Fine Arts Trip Recap Day 1

So, I'm sure at least some of you are wondering what all went down during the epic district Fine Arts Journey (for more about FA click here!) a few weeks ago (wow...has it really only been a few weeks??) and I realized I needed to post...so here we are!

Basically the trip was lots of driving...and traffic...and tiredness.
So during the whole thing I was really tired, but pretty stoked at the same time (quite the combination, eh?) and in all truthfulness, didn't really have enough rest to process everything as it happened.
So if you asked me what I thought of things and if I was excited during the trip my answer would have been along the lines of "shhhh. I'm sleeping..." whereas after I had some good sleep and time to process everything that happened (twas a seriously fast paced trip) my answer its "IT WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!".

When I say the trip was fast paced, I mean there wasn't much time when we weren't doing something!

Here's how everything went down trip, day 1...

Thursday:

get up
get dressed
eat
load car
leave
lunch
spend 2 - 3 hours looking for things I need (art board for my t-shirt design, prints of my photography etc. etc.)
back on the road
drive
see this oddity driving on the highway...

drive
drive
stop for gas
drive
drive
drive through a snow storm?!





drive
drive through a rain storm...





still driving, sun comes out...beautiful despite the highway!






and it gets even prettier as we go!!!








drive
get lost looking for the house we're staying at
I again point out my lack of navigation skills
drive
find the house we're staying at
meet the lovely people we were staying with for the weekend
share a meal
unpack
get ready for bed
try to sleep
try to sleep
try to sleep
roughly 2am realize haven't slept and sometime thereafter finally, actually fall asleep

Company with a Cause: TOMS SHOES

I like organizations that work for a good cause.
Not the fakey ones or the ones that are making a gazillion dollars off of it.

The real ones.

My favorite, and ones I support include TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms), World Vision, Love 146, and the topic of this post...TOMS Shoes.





I've known about TOMS since...well, just about their beginning.

But its only been in the past several months that I've really started paying attention to what they do and just how much it means...and how cute their shoes happen to be ;-)

One for One


TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS mission transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support.

Giving Is Catching On...
The TOMS mission of giving shoes has attracted other brands, resulting in unique and successful collaborations. Ralph Lauren sold co-branded Polo Rugby TOMS, giving a matched pair with every pair sold. Element Skateboards has issued limited edition TOMS + Element shoes as well as a One for One skateboard. With every skateboard purchased, one will be given to a child at the Indigo Skate Camp in Durban, South Africa. It is TOMS’ hope that as our One for One movement continues to grow, more and more companies will look to incorporate giving into what they do.

The TOMS Story
In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.

As of September 2010, TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes to children in need through Giving Partners around the world.

Its that cool OR WHAT?! haha

And not only do they have a bunch of cute styles and colors for men, women and children they also have a wedding collection.

Awesome? I think yes!

Just a few weeks ago TOMS had their 'Day Without Shoes':



I really, really, really wanted to do it...and I did for the most part...except for when I had to go to the grocery store...the won't let me in without shoes (health laws lol).

TOMS just keeps growing more and more and almost everywhere I go, I'm seeing at least one person sporting TOMS.

And because I've been suffering from some serious shoe-lust over
these beauties, not to mention I'm willing to save for the price because its buying shoes for not just me...



I do believe I know where my next pair of shoes is going to come from!!!
(And did I mention their rave reviews??? Apparently comfort is an understatement with even these...I SO want to try that out for myself!)

Time Sensitive (FREE) AWESOMENESS!

Hey bloggy peeps!

I know I owe you all a post or two on my escapades from my Fine Arts trip...but I had to dish out this post real quick 'cause its time-sensitive!

I don't know if any of you have read or are familiar with Wings by Aprilynne Pike but its currently on sale @ Amazon (.com)!

And get this...ITS FREE!!!

So...if you have a Kindle, or even just an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch (the latter being what I have) even if you don't have a Kindle well, there's an app for that. ;-)

Wings turned out to be MUCH better than I was expecting, I must say.
Insanely original story line...yes faeries, but not like anyone has ever really portrayed them...

Now, I have to put my opinion on the matter out there...on the whole 'fairy' vs. 'faerie' issue. (YES there are WAY too many OTHER spellings...but these being the most common so them I will address.)
I do know people who are pretty "What the heck?! Just spell it one way and stick with it!" on the subject...but here's what I think.
'Fairy' makes me think of little girls, pink dresses, princesses, fairy godmothers and dress up. In other words: GIRLY
'Faerie', however, makes me think mystery, intrigue, mischievous, dark awesomeness...in other words: INTERESTING or perhaps gothic...but not girly.

Anyway...moving on....

I guess I should start at the beginning.

Laurel has just moved, from small town-home schooled girl, to slightly bigger town-public school girl.
Adjusting isn't easy for her.

Laurel has a zit.
Maybe puberty finally has caught up with her.
On her back.
Right between her shoulder blades.
But, it keeps getting bigger...and bigger...by the time its the size of a softball...she decides that if its not gone by the next morning, she'll tell her parents.
She, of course, is FREAKING OUT...thinking it must be some kind of tumor.

So, next morning, she wakes up...and its gone, but in its place is a large, flower.
We're talking petals, the whole shabang...OUT OF HER BACK...
She of course, flips out more.

