party, party, party

Reverb10 + Party
What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.


Oh, gosh. That's an easy one. Smoothie night is always my favorite party of the year. I know that's kinda selfish cause my roommate and I are the ones that throw it. But I just love it. Costumes, smoothies and dancing. What could be better.

This year, we used another building at camp because our tiny cottage can't handle 70 people dancing. The floors almost (literally) fell in two years ago. So we moved it across camp.



The theme this year was Storybook. Come as a character from a book. It was one of the best ones yet. I cut up comic books and old Reader's Digest condensed novels to make bunting for the ceiling to make it a little more festive. LOVED the way it turned out.


The best part of smoothie night is seeing everyone's amazing costumes though. We don't spend a lot of money. And most of use the camp prop closet, but still, the costumes and creativity always astound me.

This year I was Anne Shirley. My roommate was Molly Weasley. These two were The Narrator and Tyler Durden from Fight Club.



Then, of course we had Mary and Joseph. And later, Baby Jesus.



The little boy and the tree from The Giving Tree.



Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf.



And a whole host of other characters. You can see some more here.


And it is a full on dance party. Our executive director is the DJ. He takes requests the week before the party and has them all ready to go. It is too much fun.


Ah, Smoothie Night. I can't wait for you next year. How you fill my heart with love and sunshine!

different

Rever10 + Beautifully Different
Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.

Can I admit that this one is really hard for me? Truly. I don't really think I am "good" at any one thing. I do a lot of things mediocre. I also do a lot of self comparison, which is another reason I'm don't really think I'm any more special than anyone else.

As for what makes me different...
Isn't everyone different? That's what makes us all unique.

I'm really, really shy. But I don't get scared speaking in front of large groups. Kinda strange, right? I'm not one of those people who would rather die than speak in public. It really doesn't bother me. And the fact that I blab about my life all over the internet for any and everyone to read. Hmmm....

Also, I am one of the most un-photogenic people I know. I can't even begin to tell you how many awful photos I have of myself. But I love taking photos of other people. I love capturing connections between families and friends. I love the small moments that are caught during the in between moments. But if I'm in front of a camera, I freeze up and can't do anything.

There are things that people tell me I'm good at, but all I can see is how I don't stack up to other people that I admire, who do the same things so much better. When someone tells me I'm "good" at something I immediately deny it and judge myself on the scale that's in my head.

So, yeah. This one was tough. Maybe one day I'll find that one thing that makes me different/special/unique. Until then, I'm content at just being "ok" at lots of little things.

"You didn't watch that gory, zombie show did you?"

Um, yes....I did. And I might, just might, have loved it.

And the fact that Bear does the soundtrack.....icing on the cake.

AOW community

Reverb10 + Community
Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?


I found a whole new community this year. It all started with a photo. This one...


It still makes me gasp a little. A huge lump gets caught in my throat. I get lost in those deep, dark eyes. I image her little voice. Her smell. Her little hands gripping mine. This little face stole my heart.

Janie was a child at An Orphan's Wish. I saw her on a blog one day. A blog I read all the time. Her face wouldn't leave my thoughts. I decided to sign up and sponsor her. That began a beautiful connection to An Orphan's Wish. In February this year, Stefanie wrote this post. I instantly knew that God was calling me to do more, more than just sponsor a child.

So, I sent off an email. I found out that I could use talents I already have, things I'm already passionate about to help out these sweet orphans. It's not much. My time is so limited, but it was something I could do. I said yes with a grateful heart and have been overwhelmed by this whole experience.

I have found a community of people who love orphans. Really, truly love them. They give of their time and finances to advocate for them. They are passionate about making sure they are loved and cared for. They are fighting to see that these dear ones get the surgeries and medical care they need. They are doing everything they can to see these sweet babes are no longer called "orphan" but "sister, daughter, brother and son."

We weep over these children. We bring them before the Throne begging on their behalf. We pray that they are told that they are valued and loved and special. We cheer over their accomplishments and soak in every smile.

I'm so, so thankful to have found AOW. Or should I say, I'm so thankful that God sent them to me. It has radically changed my world. I can't wait to see where we are led next....

Make

Reverb10 + Make
What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)




That's all you get for now. The rest are presents.

I am always in the middle of making something. I think I would go insane if I didn't. Creating is my stress relief. It's my sanity. I feel better and more alive when my room is covered in fabric/wool/yarn/paper/paint/glue/etc...

