Movie time

(this photo has nothing to do with this post.  we had a bonfire the other night and I thought it was pretty.  the end.)

Summer movies.

They are so...much...fun.

Don't get me wrong.  I love a good indie or a super serious dialog heavy flick too.  They make up most of my very favorite movies of all time.  And there are a few on this list.

But there is something about it being 100 humid-degrees outside, being bundled up in a dark, frigid movie theater with 150 other people watching things blow up or aliens take over or super heroes save the day.  It's comforting.  Like Jimmy Stewart at Christmas.


Onward...

1.  Iron Man 3 (Already saw it and loved it.  I would watch Iron Man:10 and probably still find a reason to love it.  RDJ is perfection in that role.  And add in Gwyneth and I'm hooked.  Yes, this is absolutely #1 for me this summer)

2.  Star Trek: Into Darkness (I was a big fan of the first one and have always loved the Next Generation movies.  All I needed to hear were the words Benedict Cumberbatch and this one went directly to number two on my list.  And then there's that adorable, hysterical Simon Pegg too...)

3. The Great Gatsby (As a big-time Baz Luhrmann (Tina Sparkle!) and Leo fan, I can't wait to stare at this one.  Even if the story is blah, it will be a feast for the eyes.)

4.  Much Ado About Nothing (Two words.  Joss Whedon. Joss made it.  I will watch it.  That's just a rule.  It's funny to me, all the people who now fall all over him.  Those of us who have been singing his praises since the 90's with Buffy have always known what a genius he is.  Nerds win again, Hollywood.  And the story of how this movie came to be is, like, the coolest thing.)

5.  Man of Steel (Superman has always been my favorite superhero.  The last Superman movie was so terrible.  I hope this one redeems him.)

6. The Bling Ring (Sophia Coppola's new movie?  Yes, please.  I love how she tells stories so quietly.  With so much detail in the little moments of a scene.  I adore her style)


Honorable Mentions: Despicable Me 2, World War Z, Elysium, Oblivion, White House Down, The Heat

What's on your list?

Summer Reading List 4th edition

I've done a reading list for the last few summers.  It's a way to keep track of what looks interesting and give myself something fun to look forward to in the midst of a crazy summer at camp.  Summer movies and books have become my tiny, summer vacations/my escape amidst working 90 hours in the baking, hot sun.  Something fun and cool and relaxing.  An honest and true summer vacation has become a thing of the past (my 15th summer here at camp) for me. So it sounds silly, but these are little things that I really look forward while everyone else is packing their bags and heading to new places.

Here we go...my reading list for Summer 2013:

1.  Quiet:  The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking  (This is definitely me.  Excited because I think this might be very eye-opening.)

2.  Just One Day (A new book from the author who wrote a favorite of mine. I've actually already started this one because it was surprisingly sitting on the shelf, available at the library.)

3.  The 5th Wave (Found this one highly recommended in the pages of EW a few weeks ago)

4.  Unbroken (Last week, as I was helping out kids on our Caterpillar Crawl, a teacher started telling me about this book.  She described it in such beautiful detail that I immediately put in on my list of things to read this summer.)

5. The Autobiography of Mark Twain (I'd like to chip away at this one a little more.  It's so big that I've decided it's okay to just read bits at a time, mixed in with other books.)

6.  Partials (Started this one in the bookstore or the library a while ago and really liked it.)

I'm sure there will be a few more YA books thrown in the mix.  I always have a huge list of those to read.

What are you hoping to read this summer?  I always have leave room to add a good recommendation.

____________________________

Book nerd side note:

I jumped on the Goodreads bandwagon, and must say that I love it merely for its organizational help.  The way I used to organize my books has dramatically changed throughout the years.

I have kept a small Moleskin in my purse for years.  I'll write down quotes or phrases or things I want to remember.  I've also always had a running list in the back of each notebook with books that I want to read.  That way, when I finished with a book, I'd automatically have another title waiting.

Then I got my iPhone and that notebook didn't see as much use as it used to.  Instead, I would snap a photo of a book that looked interesting to me and then save it my photo album under a "books" file.  That way, I could see a the title and the author's name with just a few simple clicks. So easy.

Then I finally decided to give Goodreads a try when I was looking at book recommendations one day.  I've never really thought much about the website because I don't really care that much about the rating and review side of things.  I probably could get really into it, considering how much I love hearing what other people are reading and enjoying, but it just hadn't drawn me in yet.

