Happy Thoughts

i'm a fan.

2012-01-30T09:34:00.003-06:00

----

but anyways...

School is a killer this semester. But I'm involved in some pretty incredible things and I'm dang thankful for it all.

Oh. And I'm blogging during my super weird 3D Design class. You see, my professor is Chinese and has never taught in English before.

It's...crazy ridiculous.

Have a swonderful week!

And this is where you begin.

2012-01-02T08:30:00.003-06:00

Sometimes no matter what you do in life, no matter how many things you become involved in, no matter the people you surround yourself...you still end up hurting.

Sometimes you hurt more because your foundation has faltered and you haven't been building your foundation to be the fortress it should be.

Because of that, when something heads toward you it will hit you like an oncoming train and crash because you don't have the strength to handle whatever it is that has hit you square in the face.

Obviously, thinking that YOU should have the strength to face anything is one area anyone goes wrong.

In times like these, all I want is to devour the word of God.

All I want is to have God's arms stretch to hug me until I can barely breathe.

And I thought about why that is my reaction to trial.

Well. Because my soul and spirit knows what is missing.

My spirit knows that the word of God is what truly will help.

My spirit desires it's Father. My soul desires God.

'As the hart (deer) panteth fafter the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I Come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is they God?'

-Psalm 42:1-3

^This Psalm shows me that even David desired God. When it seems David had an unreal intimacy with God...he still desired God just as much as I do.

And then once I hit the train head on and my knees shake because my foundation is weak and it is faulty and I cannot stand...I have to remember these things:

'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; (...)Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.'

-Psalm 46:1,2,10,& 11

(and Morgan showed this one to me last night)

'For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.'

-Psalm 107:9

So I think right now I'm just going to trust the promises set out in the Psalms.

And I realize that building a foundation is an ongoing process. It never stops.

EVER.

and all of that would be my main 2012 resolution. more of...picking up where I left.

You're Worth

2011-12-28T14:36:00.003-06:00

On Monday, I drove down with some friends to Orlando.

And this is what we did yesterday:

FYI. The guys are ridiculously talented (Zac on Guitar and harmony, Clayton on tambourine and harmony, and Garrett on banjo).

And there will be more to come.

So.much.fun.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T15:34:00.002-06:00

Yep. It's officially Christmas eve.

We're all gathered in the den with a fire and Christmas movies (and...laptops...we're so 21st century).

I'm currently putting off wrapping my gifts. (I'm a Christmas ever wrapper most of the time...at least my Type A sister gets it done ahead of time so we actually have presents under the tree. But I do like wrapping presents! Only...I like it when I have all the supplies...and I don't always have them...which is why I procrastinate.)

I love Jesus Christ.

I love my family.

I love Jesus Christ.

Christmas at the Summit

2011-12-21T09:32:00.002-06:00

Savanna, Graham, and I went to the Summit last night.

We completed Christmas shopping and we felt AWESOME.

We also ate at Izzo's Illegal Burrito...which was also awesome.

And then we wandered around Anthropologie (which...always is the epitome of Christmas, right?).

The Summit has a lighting ceremony in November, I believe. And trust me, any mall in Birmingham is THE place to be if you want to feel like it's Christmas.

The Summit is my favorite because of the stores AND the fact that it's outside (it's 60 degrees here, y'all).

Merry Christmas!!!

oh. it's so close.

2011-12-20T00:18:00.002-06:00

all i want to do is throw on cozy socks, a big sweater, sit in front of a fire, listen to christmas music, and drink hot tea/coffee/chocolate/wassail.

p.s. i'm in love with my new life is good tshirt. most.comfortable.thing.ever.

a baby

2011-12-15T18:20:00.004-06:00

It's funny and yet not funny at all how a baby can bring joy and love to a room...or a group of lives. Adam and Emily (basically my non-blood siblings) were blessed with their first beautiful baby, Samuel.

When we arrived at the hospital, we were greeted with hugs and tears of happiness (well. the tears were definitely my Mom and Laura, the new Aunt). My brother, Graham, is this sweet little boy's Godfather...so this was a special, special day for him too!

We then walked into the hospital room and there could not have been more love in one room. Yes, Adam and Emily were tired...but it didn't matter. Samuel was healthy and beautiful and we all couldn't be happier.

Man. New life is such a beautiful thing.

We love you baby Samuel!

And we LOVE your parents, too!

A Tree, a tree, a TREE.

2011-12-13T16:27:00.002-06:00

There's definitely no place like home...or the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree.

ALL IN

2011-11-26T16:48:00.003-06:00

Here we go, Auburn!

I can't tell you how much I love my tigers.

They're awesome.

And I love me some Auburn football.

I didn't get an Iron Bowl ticket in my 'mini-season' pack...and then decided instead of spending money on a ticket, I'd stay home for a couple more days and work on my portfolio and project.

But boy oh boy (!) do I wish I was (were??) there!

In homage to my 2nd home and our favorite fall past time:

.WAR EAGLE.

Thankful, yet again.

2011-11-25T13:37:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite holidays.

There's a spirit of love that comes alive around this time.

I love spending time with my family and friends.

And I love coming home.

(I also love meeting my new 1 month old cousin!)

After the test...

2011-11-21T19:01:00.003-06:00

Blast music to engineering students...

Today:

I'm at home for Thanksgiving.

I'm thankful for my home.

I'm thankful for Birmingham.

I'm thankful for coffee with new friends and self-timer shots accidentally set on continuous shooting.

I'm thankful cooking in a KITCHEN.

Oh. And I'm obsessed with the new JCrew catalog...it's all so PERFECT.

I think I'm going to use some of the color combos for a project...

Being Thankful

2011-11-14T19:12:00.004-06:00

At first, I just wanted to post this:

I don't have much to say right now. I just feel loved.

By God, friends, and family.

--but--

Then I started thinking about my past semester. I honestly can't write what I truly feel, but here's a snippet into my heart.

...

Before coming to Auburn, I was nervous about friends. It was like I felt as if all college students were dishonest people who hated everyone else and were just waiting to stab someone in the back.

(yeah. um. depressing.)

I have been proven wrong.

The majority of everyone that I have met here...have been amazing human beings.

Many share a love for God that has been...such a gift.

People have helped me, taught me, loved me, etc.

I am THANKFUL for that.

I am THANKFUL for Auburn.

I am THANKFUL for friends that truly love.

I am THANKFUL for my experience so far.

Auburn is becoming my home.

I miss it when I go home, and I feel like God has given me all of this ease about college.

I'm thankful for new beginnings and new friends.

I'm thankful for classes and creativity and music.

I'm thankful for my college (CADC).

(I believe in Auburn and love it?? Yeah?)

New friends rock my socks!

The thing is...there are so many more.

I just don't have pictures of them all!

Thank you God for blessing me...again and again.

All to Him I owe.

Friday's & Art

2011-11-11T11:18:00.002-06:00

New obsession.

Please plaster these all over my life.

Thank you ;)

Party in the Student Center!

2011-11-09T09:58:00.002-06:00

We may have just turned in one of the best 2D design projects ever.

It was FUN.

And it had COLOR.

So we're celebrating with ABP and Starbucks.

YEAHHHHH.

P.S. There are male specimens in our program. Just not a lot...and they aren't as fun...usually.

The College Project -- Ashley

2011-11-07T10:26:00.003-06:00

This is Ashley.

Ashley and I are in the same program at Auburn.

Let me tell you, she's one of the most genuine people I've met on campus.

Love her.

And she's kind of a hippie...which I love.

Name: Ashley

Year: Freshman

Job: Owner/Photographer Open Eye Photography

Major: Graphic Design

Current Music Obsession: Stevie Nicks (my kinda gal)

.Swamped.

2011-10-20T14:01:00.002-05:00

I'm basically living in the library.

My room is a complete wreck.

Sleep is scarce.

And today is crazy.

So. That's my life for this week.

I'll be back next week.

(But the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day!)

Last Weekend...in photos

2011-10-14T15:23:00.005-05:00

Last weekend was amazing:

music, homemade breakfast, OHenry's, baking, birthdays, haircuts, church, church family,etc.

Happy Thoughts on Thursday

2011-10-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Weekend: Friday Night

2011-10-11T00:39:00.004-05:00

This past Friday night was absolutely wonderful.

After finishing classes on Friday at 2, I hurried to my dorm to pack up, get dressed, and leave.

OCTOBER 7: SAVANNA'S BDAY!

THE CIVIL WARS AT THE ALABAMA THEATRE

ok. so it was a good friday.

I got to go out to eat at Urban Standard with Morgan (Urban Standard : one of my most faaaave places on earth -- Morgan: one of my most faaaave people on earth.).

It was yummy.

Then on to the concert...which was amazing.

AMAZING.

Every time I go to a show I'm reminded of the fact that my true number one (worldly) passion is music. I will be a happy woman if I get to incorporate any type of music into my work later on.

Graphic Design collaborating with musicians? YES.

Collaborating with MY band? HECK YES...

just dreaming.

enjoy, folks.

The College Project -- Sara

2011-10-10T10:09:00.004-05:00

NEW FEATURE

Starting this week, I'm going to start my new feature, 'The College Project'.

Mainly, the whole point of this feature is to show you, the general public, that college students (some of them, anyways) do still dress up for class! So in a way, it will be Auburn street style...and I'm so PUMPED.

But bare with me...I'm a little shy about this whole walking up to strangers and asking if I can take their picture. I've done it once and it worked out perfectly fine!

THE COLLEGE PROJECT

Name: Sara

Year: Sophomore

Job: Barista at local coffee shop

Major: English Lit. & Psychology

Current Music Obsession: Mates of State

p.s. hopefully i'll get better at photography...these didn't turn out quite the way I wanted.

Happy Thoughts on Thursday

2011-10-06T12:06:00.003-05:00

all photos via pinterest except the first...parker fitzgerald.

and then I ask myself...

