I miss days like this...

Ponytail. Hot sun. Yucky shorts. Favorite old (OLD!) tee shirt. Sleeves rolled up cause it's just so humid and hot. Camera in hand. (a camper took this 2 years ago during my photography class)

These last few days have been just a little on the crazy side. And not really "good" crazy either. God has continually brought Psalms 34:8 to my mind.

"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good,
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him."

The Lord IS good no matter what the circumstances around me may be. GOOD and PERFECT and LOVING. My circumstances may not be happy or good, but He is.

I'm still in and out this week. And my internet has been down, too. I'll pop in when I can.

I miss you!

real quick

After a pretty crappy Thanksgiving for reasons that are too much to go into here, I needed something to cheer me up. This little clip seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I can't help but cry and laugh all at the same time.



...sigh....

I won't tell you how many times I watched it. In a row.

I feel much better now.

A day of Thanksgiving

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I'll be gone for a few days. See you soon.


ps....Me love Norman Rockwell. Big time.

uhhh.....hmmmm.......

My brain won't let me write tonight because I've been creating/crafting all day. Oh, and cooking. And a little cleaning.

It's quite wonderful really....

high school....shudder...blech...

The other day I was on Facebook. I came across this batch of photos that I hadn't seen before. Photos like this. (yes, my eyes are closed. laugh all you want.)

After about 5 photos, I realized that was completely tense. My breathing had almost all but stopped. My brain seemed to shut down. It wasn't because I was re-living the glory days as some people say. No, I was panicked because it was almost like being forced to go back and re-live a stage in my life that I did NOT enjoy. Truthfully, it kinda freaked me out that just looking at those old photos could still stir up those emotions.

High school was not the happiest of times for me. I don't think I could ever be payed enough to go back and do it again. It just wasn't the experience that some people had in school.

I escaped as often as I could to my friends in youth group at my church. With them, I was happy. With them, I felt connected and loved. With them, I grew in my relationship with God and went to camp and had Bible studies.

I'm sure most of those bad feelings were because I was so insecure. I was incredibly, ridiculously shy. And that was in a school that only had 50 kids in the jr/high school. This photo was of my ENTIRE graduating class. Seriously. You would think being insecure would be a non-issue in a school where I had known my everyone in my class since the 6th grade.

But as I look back (and shudder), I see why I was so happy on graduation night. I didn't have all those sad, wistful moments with long hugs goodbye. I was giddy excited about college. It was a fresh start. It was a whole new batch of friends. I couldn't wait to head off to the next phase of life.

I know God had a reason for that time of my life. Maybe it was to show me the poison of legalistic religion. Maybe it was to have me lean on Him.

I do know that I am thankful that that time of my life is over. I'm thankful it's all a distant memory. I'm thankful for the safe haven my church was. My youth pastor. My friends there. It wasn't perfect by any means, but it was happy. Now, those memories, I would go back and re-live in a heartbeat.

So much scope for the imagination

haven't cried this much since UP

I pretty much had big fat tears either rolling down my cheeks or pooled in my eyes for the entire movie. It's fantastic. It's emotional. It's such a beautiful story.

I love adoption stories. They warm my heart in a way that no other story can. The Blind Side is definitely one you should see. Oh, and Sandra Bullock is wonderful in this. She steals the show.



I want to see it again. and again. and again.

As my mom used to say...books are your friends

"To read a book for the first time is to make an aquaintance with a new friend; to read it for a second time is to meet an old one." -Chinese saying

I'm a "re-read it 15 times" type of girl. By that many go-a-rounds, we are pretty much family. Plus I have to be reading about 10 books at once, at all times. This makes traveling with "a" book quite problematic. I can never just chose one...or two.

Please tell me I'm not the only one!

(Kaley, I can hear you agreeing with all the way across the country! I know we are kindred spirits when it comes to books.)

Friday Finds

(photo found here)

I found quite a few fun, fantastic things this week, so I decided to share....