I downloaded the Goodreads app on my phone, and I was hooked.  You guys, they have a barcode scanner.  It's magic.  You just scan the book you are looking at and then you can place in one of your lists (I have a "to-read" list).  Now I have a running list of the books I want to read and a super easy way to add to it, if I want to.  And my phone is always with me when I shop or go to the library.  It's the best.

Are you a Goodreads user?  Do you find it useful?  Have you found books you love through the recommendations?


Previous summer reading lists:  2010/2011/2012

Oh, May...

Sometimes I dream about a parallel universe where the month of May doesn't make me want to curl up in a ball and cry in a corner.
A world where it's full of picnics with sun tea and sandwiches.
A world of warm spring days spent gardening or taking long walks.
A world that where May is just another month in the year and the schedule doesn't change that much.

Unfortunately, that isn't the case in my life.
May is met with great trepidation.
It means extreme stress and too many things to complete.
I've already had freak-outs and mental breakdowns (hello, last Friday).

I have so much to learn about letting Jesus be my peace.
When He is my center,
my crazy life can do whatever it wants and I feel unshaken.

That's what I'm working on right now.
A constant struggle of self vs. Jesus.
More often than not, self wins and I have to again ask for forgiveness and start all over.
Thankfully, I'm loved by God who chooses,
no...delights,
in forgiving me and reaching out yet again when I fail.
And as soon as I acknowledge that selfishness,
oh how the peace flows.

I'm loved beyond measure.
I'm forgiven.
I'm treasured.
Yes, life is out of control,
but God is not!

Radar

Here's a few things on my radar lately...

Society6 is my new favorite thing.  I already ordered two prints from one of my favorite photographers who I found on Flickr years ago and now follow on Instagram.  It was hard to whittle my choices down to two.  But now that I've seen the print quality, I will happily order more.   I also love this, this, this and this from various other artists.

My brother posted this video on FB the other day.  And now Big Sur has moved up 3 more spots on my "must go there" list.  Right after Iceland and China.

The Veronica Mars Movie Kickstarter reached $5 million!  That deserves an exclamation point.  They also broke the record for most backers.  My roommate and I got in on the action the day the Kickstarter was announced. (We constantly re-watch, quote and still adore that VMars.)  It was so fun to watch the numbers climb and get excited with all the other marshmallows.  It's over now, and I must say I'm going to be so sad to not have that counter to watch.  What a fun month.  LoVe forever.

Kickstarter in general is a favorite of mine and has been since before the VMars movie deal.  I personally love the app and am constantly looking at all the creative and fun ideas.  So many creative people.

I'm currently reading and loving this.  What a fascinating human being, that creator of Apple was. Crazy, but fascinating.

Just finished Matched. It was good.  I wanted to know what happened.  But it was no Divergent, by any means.  And I must admit that I've seen it for years and haven't picked it up because the cover seemed so silly to me.  Then I read what the story was about and decided it give it a try.

Iron Man 3 comes out in about 3 weeks.  I'm just slightly excited.  Okay, maybe I've been counting down the days since they started filming last year.  And this picture that Gwyneth tweeted last week...awesome.

Speaking of Gwyneth, I spent a good long time going through her new cookbook in the book store the other day.  So many of the recipes looked delicious.  And the photos were so beautiful.

I'm still obsessed with Dr. Quinn.  Constantly re-watching episodes.  Today was the classic season one episode where Sully gets beaten up and temporarily paralyzed.  Dr. Mike nurses him back to health and convinces him not to kill the man that tried to kill him.  That show is like comfort food.  It's so silly and predictable, but I love it so much.

I've about finished up one year with Amazon Prime, and I will happily sign up again.  It has been well worth the money for me.  I order from Amazon often and love the free 2 day Prime shipping.  And then there are all the Prime Instant Videos that I've watched, now that there is an app for iphones.  And I've read a few books for free from the Prime Kindle lending library.  It's been a great investment.  I highly recommend it.

I made this delicious (found via Pinterest) treat a few weeks ago.  A not-so-terrible-for-you sweet that is actually delicious!  I added a bit of agave because I'm not a big fan of honey.  It was a big hit with friends too.

