April 30, 2008

mail call and randomness

I may have gotten a package in the mail today with some new stuff from Hambly. Darn that email from Two Peas. I just couldn't resist. I don't scrapbook, but I do use scrapbooking stuff to make cards and other stuff.

My favorite purchases were these two overlays. I've seen them used on things like this from Danielle. I actually bought (a while ago) three of the frames like she used, but in black when they were on clearance at Michael's.




And these rub-ons are so pretty. They are much bigger than I thought which is perfect for the ideas I have for them.


These make me want to create immediately! So many fun ideas are swirling in my brain.


In other news....

  • Ran today for the first time in a week, even though I REALLY didn't want to. I feel better now.
  • Been crocheting again and LOVING it.
  • Reading John Grisham's newest. I have to admit I love his books and read almost all of them. The Firm is my all time fave.
  • Need to buy Seabear's albums cause I listen to them on Myspace CONSTANTLY. lLove, love them.
  • The cover is off the camp pool after a long, cold winter. Summer is around the corner!!
  • Tomorrow begins the busiest 4 months of my life. Free time becomes a luxury.
  • Sigg bottle for my birthday: ordered and on it's way.
  • I couldn't even watch the previews to this movie when I was in the theater this weekend. I HATE scary movies. Even pulling it up online to find the link freaked me out! G...don't watch!
  • I love you, my readers. I really do. I hope you know that.

April 29, 2008

live to the hilt

"Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." -Jim Elliot

This has been one of my favorite quotes for a long, long time. One that will zap me every once in a while with its profoundness. I was pondering it last night after I watched the movie Into the Wild. Something about this kid's journey to find himself and find what life meant brought this quote to my mind. I wonder how many of us think about running away from everything and starting over and living another life. We wonder if we are really living the life we are meant to live. We wonder if God has more for us that we are missing out on. I know I've done all these things. And while I enjoyed the idea of the movie, I didn't feel the need to abandon everything I have and know to go into the wilderness to find "me."

I did realize however, that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now. No, not a new revelation, but one that I constantly ask God, more subconsciously than any thing else. Am I where He wants me to be? Am I "in His will" which seems to become the catch phrase for my generation of believers?

I am here. I am content. But am I living this life, this moment, this time of my life to the hilt like Jim Elliot says? Or am I coasting through these moments. Am I wasting the chances and opportunities that are right in front of my face today? Am I wasting them because I'm thinking, well, I can do this or that for God once I get married or once I have a family? When I have these things, then I can really serve Him. Then I can really do something for Him. Dangerous thoughts. Dangerous wisdom from the evil one who loves for me to waste my time in coasting mode.

How many things do I miss even though I AM in the right place at the moment? How many things should I be doing or experiencing right here, right now with what's in front of me? How many times has He placed incredible opportunities before me and I waste them because I'm "waiting?"

"Live to the hilt." "Be all there." Do it now. Don't waste what you have for what you think you will gain one day in the future.

I've also been thinking about this a lot because of SCC newest CD This Moment. His tour this year was about living in the moment that God has placed us in. Here are a couple of the lyrics from the title track....

"There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss
The miracle of the moment"

"And He has given us
A treasure called right now
And this is the only moment that we can do anything about"


I am where He wants me to be, but am I living here the way He wants me to live? I don't want to look back on my life and realize that I left so much behind that was there right in front of me. I want to grab every thing He offers me. I want to be exhausted from the thrill of serving Him. I want to end my days with nothing left to give because He has totally used my life and my energy for His kingdom.

Live to the hilt. Live to the hilt.

April 28, 2008

ps...you like to travel?


This week is Where in the World is Matt Lauer week on the Today Show.

It is really cool.

He goes to a new country every morning.

Watch it.

I am.

More


There are a few on Flickr too. I just love this one. So many cute ones to choose from. I'll keep adding more as I finish with them.

April 27, 2008

more than enough

all of You
is more than enough
for
all of me
for every thirst
and
every need
You satisfy me
with Your love
and all I have in You
is more than enough
"Enough" -Chris Tomlin


"We will never know God is enough until God is all we have." One of the many little pearls my pastor said this morning.

What did you learn in church today?

April 26, 2008

and there is more where this came from


New photo shoot today!
It felt so good to have my camera in my hands again.
We had lots of fun with this one.
More to come soon.

April 25, 2008

Friday Finds

Flickr yumm-didily-dum. 1...2....3....4....5....6....7. Flickr was out-of-control this week. So, so much inspiration. Oh, how I love it.