2011-10-05T20:13:00.002-05:00

Earlier, I sat in a coffeeshop eating a quesadilla and studying for an Anthropology midterm. Mid-study, I realize that my Professor is a little unorganized and as amazing as he is...it's hard to find the answers to his study guide questions....

.freak out.

I'm PreGraphic design and getting into the full-on program depends on my GPA...

So basically I start seeing myself hearing the news that I did not make it into the program and there I am...no back up plan and a desire completely left unfilled. Graphic Design is what I want do...I don't know what else I would do!

Do I have a tendency to be a bit dramatic in my head?

YES.

and then I ask myself...

"How do I glorify God in this moment?"

I'm trying to teach myself to ask that question in all of my moments.

So I'm trying to calm myself down and reach a clear perspective of God and His plan for me. I'm not sitting on my hands and asking God for an 'A'...(I'm still praying for one though!!!) but I'm trying to keep myself from freaking out because:

'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.'

How would YOU glorify God in that situation?

and it never gets old...

2011-10-04T01:17:00.002-05:00

I hear the Savior say

Thy strength indeed is small

Child of weakness....watch and pray

Find in me....thine all in all

Jesus paid it all

All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

Lord, now indeed I find

Thy power and Thine alone

Can change the leper's spots

And melt the heart of stone

For nothing good have I

Whereby Thy grace to claim

I'll wash my garments white

In the blood of Calvary's Lamb

And when before thy throne

I stand in Him complete

Jesus died my soul to save

My lips shall still repeat

Jesus paid it all

All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow

I don't think I'm capable of reading or singing these words without truly realizing how AMAZING God is.

"For nothing good have I, whereby thy grace to claim...' -- the more I observe myself, the more I see how true this is. I'm such a selfish sinner, and I care WAY too much about what others think about me. I have that whole 'self-promotion' problem where I feel like I have to make myself cool for everyone because...who else is going to do it? When, truthfully, I shouldn't even be thinking about that.

How do I magnify Christ? (NOT MYSELF)

Why is He worth it?

Sin had left a crimson stain

He washed it white as snow

and I did nothing to deserve that.

ALL TO HIM I OWE.

Vanity---I mean College in photobooth form

2011-10-02T15:09:00.002-05:00

These are the easiest pictures to upload and right now...that's all I care about.

Simple?

Easy?

Not much time?

hehe.

I'm just a bit swamped at the moment.

I am NOT naturally organized, so when I have to be extrememly organized (college...) I wind up doing really stupid, stupid stuff.

Case in point:

I've left 2 bananas in my backpack and had to clean THAT out of my backpack.

I left a salad in my backpack and the dressing leaked in my backpack...THAT was fun to clean up...also left some Anthropology study notes smelling like italian vinaigrette...

This is what college looks like on me:

mid-week -- cheddar bunnies rock my socks.

but buy them at Kroger...not the dining hall because they mark them up about at least 100%.

friday night before the Farmhouse's rodeooooo

NOT studying for an Anthropology test

STILL not studying for an Anthropology test

me about 10 minutes ago.

about to work on a 2D design project in Biggin (studio)

I wanted to look...coy? ergh.

OK.

I'm going to work now.

Have a good week!

endless inspiration

2011-09-24T03:46:00.003-05:00

i never, ever, ever put one of needtobreathe's song on and feel nothing.

from the first time hearing them when they opened up for Dave Barnes in April 2008, I felt a connection to their music...and boy has that connection lasted. not only lasted, but it has gotten me through some stuff (so cliche but true) and pulled me out of bad moods. i'll put on the radio and sometimes out of nowhere, one of their songs will play and i immediately feel:

happy

inspired

courageous and brave

proud

loved

rested

comforted

i feel home.

weird, huh?

us humans get crazy connections to music. but i think God made us that way. the chief musician created melody and we, his worshippers, are amazed by the sound.

so. yes. i'm still in love with this band.

they have integrity in every aspect and that's hard to find.

keep truckin' kids. y'all rock. (literally. oh ha ha. i'm hilarioussss)

Oh. Yeah? Football.

2011-09-21T18:49:00.002-05:00

Auburn vs. Mississippi State.

Great game.

I'm not even going to speak on Clemson.

Ok.

(I don't hate the school or team...but still.)

you know you're in an art major when...

you blow your nose and charcoal comes out.

your fingernails are never ever clean.

you have permanent ink marks on your hand.

you have charcoal EVERYWHERE.

you say things like 'simple ambiguous design'.

and your professor every monday, wednesday, and friday morning at 8 am walks into the room and the FIRST thing he says is (every time): "Are we having fun yet?"

i kinda like these folks

2011-09-20T22:25:00.001-05:00

what it means to breathe.

2011-09-14T19:19:00.003-05:00

sometimes.

all I need is a breath.

i might feel overwhelmed, in pain, sad, mad, happy, or just plain normal...but to take a breath is like a moment of new life.

to actually take a purposeful breathe:

breathe in

close your eyes

exhale with a smile

--new attitude right there, folks

Hammocks do that for me as well.

As does hiking or just being outside in general.

BREATHE.

via the traveling camera -- Back Into The Wild

AU Family -- ALL IN

2011-09-08T14:25:00.003-05:00

Something about a football game is just so right.

And I mean...hey...we ARE Nation Champions!

And I will not comment on the fact that Utah State was ahead in the last 4 minutes.

But I WILL say that my voice was definitely lower due to the last 2.5 minutes of the game.

Boy do I love this place.

I'm loving college.

And I'm loving the AU Family.

We like to roll Toomer's -- victory.

Cold. oh. and ebay!

2011-09-06T20:57:00.002-05:00

So I woke up this morning and it was 57 degress...in Auburn.

Rewind ONE week. Actually...no...4 days...

Saturday, I went to the football game and literally melted because of the heat.

Now everyone is bundled up because it's in the 50s (trust me, that's cold to us southerners).

WHAT?!??

Hello, Alabama weather!

oh! and I have some items of clothing listed on ebay.

-Anthropologie

-Urban Outfitters

-American Apparel

-Gap

Cleanin' out the closet a little...

click down there:

HOLY CHOCOLATE STARFISH BATMAN! THESE CLOTHES ARE FANTASTIC!

Sandals

2011-09-01T14:22:00.003-05:00

UGH.

Goodbye sandals.

You were wonderful.

Story:

About 3 years ago, I bought a pair of strappy black sandals from Payless. I wore them ALL the time. And about the 2nd year I had them, I was walking down a hill at singing school and a root got caught between my foot and the bottom of the sandals. *YANK* and the toe strap ripped out.

Sad, sad day!

Fortunately, a few months later, my cousin found a pair that look exactly the same for a very awesome price at New York and Company...well of course I snatched em up.

Well.

After my summer of camps, the bottom of the soles split (see photo above) and it made me sad but I kept wearing them because I didn't want to cough up the cash or take the time to find another pair of perfect sandals.

Yesterday I decided to wear my sandals. While walking to class and all that jazz, I tripped...probably 4 or 5 times. You see, the split would get caught on the tiniest uneveness (word?) or a brick or sidewalk seaming and I would trip. NOT.FUN.

But the worst was when I was going to meet up with a couple o' friends at the library, and as I climbed the steps, somehow a step got caught in between my foot and the sole of my shoe...and I thought I just scratched my foot, (this was followed by a baby 'ow'). But I just kept walking.

(Ima get a little gruesome here so...sorry...ok not THAT gruesome)

Before I started the second little set of steps, I felt a gooey substance in my shoe...so I looked down and low and behold...my foot was bleed and there was blood on my sandal.

ergh.

So I said goodbye to my sandals.

Let me add though...when I walked into the library there was a rather large group of guys just standing in the lobby...I was SO tempted to be all, 'Ohhhhh! My foot! It's bleeding!' -- and walk over to a couch near them to hold my foot and pout.

But the truth was it didn't actually hurt and I would feel so dumb doing that.

Although I could've asked for a pre-med student...AH! WHY DIDN'T I DO THAT?!?!?!

oh. and I miss these kids:

p.s. I'd like to add...I can't believe I've been in college for 3 weeks. And in that 3 weeks...I've chilled out so much. It's kind of weird. But I like it...I'm planning on that being a normal thing.

So everybody...this is Whitney: she's more chill than ever.

WADUP COLLEGE?!?!?!

sun.

2011-08-27T01:36:00.003-05:00

a soul that is not meant for this world.

an eye for things eternal.

a heart for all.

a love that never ceases.

I definitely pray for these things...

I think sometimes we hear about how we need to read our bible because it's good for us.

and then we're supposed to read it because we love God...not out of obligation.

I feel as though we approach reading the word and encouraging others to read the word by telling them about how it shows we love God and we learn from it.

But what I've been wondering is:

do we realize how much we truly desire the word?

Our flesh doesn't want the word.

But the spirit inside of us craves it.

And so many times we deprive our soul and spirit of it's food.

Until I really get into the word, I forget how it truly strengthens me and my spirit.

I need it...all the time.

---

Something about walking through a quiet campus during sunset makes me just feel love.

(weird, considering no one was around)

I feel calm and just content. I saw a squirrel and I just started smiling...and then I passed a guy who was all, "why are you smiling...?"

(ok. he didn't say it out loud but he was totally thinking it and shooting me that LOOK.)

To look at all these man-made buildings and then to look at God's paint just spilling over on top of the buildings tracing them in orange...makes me feel small.

tiny.

happy saturday!

Me, lately

2011-08-23T21:04:00.002-05:00

So. This new thing called college...is really hard.

I'll be pretty sporadic for a while because I'm just getting a hold on time and classes and all that jazz.

But today was good! My Drawing I class was fun, hard, but fun. We concentrated on negative space and boy does that make your head go "WHOA. Whoooa, man."

But it was definitely fun. Especially since I had charcoal pencil all over my arms afterwards...my favorite part about art.

In other news:

I'M ALMOST FINISHED WITH MY FIRST PROJECT!

yes.

And then we get another one tomorrow morning! WOOHOO!

not here.

2011-08-20T10:50:00.003-05:00

And I realize why things going on around me on this college campus make me feel weary:

This isn't my home.