And lastly, I turned 36 this weekend.  Gulp.  To celebrate, I spent the day antiquing with my mom.  She was super sweet to buy me some of the treasures I found.  It was such a lovely day, and we got chocolate!

Resurrection Day celebration

My sister and her crew were in town for Easter this year.  Of course, we had to do some garage door photos.  It's become a tradition.  Even at their house.  That bright white backdrop hardly ever fails, especially at my parents house where the light is always perfect.

Since I was my parents house, I went to church with them, but I have to say that I desperately missed my church.  We always have baptisms on Easter.  It's become a tradition since we moved into our first permanent building a few years ago. It's energizing and exciting. There are a few that are planned and then there are always one or two that happen in the moment.  People in dressed in their Easter clothes who meet Jesus for the first time and take that immense step of faith.  It's amazing to see Jesus change lives right before your eyes.  I missed it.  I missed the worship too.

But it was nice to see old friends (my parents church was the one I grew up going to) and be with my whole family.  And then have a meal together afterwords.  That doesn't happen very often any more.  I take it when I can get it.

I hope that you all had a lovely Resurrection Day, as well.
Hopefully it included a few silly face photos.

ps...anyone else love Easter almost more than Christmas?  It's so joyful and alive and the weather is warming up (or attempting to.  ours was rather rainy and chilly).  It's a celebration focused more on church than presents and gift giving.  And there's always loads of chocolate! 

Checked that one off the list

I have this running list in my head called "things I want to do before I die".
I think almost every one does, right?

This past weekend, I got to check one of those things off of my list.
And thankfully, it was just as amazing as I imagined it would be.
Was it ever.

I got to see Sigur Ros in concert.
Live.
In person.
Playing right there in front of me.

I was dead center.
Staring straight at Jonsi.
On the isle (my personal favorite.  claustrophobic.)
Not standing on the floor swallowed by 400 other people that are 4 ft. taller than me.
High enough that I could get the full experience of the screens, lights, etc.
It...was...fantastic.

Now, I totally understand that Sigur Ros isn't for everyone.
Their sound is very different.
They sing in Icelandic.
But for me, I think they are one of the most creative bands in the business.
They love film and incorporating it with their music.
Their music is like a work of art that you listen to.

Their live show was an explosion of creativity.
One of the biggest reasons I went was that I knew that it had the potential to be incredibly inspiring.
I think they actually sounded better live, which hardly ever happens.
In fact, Jonsi (whose voice I personally really love) sounds even more amazing when he's standing there in front of you.
It is other worldly, that voice of his.

Seeing all the songs played live with 3 girls playing violins and 3 girls playing trumpet, trombone and French Horn, plus the guitars and drums and cymbals and Jonsi playing his guitar with a bow.
Add in all the video that they use as a backdrop and the lights.
Tons of small bulb lamps all over the stage lighting up in time to the music.
It was a wonder.

My favorite moment was the song Fljótavík.  
I had chills and tears welling up in my eyes. 
It was so beautiful. 
Achingly beautiful, really.

I also loved their new song Brennisteinn.
It's a great concert song.
Rock and big and loud.






Words don't ever seem to express correctly what you feel when you are inspired.
They don't accurately convey the emotions you experience.
When you experience something that connects with you,
whether it's a perfect sunset or a painting or photograph you can't take your eyes off of,
it's an emotion that goes beyond words.
I think for creative people, we are always on the lookout for things like that.
Things that make us feel alive.

This was one of those moments for me.
Just sat back and enjoyed every second.
And wished that it could go on and on and on.



***Thank you, brother dearest, for showing me the wonder of Sigur Ros all those years ago.
***I've posted about Sigur Ros a few other times too.  1//2//3

history is fun

If my history classes had been as entertaining and informative as The Men Who Built Amercia, I would have been a history major.

My parents introduced me to this mini-series when I was home for the holidays.
It's fascinating.
The story of Vanderbuilt, Rockefeller, Carnegie, JP Morgan and Ford.
I never knew how much their stories intertwined.
And how very, VERY wealthy they were. (At one point, Rockefeller had more money than the federal government.)
And greedy.
And smart.
And how they changed America.
How we have oil, steel, modern day banking, automobiles and assembly line factories because of them.

If you are into history,
or if you think it's boring, but wish you knew more about it,
give The Men Who Built America a try.
I just finished it last night and am already wishing there was more.