Frontier it

This past weekend, I (and my roommate) got hooked on Frontier House. I've always been a fan of PBS' House series. (A group of people are taken out of the 20th century and put in another one to live and survive for months at a time. This edition is in the 1880's.) This one is going to be one of my favorites right behind Colonial House.

I just think it's entirely fascinating to be able to go and experience a time period that is long gone. Living history. I'm not usually a fan of reality TV, but this is so neat to me. I'd definitely try it. Sure it would be tough, but what an experience!


ps....Colonial House and Frontier House would be great gifts to give!

On a completely unrelated note: The Mammoth Men are on another adventure this week. In Hawaii. Now commences the constant website checking and refreshing. And the grumbling about them being in warm beach-filled Hawaii, whilst it's 30 degrees and uber windy here. Haawwwwaaaiiiii.....

Let Go

Reverb10 + Let Go.
What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)

Maybe because I'm getting older. Or maybe because I'm finally more comfortable in my own skin. About time at 33 years old. Anyway, one thing that I noticed this year is that I'm getting better at being so self-conscious about myself. I was highly insecure as a teenager and into my early 20's. I was shy, scared and timid. Constantly afraid of doing something stupid or wearing the wrong thing or saying something that would make others laugh at me or think I was strange.

This year, I've noticed that I'm more secure in who I am. I wear what I like and don't fret over it as much. I say stupid things. I dance. I sing. I make things and give them as gifts and don't worry if the receiver doesn't love them as much as I hope they do. I stop being so afraid to simply try. I tell people who I am and what I do without being terrified that they will think I'm small and insignificant.

I know that much of this comes from finding my security more deeply in Christ. When He is everything to me, "I" don't really matter as much. I can be me and be the best me that He asks me to be. That such a freeing feeling. I don't have to care so deeply what other think.

And I think it also comes from being surrounded by an amazing group of friends, both near and far, that love me and accept me for who I am. They challenge me to be the best version of myself that I can be. To use my one life to glorify my Maker. To live my life in a way that pleases Him.

So, in 2010, I bid a fond farewell to feeling insecure and shy. I happily pick up my Battlestar Galactica DVD's in my right hand and my felted crafts in the other and skip off into the next stage in life.

Amen.

Wonder

Reverb 10 + Wonder
How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)


I feel like I rediscover a sense of wonder each and every camp summer. Working with kids, it is almost impossible not to do so. Well, I guess, maybe, if you don't listen to them.

I happen to love the listening part. I love seeing their eyes light up when they realize that someone thinks what they have to say is important. I love listening to them talk just to figure life out. I love hearing them ask questions about God and creation and life.

They have so much they want to learn. They are in awe of so many things that I take for granted. Each little minnow in the river is a new creation that is just discovered. Each crab egg buried in the sand is a treasure trove of wonders. Each horseshoe crab is a creature of the deep that no one has ever seen before.

What a blessing to be reminded of that each summer. Camp is a wonderful place for kids to get away from the distractions of today's culture and just be filled with wonder with what is around them. And thankfully, they generously share that with those of us that work here too.

liberty in the moment

Reverb10 + Prompt 3
Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)

My drive home from Show Hope volunteering was one of those moments I will never forget. Jesus was speaking to me. I could feel His presence. Almost like a giant arm around me while I was sitting in the driver's seat. I couldn't stop crying. Big huge tears streaming down my face. I mopped them up with the back of my hand, brushing the water out of my eyes to see the road.

It was quiet except for the wind whipping by. No music. No radio. Silence. Just me and Jesus talking it out. Okay, honestly, I talk/pray out loud in my car all the time. So there was a lot of me talking and crying to make noise in the quiet car.

It was one of those moments where things that He had been trying to tell me for months...finally clicked. It just made sense. As long as I had Him, everything else was fine. Circumstances didn't matter. What I did with my life didn't matter. As long as He was the focus and pursing Him was my only goal, everything else will fall into place.

So simple, but so welcomed to hear again. Jesus. All that matters is Jesus. Terrifying and full of liberty all at the same time. I felt incredibly alive and free.

space bound

I've been watching When We Left Earth.




It's incredibly moving and inspiring.



I loved thinking about how these men, who were the first to go into space, were just test pilots. They were brave enough to get in a contraption built by people who had no idea what space was really like.


I love hearing how they were adventurous and competitive with each other, yet seemed to genuinely care about their little group.

I, myself, can't imagine being that brave to step into the unknown. Not to mention that I about had a panic attack just watching the tiny capsule that they used. I would have clawed my way out in a millisecond.