Anyways...hoping all you people aren't either grossed or freaked out by now, but THAT is how the book starts...seriously, its NOT as gross or anything that I probably made it sound like.
My rating: 3 1/2 out of 5.
Not 'cause it wasn't good or anything, but compared to the amazingly awesome books I was reading around the same time (I read this last year), it was rather short.
But I still definitely suggest it!

God's Got This

Wow...God provides...I mean beyond crazy imagining I-can-barely-believe-it provides.

You see, my church agreed to cover the cost for gas so I could make it to district fine arts festival and I've been doing work in exchange.

Well, as some of you might know I've been painting the basement walls of the church and have been keeping track of my hours because the church wanted to make sure that if I actually worked for more than what I would need for gas that I would get payed...

So, I was kind of stressing about that.
I mean, the amount I needed I didn't think that I would make...
But my family has been helping me with all of the work and I was surprised when today, my mom added up all the hours and at minimum wage, and...

I was shocked.

I couldn't believe it.

Exactly the amount we needed for gas to get there and back again.

My dad's words were "see, everything works out".

And he's so right.

God's got it.

He's takin' care of it.

And I totally was stressin' and freakin' out 'cause I didn't have a handle on things and well...that scares me when I'm not in control.

I guess it scares all of us...but I seem to be really good and worrying...

Somethings for me to work on, eh?

blessings to you all...more updates soon!

Eye Shadow, Primer & MakeUp Oh my

I've been getting into makeup and hair like never before.

I've always really paid attention to clothes and stuff but makeup has never been my thing...but I've been getting into it lately.

I don't really have much make up...which means I've assembled a wishlist of sorts...things I can afford and will get eventually, and things that are...umm...lets just say way out of my price range...like...ever. (Unless of course I really, really want to splurge.

So I'll start off with the shorter list...the list of things that I highly doubt I will ever buy unless I find some really epic sale (online considering I haven't physically been shopping in over a year...).

The first is a primer from Fresh.

Now, I've never used a primer, but I really want to try one because they're supposed to really help your makeup stay on. Which is something I have a hard time with because my skin is combination (leaning more towards oily) and makeup doesn't stay on so well.

I've been hearing lots of rave reviews for their Rose Freshface Primer.

Second in the out-of-my-price-range category is a liquid eyeshadow from Bare Escentuals that comes in this interesting little bottle/applicator...yes its the High Shine Eye Color.

I've learned that my eyes pretty much always look just brown, but when you look really close there's some really cool green and flecks of gold and bronzy-gold colors really bring the other colors in my eyes out.
Which makes this color awesome...and I think the applicator is cool too...half of what caught my eye.

Third in the category is an eyeshadow from Urban Decay that I think just looks ah-mazing.
The Urban Decay Stardust eyeshadow.

The final item in the out-of-my-price-range-category would have to be something I have heard rave reviews about as well...the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner.

Now, a couple of products that I've heard rave reviews about (as well as them being much more within my price range) are two mascaras...

The Lo'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes**...

And...Maybelline New York Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara**

I think this is the one I might just choose out of the two because it being waterproof = good for summer oh yah.

**note** the link goes to WalMart...which I happen to not shop from for various reasons...unless absolutely unavoidable...

Now, keeping that in mind...the coming summer I mean, I've had my eye on Physicians Formula Healthy Wear SPF 50 Powder Foundation.

I've heard great things about this. Because its simple and easy to apply as well as SPF 50 great for summer!

Keeping with the foundation aspect of makeup I've also been hearing that this lovely new foundation from L'Oreal is ah-mazing.
L'Oreal Magic Smooth Souffle

And finally to end out my wishlist is something that I rather need seeing as I only have a couple brushes...well, it's just about every brush from EcoTools. haha

Bamboo 6 Piece Eye Brush Set

features these lovely brushes...
• Large Eye brush
• Angled Crease Brush
• Petite Eye Shading Brush
• Highlighting Brush
• Smudge Brush

and a nice hemp & cotton case to carry them!

The 6 Piece Brush Set

• Blush Brush
• Eye Shading Brush
• Angled Eyeliner Brush
• Concealer Brush
• Lash & Brow Brush

and of course the lovely hemp & cotton case!

Then of course there's the assortment of other brushes...

Bamboo Powder Brush	Bamboo Bronzer Brush	Bamboo Foundation Brush
Bamboo Kabuki Brush	Bamboo Smudge Eyeliner Brush

Now to wind things out...just had to share some of the cute stuff in EcoTools new collection!

Pencil Case

Cosmetic Bag

Train Case

Hanging Valet

And so that is my probably not much ever going to happen but maybe some of it is possible wishlist ;-) that I seem unable to have decided on a title for...sorry boys ;-) but there wasn't anyway this post could avoid being girly! haha

Hope you're all having a good week, I'm busy working!

Much, Much To Do!

Just a quick post to update everyone!

District Fine Arts Festival is next week for me...and so that means I'll be goin' on my journey!

SO much fun, I absolutely cannot wait!

God has provided so much for me to be able to attend and I'm looking forward to it!

I still need to finalize and perfect my t-shirt design entry as well as pick out a picture for my photography entry...oh yes, and finishing memorizing my spoken word presentation would probably be a good idea as well!

SO much to do and so little time!

Not to mention I have web design to catch up on (from the week I was dreadfully ill) so not only am I spending my spring break (this week) getting ready for Fine Arts and catching up on web design assignments but I'm also painting the church!

