Camping is instant stress relief

It just is.

Nothing to do but sit by the fire, play Bananagrams, make s'mores and laugh.

It is my de-stress drug of choice.

Amen and amen.

camping time

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I'm headed out to do one of my favorite things in the world.

Camping. Well, RV camping, that is.

I'm headed up north with the parental unit and other "friends who are family."


While I'm gone, you should:

watch this video from The Honey Trees. I'm obsessed with it.

Read this post from Katie and this post from another blog I follow. I didn't know they knew each other.

Check out Elsie's Tricks & Treats posts. It was the most inspiring place online the last few weeks of October. I got so many great ideas!

Check out this fun new feature from two of my favorite bloggers. I'm super excited about it!

Go see Waiting For Superman. You won't be disappointed.

Check out all the cuties on the AOW blog.


See you sooooonnnnn. I'll try and phone post if I can. I want to keep up my NaBloPoMo.


xoxo,

Cottage Girl

"carry me?" she asked.

Always.

camera face

There are few things in life that can make me quite as happy as camera face.

My features are hidden.

My eyes are focused on things other than myself (except when I take self portraits, of course).

My creativity is sparking like crazy.

Light becomes magic and using it correctly becomes the most important thing on my plate.

I find myself holding my breath constantly in anticipation.

I get cross eyed from closing one eye tightly so I can filter out everything except what is in my viewfinder.


Here's to an exciting afternoon of camera face that is coming tomorrow.

Big.....sigh......of.......happiness......


ps...all that Hawaii talk yesterday made me pop in one of the few chick-flicks that I can watch over and over and over. I adore Adam Sandler. I think he's adorably funny.

When I miss Hawaii, I usually watch this or this. Then the Hawaii voices will quiet down for a little while.

bring back

I'm already done with the cold weather. Bring back the 80 degree days. Bring back the 7:30pm sunsets. Bring back the calm, quiet evenings on the pier thinking and praying.

I'm definitely not ready for 5 more months of cold. Nope, I'm not. I think I'm supposed to move to California or Hawaii. Who's with me?

Time for bed routine

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1. Straighten room. (I can't go to sleep in a mess. I will literally toss and turn in bed until I get up and straighten everything. I need order when I go to sleep so it will be in order when I wake up.)

2. Wash face, brush teeth, etc...

3. PJ's. Comfy, cozy things that usually don't match.

4. Into bed with Bible and journal in hand.

5. Read the Word and pray/journal for about 10-40 minutes depending on the night.

6. Turn out lights.

7. Turn on alarm.

8. Asleep in 10 minutes or less (usually)



My big thing before bed is reading the Bible. I started this in middle school, I think. I believe that I'm most emotionally vulnerable at night. I get weepy over hard days. I get wistful over dreams and plans. I ponder everything that went wrong that day (pessimist, that's me). It's the time of day I'm most likely to break down in tears.

I discovered many years ago that if I end the day with verses and words from Jesus, life is livable. Sleep is possible. Hope is readily available. Joy will come in the morning. I fall asleep easier because I've laid everything down before The One who can handle it. I'm not saying that I don't pick it back up in the morning, sometimes. But I do handle life better when my last words of the day are with my Savior.


What does your routine look like?

care for them

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It's Orphan Awareness Sunday.

What a perfect opportunity to advocate for adoption and the care of the least of these. God commands us in James (James 1:27) to care for the orphans. It isn't a choice. It's easy to think that it is. It's easy to say, "oh, that's someone else's place, not mine. I have my own family to consider." Nope, sorry. If you are a believer, it is your responsibility to love orphans.

What will you do to help the orphans of the world?


See the sidebar for some great organizations where you can help ---------->

And check out this video from Cry of the Orphan.

Last night, I had a wonderful time with my camp girl friends. We drank lots of tea and ate lots of British cookies that my roommate brought back from England. Then we laughed and laughed and laughed until we cried (especially at the video above). What a blessing and wonderful relief from the last month of crazy weekends. I'm so thankful for these girls and magic of their friendship. I'm blessed beyond measure to have them in my life.

Today I went to my 3rd wedding in 5 weeks. I think I'm wedding-ed out. Tonight is all about cozy-ing up at home.

The end.

I see you there

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What makes me notice someone.....

1. They make me laugh. All my closest friends are hilarious to me. We laugh together.
2. They exude the love of Jesus.
3. Outgoing/extrovert. I'm shy enough for 10 people. Give me someone who is confident and outgoing.
4. A quoter of movie lines. Totally guilty of this myself.
5. An understanding of the wonder of sarcasm.
6. Selfless-ness.
7. A random Battlestar reference.
   