I'm quite into to Anthony Bourdain at the moment. No Reservations is on during my lunch break. Woo-hoo. My favorite so far is the French Polynesia episode, as well as the one where he eats bugs roasted over the fire and warhog rectum in Namibia. Tastey. He's abrasive and monotone, which only leads to his addictive charm. Now I know why Whitney at Pop Candy is such a huge fan. Makes me want to travel in a terrible way.

The trailer for Prince Caspian looks pretty amazing. Can't wait to see it! I'm reading The Silver Chair at the moment.

Fun space themed art from another Etsy artist. Love this one and these too. Here's more too.

An interview
with my favorite photographers. I'm totally inspired by them.

I plead the 5th on how many of these things I ordered from Hambly. Dang it, I promised myself I wouldn't buy any more paper stuff!

Friday Night Lights season 2 came out on DVD this week. Buy it!

Wish I could do this one summer. I just think the kids would destroy it, not to mention the groundhogs and deer.

Been wanting something good to read lately? Something to make you all warm and squishy inside? A story to love and enjoy? Black Heels is it. Another chapter was released today and man, oh, man...it's as good as ever, even at chapter 33.

Another amazing session from Tara. I LOVE the pictures of the girls. And especially the one of just her hair. The colors are drinkable. Yummmm.

I'm done with LOST. I've missed the last 5 or 6 episodes and have no reason to want to return. Maybe when it comes out on video? Just drug on too long. Anyone else?



That's it for this week. I'm having fun this weekend with a friend, who just flew into town. She adores Battlestar as much as me and the bro, so I know where we will be at 10pm tonight. Amen.

Night, little lambs....

April 24, 2008

bring on the monsters


As the end of April rounds the corner, I must say that it gets harder and harder to be patient to wait for these little "monsters" to arrive.

I love seeing how much they've grown and changed. I love hearing them laugh and play and just be a kid. I love hearing splashes in the pool and screams of "BELLY FLOP!!!" I love snack shop being open in the afternoon and seeing the kids lined up and the grass covered with beach towels with kids sitting on them with their friends and all their candy and yummies. I love the boats back in the water pulling a giant inflatable banana filled with kids. I love meals on our outdoor staff porch surrounded by friends.

Camp starts in a little over a month. This will be my 10th summer here. 10th! One day I need to sit down and write out the story of how I ended up here. It's a pretty crazy story. "God wanted me here" is the short version. Anyway, I still get so impatient this time of year waiting for camp to start. Summer can't come fast enough.

April 22, 2008

queue is you





Does one's Netflix queue indicate the type of person they are?

For instance:

1. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room
2. Mansfield Park
3. Juno
4. Rendition
5. Everwood season 1
6. "
7. "
8. "
9. Easter Parade
10. King Corn
11. Freaks and Geeks (disc 1)
12. Torchwood season 1 (disc 1)
13. Manor House (disc 1)
14. Frontier House (disc 1)
15. Born in the Brothels
16. Who Killed the Electric Car?
17. In the Shadow of the Moon
18. Confessions of a Superhero
19. Colonial House (disc 1)
20. Young Riders season 1 (disc 1)

10 television discs, 6 documentaries, 1 period drama, 1 classic , 1 independent and 1 thriller (plus, I've already watched 2 other documentaries)
hmmmm....

What does this say about me?

Additionally, I was ecstatic when I found out that Netflix has the House series from PBS. I saw Colonial House when it aired 4 years ago. Such a cool idea. It's kinda like Real World. They take people and set them up in a house or houses, but each "season" takes place in another time period. They have to live in that time period complete with clothing, plumbing (or lack thereof), housing and food all of that time period. Colonial days, Frontier days, 1940's. I LOVED Colonial House but could never find the other seasons to rent.

also, is half the fun of Netflix rating stuff and going deeper and deeper into their site of millions of movies? Cause I am so there.


Thanks again to the parentals and sibling for the spectacular gift!

***No, this picture has absolutely nothing to do with this post. Well except that the water looks like this today at home. But this was just after I had sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge in San Fran in Sept 06. Love it when the water shines!

Happy Earth Day


Ways I am more GREEN this year than last...