Reading side note: I just started Steve Jobs biography, which I have been wanting to read since it came out.  People's stories always fascinate me.  People who change the way we do things, even more fascinating.  I feel like there could be a mini-series about men like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates and all the other computer geniuses one day.  They have changed the way our world operates and the way we communicate forever.  

Goodbye, week

(by the fantastic Nan Lawson.  A forever favorite artist of mine.)

I'll be glad when this week is over.

Anyone else?

Just one of "those weeks", you know?

Here's a few pieces of randomness for you on this Friday...

>>>  I've been watching It Happened One Night again, hence the above artwork.  

>>>  Joss is doing a big ol' bus tour with the cast of Much Ado on their way to SXSW.  Love it.  Can't wait for the movie.

>>>  The new Divergent book comes out in October.  Oh-so-long-to-wait October.  I've been thinking about Tris lately and wondering how this story will end.

>>>  David's Tea.  Oh, good gracious.  I could spend way too much $$ on their deliciousness.  My current favorite it Read My Lips.  It came as a sample with my order and now I need more.  It's crazy delicious.

>>>  Finished Bunheads and now I must wait like the rest of America for the new season to start.  It definitely fills that Gilmore Girls hole.  I love the dancing.  LOVE.  

>>>  Loved this post from Elsie about lifestyle photography.  I find myself gravitating to this style 90% of the time.  Very few moments that are posed or "look at the camera".  I like the little moments and details, the bits and pieces that catch my eye while life is happening.  

>>>  I've found myself looking forward to Tuesdays thanks to You Are My Wild.  Several photographers post 1 photo of their kids from the past week.  I want to soak in all the light and perfection in each shot.  This is crazy inspiring to me right now.  

>>>  Speaking of inspiring...does it get any more inspiring than a shoot like this one from the great TW?  For years now, I just drool over the light she paints with in her photos.  

>>>  Another post from a blog I follow.  The third photo...I want to live inside those perfect colors.  

And so on and so forth....

What's caught your attention lately?

Dear, Spring...

I am very ready for spring. By that I mean that I'm already sitting in windows on warm(er) days to soak in every second of bright sunshine.  I also mean that I'm contemplating pulling out my summer clothes even though the highs are still in the 40 degree range here.  I finally mean that I am missing running.  That's right.  I said it.  I miss my morning runs.  But I cannot make myself run when it is in the 30's outside.  I spend the rest of the day coughing because of the cold air.  No thank you.

So, Spring.  Yes, you, desperately missed friend...you feel free to come at any time.  It is March 1st, you know.  March seems very appropriate for your arrival.  I vow to bring flowers to announce your presence.  I vow to get rid of all the winter leftovers such as weeds and brown grasses and pale, covered skin.  I vow to use the sunlight and warm weather to its potential with gardening, outdoor games, beach walks, morning runs, hiking adventures.  

We'll be friends, dear Spring.  We will.  We will enjoy each other's company, I promise.  I won't take you for granted.  I'll be thankful for every day. And you will be the reason that I will make it through the insanity that comes to life when one lives on a camp schedule.  

So, please.  Please, won't you?  You must be ready for all of this too, right?!

i love tv

(Lady Mary of Downton Abbey.  Can't even talk about how beautiful that dress was)

It's Oscar weekend.

I've been a watcher and admirer of the Oscars since I was small.

But can I tell you a secret...

I think TV blew movies completely out of the water this year.

There was so much more drama and tension and joy and in just an hour or two of the small screen than in the entire movie season this year.

So, while I will, of course, watch on Sunday night, the awards, the fashion, the over the top pomp and circumstance, it won't really have the same thrill as this last week in TV had.

February sweeps 2013.
oooh, my.  I can't even...
It was brutal this year.
It was fan-tastic this year.
Some of the best TV I have seen in years.
Hearbreaking, shattering, and just plain GOOD.
In the last week alone, 4 characters have died on 4 of the TV shows I watch.
(the plethora of zombie deaths don't count, obviously, but that head in the car-trunk...wow.)
While my poor imagination is suffering from the loss of beloved characters,
I'm secretly enjoying every last minute of it.

Sorry, Mom.
You tried to curb my TV addiction for years as I was growing up.
But try as you did, I'm hopeless.
I love TV.

Thank you,
The Good Wife
The Walking Dead
Downton Abbey
Vampire Diaries
Grey's Anatomy
for some of the best TV all year in just one week.

