!

(sonic is significantly LESS fun when you're not drinking soda, however!)

the baseball team was practicing...

that "clink" noise of baseball bats is one of my favorites!

i can't wait for spring!

2010-02-17T23:52:00.000-06:00

I just had one of those days when I think back to this morning and say to myself "that was today?! and not a week ago?!" It was a day full of good things though!

happiness

[2.17.10]

skipping bible and he didn't take attendance!

[i sat with caitlin & talked about NYFW instead]

working on little sister stuff

[i love being a big sis!]

a smooth trip to & from McMinnville

[thanks to the awesome cd i made]

a GREAT visit at Westwood.

getting super excited about interning!

p.s.

I gave up soda for lent. If you see me even thinking about getting a Mountain Dew, slap me.

2010-02-16T23:39:00.000-06:00

tuesday happiness.

HAILEY JONES is home!

[she got back yesterday...but i didn't get to see her for very long!]

making some progress in 3D

phi sigma meeting always brightens my day.

CUTE bidnight shirts!

getting ready for pledging

[and my little sister!]

fido's with my best friend Seth.

2010-02-15T23:55:00.001-06:00

dear monday,

why must you wake me so early, and stay so late in the evening?

love, me.

monday happiness

[is few and far between sometimes]

9 a.m. class cancelled

living in a snowglobe world today!

finding my mittens

giggling from tiredness

bible study @ Dannie's

a nice long drive by myself.

[it is really 2 am tuesday when I am writing this. the OCD me always changes the time/dates. the busy days of spring semester are upon us and I foresee them extending into busy nights...but no worries. I will not quit this project! I will especially be needing to focus on positivity when those long, tired days come!]

"everybody's gonna love today..."

2010-02-14T23:47:00.006-06:00

today was the best valentine's day of my life so far...

and I am single.

thankfully I have been blessed with amazing friends.

vday happy list:

hae joining my family for lunch after church :)

ethos with SO many people I love.

(they uplift my spirit always.)

singing. it brings me joy.

sharing things we love during communion.

(lots of happy tears from me, charli, and diana.)

DaVinci's for dinner. YUM!

free desserts on account of it being v-day!

(12 people=6 yummy desserts)

Nacho Libre & massage circles.

chai tea.

all in all, LOVE.

For the past few days leading up to Valentines Day I had been listening to many of my single friends bemoan the holiday, namely because hey--we're single which I guess means we can't participate? (Sarah Mac likes to call it Singles' Awareness Day...ha!) Now I'm not trying to hate on any of my friends, it's just that I'm just not in that state of mind this year. Maybe my happy lists really are helping me be more optimistic! Ahem...anyway. I realize that this holiday is so commercialized (as are so many others) that we have been fed the message that unless we have a "valentine" to buy gifts for, we're simply not loved or cared for on this day or any other day.

That is just ridiculous. First of all, we are loved every minute of every day; we are loved more than we could ever comprehend. We are the beloved of a God who literally "hung the moon" for us. At the great risk of sounding cliche, I'm going to quote Captivating:

"God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion."

God is wooing (is that a real word?) each of us with the very things we love. The next time you see your favorite bird sitting outside your window or a sunset made of your favorite colors, remember that it is for you because He is in fervent pursuit of your heart.
Personally, one of my favorite things about God's love is the way we can share it in fellowship with others, and that is exactly what I felt happening on this Valentine's Day. The majority of us in the group tonight may have been single, but there is definitely lots of love between our hearts. I hope you had a lovely day!

love you all!

tgif & saturday videos

2010-02-13T23:46:00.001-06:00

happy things:

one-class fridays

playing hairdresser

dinner with the crew for Brynn's bday

candy, sweats, & The Hangover w/ Hae.