  • Energy efficient light bulbs installed in a light fixture.
  • Using a re-usuable water bottle instead of throw aways. Technically, I've been doing this for years, but I've been more conscious of it as of late. I am replacing my Nalgene for a Sigg though (awesome birthday present from friends) after all the controversy over them for the last few months. I will miss my cool red Nalgene though. We've been together for a long time...
  • Using Dr. Bonner's as my soap. Sweet Almond is my favorite. You can use this stuff for everything.
  • Using re-usable bags when I go shopping. Also, saying "no" to a bag when the item can easy be held or put in my purse or pocket. I really love the one ($1) I got at Target (no link, sorry) that zips up smaller and fits perfectly in my purse. I've used it lots and lots when I run into a store and forget my bags in the car (the car is a great place to keep them handy). This is such a simple thing that makes a BIG impact on the garbage we fill the earth with! I found a couple bags in my closet that are great for groceries. I also bought a re-usable bag at the grocery store for $1 and got another from a friend as a gift.
  • Turning my computer at work and at home OFF when I'm not using it.
  • Carpooling when I'm able.
  • Recycling. A HUGE one that drove me crazy for a long time. We always recycled when I was growing up. Here at camp, I didn't until this year and I HATED trowing all that stuff in a landfill. It's a little more complicated living at camp.
  • Recycling at camp too. It's embarrassing, the amount of things we throw away that could be recycled. Baby steps. Slow, but getting better at this.
  • Buying produce at my local farmer's market instead of the grocery store. It helps support local farms (many are organic, too) and not produce from halfway across the world. Remember even if you buy an organic item from the grocery store, but it's grown in Chile, you are eating something that has been on a plane, truck, tractor (more pollution into the air) etc. Who knows all the stuff that's all over it by the time you put it in your mouth! Yuk! Our farmer's market is also MUCH cheaper than the grocery store. The bro and I would split a basket of tomatoes for dirt cheap and have fresh RIPE tomatoes from a farm down the road to enjoy. I'm so very excited that the market is open again for the season!
  • Sweetening my tea with organic honey instead of white processed sugar.



Now, I am by no means as green as I could be, but I am at least more conscious of it. Here's a couple things I want to work on by Earth Day next year....

  • Make my own cleaning supplies for the bathroom and kitchen. I hate that I use things so full of chemicals.
  • Try the oil method for washing my face. Again, with the chemicals all over my face every day.
  • Replace ALL the light bulbs in my house with energy efficient ones.
  • Buy more second-hand/thrifted.
  • Try washing my hair with natural things like vinegar and baking soda. Have you ever read what is in your shampoo?!
  • Freecycling stuff that I don't use or need anymore. Why be bogged down with all that stuff? And I come from a long line of clutter bugs. I don't want to just throw it away either. I am VERY guilty of dumping into a landfill somewhere.
  • Replace plastic food containers with glass. Why take the chance that the plastic is as bad as they say it is?
  • Be conscious of the companies that I use and their environmentalism and labor practices. I don't do this at all right now.

And my favorite blog that has helped me along my GREEN path with lots of great links and info is: Walk Slowly, Live Wildly. This post is one of my favorites. Her family is now traveling the country telling people about sustainable living. She has a food blog too.


Hope you all find something that you can change today to reduce your footprint on the Earth. God tells us in Genesis that He created and gave us the Earth to take care of and live off of. Are we taking care of it like He would want us to?


Listening to Pandora today. Create a Michael Buble channel and join in! It's the best one I've created so far. Free 30's/40's music all day. I've "thumbs up'ed" every song for the last hour. Dean Martin, Norah Jones, Ella, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr, Sinatra. All the good stuff in one place for free!

April 21, 2008

Stardate 0421008

Weekend in review. It was such a nice one, I feel that I should document it.

It all began with an Aaa-mazing episode of Battlestar(ps...I am still loving Hulu, big time. Plus, BSG was on the front page the day after it aired. Cool!) Each episode this season gets better and better. I am seriously going to miss these characters and this whole universe that the writers have created. Boo-hoo...

Then on Saturday, I woke up bright and cheery to a absolutely lovely day. Warm sunshine. Cool breeze. I just love springtime.
I headed out to spend the day with one of my bestest friends since I was in high school. Mel and I have known each other since we were in youth group at church together. In other words, a LONG time ago as we realized in our reminiscent talks. Summer camp, van trips, Christmas parties, ice cream after church. Oh, man we had fun. She's married now and has an adorable little boy. I'm so thankful they moved back to this area.
Anyway, we went shopping, ate lunch and then came back to the cottage to sit in the grass on the hill over looking the river where we talked for a couple hours. It was wonderful. So relaxing and comfortable. I adore her.

After she left, I watched some movies. My first Netflix movie had come and my roommate is doing Netflix right now too. Movies galore. We watched We Are Marshall (which I did like even though I would have never guessed it. 3 stars) and My Kid Could Paint That (loved, but so sad at the same time. 3 1/2 stars).

Sunday was church day.

