Sunday, November 6, 2011

+ thinking

A positive attitude.

Such a small decision to make.
Though at times deciding to do so is like fighting a war...

Yet, it can speak volumes about how we handle life.

AND... it can move the mountains of negativity aside when nothing else can.


There is a reason it is so sought after. It changes lives, and I've seen it do it's work in mine.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Daniel - A man worth knowing.

Erase. Edit. Erase some more.

I've restarted this blog in my mind countless times today, and literally restarted here a good many as well. It pretty-much comes down to four words:

Today I am sad.

Driving home from Chattanooga last night it was dark and I found myself turning off the radio as I drove up the mountain. It was a nice kind of darkness enveloping me as I was the only car winding up those narrow roads past Rock City, past Fairyland and past Lula Lake Falls. Once past the falls I found myself mounting a gentle hill, while ahead stretched a long straight path of concrete. The nighttime darkness was so lovely that I opened my sunroof to better notice the stars and... the moon, waxing to it's full glorious reflection of the sun.

I simply had to turn off my car lights. I probably only drove like this for 10 seconds. (trust me it was a long ten seconds) But it was thrilling to move that quickly while basking in moonlight alone.

Despite what some would call a 10 second moment of stupidity, I made it home safely... only to see a post one friend placed on Facebook that wrenched my heart into sadness. It read:
"So blessed to have known Daniel-a man who lived a life of strength, passion, and fearlessness."

I immediately felt numb as I realized what those words meant, and tears came welling to my eyes as they are at this moment. The Harper family has lost a son, a brother and a husband. Daniel was a true reflection of Christ. I never knew him to have a rocky, down-trodden disposition. Instead, his life was about joy and loving those around him: living life with all he had in him. He seemed to truly exemplify the verse "what so ever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might (Ecclesiastes 9:10)." And through his blogs about his fight with brain cancer, I was privileged to get to know Daniel as a man who loved God, loved living for God, loved sharing God, and loved loving his wife and his family.

I was privileged to attend high school with Daniel and his wife Logan, as well as both of his brothers. Let me tell you, it is rare to find an entire family like the Harpers who truly live to reflect Christ. I am confidant that Christ is coming back soon, and when He does, I know He will welcome Daniel into his arms as he calls him from his sleep.
So, to Dr. and Mrs. Harper, Melissa, Jeff, Jonathan and Logan, know that you are each prayed for as your hearts endure the pain of saying goodbye to Daniel. And may God in his grace and goodness surround each of you with his presence at this time.
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"
Revelation 21:1-4
Photo of Daniel and Logan, from Daniel's Facebook

If you did not know Daniel, you still have a chance to get to know what he was about. Read his blog posts that he wrote during his battle with cancer here: http://precisionpoints.wordpress.com/about/

Daniel had a dream of reaching out to the kids on the board slopes around Salt Lake City. To make this possible, his wife Logan is asking that instead of flowers, please send donations to the Wasatch Hills SDA Church and put "Daniel Harper Creative Outreach Ministries" on the memo line. The address for the church is: 2139 Foothill Drive, Salt Lake City, NV 84109

Let's make Daniel's dream a reality.


Sunday, July 10, 2011

sunsets and happily-ever-afters...

Weddings, reunions, tired feet, genuine smiles, sunsets and happily-ever-afters...

This was all a part of my weekend. I'm really too tired to even type at the moment (much-less comprise coherent sentences...), but I just felt like writing down how stunning the sunset was on my way back home from my weekend this evening. As I let the volume of Brooke Fraser's vocals soar in my car, every cloud mounted upon wispy opaque colors of golds and amber-reds. Streaks of the sun smeared across the sky like deep breaths acquiescing to freedom... I love driving HOME. It always takes "less" time than driving to somewhere. But when that somewhere is your home, the road is more like a friend, showing you where to fly over the land to a place where you can prop your feet after a long day.

On the flip-side and more realistic note, my camera died and I got no photos of my dear friends' wedding, of which I was a bridesmaid. Probably the most epic fail I've had as a photographer... (beeeeep!) (but, I wasn't on the job so it is what it is.. I suppose)

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Edit your... mouth?

Edit.
Editing.
Edited.


photos. papers. sentences. videos. thoughts. words.