[she was home alone]

finally getting lots of sleep!

closed rush!!!

sneaky little sister photos :)

getting ready for pledging

Fido's with Hae

saturday videos:

I found these randomly one day...they are part of a series commissioned by a news channel in the UK and I thought they were an interesting little documentary series. Here are my favorites out of the series of four:

People In Order: 1. Age from James Price on Vimeo.

People In Order: 3. Love from James Price on Vimeo.

love you all!

God is so good.

2010-02-11T23:59:00.001-06:00

things that made me happy today:

breakfast with maryann.

one huge step closer to interning!!!

sharing excitement with friends.

sarah. mcinturff. enough said.

planning BIG things with lexi.

sharing the joy of sanctuary with friends

[and cramming in a car at sonic afterward.]

Okay, so big things are happening with this love146 deal. What started as an idea became lots of big ideas and, with God's help, will hopefully become lots of big events. We sat down today to talk about how we could not only get Lipscomb involved, but get Nashville in on it as well! There are lots of details to figure out, lots of people we have to talk to, and lots of awareness to create, but I have hope that this is going to be fantastic. I am hesitant to even give dates of any kind because at this point they are very subject to change. Just be looking out for information on meetings and ways to get involved with this project. Opportunities (fingers crossed!) are coming soon.

Personally, I am just amazed at how quickly God has worked already. He has taken my life and thrown it into this effort, and it has only been two days. I have this feeling that this endeavor is going to change my world, and I could not be more excited. This experience is completely new to me and yet I have no fears. (Because let's face it--this is going to require a lot of things of me that I am not always comfortable with...public speaking, for example.)

All I ask is that you pray fervently for this cause. God has huge things in store.

Here are the next 2 videos:

*sorry...some of the videos aren't embedding! here's the link to the first:

The Face of Slavery from LOVE146:
http://love146.org/videos/face-slavery

Stories From the Field from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

love you all!

p.s. tonight at sanctuary this song really touched my heart in a new way. all i could think about was love146. this is my prayer:

2010-02-10T20:42:00.003-06:00

tuesday.wednesday.happiness.

excitement about closed rush invites.

[congrats to 20 wonderful girls!]

seeing excited prospectives and remembering that feeling.

putting sweats on after a long day.

phi sigma meeting.

big sister meeting! AHHH!

cinnamon lattes.

studying with mere. (and seth.)

[if you heard NSYNC coming from Ezell, that was us.]

---------------------

1st baseball cap day.

dominating my art history test.

catching up with stan over coffee.

washing my hair and getting out of that cap...

a not-so-boring CS class.

honduras meeting. get excited!

leopoldo's new baby Ana Esther!

Lastly:

My lovely friend and sister Lexi introduced this wonderful cause to our club last night at meeting: it is called Love146 and she is starting a task force for it here in Nashville. Love146 is an abolition movement that fights against child sex slavery. It is a huge issue in our world, and since it is such a difficult topic to talk about, not very many people know of it. There is so much potential for this city to do good things for this cause. She is emailing a series of videos to us, and I am going to start posting them here along with updates. If you are interested, please please please let me know. We need all the fresh ideas and different perspectives we can get!

Here are the first three:

Imagine from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

Love146 History from LOVE146 on Vimeo.

*edited to add the last video link:
The Making of a Girl from LOVE146
http://love146.org/videos/making-girl

love you all!

monday, monday...

2010-02-08T23:53:00.000-06:00

(yes, that song is the theme of my mondays. points if you know it.)

happiness

[2.8.10]

sitting with Hunter (shoutout!) in bible.

[and not taking notes of course. ha!]

cotton candy in the student center.

[served by Paul Nance. love it.]

piling up under blankets to keep warm.

rainymood.com + chill music = love.

a surprisingly quick CS class.

alone time in the darkroom

[maybe i sing and dance when no one's around...]

more successful prints!

finally leaving sewell to find a winter wonderland!

snowball fight w/ dad.

