busy yet again

My life is so busy lately. How do I forget every year how my own personal time seems to disappear during the months of March - August? I do. Every year it takes me by surprise.

So now that I'm so busy, I have less time to sit down and write a post or do some crafts (my online class...oh, I'm so far behind!). Not that I HAVE to post. I just miss it. I miss writing. And I don't want to forget what was going on in my life for 6 months just because I was busy, you know?

So, I'll squeak in a post or two when I can and ask that you forgive my busy-ness. It's not that I don't want to, trust me. You may just be forced to read bullet points instead of long sentences.

Lately...

• You have no idea how truly excited I was to read this morning that Friday Night Lights was picked up for 2, let me say that again, 2 more seasons!!! Oh, happy day. I would love to explain this photo to you, but then it would ruin its magic.

• I got 2 packages in the mail the last 2 days. One was full of Buffy comics from my super cool camp friend. I've never been into comics until Joss decided to do a season 8 of Buffy only through comics. I'm totally hooked. Thanks, K!

• The second package was something that I broke down and bought and am so happy I did. It's beautiful.

• I'm reading Nehemiah at the moment. Chapters 1 and 2 are completely shaking me up at the moment. His prayers and faith are so, so...what I need to have.

• I found this today. Some photographers, that I think are so very talented, took a trip to Rwanda to take photos. Her post. His post. This is literally a dream of mine. Not necessarily Africa, but any orphanage that needs photos of their kids. China, Uganda, Ethiopia. I think about this all the time. It's one reason I really want to get better at taking photos.

• My mom and dad came tonight and dropped off this. And they brought me a handful of daffodils. How sweet! Thanks, guys.

• My brother leaves in less than 2 weeks. I am pretending it's not going to happen.

• Thursday night is ER night! 3 whole hours. I'm already getting my handkerchiefs ready. Last week was another great episode too. I am dreading saying goodbye to Archie Morris. Seriously.

Gotta, run.

I heart Mondays

Decided to hang with Jack Bauer instead of posting tonight. He's saving the day as usual. I love Monday nights.

More little faces from Africa

Found this the other day when I was looking for something else on Hulu. Been watching it in bits and pieces. I don't agree with all of it. It's clearly missing Jesus. But, my goodness, it's eye-opening and heartbreaking.






ps.... it has an amazing soundtrack. Sigur Ros, Crash Soundtrack, Explosions in the Sky, Sufjan Stevens as well as various other soundtracks.

either or

(Lion's Gate Bridge, Vancouver BC)

Google or Yahoo
Yahoo all the way. I LOVE my MY YAHOO page. It makes me so very happy. I do search through Google often though.

The Office or 30 Rock
Gotta say that for the last 2 seasons, 30 Rock has been way more funny to me. The Office has lost its magic, in my opinion. I still watch, but definitely don't love it as much.

Sigg or Nalgene
Sigg, please. No thank you, plastic tasting water.

Car or plane
Depends on the length of the trip. I love car rides when I'm not driving. However, I'd much rather fly if the trip is over 6 hours.

Zune or ipod
What's an ipod?

Community college or go-away-to-college
In my humble opinion....go-away-to-college. I really, really in my heart believe that getting away from home is important. It changed my life.

Drama or comedy
Drama because a really good drama does include comedy. See: Buffy, Firefly, Chuck or Steel Magnolias.

China or Uganda
My heart is pulled to both lately, which is highly surprising because China has always been near and dear to me. Africa, not so much, until a few months ago. Those little orphans have gotten into my heart.

Outside or Inside
On a warm day, it's torture staying inside. I want to live outside all spring. However, in the winter, I stay inside as much as possible.

Wicked or My Fair Lady
How can any girl choose between Elphaba and Eliza? I know I can't.

NYC or Vancouver
Vancouver. I can't explain the magic of this city. The moment I sailed away (cruise), I was ready to go back. I so, so love it! NYC is great, but it doesn't have that magic.


Happy weekend, everyone!

I know I've said it before...

...but I really love this photo.

I can't stop staring at that beautiful tulle. And the carpet. And the items hanging on the string on the mirror. And the lighting on her face. And the hood on that delicious velvety cape. And the fabric covering the table. And the red heel in the background. And the suitcases under the table. And the silver containers on the table. And the dress form reflected in the mirror. And the photos above the mirror.