Going back to Birmingham won't fix the way these things make me feel.

Why? Because it's sin and it's always around me...and as long as I'm on this earth, this sin will make me feel dirty, uncomfortable, and wrong.

Why can't I figure out the perfect rules? Because sometimes life isn't about the rules...it's about the One who created this world...and giving glory to Him for everything he has done for me.

Why do I feel weird in this place?

Because I'm an alien to this planet and it will NEVER be home.

---

That doesn't mean that I'm not enjoying myself here on the Plains. I am! But I always knew I was naive to what goes on in the world and the more I'm exposed to it the more I hate it. And the more I pray that God will work in my heart to hate the things he hates and to love like he loves.

---

But I'll still say War Eagle...because I do like this college place! It's just not my ultimate home...and I'm not expecting to find it here.

---

You're the center of the universe

Everything was made in You, Jesus

Breath of every living thing

Everyone was made for you

You hold everything together

Christ be the center of our lives

Be the place we fix our eyes

Be the center of our lives

You're the center of the universe

Everything was made in You, Jesus

Breath of every living thing

Everyone was made for you

We lift our eyes to heaven

We wrap our eyes around your life

We life out eyes to heaven,

to YOU

FIRST DAYYYYY

2011-08-17T10:09:00.002-05:00

So I'm sitting in the Art building in between my 2D Design class and my Art History lecture...so I thought I'd pop in and say HELLO!

First day is good so far!

This is breakfast from this morning:

Yay for Clif bars!

and plastic-tasting coffee...I guess I should wash the coffee maker before I use it for the first time.

.new chapter.

2011-08-15T20:37:00.002-05:00

I'm all moved in. It's bittersweet because half of me is excited about this new chapter, while the other half wants to be at home with my family, friends, and my city (and all the darn amazing music shows in bham. AGH!).
Also...I realize that college is a chance to truly "create" yourself. What am I going to do with my time? What friends do I choose? How will I react to situations? There's a lot that goes on. And I have a lot to learn.
But so far it's fun! Just Dance 2 in a friends dorm last night was hilarious.
Actually having THIS as my home for 4 years and being able to walk amongst so much tradition...lucky gal, I am!

So...WAR EAGLE!

and please keep me in your prayers.

i'm out. for...a few at least.

2011-08-11T12:47:00.002-05:00

Well, well.
Looks like I can't post anything until I get my computer back...which will be this weekend or Monday.
I move on Saturday, so staying off the computer will be good and help me stay on track with packing up my LIFE and all.

I cannot wait to start college...seriously I'm getting excited.
I'm a lot more excited now that I've dropped a science class and picked up an Intro to Anthropology class (and I'm very much aware that class has nothing to do with the clothing store!).

I'll post a dorm photo...hopefully it will look okay. And hopefully I'll have room...because dorms are tiny.

War Eagle, baby!

Sunday Get-up -- overhauuuuul!

2011-08-09T10:21:00.003-05:00

Here are 3 outfits from this Summer...

(which means I haven't completely forgotten about Sunday Get-up)

I'm actually one of those people that really and truly love color.

But for some reason I've been buying neutrals (...ok because I love neutrals too)

and nothing BUT neutrals.

I'm trying to work on that...along with working in my closet to try and get rid of a lot stuff I don't wear or need.

I have a lot of stuff I need to...not have.

I also realize I'm wearing the same shirt in two of the outfits (AH! SHIRT REPEATERRRR!) but I decided that's okay.

Anyways.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy, Happy

2011-08-06T17:18:00.004-05:00

Well...I got Pinterest sometime in June and trust me when I tell you it's AMAZING.

But here are some photos that I just find beautiful.

They also encourage me to do everything I can to have healthy skin.

Good gravy these women look perfect.

1) via awelltraveledwoman

2) via prettystuff

3) via intothegloss

4) via fromme-toyou

5 & 6) via cargocollective

P.S. I move one week from today.

WHAT?!?!

SNEAKY

2011-08-04T18:17:00.001-05:00

this is whitney's friend, eleanor.

and i just want to say...

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, NITNEY!!!!

Harry Potter - Midnight Premiere

2011-08-04T16:49:00.002-05:00

So.
I'm a Harry Potter fan.

and for the past 4 or 5 movies, I've gone to the midnight premiere.

Trust me.
Would I recommend Twilight midnight premieres?
NO. I went to the first one and vowed never to do it again.
TOO many screaming 13 year old girls.
But...if there were any more HP movies coming out, I would URGE you to go to the midnight premiere.

There's a spirit that you won't get to experience unless you go to the premiere.
There are AVID fans who dress up and run around flicking wands at each other muttering incantations straight from the book.
You see SO many Harry Potters, Professor Umbridges, Hermiones, Bellatrixes, and so on and so forth.

It's an experience that's very much worth it.

Since this was the last premiere ever, it was even better.

Oh man. Why am I a muggle again?

Oh to be French...

2011-08-02T07:32:00.002-05:00

So. I'm a little in love with French culture.

I know...you're sitting there going, 'Well who isn't? That's original, Whitney!'

But...truly I am.

And after reading the book Entre Nous: A Woman's Guide to Finding Her Inner French Girl I fell more in love with the culture...but more of the culture of the French woman.

How enigmatic the women seem to be.

And that's how they choose to be!

Messy hair, natural makeup, good quality clothes, good quality food, everything in moderation, not completely open about the entirety of their life to someone they just met, they actually like men and the differences that come with men (as opposed to women and how in the USA we demand to be completely equal. They just accept the fact that we're different and embrace it...why not?!?!) etc. etc. etc.

They really are pretty incredible.

Here's a taste of the beauty of a French Woman...

1) via garance dore

2) via secondstartotheright

3) via allthingsstylish

4) via listal

5) via bellasugar

truth be told all of the photos were REALLY found via Pinterest...but anyways. I try to give true credit where credit is due.

Walkin' in Memphis...

2011-07-29T22:43:00.002-05:00

Every July for the past...eh 9 or 10 years (is that about right?) I have gone to

Memphis for a church meeting.

The people at Grace Chapel (the church) are people that I have come

to love so, so much...I can't describe their unending hospitality in words.

Nor could I describe the love they show on their faces to EVERY one.

So last weekend...

Ah. and

P.S.

I need your opinion.

I don't know how many people read this ol' blog.

I'm not very consistent or eloquent...but

if you read

this

blog

please give me your opinion or suggestion

on what you like seeing on here, what you would LIKE to see more of or just at all?

I'm going to school in the fall so I don't know how often I'll be able to post...

First and foremost I blog just because I like to.

It's a nice way to really knock into my head what a blessed life I lead.

But I'm in a little bit of a rut right now and would really like your opinion.

Help a ladeh out, eh?

Please and thank you bunches and bunches of oats.

Say What?

2011-07-25T15:48:00.004-05:00

3 weeks.

I have 3 weeks until I move to school.

This past Saturday, I had a moment of realization that what I JUST said ^ was true.

This past Saturday was the 3 week mark.

Am I excited?

Yes!

I love the independence of being able to go wherever I want, whenever I want without anyone's permission.

I like the fact that I'll be walking to class and I'll be in class with other people (home schooled remember?).

I'll get to walk to class in the fall with a to-go cup of coffee.

I'll have study buddies.

I get to sit in Jordan-Hare stadium as a STUDENT.

I'll have a school of my own...with amazing team spirit.

I'll have drawing assignments.

I get to "nest" in my dorm.

I become my own person, doing what I like.

But at the same time...

I'm going somewhere new by myself.

Completely new people that I can't always trust immediately.

or at all.

I love change...but this is BIG.

This is COLLEGE.

Me?

Yes.

I'm going to college.

yes. all that to say:

I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT.

Charleston - Day 4

2011-07-21T21:31:00.002-05:00

Last day...more like the day on the way home.

We went to Cypress Gardens and boy oh boy did I feel like I was smack dab in the middle of 'The Notebook'.

I loved it. It felt like I was in a different world.

And I would love to go back!

and then we headed home...and drove into one of the craziest lightning storms ever...

but that's another story.

Charleston - Day 3 - Part 2

2011-07-20T23:05:00.002-05:00

After the Angel Oak, we hopped back into our suburban (FYI that's what us WOMEN drove to Charleston. Yeah...no big deal.), and drove back to downtown Charleston and headed to a quaint little coffeeshop, Hope+Union, and drank us some coffeeeee. Seriously...Hope and Union was insanely calming...if they had a swing in the upstairs...I probably would've slept on it. Indeed, we all felt calm and hyper. (calming coffee shop + coffee....fyi Hope and Union does not serve decaf so, us decaf drinkers were up a creek with no paddle)

this guy was so nice! I asked him if I could take some pictures of him making our coffee and he goes, "Oh yeah, that's fine! Sorry it's a little messy..." --buddy, I wanted it to look real so there we go :) I like all the coffee grounds, too.

i would hang a hammock in that window...look at that delicious sunlight!

we all picked up cupcakes from Baked...lemme tell ya, mine was a pistachio cupcake and it was TO.DIE.FOR.

After that bit of exploring we headed to our reservations at Husk restaurant. *my fave meal*

I had Wahoo fish. And...truth be told I ordered it STRICTLY (no joke) because I just really liked saying Wahoo and it made me curious. Turns out to be the most delicious meal I had. Oh Husk, how I love thee.

To finish off the night, we took a stroll/photoshoot down on the battery. I seriously would've camped on the battery if it were allowed.
To describe an ocean breeze proves to be impossible for me. Something about the smell of sea salt and having that breeze blow through you hair...possibly making you feel sticky but in the best way possible.
If you run your hands on the bottom of the railing going around the ocean, you'll get a handful of salt. So.cool.

Yeah.
it was a full day.

not to mention...no photos of this...but in 2 days we went to Charleston's Urban Outfitters twice...I mean SERIOUSLY y'all, if you are in Charleston GO. It's an old theatre and it's HUGE.

Charleston - Day 3 - Part 1

2011-07-19T10:19:00.002-05:00

On day 3, we ventured a little further out from actual downtown Charleston.