[and hearing his plan to make a giant snowball]

2010-02-07T23:07:00.000-06:00

weekend happiness

the darkroom + oldies playlist

successful prints

Baja again.

movie afternoon @ maryann's

(the departed & the proposal)

maryann's precious baby neice.

(babies are the best entertainment!)

coffee.

church with best friends.

singing @ ethos.

Honduras 2010 superbowl party.

(it's going to be a great group!)

sunday nights @ maryann's.

this video:

Fifty People, One Question: New York from Fifty People, One Question on Vimeo.

love you all!

2010-02-06T00:05:00.000-06:00

Before I get started with the usual list, I want to share something that unexpectedly made my day better (and it's kind of a long explanation for a list):

My great-grandmother's funeral. Now, I know you're probably thinking..."what?!" I was so sad to lose my Granny, and since I hate funerals, I had the biggest pit of dread in my stomach this morning. I have pushed the sadness to the back of my mind all week. When I got to the funeral home, I sat down with my family and was trying so hard to "keep it together." I think I knew in the back of my mind that I was just being stupid for trying not to cry. When I finally let it go, I felt so at peace.

During the service there were so many connections I could make to my life. Psalm 90 was one. However, the best was hearing the minister speak about how optimistic, happy, and loving my Granny was. He mentioned how she always tried to seek out the good in everything and everyone. That hit me straight in the heart: I am so proud to be related to this woman!

If I hadn't started this project of finding happiness in every day, I don't think that statement would have changed my day so much. I somehow feel blessed because of it and I pray that people can someday say the same thing about me, but not because I acknowledge it in writing. I hope I let God's love shine so much that happiness is all people will remember. After all, there's no way I can be perfect on my own.

tgif happiness

loveless cafe with the family.

perfect rainy-day playlist.

"dear john" and...

Baja with Paige...

and getting Baby Mankin its first present!!!

(For the record: I predict a boy.)

laughing with J&C like old times.

getting to be "aunts"

serenading Paige in the car.

(I do a good "2 is better than 1")

rocking out to CS&N on the way home.

2010-02-04T23:07:00.000-06:00

happiness

[thursday]

favorite songs in thursday chapel.

actually having my ID with me.

a GREAT critique day.

actually enjoying my art classes.

darkroom time with funny classmates.

breakfast for dinner

(i know, AGAIN, shhh!)

singing my heart out at sanctuary.

loving on friends after sanctuary.

God being great.

love.

2010-02-03T23:55:00.001-06:00

things that made me happy today

[wednesday]

kind words.

long hugs.

sharing good news with amazing friends.

[great follow-up on my interview; Courtney & Joseph are pregnant!!!; Seth & Jordan Lewis got the internship at Mayfair!]

lunch with Mom.

the smell of Dury's.

hillsong while making pancakes for dinner.

wednesdays @ Fido's w/ Seth.

praising God through wonderful fellowship.
new music.
[ingrid michaelson & various oldies]

SO much is happening right now. God is moving in so many wonderful ways through my life and my friends' lives, and it is absolutely impossible to convey through words. I had felt so distant from Him this winter, despite my efforts to draw close and fall in love. Recently though, all I can think about is how much I am in love with God and my friends. It's all I need and, frankly, all I want.

The real point is:

I love you. All of you.

three more days.

2010-02-02T22:37:00.000-06:00

Once again, life got crazy and I had no time to blog; prospective Sunday night till 12, and working till 4 am on a project last night. There is so much going on right now, I don't even know where to start! I guess I will just start with the list from the past days:

happiness [1.31.10-2.2.10]

Sitting with the HYG @ church sunday morning. Sometimes I enjoy smaller services because of snow.
Finally being able to face my fear of driving in the snow. Yay!
Getting to know 30-something wonderful girls at prospective. (And getting really excited with Kaitlynn about having a little sister!)
Taking my own personal snow day on Monday. I needed the extra sleep.
My wonderful mother helping me make tons of tissue paper flowers for my 3D project. She is the best!
Hilarious critique day in 3D, and not having to present! Woo!
Wonderful interviews with 3 churches for a youth internship this summer. More about that later.
Phi Sigma meeting. Tonight was a night that I was so tired it was making me dread meeting, but it ended up being short and sweet!