I just can't stop staring at it.

Did I say especially the tulle? I did? Okay, I'll stop.

But seriously, that gathered sequined tulle.

Stopping. Stopping.

Sorry.

My lesson for this year

"Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
James 1:27

God gave me this verse at the beginning of this year. "This is what I want you to focus on this year, my child," He said to me. I think I am still trying to wrap my heart around it. So much crammed into one little verse. "Unspotted from the world." How does that look in my life? How does that change what I do, what I say, what I watch and hear?

He's also specifically asked me to care for orphans in their trouble. When I first read that I was so unsure of how to do this. I mean, I'm single. I can't adopt a child at this point in my life. How could I care for orphans? How could I make a difference?
I've always been passionate about orphans. As a little girl, I didn't "play house" I "played orphanage." My siblings pretended to be orphans that lied on sidewalks that I gathered and brought home to a warm house with food on the table and hugs before bedtime. Seriously. Just ask The Bro.

But as I've prayed to make this verse true in my life, He has opened doors to help me to do that. Love orphans right where I am in life. He's given me situations that allow me to reach out to the little ones around the world and love them. Maybe one day He'll open the doors so I can GO to the places where these little ones live. Maybe one day I can physically hug and love them. I pray this. I long to see their faces in person.

But this verse isn't just in the Bible for me. It's for you as well. Are you caring for orphans? Are you burdened for their hearts? Are you begging Jesus to help us be His hands and feet to the millions of orphans in this world? It is our responsibility as children of the Father to care for them. It is up to us.

I found this video today. It's tough to watch. But I also think it's so important to be reminded of who we are called to help. And yes, it made me cry. I don't know how you can watch it and not. Precious little ones that Jesus loves and died for.




****there are links on the right of different organizations that have opportunities to help orphans, if you are interested. They are all ones that I myself support and believe in.

quick facts

As the spring goes on, my time to post gets shorter and shorter. Therefore, I leave you with bullets....

• I'm so thankful for this past weekend. I was able to be around people who encourage me to run after Jesus with all that I am. And they make me laugh. And they feel like family.

• Battlestar finale....I can't decide whether I liked it or not. I'm leaning towards LIKE, but it did disappoint too. I will admit that I woke up at 3am still thinking about it last night. Maybe I did love it....hmmmm....then again.....

• I'm so busy during the spring. My life becomes a mere shell of what it is in the winter. Work over-takes my life, and I don't think that is always right even if I do work in ministry.

• I'm sick and tired of the cold weather. I hate wearing a coat and scarf. I'm just miserable and ready for warm weather.

• I need to start swimming again. I'm so nervous about taking the lifeguard class in May.

• My family has offered a wonderful gift (same as last year) for my birthday. I feel really guilty for wanting it because it could go toward one of Katie's kids, who need clothes and food and Jesus. I'm really struggling lately with possessions. I have so much while so many have nothing...

• My flower garden is starting to pop up in my day dreams. What to plant this year.... Can't wait for that first trip to my favorite local nursery.

• Goodwill score this weekend. Books and clothes.

• Dollhouse became another example of when TV executives get in the way. Joss is now getting to do what he wants and, dear goodness, it's a whole other show. Funny, freaky and Joss.

• I've gotten in an argument with myself several times about whether or not to buy this necklace. I'd love to have something that came from the country where one of my little sponsored kids comes from. And it would be helping a family adopt too. Oh, the dilemma.

xoxo,

Cottage Girl

and the winner is....

....by complete random chance.

Post #1

Hi!!!! 1,000. wow! Congratulations! Hmmmn, I wonder what number I began reading at... If money didn't matter I would" Spend the rest of my life volunteering and travel :) Loves! Jessica


Jessica is a bloggy friend from way back. One that I even got to meet in person a few years ago. Her heart for Jesus and the world is so beautiful. Congrats, Jessica! Send me your email address and I'll get that Amazon gift card over to you.

It was so neat to hear what each of you would do if money isn't an obstacle. I'm so excited to hear how many of you would love to be more involved with orphans! And travel....ahhhh...wouldn't we all love to do more of that.

winner tomorrow

Ran out of time today....winner of the Amazon gift card will be posted tomorrow AM. Sorry for the delay. Life is a little busy at the moment.