Sometimes I think if people would edit things more.. life would be...

better?

But then again, we would be more like a bunch of Barbies and Kens and a lot less like PEOPLE.

For now, I will stick to editing my photos.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Getting ahead to fall behind... I hope NOT!

I'm attempting to get ahead in my Campus Ministries job as Media/Marketing director... the plan is to do thus, that way, perhaps I shan't be so overwhelmed as last year when I try to visually kick off the year in August.

That being disclosed, this little diddy I just dreamed up is not finished as I expect I will be changing wording as well as dates when it comes down to it, but...

at least it's a start!

Monday, June 6, 2011

Well... will I?

Sometimes I just can't stop thinking. There is a legend that men have the ability to sometimes just sit and think about nothing: like, they have these moments when the women in their lives ask them "whatcha think'n about right now hon?" and they answer, "Nothing." AND THEY MEAN IT! But you see, women apparently don't understand that.

I for one have NEVER had a moment in my life when I was not thinking about something.

Yes, there are plenty of times when there is more quiet in my brain than craziness... But, there are also times like yesterday and today... or I should say since last night as I lay in bed tossing from the ceaseless pounding of my thoughts, and this morning... my mind racing over the many possibilities of failure or success that lay before me.

I think I just need to go running. Pound out the thoughts on the pavement. That usually helps... for a bit. So hopefully that and a combo of journaling and prayer should do the trick. God has seen me through so much stuff. I know it's true when they say we spend over half our time in life worrying over stuff that NEVER happens. I've gotta just surrender these thoughts over to Him. Even if that means doing it a thousand and TEN times today.

I'm just tired of my mind being a hamster on the wheel.

Ps: if a man ever says that to me, I hope not to prob him for his "actual" thoughts to the point where he has to make something up to satisfy my oblique curiosity. Instead, I aim to pat him on the back and congratulate him for something I'm simply unable to do.

Friday, June 3, 2011

Sweet Lavender-Mint Iced Tea

I was craving something deliciously refreshing yesterday evening and decided this would hit the spot. Summertime heat calls for a lightly sweet cup of this loveliness, perfect for any evening lawn party. So I wrote my recipe below for you:

Sweet Lavender-Mint Iced Tea

Ingredients
8 Cups of boiling water
Scant 1/2 cup of dried lavender buds
1/4 cup of dried or fresh mint leaves
1 cup of turbinado sugar


Directions
1. Place lavender and mint in a large sauce pan
2. Pour the boiling water over the herbs and cover pan with lid, letting them steep 5 to 10 minutes, depending on desired strength of tea.
3. After tea has steeped, stir in the sugar until the crystals have melted into the liquid.
4. Strain the tea with a fine wire strainer and set tea into the refrigerator to chill. Makes 1 gallon.

This tea looks lovely in little glass pitchers and can be garnished with thin slices of fresh lemon or fresh mint & lavender sprigs. Serve over ice with your favorite summer evening snack.


Enjoy these photos below by clicking the image to zoom:

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Some fun summer snaps

Just a few snapshots taken yesterday evening while out on the lawn. Being in the country is certainly not over-rated.










Friday, May 27, 2011

A little something for YOU

Ok. So I'm always on the lookout for you guys for new unique finds. Let me tell ya, this time I scored big.

I'm a sucker for unique furniture and while reading the new issue of Rue Magazine last night I stumbled across DEDON Collections. Amazing stuff. Someday I will have this lovely seat hanging in my favorite tree on the back lawn.

This one is called "Nestrest," and was designed by Daniel Pouzet and Fred Frety, two artist from Paris.

Tell me you do not ADORE this seating!

While in the Bahamas this last March I stumbled across this next piece and was thrilled to find it as part of their collection. It's called the "Orbit Loveseat." A must-have for me someday. If you love art, why shouldn't your furniture reflect that?

Check out their website at: http://www.dedon.de/en/collections/detail/collection/nestrest-171/hanging-lounger-1412/chalk-75.html

Amazing!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

They're taking my wisdom TOMORROW!

This is the part of the story where I pay the tooth-fairy. Should've saved those coins from the early years, and perhaps I could've put some towards my wisdom teeth removal.