8. Hair/hairstyle. It's the first thing I notice.
   

Would you rather be wealthy and ugly, wise and sickly, or beautiful and stupid?

I think wealthy and ugly. Here's why...

I could adopt as many kids as I wanted with no worry about funds.

Schools could be built, children and families fed, orphanages built and medicine supplied in Uganda

I could spend a year in China at MBHH with no worry about money.

I could fund friends who wanted adopt, but didn't have the money.

Camp could do a million different things like build a new dorm, replace the Cottage, hire more staff, add fun new activities with a few million dollars.

I could travel and see all my friends and family who are scattered across the country.


And let's be honest. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. My looks will fade no matter how beautiful I am. I'd rather be ugly and help other than be beautiful with no sense to do anything.


What would you choose?

The plot

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After yesterday's downer post, I found out that it is NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month). So, now I have a constant stream of ideas to inspire me and prompt me on to writing. It couldn't come at a more perfect time. I always feel more mentally stable when I can write. Anyone else every feel that way?

Anyway, on to today's prompt....


Describe the plot of the next book you want to read, even if the book doesn't exist yet.


That's an easy answer....

It would be another Harry Potter book. Maybe in the years between the end of the war and the epilogue in the end of Hallows. There are 19 years of stories just waiting to be told. It would, of course, center around Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny. It must have lots of the Weasley family. All of them. I miss those Weasley's.


ps....I'm in the middle of 3 books right now. Three completely different genres so I can read what I'm in the mood for. Anyone else read books like that?

pss....If you decide to participate in NaBloPoMo too, let me know in the comments! It will be so fun to share ideas and thoughts with you.

refined

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I haven't really been able to muster up the gumption to post lately. I'm sure you've noticed. My posts have pretty short and fluffy most of the time. It's been a struggle just to get something...anything written each day, if I even do a post.

I've struggled with the question of letting it go. Saying goodbye for a time and just leaving it be until I want to come back. But the truth is, if I went on how I feel at this moment, I wouldn't really come back for a long time. So, I plug along, knowing that even as I look back and read these last few weeks/months, I will be able to read between the lines with what has really been going on in my head.

Truthfully, I don't know what it is. I don't know why God has been continually pounding on me. I do know that these last few months have been some of the most trying, mentally speaking, that I've had, ever. I know that God has a purpose for all of this because I can see His hand working throughout everything. I know that there is a reason, even if I can't see it or understand it now, and may never.

The more I grow in my faith, the more I realize that I know nothing. The more I am forced to just be quiet and talk to Him. The more I just have to process what He is trying to show me. The more I have to let go and just follow.

So when I look back over the last few months, I can see the empty spaces in my thoughts. I can see the complete randomness of my crazy brain. I can see that there is something deep down that is being refined and purified.

"God's training is for now, not later. His purpose is for this very minute, not for something in the future. We have nothing to do with what will follow our obedience, and we are wrong to concern ourselves with it. What people call preparation, God sees as the goal itself." -Oswald Chambers

Halloween...a perfect excuse for some Tim Burton

I really love Halloween. It's such a fun holiday in our little neighborhood. We ride around in the Ranger with a trailer attached and hand out candy to the neighborhood kids. And take the littles here trick-or-treating too.

But I also love that this time of year is a great excuse to have a Tim Burton marathon. So many great choices....

This year, I caught part of Corpse Bride.

I am just blown away by the animation.

So many details that I catch each time I watch it.

And every character is so distinct.

I'm always in awe of how long it takes to do stop motion.

And how is just doesn't even compare to anything else.

I still need to watch this one.

The trees. I stare at all the crazy shaped trees every time.

And the beautiful costumes.

And the lighting and mist.

Oh, my. So delightfully creepy in a good way.

Over and over I wish that I could adequately get things on paper and on screen as they look in my head. Tim Burton is one of the best at that. He's amazing.

because I love Cary Brothers

And because I worked 12 very, very long hours in the camp kitchen today, and I can barely complete a coherent sentence.

fashion week runway

I super excited for the Project Runway finale tonight! Oh, my, I can't wait!

It's been one of my favorite seasons since Christian won. So many great things on the runway. I'm loving the hour and half long episodes too.



My pick is Mondo. Has been since the beginning. I can't get enough of his designs. LOVE them! Can't wait to see his entire collection. And half the fun is just seeing what he himself wears...

Watching this show makes me want to go to school for clothing design. Really, truly. I contemplate it often. I'm such a picky person that I think I would benefit from just making what I want to wear.