I had a really good weekend...

****the winner of the 1,000 post giveaway will be announced tomorrow!

The fam was in town this week

She is the queen of big eyes. She loves to look surprised. I can't wait to blackmail her with these when she gets older....



"It's crazy that we (The Bro, Sis and me) were just as little as they are now, right here in this very house." - said to my mom by me. I still LOVE that my parents live in the same house that I grew up in.


This little munchkin is just too cute. He LOVED Winnie. Winnie, on the other hand, is not so fond of children.



Evidence of just how tiny he really is at 2 years old. I just love this picture. I used to play in that same lazy susan when I was his age.

Frak, it's over

So excited to see the finale! Can't wait!!!

ps....can't believe I made plans for tonight. What was I thinking?!! Now I have to wait to see it!

iphone swipe

From our cousin's wedding in August

The Bro's iphone. Swiped while watching Battlestar last night.

I haven't told you yet, have I? He's moving away. Far, far away. I'm so excited for him. But sad cause I'll miss him being next door. I love my baby brother......a whole lot.

***don't forget to enter in the big 1,000 celebration contest!

1,000

This is it. 1,000th post. I've been counting down now since post number 816 or something around there. It's finally here.

And what does one post on such a momentous occasion?
What words of wisdom or whit?
What photo or story or idea?
I don't know. I barely know what I'm going to write about 10 minutes before I sit down at the key board. It's just whatever comes out.

Well, this time, I wanted to give my readers some love. I do write because it soothes my very soul. It warms my heart. It gets the crazies out of my head. But I also write because I know you read. You may not think I know, but I do (thank you tracking system company which shall remain nameless).

So, I've pondered what, oh what, I could do to say thank you. I would love to send each of you a brown paper package tied up with string in the mail. I would love to have you all over for lemonade on the Cottage porch, so we can chat while the sun sinks on the horizon.

Since my budget and Star Trek transporter are both broken at the moment, I shall do this instead......

I'll choose one winner (at random) to receive a $25 gift card from Amazon. You can choose whatever makes you happy. Things like....

Season 1 of a TV show like Friday Night Lights, Battlestar Galactica, Veronica Mars, Arrested Development, 24

Jeremy Larson's Salvation Club

Irresistible Revolution

A Sigg

or maybe a children's book like this one I got for my nephew

or a can't-put-it-down-book like The Hunger Games

Oh, wait...those things make ME happy. For you, it may be different, or they COULD make you happy too. You just don't know it yet. Hmmm....
The options are endless. Or at least $25 worth of endless.

Rules:

To get in on the fun, leave your name and your answer (one entry per person, please!) to the following question in the comments section...


"If the cost didn't matter, I would _____________."

My answer would be, let see.....

- go and spend a month in China loving orphans
- meet Katie and spend a month with her in Uganda and hug little Florence.
- go to a Shootshop
- take off work for a year to travel just for fun

Can't wait to hear yours! Entries must be received by 9pm EST on Sunday. Winner will be chosen at random.


Thanks, my dear readers! I can't say enough how very thankful I am for each of you. Here's to the next 1,000 posts!

I used to have short hair

March 1999

I was:

• living with my 2 best friendsliving in a 1st floor apartment with a broken dryer which meant our clothes were always on a drying rack in the kitchen
• finishing my last semester (and favorite) at Liberty
  

• working on the backstage crew for Anything Goes

• learning how to take photos with a SLR. FILM, mind you. There was no digital.

• not wearing makeup cause I didn't want to

• taking a musical theater class with the best professor I've ever had

• wearing dresses/skirts everyday (lovely dress code)

• driving a royal blue 1988 Pontiac Sunbird

• not watching TV. Seriously. I didn't have time

• working as a telemarketer for JCrew

• living on a 20/hr per week job

• paying $.79/gallon for gas. Not kidding

• hanging on to every moment because each one was so dear and would never come again

It's week-o-fun on Cottage Girl

(picture swipin' from my mom. In other words, I'm at the parentals for a few days)

This week, I will post my 1,000th post. That's right. 1,000 entries of nonsense, randomness and nothingness. I've been rambling on and on since September of 2005. And I must say that I think I love it more now that I did all those years ago.