Yup. Reality check: This is finally happening.

In NINE hours.

Nervous... nah. PSSHHHHH! YES I AM! I HATE the idea of someone going in my mouth and stealing teeth that are not useful! I abhor the idea that I'm having surgery and that I'm being put to sleep!

So there. I said it: I'm frightened and not at all excited. And I'm thirsty right now and can't drink water before the surgery.

If there is anything worth-while that could come from this whole fiasco, then I hope that I'm completely ridiculous after being sedated and that my parents catch it on video. Then I can at least have something to laugh about... later...

Updates to proceed.

Monday, May 23, 2011

First comes love.. then comes the search for a photographer!

Sometimes I feel as though I will never get out of this perpetual cycle of extremely late nights. I'm such a sucker for avoiding my bed! I've blogged about this subject soo many times that I myself am sick of it. But, alas, if there is one thing I'm constantly trying to change about myself it is this!

I feel once more that I am on the verge of some grand beginning, and at the same time wondering if I will topple over into some deep crevice as I inch forward...

My circadian rhythm is all messed up. I was doing well, really, I was! Then I got sick, then we had graduation weekend for my brother, and didn't get back from GCA until THREE this morning... I decided against setting my alarm clock.. just to see what time I would wake... you know.. just for fun. I postulated that I would get up around 11am or noon at the latest..

On the contrary:

I found myself awake at 2pm.

So now I'm rushing to prepare for the weddings and other events that I am privileged to photograph starting in two weeks. Today I ordered a camera bag for my equipment, another SD card, and a battery grip. Wednesday I will be purchasing yet another lens. Boy o boy I hope to have a return on all these investments soon! Not to say that I am getting nothing when it's all said and done, but it just seems like the green stuff is slipping through my hands waaaay faster than I EVER allow.

All in the name of photography. All in the name of my passion. And all in the name of... well I have no clue.
I love taking photos and editing them and making people feel happier for holding those moments in their possession.

So if you need a photographer, contact me and I would be more than happy to photograph you. It would be my pleasure.

But for now, it is four o'clock in the morning and I have more engagement photos to edit when I wake up. And hopefully, just maybe I will be in bed before midnight tomorrow and work my way earlier from there. God has blessed me so far, I am confidant that He will continue as I do my best to improve.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Australia: I vote YES

Today was a crazy-long day, I ran so many errands that I felt like one of those people back in the day who owned a ranch and only went into town for stuff like flour and sugar. We live about a whole hour from town, and so it is a rather big hullabaloo when we do go. So today I drove in alone, but before I left I double-triple checked my list, because once out I knew there was no turning back. It's so strange not being in school where I was close to everything. Anyway, when I finally made it home, the house was empty and the dogs were out front. My parents were at prayer meeting, and I was certainly hungry, so I figured they'd be as well when they came home. So I decided to create a new sauce for pasta. Hit the spot. I'll definitely be making it again. Points for me for creating something new, and more points for me for having diner ready when my family returned home. (if only those points could be redeemed for something useful... like money ;)

To end this nonsense post, I must conclude by stating that I watched the movie "Australia" starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman for the first time this evening. Countless times I attempted to find someone else to watch it with me.. alas... to no avail. So I finally decided to have a go of it by myself.

It is now on my movie favorites list. It's long, but it's good. Also, please note that I've now decided that being whisked away by a strong, manly Aussie isn't a half-bad idea.

Times-a-tick'n

And I guarantee I'll have dinner ready when he drops by ;)

So what's the consensus?
Australia: I vote yes
Hugh Jackman: I vote YES

Monday, May 16, 2011

and THEN the little bird BURST forth from the WAVES...

Once upon a time,
there was a girl who did not write for a very long time. She became very busy and though she had a special yearning to touch the small black keys to click out the words rolling in her head... she could not form the small black dots into lines because of the jumble getting in the way.

Finally. I'm writing again! I really do feel as though I were a little bird caught under heavy waves, but I've burst forth again.

Big.
Sigh.
Of.
RELIEF.

Photography and thoughts of photography, unpacking and organizing from my recent move, concept sketches for other projects, editing the mountain of photos I have yet to make a dent in, redesigning my photo blog and my business cards... all of this STUFFFFFFF.
and to top it off I battled a fierce cold for a week!