I went to my church's early service at 9:00 because it was our worship pastor's last Sunday. Wow. So emotional. He and his family had been there for almost 11 years. I have to say that aside from Chris Tomlin in concert, I have never seen anyone who is gifted in the worship area like he is. Not just a good singer, not just a good leader, but a great speaker too. He was a big reason that this church was such a perfect fit for me. I really NEED worship in my church experience each Sunday. It's so important to my growth. I can't even tell you how many times that I could have left on a Sunday morning after just doing praise and worship because I knew that God had already spoken to me that day. God used this pastor over and over to help me see Him in new ways and feel His presence. I am just devastated that they are leaving, but excited for them too because I know that they are headed off to the next thing God has for them. I will so greatly miss the gifts he gave us at church. But, as our pastor said, where God guides, He also provides. I know He has someone else prepared for us. It's hard to say goodbye though.

Then I headed to a friend's church to watch their little one get dedicated. 2 services in one day means you are doubly blessed for the week, right?

After that service, it was back home for a BBQ celebration for the dedication. In between raindrops and thunderstorms, it was. The rest of the day was rainy and stormy, so I bought a crochet pattern online from a favorite blogger. Still working on perfecting it, but am enjoying completing this fun little project. And, of course, on a rainy day, a movie/TV is perfect for background noise while crafting. Last night's viewing choice was FNL season 2. pssss....I LOVE hulu.com again especially for its free TV episode goodness. Will someone please try FNL? I really want to convert one person before it is canceled forever.

Now, I'm sure some of you are thinking, so what's the big deal about a weekend like that? Well, it was full of friends and worship and fun stories. What more could I want? Sometimes is just so nice to be reminded of how God has provided for you over the years and you haven't even noticed it until you turn around and see a friend who has been there for 15+ years or a pastor who has helped guide you to the King's throne. I am so blessed. I am so humbled.
Thank you, Father!

April 20, 2008

Funnier every time

For some reason, this cracks me up. The movie came on TV the other night and I had to sit and watch just to see this part again. Be sure to watch the guy all the way on the right.
How in the world did this get left in?! And how in the world did I not see it until 3 years ago?
And why do I have to rewind it 10 times each time I watch it and laugh and laugh?

Random thoughts on an rainy, stormy Sunday.

April 19, 2008

Won't you be....my neighbor?


Now who could resist such a question from a little one as cute as this peanut, I ask you?

Not me.

I WILL be your neighbor, little friend!

...especially if we can play together lots and lots....

April 18, 2008

Friday finds

Hulu. It's not a new find, but one that I LOVED this week.

A sweet, new feature on my favorite photographers' blog. Sneak-o-peak Vision.

I really enjoyed Cloverfield. They weren't kidding when they put a warning on the theater screenings. The camera work is intense/bumpy/jerky! But totally worth it cause of the context. Fun story.

Just look how cute my nephew is.

Looks like the concert I had dreamed about went really well. It got a front page news byline on Yahoo.

My dear sweet sister/bro-in-law and parents got me Netflix for a year. I've had fun rating movies and seeing what they recommend for me to watch. Currently, I'm into documentaries. I've got My Kid Could Paint That, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room, King Corn, OT: Our Town and Born in the Brothels in my queue. Mmmm, can't wait!

Tara has a new blog.

Make your own pinhole camera with these fun downloads. Found on my Photojojo newletter.

Flickr beauties this week: 1 (LOVE the angel), 2, 3, 4.


A jolly weekend to you all. I'm watching Battlestar, saying goodbye to the worship pastor at my church who is moving away, going to a baby dedication, hanging out with an old friend, working in my flower garden, finishing my thankyou notes and soaking up some sunshine and warm weather.

Later, gators...

April 17, 2008

Thank you for calling Cottage Girl


The line is busy at the moment.

I am either on the other line or playing with ink, paper and stars while listening to various Icelandic bands.

Please call back at a later time and I will be more than happy to help you in any way that I can.

You can also leave a message with your name and I will be sure to contact you ASAP.

Thank you and have a nice day.

Goodbye...

April 16, 2008

I just can't stop

I wonder if this is what drugs feel like. I can't stop going back for more.
These shots are 2 years old.
All of them are from my favorite vacation in the last 10 years.
Well, kinda.
England was pretty cool too.
I have so many amazing photos from our cruise down the West Coast from Vancouver to LA.
That may be because I took about 300-400 pictures too....

Anyway,
ever since I downloaded the free actions from PW, the most generous blogger on the web, I can't stop playing with my pictures over and over.
That and my new computer and CS3.
Oh, CS3, how I love thee.
I want to crown you with diamonds and jewels.

