spring has taken the breeze

Back about a month, I went on a fantastic snowshoeing excursion with my friend Savanah.
I took a lot of pictures, which I've had difficulty getting up due to our internet and a myriad of issues.

But the colors had started changing, the snow just barely receding, though in a manner that could betray it's viewers as being the beginnings of spring, all the while still boding winter.
But these colors, these still darkened shades of greens, the very beginnings of spring coming from winter, inspired me for my next blog color scheme.

So here we are, my ever changing blog, the end of a college quarter, things happening, heralding in spring, with just a bit of new photography.

WATCHING: independent films LISTENING: 'just one yesterday' fall out boy

those moments

those moments
when everything just feels right
hands warmed
optimism...existing
everything holding still
music swelling

and in these moments
there is peace
there is hope
there is authenticity
there is contentment


This afternoon I've had such a moment, birthing this poem from it while listening to Agnes Obel.
It's just one of those moments.

I've recently shared my feelings that the title of Concrete & Grace is one that, while nonetheless good and meaningful, is one I feel does not entirely fit any longer.

Earlier this week I took the first step in making the change from C&G to something new.

I do not have a title for this, my blog, any longer. If there were one to be ascribed to it it would be 'nameless'.

Thus for the time being, until such a day as a new title may come about, it shall be adorned by words only of the address or, upcoming my hope is a sort of logo or insignia of my own design. Use of the address can be seen in my new header.

I am at an in-between.
Changing, but not changing.
Thus my blog is changing in more than just design.
I feel it just suits better.

WATCHING: pride and prejudice LISTENING: aventine (album) by agnes obel

by hand

WATCHING: castle LISTENING: 'he moved through the fair' by david arkenstone

geekery, school, and blogging

If you're reading this, you may have noticed that just yesterday I launched a new design for Concrete & Grace!
(Or, if you're reading this via bloglovin, or an email subscription, click here to check it out!)

I was going to go with a classic black and white, but along the way the idea of a deep blue background and coinciding color scheme invokative of the winter night sky just wouldn't leave my mind. Obviously it's not that far template-wise from what I had, but it is simple, elegant even. And most of all: I really, really like the change.

I've used the back-to-back C&G logo in the past, but wanted to bring it back in a more classic font (Times New Roman has grown on me.) for it to have uses further into the future. Inspiration for it can be closely linked to the well known Chanel logo.

In other news, yesterday I finished getting my financial aid stuff worked out, and am officially - and happily - registered for classes! Registered, with textbooks reserved, and extra funds awarded left over! I am so incredibly thankful!

I only have three classes right now, just enough to fulfill my requirements for financial aid (12 credit minimum). Just general, get it out of the way classes. Namely: music appreciation, intro to film, and a computer sciences class focusing on Excel.

If you happen to follow me on tumblr, or on Instagram, you may know I'm a fan of a podcast called Welcome To Night Vale. It's bizarre, funny, and not for every person; but I adore it.
For incredibly nerdy reasons that involve both WTNV and Star Trek, I am in love with this shirt I bought a few weeks ago that arrived in the mail on Monday.

In fact, I am very much wearing it today!

Last night my family and I watched Epic for the first time; and I have to say, I wish I had taken the time to see it sooner!
I thoroughly enjoyed it, from the soundtrack, to the comedy, the action, the vocal talent, to (of course) the gorgeous animation.
Wow.
It earns a definite recommendation from me!

That's really all I have for now, but don't miss today's other post; one of my recent, favorite songs, from one of the albums I've had on repeat for the last month. And check back in tomorrow for some more tunes, and Friday for some hilarity in the form of a favorite YouTube video.

LISTENING: aventine (album) by agnes obel (re)READING: fellowship of the ring by j.r.r. tolkien WATCHING: epic

of weddings, and family, and travels

This past week, after putting in work and night-before-packing, we left our little corner of the world and set out for my Aunt and Uncle's house.

While I don't like riding in the car, it wasn't terribly far (anything 8- hours isn't terribly far for me) and of course the entire journey was worth it!

My oldest cousin was wed last Saturday to his beautiful bride. And the five days we spent visiting and helping and spending time with family, were great.

As I'm but a poor, broke, in debt, student, my gift is pictures.