On this day...it felt even more magical.

Oak trees and spanish moss make me seriously weak in the knees.

No joke.

On our trip to Middleton Place...I probably fell over a lot.

But of course THEN we went to the Angel Oak and I fell over...yet again.

Just to sit and watch the tree is a spectacular thing.

I feel like the tree could impart to anyone who listened some very beneficial wisdom.

I. would. like. to. live. in. this. place.

Charleston - Day 2 - Part 2

2011-07-18T12:16:00.003-05:00

Ok. By Wednesday or Thursday I hope to have all the Charleston photos up.

I'm starting to feel like I'm living in the past.

Other things are going on and I have thoughts that I want to write about but the OCD in me feels as if I HAVE to finish the Charleston stuff in order. AH!

(but seeing as I fell in love with the city...reliving isn't too, too bad)

Ok...so here is Day 2/Part 2:

1) Really? That's a "garage" door.

2) Joggleboard at The Nathaniel Russell house.

3) I just really like trees -- this was part of just walking around Charleston...which was my favorite part of the trip besides the food of course...

4) 2nd house tour...right beside the battery. So breezy. I miss it.

5) Attitude for Caryanne and Savanna.

6) We like to...joggle.

7) THE BATTERYYYY

8) Cutie Savanna.

9) We all loved the battery.

10) I mean really...cutie gal with a red balloon AND a little sundress.

11) Chelsea hot and tired.

12) Inside the Billy Reid store. MAN I love Billy Reid (and the boy who worked inside...he was cute. I dubbed him "Billy Reid boy"). Oh and they also have this addictive candy inside the store...I mean really I wanted to eat it ALL.

13) Savannah Bee Company store. We're fans of honey :)

14) Well...we wanted it to be home. Dream?

15) Those are really good biscuits. And gooood butter. From 82 Queen.

16) Sweet tea at 82 queen.

And that's the end of Day 2!

I feel so blessed to be able to do things like this...

The End.

2011-07-14T13:32:00.002-05:00

November 2001.

I was 8 years old.

...

July 2011 -- 18 years old.

I basically grew up with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

They're moving on from Hogwarts at 18, and I'm moving on from high school.

(granted...I got to finish my senior year and I'm not having to save the world...)

HOWEVER.

It's sad to see it end.

But good at the same time.

Every story ends...and Harry Potter has been a culture phenomenon for a decade. So I say Harry Potter will be going out with a BANG. No doubt.

YES.

A DECADE.

Why am I a muggle???

Charleston - Day 2 - Part I

2011-07-13T17:41:00.002-05:00

Trust me.

There has to be parts to the days in Charleston. We did SO much.

1) Walking towards the carriage tours...we passed the Billy Reid store and I about died.

2) Pretty Savanna waiting for our carriage tour.

3) Chelsea's pretty blues.

4) Caryanne is...well she's dang pretty is what she is!

5) Chelsea loves the horse. But the horse was lookin' a little blue :(

6) Mmmm. Palmettoooo

7) Cobblestone.

8) Walkin' to lunch. I was a happy camper.

9) Um. Welllllp. I can't remember what this was called.

10-14) Fast & French (sooo yummy). I had a mushroom & potato soup with gouda and crusty french bread...it was amaaazing.

Charleston - Day 1

2011-07-11T08:54:00.004-05:00

I went to Charleston for my Senior trip.

Yes, this was a few weeks ago...nonetheless it did happen and I have photos to show for it.

(a LOT of photos)

We left for Charleston on a Sunday afternoon, and stopped Sunday night in Covington, GA, and then headed towards South Carolina on Monday mid-morning and arrived in time to relax, spiff up, and go out to eat.

*FYI I completely fell in love with this city. It has a spirit that causes you to slow down, enjoy the little things, and quite possibly fall in love. (which would be easy considering all boys in Charleston are GORGEOUS.) ...ok. moving on.*

The first night we were in Charleston (Charlie-town :D), we ate at Monza.

We ate on the back porch...even though our waitress was all, "Are you suuuurrreeeee??? It's SO hot outside! Like, SO hot!" to which we replied, "Honey. We're from Alabama...and you have ocean breeze. It's not that hot."

So we ate outside.

BOOYAHHHH.

Open Mic at La Reunion

2011-07-08T09:52:00.003-05:00

On Saturday night I participated in an open mic.

(AH)

But I ended up LOVING it.

It wasn't a big deal...most of the people listening were

family and friends of the family so it wasn't a huge crowd (I was...ok with that :D)

But here are some photos:

They were so good. (seriously...ever heard the term 'voice of an angel'? that would be Emily's ^)

^I did 'Heavy Heart' by Madi Diaz and we both did 'Poison & Wine' by The Civil Wars

Oh and this is Savy with her coffee. She really likes coffee.

18. 18. 18.

2011-07-05T12:05:00.002-05:00

Yep. I'm 18, now.

Big girl.

I wear big girl pants(...?), and I make big girl decisions.

I can vote.

But that's it in the state of Alabama.

Oh. I can order stuff on the TV!

AND go to Workplay by myself.

Here are photos of my day on June 8th!

First I met Mary-John, Chelsea, and Melanie at Urban Standard for breakfast!

I got a cupcake!

Then we headed to What's on 2nd and just mosied around for a tad bit of time.

THEN

The Summit for some shopping.

THEN

to First Avenue Rocks for some climbing (holy cow...new favorite thing ever)

On the way home from rock climbing, Chelsea and I stopped and got a couple of snow cones.

Once we arrived home, Mommah and Savanna wanted to eat Supper...so...we headed to Jackson's (ok. if you EVER go...order the cookie dough egg rolls...they will change your life)

We then proceeded to take photos in Soho.

(sorority post to the right...a joke. and then MY pose. OH yesh.)

MAKE A WISH!

It was a fantastic birthday.

Wonderful, wonderful.

Pepper Place Market

2011-07-01T08:53:00.003-05:00

On Saturday morning in downtown Birmingham...there's this little market, Pepper Place.

Indeed, it is a farmers market and it is LOVELY.

Pepper Place

(an excerpt from the website)

Summer means tomatoes and peaches!

It means okra, peas, squash and blackberries, too.

Make Pepper Place Saturday Market mornings part of your weekly routine.

One of my favorite meals HAS to be an Alabama summertime supper.

We eat fresh tomatoes, black eyes peas, squash casserole, fried okra (maybe green tomatoes or potatoes thrown in), and then top it off with some cantaloupe.

Best. meal. ever.

(especially if served with sweet tea and topped off with a blueberry or blackberry cobbler.)

Savanna and I went a few weeks ago...and boy did I FALL in love.

It's been around for quite some time, but in the last couple of years the market has flourished!

National Convention + Intentionality

2011-06-30T13:00:00.003-05:00

Intentionality?

That's a word...right?

Oh. It is.

I just googled it.

Ok. So...

Summer comes and as a non-working gal, if I'm not careful I become a lazy bum.

I sleep in, don't really do much...and it takes me DAYS to clean my room.

(As I type this I'm sitting in an unmade bed and there are clothes [they're actually clean] on the floor of my room and other miscellaneous items that should be put away)

Today I was thinking about life...(oh dear. prepare yourself for something that isn't...dumbfounding)

Step-by-step, I would like to put myself back into a state of intentionality.

We, as humans, get into slumps or we get into routines and we forget to truly realize where we are in life. I'm a thinker...and I often miss 'in the moment' things because I'm off in my own world tra-la-la-ing.

What do I want out of life?

Ultimately to glorify God.

(okay. we got that. that goes without saying.)

Does it matter what I want out of life?

Yes.

to a point no.

but yes.

My point is this:

It's important to not get stuck in your head or your routines or stuck in your slump because you can forget what truly matters. You can become apathetic about growing.

I desire to grow.

And I'm tired of sitting around.

So.

I'm going to post pictures of National Convention.

and then I'm going to play some music, clean my room, and do a few other things.

THEN I'm going to look at my Summer Wish-list and come up with a plan to not be so lazy.

If none of this made sense to you...it's because I didn't have an outline and I just wrote.

Much like I would in a journal (minus all the weird emotional stuff that you reread and go 'whyyyy did I WRITE that. I'm so weird').

Moving on...

To explain to you what National Convention is...would be terribly hard for me.

But here's a quick idea:

National Convention is related to TeenPact.

Students from all over the country come to a little camp in TN to grow, fellowship, and praise.

There are small groups, speakers, elections, fake commercials, music, games, and a whole bunch of other stuff.

But seriously it's awesome.

.Catch up.

2011-06-28T14:08:00.002-05:00

May 19-
I graduated with this fellow and 113 other 2011 Seniors.

(we're a little awkward)
and here I am with he sibs
Then National Convention:

(more on that later)

Then Chelsea Graduated!!!

Then went to Pepperplace Market.

THEN went to Camp War Eagle (Auburn's Orientation)

SO that's some of the stuff.

But...there's still my birthday and Charleston and singing school. and stuff.

How have Y'ALL all been?

Charleston Sneak Peek

2011-06-19T14:41:00.002-05:00

Charleston basically restored my belief in magic. Ok...further confirmed my belief.

Seriously, Charleston is just that beautiful...it's unrealistic.

But I'll be back in a week.

SINGING SCHOOL!

post on singing school 2010:

a bunch of dust and notes

here I come harmony highlands!

Sneak Peek

2011-06-13T21:00:00.003-05:00

On the way to Charleston, we stopped in Covington, GA, to spend the night. So this morning, we woke up early and have a little sunrise photo shoot.

So here are a few:

'I believe in God like I believe in the sun rise. Not because I can see it, but because I can see all that it touches.'-C.S. Lewis

All to Him I Owe

2011-06-11T21:28:00.003-05:00

I can't express to you how much that one song means to me.

But it's not just the song...it's what the song stands for:

JESUS PAID IT ALL.

Now that's the most comforting thing that anyone could ever tell me.

..........

I got a new camera and I'm learning how it ticks.