I.cannot.stop.
It is so much fun.
It's like swimming at the beach.
It's like eating Maggie Moo's.
It's like reading Harry Potter for the first time.
It's....
You get the point.






Please forgive another post of random photos. I will eventually stop.

Maybe.

Or I may have just found something that is helping me get all this pent up creativity out. In that case, settle in for a long ride. I may be recruiting some of you for a photo shoot so I can actually work on some new photos. I already know who will be first. My little nephew substitute. And beware everyone, you will want to hug the screen when you see her. She is sweet as apple pie.



Over and out,
Cottage Girl

Listening to this song, a forever favorite since the first second I heard it. Doesn't it just give you chills?! I can't wait for their new CD this summer.

April 15, 2008

photography rant

No, this isn't a depressing post. I actually like old graveyards. They are full of magic and stories, don't you think?

I just like this picture cause my blacks are black and my whites are white. And let me tell you that is no easy task. I have no idea how I did this cause the shot is about a year old and who knows when I processed it. But aren't the blacks and whites just dreamy! I think it's the light. I just have to learn to read the light better. I want my B&W to be as yummy as this one by Tara Whitney.

But then again, I do love color. Color photos will always be my favorite. Oh, it's such a tough hobby. Too many options. Too many styles to love. Must. Practice. More. Must. Get. Better.

Rant over....

April 14, 2008

Hulu, I love you

After

moving furniture from an entire wing of one of camp's buildings to another

and going to a goodbye party for good friends,

I'm sitting at my desk making thank you cards for my sweet friends who showered me with love on my birthday.

And I'm loving every minute of Hulu and it's free, free, wonderfully free episodes of 30 Rock season 2 (I swear this show gets funnier every week). It's like having a DVR, but not paying the monthly fee or having to remember to set it correctly. Actually, it's exactly that.

Remember the days of cursing the VCR because it chose to tape 20/20 instead of Life Goes On, which just had to be on while you were at church each Sunday evening. The crying (not really) and wailing (sometimes) because Tyler (Mr. high school hotness) was supposed to kiss Becca on tonights episode (entitled something like The Bicycle Thief) and all you got was a story about how seeing eye pigs were the new wave of the future. Darn you, Barbara Walters.....wait, was that only the LGO obsessed duo (aka my sister and I)?

forget what you just read....I, uh, of course, I didn't do anything that ridiculous....no, not me....

April 13, 2008

the day of my birth


So happy to share my day with each of you who read my ramblings.
And it's Master's weekend!
Off to watch some golf....

April 12, 2008

Give me one moment in time....


That song plays in my head when I look at this picture.

"...when al-lll of my dreams were a heart beat away
and the answers were all up to meeee..."

Remember that Whitney Houston (before she went crazy) classic? Anyone? Anyone?

Don't know why I think of that song, other than this photo looks all vintagey and one momentish.

These new actions from PW have sucked me into the Photoshop black hole for most of the afternoon. They are so dreamy and beautiful that I want to jump in and swim around in their colors and layers. I've been going back through old pictures and "actioning" away.

April 11, 2008

Friday finds

The oh, so handsome "Lee Adama" had a great interview online this week. I do just love him. And hearing him talk in his British accent would make any girl swoon. Can't wait to see what happens with his character this last season of Battlestar.

How cool to hear about little ones from China accepting Jesus for the first time. This is why Shaohannah's Hope is so near and dear to my heart (not that this was a Shaohannah's family, but it's such a great reminder why that ministry is so very important.)

I'm saving my pennies and dimes for the day when this becomes a reality. To meet PW face to face?!! It's almost as good as meeting my TV boyfriend. I'd have to overcome my intense fear of horses though....

New, free Photoshop Actions from the most generous blogger around: Pioneer Woman. And they are unbelievable. I can't explain the joy I get through this little blog.

Silhouette project from Danielle Thompson. I've always wanted to do silhouettes. LOVE them. Always have.

Friday Night Lights season 2 comes out on DVD April 22nd. Sweet...

Elsie has so many fun prints up in her Etsy shop right now, especially for a Peter Pan lover like me.

I can't choose which of these fun items I love most. Yet another cool Etsy shop.

Battlestar is on tonight. yipppeeee....

April 10, 2008

I'll call him Lightning


Please enjoy this song while you read. I've been singing it all night. It was playing in my head while I was running tonight.

That's right, running. I'm still doing it. I'm not kidding when I say that it was the movie Run, Fatboy, Run that made me start. I think about it EVERY time I run now. I, also, still HATE every minute of it. I get better every time, but I still hate it.