To expand on this internship business...to be quite honest, I wasn't planning on pursuing an internship (a youth group internship) until next summer. I just figured it wasn't in the cards for me; looking back, maybe I was unintentionally trying to avoid it for whatever reason I had made up.

I honestly think God just stepped in and made something happen. I remembered that last year, there was an email sent out about interviews. I hadn't received one yet this year (and have friends who have already started the interview process) so I figured it just wasn't happening. Yesterday, I get an email from my good friend Morgan. She works at the campus career center, and sent an email out to Phi Sigma about signing up for...drumroll...interviews with churches! I called her and asked when I could sign up. Fast forward to later that afternoon, and I'm headed to sign up for interviews. I get there, and I have only heard of one church. I was apprehensive for sure...I had no clue what I could possibly be getting myself into! I picked the one church I knew, and two others with time slots close to each other.

This afternoon, I sped to Ezell after my class so I could get to my first interview. I was so nervous, but as I sat down all fear was gone. The couple sitting across from me was a Phi Sigma alum and her husband! Once that broke the ice, it was great. I found out that they are good friends with my youth minister from high school. I felt so comfortable with opening up to them, and the 25 minutes flew by!

I realized as we were praying before I left that God really does always have his hand on me in my life; despite my fear and hesitation, God put me where I needed to be. My other random choice also turned out to be a wonderful interview. I don't know exactly where God is going to place me this summer, but wherever it is I am very excited about it.

p.s. This is kind of on a somber note; please pray for my family as my great-grandmother died this morning. It was such a sudden loss that I don't think it has hit me quite yet. I will miss her so much, as will the rest of my family. I have all faith that although she is gone, her soul is alive and well with God.

saturday videos.

2010-01-30T23:18:00.001-06:00

I just love this video.

(The girl in the video is his fiance, actually. I think that makes it so precious.)

Even more, I love the song.

It fits my life perfectly.

(Maybe I'm a hopeless romantic.)

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

snow snow snow!

2010-01-29T23:19:00.001-06:00

I'm looking out my window right now and it is gorgeous outside. It looks like a blanket...I honestly don't think I've ever seen snow like this. I tend to get really frustrated when it snows, because being a southern girl means you have little to no experience driving in this stuff. (The last big snow was when I was in 7th grade. Since I have been able to drive, any snow has melted off before noon.) This winter has given me experience, including a black ice close call a few weeks ago.

I'm trying, and beginning, to see the beauty in my least favorite season. Snowflakes on eyelashes and suspended on strands of hair. The quiet and peace that falls with nighttime and the snow. The urge to just fall into a thick bed of snow...yet not wanting to mar the beautiful, perfect surface. Bare trees (and pine trees) are beautiful with toppings of snow. The glow of street lights reflecting off of snow. I am in love.

happy list 1.29.10

Psalm 13 in bible class.

seeing the smiling faces of people excited about snow.

going home early.

a long drive home, plus nickel creek.

red coats against white snow.

homemade hats :)

delivery pizza for lunch.

playing in the snow. and hot chocolate!

getting to be Betty Draper for the night.

(for prospective with SID)

red lipstick. it's so fun.

(maybe i'll wear it more often.)

p.s. I have to brag on my mom...she made me a hat and I'm obsessed:

...gimme a shout if you are interested! She is a beast at these types of things.

three days.