In any case, I will happily be glued to my TV for tonight with my pal, J. We'll be drooling over clothes and throwing insults at the designs we hate. And I'll be seething in jealousy over people that can make clothes like that.

Anyone else watching tonight?! Who do you want to win?

What are you up to tonight?

I'm doing a little of this...




While listening to them....



And praying over secret dreams....



Pretty much a perfect day off.

legacy

Today was an incredibly encouraging day for me and those of us that work here at camp. We were honored to have a few of the "past camp people" return to share stories of the days of old. Many of these folks have been connected to camp since it began in 1941. Camp has changed quite a bit since they were here, but the passion to share Christ has not.

We got to hear stories of how the building were built by volunteers with donated supplies. We heard how kids were brought to camp from the city streets. We were again blessed by the stories of the man, a pastor in Washington DC, that had a passion to build a camp and share the gospel with children. We heard about Jesus over and over from the lips of these amazing men and women, who now in their 70's and 80's are still serving Christ.

I swallowed back tears several times as I heard one dear sweet lady say, "I love my Jesus" and "Now, it's your responsibility to carry on His work here. Our time is over, but we trust that you will continue on the legacy we left behind for you." How very humbling and inspiring all at the same time.

I was again reminded of what an honor and privilege it is to serve here. It can be so overwhelming and exhausting to constantly give and give and give a little more. But I needed that reminder that this place is not about me. It's not about any person. It's about Jesus. It's about sharing His love with whomever He sends to us. It's about seeing His plan fulfilled, being excited over how the vision He gave to a pastor 70 years ago is being lived out daily.

Great day. Humbling day. Fulfilling and exciting day.


ps...I loved this version of "In Christ Alone" by Owl City. Thought you might enjoy it too.

pss...The Bro introduced me Owl City about 2 years before OC was played on every radio station in America. He always finds the cool stuff way before everyone else.

silly question

I get asked this question often....

"Is it hard now that most of your bestest friends are married and have kids?"

What do you think?



I always, without hesitation answer an emphatic "no way!" There is nothing better than bunches of nieces and nephews to love and hug and snuggle and play with. I mean these friends are pretty much family anyway. Their kids are some of the coolest human beings in the world.

I love, love, love all these precious little ones!

Today(ing)

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Feeding.
Washing.
Wiping.
Cleaning.
Sweeping.
Vacuuming.
Walking.
Chopping.
Filling.
Sorting.
Counting.
Talking.
Smiling.
Setting.
Tossing.
Warming.
Mopping.
Folding.
Listening.
Laughing.
Cutting.
Learning.
Praying.
Begging.
Contemplating.
Missing.

geeking out

I'm sorry to do yet another TV post, but I can't stop geeking out over this.

In my box waiting for me when I returned from LU reunion weekend 2010 was the newest issue of Entertainment Weekly. (Yes, I subscribe. A few years ago I stumbled on this incredible deal where I can get a whole year's subscription for $10. Heck, yes, I'm still doing it!) The Reunion Issue its called. It's magic.

The Reunion Issue (on stands now) is dedicated to reuniting casts of iconic movies and TV shows. Some of my very favorites were included.


I still pop in seasons 1 and 2 of Alias in the DVD player when I need a pick me up. So fun and crazy. It's really hard not to love Sydney Bristow.....and Michael Vaughn.

Is it sad that I still miss Gilmore Girls every Tuesday night? Still. Not even kidding. At least I have Parenthood to help ease the pain.


I was (and still am) a big sucker for the behind the scenes stuff from all the LoTR extended versions. I've watched them more times than I can count. And don't get me started on the cast commentaries.... Great, now I need a spare 10 hours 'cause I'm dying to watch them again.

The issue is on stands now. You can see it here. And the videos are lots of fun too.

TV gushing ends here....for now at least.

the return and processing

I'm back from my long weekend with my true blue friends.

Suffering from a bit of BFF detox/loneliness.

It was amazing.

I have much to share. Photos, thoughts, etc.

So much to process.

So many things I'm now thinking about because of great conversations with two of my besties. Good things that needed contemplation and an outside point of view. Advice given with love and compassion and wise Godly counsel.

Stories and thoughts will spill out here when it's time.


ps...Mad Men season finale. I loved. Not shocking and crazy, but delightfully well written and so, so beautiful. I wanted to have a still photo of so many shots. I'm hating the thought of 9 long Mad Men empty months.

sweet reunion

Ok, I've been trying to contain my excitement over what is about to happen this weekend. Mostly I've been ignoring it and not letting my self get excited. But today is here and I'm done with being adult about it. I'm giddy and happy and bouncing off the walls.