Anyways.....I wanted to introduce you all to my new bestest friend. My new computer is installed and purring like a kitten. The internet issues are solved (mostly). This new beauty runs lighting fast compared to Old Bessie. I can finally use Photoshop CS3 (hurray!). My pictures load quick as a wink. And posting has become a joy again.

My darling, amazing (and still single, ladies) brother built this baby from scratch. He also put my old hard drive in my new computer so I didn't have to reload on all my music or pictures. The dear boy. I do love him.

I'm so thankful for it. And the best part, it was about $50 UNDER my budget for a new computer. Nothing better than a good deal!

Here's to many happy posts and picture manipulations. Cheers!

April 09, 2008

blog command center


This is Cottage Girl central.

My walls were growing mold, so I had to move my bookshelf to it's current location.

My walls grow mold often because they are cinder blocks. No insulation, lots of moisture.

I have oodles sunlight in the morning and evening.

That little circle on the ceiling is 12 inches of heat vent heaven. I've only had it for 4 years.

Before that there was no heat in here other than what blew out of the large vent in the living room.

I like books. I have too many. I still have a large collection at my parents. Sorry, Mom and Dad.

I have no storage at my house, hence the random objects sitting around the room like sleeping bags.

I like pictures.

I have a fan because my room has no air conditioning other than what blows out of the window unit in the living room. It gets hot in the summer.

My desk chair creaks really loudly.

This is my life. Glamorous isn't it?!!

April 08, 2008

A collection of quotes from my favorite novel

Green Gables (from my trip to PEI a couple years ago)


"...'Is it not funny nobody ever asked me to marry him, Mrs. Doctor, dear? I am no beauty, but I am as good-looking as most of the married women you see. But I never had a beau. What do you suppose is the reason?'

'It may be predestination,' suggested Anne, with unearthly solemnity.

Susan nodded.

'That is what I have often thought, Mrs. Doctor, dear, and a great comfort it is. I do not mind nobody wanting me if the Almighty decreed it so for His own wise purposes. But sometimes doubt creeps in, Mrs. Doctor, dear, and I wonder if maybe Old Scratch has not more to do with it than anyone else. I cannot feel resigned then. But maybe,' added Susan, brightening up, 'I will have a chance to get married yet. I often and often think of the old verse my aunt used to repeat:

"There never was a goose so gray but sometime soon or late
Some honest gander came her way and took her for his mate!"

A woman cannot ever be sure of not being married till she is buried, Mrs. Doctor, dear, and meanwhile I will make a batch of cherry pies...."



"All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer - one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going - one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doings, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world."



"I do wish that the custom of calling a dead body 'the remains' could be abolished. I positively shiver when I hear the undertaker say at a funeral, 'All who wish to see the remains please step this way.' It always gives me the horrible impressions that I am about to view the scene of a cannibal feast."



"The harbour was lying black and sullen under a dour November sky; the wet, dead leaves clung drenched and sodden to the window sills; but the little house was gay with firelight and spring-like with Anne's ferns and geraniums.
'It's always summer here, Anne,' Leslie had said one day; and all who were guests at that house of dreams felt the same."



"...the sea is a mighty soul, forever moaning of some great, unshareable sorrow, which shuts it up into itself for all eternity. We can never pierce its infinite mystery - we may only wander, awed and spell-bound, on the outer fringe of it."



"Captain Jim was a passionate worshipper of beauty. Every lovely think heard or seen gave him a deep, subtle, inner joy that irradiated his life."


"Come and sit down. It won't take long to sit an hour."


"I'll come when I can, and you come when you can, and so long's we have our pleasant little chat it don't matter a mite what roof's over us."


" Captain Jim was buried in the little over-harbour graveyard...His relatives put up a very expensive, very ugly 'monument' - a monument at which he would have poked sly fun had he seen it in life. His real monument was in the hearts of those who knew him...."


***all quotes taken from Anne's House of Dreams.

April 07, 2008

Freakin' cool


I am not one that usually enjoys tattoos. No, thank you. But this one, well, I can't help myself. I love it.
Reason number #137 that Starbuck is freakin' cool....her awesome tattoo that mirrors her Cylon hubby's.

Yes, this is another Battlestar post.
Yes, these are the clothes they wear (see, it isn't a weird costume sci fi show).
Yes, I think Jamie Bamber is h-o-t hot (plus he has a British accent in real life).
Yes, I love Starbuck and Lee together.
Yes, Friday night's episode was A-mazing.
Yes, I thought about seeing Admiral Adama in real life about 15 times while I watched it.
Yes, I am OCD with TV shows.

No, I will not stop talking about it.