And the whole motion sickness thing. Just hearing the name "Vomit Comet" made me almost lose it. I was not made for space travel.


It was so fascinating to see how the whole country was glued to their televisions and even the beaches of FL watching every moment. The world was changing before their very eyes.


I was born after man had walked on the moon. The world I lived in already knew about moon rocks and zero gravity. It had already seen the earth rise and knew what a lunar module was. But that generation was full of children seeing the moon for the first time. They watched it on television as breaking news.


I loved seeing all the crowds of people in their 60's clothing and sunglasses, using the cameras of that era.



America looked up in 1960's. I'm kinda sad that that magical time is gone.


If you are fascinated by space and space travel, check out When We Left Earth and step back in time.


I'm signing off to finish off the Apollo missions and jump into the shuttle era. I do remember that one! I even got to see the shuttle launch once. My grandma lives a hop skip and a jump from Kennedy.

I think that's another reason it has fascinated me. I wonder, every time I visit her, what that area of Florida must have been like in those days. Now is very run down and emptied out. But back then, it must have been a bustling, exciting place to be.

Doesn't contibute

(source)

Reverb10 + Prompt 2
What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it?
(Author: Leo Babauta)


That's an easy one.
TV.
Could I eliminate it?
Yes.
Do I want to?
No way.
I enjoy it way too much.

TV is my fun escape. I love stories. I love getting all caught up in them. I enjoy falling in love with characters. I love coming back each week to see their newest adventures. I love that it's all pretend. I love sharing shows with friends and watching them in groups.

I do occasionally go on a TV diet and cut it out severely. Summertime especially. Or when I'm extra busy. But I don't know that it really hurts my writing. It just changes my focus a bit.

And speaking of TV....here's what I'm watching at the moment:
Chuck*, Parenthood*, Modern Family*, Smallville*, Big Bang Theory, Mad Men, Gossip Girl, ER reruns, Glee, Grey's Anatomy*, 30 Rock, Project Runway, Rachel Zoe (*favorites)

Favorite trip of 2011

I only had to think for a quick second before this one came out on top. I had some great trips this year. Cruise to the Bahamas. NYC for the Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMA. Topsail, NC. Just to name a few. But Sundance took the cake. Stars, amazing movies, time with The Bro, snow everywhere, mountains, bus rides, more celebrities. It was the best.

Already got my plane ticket for next year. Anyone want to come? I need a buddy this year.


This post is part of Reverb10. Actally it's the prompt from last year cause I liked this one better. But still....I'm playing along. I love the idea of reflecting on the best of 2010. Feel free to play along in the comments.

Happy Birthday, wee one

I love you so much.

Show Hope: part 2

(yes, I took photos of myself in the bathroom of the concert venue. no, there wasn't anyone else in there. yes, I was nervous someone would walk in at any minute. yes, I'm glad I have the photos to remind myself of that amazing evening.)

One of the best parts about volunteering for Show Hope is meeting the other fantastic people that share in the wonder of this organization. Families who love Jesus and enjoy SCC's music and get behind the miracle of adoption. Sponsors who love to help wherever they can. Families who have received grants from SH to bring home their dear ones from around the globe.

During the evening we have down time while the concert is going on and the lobby is empty to chat and get to know each other. Usually this type of thing would be paralyzing to me. I hate small talk. I'm terrible at it. But this night, I was a blessing. Hearing stories of hope and adoption. Oh, my...

That night I was volunteering, there was a family there that was made up of mom, dad, teenage daughter and 8 year old daughter adopted from China. (ps...one of my very favorite things about SCC concerts is seeing the many families with little Asian girls now placed as dearly loved daughters/sisters in their mix. It makes my eyes well up with tears every...single...time.) During one of our down times, I was able to chat with dad. I asked him how he became connected to Show Hope, and I got to hear his family's story.

Mom in the family began praying about adoption. Dad wasn't on board yet. But she kept praying and talking to him about it. They went to an open meeting with an adoption agency. When they were driving home from the meeting, dad looked at mom and said that if they were to adopt, he knew it had to be from China. Mom had complete agreement. And that began their paper chase and 3 years of waiting for their daughter in China. They received a grant from Show Hope to help pay for the adoption.

Dad says that waiting those three years was so, so hard. But the moment that their little A was placed in their arms, it all disappeared. It melted away, he said. Dad also said that they just had a 3 year reunion with their travel group (many families meet other families who are adopting at the same time in China) and I will never forget that he said he was blown away at how different these girls were 3 years later. When these girls were placed in their arms, they were scared and hopeless and sad. Deep sadness. Now, they are changed children. They laugh. They have hope. They run and play and have a secure place in their families. It was noticeable on their very faces. They looked different.