Modern Family gets better every week. This week it was hysterical. Saw it on Hulu.

There were some amazing crafty ideas on Smile and Wave this week (and last). I've already made one of these and have worn it about 10 times.

Scrubs is back in just a few short weeks! This promo made me laugh out loud. As perfectly, perfect the "series" finale was last season and as much as I don't want to ruin the magic that it was, there's no way I'm missing this! ps....Photos like this one (posted on his Facebook page) don't do anything to help my TV crush. So adorable.

Was reminded how much I love this blog this week. Had to put in my reader. This post was adorable!

Katie's (Amazima) post this week about loving others is going to be one of those thoughts I remember forever. So profound. So humbling.

I really want to go see this movie this weekend. (No, it's not New Moon.)

There's a pretty good chance I'll be taking a spur of the moment trip to NYC next month to go see the Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMA.

Just LOVE this adorable garland by Rachel. She always picks the best color combos.

I'm almost caught up on Lost (thanks once again, Hulu) season 5. Watching it all at once is SO much better. The final few episodes were posted this week. Knitting/crafting TV for sure.

Look at this cutey who just came home forever from Uganda. Her story will melt your heart.

I'm loving these stockings, this cowl and these mittens. Darn knitting habit is taking over my life. I'm not even showing you the ones that I want to make as gifts.

And finally, meet Janie. God placed her on my heart when I read about her about a week ago through another blog. Yesterday, God put one more big reminder in my path, and I realized that it was time to stop fooling around and do something for this little one that was constantly on the forefront of my mind. I'm so excited to be able to help her even in this very small way. ps...she still needs one more sponsor!


Have a great weekend, dear readers! I'm working this weekend, but then I'm off ALL next week (using up those vacation days!) I'll hopefully be crafting the days away (Christmas presents finished in Nov?!!!).

xoxo,

Cottage Girl

I like this photo

(from the Commons)

And globe lights. I really want a globe light.

(photo found here)

Off to another hip hop exhibition for my friend. Can't wait! The last time it was A-mazing. Plus, it's always great to give her a hug!

Has camp really been over for almost 4 months?!!

.....sigh.....

pondering this...

"Our greatest fear as individuals and as a church should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." -Tim Kizziar


Much thought is going into what my purpose is. Much thought on what I am called to do. Much thought on making sure my life is counting for eternity. All good things. All right things. All things that are tough and uncomfortable.

Growing is never easy, no matter how old you are.

i like this CD

Be forewarned.....I was feeling very wordy when I wrote this. Skip to the bottom to hear the CD if you don't want to read my ramblings. Don't say I didn't warn you...

I'm terrible with music. It isn't really my "thing." I don't discover bands. I have no idea what is new or really cool. I have a small handful of bands/artist I like and tend to stick with them and that's about it. I don't listen to the radio mostly because I can't stand what they play. (don't get me started on the Christian radio stations around here....let's just say the world horrible comes to mind).

So this is where I stand when I suggest music to you. I have weird taste. I like instrumental soundtracks more than anything. But sometimes...sometimes I WANT to listen to some good music, but I have no idea where to start. I've gotten great suggestions from Zach Braff on more than one occasion (Joshua Radin, Cary Brothers, Garden State Soundtrack). I've found good stuff from blogs I read. But the one place I always go when I need something new is The Bro.

He is just good with that type of thing. Now, let me state this...he likes certain types of music that I hate. Hard core metal. Screaming non-sense that I can only stand for about 30 seconds before wanting to pop my own eardrums. So we definitely don't always mesh on certain things.

However, he has given me more things to love than anyone else. He discovers all those cool bands and then tells me about them. About a year ago, he gave me a huge list of bands and some CD's to try. Bands he thought I would like. I'm still going through that list.

On my flights to Seattle last month, I had still had a few bands on my Zune that I hadn't tried. I decided to give Future of Forestry a spin. It's been playing pretty consistently since then. The more I listen to it, the more I like it. I even want to get their new stuff.