Take that, movies.
You have long way to go before you can fill those shoes.

Creative mind

Last night I spent a good, long time curled up next to my little electric heater finishing up the book Grace: A Memoir.  I heard that it was coming out a few months ago and instantly put it on my "holds" list at the library.  While it wasn't one of the best memoirs I've ever read (read Lucille Ball's Love, Lucy, if you want a spectacular one), I really enjoyed hearing from/about one of the most creative minds in fashion today.

I came to love Grace's work years ago, before I even recognized that it was her name stamped on it.  I would occasionally flip through a Vogue magazine in the grocery store line or the library and would be stopped dead in my tracks by one of the spreads.  The image would be burned into my brain for weeks/years.  Occasionally, I would buy an issue because the photos were just too spectacular and I would have to have a copy to stare at myself for a while (this was before the wonder of Pinterest).

Then I heard about The September Issue.  A documentary?  About a fashion magazine?  Yes, please.  I watched it and like almost everyone else that watched it, I was captivated by Grace Coddington. And it was then that I realized that she was behind all of those fashion spreads that I had been saving and bookmarking and filing away in my head as inspiration.  (ps...The September Issue is fantastic.  You should watch it.)

Anyway, interesting book.  Fascinating, creative mind.  And she's 70 years old and still working like mad at Vogue.  Pretty amazing, huh? Pretty amazing.

Here are just a few of those images that will be burned into my mind forever...

 

(I've been completely entranced by this one lately.  The light.  The tones.  The movement.)

***all images (except top one) are from Vogue found via Pinterest.  

hearts...and more hearts

This year, I had to urge to add some hearts to the little cottage for Valentine's Day.  I spotted these origami hearts when I was blog hopping a few weeks ago.  They are super easy and quick.  I made a bunch while watching TV over the next few days/weeks.  The other night, I was going to hang them up as garland, but changed my mind and taped them up on the wall in our kitchen.

Supplies:  an old Vogue magazine, glue stick, painters tape to stick them to the wall.  All items that I had at home, so basically free!

I made a few cards too.  These little hearts were too cute not to share.

Supplies:  cardstock, old Vogue magazine, glue stick, double sided tape, stamps, ink pad.  All found in my closet, so basically free! 

Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights."

-Psalm 36:7-8

lots of photography babble

(antique shopping treasure bought last month while visiting my sister.  photo taken with my iPhone)

After a year of using my iPhone as my main camera,
I have found a few tried-and-true photo apps that are my favorites.
These are the ones that are the most frequently used.
The ones that are my "go-to's"

If' you don't take photos with your iPhone,
you can skip this post.
Truly, I won't even know.

However, I always really appreciate when other share what works for them,
and what is worth their hard earned cash.
So, I am writing a list of the apps that I can't live without.
(okay, I can live without them.  that's a slight over-statement.)


1. Instagram
This is probably my favorite one of out all the apps on my phone, not just the photography apps.  I check it way too many times a day.  It gets used A LOT.
What I like: You can choose who you want to follow, so your feed is only filled with people that you want to see photos from.  It has a great selection of filters that are included.  Comments to and from fellow users. Very user friendly.
What I don't like: Not much.  Most of the recent updates have improved the most frustrating things.
Cost: Free

2.  Afterglow
My favorite editing app at the moment.  Most of my recent photos on Instagram have been edited with this one.
What I like: So many options for filters, sizing, editing, uploading and fun shapes too.  You can keep a photo as a rectangle and upload it to Instagram with white borders.  The filters are adjustable, which is the biggest perk since most apps don't have this option. There are lots of filters made by amazing photographers.  The "Russ" filter is my favorite.  It was made by one of my very favorite photographers ever.
What I don't like: There isn't an undo button if you just want to go back one step.  If you don't like something, you have to start all over again.
Cost: $ .99

3.  VSCO CAM
Until Afterglow was released in late 2012, this was my favorite editing app.  In fact, I stopped using Instagram filters the day this app was released in the middle of last summer.  The tones in the filters are beautiful.
What I like: The black and white filters are the best of any app I've used.  Color filter #5.    The FILL adjustment for light.  It's the best.  It's light handed and doesn't make your photos look too processed.
What I don't like: It's slow.  Saving and uploading takes a long time.  It also saves all the photos you edit in the app itself.  Seems like a waste of space.  The filters are not adjustable.  Many of the filters are quite dark, so unless you have a very well lit photo, you will have to crank up the exposure a bit.
Cost: $ .99