While I hadn't planned on going through any of them yesterday (school work and other pictures to finish up were rattling around my mind), I just couldn't resist.

So, here is the little teaser I cooked up.

Congratulations to the bride and groom, lots of love to you all!

all the new bits

NEW DESIGN!

Yes, again. But since the last big update was at the beginning of this year, with a slight header refresh for the summer I thought it was time.
I had really wanted to have a special one for fall, but alas, it wasn't meant to be.

p.s. You may notice that I have links to both my Flickr and YouTube accounts above the header. My flickr currently only features a handful of instagram pictures and I don't have but one public video on my YouTube. However I'm hoping both will have more to offer in the coming months.

boots are fantastical

frye women's engineer 8r boots pictured with an assortment of random socks

I like boots. I'm a boots type of girl. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my TOMS, especially in the summer. And my Converse are all around great. However, I'm not one to pass up a good pair of boots.
But I am pretty crazy picky.
Some girls have a checklist for what they require in a guy. Me? I have a checklist for boots. It includes things like no zippers and real leather. That they need to actually be able to fit me i.e. wide enough for my feet, preferably with a large enough shaft circumference/short enough to allow for thick socks and/or leg warmers. Decent soles. Realistically and diversely wearable. Also good craftsmanship. That type of thing. Also, made in the USA is always a plus.
Honestly? I didn't think they existed. That is, until I discovered the oldest manufacturer of shoes in the United States. Frye has been around since 1863, family owned until the late 1940's and is still around and making quality footwear today. And they make a boot that I think is the closest thing to boot perfection. As in they boot pretty much fulfills all of my criteria. I mean look at them ------->

<-----THIS makes me happy in inexplicably geeky ways

I have something of an avid love for soundtracks and probably at the top of my favorite soundtracks is the Lord of the Rings.
For the longest time I was wondering why the version of the soundtrack for Fellowship (and Two Towers) that I had was rather (though in the case of Fellowship: completely) different from that which I knew in the films.
The other night I discovered that the reason is because in the extended editions (which is what we have on DVD) they completely re-recorded and expanded the score to completely polish the "deleted" scenes so it was like they were never deleted. (*squee of intense geekery*)
Which lead me to the discover that I have the complete score for Return of the King but I most definitely need the complete recordings for Two Towers and Fellowship of the Ring!

The Hobbit

WHO ELSE IS CRAZY EXCITED FOR THE HOBBIT?!!!!

Also, did you guys know that there's extra bits on YouTube via Peter Jacksons channel?
I found out the other day and ended up watching several of them.
Because I love extras.

new photography

Up on my deviantART is some new photography. So check out my profile and browse the gallery!
There's a picture I just took a couple days ago as well as some from August and September, with more to come!

new glasses

I finally got new glasses with my updated prescription.
As a by-product, I can actually see in the dark again and it doesn't look like the ground is on the same level as my chest. Lack of depth perception is not fun my friends. It's side effects include walking into all manner of objects and people as well as a heightening one's power of klutziness.

school

I'm rather happy that here in less than two weeks the current college quarter is going to be over, followed by a nice and long winter break.
And then, winter quarter classes start at the beginning of January.

{available for prints here}
For me this means that I'm getting to take a course I have much anticipated, on Photoshop usage in web design!

New Horizons

Flyleaf's final album, New Horizons is utterly fantastic.
From beginning to end it's packed with songs that I have already committed to my lyrical memory library. I am still saddened by the fact that it is going to be the last album featuring Lacey, but the album is nonetheless fantastic.
Long time fans of Flyleaf will love it, but I think as one of them I also see that it's very different from past albums. Maybe it's just because of the bittersweet knowledge that Flyleaf will never be the same, but after the harder more edgy rock of their debut album and Memento Mori, and the softer tones of Remember to Live, New Horizons seems to be an amalgamation of these two points in Flyleaf's growth as well as something completely different.

For me the album still holds as much meaning as any of the previous, but at the same time it seems like there isn't as much of the Flyleaf feeling that I know so well in the writings of the songs. I think that maybe it has something to do with the fact that Lacey wasn't as involved in the making of the album, only traveling to the studio to record vocals.