Twilight, the CD I have, is a few years old, but it's good stuff. And wouldn't you know it, it's Christian, too. Haven't heard a good Christian band in quite a while.

So once again, I'm forced to concede that my little brother is cooler than I am.


Here's a taste of the goods

happy things on a Sunday

He's (^) coming home for Christmas. My sis and her fam are coming home for Christmas. We'll all be together for the first time since....I don't know when.

Motorcycles with sidecars passing me on the road home.

Japanese Maples in Autumn.

Driving with the windows down, music blaring, enjoying the moment.

Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving.

Sunshine after 3 days of rain and wind.

70 degree days in November.

Remembering how good this song is...


Jesus speaking to my heart at church this morning.

Knitting project completed (first of many).

Cheaper by the Dozen for the 134th time.



What are your Sunday happy things?

on my list for 2010

(the 10 cent designer)

Learn to make granola.

yarn is so addicting

I learned to crochet when I was in jr/high school. My mom taught me. I didn't do it again until my 20's. Then my friends learned to knit, so I decided to give it a try. It always looked so disjointed to me, so I learned the continental method. Much less wrapping and dropping of the yarn. Even after learning my stitches, I realized that it just wasn't something I really loved doing. After making easy things like scarves and hats, I put my needles down and didn't really pick them up again for a while.

Once winter rolls around and the cold weather forces me inside, that yarn over in my knitting basket seems to look much more appealing. This year I decided to pull it out and try something a little more challenging. Cableknitting. Knitting on circular needles. Things that looked impossible when you see them written out in pattern form.

Shock of shocks, I realized that I really enjoy the challenge. I look forward to my needles and dream about yarn colors and projects. The local yarn store is so dangerous now because I see mittens and cableknit sweaters when I look at those bundles of colorful delight. And let's face it, no one needs an excuse to purchase MORE crafts supplies! My supplies are over taking my room! And then I went against my better judgement and joined Raverly. Just what I need...more projects to add to my list of "things to make."

Thank goodness it's winter or I would be drowning in inspiration and projects with no time to do any of them. Since it's dark by the time I get home from work each day, I can now give myself an excuse to craft away and get those Christmas presents done before Christmas Eve. It's a handmade Christmas in Cottage Girl world!

A old fashioned Nor'easter

So we are in the middle of a good old fashioned Nor'easter here in the Mid Atlantic. Rain, rain, wind and did I mention the rain? All this rain talk made me pull out one of my top 10 movie while I was crafting this evening.

Rainy days always make me want to watch Singin' in the Rain.

If you have never seen this one, I heartily suggest it! It's charming and funny and just so darn adorable!

Alright...I'm getting back to my knitting needles and sewing machine. Rainy, dark days are always a good excuse to do nothing but craft when I get home from work!

Thank you

My family is very military minded.

Both of my grandfathers served (during war time).

Two of my uncles served (during war time).

My father served (during war time). He was stationed in Alaska during Vietnam. I think my grandmother's prayers begging for his protection went directly to God's ears.

My grandmother was a war bride from England. She became a citizen after my grandfather brought her back to the US after their first child was born.

My brother-in-law was a military kid who grew up all over the world as his family moved from base to base.

And that's just to name a few.

Then there are my friends who are (or husbands/family) in the military right at this very moment. Some of them are over seas in all kinds of places.

I also live in an area where it is VERY common to see a uniform at the mall or grocery store or church. And just about any branch. Navy, Army, Air Force. I'm constantly surrounded by men and women in uniform.


And so, on this day of remembrance to those who have or are continuing to serve our country, I take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for giving of yourselves so freely. And thank you for your sacrifice.

inspired by...

Tonight, I'm feeling very inspired by...

Olivia Bee (It's hard not to "fave" everything she puts on Flickr. I'm in awe of her.)

The Village soundtrack (it's a perfect Fall/Winter movie, isn't it?! I adore the cinematography in that movie. And oh, the music gets me right here {points to heart})

I could watch this scene about 100 times in a row. And almost have.