I need to make a checklist:

I MUST post about

-National Convention

-My Birthday

-Pepperplace Market

OH. And I'm going to Charleston on Monday...I'm SO excited.

I've been reading Everyday Musings for the past couple of years, and Charleston just seems like my heart in a city. Nicholas Sparks (yes. I've read some of his books...stop judging) paints a beautiful Carolina picture. And I cannot tell you how much I love the Carolinas. Charleston is a beautiful southern town, close to the beach, with good food, style, and spirit. And I get to see it first hand and in person! SO excited.

So. YAY!

AGH!

2011-06-07T20:06:00.001-05:00

So...

I signed out of my Flickr.

And now I can't sign myself back in because I forgot all of the information...

sorry.

But I really miss posting and I will post very, VERY soon!

THE Summer Cold

2011-06-02T17:28:00.002-05:00

*cough.cough.*

*sniff.sniff.*

I've been cooped up in the house...trying to find my sense of productivity...but it has run away from me.

I've got the summer cold and it's FINALLY starting to LEAVE me.

My Life for the past 4 days:

-couch

-computer

-movies, tv shows

-thank you cards

-blog surfing

-daydreaming

-journals

-vitamin c

-garlic

-breathe easy tea

-wellness formula vitamin things (love these)

-cinnamon tea

-LOTS OF KLEENEX

-coughing

-sniffing

-LIMES!!

-sitting

-sleeping

-neti pot...ing

-showering

-gargling

Dear Cold,

Please go away.

It's hot outside and I'd like to jump in the sprinkler.

Go with friends to the woods.

Go...anywhere.

Sincerely,

Sniffly-Whitney

And she's off to Africa

2011-05-31T18:34:00.002-05:00

She walked out from the security line and further into the airport. She had a backpack on her back and a bag hanging from her shoulder. She turned around, gave a last wave and then walked off, headed to her plane.

5 weeks? In a different country?

Yes. But I'd say it's all worth it for our Savior, and she would whole-heartedly agree.

Morgan will be in Namibia, Africa, for the next 5 weeks. 5 weeks in a different country! She's going to be wonderful and I CANNOT wait to hear her stories.

July 6th.

I love you and miss you, but you are doing wonderful things!

If you care to keep updated on Morgan's stories and adventures, feel free to read about it

on her blog:

This Seed I've Received I Will Sow

Senior Portraits

2011-05-17T10:49:00.002-05:00

Ok.

In all honesty I do feel kind of weird posting a TON of photos of myself.

BUT

I got to style most of the shoot and the portraits are just full of things that make me happy.

Birmingham, railroad tracks, coffee, Urban Standard, yellow chair, outdoors, feathers, boots, water, brick, etc.

All photos taken by Firefly Photography I personally know the gal and she is WONDERFUL. She's so talented and knows how to make you comfortable in front of a camera. She also is very concerned with meeting your ideas with reality. So if you need a photographer anytime soon, I recommend Firefly!

I graduate Thursday!! AHHHH.

Here's hoping that I DON'T trip and fall.

24hrs in Franklin

2011-05-15T23:34:00.002-05:00

We're seniors.

Chelsea and I are SENIORS!

I'm graduating on Thursday.

A couple weekends back, Chelsea asked me to come to the last open mic at FHS.

Soooo...I went.

It was amazing. The last two groups were AMAZING. Closing with a group playing 'Wake Up' by Arcade Fire (amazing.)

This trip also remedied my intense longing for Franklin. That happens a lot.

I really love Franklin...I do!

So Friday I drove up; Saturday I drove home.

Friday night -- open mic.

Saturday -- Meridees for breakfast and then a little galavanting around downtown Franklin. (best thing ever to do)

Here we are:

JazzFest

2011-05-10T22:13:00.003-05:00

April 29, 2011...will forever be one of the BEST days ever.

I went to JazzFest with 3 awesome-bigawsome friends and saw Mumford & Sons AND The Avett Brothers LIVE at JazzFest.

All I have to say...is JazzFest is amazing and it's dreamish in my mind that we actually got to experience those two bands back-to-back.

INSANE.

Photos: (better than words...)

mm. mm. mm.

Blessed.

P.S. This is my last week of high school. My last week to be home schooled. I graduate next thursday. I go to college in the fall...

Weird.

Sweet Home Alabama

2011-05-04T08:26:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, much of the Southeast got hit by multiple tornadoes last Wednesday.

Alabama was hit the hardest.

I remember thinking on Wednesday morning (as it was raining), that usually the weather men overreact to storms and always freak out over storms. They were saying this was one of the biggest storms they had ever seen in their lives. 'Yeah. Okay...I'll go to the basement when it gets bad enough.'

That's what I did.

We then lost power for a few days.

I found out that the family that inspired mine to homeschool had lost their father.

I found out a friend of ours lost everything they owned.

I found out about friends of friends who had lost everything.

I found out about friends of who had LOST their friends.

I couldn't see the horrifying images of what had happened until Thursday afternoon. I nanny 3 days a week and the second I got to the family's home, I immediately turned on their television. (They had power.)

There it was.

Complete and utter devastation.

I was safe. I was sound. I was okay.

Others have lost everything.

The little cities around me were hit. They were hit HARD.

I'm talking about cities within a single-digit radius from me.

I'll tell you something...I trust the weathermen more than I used to.

I freaked out because I had no cell service during the storm and I couldn't check on my friends.

They kept calling out cities where my friends lived.

Thankfully they were all safe.

I can't say that for many, many others in the state.

Here are some photos of the areas around me:

This past Sunday, I went to Brook Hills (The Church at Brook Hills) and Dr. David Platt spoke on 'Tornadoes and the Trustworthiness of God' (download video or podcast of this sermon here).

As usual, he made some really good points.

Here are a few:

-These tornadoes remind us that this world is unpredictable.

-Life is never safe.

-These tornadoes remind us of the penalty of sin which plagues all of us.

-These tornadoes remind us to repent and be reconciled to God.

-These tornadoes remind us of the sovereignty of our God.

-The sovereignty of our God is the ONLY foundation for worship in the midst of tragedy.

-God is with us.

-God is FOR us.

-God's sovereignty reminds us that Satan has been CONQUERED.

(many more wonderful statements like this are made...just watch the sermon. you won't regret it)

And this is what we all need to do:

-Pray (and praise!)

-Give (Laken over at Farmhouse has set up a way to give: here)

-Go (Hands on Birmingham is one of the many ways to volunteer)

This song seems to be going around...and absolutely fitting of the time:

We serve an awesome God. He deserves our everything, especially in the midst of tragedy.

Easter, Easter

2011-04-25T18:08:00.004-05:00

Easter is one of the best holidays around.

We always have family breakfast, get ready, go to church, THEN go to my Meme's house, take family photos (we ALWAYS have to make my Uncle Tim put his church clothes back on. You've had to do it for the past gajillion years, WHYYY do you think we would let you take pictures in jeans???), then we stuff our faces.

The tradition of Easter is wonderful.

but.

The meaning?

Even more so.

It should be one of the happiest days of our year.

Imagine having a hero that has captivated your hope and your heart.

You have given this hero everything.

You believe every word that falls from this hero's lips.

You then see him tortured, whipped, spat upon, and crucified to a cross.

But then 3 days later...

He rolls away the stone and comes back to life!

His work was accomplished.

Your hero is more than a hero, your hero is your Savior.

Your hero has given you everlasting life and a place in heaven.

Your hero...is Christ.

('hero' doesn't even do the name of Jesus justice.)

That's what Easter is about.

'He is Risen.'

He is Risen.

2011-04-24T15:22:00.004-05:00

I do not deserve a Savior's love.

I'm clothed in Christ's righteousness before God.

He died for me.

And now He is risen from the dead.

Sunday Get-up

2011-04-22T09:46:00.002-05:00

These 2 gals, are two of my favorites.

Oh, and on the way home we stopped by the gas station to get some ice cream pints...and whadoyaknow I got 2 strawberry shortcake popsicle-thingies. The best ever(everrrr).

If you've never had one before, I encourage you to try it out (Wal-Mart has them). They are just so dang delicious.

I also got my senior portraits in this week and I'll share some next week!

I love them...because Firefly Photography...rocks my socks.

Sneak Peek!

Medieval Graduation

2011-04-21T09:15:00.003-05:00

Yes.

We went to Georgia to celebrate Merry's graduation...and yes, it was a Medieval graduation.

I might have been a little hesitant before going because I had NO idea what to expect.

But I'll try everything once, right?

Turns out...

Back then, they knew how to eat.

and have fun.

and dance.

We ate with our fingers, people. Everything.

And...I wouldn't have it any other way because that is THE best way.

Side of the Road Adventure, Part II

2011-04-20T08:18:00.002-05:00

About this time last year my cousin, Chelsea, and I stopped on the side of the road to take pictures. Why? Well. In the spring time it seems that some of the prettiest places happen to be right next to the road.

So this past Saturday, Harris and I were driving to Georgia for a Medieval graduation (more on that later) and we were marveling over the read clover, and the green, green grass and trees.

So we decided to stop and take some pictures.

WHY NOT?

Always fun.

And windy.

Good graciousness was it windy.

PART 1: Riiiiiight here

William Fitzsimmons

2011-04-19T07:42:00.002-05:00

Friday, the state of Alabama was plagued with Tornado weather.

Sirens were going off, rain was falling like crazy, wind was blowing (love it), etc.

But you know, I had somewhere to go.

I looked to the sky and said to the storm,

"Hey. If you really don't mind, I'd looove it if you would just pass on by in the next couple of hours so I can leave my house at 8. See, William Fitzsimmons is coming to Birmingham...and he doesn't visit often...and I'd really like to NOT miss him."

Whadoyaknow?

It stopped.

I got to go.

And Mr. Fitzsimmons is brilliant live.

He played all the good ones.

He cracked jokes.

And of course he was there...with his beard.

(always enough for meeee)

Also, attending a show with people who also really love a musician allows you to have an even better time. Little girly squeals were okay, and nobody judged.