It was a great chat. And little A was just so sweet. I got to talk to her for a while. I could see the love she had for her family and the love they had for her. Deep abiding, forever love. Hope-filled love. She was a happy 8 year old girl just like any other kid at that concert.

Dad asked me how I got involved with Show Hope and I told him my story. I have always wanted to adopt, but it isn't possible in my life right now. Instead, I sponsor Show Hope so other families can adopt and bring little ones home forever. I love it! It brings my heart eternal, abundant joy. He said, "that's great! Thanks. We were able to adopt because of a grant."

At the end of the evening, we were packing up the table and sponsor packets and saying our goodbyes. We thanked Julia for allowing us to help, and she ran off to catch the tour bus. As I was about to turn to go, dad turned to me and grabbed my hand in a strong, firm shake and looked deep in my eyes and said (I'm going to paraphrase because I can't remember the exact words), "thank you for what you gave. I have my family, my little girl, now because of you. Thank you."

Can I just tell you....I got out of that place as fast as I could because I burst into tears and sobbed the 1 hour trip back home. I cried when I told my small group the story last week. I'm crying now. There are few times in life, friends, where we get to see the impact that our small lives and the things we do in them have in this world. $35 little dollar a month. It's nothing, really, to me. It's eating out a few times a month. It's a trip to Target. But combined with other sponsors, it is a little girl's welcome into a loving family. It is HOPE. It is life. It is the possibility of an orphan hearing Jesus' love whispered to them in love. These dear, sweet children abandoned and told they are worthless are loved and part of a family forever and told they are valued and precious. Sweet treasures of heaven here on earth.

I thanked God (and continue to) over and over and over for that moment. I didn't have to have it. I would have still supported SH. But now, each month, I will think of the face of that little girl, a happy, dear, sweet treasure now home, forever and loved. The Lord was so gracious to let me peek behind the veil of the eternal, to see what really matters in life and to receive a "thank you" on earth. I will never, ever forget that moment. I will forever be grateful for it.

You can find out more about being a sponsor for Show Hope here.

You can make a one time donation here.

You can see what Jesus says about orphans here.

Show Hope: part 1

(blurry cell phone photo. sorry!)

A week ago today, I had the pleasure of volunteering for Show Hope. You guys, Show Hope is amazing. They are the real deal. You can read about what they do and who they are.

I have been sponsoring them for a long, long time now. One of the things that drew me to them (after the fact that SH was started and run by the Chapman's, whom I think the world of) was their passion to not only help orphans, but place them in loving, Christian homes. Show Hope gives grants to Christian families to help with the cost of adoption. And now, they also have have a special needs orphanage in China called Maria's Big House of Hope.

And just listen to what God is doing through Show Hope....the Chinese government saw how amazing MBHOH was with their own eyes. They saw how the children there were being loved and cared for. And guess what they did? They asked Show Hope to take over the special needs floors on all of the state run orphanages in the province of Luoyang. Can you even believe it?! God is moving in the hearts of a government that doesn't allow its people to even worship Him. So now, SH is raising the funds to begin 2 special needs floors in two state run orphanages in Luoyang, as well as give grants and run MBHOH.

Last Sunday, I went to the SCC concert and worked at the Show Hope table for the evening. What an amazing experience. I've done camp fairs too many times to count. I've talked to people about camp and how amazing it is (and it really is). But there was something about helping people become sponsors and sharing with them the wonder of adoption and caring for orphans that made/makes me feel alive inside. Adoption has always, always, always been a big passion of mine. I put my money where my mouth is. I support it and believe in it and pray every single day that I will be able to do it one day. Oh, how I loved looking into the eyes of concert goers and thanking them for choosing to help the orphans of the world. My "thank you" was sincere and most of the time with tear filled eyes.

I was also able to meet Julia, Caleb's wife. She works for Show Hope and was the representative for them at the concert. She was so kind and sweet and just fun. It was really neat to see her passion for Show Hope and hear her get excited to tell people about it.

There were a bunch of other volunteers with me too. Several families with their children. Two girls about my age that worked for an adoption agency that has an office in the area. One of the families has 4 kids and they are adopting 3 siblings from South America! It was so neat to hear their story. They were also SH grant recipients.

There was one other family there, and their story is just as beautiful. I'll share that one tomorrow. It's one I will never, ever forget....