I agreed to help out with some odd jobs since the church is providing for my trip to FA and so I'm starting today (because I couldn't earlier from other work that was being done and the supplies not being ready).

So I'm all in a rush...and kind of stressing but I know I'll make it through somehow! (well...at least my friends have convinced me of that, you guys are awesome...you know who you are ;)

Oh and I'm not painting the outside of the church...just the basement...If anyone was wondering.

And so it is that I must bid you all adieu for there is much, much to do!

Hoping you're all having a wonderful week, whether on vacation, at work or in school...

Liquid Sunshine

1. Favorite season, and why?
• Honestly, I don't think I can pick one! Where I live we have a full four seasons and I love each of them for what they are.
2. How would you describe your personal style?
• unique
  It changes and shifts depending on my mood, and I draw inspiration from a lot of things around me.
3. What's one weird thing you can do? (The stranger the better!)
• ummmm...
4. Rain or shine?
• I like it when the sun is out, but rain is good because it keeps everything nice and green!
5. Confession time... what's a flaw of yours?
• I talk to fill the silence and so I tend to ramble on hoping to avert awkwardness when I usually only do the opposite!
6. Favorite music?
• I like just about all kinds of music (with the exception of country and some rap...).
  BUT my favorite music is rock.
7. Have you ever made a decision you instantly regretted? What was it?
• Yes, yes I have.
  ummm...honestly I know I have more than once but I don't think I can really call one to mind just this second.
8. Who do you admire/look up to?
• There are a few people who I think I look up to, and the first one is Jesus, but aside from the Sunday School answers (haha) I look up to Rachel Joy Scott (she was the first casualty of the Columbine shootings) and Lacey Mosley (lead singer of Flyleaf).
9. You've just won an unlimited lifetime supply of... what?
• money.
  Kind of a cliche worldly answer there, but an unlimited supply of that and things like college and stuff would be taken care of...which would be a load of my mind!
10. If you were an animal, what would you be?
• I think I would probably be...hmmnnn...well thats a hard question! I kind of like having my thumbs...
11. If you knew you were going to die in a year, what would you do with your time?
• hmmnnn...I would live everyday like its my last. I would want to go places and see things...like Paris, Rome, the pyramids in Egypt...
12. You're now a gazillionaire... where do you go to spend your money?
• the Apple Store! hahaha But first I'd pay for college and more important stuff.
13. Classical music: love it or hate it?
• Its not my first choice for listening but I do enjoy it on occasion!
14. Phobias?
• none that I know of...or is that a phobia? haha
15. Hop on a plane and go live somewhere for a year... where is it, and why?
• I'm thinking Hawaii...hard choice between leisure and having always wanted to go to Egypt...but with all recent events, I think I'd choose Hawaii.
16. Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
• introvert...all the way...I'm that invisible wallflower girl who no one ever notices or realizes exists...which I don't really like most the time but...
17. Would you/do you perform on stage?
• Yes! And I LOVE it...it makes up for my introverted-ness because on stage I can be anyone I want to be.

Hair Woes...Relieved

Yes...again...me and my hair...and no, thats not reLIVED thats reLIEVED...as in for the first time ever I went to a salon and got my hair done! *gasp*

Rather surprisingly, it was my dads idea...with my presentations and trip to district Fine Arts coming up...but there was definitely no way I was going to say no!

And, I finally got my hair cut and styled the way I've wanted for quite a while.
Mom tried back in the fall...she really did...and really it was my fault for forcing the need for a haircut on her (all my hair was hurting my neck dreadfully bad).
So we did the best we could at home...it didn't turn out but my ton-of-hair related headache went away.

But back to the present.

I love, love, LOVE my hair now!
And that is definitely saying something...which some of you will know after my previous post.

Now its just a matter of the moola to be able to do my hair at home...

Because, you see we don't have a flat iron...or a blow dryer...as well as the products she used on my hair, which were AHmazing!

So bloggie peeps, girls in particular, what are your picks for affordable flat irons and blow dryers?

I'm currently looking at BaByliss because I've found some of their stuff on Amazon for good prices with great reviews.

Opinions anyone?

Uber Creative Happy Day

Today has been just that...my uber-creative happy day...

That day when not only is the sun shining down on you, but so is inspiration!

Today I made one of my most lovely creations yet...the first set in a jewelry collection that needs no other name or description but Simple Elegance.

Simple and elegant fashions are something that I not only love but have found to be timeless.

And its where the inspiration for the necklace set Blue Light came from.



Part of The Forgotten Corner's 'Simple Elegance' Collection, this necklace set called 'Blue Light' features the simplicity of ribbon combined with the elegance of silver to create a unique necklace set fit for formal gown, or everyday casual.

Choker has a barrel twist clasp, center component is set with Swarovski crystal has an approx. circumference of 13".
Longer necklace has a lobster claw clasp, pendant is hand made with faceted crystal beads has an approx. circumference of 17".

Perfect for prom, Easter, wedding or graduation dresses or casual wear.



Blue Light is now available at my etsy shoppe.

Also newly available at The Forgotten Corner Shoppe...

Mossy Cuff Bracelet



This adorable bracelet features a mossy fringe for a fun, quirky look sure to garner notice wherever you go...be different! Clasp is handmade, gold-toned.

And a wonderful array of baskets just in time for Resurrection {Easter} Day...

I would have more pictures to go along with everything, but I'm having a lot of trouble uploading pictures...