Thought I was on holiday.
My mistake!
But it has been Ohhhh so lovely being home. So many things that have been on hold, creativity that had been put on the shelf is now being dusted off. I now have a finalized photography logo, I plan on sending my business cards to print tonight, and I've written my contracts. One would think I should be stressed about this, however, I must admit that I have been enjoying every minute of it! I feel that even if photography is not my life's calling God has still placed me in it for a season. And if I digress from all this fantastic forward motion, it shall never cease to be a passion and most beloved hobby.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these photos I recently took.
Happy Summer!



More to come!

Monday, April 25, 2011

"And God saw that it was good"

As I am wrapping up for the night, I'm sitting here at my kitchen table looking at the paintings on my walls I've done this year and looking at the PDFs of all the graphic design projects from this semester, glancing through some of the photo-shoots I've taken... And I was just thinking about all that creative energy... all the ideas that've somehow managed to tumble from my brain and out my fingertips this year...

truly they were all a gift from God...

I'll be honest, it just hit me that sometimes I put off turning in projects simply because I am not ready to part with the little pieces of me that seem to go with them... I don't mean this in a sad way... I mean to write this to make a point in a moment... bear with me: If any of you have ever spent any considerable amount of time on a project, it doesn't have to have been a creative project... but if you've dedicated your mental capacities and your time to something, perhaps you too have experienced not only the feeling of relief from being done, but especially the fulfillment that comes from stepping back and being able to say, "It is good." And yet, at the same time a hesitance to part with it...

I have never had any children, nor do I plan to anytime soon, but for those of you who have, I can only imagine the bond you feel towards your child. It came from YOU. You gave a part of your life, 9 entire months dedicated to this beautiful creation that is a part of you.

Now, imagine with me, the devastation and the heart-ache God felt when he had dedicated his time and creativity to making a beautiful creation that He was able to stand back and say, "It is good," and to not long after have to part with it: this creation that reflected who He is, and that came from his hands, that breathed the breath HE GAVE it.

When I turn my projects in, I am hesitant, but I inevitably turn them in KNOWING that I will receive them back into my hands once they are graded and entered into the books.

God too, gave his most beloved, KNOWING and COUNTING on the fact that He would come back to him again: that in his love the rest of his creation would be restored into his hands once more.

This may seem like a far stretch to some of you, but it's what hit me tonight.
Let us not forget that we are created in the image of our Father in Heaven and that when it is time, we too will be restored back into His hands. He spent too much love on us for us to throw away our lives and our identities as His sons and daughters. So if you are feeling like you are not worth much, remember that you are worth the Son of God's life. Why? Because He didn't sell you like some project for hire, He created you and loves you, and He wants to know you better. Begin deepening your relationship with Him now. There is never a wrong time. Let us come before the Father and let Him restore us to our original purpose as children of the King. For He is the Creator of all things intricate and good.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

New bookcover

New book cover I just completed. This has been one of my favorite projects I've worked on as of yet. Hope you like it too,

-AB

Click the image to make it larger

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A walk in the dark...

"Every one says honesty is a lovely idea, until they have something to to be honest about."

Last night after my 9 o'clock class I ventured out on a walk because there was no resisting the glorious night laid out before me. I walked until I found a little stream at the edge of a wooded thicket and stood there, akimbo at the edge, listening. At first my ears strained to hear anything above the glittering flow of the brook, and then it seemed as my eyes adjusted so did my ears.

Everything was still, a slight breeze blew the clouds above onward with a steady roll. Illuminated by the very distant street lights and field lights of the intramural games beyond the gym, the clouds were an amber/azure glow slipping steady against the navy sky. There were few stars, yet the ones I privileged to view were little glints of hope in the bucket of my despondent frustration.

It would almost be nice to say at this point I've become apathetic...

But I'm not.

Not at all, and I wish NOT to be.