My Flickr faves (it is stocked with all the best and most inspiring thing right now)

Play mustaches (on a hunt to find some good ones for a photo shoot of my own)

Vintage furniture (I would rather find things in a thrift store or yard sale then go to a regular store at the moment.)

Vintage dishes (see above statement)

on my radar

Last night's Mad Men season finale. "oh.my.gosh" was the phrase said over and over between me and my fellow MM loving friend. So, SO good.





An Orphan's Wish (Those little Chinese orphans captured my heart today. One in particular.)


Girls weekend memories (my camera/computer connection isn't playing nice at the moment. Photos will have to come later.)

This movie (You know I love a good story about families taking in kids who need homes. I almost cry during the preview. Can't imagine what I'll be like in the movie)

Up (Comes out on DVD tomorrow. MUST see it again/13 more times. It was one of my favorites of this year.)

The title track off of SCC's new CD Beauty Will Rise

Luke wk 1 (I gave myself a challenge last week. Read the book of Luke in 1 week. The whole thing. A few chapters every day. It was so good that I decided to do it again this week.)


The Mysterious Benedict Society (It's getting better by the chapter)


What's on your radar lately?

Good weekend had by all

I had such a fun weekend. I laughed a bunch. And by "a bunch" I mean pretty much the whole time. Girl weekends are the best. We ate too much. We talked forever. We just enjoyed each other's company.

I'm so very blessed by the amazing friendships I have from my 11 years here at camp. And we single girls don't take friendships lightly. They are our life's blood, our survival kit, our sanity. I'm so thankful for each of these particular women and so many more that make up my "camp family."




....and yes, I'm still posting pictures from my west coast trip. I have SO MANY left to share. Thought I'd spread them out cause a post is just more fun with pictures, right?!

I want a backyard like this

Then I would be warm and happy all winter!

Hanging out with my gal pals who flew in for a weekend of fun. Much food. Much laughter. Much re-calling of the old days.

Be back soon.

music that means something

For goodness sake, don't listen to this when you are running errands in the evening. You will end up wandering through the stores with watery, tear filled eyes. Strangers will stare at you and question if they should ask you if you are okay or not. You'll be lost in your thoughts though, so it won't really matter.

Not that any of that happened to me.

SCC's new CD came out this week. And it...it...it is like reading a heartbroken, yet hopeful person's personal journal. It's amazing. This particular artist continues to be an amazing influence in my walk with Jesus.


This is an old song of his that is one of my favorites. He says that it has taken on a whole new meaning.

wow color

I'm in love with this idea. Spray painting random objects fun colors. Click on the photo for more info.

Hello, Tuesday

If only every Tuesday included a hike in the mountains with your brother. What a happy place this world would be.

my two favorite colors at the moment

pinks and reds. I like to mix them too. Don't tell my sister. She has a strict "no mixing certain colors" rule. Me, however, I like to mix patterns and colors. Stripes with polka dots? Yes, please. The crazier the better.

And I would LOVE one of those dresses and adorable hair-do's as well.

heart FNL

Oh, how I wish I could go to each of your houses and stick in Friday Night Lights Season 1 disc 1. I just know you would fall in love with this beautiful little show that is seriously the best thing on TV (now and in the last few years).


And all this is coming from a girl who never watches any type of sports. Except maybe golf every now and then. But really, no sports. No football, baseball, basketball. In fact I don't even like to watch sports on TV or in real life. blech.


See, you don't need to love sports to fall in love with the characters that inhabit Dillon, TX. You just need to enjoy good stories. And you need to appreciate writing that only seems to get better with each season. The characters will automatically cause you to fall in love with them and the show.


Ok, I'll stop gushing. Season 4 premiered this past week and I just had to get it out of my system.


*****but seriously. go watch it...or ask for it for Christmas. TV show marathons at Christmas are the bees knees.