(So nice. No judging.)

Ok.

Enough with my words....pictures speak a thousand words, right?

Here's to Friday!

2011-04-15T11:04:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, Savanna and I like to dance in random places.

Here we dance in Sephora:

Happy Happy Fridayyyyy!!!

Happy Thoughts on Thursday

2011-04-14T10:06:00.007-05:00

Oh. You've Got Mail.

One of the best movies ever.

I love the above sequence because I love morning.

I also love cities.

And I daydream of waking up in the morning in my city loft, getting dressed, and walking out the door to purchase coffee at my local coffee shop.

And ya know, if I'm pressed for cash(thanks, loft)...I'll make my OWN coffee (french press please) and pour my coffee into my perfect to go mug...and then walk out my front door and immediately be greeted by city sounds. I would love to walk side by side with people who are on their way to work. I would love to wait at a crosswalk with a group of people...on their way to work. And in my head...it's always fall. So we all have coats on and an assortment of briefcases, purses, back packs, and messenger bags.

And then on the weekends?

Breakfast at a coffee shop/cafe. Allll the way.

I just like cities.

And I can't wait to one day go to New York City.

Something about the spirit of a city...it makes me all giddy.

oh.

I like coffee too.

Sunday Get-Up

2011-04-13T19:50:00.003-05:00

So. I was standing up a hill. Sooo not comfortable and makes my legs look even SHORTER. (Trust me...I don't need any help with that.)

I read this "article" on Diane Birch on Refinery29 and these 2 pictures stuck in my brain.

This picture makes me want to go to New York City in the Fall, and grab coffee early in the morning(while wearing a nice cozy sweater and a hat...AND some awesome 60s cat eye liner). And then talk about life with someone special.

I just want these pillows. Right now, please :) And maybe a trip to Williamsburg, NY. That would be cool too. Oh and check out that awesome kimono/dress/robe thing she's wearing in another picture (see article below). I kind of want to steal it from her.

Full article: here

Steve, STEEEEVE!

2011-04-12T20:08:00.005-05:00

So.

This is Steve.

We both have dark curly hair.

This is back in February at Workplay (he opened for Ben Rector).

Then last week, I got an email saying that Steve was playing a free show at Harry's Coffeehouse.

(Oh Harry's you ARE so amazing for always being free :D)

So I called some friends. And of course we went!

Do yourself a favor and look the boy up:

STEVE MOAKLER

Live music never ceases to amaze me.

When someone is doing something they love and they put the entirety of their heart in it, you cannot stop yourself from smiling and enjoying watching them love their life.

(I mean. If a person sold stamps for a living...and that is what they loved, I would still want to watch them sell their stamps. Okay, maybe I sound a bit like a creeper but that's the truth.)

But what is even MORE amazing:

In our life, we have someone who smiles on us when we put the entirety of our heart in learning and loving this someone. In a way, we become the musician and this someone becomes the audience. All we want to do is play our song and send a sweet sound to our audience. And the more we get to know our audience, the more we love our audience, and the more we want to play sweeter and sweeter songs for our audience.

So this audience is Christ. But the thing about Christ is He doesn't get distracted while we play our song. He doesn't sit our song on a shelf and forget about us. He doesn't abandon us when our song is dirty, filthy, and unworthy of an audience.

He loves us in spite of the fact that our "life" performances are terrible.

But He delights when we play a chord that is sweet sounding.

God placed us on this stage (life) and we don't know any of the songs, we can't play guitar, and we can't make up our songs (and when we do they're just horrible). But if we look at Him, he directs us in a way that makes the music beautiful. He shows us the chords to play and how to play them. And as long as we look at Him our song is sweet.

But the second we look out and try to trust our own "skill", our song becomes as filthy rags.

So place your eyes on Jesus and don't look anywhere else, and you will send a sweeter note to the one who created you.

God is the Chief Musician.

P.S. Hopefully I didn't butcher the english language in this post. I'm always afraid that I make tons of grammatical errors. So if you'll excuse those...I'm so sorry.

in a relationship

2011-04-07T22:14:00.002-05:00

I may not have a boyfriend.

I may not have someone to kiss me on the nose and say 'goodnight'.

I may not have 'anniversary'...dates.

I may not have any dates at all...(don't you feel sorry for me now?? no? me neither. ok. moving on.)

But I've decided to just love my naked juice.

Naked juice is enough for me right now.

And it's so delicious :)

Obsession?

No.

Relationship?

Yes.

Moving on...

Sunday Get-up

2011-04-06T08:19:00.002-05:00

On Sunday, I scored myself a nannying job. Indeed, I truly needed this money and the Mom truly needed a nanny 3 days a week.

So, here it goes.

I started Monday.

I work Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 3-6 or 7.

Which means all the extra stuff that I do has to be PLANNED now.

My school? I HAVE to get it done in the time allotted.

This is hard.

And I'm going to learn.

I'm just so terrible at staying on track and getting distracted.

And for some reason, the second someone says something about structure...I immediately gag in my mind. Structure? I hate it!

But. I need it right?

Big girl decisions are STILL coming my way.

(Bah. I guess I'm a big girl now.)

There's a camp that I would really like to attend in the Summer.

It's super expensive.

And along with several other things I'll be doing this Summer,

I'm wondering if it's wise for me to go.

I can always go next year.

But there are people going this year that won't be there next year!

I realize my problems are so tiny when my "problem" is having to choose between amazing

things to do for the summer.

I realize that.

So I won't complain.

I'll just pray and deal with it.

Dear Wednesday,

Let's be productive! And stay on track!

Sincerely,

A not-so-naturally-productive-lady

Cousins

2011-04-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

So. These 2 are my cousins, Mary-John and Chelsea, and they're pretty cool.

We have fun in Wal-Mart, we like to lay in grass, and we REALLY like to eat.

and a lot of times, we go to church together and sometimes we go eat together (oh wait. didn't I already mention the eating part??)

Our aunt call us 'The Three Gigglies'

I quite like it :)

*giggle*

At the lake...

2011-03-29T12:40:00.003-05:00

This would be part of my spring break :)

You can never go wrong with a spring break at the lake (hey! it rhymes!).

You read, eat, lay out in the sun, eat, drink coffee, eat some more, and this time we tie dyed!

(technically we tie-painted because...it was acrylic paint...but still)

After that it's just:

sunshine, sunshine, sunshine

unless of course it's not...suneshine-y outside.

If I don't have regular posts this week, it's because I'm just trying to really stay on track with the normal every day things. But, I'm trying to transform blogging into one of those weekday rituals. So...I'm working on it!

TeenPact AL II

2011-03-25T13:10:00.002-05:00

My 2nd week in Montgomery was also amazing. New team, new challenges, new jokes, new students, renewed energy, and still lots of relying on God. He always comes through.

Happy Thoughts on Thursday

2011-03-24T07:52:00.002-05:00

Call me cliche, call me hipster, call me indie, roll your eyes...call me what you want.

BUT just know that I truly do love men with beards.

You have a full on manly beard?

My heart is yours.

Robert Rabinsteiner?

I have a crush on you.

ok. and William Fitzsimmons...I have a crush on you as well.

1) The Mast Brothers (they make chocolate. how cool is that? here's a video: !click me! here's their website: mast brothers chocolate)

2) William Fitzsimmons. Need I say more? He's a swonderful musician. (see? he's at the bottom of my 'feast your ears' widget. but just in case...click on his name. there's his website.)

3)Robert Rabinsteiner (he's on the Sartorialist every once in a while. look, I posted about him here: cutie-pie-of-a-man)

4) Some man. via the sartorialist. He's just sooo cooooool!

5) Another random man. via the sartorialist. eh. they're just a cool couple.

did I mention my daddy always has scruff.

BUT

he'll let his scruff go full on BEARD.

yep.

He then acquires super human strength and the ability to eat crazy amounts of meat.

Sunday Get-up

2011-03-23T08:40:00.003-05:00

Yep. My prop was a birdhouse. Nice, right?

Fighting Stillness

2011-03-22T10:19:00.003-05:00

Being home from staffing has its perks for sure. I can sleep for a healthy amount of time. I can bake (vegan banana bread...I believe I ate half the batch). I can see my family. I can do school in the sunshine. I can skype people :). I can update my blog. And that's just a tiny bit of the stuff I can do.

However.

After being held to such a high standard and realizing that the reason you were staffing was to impact student's lives...once you're home you adopt this feeling of purposelessness (it's a word. I googled it.). Of course, the second I say that I imagine myself slapping the tops of my hands. Because obviously our chance to impact a life is always staring us in the face. Nevertheless, at a class, I'm a staffer and I'm helping others. Once home (as stated by my friend) we're back to being our normal selves: daughter, sister, friend. Nothing is wrong with this. It's just an odd feeling. It's definitely an adjustment. But that's life, you have times where you're flung into a whirlwind of leadership and you have times where you just have to be still. With that leadership comes humility. You realize that you can't do any of this leadership without the hand of God helping you along. You realize you can't answer questions about life without praying that the spirit of God would fill you as you attempt to answer those questions. You realize you can't live on 5 hours of sleep, and greasy food without God giving you strength and energy.

I realized I couldn't do it without God.

While staffing, you are slapped in the face with that realization. It's constantly resounding in your head,

"You are weak; He is strong. Pick up your cross."

At home, you know that you can't do it without God, but circumstances are easier, more comfortable. You don't necessarily always feel that you can't do it without God. You don't have to call on God to complete a task such as washing dishes or making a cup of tea. These times of stillness are a blessing and I'm just having to adjust myself to see that. These are times where I prepare myself in a relation with Christ. So that when the time comes, I'm ready to speak about His name in a way that is educated and loving. Times of stillness are times of thought. Times of stillness are times to commune with God. And I tell myself this over and over again.

"Be still and know that I am God..." - Psalm 46:10

TeenPact AL I

2011-03-21T07:58:00.002-05:00

Week one....was...incredible.

The team bonded and goodness gracious we had some amazing students!

