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!

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!

new poster: GIACOMO PUCCINI

Just finished this for class... at least... I think I'm finished, for now...

"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.

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.

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

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}

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

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

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!

The 1,2,3s of Spring: Some very worthy finds

Sorry, I haven't posted in a several days, life took over, but I found some great stuff for you, and... I know I re-blogging about a couple of items, but what's better than repetition to signify importance? Anyway, the rest is all fresh. I even made a fantastic play list for you to tune your ears too. Check it out below!

Cool new trends: Great for the college student who needs a mental break and some creative inspiration. Or, for those who don’t have time to look up from the books to catch a glimpse of some very splendid finds.

1. The music scene:
Yes, it’s true I have scoped out some fantastic tunes and have put together a music playlist just for you Southern.
I know it’s a long url, but it’s worth a visit:
http://tinyurl.com/southernplaylist

Specific musicians you may want to check out are three of my most recent favorites: Garage Voice, Aaron Beaumont and Ivan Colon. What’s more awesome than Adventist musicians playing real music? Totally boss stuff. These guys are all fantastic and their sound is mostly of the indie/folk rock/blues genres. Listening to them is like giving your soul a little hug.

2. Rue Magazine:
For those of you who are in love with magazines, this one is fantastic. No, not your typical fashion and beauty magazine. Instead, it incorporates spreads on a mix of stylish vintage and traditional home décor. Not only is it’s content engaging; it also incorporates fresh design that offers great inspiration during a needed mental break. And the best thing about it: you can subscribe for free to their issues because it is an all-online magazine. Genius.
Visit www.ruemag.com

3. Fashion:
For those out there who care, I did some research on the up and coming color palate for Spring 2011 fashion. The top ten colors are: Honeysuckle, Russet, Coral Rose, Regatta, Peapod, Blue Curacao, Beeswax, Lavender, Silver Peony, and Silver Cloud

It’s a nice mix of warm and cool shades and will match a variety of skin tones. So whether you dig a more earthy palate or a brighter, colorful one, this spring’s clothing line should meet your fancy. Way classier than a couple of years ago when they had some puke greens and an overwhelming plethora of corals in all shades. Not everyone should be walking around in peach folks. This spring’s palate offers hues that range from exotic and spicy to traditional and organic. Happy shopping!

Bonus find: Tulips are the new rose

Photo by Aimee Burchard
For the sake of spring and couples…Ok boys, word of advice: Roses are cliché. Get a new default flower. Try Tulips. They are definitely the new rose and the cost is on par. White tulips are very classy and dainty, and if she has a favorite color they come in a wide array. Also, if you don’t cook and you’re invited to a potluck… Trust me when I say, spending $5 on some flowers for the hostess will score you big points and costs less than making a dish. Enough said.

Gimbie Adventist Hospital: Mossy foot

I'm determined to find a way to raise money for Gimbie Adventist Hospital in Ethiopia. I have a project in mind and it will specifically be directed towards helping eradicate mossy foot (podoconiosis).

This health problem affects above 1 million people in Ethiopia (around 5% of the population). If you are interested in how this project unfolds stay-tuned to more posts here on my blog.

I'm excited and overwhelmed at the same time, because I cannot imagine the suffering of those with mossy foot, but I am excited because I know we can make a difference simply by creating awareness about the disease and we can provide hope for healing. By the grace of God, may He be the driving force behind this project. Southern Adventist University is about to get a chance to be involved in changing people's lives.

Please pray as I attempt to push this project forward, and look for updates here as it unfolds.