While the album for those of us who know this music so well is different and maybe even lacking it is nonetheless fantastic in the sound and meaning despite the bittersweet tinge. From the rocking opening and attention call of Fire Fire, to the heart wrenching way I desire to belt out the Saving Grace and the highly anticipated new rendition of Broken Wings this album is truly sending the Lacey era of Flyleaf out with a bang.

Pitch Perfect

My friend Amanda, my mom, and I went to the movies a couple weeks ago to see Pitch Perfect. We laughed a lot. Though Supernatural fans who kind of almost cry whenever they hear Carry On My Wayward Son, be warned, it comes up in the first few minutes of the movie. It caught me off guard...I was awkwardly laugh crying. hahaha (Sarah, I blame you.)

The Big Bang Theory

My grandma convinced us to watch Big Bang Theory, after years of various people telling me I should watch it...and lots of my confusion at being compared to Sheldon (it happens more than you would think...and I'm still not sure whether or not to be flattered or insulted haha).
OH MY GOSH THIS SHOW IS SO GREAT.

My whole entire family loves it and we eagerly await every time the next DVD in a season comes...and when it does we usually end up sitting and watching the whole thing so we can send it back the next day to get another faster!
All of us enjoying it though is quite a feat, there's very few shows we can all watch and laugh at together.

So, as the holidays are nearing and as this is one of my favorite scenes thus far in the series, here's a clip...it's not the best definition but it's pretty great.

and that is where I shall take my leave

I do believe I have thrown enough media, words and rambling at you all for now.
Until my next post, hope you're all doing well! blessings and prayers

reading: anna karenina by leo tolstoy --- watching: lord of the rings trilogy extended editions

in which I have a new computer // the post of ten days

Day Zero

As I'm typing this, it is actually Friday October 12th 2012 and while I'm not going to be posting this for a while, I wanted to start now.

Because keeping this under my hat (to coin the phrase) is rather part of the excitement.

And I know it's going to kill me, but just waiting is already killing me.

I guess I should probably explain, huh?

As many of you may know, I've been working hard, and saving for a new computer. Because it's been computer woes, and even more computer woes with my poor little laptop.

Which means its been hard to even get a minimum of school done, let alone have the computer power for work as well...making earning money for a new computer all the more difficult.

For my birthday, just a couple weeks ago, I asked that anyone interested in sending me a gift, instead contribute to my computer fund.

Okay, cutting to the chase now......
I was able to order my computer this morning!!!!!!!

It all happened in a crazy turn of events of which I'm not entirely sure how it came about.

Basically I was very generously offered the opportunity to buy my computer now, and pay it off as I have the money. (I will have it mostly paid off by the end of the year.)

And since I will have it, that means I'll be able to do more computer reliant work and make more money that way!

Now, I just want to end this little-beginning with an expression of deep gratitude, and thankfulness, as well as surprise, and excitement.

God works in mysterious ways my friends.

Hopefully you'll be hearing from me more often, as with the arrival of a new computer (that I don't have to battle) is imminent.
Probably a new blog design in the future as well...going to have to get to know some special new programs! ;D

Day Four

So, it is now Tuesday, October 16th.

I think I've already drove my family crazy talking about my new computer.

Have I told you all that I've named it?

Yes...intensely weird and geeky of me...just wait.
Though, in my defense, I've had the name picked out for little more than a month.

On Sunday I asked someone if they'd like to see a picture of my youngest child...then showed them a picture of my computer.

Playing along good natured-ly, she asks "What's her name?"...I don't think she was actually expecting me to have an answer.

Any day now my extra RAM should arrive. My iMac is still due on Friday, and my Adobe Software should be in the mailbox on Saturday.

Day Six

Thursday October 18th.

I think I check the order status for my computer several BILLION times a day.
Okay...maybe not billion in all caps...but it's so much I can't actually be bothered with keeping count.

It's a lot.

Last night I checked the status of my order and became crazy excited because my computer's status had chanced to "shipping to store". (It was "processing order" for the first few days, followed by "preparing for shipment" late, late Tuesday.)

In the moment it was really exciting.

And I was thinking "YESSSS I'M GOING TO HAVE MY COMPUTER ON FRIDAY". Because that's when the "available at store" date said I would be able to pick it up.

Well, *sad face* I looked down and realized that the available-for-pickup date had also changed...to the 22nd.
Meaning Monday.