Two of my bestest friends from college. My college roommates (1 for all 4 years and the other for 2 years). The girls who helped teach me what friendship is all about in life. We are ALL going to be together this long weekend. 6 whole days. I'm smiling like a crazed person just typing that.

These girls mean the world to me. They get me. They are amazing Godly women. We laugh together. We cry together. We can not see each other for years and instantly pick back up where we left off. Friendships like that are pure gold.

So, I'm signing off for a few days to bask in the wonder of friendship.

xoxo,

a very happy and excited Cottage Girl

above ground

Was anyone else glued to their computer watching this story today?

Now everyone is above ground and safe. Thank you, Jesus!

ps...did anyone else almost have a panic attack just watching the men appear in that tiny capsule? No? Just me? No one else was mentally freaking out at the incredibly tight quarters they rode in for 20 minutes? Well, I was. Every...single...time.

Randomly found. Instantly loved.

What have you been watching lately?

If you've read Cottage Girl for any amount of time, you will know that I'm a pretty big TV and sometimes movie person. I love stories. I love movies and shows with well written characters.

Anyway, I saw two really great movies this weekend. Just wanted to share the love.

The Social Network was fantastic. Aaron Sorkin has always been a favorite of mine, and he didn't disappoint in this one. I know that the facts aren't all exactly right. Yes, I know. But the movie was great. Worth $8. Jessie Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake are really great.



And then, I watched a movie that has been sitting in my Netflix queue for a long time.


The Oscar winner from 2006. The Departed. Dear goodness. Loved it. I think it may be the first Scorsese movie I can say that about. I just love Leo. Can't help it. And that movie poster may be one of my favorites....ever.



ps....I'm also absolutely loving Parenthood right now. I'm dying for more at the end of each week's episode. Crosby is pretty much my favorite, but it's hard to choose.


What have you been watching and loving lately? Do share, please!

"Get stuck in my head" songs

We all have them. Those darn songs that get stuck in our heads. Mine are also the songs that turn my bedroom into a dance party. I can't help dance around like a fool when I hear them.

Enjoy (or cringe). And I apologize before hand for the melodies that you will be humming for hours.

wow

Creativity like this astounds me.

On a completely unrelated topic....

"My only love sprung from my only hate!
Too early seen unknown, and known too late!
Prodigious birth of love it is to me,
That I must love a loathed enemy. "

This quote was running through my brain when I woke up this morning. Why? No earthly idea.

Momma's day

Happy Birthday, Momma. Wish I was there to give you a big hug and make you something chocolatey and delicious. I love you!


Post #1,500. Wow.

Hey, ladies

A few more wedding pics for those of you (Gina) who have been hounding me for them. I really didn't take very many at all. It was hard to squeeze them in while being in the wedding and posing for the real wedding photographer. Plus, I really just wanted to enjoy every moment and sometimes that hard to do when I'm stuck behind my viewfinder.


Here are all of us girls. This was not at all planned. We had actually just gotten to the reception site and were going inside to put down all of our stuff so we could take photos. One of the girls noticed how perfectly we were arranged and asked one of the boys to take this.

Those dresses...oh, my. Strapless dresses are just awful. Not at all comfortable. The color was great for all of our skin tones though. And thankfully, they were extra long, so we could take off our shoes (which were impossible to walk in) and slip into something more comfy at the reception. Had to have some proper dancing shoes on!



There is always that one invaluable bridesmaid that makes everything run smoothly. Tobey was amazing. Running here and there and making sure everyone was where they needed to be. She gave me lots of rides around Lynchburg to and from the multitude of different places we needed to be. So giving and kind and thoughtful. Loved her!


I went to college with her older brother. Jenny was the matron of honor. Mom of two. And this was her second matron of honor-ship in 2 weeks. That's right. One right after the other. Yikes!


With the beautiful bride during photos. The light was absolutely perfect when we arrived at the reception site. It was so beautiful there!


In the Hummer limo on the way to the reception. It fit all 16 of us easily with room to spare. No joke.



And Jacquelyn. I went to Scotland and England with her back in the day. I watched her grow up at camp when her dad (who also married the bride and groom) was the director at camp for years. She and her "little" sister (who is now about 2 ft taller than me and in middle school) were the highlight of the reception. Dancing all over the place. It was hysterical.

These girls made the whole experience extra fun. We had such a great time together celebrating Ashley's big day. And the reception and dancing was so much fun with them.

Such fun memories!