I think it's easy to run around and look busy and avoid and never step out into the truth. To avoid confrontation. To boast honesty and yet truly give only a weak inclination of true partiality to such. To never take a walk outside in the night alone, even when knowing tis the very thing your soul needs. It's unquestionably sad. Yet, I've run back inside many times after only venturing on to my porch.

apathetic...
No.
pathetic...
YES

So I closed my eyes, abandoned my shoes and stood there by the brook with my head back, breathing deep. There is nothing like the smell of nighttime. The day can be stuffy or mixed with all sorts of pungent little scents, like things left too long in the sun. But the night... the night offers a clarity the day cannot. Sound travels further at night, the smell of the earth is cool and sweet, and all around is apt to be a little more calm and quiet.

In the branches a whippoorwill began to sing it's song, the crickets, whom I sincerely love to hear, began theirs, and I realized that I needed to have ventured to this spot just to listen.

My head talks too much, and my ears are out of the habit of listening well.

Je adore birds. So to have been privileged to hear this whippoorwill weaving its song into the sounds of the night, adjusting its pitch... soaring and falling with the flow of the stream... was all a gift to my ears.

I don't boast to ever hear God's voice, but I feel that as I went on this walk with a prayer in my heart, he laid the only true answer I need to know upon it:

"Child, be still and KNOW that I am GOD."


So today, as I listen to my fingers tapping over the keys to write of last night's experience, I am recalling this answer. I've exhausted myself from embarrassing efforts to make things happen in my life, when all along I should have remembered to be still. (granted, I'm not talking about slothfulness, or looking for excuses to wilt from my own chagrin, but rather learning step back when it's not my turn).

I have been praying one particular prayer for many years, and apparently it is not yet time. Apparently I am to continue being still. For how long I've no idea... As long as God stills me I shall remain so, because I, admittedly, cannot do it on my own.

One thing I know: I am not afraid of being honest, and will not let my own wounded pride fold me up into a little box, thrown to the dogs of derision. Because I've been there before...
And I'm not going back.


photo from chemtrails.com

Friday, April 15, 2011

Rain rain go away to England where you belong

I'm watching the rain dance down from the sky, sliding down my window-pane in unique little patterns; a kalaidescope of colors blur in and out as the sun hits different spots behind the clouds and cars roll up with their lights bright. And me...

I'm sitting here in my living room. On my couch.

This in and of itself is very strange.

"Say what?" You may ask, "What is so strange about you sitting on your couch?"

Well, you see, I don't exactly often sit... on my couch. It's a foreign spot for me. I sit at my desk working, I sit in classes attempting to soak up my money's worth in knowledge. But my couch...

...That's reserved for leisurely acts such as rewarding oneself for being productive after a long day, or week. In fact, I can honestly admit I often go an entire week without sitting on my couch. But when DO sit here, I hardly imagine getting up. It's not that I'm lazy... In fact, I'm a bit of a work-a-holic (I have 3 jobs and do freelance on the side, um, but please don't think I'm rolling in the green stuff... my university on the other hand...)
So yes, back to my couch. There are two soft, over-sized, cream-colored pillows, and two large, cream and velvety throws folded all nicely... except for when I sit there. My vintage coffee table is traditionally elegant and painted cream with a tinted beveled glass center. There are purposely NO florescent lights in this space. Woven textures mixed with creams and simple patterns.

From the get-go I knew my time with my couch would be rare, so I was determined to create an environment where I knew I would soak up my time there in blissful relaxation.

"My my my... what a strange woman," you may say.

Well...
However strange I may be... I'm me.
And I like my time with my couch. I'd rather it be rare and relaxing, than frequent and slothful.

Welcome to a snippet of my life. You're welcome to come sit on my couch haha

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers... not me...

So, today was crazy. Why am I even talking about it, or about to write about it? ...I have absolutely no clue. But I feel that somehow, writing it down here is a way for me to look at it, and step back and... maybe breathe a sigh of relief...