Anways, I would L O V E it if you guys would go and check out my etsy shoppe!!!

Randomness of Late (YouTube)

Okay, so lots of random things to share this morning...some of them a few of you might have seen elsewhere...but here's some of my recent YouTube finds...

---

Firstly, trending on Twitter for the last for-ev-er has been Rebecca Black and her song Friday:



Now, here's the things about that "song".
Firstly, its not a song. Its a girl with not-a-particularly good voice, auto-tuned, talking moderately fast to pop music...and I won't even get started on the lyrics.

Why do people like this stuff?! I mean, its not even really music!

Okay, I'll give it that fact that it is art because its a form of expression, but sorry peeps, that only expresses stupidity right there and the fact that that is what's popular seriously makes me worry about human kind...

---

Then there's this little...thing...I found today...



While they definitely get kudos from me for trying (great effort) it just...well, it hurt my ears in more ways than one...and the dancing...ummm...yeah, it just seems a bit over-choreographed...like, if I had choreographed it, thats what it would have looked like (and I have no experience in dance)...

Hmnnn...re-reading that it does sound rather rude and harsh...they tried! They really did! And good job for that but...ick...

Then again, even if Glee (I have to confess I'm something of a closet gleek) did it I don't think I'd even like Awake and Alive show-choir then...so it really wasn't just that group.

Methinks I'll be sticking with the original...

---

Now, the following video is one of my recent favorites on YouTube and I have to say I laugh every time I watch it.



My favorite part: "I didn't know we had a piano..." *proceeds to play awesomely*

---

Another one of my recent favorites is this short little video...



I love it...not only is is hilarious, but that guy tied up...yeah, thats my cousin ;-) so it makes the video all that much more enjoyable hahaha

---

I'm a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to music outside the realm of the mostly-Christian artists I listen to, so its only in the last few weeks that I've checked out Adele.

.

What a voice!

---

And finally, while its not really the music that I usually listen to (pop's not usually my choice listening) but I happen to love this song by Selena Gomez & The Scene, if even for merely the great message!

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 :-)

'Beastly' by Alex Flinn

For anyone who has seen or is interested in the film Beastly starring Alex Pettyfer and Vanessa Hudgens...here's what I thought of the original novel by Alex Flinn. As to what I thought of it, the jury is still out 'cause I have yet to view it. I'll let you know after it comes out on DVD.

 ***Viewer Disgretion Advised for short flashes of violence and cussing (though definitely nothing worse than PG...it IS a preview)***

(from the inside flap)
        I AM A BEAST
       A beast. Not quite a wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore.
        I am a monster.
       You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. Its no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.
       Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly…beastly.

---

        
       Beastly is not your traditional family-fun, sing-along Disney adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. While Alex Flinn’s retelling gives the tale fresh new life, as well as heavily re-enforcing the truth that it’s what’s on the inside that matters, this tale is more than ‘somewhat’ dark.
       Wrestling with his beastly persona and instincts, this story is not without violence. Nor is it without the occasional cuss word, or some rather startlingly blatant content.
       Though some of the afore-mentioned content could definitely have been left on the cutting room floor, Beastly is a poignant tale of love, and looking at what’s on the inside.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5
suggested for ages 13 and up

Reviews BTW

Okay peeps, heres the dealio.

I have a review blog where I was posting reviews of books and occasionally movies.

I set up Randomly Reading before I set up this blog, Concrete & Grace and needed somewhere that wasn't by invite only to share my reviews.

Because its fallen into serious neglect (I haven't posted a review since December *ouch*) I have decided that I will no longer be posting there.

What I'm going to do is remove the blog from public view (so that I can retain the name if I ever want to go back), so sorry to anyone who was a follower.
Then, since it would be a pity to let all of those reviews go unable to be read, I am going to sporadically start re-posting them on here along with new ones.

I just thought I would let you all know before-hand...Randomly Reading will be up for one week longer and then it will be removed.

Thanks to the few awesome readers I had! Maybe it'll be back sometime, but I figure I can consolidate and maybe I'll actually be posting more...here!

toodles peeps~

Hair Woes

I have realized I do not post much...which is kind of the point of having a blog, no?

Though in some ways I really should tell you people, you're rather lucky, when I had my private blog (only peeps I invited could view it) I blogged up a storm...and really, I do mean that...randomly posting things once if not twice a day a lot of the time. All of it written from my wacky and cynical perspective...it was rather nice...I may be doing a bit more posting if I can find the time...

So, last week, aside from being abed with the flu *bleck* I was been doing some serious hair coveting!

My hair has always been my one feature that I really wish was different.
Of course, just what kind of different I want it to be, tends to change a lot.
Fickle? I think yes.

My hair is my constant struggle, its not straight enough to be straight, not wavy enough to be wavy, and not curly enough to be curly. Its really kind of a little bit of everything.
My mom's hair is really curly, my dad (well...when he had hair...) was really straight and my brothers is...well, a mix similar to mine if he lets it get too long.

I guess, to summarize, my hair is everything and nothing...which makes it really hard to get it to do anything!

Some hair accessories won't stay in because I have too much hair, but my hair is also really fine and so that is another obstacle.

But enough of my poor hair pity party...I'm beginning to get on my own nerves, so I can only imagine how you all feel about it!

Because of all my hair woes, I've lately found myself loving the hair of others...lately someone who's hair I am totally coveting is the lovely miss Taylor Swift.