2010-01-28T23:50:00.000-06:00

wow. Could i be any worse of a blogger?! My happy list project kind of fell through this week because of so many other projects...oh well, that is my life as an art major! I'm sure it will happen again, but don't worry, I haven't forgotten. I am kind of excited to make a list for the past 3 days, though!

happiness [1.26-28.10 edition]

3D class a.k.a "project runway class. funny new friends. watching TLC (i have a new love for the Duggars. so sue me.) and having craft time. dinner @ Dalt's (yum!) for Jordan's birthday! cheering on the Bisons (probably annoying to the rest of Dalt's) to ANOTHER win over Belmont. SWEEP. ΦΣ meeting. sleeping in wednesday morning. wearing my precious new hat that my mom made me! photo adventure by myself around Nashville. having an "i love nashville" day. dad's b-day. babysitting some new kids who were great! homemade chai, campfire, and movies with two of my bestest friends. (I love you, Maryann & Seth!) developing film in photography. successful project shoot. an INCREDIBLE sanctuary night. loving on friends afterward.

...and last but not least, hoping on snow & cancelled classes tomorrow!

fingers crossed.

2010-01-25T23:43:00.000-06:00

monday, monday...

enjoying chacos for about 5 minutes.

...then it started flurrying!

mexican food for lunch. YUM.

being crafty & watching TLC all afternoon.

getting the right batteries for my light meter!

Running of the Bison.

[I don't think I could be more in love with my friends. I am so blessed.]

...finding my ID so I can finally get chapel credit!

2010-01-24T23:45:00.002-06:00

i have come to the conclusion that every monday needs to be a holiday. after last week's long weekend, i am spoiled.

today's happy list:

packing in tight on a pew in the cold church building this morning.

hearing wonderful stories of so many people sacrificing for Haiti.

[including Kim's incredible dad; his blog is here]

making tissue paper flowers alllll afternoon

my ethos church family.

[I love them with my whole heart!]

sunday night traditions.

catching up with Maryann while the boys were out.

Phi Sig open rush! Camp-out theme!

[yes, a dream come true. i love chacos, Marmot, hammocks and carabiners.]

being blessed with some of the most incredible friends EVER.

life in technicolor ii.

2010-01-24T00:59:00.000-06:00

Why am I still awake? No clue. But I just have to post this video.
Coldplay is just one of those bands that I forget about and fall in love with over and over again. Needless to say, this video solidified my love for them!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXSovfzyx28&feature=player_embedded

(p.s. the video won't embed, so GO! click away!)

2010-01-23T23:43:00.001-06:00

saturday happy list:

Catching parts of Walk the Line, 13 Going On 30, & Titanic on television.
Going to see my "grandmother" who turns 99 tomorrow! We're not really related, but she has been neighbors with my family for 40-something years. I love her like she is family--after all, I have known her my whole life...I have so many great memories of going next door to play with the toys she kept especially for us. I found out last year that one of my good friends from school really is her granddaughter; don't you just love connections like that?!
Dinner for my friend Emily's birthday. It was a wonderful group of girls to get to go out with! It's always great to see people you don't usually hang out with come together for a fun occasion like this.
This cover of Simon & Garfunkel's Cecilia:

Cecilia from Local Natives on Vimeo.

2010-01-22T23:45:00.005-06:00

tgif happiness!

sweats without guilt.

funny moments in art history.

[Yes, my professor/the chair of the art dept. said "he's got a body that won't quit!"]

no afternoon classes. hallelujah.

watching Harry Potter 6 again.

making tissue paper flowers all afternoon

this cute heart garland that my lovely cousin posted on her blog!
mythbusters on cbs/craig ferguson

Bittersweet: Conan's last Tonight Show

It was an incredible finale and his last comments were very respectful and contained some good advice:

"Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen."

2010-01-21T23:03:00.003-06:00

things that made me happy today:

ok so maybe I skipped chapel and slept till 10. worth it? yes.

3D class=incredible...

our current project makes me feel like i'm on Project Runway.

[hint: LOTS of tissue paper flowers.]

Photo class is equally exciting.

[i never thought i would be so excited about the stinky smell of processing chemicals!]

Rush Fair & meeting some awesome girls.