At first that really bummed me out. A lot. Because I want it now.
However, the patient, logical side of me was rather pleased.

Because on the scale of torture, it's better to wait two extra days to have it, than to get it and have to work for two days while it sits at home. That's way worse.

Now, at least this way it's a slightly nicer agony...and I'll have a few days to play with it *cough* I mean get it all set up and whatnot before I have to clean toilets (during the weekend) again.

And this way, I should have my extra RAM and my Adobe Software already at home, ready to go when I get my computer.

Is this what optimism feels like?

*squeals with excitement*

Day Waiting Over

Tuesday October 23rd, 2012

Yesterday was the super important day in which I picked up my iMac.

Everyone, I would like you to meet Excalibur!

Because, yes, I had to name my computer in an incredibly geeky manner.

I've been working on getting things installed and working; as well as just generally getting the hang of things as this is completely new to me!
You heard that right, this is my first Mac...in fact, I'd never even used a Mac before I got Excalibur up and running last night.

Which makes this quite a leap from PC to Mac.
But I do believe I rather like it.

Also, just a general impression, it's all screen and the screen is HUGE.
Not in a bad way, mind you. I just don't have a very good concept of 27" (or any other measurement...) so yeah, it's more than two feet of screen. Which is pretty massive in the way of screens.
And also amazing.

Which makes editing your first photo with Lightroom insanely gorgeous.

Makes me happy I invested in a camera this spring.

Good things to come my friends. Fantastic, creative things.

And with another mention of my intense gratefulness, I bid you all well, and a goodnight.

here we go again...

So, I've updated the look...and I'm liking it. 

Here's just a few tidbits of lately, hopefully I'll keep it short.

NEW BUTTON!

  It's at the bottom of the page, and on the 'about' page. Go put it on your sidebar! :-)

Fine Arts

is coming up! April as a matter of fact. Mailing in my registration next week! Meanwhile, thanking Jesus for a place to stay and work to do to earn money for gas. The whole family is coming this year as we're staying with some old friends of my dads. Family road trip! Also, instead of having to drive an hour from where we're staying to the church where FA is, it's at a different church and it's 20 minutes from where we're staying. PRAISE JESUS. He's bringin' it all together.

School

is as school-ey as ever. I will be very glad when my English Lit class is over. Very, very, very glad.

This

in HD + full screen = 15 minutes of epicness.

I cleaned my room

. As in seriously cleaned it...and I've somehow managed to pretty much keep it that way. Miraculous, I know.

I've had my learners permit for six months now and as soon as I have more driving hours done,

I can get my license

. This makes me happy.

Movies

There are a few I'm pretty excited for. Brave and The Hunger Games just to  name a couple. I get goosebumps every time I watch The Hunger Games preview when Katniss volunteers in place of Prim. I actually get teary. And that's unusual for me. I highly suggest HD.

Pinterest

is still a serious obsession for me. There needs to be an AA for pinners.

May It Be

by Enya is awesome. LOTR soundtrack epicness. 

ILL

Yeah, I keep getting sick. Really don't like that. Apparently my immunity needs built back up...I was actually told I need to get out more the other day. By someone who can't remember the names of their neighbors. And this town barely has 200 people in it.

Validation

is a YouTube vid I discovered. It makes me smile. And, for any Bones fans; yes, that is TJ Thyne who plays Hodgens. 








Thanks to being sick...I've gotten hooked on a couple new

tv shows

Mainly Supernatural, which I wouldn't suggest for you more hardcore no witches-evil-sorcery-fiction type Christians...but for those who like a good story and take it as it is, I enjoy it. And when it comes to laughing I definitely suggest Last Man Standing. It's on Hulu. Tim Allen. Hilarious. What more can I say?





supernatural

This

made me laugh very, very much.






I think that's just about everything...I do believe I was successful in keeping each tidbit relatively short and sweet. 

Hopefully I'll post again soon...we'll see! Don't want to completely disappear again. Blogging is somewhat therapeutic. 


blessings to all of you, and to anyone who wants to contact me just leave a comment (I see each one) or email me at: the.siriana@gmail.com

Oh and for more on any of these subjects, just check my lables at the end of the post!

Don't mind me...

the completely absentee blogger.