I believe that I always learn more than the students. Seriously, when you feel inadequate for a task, you're forced to rely completely on God. And when you finish doing whatever it is, you look back and can see that He had his hand on your shoulder pushing you along. That's the only reason I got through two weeks of staffing. And I mean, running on 5 hours of sleep a night...you can't rely on anything else for energy. God was faithful and renewed my strength (and the strength of everyone else) every day. I thank God for such an opportunity and such amazing friends.

ahhhh man. and now that I've posted these photos...I miss these kids like CRAZY!

Alive and Kicking

2011-03-15T00:56:00.003-05:00

I'm back!

Here's a video from AL I.

(fills my heart with joy)

Home - TP AL I from Whitney on Vimeo.

I should be sleeping.

(Why is it double spacing?)

But I just watched 'Inception'. Which...was wonderful.

At night, my head comes alive, and I cannot slow down.

I journal, pray, read, blog, blog surf, think, think, think.

When really I should be doing this: ZZZzzzzz

So, I'll post some more stuff this week.

Well. Sometime.

I believe we're going to the lake later on this week so...

hmmmm....

Go with the flow

(still double spaced)

Whatever, goodnight! (morning)

Well, hello

2011-03-06T09:59:00.001-06:00

So this past week in Montgomery was just incredible. Amazing, amazing.

I feel like lives were changed (including mine) and lives were impacted.

God was so evident it just hits you in stomach. It's crazy.

I just can't get over how incredibly blessed I am to have such an opportunity.

Astounded.

Here's a photo of the guy staffers from last week (pretty amazing guys, just so ya know):

Off again....carrying yet ANOTHER 50,000 ton suitcase...

2011-02-25T11:04:00.003-06:00

Except this time I'll be headed to this place:

and I'll be gone for 2 weeks instead of one.

Prayers are mucho GREATLY appreciated.

My week has been (still is) crazy!

I had to finish an application for pre-graphic design, get a bunch of stuff together and write an essay for *fingers crossed* salutatorian honors, AND prep for TeenPact AL. I also have yet to wash clothes...or pack...:)

So my "home" for the week has been here:

and when I was working on the Graphic Design stuff...this table had paints and paintbrushes, and a bunch of other stuff that I enjoy having around me :)

But when all the paper work got to be a bit overwhelming...I would just remind myself to look at the pretty things:

So, here are some pictures from my trip to Virginia. I cannot express how much these kids mean to me (they're not really kids. I just like calling them that.). Ahhhh, they're amazing!

A BUNCH OF PHOTOS STARTS RIGHT HERE:

Happy Thoughts on Thursday

2011-02-24T10:55:00.002-06:00

What is a "Happy Thought"?

Well, according to Peter Pan a Happy Thought can make you fly.

Examples: (as mentioned by Wendy and George)

-toys at Christmas

-sleigh bells and snow

Whatever makes you fly!

When I post pictures for 'Happy Thoughts on Thursday', I just find pictures that I've saved over the few weeks that have just made me happy.

Happy Thoughts inspire you. Happy Thoughts give you a tickle in your stomach because the thought just makes you feel good.

When I listen to the live version of 'The Outsiders' by NEEDTOBREATHE, every single time I hear that banjo, my stomach gets a tickle and I just smile.

The most random things can be Happy Thoughts.

Just take notice of what makes you happy. The little things in life from day to day, do they make you content?

Seeing the sunrise through a curtain...does that make you happy?

The sound of a coffee maker making you some yummy hot beverage. Does that make you happy?

The 'click' of a film camera whilst capturing a memory...does that make you happy?

Small things.

Take notice.

1) pear: via sprouted kitchen

2) shelf: via readingmytealeaves

3) camera & feather: via drt&ink

4) coffee and bread : via amoslanka/blog

5) very, very cool offices: via riflepaperco. via romanandwilliams(<--defgrip/blog)

Chelsea in the Woods

2011-02-23T08:11:00.002-06:00

This weekend, Chelsea came to visit! On Saturday afternoon, we climbed the steep incline behind my house and braved the woods (well, not braved...it really isn't that scary, but it sounds better that way). We hiked through for a while, and then found a cozy little spot where we decided to rest our weary legs and sit and talk for a bit. Then I whipped out the camera and caught some genuine expressions of Chelsea, and then some not so genuine.

This my friends, is Chelsea, my cousin.

Isn't she a beaut?

ok. well actually THIS is a daffodil...

Happy Wednesday! And sprrriiiiiinnnggg is almost here!

Scarves, blazers, and neutrals, oh my!

2011-02-22T08:24:00.003-06:00

I understand that the fashion industry can be extremely superficial. I understand that fashion designers are allowing skeleton-like models to strut their clothes down a runway...and I understand that this gives the connotation that you must be stick thin to be fashionable. I understand that clothing is just fabric, thread, and a whole bunch of time...but, what I also understand is how clothing is an art form.

When you look at clothes as art, it kind of changes the way you feel about them. You experiment with color, you experiment with textures, you experiment with proportions. Your body stands as a blank canvas, and you have the chance to create art every single morning. You create art in the way that you pair items of clothing, and then you create art with the attitude you wear that outfit. Fashion designers are artists because (obviously) they create the clothing in which you put on your back.

FASHION = an Art Form

Now feast on some art:

Now a little bit of spring:

all photo credit to The Sartorialist

except the last 2.

Black coat: stockholmstreetstyle

chartreuse (or is it just pale yellow?) top: Hanneli Mustaparta

Sunday Get-up

2011-02-21T16:13:00.002-06:00

Hello!

Alabama has been flooded with warm weather for about a week.

Right now, it's about 75 degrees outside with a nice little breeze.

I LOVE spring weather and I'm happy, happy, HAPPY, that Spring is on its way!

I love that the weather is so beautiful, because my week is anything but super beautiful.

I have a ton of stuff to get done, and everything has a deadline...which would be the end of this week. So....we'll see how this goes! But you know, if I listen to music, drink tea, coffee, and water, and open the windows, I'll make it a beautiful week. I'll just romanticize everything I do (as usual). So you know what? I think it's going to be a splendid week!

Here's what I wore yesterday to church, and then to five points south for lunch with some family.

Gotta love those daffodils, right?

And HELLO bare legs!

My legs felt loved because they got to see the light of day.

But I don't think I'm quite ready to retire my beloved tights...ah man.

My quirky poses...I should work on this.

Valentine's Dinner

2011-02-17T08:53:00.005-06:00

Monday night, I had my first ever mini-dinner party.

It was me, my mom, my meme, and my grandmother.

Surprisingly, my timing wasn't terrible and the food was hot when we ate.

The dessert was DELICIOUS (because of the recipe...so good)!

Cape Cod Salad & Parmesan Toast (Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics)

with

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato soup via Bella Eats

annnnd desserrrrtttttt:

Spiced Poached Pears With Warm Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream via Tartelette

(but I just bought the vanilla bean ice cream...)

Something about throwing my own little dinner party. It felt good. I've always longed for the days where I have a dinner party in my own home. I'll get to set up a beautiful table, go grocery shopping, cook (duh), welcome friends into my home with delicious scents, etc.

It will definitely be fun.

(I have no idea why it's double spacing...)

Happy Thursday!

Let me direct your attention to...

2011-02-15T12:07:00.002-06:00

So as a LOT of you know The Civil Wars came out with their debut album about 2 weeks ago.

Well...they played 3 shows in Birmingham the weekend I left for Virginia :(

So I missed them and I doubt they'll play at WorkPlay again.

I mean...they had 3 shows because the first two sold out like lightning.

There's always a joy when this happens, but also a bit of sorrow. This happened with NEEDTOBREATHE. They played WorkPlay all the time. And I LOVE WorkPlay. It's an intimate setting with your favorite musicians. But once everyone else catches on that these folks are just CRAZY amazing...well they have to move to bigger venues.

I'm so happy for their success (back to The Civil Wars, but I am happy to NTB's success, too! T.Swift tour opening act??? YES.).

But a tiny bit sad because it's just not as intimate a show.

Although...The Civil Wars music itself is intimate enough, maybe even in an arena they wouldn't lose that feeling.

Here's hoping!

Alrighty.

Let me just say that I will always remember finding their myspace page quite a bit ago and listening to their track 'Falling' for the first time. I had earphones on my computer and just sat in my swivel chair completely astounded at the sound entering my ears. I was sold from that point on. These kids are talented ;)

(one of the two is from Alabama...so that has something to do with it, right?)

And a comment on their style:

Musical, fashion, art -- I mean their all around "style"

I LOVE it. It's an artsy-southern-gothic thing that's just plumb perfect.

I'll direct you to these photos here:

(Go TEC!)

The Civil Wars (click on that for the photos...yeah....like that)

and then here:

Billy Reid store Concert video via Pennyweight

Seriously. If you go to Florence, AL and have a show in the middle of a Billy Reid store...by candlelight...you have to be unique and talented.

P.S. Where does Joy Williams find all her cute little black dresses? I'm dying over here!

Mmm. I love you :)

2011-02-14T08:33:00.003-06:00

Here's a little video I made about Virginia. Richmond is beautiful, and last week was beyond amazing. Can't even describe it!

TeenPact VA from Whitney on Vimeo.

I've talked about Valentine's day before.

I love love.

I do!

See the thing is, lots of people get so sad about Valentine's day

because they feel as though there is no one to share it with.

This is where I disagree.

Read this amazing post on Valentine's day:

will you be my valentine?

Find someone you love.

Your mom, dad, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle, boyfriends, girlfriend,

fiance, husband, wife, friend...etc.

Find someone that means a lot to you and show them some love.

And I mean true love...as in charity.

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

-1 Corinthians 13:13

Happy day of love!

And I'm off....carrying a 50,000 ton suitcase...