So in honor of all the fun I have posting, I am going to spread the love to YOU. Stay tuned for more info!

me, at this moment...

ps....Have you seen Junebug? I did last weekend. Love. I think Amy Adams has sealed her fate as one of my all time favorite actresses. And its made me miss the Cohen's.

Friday Finds

The highlight of my internet time this week was THIS video. It's Tara, yet again. I'm constantly inspired by her. How fun that she collaborates with a video artist to create a whole new world of memories for her clients. I've watched this video bunches cause it's just so happy.

The highlight of my TV week (this week=amazing TV) was ER. TV Gal pretty much said it all. Perfect. I felt like I was back in high school watching ER on my living room floor with the house all dark and quite. It was just perfect. I think I'll watch it again tonight just because.

Flickr was unbelievably inspiring this week (and lately in general). One. Two. Three. Four. Five.

Mary Beth's post made me pray more fervently for their family (her especially) this week.

Katie's Amazima blog. It. Always. Makes. Me. Think. I'm ready to jump on a plane to Uganda and play with all those little ones.

The song Signs by Bloc Party. It was used on both Gossip Girl and Chuck this season. Josh Schwartz likes it, maybe?

One of my favorite bloggers got to meet one of my other favorite bloggers. Look at all the yummies they got to make! Check out these shirts that she has created too. I like this one.

24. Jack Bauer. Season 7. It's so good I can't stand it!

One of the best episodes ever of Friday Night Lights. If only I could come to each of your houses and watch season 1 with you. I know you would all love it. And this rumor has me ecstatic, btw.

I'm loving design is mine. Just found it this week.

Polyvore is a horribly, addicting, delightful black hole. I love window shopping and not spending any money. I also realized my style has drastically changed over the last few years. Or maybe I am just finally finding it.

Need a movie to watch this weekend? How about a 90's classic? My roomie and I were enjoying its magic on our lunch break this week. It's when I fell in love with Johnny Depp.


Happy weekend, all.

Someone's coming for a visit this weekend...

My sis, too. Not that I'm not excited to see her. And my brother in law. But who could resist those little faces. Not this auntie. No sir-ree.

a heart of wonder

"Too much of our time is spent trying to chart God on a grid,
and too little is spent allowing our hearts to feel awe.
By reducing Christian spirituality to formula,
we deprive our hearts of wonder."

-Donald Miller Blue Like Jazz

I'm in that time where God feels very close and very...new. Does that make sense? I've known Him since I was 5. But there are those times when it feels like I rediscover Him all over again.

His touch.
His voice.
His whispers.
His joy.
His sorrow.
His desires.
His heart.
His face.
His work.
His passions.

I see these things all around me. I see Him working where, before, I would have ignored it or walked on by. I see Him in the faces of little orphans. I hear Him whisper "trust Me" as our numbers for camp seem to dwindle instead of increase. I feel His arms of love wrapped around me as I sing of His might and power to do the unimaginable.

He is so very patient with me as I crawl back into His arms and look into His face. He is so beautiful as He smiles at me and says I LOVE YOU, my child.

The wonder.

The wonder of being loved by this God who made me.

Originally uploaded by fairytalecinema

Second star to the right and straight on until morning.

You coming?

magic

My two favorite actors together for one truly magical motion picture. I'm always giddy over this particular scene. The waves and pirate ship are just too fantastic.

Je t'aime, Peter Pan. Even during my lunch break.

I've decided....

1. Losing a hour of sleep is terrible. Most definitely when I have to be up before the sun rises.

2. 7:00pm sunsets are heavenly. Maybe the hour lost isn't so bad...

3. I'm selfish. No, this isn't a new discovery, but one that I continually am reminded of.

3. I need to take a trip to someplace new. I'm dying for a travel adventure.



4. I'm going to really, really miss ER when it's gone. Especially Archie Morris. He needs his own show.



5. Poladroid is super fun. So is taking photos off of cruise ship railings.


6. Some movies are rated "R" for very good reasons. Reasons that mean I shouldn't see them.

7. I like the quiet. Really, really like it.

8. Harry Potter is one of the greatest stories ever. Proof? I'm currently listening (audio book) to #7 for the 4th time and still loving it and hanging on each word.

9. I really love taking stupid pictures with my brother.


10. It's time for dinner.


XOXO

photos and words in no particular order

This was Monday....