Now, I don't particularly care for her music (not exactly a fan of country...or..er...her style I guess really) but not only is she gorgeous herself, her hair is just fabulous!

I remember reading somewhere that she's always struggled with her hair being curly but has learned to live with it...and I know every hair type has its own little problems, but so often I just with that mine would just do something for once! Too often its just...nothing. Trying to do too many different things at once that its just a whole lot of nothin' goin' on.




Also among those-whose-hair-is-awesome would be...

Coppelia from Air1 Radio

Hayley Williams from Paramore

And this concludes my "oh the things I wish I could do with my hair" post. haha

life movie

I love movies.
I do...looking and seeing a whole story
like a whole life played out before me.

sometimes I wish
life was like that
that I could see
the past
and the future
for what they are
for what they will be

see myself
proven wrong
tomorrow
next week
next year

for things to turn out
a happily ever after
love and all that other stuff

but thats just not reality...

in reality
life is love
love is life
(and then there's music)

but love is messy
its awkward
it hurts

sometimes
it just doesn't seem worth it

but in
one
ten
twenty
years
maybe we’ll look back
and we’ll see

just how amazing
just how right
just how good
life
love
can be

maybe it won’t be
all happy and good
there are sorrows
and pains
things not understood

but something we have
that we hold
and we share
is a hope
and a light
for some future out there

sometimes I wish
that life
was all there
20/20 vision
Past
Present
Future
All laid out

sometimes I wish
that I could see it all
for what it is
for what it will be

but reality
isn’t barren
its not just the end

endings
are just beginnings
wrapped in strange packages

life is love
love is life
(and then there’s music too)
and even though
love is messy
its awkward
it hurts

its worth it

we’ll see

when we look back at our life
and the music in-between

Branding

Its so ingrained in our culture.

That the value of things are decided by the name on them.

That if you wear "such and such" clothes, "such and such makeup", have "such and such" kind of whatever etc. etc. that you belong "to such and such group".

You are branded by "your" brand.

Labeled by "your" labels.

Defined by the name.

"We are what we wear" mentality.

And we all buy into it.

We let others, the names, the people, define us.

Even I do it.

I realized recently just how much I let it define who I am.

My worth.

I'm SO proud of my iPod. SO proud to be carrying around a little piece of the all known 'Apple' brand. Something that says "hey, look at me, I have this awesome over-advertised electronic, surely that makes me better than you somehow..."
Even though I did originally buy my iPod because it was time for a new portable music device and it was what I had decided was more bang for the buck.
I still have succumbed to the branding of it.

Sure I don't wear American Eagle, Hollister, Hurley, Volcom, Abercromie & Fitch, Roxy or any of those oh-so-popular brands...they've never been attractive to me...too...preppy.
But when I get my hands on something Chanel...Prada...D&G...BCBG...yeah, then y'all better watch out.

Its the world.

The world, our culture, is trying to sell us something.

Everyday.

And thats the truth.

Everyday is a promotion.

Giveaways.

Sales.

Brainwashing us into believing that we need what ever it may be.

The mentality is so toxic its seeped in and tainted even the good stuff...even in the world of Christian apparel, there are certain 'brands' that seem to be "better"...that are more awesome to wear the certain tag.

But here's the truth of the matter.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" -Matthew 6:25 NIV

Sure, our clothes can help express who we are and what we're all about, but a person is more than the clothes on their back.

And that's the truth.

The Land of Headaches

Thanks to some genetics along the way...I'm that poor sap who has allergy problems all the time. My mom has allergy problems certain parts of the year, and my dad has allergy problems other parts of the year...me? I'm the one who inherited both...my brother? He's the one who barely has allergy problems...

Because of my loathsome allergies, I have headaches. I have headaches A LOT.

Why you may ask?
Well my increased allergies mainly affect my sinuses and so its kind of like having a sinus infection without the actual infection part.
Basically my head feels like its going to explode a lot...

But a pity party I shall not make this be. haha

I discovered that not last week, but the week before that (and the week before that...) that it is best for me to not try to...er...comprehend things, or rather try to comprehend things when my head hurts...

You see, the past couple weeks I was extremely stressed because I thought I was behind in web design.
Web Design is the one class I have online through the local school district and its really important to keep up on it because its not as lenient as my homeschool work.
And so it was, that I completely and utterly read my schedule for web design wrong, and for two weeks in a row, was trying to shove four weeks worth of work into two weeks!

Yes *gasp* a rather relieving realization for me...though not particularly surprising, knowing myself ;-)

And so it was that last week was a rather relieving, relaxing week of sorts, as I only had a couple assignments to get in because I had done much more than was required the two weeks previously.

The lesson of my random tale? At least the lesson I learned...

Is to not try to make a schedule or list of really any kind while I have a headache...it will probably not end well...

God Provides

I do feel so terribly blessed.

You see, with all of my planning and figuring out my submissions and how to pay for Fine Arts, I had almost completely forgot about a place to stay...which, when your many hours away from home, is rather important.

My registration was required to be post-marked by Friday (the 25th) and on Wednesday, my mother and I were greeted with frustration as everyone that we knew lived close enough to the city where Fine Arts Festival is being held declared it was "too far in the future" to plan. (Its barely two months from now)

The Sunday before, I had been talking with the pastor of the AOG church that is sponsoring me (and that I go to...if I don't miss my alarm clock...) and he said that, in the event my mom and I couldn't find a place to stay, he would make some calls.