1. went to bed at 2am, got up at 8am (got to read my Bible and shower... necessary items for the commencement of a day)
2. ate a yogurt (was happy to have remembered to eat b/c of the rush I was in)
3. Felt that the yogurt was a pathetic choice of food... and regretted it when I was hungry an hour later.
4. Went to my 1st class
5. Went to work...
6. bought like a 700 calorie lunch from the VM (to make up for my lack of b-fast calories of course)
7. drove back to my apartment and ate my meal in front of about a 3rd of Pride and Prejudice... (don't judge me haha)
8. Dove back into working on projects until class at 3:30
9. Rewarded myself for my productivity by making a new ring tone for my phone haha
10. Marked all my books in the proper places for my research paper
11. Avoided further work on my paper
12. Went to class from 3:30 to 7:20pm
13. Printed off $30 worth of final projects for my Design class, assembled a CD case with a design, cut out all of my prints and sent more off to the press.
14. Ran back to my apartment and changed for a nice hour of tennis with my buddy Ana
15. Edited some photos and ate some dark chocolate-covered almonds
16. Avoided my research paper some more
17. showered again
18. Read some C.S. Lewis
19. Am writing this blog for no reason
20. Am getting in bed...

Today was a gift. I hope I accepted it the right way. Yeah, so what... this wasn't a deep blog... bah! I just felt like writing again. Somehow, it is just another aspect of life I enjoy, and I'm thankful for this day that God granted. If anyone even got through the reading process of this thing I'm impressed, yeah, this one was more for me than for you, but look for some Senior portraits I just took to be posted very soon. Tomorrow is going to equal more productivity! Mark my words! (and I'm gonna punish that paper!)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Ode to the broseph

This morning I definitely wasn't planning on blogging, I SHOULD be writing... my research paper... But I just had a need to write this down. Last night I had a really great conversation with my brother. For the most part all of our conversations are good. Why? Because there are no walls between us. Now, granted... this is a young man who has had to overcome a lot in his life, but chooses to glorify God instead of bitterness or letting the despair of disappointment rule.

My bro and I have always been close. I've always been the bossy older sister with an unruly will of iron (but would take out anyone who crossed my little bro the wrong way) and he's been the patient (well... he's become patient.. I'll take the credit haha) little brother with a grand ability to read others and meet them where they are. I've seen him reflect Christ so many countless times. Yeah we've had our quarreling days, but there is something sobering about knowing how fragile life is that seems to easily rid it of petty arguments or grudges. I can talk to him about anything. ANYTHING. shoot. the poor chap probably has had to endure many conversations chock-full of info he had not a care to know... but he still actively listens. I appreciate him because he knows I think out loud... that I sometimes need to ramble to get to the point... or whatever point I feel I need to ramble about in order to discover it. He doesn't try to offer me advice when those instances occur. He doesn't try to jump in and solve my problems. He just listens. And if I ask for advice, he's always honest and tells me what he thinks.

A rare soul.

If we all had the ability to break down the walls we've built we would be a nation to wonder at. There would be no stopping us. But the thing is, even though we built the walls, there are not enough years in our lives left to break them down on our own.

we can't, WE CAN'T WE CAN'T.

But HE can. I've seen my brother allow God to break down his walls. I've been privy to watch God work on breaking down many of my own. One of my favorite songs by Garage Voice talks about how we can not be hurt more than we're loved. It starts out with the following lines:

"Lord, I wanna be gracious. Let this blind man see. All my ways are follies, lead me to Calvary. I am in this struggle, Lord I still believe, on my bed I wander, help my unbelief."

When we realize the immense love of God, how he cares about the details of our lives. How he wants us to see the meaning of His Son's death, and how He wants to bring us HOME to him, to draw us close, to take down our little crappy Lego walls... THEN we can walk with our heads high in the knowledge that our meaning in life comes from HIM. Not from our own strengths or talents, or anything else we could ever accomplish.

Unfortunately, for me, it took my little brother almost dying from Crohn's disease to realize many of these things. But God... God is a God who listens, He is a God who creates life and when we are here, killing ourselves with our schedules, our ideas of what life is "supposed" to be be, with our own pleasures and vices in attempts to find rest... God is here walking with us through the valley of death and dying.

I will not fear because you are always with me Lord. I praise you for the walls you have disassembled, and I praise you for the ones you are working on.

"God is my shepherd. I won't be wanting. He makes me rest in fields of green, by quite streams...Surely goodness will follow me in the house of God forever" -Jon Foreman (Ps. 23)

Maybe this is me just talking out loud this morning... gathering my thoughts... but it was worth it.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

the stress cookie...

Dear delicious cookie that I just baked at 10pm because I was stressed,

There are times when it is easier to drive people away than to let them in.