[and possibly a little sister!]

SANCTUARY.

[I missed last week, so it was the first one in a few weeks. It really got me out of a funk I had been in.]

p.s.
I am really bad at posting before midnight, since I usually forget or get home late at night. (I know, you're thinking I'm a silly college kid who stays up far too late...and you're right.)
Solution? Sometimes I fake it and post-date my posts by a few minutes. Shh...don't tell. Maybe this also has to do with the fact that I'm a liiiittle OCD sometimes...just maybe.

2010-01-20T22:33:00.001-06:00

happy hump-day!

Wednesdays aren't always my favorite, but then I remember that I almost done with the school-week (is that a valid phrase?) and it puts a little spring in my step.

Today's happy list:

For once, I was excited to wake up and see rain. I knew that meant I was going to be comfy in my favorite flannel shirt all day! (Okay, maybe I was also excited that I didn't feel the pressure to look cute. Funny how rainy days do that!)
AND I got to wear my new blue Marmot raincoat that I am obsessed with. Even better, it was warm enough that I didn't have to layer my fleece underneath.
Lunch with a wonderful, albeit random, group of friends. Sometimes the only thing worth doing on a rainy day is sit in the student center for a few hours.
Naptime. Naps are my favorite, especially naps on rainy days!
Honduras SB trip meeting. Talking about raising money stresses me out, but that couldn't change the fact that I am incredibly excited about going back. That place is my second home...I could write forever about it, but I'll save that for another post!

Hope you had a lovely wednesday as well!

2010-01-19T23:57:00.001-06:00

things that made me happy today:

reading this article by francis chan

[it related exactly to what Em & I talked about yesterday.]

wearing jeans and a t-shirt to class! more wonderful weather!

costume brainstorming in 3D. i am beginning to LOVE that class.

phi sigma meeting...chaos, but good.

[things are about to get crazy busy!]

chai @ fido's with one of my best friends, Seth.

[more real talk. of course.]

2010-01-18T23:45:00.006-06:00

i love long weekends.

(1.17-18.10)

ethos. i love love love my church.

sunday nights @ Maryann's house

[watching Hitch 3 times, then agreeing to watch a movie that's NOT a chick flick next week...sorry boys!]

enjoying the wonderful weather on MLK day.

[i am SO over winter]

monday night devos @ Dannie's

[so glad they have started again; they make my week better]

real talk with Emily for an hour or two, and...

getting the best compliment i could ever ask for.

videos for a rainy day

2010-01-16T20:14:00.002-06:00

I just love finding beautiful videos on Vimeo...

these travel videos I found today are especially gorgeous.

The idea of documenting moments & images in motion is wonderful.

Sometimes things are lost in translation with still photos.

Echoes from the middle ages / Echi dal Medioevo from Giuseppe Vetrano on Vimeo.

a journey through asia from ivan vania on Vimeo.

Dirham from Filippo Chiesa on Vimeo.

2010-01-15T23:55:00.005-06:00

why fridays make me happy:

psalms class. handwritten cards for friends. LLS's awesome wardrobe. talking about art I actually know of in art history. being done at 11 and finding a beautiful day outside. my Holga. (and the first roll of film...I have lots of tricks to learn but there were a few unexpected gems!) really awful architecture that makes me laugh. singing along to Nickel Creek with the windows down...love. enjoying this lovely weather. the possibility of camping this weekend! talking to old friends who are more like sisters. being comfy cozy in sweats. three day weekends and the prospect of sleeping in! lovelovelove.

p.s. check out [Michael Ford Jr. & The Apache Relay]

I saw them in concert w/ Red Shepherd last night and they are wonderful.

(Anything with fiddle, mandolin, & upright bass gets my vote!)

I think I have listened to their album 10 times already...