And so it was, I hurriedly messaged him to let him know that we had no place to stay, and my mom preferred that one be lined up before I sent in my registration...barely a couple days away.

Both I, family and friends all prayed. I was prepared to take a leap of faith and just mail my registration in anyway, when...by Friday morning, a wonderful couple (who live barely 45 min [and thats in traffic!] from where FA is being held) decided to open their home to us!

Total God-Thing!

Then again, the whole entire deal has been a God-Thing.

From finally being presented with the information to be able to enter, to funding, to the inspiration for my entries, and of course; a place to stay.

God provides, doesn't He?

Yes, yes He does ;-)

P.S.
If you guys wouldn't mind heading on over to my test blog (where, surprisingly enough, I test designs) and tell me what you think because I've been considering changing my design to the one I have up there!
~thanks~  
 

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!

life. is. sweet.

10 things that make my life all the sweeter because they exist.

1. fonts

   --I just love fonts...a font can mean the success or failure of a design.
   

2. colors

   --don't they just make the world so much more colorful? ;-)
   

3. the wind

   --that breeze that makes a summers day all that more bearable, or that wind that harbors the hopes for a changing season.
   

4. dragons

   --magestic...mysterious...fictional...
   

5. community

   --friends and family there to support and encourage. I am so thankful for my church supporting me so I can make it to district Fine Arts Festival. Such a God deal.
   

6. friends

   --always one worth mentioning. I love my friends. They show up unexpectedly bearing gaming systems, ask if they can take their guitar to camp, and oh, yes, put up with me ;-) you know who you are.
   

7. Pandora

   --I've been using the Pandora Internet Radio app on my iPod quite a bit lately, and its been so great to listen to music I probably wouldn't otherwise...I've been a fan of Paramore for quite a while, but I don't own any of their albums and because Pandora takes note of what I do and do not like to listen to, its been playing a lot of Flyleaf, Paramore, Evanescence and some others that I'm really enjoying!
   

8. world vision

   --the Christian humanitarian organization. We have a sponsor child through WV and I am so thankful for them and all that they do. Truly something wonderful to be a part of.
   

9. wipeout

   --while infinitely sadistic of me to say so, I do so enjoy watching the show with my familiy...
   

10. GIMP

    --while GIMP and I have a love/hate relationship (that being an understatement) it has been so very helpful, so glad to have discovered it last year!
    

TGIF

Its just been one of those weeks.

Where you can't seem to focus on anything.

Where everything is a hardship.

Where no matter how hard you try to concentrate the creative juices aren't flowing.

One of those weeks where you can't seem to accomplish anything.

And I am SO thankful for the weekend.

I think the best day of my week was (surprisingly...) Monday was a lot of fun. Had our Valentines "Formal Night" at YoungLife. Since I didn't have a dress I made one last week and it turned out awesome.

Unfortunately I didn't get pictures, but maybe I will sometime.

But, the night ended with me having one of the worst headaches ever.

And I guess my week kind of just went downhill from there as far as the land of headaches and me feeling just icky and well...stressed out I guess.

I did accomplish some really good stuff for Fine Arts this week though. Working on editing the book chapter I am going to submit and figuring out what I am going to submit for my poetry entry.

I think the upside was I got some (hopefully) good stuff to read in at the library on Wednesday that I went and picked up today...so maybe I'll actually accomplish some reading for the first time in...well, needless to say its been a while due to my lack of fictional appetite.

So I leave you all with well wishes for the weekend and hopes for a better time next week!

blessings~

life. is. sweet.

10 things that make my life all the sweeter because they exist.

1. sewing

   --designing and creating make life sweet...but theres nothing quite like following through on something you've had in your head, and translating it to reality...even if the process doesn't quite go as planned.
   

2. reading

   --I haven't read much in a while, nothing has quite caught my fancy as it were...but I got a Christian fiction book on my iPod (loving the Kindle App) and am throughly enjoying it.
   

3. Jacky Faber

   --yes...I named my iPod...after my favorite book character from The Bloody Jack Adventure series. She kicks butt...my iPod AND the character haha
   

4. the bible

   --theres really nothing quite as peaceful as sitting down and studying that Word.
   

5. spring

   --its almost here...and I can smell it in the air!
   

6. TWLOHA

   --a reminder to everyone, life is sweet, we're loved and we're not alone.
   

7. young life

   --every Monday night my local Young Life club meets...highlight of my week!
   

8. learning

   --being homeschooled, every day I learn something I didn't know before...and everything is a lesson!
   

9. writing

   --I love the feeling of my pen flowing on paper, my fingers flying across the keys...
   

10. inspiration

    --when it comes...
    

found myself in Wonderland

I have some pretty awesome news!

I am sponsoring a giveaway at Horsefeathers this week (starting tomorrow) and I'm here to give you a preview of not only the giveaway...but something that is coming out in an Etsy shop near you (namely, mine ;-)

The first Bulletin/Prayer "memory board" in The Forgotten Corner's up and coming Wonderland Collection.

Created using upcycled materials, the fabric is either from fabric sample books saved from the landfill or the not-so-worn-out parts of jeans and is either machine or hand stitched.

Inspired by Mia Wasikowska's portrayal of Alice in the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland it features a pocket with 'Believe' hand stitched in blue thread and many other places and pockets for the imaginative person to leave prayer reminders, quotes, fortunes from a fortune cookie or other mementos and keep sakes. The possibilities are endless.