It's best not to be that way... but sometimes it happens.

The end.



"He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."
- Matthew 8:26


My God is bigger than my petty little fears. I needed to write this, just so I could read it and remind myself.

Monday, April 4, 2011

New Design: Thai Restaurant Menu


This is my latest design.
I've been working on building my portfolio the last few months, so this will be added to the mix.

Click on the images to make them bigger

Sunday, March 27, 2011

New poster!


Finished this Friday as well: I ended up mixing art mediums for this one... painted, drew, then scanned in the lavender flowers, and took the photos before "assembling" this poster for Southern's Destiny Drama Co.

Be sure to schedule it in your calender!

Photography: Senior Portraits

These are a few of Angela's senior portraits that I took Friday. What a fun gal and great friend!








Thursday, March 24, 2011

Delicioso: New recipe


Tonight I decided to have a little fun in the kitchen. While trying to use up the rest of some cauliflower I had left from a curry I'd made, a new recipe came to me. I'd love to share it with you here because I'm not a cauliflower lover, don't know how you feel about it... but I think it's the veggie many don't know what to do with. Try this delicious solution for that problem:

Garlic-Baked Cauliflower and Cilantro


Set oven to 400 degrees
Serves 2 to 4 people

Ingredients:

Olive oil
Cauliflower
onion
4 garlic cloves
chopped walnuts
sliced mushrooms
real butter
yeast flakes
chili powder
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
ground peppercorns
Cilantro
Pepper-jack cheese

1. Cover bottom of a baking pan with a light layer of olive oil
2. Cut up into small pieces half to a whole cauliflower
3. place in pan and cut up a quarter onion over the cauliflower, and also 5-6 small mushrooms, thinly sliced
4. sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts and 4 finely chopped garlic cloves over it
5. Next, cut up thin slices of real (stick) butter, and then place evenly spaced on top of cauliflower.
6. sprinkle a light layer of yeast flakes evenly over top
7. sprinkle all with garlic and onion powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of chili powder. I also like to grind up peppercorns and sprinkle over top.
8. place in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender and onions start to caramelize. (give the cauliflower a good mix half way through baking)

9. while cauliflower is in the oven, cut up a half cup of cilantro to garnish and grater a 1/4 cup of pepper jack cheese
10. when cauliflower is done baking, garnish with the cilantro and cheese and serve.

There you have it, a delicious cauliflower entree, with a gourmet twist in 10 easy steps.

Serving suggestion: with baked eggplant and couscous

Ps: I never really measure things, so add all to taste. Someday soon when my cookbook comes out I'll have the measurements for you. Until then, Bon appetit!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Friday, March 18, 2011

"I get by with a little help from my friends..."

I just spent about 20 minutes throwing together this poster for my bro. He is on the SA team at GCA and they are apparently trying to raise money for Japan along with much of the US. You know, it never ceases to amaze me how quick young people and American people in general are to give to a good cause. I'm not saying this is bad, it just amazes me. Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like if we did a "Let's raise money for America" project... like for the national debt that we owe... I wonder where we get all the money from?

Please don't get me wrong: other countries desperately need help, and mercy, Japan needs it right now. But this just reminded me of a train of thought I had going on while in my Issues of Human Rights class the other day. I feel that sometimes, if the US would focus a bit more on solving the problems going on all around our own country, we might actually be able to better, and more EFFECTIVELY help other countries. Personally, I'd like to know what some of the problems actually ARE that we throw money at? That way, maybe we could actually come up with some solutions...

But, for now, here's another poster.


PS: I'm extremely proud of my brother. Couldn't be a better guy out there. At least, I haven't found one ;)

Family snapshots!

Families are special. Without them, each person would not be who they are. No matter how much of an individual one is, their family, and even lack of has shaped them; for good or for bad, it is our choice to show appreciation to those we love, and forgiveness to those we may feel are distant.

A few months ago, I was privileged to take some photos of my family when my mom's parents were visiting from Honduras. These are just 3 of my favorite shots.


Monday, March 7, 2011

Amazing..........

Sometimes, the waves seem bigger than the boat, the talents more than the abilities, and the journey... well... sometimes it seems to last longer than the shoes.

This week is one of those weeks.