Cottage girl over and out.


picture from TV Addict

April 06, 2008

Amen, for N...Y...C....

Took another trip today. This one was a little closer to home. The weather was perfect for walking about the city.

I stopped for a few moments to gaze into the fountain. Of course, I had to throw a penny in the pool and close my eyes real tight and amke my wish. The angel on top winked at me, so I'm sure that true love's kiss shall find me....

The sun began to set in my favorite part of the park. The streetlights were glowing. Don't you just want to sit down on a bench and enjoy the moment?


Oooo....my one and only Broadway musical. And let me tell you, it's worth every penny you pay for it. Go see it immediately if it comes any where near you. The story of OZ will never be the same to you again. And the music........ahh, the music.....it's perfection.

Central Park in the evening is just beautiful to me. Now, of course, this is before all the crazies and murders come out. Twilight is perfect. Midnight, not so much.


Well, hello, old friend! Remember that one afternoon we spent together? You wore your best suit and your favorite loafers. You invited your movie star friends over. Wanna do it again sometime?


And to finish out the day, I stumbled upon Ice T and the rest of the cast and crew shooting a scene for Law and Order: SVU. Too crazy. There was a poor girl covered in "blood" and adorned ripped clothes that had to lay on the cold stone for a long time as the scene was being worked on. This TV nerd (who actually hates L&O) loved every minute of it.


Ah, yes, another trip to the far corners of the world. Who knows where tomorrow will take me? China, Italy, Sweden, Iceland? Or maybe even Vancouver?

This week marks the countdown to my birthday. Gulp. Turning 31 doesn't doesn't have that same fun birthday excitement that 13 or 18 did. Even typing it makes me feel old. But I was, once again, this weekend mistaken for a college student. How wonderful considering I've been out of college for 9 years now. Double gulp. But age is just a number, right? RIGHT?!!?


ps....my trip to NYC was brought on because of this fun movie that I saw this weekend. I just LOVED Amy Adams. I couldn't stop watching her hands throughout the movie. The way she moved them was just like a Disney cartoon. And her skipping and singing. I've watched this scene at least 3 times already and have been humming the song constantly. I totally agree, sis.

April 05, 2008

I've been dreaming.....

...of the beach lately. The sand, the sun, the sound of the waves pounding the shore. The sandcastle building and late night barefoot walks with my flipflops swinging in my hands. The salt water in my hair. A book and a towel and peace. The thunderstorms in the afternoons. The wave jumping and boogey board riding. The seaweed freakout cause I thought it was a fish or shark. The sunscreen smell. The bathing suit being my constant outfit of the day. The sunglasses and hat. The beach chair that sits low to the ground.

Man, oh, man, I want some of that right now. Most of my beach memories are of Myrtle Beach were my family camped many a happy summer vacation. These photos aren't MB, but they are so beautiful that I posted them anyway. My one trip to the California beaches. Too cold to swim, but I still soaked in their beauty!





The next 2 were 2 of my favorite shots that I took on this entire trip. They are SOOC (straight out of the camera). 100% click of the button. It was that gorgeous. Sighhhhh...




And one of a beach in San Diego. I actually saw this on Veronica Mars about a year after I took this picture. It was a dog beach (people can have their dogs on the sand) that had been used on the show before, but they specifically used this lifeguard shack on a later episode. I love how the west coast beaches are so wide and sweeping that they have these enormous guard shacks with trucks that dive along the beach.


Sweet dreams of beach vacations, everyone.

Love,

Cottage Girl

April 04, 2008

Friday Finds

Another host on Today. Don't know that I'm jumping up and down excited for this one. Of course, I'll hardly ever see her anyway cause I only watch from 8-9am. Is anyone else's morning coffee the Today show?

Attention. Attention.....BATTLESTAR BEGINS TONIGHT.

"All the Words" popped up on my Pandora on Tuesday. I haven't heard it a while, but I remembered why I love it so. I first saw it on the one and only Scrubs.

My left kidney is up for sale once again. New Shoot Shop date. I would feel like a huge loser though with my little D50, kit lens and 50mm. But I can't even imagine how much I would learn. Sighhhhhhhhh.

MySpace Music. I listen to it constantly. It's drove me crazy that my new computer still had a glitch that won't let the music player work until my genius brother fixed it finally. This week's listens include: Seabear, ADELE (found on ZB's page), Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin (for his new stuff. must buy those) and She and Him.

Anthropologie's April catalog. Always inspiring. I LOVE the cover. If only I could afford their clothes.... Their home catalog is fun too.