2011-02-04T09:05:00.005-06:00

So I'm going here next week:

I'll be walking around in my new Clarks (my super uncomfortable heels just weren't gonna cut it, honey), mid-calf length skirts, and a blazer. Of course, that's only what I'll be wearing...what I'll be DOING is walking around with a group of kids (kids a little younger than me, but possibly older) and teaching them about the Virginia Legislature, the Virginia Judicial process, critical thinking, deciphering media for yourself, how a bill becomes a law...and a bunch of other stuff (and really that's just the government part of this amazing ministry. We focus on Christian leadership the most.). But see, I'm not the only one doing that.

This spring, I'm part of a team about 150 people strong. State staffers, traveling staffers (me!), Interns, Program Directors, and then the actual office staff: the people who make it allllll happen. I cannot describe to you how awesome it is to be on this team. I played soccer for one year a loooong time ago. But that's the only sport I've played. Besides that, I haven't really been on a team. But, this team is way better than any sports team. These are the people that not only HOPE the best for you, your life, and your state class but they pray for you. They write you encouraging notes, texts, e-mails. They let you know they have complete faith in you. Returning staffers, the interns, program directors, and the office staff are all willing to help you out if you're stuck on something while preparing for a class. And these people are not only intelligent but they are constantly growing in their relationship with Christ. They encourage everyone around them. It's humbling to actually be included in a group like this! CRAZY!

And I can't believe I get to be a part of that (not the AMAZING part, just the group of people). I get to work closely with these people, and together we get to do our best to 'change lives to change the world' (TeenPact's vision statement...thought I'd sneak it in there).

I get to be a part of this:

AH! and it's so exciting!

Now, the 50,000 ton suitcase:

Packing.

Whitney and Packing.

Yeah.

I like packing...and I'm good at getting stuff in a suitcase.

However, I'm not so good at packing small amounts of clothing.

When I went to TX for staff training, I had to do use the expanding zipper. And then it weighed 54 pounds and I had to take out a pair of boots (apparently I didn't need two pairs of brown lace up boots. whatever.) and a pillow.

Well now I have to do that again. This time I'm packing more clothes (capitol clothes for everyday, and then an extra set for the evening) and I'm going to have to PLAN my outfits! I HATE planning outfits ahead of time. Now, my capitol clothes I plan ahead of time because, well, that makes sense. But casual clothes? I always just throw a bunch of clothes in and make it up as I go! I'm a mood dresser. So how am I supposed to get dressed in something that I don't feel like wearing (I'm not really joking...it's just hard for me okay, y'all? Don't laugh at me). Oh man. Oh man, oh man, oh man. We'll see how I figure this out!

{Also. I'd to note that I'm trying to cut down on my ellipses. I LOVE using that tri-dot little punctuation, but I use it a LOT. I'm going back in my posts and erasing them. I'll keep some because I just love them, but I'm cutting back.}

I'll be out for the next week. Pray for me if you want to, it would be greatly appreciated. I'll try and take some pictures and maybe a video (if I say that on my blog maybe I'll do it and try to figure out this darned iMovie! It ninja chops my brain every time I try to use it!).

Wednesday, Wednesday

2011-02-02T09:32:00.003-06:00

Today, I have a few of thoughts. This happens quite a lot because I don't believe I'm the best at articulating exactly what I'm thinking.

-I can be a perfectionist. I am a perfectionist...a tunnel-vision perfectionist. As in, I can't really think about anything else. But at the same time...I'm constantly thinking about a bunch of things. So...I'm tunnel-vision with ADD? I'm much like my mom in this way. That's why we make lists. Because we're perfectionists that have tunnel vision (maybe we don't have tunnel vision at all...), we don't want everything else to fall down around us (because we can't concentrate on just ONE thing), so we make lists so that we can be perfectionists in other areas too. All at the same time!

In one area, I'm a perfectionist in that I have to be prepared. Not just prepared but possibly over-prepared for whatever I'm doing. I freak out a bit until I'm done with my preparation, and then once the deadline has arrived, I chill out and go, "Well. I did my best. If it's terrible...dangit."

-I sometimes believe that I possess "emo-child-syndrome". I have all these ideas swirling around in my head (I'm a thinker...yay!) and sometimes, I try to write them down. Sometimes I try to discuss them. And a lot of the times as I'm carrying on the conversation in my head, trying to figure out how to articulate the thought...I decide NOT to share it with anyone because I don't think anyone will understand me (get the emo-child part now? 'no one understands me!'). I'm trying to work on articulating in a clear, precise manner, that is not boring or bland. I would like to be a better writer so if anyone has tips for that...let me know. Until then, I'm just going to try and write more and more, and read more and more.

I apologize if my grammar skills aren't always the best, and if my "thoughts" aren't cohesive whatsoever and you're left thinking "well that was...um...I don't really know what that was."

-Doing random "nothingness" with people you love is never overrated. I read a blog post recently that completely encapsulated some of my thoughts over the past few months. Doing "nothing" is a lot of what I remember doing with my family. We're big dinner-and-a-movie people...actually we're just lovers of relaxing. Over Christmas, we would all just sit in our den in front of the fire...watching a movie, drinking wassail, watching the fire, reading, napping, just sitting, etc. But we also like adventure! When it snowed we went into our woods to discover middle earth (remember?), we go on trips (new orleans, asheville, most recently), we play lots of Nerts (best card game in the universe), and we just do cool stuff. I might be just a little biased.

But over the past few months, I've been hit with the realization that our dynamic has drastically changed in the past four years. I remember when we were driving Savanna to Auburn her freshman year to move her into her dorm, and thinking how the time of us all living under one roof was over. Sure, she would come home (she lives at home now...which I looove) during breaks and weekends, but it was over for the three of us to go on field trips together. The time was gone of us all eating eggs and bacon at the table on a school morning. We would no longer all sit in the same classroom and do stupid grammar jingles together. This is what hit me: I always will have my extremely tight-knit family around me, supporting me. But my childhood-family is gone. I can think back and remember it with love, but it won't come back. Now, that's very depressing in one sense. On the other hand, I have to remember that time flies by (ah! stop this train!) and life moves on. All three of us kids are meant to do something in this world. We (hopefully) have future families to nurture. We have places to go, things to see, and we still get to come home every once in a while and just 'be' with our family. I'll miss you childhood-family...I already do. But, my future life is so intriguing at the same time. What in the world does God hold for MY future? I want to find out! And I will!

Oh. and not to mention the fact that moving on from my childhood family means our family GROWING. I'll get a new sister, a new brother, and hopefully about a baJILLION nieces and nephews...that I'll spoil and spoil and spoil. Can't wait for that.

Nice and Simple

2011-01-30T22:54:00.008-06:00

Sometimes, looking at a photo sends me through this swirl of "feeling".

As in, as long as I keep looking at this photo, my atmosphere is as the photo "feels".

Certain photos can awaken the peace in me. Music can do this too.

Once I've seen this photo, or listened to this song, or experienced both together my world becomes calm and peaceful (and for some reason I think about the colors white and creme a lot).

I just feel happy and content.

Here are a few of those photos.

Music?

Sigur Ros, of course. Well, or Jonsi.

These types of photos make me want to do things like:

go on a walk and just marvel at whatever is around me

clean my room

organize things

close my eyes and feel a breeze

get rid of most of my clothes and replace them with well made items that I will wear forever

drink water

eat an apple

bake

journal

arrange a bunch of peonies

read a book on a blanket in the sunshine

put on lotion that smells divine

create

write

pray to and worship the God that created this world (see picture 1)

look out a window at rain

buy the perfect nude lipstick

take my film camera out on an adventure (develop it too)

wear button downs

get a pair of perfect fitting jeans

simplify, simplify, simplify

They always remind me that it's the small things that matter in life.

It's so neat how a single picture can do that.

But they do.

At least for me they do.

photo credit

#1: everyday musings

#2: blushing ambition

#3: into the gloss

Thrifting and Cracker Barrel

2011-01-28T15:57:00.002-06:00

1) Thrifting is like hunting. Hunt the treasure, kill it, drag it home.

2) Cracker Barrel is serious to us here in the south. Dumplins and fried okra.

3) Dumplins and turnip greens...or collard greens...one of those. AND hot sauce! and biscuits and cornbread.

HAPPY WEEKEND!

Biscuits + Quesadillas

2011-01-26T18:33:00.003-06:00

Last thursday night, after having viewed this post, I had a hankerin' for some good ol' biscuits.

So after supper, I announced to my sister and Mommah (once again, this is just how I've always spelled it.) that I was going to make biscuits for dessert. So I did. And it was easy and yummy.

Here's the yummy recipe: BISCUIIITSSSSS

I realize now...I need to learn how to take pretty pictures of food. Any pointers??

Later that night. We were blessed with some company. Harris mentioned these chocolate peanut butter quesadillas about a year ago and to that night, we hadn't made them. But he said something about the snack (dessert) on Thursday night and I made an announcement, "I'm going to get some pants! WE are going to Wal-Mart!"

(I had pajama pants on...so...REAL pants)

Alrighty. Here's the recipe (and I don't have a picture but belieeeve me it's delicious):

Harris's Chocolate Peanut Butter Quesadillas

-flour tortillas

-chocolate chips (just about whatever kind you want)

-peanut butter

Directions:

(these aren't actually by him, this is what I did when I recreated the delight. Harris, if you're reading this correct me where I mishap)

You take your tortilla, smother some peanut butter on there. Then sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the tortilla. Half over.

I put some coconut oil into the frying pan. You drop your quesadilla into the frying pan (medium) and let it cook until golden brown...then flip.

Divide it however you will, and then FEAST.

(In my humble opinion, it is best served with some ice cream. Please excuse the informality of this entire post...and recipe.)

ENJOY!

*side note: I would like to point out...this is the night that I ate SO much.

See, I ate supper (fish and a bunch of other stuff) and then decided to make biscuits. But while I was waiting on the biscuits I was still hungry so I ate a piece of pizza and a little bowl of cereal. THEN I ate one too many biscuits. But THEN the guys got there, so Harris and I went to Wal-Mart and got the ingredients for his special, and I found Haagan- Dazs there (2 pints for 2 dollars! AHHH!).

Needless to say, I THEN stuffed my face with quesadillas and haagan-dazs. Yeah whoa.