4.  Diptic
I tried quite a few collage apps.  Most of them were free (and I think this one was too, when I got it a while ago) and I got what a I paid for.  This is the one I kept coming back to.
What I like:  You can adjust just about every aspect of the collage at any point.  The photos, the boarders, the width of the borders, the color.  And there are so many SO MANY different shapes and sizes to choose from.  There are also options for the size of the file you save it as. No adds!
What I don't like:  Not much.  It's pretty fantastic at making collages.
Cost: $ .99 (Picture Frames Free is a decent free alternative)

5.  Squaready
Before Afterglow, this was how I got my rectangle photos uploaded into Instagram with white borders.
What I like: Easy to use. You can manipulate your photo in lots of different ways to get the framing you want.  I still use it to crop my photos because it can be so precise.  You can upload directly to Instagram.
What I don't like: The adds.  But hey, it's free!
Cost: Free

6.  Phonto
I used this app to add text to all of my #campsummer14 photos.
What I like:  Using more than one type of font on a photo.  Changing the size, shape, position, transparency, color and a bunch of other attributes of the text is easy.  User friendly from the beginning.
What I don't like: Wish it had more fonts.  Add, but again, it's free.
Cost: Free

7. Flickr
This wouldn't have even made the list until a few months ago when Flickr did a major overhaul to their app.  I actually used a second party app to upload to Flickr because it was so bad.  But now...it's a night and day difference.  They've added on filters too, but I haven't used them yet because of my love of Afterglow and VSCO CAM.
What I like:  So easy to upload multiple photos to my Flickr account (where I upload all my photos that I use on my blog).  You can even add them to sets and add titles and tags, etc.
What I don't like:  The upgrades have taken away all my complaints.
Cost: Free


Honorable Mention:
Postal Pix (print out your photos straight from your phone.  Ridiculously easy and convenient   Quality is not perfect, but good enough.  App is free.  Photos are a little pricey, but the convenience of not having to upload to other places or go to the store, it's not that bad.)

Postagram (Send a postcard with your iPhone photos.  I used this to send my parent a thank you note after a trip we took.  It was so easy and the quality was fine.  Love that the photo pops out for the receiver to keep if they wish. App is free.  Postcards are $1.)

Fotomecha (Got this when it was offered for free and was kinda shocked at how great it actually was. It takes rapid-fire photos.  You can change so many of the settings, which makes it all sorts of awesome. App is $1.99)

TimerCam (It's a timer for your iPhone camera.  Simple.  Easy to use.  Does what it's supposed to do.  App is free.)


If you are iPhone camera obsessed as well, what are your favorite apps?
Do you constantly have to download your photos because your phone is full like me?

the year-long goal

One of my new goals for 2013 is to read the Bible through in a year.  I've done it before, but I think the last time was in college.  Senior year of college.  That's a long time ago now. Ah-hem....

As 2012 was ending, I was praying about my goals for the year.  Then I read this article when it popped up in my Twitter feed.  (ps...Mark Driscoll's feed is so encouraging, challenging and inspiring to me on a daily basis)  Kinda humbling to know that a high schooler has a more in-depth reading plan that I do.  Shameful.

Anyway, I really felt like the Lord was impressing upon me to read the entire Bible again this year.  Usually I just focus on a book at a time and re-read it over and over until the Lord tells me to move on to another one.  I still love this way of being in the Word, but excited for a challenge too.  Last year taught me that having goals, goals that specifically challenge me, are really good for my OCD nature.  This was exactly what I needed.

Instead of using a piece of paper in my Bible that I check off with a pen each day (so antiquated!), I am using the ESV Study Bible Plan on my iPhone. (There is also a PDF version.)  I love, love, love the convenience of having in my hand all day.  My schedule (which is turning in to a wonderful habit now that I'm 35 days into this plan) is to read half in the morning and half in the evening.  Usually, I read the morning half while I'm still in bed.  Just woken up. I love having scripture the first thing I focus on in the morning.  And I've always done my quiet time at night.  Started this in high school and it just stuck.