You make fun of me, don't you? Just because I watch Battlestar Galactica, not only watch, but LOVE. Well, well, well.... look who else loves Battlestar. Did you also notice the ads all over Yahoo and Hotmail for the premier tonight? BSG was EVERYWHERE this week! Example: one, two, three (I didn't read this one because of the spoilers).

Tara's cozy office is adorable, isn't it?!

A fantastic artist on Esty.

I know I mentioned it last week, but it's so good it's worth more gushing. The new Pioneer Woman is so amazing. Addictive, I tell you. Just look at this cute picture. And this post on Wednesday was a perfect example of how wonderful it is.

Love these SP's on Flickr.

NBC announced its fall programming early this year. Good new for me! I almost exclusively watch NBC, so I'm ecstatic to see Friday Night Lights, ER and Chuck back on the schedule. Also, good news that Scrubs will almost definitely be back, but one ABC for another season. Yippeee!

I would like one of these for Paris, London and Tokyo. Urban always has such fun jewelry.

I LOVE this commercial with Michael Bay. It's just awesome. I have to stop whatever I'm doing when it comes on. Hilarious. Although, I don't think FIOS is necessarily awesome...



Have a great weekend everyone. Do something fun and creative and memorable even if it's just reading a new book or watching a new movie or taking a picture that challenges you. Enjoy the moment!

I warned you it was Battlestar Day on Cottage Girl


I popped over to check out my Yahoo page and lookie, lookie what popped up in the news window. I'm telling you it's everywhere.

T-minus 1 hour and 35 minutes......and counting......

Can you tell I'm slightly OCD?

Gahhhhh!!


It's here, it's here. It's finally frakin' here!!!!
Shout to the stars and jump around in your living rooms.
Tonight.
10pm.
Turn up the volume and silence everyone in the house.
Pick your favorite spot on the couch and hunker down.

I'm giddy with excitement.
I'm smiling like a crazy person every time the ad pops up on Yahoo or Hotmail.
I'm listening to the soundtracks all day non-stop.

And to those of you who don't care one snitch, well, too bad.
It's Battlestar Day on Cottage Girl.
Grin and bear it.

April 03, 2008

Today I took a little trip

Hollywood was lookin' great. Grauman's was in all its glory. Bright colors and crowds surrounding it.


Across the street, the Roosevelt was beckoning me to step inside and soak in the old Hollywood glamor.



Clark Gable's feet were directing me inside to sit down and enjoy a movie.



And Jimmy Stewart...oh, I had to stop and step on his square. He IS old Hollywood to perfection to me. So tall and handsome. Wonder what it was like to see him dip his hands in the concrete that day?


The dance master himself. I still get mesmerized by his steps every time I pop in one of his movies. HolidayInn and Funny Face, my two favorites. Hi, Fred. What was it like here in 1938? Did it still have that early Hollywood magic?



After my visit with the stars, I drove around to see some of the stars homes. I was hoping to catch sight of Vincent Chase and the guys, but, alas, they were laying low today. The Osbourne's weren't home either.



The gang at Sacred Heart must have been inside saving lives.




And the office guys at Dunder Mifflin must have been in their conference room. I really wanted wanted to see Jim and Pam, too. Oh well....


Before I got discouraged, I zipped over to Central Perk and grabbed a cupcake and a cup of Earl Grey. The couch was so warm and cozy that I snuggled up and fell asleep.....


The end.

April 02, 2008

Programming note

The Dateline that tells the story of the 2 girls in a case of Mistaken Identity is on MSNBC again tonight. Not sure what time, so check your local listings.

The families are also on Oprah today. Again, check your local listings for time.

This story is incredible. You won't be able to forget it.

April 01, 2008

More hardrive clean-up


The Cherry Blossoms last year. My parents happened upon the Cherry Blossom Festival this year and said it was a mad house. Thousands and thousand of people come to see these trees every year. I must say, they are stunning. Just look at the colors!



I have no idea where this picture was taken. It reminds me of the trees in my backyard growing up, but I know it's not them. It also reminds me of Hawaii and the big beautiful trees they have there, but it's not them either. Who knows....



The munchkin on the same kitchen floor that I used to crawl around on. When I was little it was dark red and black though. He's getting so big. Well, big-ger. He's actually a little peanut for his age. This was just 2 weeks ago when he was down for Easter.
And that's my grandma. This was her first time down to our house for a holiday without my grandfather. It was strange not to have him at the table.


I'm sure there are more treasures to be found. I need to dig up my Hawaii pictures and drool over them again. I wish I had my digital camera then, but, alas, they are all on 35mm film. Ah, the good old days.

*****a new poll is up till Friday. Play along, won't you?!