(source)

As I was helping my dad put together his new snow blower today, I was secretly wishing that he won't have to use it (my parents live about an hour from me). For as much as I love how beautiful snow is and as much as I love sledding and tubing, I really, really, really don't want another winter like last winter.

How about just a light snow?
A few small inches?
Yes, I think that sounds reasonable.
Don't you?


In other news, I watched Wall*E again with my parents this evening. That movie is still fantastic every time I watch it. So creative. So sweet. So thought provoking. And so beautiful.

Tangled = adorables

Let it be known gentle readers. We LOVED Tangled. That's right. It's adorables.

My favorite scene was the night the lanterns from the castle were flying through the sky.

It was beatiful. One of those scenes that will be stuck in my head for years. Kinda like the house flying through the air with 100's of balloons on Up.

ps...don't think that you need children in tow to see this. It was just me, my mom and dad and we loved it. Oh, and Zachary Levi gains even more adorable points with this one.

off the top of my head

Thankful list:

the Bible
Mom and Dad
Brother
Sister and Brother-in-law
Nephew and niece
friends who share life and make me laugh
a job that is more that just a paycheck
a cottage on the water to call home
SCC concerts
An Orphan's Wish
Show Hope
Amazima
Compassion
trips to fun places
the "less busy" months at camp
Nikon D50's
Photoshop
Totally Rad Actions
Pioneer Woman Actions
electric heaters in my bedroom
ER reruns
seagulls squalking reminding me of seaside living
music
Fall colors
Liberty University
naps
sewing machines
Christmas music in November
Macy's Thanksgiving Day parades
Christmas shopping
blogs
Chuck
Parenthood
Sundance
lost and found Chuck Taylor hightops
cranberries
smoothies
chia seeds
Thanksgiving yummies
Thankgiving leftovers
Amazon
My Yahoo
church
Mark Driscoll podcasts
Modern Family
A million other little things that make up life

road trip must

35 hours of TAL?!
It includes some of my favorite episodes
Um, yes, please.
Perfect gift.
For giving and receiving (hint, hint)!
Only $29 bucks too.

Plans...important plans....

Thanksgiving weekend plans include:

Consume as much of my mom's Thanksgiving dinner (+ leftovers) as possible
Black Friday shopping (online and in stores)
Seeing HP7 again with friends (and maybe Tangled, too)
Finish a dominoes game with the parents (we started it while camping)
Eat more leftovers
Finish editing photos for friends
Write out blog posts that are swirling in my head
Make a big, long list of things I am thankful for
Start Felt-A-Licious!
Make a few art journal pages
Do my Breaking Free homework
Work on a secret project
Take photos
Play with Winnie
Skype my sister, nephew, niece
Shop for wool roving
Research dyeing wool
Shop for Christmas presents
Play Banangrams (and maybe win, just once)
Sleeeeeeeep


What are you up to this weekend?

City love

Two of my favorites...

jumbled thoughts

(photo taking while driving. it's not against the law, right?)

I spent quite a bit of time in my little car this weekend. And the entire time, I kept thanking the Lord for the blessing of it. I've had my Versa for 2 years now. It's so nice to have a dependable car. Truly. I'm still humbled that I have it.

I have a beautiful story to share, but my mind is still processing, which means it is half written at the moment. It needs a little while longer to percolate. I have to find the right words. It was one of the most beautiful moments. One that I will treasure for years to come.

I really want to finish my Christmas shopping before December. December is next week. Oops...

I won a class on Tara Whitney's blog. I about died when I saw her name in my inbox. I've never won anything. And I enter things ALL the time. I get to learn to felt. Super exciting. I wanted to sign up for this class, but couldn't spend the money. Truthfully, don't know if I'm more excited to win the class or get an email from TW....

I really, really want to HP7 again. Like...really.

Beauty out of the ashes

Overwhelmed by a God who loves, who gives, who makes all things new.

One of the best weekends ever. More details soon.

this morning...this evening...

This morning...






This evening...




Could I ask for a better day? I think not.


ps...I could gush for hours on the wonder of HP7, but I'll refrain. I'll leave you with this...I was already wanting to see it again when I was 10 minutes into it the first time.

Sorry, O

Your favorite things can never even begin to compare to the beauty God creates here at sunset. The sky AND the water were pink tonight.

Oh...and I saw a bald eagle scoop a fish out of the river right in front of me this morning on my walk to work. So, so incredibly cool.

And with that, nighty-night.

Who is your daddy and what does he do?

The question I get asked most when people hear that I work at a camp....