Now, sometimes, this perfect schedule doesn't work, so I will read during the day when I have a chance.  Bonus of having it on my iPhone.  At the DMV, waiting in line.  On a break from work.  Out at a coffee shop or the library.  The whole point is that I want it be a habit.  I want it to feel "off" when I don't do it every day.  I'm one of those people that does well with self-inflicted goals.  But I need to goal to motivate me.

This isn't the only way I'm reading the Word.  I'm still involved in Bible studies and other areas that have me focusing on specific passages of scripture.  But this is my personal challenge and one that I am loving.  More Bible in my day?  That certainly can't be bad thing!

What is your Bible reading plan?
Are you following one, or discouraged in your quiet time right now?
Let me encourage you that I have been there!
Jump in a find a plan that works for you.
Be in the Word.
It's important.
It should be every day.
And it will be life changing!

365 complete

I finished my 365 project on January 15, 2013.
Actually it was a 366 because it was a leap year, so 3 cheers for an extra day!
And not only did I finish my 366, but I completed each and every single day.
Didn't miss once.

My goal was to take one photo every day with my iPhone and then post it to Instagram.
It was a lofty goal and one that I was nervous about completing.
However, about a month in, I was hooked.
I loved how easy it was to do with my iPhone.
(the main reason I wanted an iPhone in the first place was for the camera.  true story)
Now, that isn't to say that some days it wasn't a chore.
There were a few days when it felt hard and there was no inspiration.
But those days were few and far between.

(taken with Fotomecha app, which I stumbled upon when it was offered for free.  Totally worth $1.99 though.  It's well designed and easy to use and takes great shots!  The kids were jumping up and down the entire time I took this, and I purposely made them partially blurry to capture the movement.)

And now, I have an entire year's worth of photos.
A visual journal of life for the year 2012.
I can flip through it on Instagram any time I want.
And I will probably print them out in a Blurb book eventually.

I did take a ridiculous amount of photos of the water that is in my backyard.
Ridiculous.
But truth be told, I stare at it several times a day in wonder, even if I don't take a photo.
So, I guess it is just a snapshot of my daily life.

I ordered several sets of StickyGrams through out the year which now stick to my kitchen wall (it's magnetic).
I was reminded how amazing it was to have my photos in printed form.
(something I haven't done in years)
Little snippets on the wall that catch my eye when I walk by.
I wouldn't have any of these magnets without my 365 challenge and the hundreds of photos to choose from.

And then there are favorite (or at least a few of them cause I have too many favorites) photos that I just can't get enough of.

1. Hillsong concert 2. the river at sunset  3. Color explosion at the Color Run  4. My grandfather's old Polariod Land Camera and my first time using VSCO cam  5. The neighbors lily pond with a perfect ray of sunlight 6. Another sunset  7. Me and The Bro playing with the mirror lined escalator at the National Aquarium  8.  Jefferson Memorial during the Cherry Blossoms  9. Sledding with the family at my sister's over the holidays

It was an amazing challenge.
One that I haven't totally given up on because I've still been posting every day.
It has become a habit.
A habit I hope to keep.

This past year was a great year for making (and keeping!) goals.
I already have one or two lined up for this year.
Practical, challenging and fun too.
And I must say that completing this goal was a highlight of my year.

What about you?
Any goals that you have for 2013?
Are you keeping up with them?

Seaside

Last week was a bit nuts-o.
Super early mornings in the kitchen (ah-hem, 6am).
Late night dinners (7pm).

But this view on Wednesday (Tues, Thursday? can't remember) kinda made it totally worth the early morning.
We had a tiny bit of snow and arctic temperatures.
Didn't so much like the single digit temps in the morning.
But let's focus on that view shall we?

I don't think I will ever get tired of living on the water.
I just won't.
Just being beside it, seeing it, hearing it, is like balm to my soul.
We were meant for each other, the seaside and me.

Love adventure

I've been reading like crazy lately.
Had to talk about this one...

I read Love Does before Christmas, but forgot to post about it.
It was a perfect book for me to read at the end of the year.
Right before it was time to start a brand new year.
I also love when you read a book at the exact right time.

By that I mean this...
There are times when I pick up a book, and it's good, but it just doesn't hit me at the right time.  I will usually end up abandoning it before I finish reading the whole thing.
Then there are times when it's like the author is speaking what has been resonating in my soul, but I didn't have the words to articulate it.  I feel at one with the intentions and direction they are taking me.  It's like whispers from the Lord.  Gives me chills.