1.13 & 1.14

2010-01-14T23:45:00.000-06:00

ok so I'm REALLY bad at consistency. (actually, sometimes i just want to go to sleep. so sue me.)

happy list [1.13-14.10]

i'm love love loving my bible class. psalms = my favorite.
naptime between my morning & afternoon classes
good friends to keep me entertained in my boring adobe cs class
a surprisingly much-needed lesson in the women's class @ church

"sing praises" chapel. great songs that made me feel like singing all day!
[did i mention singing's my favorite?!]
a good first "critique" in 3D. i am really liking my professors!
sonic happy hour [reg. limeade] during my little break
i could not be more pumped about my photo class!
seeing Red Shepherd with my best friend! [check out their music!]

help for haiti.

2010-01-13T15:41:00.004-06:00

I don't even know who reads this blog, but it's worth posting in the rare case someone might read this:
If you haven't already, I implore you to give to one of the many charities that are sending aid to Haiti after the recent earthquakes.

Sacrifice a luxury that you are normally used to, i.e. your daily Starbucks, eating at a restaurant for lunch, etc, and give that money to those who so desperately need it.

Here is a link to CNN's list of charities:

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/

2010-01-12T22:50:00.001-06:00

things that made me happy today:

Hearing the incredible Naomi Tutu speak in chapel today. She spoke about her journey through life and dealing with the opposing messages she got from the apartheid government and her father about what Christianity is supposed to be. It was wonderful and moving because intolerance and hate are things that I think we need to be more aware of and fight against. My favorite quote from her was: "You are a child of God, now act like it." Hello, new life motto.
Catching up with friends I haven't seen since break. I love hearing about wonderful things going on in my friends' lives.
The first Phi Sigma meeting of the semester. (And going early for officers' meeting!) I know, I know, make fun of me for being in a club and being really excited about it. It was wonderful to get back in that crowded room and see so many people I love!
Being 3-houses-down-neighbors with Hae. I could not be more excited that she is home!

2010-01-11T23:12:00.002-06:00

first day happiness:

wonderful friends in all my classes

[bible, art history, adobe CS]

lunch with the girls

[i laughed so loud i'm pretty sure they heard me downstairs]

cinderella & beauty and the beast all in one day

monday night Chikfila tradition!

[we saw Jamie-Lynn Spears. true fact.]

WINNING BATTLE OF THE BLVD.

i love LU.

2010-01-10T23:49:00.002-06:00

weekend happiness:

playing in the snow.

sleeping in late!

staying up way too late watching SNL with my brother.

sunday naps.

packed house @ ethos.

(singing some of my favorite songs at ethos. oh, singing's my favorite.)

davinci's with SO many good friends. (go there; it's the BEST.)

sunday night traditions @ maryann & gingles' casa!

my LU family finally at home.

lovelovelove.

2010-01-08T22:57:00.003-06:00

Things that made me happy today:

I get to sleep in my own bed tonight! Yay!
It snowed continuously all day, and right now it looks like glitter in the light of the street lamps. Absolutely beautiful.
Making cookies with my brother. Cookies are the last thing I need but we had tons of fun!

2010-01-07T23:08:00.003-06:00

things that made me happy today:

Snow! My friends from up north laugh at how excited I get over maybe an inch of snow, but when I looked out the window this afternoon to see a light coating on the ground, I was psyched.
Lunch at Copper Kettle for the very first time in my life...I don't know how I've never been there before. It was wonderful, and I had the company of my best friend, so that made it even better!
My dad rescuing me (and my car) from the side of the road after I hit an icy patch and, trying to avoid a car stuck in the middle of the road, slid into the ditch. He is the best ever!

p.s. No worries, I am fine! God is so good...I don't know how I managed to miss both a mailbox and a stone driveway border, but my car had no damage. The only thing hurt was my pride; I feel like one of those "stupid southerners who can't drive in the snow" everyone makes fun of, but what do you expect? It never snows here, let alone gets icy enough for driving to be a challenge. End rant.