I've blogged a whole whopping total of two times this month. Yes. Two.

Because I'm lazy and unmotivated. But, I already posted about that.

Yes, one of the two posts I posted this month were about my lack of posting. Pretty much like this one is, as I'm sure you've noticed.

Even now, I'm blogging to avoid doing my English assignment. Terrible, I know.

Anyways...to make up for it - and because I want to - I am going to start listening to my History lectures here in a moment and work on some new looks for the blog...sometimes a design freshening is just what I need to get back on track.

which reminds me...I should straighten up my room.

striving to live relentless...it's so very hard

-

Yay!

In case you didn't notice when the page loaded, the new design is finally up and working!
Yay!
Well...hopefully everything's working. Hopefully!
I would love it if you commented to let me know whether or not the 'followers' (journeyers) widget is working. I noticed it wasn't loading a lot after I uploaded the new design.

Let me know what you think! :)
 
I should update post-wise soon!

For the Record

I have been attempting to upload a new blog design...for fall / halloween / my birthday.

However, Blogger has decided that it hates me (hopefully just for today) and I can't seem to properly upload the template. It says it's uploaded successfully but the appearance of my blog says otherwise!

Anyone else having this problem? Any helpful advice?

Thanks! :) Hope you're all having a great day, a good school year and a beautiful fall!

Oh Browser!

Hey everyone! I'm sure there are quite a few of you who are wondering just where I've been! Not to mention the question "how did camp go?!".

Unfortunately, no, thats not actually what this post is about...camp I mean.

Those of you who follow me on twitter (@The_Siriana) will know that camp (aka the #JesusPartyOfAwesome) will know that camp was EPICALLY AWESOME!!!

But that whole story is being saved for a later post.

Basically I've been back (home) since the 26th of July and yes, I know...haven't posted.
This is my apology post.
My not-the-recap-but-still-something post.

Yes...I'm realizing now how this is a strange work harder, but not smarter type of procrastinative laziness...

---

On a blogger-related note...I'm currently using Internet Explorer because I'm having browser issues.

You see, the browser that was usually my pal is Firefox.

But then, waaaay back earlier this school year Firefox failed me (*sob*) and I switched to Google Chrome.

You know how Google Chrome is "SO FAST". Well, as it turns out, its SO FAST because it basically HOGS the bandwith and sucks it away from everyone else. So really it was making it near impossible for anyone else in my family to actually be able to use the wifi.

So, Firefox and Google Chrome was out AND I didn't like Internet Explorer.

I turned to the only other one I knew.

Safari.

Which, I fell in love with!

Until I got back from my camp and escapade and it as well as iTunes evidently didn't update right (ugh) and so I was back in the "what do I use now" phase.

So here I am, using Internet Explorer because its been updated, I like the look a lot more now...and well...its the only thing thats working for me *facecomputer*.

And I'm noticing that the font for my post titles is really squished and weird looking!

UGH

I think its kind of interesting how this has turned into a tech rant!

What browser do you guys use, and why? I'm interested to see what you guys think the pros and cons of certain browsers are...its the number one thing I have an issue with on my computer.

And I think that is where I'll leave you all this evening...with you all wondering about my sanity, how much of a tech geek I really am, and just when I plan on actually posting about camp.

toodles! :D

Newness!

Hey everybody!

Its today! (though isn't it always? lol)

The special significance of today is that Concrete & Grace has changed!

Before, it was weareconcreteandgrace.blogspot.com (I still maintain the url) and now, its thesiriana.blogspot.com.

So I'd greatly appreciate it if everyone would go and pick up the new blog button from my sidebar, take a gander around the new design and tell me what you think!

blessings~

Heads Up!

Hey everyone! Thanks to all who weighed in on Question for My Peeps!!!

I have come to a decision...*insert dramatic drumroll*

I am changing the URL to my blog!

As of tomorrow it shall be thesiriana.blogspot.com!

And to make things even better...a completely all new design.

Who else is super excited???

Definitely me!!

So make sure to check back tomorrow (I'm sure I'll post again) to pick up my new blog button, and check out the design!

blessings~

Question for my Peeps

Okay, random question for my bloggie readers out there.

My URL is way long, and kind of complicated.