"So, what do you do at camp? What's your job?"

Ohhhh, boy. Believe it or not, that's kinda a tough question to answer. Mostly because it changes almost every day. I usually answer "I'm the administrative assistant" because it's the easiest. But if you really wanted to know, here is the extended version:

Things I do (have done) at camp:

answer the phones
handle all the mail (camp business mail and personal mail for 17 people)
balay on the climbing wall
prep food (for groups of 20-150 people)
cook food
clean up food
do dishes
wipe tables
sweep floors
make coffee (lots and lots of it)
mop floors
vacuum, clean and organize our chapel
keep the sound system up and running in the chapel
facilitate low elements
run the Giant Swing
lifeguard
drive boats
put gas in the boats
help maintain the boats
clean the boats
work Snack Shop
serve meals
write donation letters
scrub toilets
plunge clogged toilets
help shoo birds out of the upstairs of the Lodge (more than once...)
take out the trash
vacuum
clean windows
lead games
make up games for groups of 100 children
dress up in costumes
put on large camp wide events for Friday Night Events (during camp)
go down the slip-n-slide
clean up the soapy/sandy slip-n-slide
take photos
print labels
do mail outs
greet visitors
take out the recycling
haul cones
set up cones
drive the Mystery Machine
create crafts for campers
buy all the craft supplies
check the main office voicemail
distribute messages
meetings
more meetings
make flyers
update the website
proof-read letters, flyers, brochures, applications, you name it
buy office supplies
wash laundry
check out dorms
clean up trash





And then there are the random projects that seem to pop up like:

tiling the walls in the camp kitchen
de-shingling the roof of Harmony
paint a million different walls and trim
scare raccoons out of the Lodge
scare squirrels out of the Lodge
rescue canoes and paddle boats after a hurricane
put a new steering cable in a boat
pick up food donations at 7am
rescue stray dogs that wind up at camp
shovel snow during blizzards
clean up the basement after it floods


And I'm just going to stop because this list could go on forever. See? It's hard to tell people what my job is. I dread the day I ever leave here and have to answer that question on a job application. Some how I don't think "raccoon removal" will give off that "let's hire her" vibe. I'm just sayin".....

on the HP radar

Have you seen Marie Claire's Emma Watson cover shoot this month? (I've never actually read this magazine. I'm just in uber HP mode waiting for the movie to come out on Friday. I do love Nina on Project Runway though.) I happened to stumble upon it on my 3 hour trip to B&N last night. I immediately wanted to cut my hair pixie short again.





Little Hermione. She's quite a beauty now.

And the color palette in this shoot is perfection. I may have to buy this issue just to cut out these photos for future inspiration. Those greys, pale pinks, creams and mint greens mixed with big silver accessories....I can't get enough.

And just to be clear, I'm in crazy mode waiting for this movie to open. Dear goodness, it's hard to wait! And knowing that this one is going to be a "to be continued" is just killing me! Kaley, I know you are with me on this one.

Storytime

Tonight, I spent a happy hour sitting on the floor of the children's section of the black hole. You see, on Thursday I am a guest reader in a second grade class at a local private school. Gotta admit that I was giddy excited to be asked. I'm a nerd when it comes to reading to children. I adore it. And classic children's books are my very favorite. When one of the teachers asked me to read, I instantly exclaimed "yes!" I immediately began debating which of my favorites to read to the kids.

I think I've decided to read The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. It was one of my personal favorites when I was a kid. I still think of this story when I see a tiny house in the middle of an urban setting.

As I was reading the book, I couldn't help but remember this cartoon from Disney. It is a loose adaptation of the story.

Watching this makes me feel like I just got home from a long day at school. I would sit on the couch from 4:30-5:00 and watch old Disney cartoons to unwind. Such fun memories....

What children's stories did you love? Make Way For Ducklings? Madeline? Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs?

Home

What I mean to say is that I am home.

Not that this photo is home.

It is not.

It is a battlefield. A national park, if you will

It was quite beautiful at sunset last night.

And now on to a week full of exciting fun things!

East Coast love

I grew up on the East Coast. I've spent my life here except for a few jaunts here and there to fantstic new lands. And the more I travel the more blessed and in love I fall with the beauty and history that surrounds me here.

Today I spent a good part of the day on grounds hallowed by Americans and history buffs alike. I've decided that history by way of audio driving tour is my favorite way to experience the past. It was amazing, lesson filled and not too long and boring like every history class I've ever taken.

Headed home tomorrow with lots of great memories and photos.

Nighty-night, friends!