2010-01-06T23:31:00.003-06:00

things that made me happy today:

-alone time tonight...it was wonderful and much needed!
-giggling on the phone with Paige...I love to laugh.
-watching a movie and having the dog curl up and fall asleep at my feet. it was just precious!

2010-01-05T23:30:00.002-06:00

Things that made me happy today (and yesterday):

-Quality time with the bro
-Catching a bball game with my best friend
-The same best friend always listening to me be a worry wart. Love her!
-Cooking dinner for my family...huge success!
-Coffee & a good book @ Fidos

2010-01-03T22:34:00.004-06:00

things that made me happy today:

My dad fixing the light fixture outside of the house where I'm dog-sitting, so I don't have to fiddle with my keys in the dark.
Ethos. My church family always warms my heart, and I loved seeing everyone who was back from their holidays!

I have been in a funk today; I couldn't put my finger on what it was, and it was really bothering me. Nothing has happened that would put me in a poor mood, but for some reason I overreacted to stupid things and then when I got home I felt ill. It was the kind of sick feeling you get when you are anxious which, honestly, is worse than real nausea.

What could I do to make myself feel better? I put on warm & cozy clothes, turned on Baby Mama (that movie never fails to cheer me up), and grabbed a book. I soon realized I was trying anything to distract myself from facing whatever was causing my bad mood.

I thought back to how much I enjoyed church @ ethos tonight...we had scripture sharing, a rare service that I always look forward to. I realized then that I didn't have a scripture or lesson that God had put on my heart recently. I have never shared a verse in church, but I always seem to have one that pertains to my life at that point in time. I didn't make the connection at the time, but my recent feeling of distance from God is surely because I have not made time to focus on Him.

That led me to realizing, in the middle of Baby Mama, that I was pretending my stress was someone else's fault and that I thought I could get rid of it with a funny movie. Not so.
So, tonight after I post this, I am turning off the TV, my phone, and the computer, and having some alone time. It has been far too long.

2010-01-03T00:28:00.003-06:00

things that made me happy today:

My mom came and stayed with me when I had a scare while housesitting alone...creepy! We had fun having a little sleepover!
After the late-night scare, I turned off my alarm and slept as late as I could...which is apparently 1 in the afternoon.
Tried out a new recipe for pizza, which I have never successfully made (it's never quite up to par), and it was SO GOOD!

p.s. I know...the date says the 3rd, but this is from the 2nd. I guess I will have to be more diligent about posting before midnight!

new beginnings

2010-01-01T22:15:00.004-06:00

A new year

AND

a new decade!

What made me happy today:

1. Seeing fireworks on the drive home from NYE celebrations

2. Waking up to a beautiful sunny morning, and a beautiful sunset.

3. New Years Day Mythbusters marathon!

3. Hanging out with my dad, and finding out how proud of me he is. Of course I cried...I'm a daddy's girl.

5. My brother making me laugh till I cried. It happens a lot but I always love it!

trying something new...

2009-12-31T12:18:00.006-06:00

Hello blog world.

I guess I'm not too much of a stranger to this, having had a tumblr for quite some time now, but since I am starting new projects this new year I figured I would have a more appropriate slate to begin on.

Plus, the tumblr world gets a little boring after a while, just reblogging over and over again...not a good habit to keep creativity up!

I'll get off my soapbox now. I'm sure you want to know what these projects are!

The first is a photography project; I am going to set a goal of shooting 100 strangers over the course of 2010. It is going to be not only a huge endeavor for my photography, but for my personal self as well. I would say I'm shy-not so much that it's a huge issue, but enough that I wouldn't want to walk up to a complete stranger and ask if I could take their picture.

The second I took a little bit from rockstar diaries' little happy lists, and something else I saw on tumblr. Trying to focus on positivity, I want to document what makes me happy every day...hopefully this will give a new perspective to my life and help me see the good even in the bad days!

As for now...T-minus 11 hours and 40-ish minutes!