Includes 37 faux-pearl headed pins to keep everything in place, a tag reading 'The Forgotten Corner presents The Wonderland Collection: Alice', a slip of parchment reading 'Believe' as an example of a pocket and piece of parchment with a quote from the movie: "Sometimes I believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast. -Alice'.

Memory Board measures approximately 5" x 9".

Coming Soon to The Forgotten Corner Etsy Shop more inspired by Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the White and Red Queens, Wonderland, and more.

Each board is made unique, each different from the last and cannot be found anywhere else.

There will be an insane amount of opportunities to enter the drawing so make sure to go check it out tomorrow at Olivia's blog and share, share, share the giveaway with friends and family!


found
myself
in Wonderland...

when I look at the stars...

One of my favorite things to do is stand outside looking at the stars.
It makes me feel so small in a big world. So in awe of the awesome God we have. So in awe of His creation.
What really blows my mind is how its everywhere. The sky I mean. And the same night sky I so love to stand under and watch the stars, is the same sky my friends and family--the people I love--see too.
Its something that connects us all no matter who we are or how far away we might be.
Its something that can't be defined, captured or expressed.
Just awe.

night sky

Is this
The same
Night sky
That you
Look at
With me
The same
Night sky
We stood under
Together
So long ago
The same stars shining
The same
Moon reflecting
The same
Blue velvet
Sky

We stood
And watched
The sky
With wonder
Standing
Together
In awe
The same
Moon
We watched
Drive by
The windows

It’s the same
Night sky
That you
Look at
With me
The same
Night sky
From
So long ago

Is this
The same
Night sky
That you
Looked at
With me
Stood under
The stars
Together
So long ago

life. is. sweet.

10 things that make my life all the sweeter because they exist.

1. family

   --'nuf said
   

2. Alice in Wonderland

   --right now, its definitely one of my favorite movies ^_^
   

3. Butterflies

   --butterflies...magical, delicate, butterflies. Butterflies remind me of Emily and The Ultimate Gift
   

4. scarves

   --I have a thing for scarves. I bought one this summer that is perfect for every season because of the awesome fabric. Its just the right size, as large as a beach towel all pulled out, but not bulky and I can fit it in my bag easy. Sweet, no?
   

5. dragonflies

   --while I did list butterflies, dragonflies have more mystique about them...
   

6. beads

   --I'm creative by nature and I love expressing myself in design and artistry in all forms...beading being one.
   

7. art

   --there is no limit of possibilities, only the limits of your imagination.
   

8. trees

   --one of my favorite things is to lay outside under a tree...green, peaceful,
   

9. stars

   --one of my all time favorite things I love to do is look at the stars. It doesn't matter what time of year or when, its just something I love. Its astonishing how big the sky is, how its the same night sky my friends and family far away, look at.
   

10. photography

    --sadly its not something I do much this time of year...even more unfortunate is the fact that I recently lost our camera *sob* I love capturing the beauty in life.
    

terrible, procrastination

Ugh I feel terrible.
I mean, my laziness is terrible...realizing that I haven't posted anything on my photography blog since sometime in December, and even longer ago when it comes to my review blog Randomly Reading.

*sigh*

It is really terrible of me...posting nothing...

There are photos I could post, but I don't seem to have the will to go to the trouble of watermarking all of them...

I have reviews, but I never seem to remember at the beginning of the week, and I always tell myself that "I'll do it at the beginning of next week" and it goes on and on and on...without any posting.

And don't even get me started on the gazillion and one other things I really need to do...

One word really comes to mind.

One word to define...

procrastination

Terribly nasty word, procrastination.

It by definition is "to defer action; delay: to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost." "to put off till another day or time; defer; delay."

I have this list of things I know and even want to do but...when the time comes to do them I just...well, don't.

Makes me rather frustrated...angry...mad at myself.

And here I sit, writing about it instead of going off and doing something I really probably should be doing and getting something productive done.

*screams into pillow*

Just not sure what to do about this procrastination monster...then again, if I did have a solution, I'd probably just procrastinate.

:P

your hopelessly procrastinative {thats totally not a word}, lazy, tired blogger~

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~

life. is. sweet.

10 things that make my life all the sweeter because they exist.

1. Speck

   --my families chihuahua. SO cute, SO loveable, SO adorable, SO sweet ^_^
   

2. ice cream sandwiches

   --one of the few, true, yummy joys in life
   

3. music

   --music for every emotion and happening
   

4. books

   --those stories that whisk you away to somewhere else, on an adventure through the real, and the impossible.
   

5. a smile

   --whether its one from someone else, or someone giving you reason to unexpectedly, a smile can change everything
   

6. post-it-notes

   --rather self explained ;-)
   

7. Pooky!

   --yes, Garfield's stuffed friend...I have a little, palm-sized, key chain version from Silverwood Theme Park...SO adorable!!!
   

8. pens

   --I am a writer...and I have a love of pens and paper. Pens are so important, a good pen can define how long I will write...there's nothing quite like a pen flowing on paper.
   

9. friends

   --really, this is one of the true, true things that make life sweet.
   

10. steampunk

    --so many possibilities. it extends as far as your imagination can go. love it.
    

Oh Theater!

Hey Bloggers!

Yes, I know, I have been rather absent this past week...but for good reason!