I mean really, weareconcreteandgrace.blogspot.com??? Kind of difficult, no?

I've been thinking of changing it to sirianablogs.blogspot.com but I kind of want to save that for if / when I start doing blog design as a way to make money.

So I was thinking maybe
the-siriana.blogspot.com
or even
thesiriana.blogspot.com

But it kind of depends on what you guys think...would you all make sure to pick up a fresh blog button that has the new address?

Has anyone tried buying a url with blogger? So that it can be your-ulr.com as opposed to your-url.blogspot.com?

Also, what do you guys think of this design? I'm sure I've asked before but I'm thinking something a bit lighter and brighter is good for summer.

Of course, seeing as how I have time now, and the creative juices are flowing, its extremely possible that I might just be coming up with something completely different for C&G.

So lots of questions, comment with feedback if it made any sense please! :)

Spring Design

Since spring is here and I felt it was time for something more...colorful...bright...new? haha
Well, I have changed my design again...though, only a little...new header, new background...its actually not all that different.

However, its not as dark, which I think is something of a nice change, no?

Hope you're all having a lovely week...hopefully I will continue to get better and have no more of this nasty sickness!

Blessings :-)

Question for my Readers

Hey everybody, I have a question for all yous.

I've been thinking...

Well, about a lot of things really, but one thing in particular that I'd like to get your opinions on.

What do you peoples think about me opening up a blog design shop of sorts?

I've been taking a web design class and have figured out a lot of stuff about blog as I've gone along so I'm pretty confident I know my stuff.

I don't know about rates or anything yet...or if I'll even do it, but I was wondering if anyone had anything to say about that idea.

Would any of you be interested in a design by SirianaBlogs?

Do you think its anything anyone else might be interested in?

Please comment!

concrete design

Well...I've done it yet again.

Changed my blog design I mean.

Of course, I kept the black and blue color scheme I do adore but went with something a little overall darker than my last (simple) look.
This one, is totally concrete inspired.

Though I didn't do it on purpose...I just ended up using "concrete" GIMP brushes and afterwards realized that with the name of my blog, it totally worked.

Coincidence? Ironically, yes!

your creatively fickle blogger~

Quotes and Design

I write
NOT for the sake of glory
NOT for the sake of fame
NOT for the sake of success
but for the sake of my soul
--rachel joy scott
{from the cover of her last journal}

Hello lovely readers, it being the day after Christmas, the new blog design is up as I promised.

I wanted to feature one of my favorite quotes in my header this time around, and so I chose a quote from Rachel Joy Scott.




For those of you who don't know who Rachel is, she was the first casualty of the April 1999 Columbine school shootings.

After the shootings, Rachel's parents released a book entitled Rachel's Tears that was Rachel's spiritual journey in a compilation of her journals.


Last year, being the 10 year memorial of the columbine shootings there was a re-release of a slightly different, expanded book that I have yet to read.

Rachel's story and spiritual journey greatly impacted my life and my walk with Christ, and many of my all-time favorite quotes are ones that she has penned.

I am NOT a beer chuggin', pot trippin', drug dealin' Christian
I AM a God lovin', satan slammin', Jesus freakin', world changin', Christian.
I AM A WARRIOR FOR CHRIST
--Rachel Joy Scott

What if you were to die today? What would happen to you? Where would you go? Tomorrow is not a promise, but a chance. It may not be there for you. After death, then what? Where will you spend your eternity? Will you have eternal life with your loving Father? Or will you be ripped from the arms of your Savior. Eternity is in your hands; change it! written by Rachel Joy Scott

“And as Christians, we need to remember to walk our talk.”--rachel joy scott

“Go after God. Whatever it takes, do it. And don’t give the excuse, “I am just a teenager” or “I’ll do that when I grow up,” because it doesn’t work that way. God wants you NOW.” --Rachel Joy Scott {from a book she was writing}

“I am not going to apologize for speaking the Name of Jesus, I am not going to justify my faith to them, and I am not going to hide the light that God has put into me. If I have to sacrifice everything…I will.” --Rachel Joy Scott {1 year before her death}

More information and some cool stuff to get involved in, you can check out RachelJoyScott.com and Rachel's Challenge.

New Design!!!

Hey! If you haven't seen it yet, make sure to come check out the new blog design!