I'm writing this as a reminder to myself that it will be ok. I've asked God for guidance, and I know that He will do just that, that He has been, and that He will continue.

Stopping to take time and listen will be the key.

In fact, knowing what I have learned about God, things will be more than ok: They're going to be amazing.


Ps: I shot the above photo last weekend while hiking with my family. (Click on it to make it bigger) The moment just spoke to me... we can often have people all around us, and yet we may personally feel lonely. Not saying that that's what this little cutie was feeling, but it just reminded me that sometimes it's important to remember that we're not alone.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

It's business time

Just finished designing these: my business cards
Hope to send them to print soon.


Contact info side...


and while we're talking about business... this is hilarious:

It's All New

"As You open my eyes to the works of Your hands..."

I'm beginning a new week after a lovely break. I have so many possibilities that it is overwhelming if I attempt to look at the big picture. To take one step at a time; to place my hope in the God that has been personal, close, loving, forgiving... and yet... I feel him distant at times... when, it's only the spaces I've placed between us that create the divide.

It's funny how "Nearer my God to Thee" (the Titanic soundtrack version) is one of my favorite melodies, and yet I am a rubber band, bending, back-and-forth... closer, then away; yet my heart yearns for the nearness I sometimes experience: In the world, but not of it. To live for Christ because He lived and died for me: not an imposition or some dull requirement, but rather a privilege and a way of life, healing for our souls. This is what I desire, and I know He knows even my smallest desires.

May He break into my heart daily, crumble the walls I've built and guide me nearer to Him.

Photo: Nassau, Bahamas

Sunday, February 27, 2011

It ain't Gilligan's Island!

Well folks, it's been nice blogging on a more regular basis of late... however, I'm taking my leave for about a week. I'm expecting it will be a leave of the lovely type. If I have any epic stories, upon my return I shall be more than happy to disclose. Until then, may you find the greener grass on your side of the fence.

Bon voyage

{photos via www.visit-the-bahamas.com}

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Sometimes maybe is ok

Many times I stress out over ridiculous stuff. Being a bit of a perfectionist I despise making mistakes: this unfortunately keeps me from experiencing new things sometimes. Not petty stuff like trying new foods. I'll try new cuisine any day. I'm quite at home in any kitchen. I'm talking about things like rock climbing on actual rocks... not just man-made walls. I'm too good at putting up my own walls... even too busy trying to scale over them. I'm curious about what's on "the other side," but I don't know where to begin. That's where being a perfectionist comes in...

I end up either doing the same ole' same ole'... or nothing at all.

...And that my readers... is pathetic.

Where is my trust and my faith in God at times when I feel overwhelmed by the "newness" of certain stuff? I need a job this summer. It's the first time in seven years I have not known by this time of year what I will be doing with my summer.

And that scares me.

My heart of hearts would like to venture out and do photography and freelance design for my summer. I know two things: I need money for school, and that I'm capable.

But it's new...

...And I'm afraid of messing up.

As of now I have one wedding lined up to do photos for...

One.

But that's something. I know my Father in Heaven has never let me down before. I want to use my talents for him, and to be a witness for others. I feel it is time that I start perfecting them more, and I know that only through Him will I do well. So, for now I'm praying, beginning to design my business cards, and taking it one step at a time.

I may not be a rock climber, but I'm not ignorant enough to think that they jump from the bottom of the rock to the top.

So I'm stuck with a bunch of "maybes" for now.
As long as God knows what those maybes mean and will place my hands and feet on the steady rocks that move me upward to Him, that's all I need.

"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 important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you
not more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"

Matthew 6:25, 27


photo from www.alaska-in-pictures.com

Friday, February 25, 2011

What's New: Christina Perri

So, thankfully I'm not going through any sort of heart ache at the moment, haha, but if I WAS going through a break up, I would have this song on repeat. Perfect post breakup song. I'm also loving the choreography in the video. Beautiful.

I heard of this artist after watching a clip of "So you think you can dance" with a couple dancing to this song.


Christina Perri: Jar of Hearts

Monday, February 21, 2011

New Photo shoot

I recently did a photo shoot with my friend Jessica Weaver to begin the process of designing a CD. These are some of my favorite products of the shoot. Hope you enjoy!