Last Monday I posted about Missoula Childrens Theater and I spent last week going rehearsals and memorizing lines for this years Pinocchio.

I think after last week, I can finally spell Pinocchio right! Ha!

Monday was auditions, this year, I had the smallest part I think I've had in about five years, that part being the Fox. (Those of you who are familiar with the Disney tale of Pinocchio might know that the Fox and the Cat are the bad guys.)
But, I was totally okay with it.
I didn't have a lot of rehearsals (last year when I was the lead in Jack and the Beanstalk I had my first rehearsal Monday night, and then was there from 3-8 the rest of the week). In fact, I was rather bummed before auditions that I would probably miss YoungLife club night on Monday, but I managed to make it since it turned out I didn't have rehearsal!

My first rehearsal wasn't until Tuesday afternoon from 3-5ish and then I didn't need to stay for the second rehearsal (5ish-7ish) but I did anyway (just too fun to miss).

My second rehearsal wasn't until Wednesday evening (5ish-7ish) but I arrived early (to go to the library) but it was nice to not be in a rush after finishing up school and chores.

How did the performance go, you may wonder?

Well, we had to performances one on Friday night and another Saturday afternoon.

Our first performance on Friday evening, was spectacular.
There were a lot of the younger kids who were really, really worried that the performances were going to flop because the dress rehearsal before the Friday performance was so terrible.
But, as those of us familiar with stage (superstition) if the dress rehearsal is great, the performance will be terrible. However, if the dress rehearsal is terrible, everyone gets all the mistakes out of the way and the performances will be fantastic!
(Just a bit of theater trivia for ya there.)

My evil counterpart (the Cat) and I didn't miss any lines and in fact, we actually had to add lines at one point to cover for a missed line that we needed to lead into the rest of the scene...and it worked perfectly!
It was hilarious because the audience was non-the-wiser and was laughing at the lines like they were supposed to be there!

Second performance was just as fantastic.

After the second performance, everyone turns in their costumes, props and scripts and the set and everything is packed up.

Usually, there are a lot of parents of kids in the play that help tear down the set, but this year, the kids all scrambled to turn in their costumes and everyone just split!
It happened jaw-droppingly quick.
Surprised me even.
But, myself and a few of the other older kids that were in the play or were an assistant director helped pack everything up, and load the tiny MCT truck.

All in all, it was another wonderful, fantastic MCT week!

That Time of Year Again!

Well, well, well...

I'm sure some of you probably noticed a bit of an absence of posting from me for a while...

Been rather busy with finishing the semester, finals and all that.

I'm pleased to say that I didn't completely fail my Spanish final and actually managed to pass and be done with that wretched course.
For clarification, love the Spanish language, and I really do enjoy learning it, the course however was terrible because it would ask us questions on things they didn't teach us, and leave out important things 'til very last and leave me thinking "I REALLY could have used that information earlier!!!".

So if anyone ever has the opportunity to take the Aventa Spanish course, I highly suggest declining.

I passed my Forensic Science exam with flying colors...but it is something I've always been rather good at, and I've found when I enjoy learning something, it tends to stick.

As for Web Design I am eagerly awaiting the grade from my teacher.
I had to design a five page website which including creating a business and logo and it took me a week and a half! Good thing I had a head start on it, because the outcome was really top-notch and I loved it! Which is saying something, I'm a bit of a perfectionist and really didn't think it would turn out...but I was happily surprised with the outcome *phew*.
Now to just see what my grade will be...

But on to other more exciting things!

This week is Missoula Childrens Theater!

Some (okay, most probably next to none) may be familiar with MCT.
For those who don't know, Missoula Childrens Theater sends out two directors in a little red truck packed with everything to put on a full scale play.
I'm talkin' the set, the costumes, the props, everything! All in this ity-bity red truck, seriously, its practically miraculous and you HAVE to see it to believe it.
Anyways, the directors travel to different places all over the country, and all over the world to schools and theaters (and even huts) to hold auditions on a Monday (after school), and cast an entire cast of children (K-12) and then commence in the following four days to teach that entire cast of 80-100 kids a full length 1-1 1/2 hour performance.
INSANE right?!
Well it is, and its fantastic.
Honestly, these directors are miracle workers and some of the coolest people ever!

One year, one of the ladies who was a director had just gotten back from Europe from working on acting (as in she was the one teaching) with actors like Orlando Bloom and Leonardo DiCaprio.

No kidding peoplez. She was training them. I would like to point out this was 2003 and pre-Pirates of the Caribbean for those of you familiar with Orlando Bloom in POTC and LOTR).

Insanely awesome though huh?

And when I say these people work miracles, I mean they seriously do.
Not only do they travel around in this cramped little two door red truck with someone they may or may not know prior to being hired but they take a large amount of kids and teens and make them actors in five days. And did I mention these people can sing, dance, act, run lighting, do makeup and light costume repair and somehow still have the patience to deal with kids?
Oh yeah, that takes crazy, epic kind of talent.

This year, the play coming to my area is Pinocchio.
And for the first time ever, I'm actually hoping to not get the lead! haha
Some of you will probably wonder at that, but last year I was cast as the lead in Jack and the Beanstalk and well...I'm not to keen on playing a guy again.
I'm thinking maybe the fairy? That would be epic...not to mention definitely going to have an awesome costume!

So this afternoon, I will be off to audition and being an awesome, epic and exhausting (but totally worth it) week!

blessings!