This is tomorrow's forecast.

No wonder I've had weather headaches all week. It's just crazy here!



Here's something else I made this week. I just loved the word in this song that we sang in church last Sunday.

A Moleskine journal I decorated.

I found this story fascinating. Old buildings are so interesting especially abandoned ones.

I'd like my next bedroom to look like this.

This one reminds me of Anne Shirley's garret room. I LOVE this bed. If only I could find one like it one day...

Then I could justify having a cape and dress like this.
ps...I love tulle a little too much for my own good....

Enough for now.

I'm off to watch Battlestar Galactica, the coolest show on TV. I'm savoring these last 3 episodes and enjoying every moment of them!

project #7

I'm still so behind in my class, but loving every minute of it. This is my latest project. It's just about finished.

It's different things that I love represented by objects I made out of felt. I had so much fun making these. I think felt has become one of my favorite new mediums. It's so versatile and cheap. And all the fun colors!

I chose to make things that were easy enough for me to cut and sew. I'm sure you can guess what each represents....

Camp/boats/water. It's a daily part of my life and I love, love, love it. I can't wait to drive the boats again this summer and have camp filled with kids and staff again!

You can tell this is a camera, right?

I love me some TV, but you all know that already, don't you?!!

This is my favorite one. Can you guess? Yup, it's China and it's orphans. I practiced drawing for a long time to finally get a little face that seemed to represent those little orphan faces. Then I cut it out of felt and embroidered the face on.

Okay...off to work on my next project!

tonight, tonight

a rockin' new haircut complete with shampoo massage

Chick-Fil-A lemonade

Craisins for dessert

2 intense hours of Jack Bauer

happy sigh......

50 happies

1. when my pastor calls us "dear ones" during his message.
   
2. walking through puddles in my rain boots.
3. "window shopping" on Etsy
   
4. my Dell keyboard's quiet clicks when I type.
5. getting lost in Harry Potter world with my Zune and JVC noise canceling earbuds.
6. finding a new post on Katie's blog.
7. playing with felt.
8. the sound of the shutter on my camera.
   
9. bedside windows. perfect for snowy field viewage.
   
10. Neverfood.
11. 1930's ladies hats.
    
12. Fotoclips full of my own images.
13. birds chirping outside the window.
14. icicles
15. the new car smell in my car (even though it's 2 years old)
16. seeing, talking, laughing, being with old friends
    
17. Jesus (on so many different levels)
18. Sigg bottles full of cold water
    
19. avacados on my sandwich
20. orphans finding forever homes
21. comments on my Flickr photos
22. white decor and walls
23. Early Grey tea with honey in my favorite tea cup complete with saucer
    
24. tree limbs covered in snow
25. my niece and nephew's faces
    
26. hugs from my mom and dad
27. stars
28. TV converter coupons
29. red Netflix envelopes in the mail stack
30. letters from Teresia
31. vintage fabric
32. watching the Buffy musical (and the rest of season 6) while crafting
    
33. warm slippers
34. a photo from my trip to Alaska as my computer desktop background
    
35. Whole Foods shopping bags
36. "The Quarantine at Alexander Abraham's" and "Aunt Olivia's Beau" in Chronicles of Avonlea
37. little Florence in Uganda
38. naps
39. craft class blog posts and chats
40. answering camp questions for excited parents on the phone
41. "All Along the Watchtower" Starbuck style
42. thermal unders
43. hair cuts
44. fabric scissors slicing through felt and fabric
    
45. learning to draw
46. woodgrain contact paper used in unusual ways
47. silhouettes
48. hearing God give me definite answers to specific questions
49. intelligent keys
50. bandannas
    

I told you it was snowing....

I couldn't stop taking pictures of the icicles on our back porch. They are so beautiful!

ps...my boss was so nice and let us have the day off. I've been cleaning, crafting, taking photos and staring out the window all day at the beauty that surrounds me!

the snow is here

Of course it would wait until March 1st to snow like the dickens. Just as I begin to dream of green branches and warm breezes and daffodils, the white wonderland arrives. Oh, well. I'm determined to ENJOY it and romp around one last time in the cold.

Whilst the world turns white, enjoy this blast from the past. The bro sang this to me on the way home from our trip to the church we grew up in/seeing my parents.