Anyway, Love Does is a fantastic book.  I read it just 3 short days, which is incredible for me because I read very little non-fiction.  I have a hard time reading non-fiction and sticking with it to the end of the book.
Goff's style is very similar to Donald Miller (who just so happens to write the forward and is a friend of the author).  Easy going, simple statements packed with truth.

I knew I was going to love it the moment I read the first sentence...

"I do all of my best thinking on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland."

It is a book full of adventure.  Full of love.  Full of doing instead of just thinking about it.  It's a book about loving like Jesus did and letting Him lead us where He needs us.  It's about letting go of our own little plans and ideas and being open to what He has.

Truthfully, it was a breath of fresh air to my soul.  I needed it.  I craved those words.  It was like God whispering to my heart the entire time.

Give it a try.  I bet you will love it too.

*Bob Goff (@bobgoff) on Twitter is one of my favorites.  His words always prompt me to reflect.

music obsession

I'm incredibly OCD (that's pretty much a verb and adjective now, right?).

I obsess over things I like until I'm basically sick to death of them.  

At this moment, these two songs are pretty much "it". 

I put them on repeat for a ridiculous amount of time.

An hour, maybe?  

Over and over and over.

Each time I find a new note or section I love more and more.

They are my go-to when I'm working on Bible Study, especially.  

*side note: in college, I was one of those weird people who couldn't study in the library because I would get so distracted people-watching.  Instead, I would hide in my room and blast instrumental movie soundtracks (Last of the Mohicans got me through most of those years).  That was my study help. 

You know Jack Black's character, Miles, from The Holiday?

That part when they are in the video store and he is playing the soundtrack game with Kate Winslet's Iris? 

That is so me.

Soundtrack nerd.

ps: my niece loves silly face photos.  She will do them for a long, long time.  And this photo-loving-Auntie is in heaven the whole time.  This is my new favorite, favorite, favorite of her.  Just a snap with the iPhone in a perfectly sunny lit room with the snow outside as the perfect white reflector.  Needs to go on the wall, don't you think?

Read this one

I finished The Age of Miracles last night.

It had one of the most original ideas I've read in a long time.

It reminded me so much of Another Earth in its tone and the feel of it.

The story is about a girl who lives in a time when the Earth begins to slow.  The days become longer and life changes in a thousand different ways because of this.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about the whole concept of "the slowing" as it was called in the book. I won't go into too much detail because that was such an interesting part of the book.  Finding out what changed when the Earth's rotation began to slow.

As for the story itself, well, I wasn't sure how to describe it.  I went to get a link to write this post and I saw that someone had reviewed in on Amazon and called it "hollow".  Yes, that's the word that I would use.

First of all, this should have been a young adult novel, yet it is found in the regular fiction section.  The story centers around an 11 year old girl (she always seemed a bit older to me).  It is told in her voice.

Second, while the whole concept is incredibly interesting and creates the desire to continually turn the page to find out what happens, the actual story is very shallow.  The ending was just strange.  Hollow.  So much on the outside and yet, not much substance when you look a little deeper.

Third, the title seems out of place to me.  A little deceiving.  

However, I did enjoy it.  It did keep me turning the pages and wanting to know what happened.  There are ideas in it that will stick with me for a long, long time.  Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy a good sci fi twist in your story.  

A whole new year

(sledding at my sister's during the holidays)

It's a whole new year.
Whew.
2012 was rather uneventful in this little corner of the internet.
Kinda makes me sad inside.

On a happier note...
it's a whole NEW year!
I love new beginnings.
Starting all over with a clean slate.
Brand new.

Here are a few things that have been on my radar lately:

Downton Abbey.  It's back.  And it's better than ever.  Won't say any more because no one likes a spoiler.

ESV Study Bible in a Year Plan on YouVersion.  I haven't done the whole Bible in one year since college.  Randomly at the end of 2012, the Lord told me it was time to do it again.  I'm really loving this plan.  Loving how easy it is on my phone too.

365.  I'm less than a week away from finishing my Instgram 365.  I can't even believe it.  A whole year of photos.

The Impossible.  I loved this 200% more than I loved Les Mis (so disappointing).  It was hauntingly mesmerizing.  Seriously.  Go see it.  One the big screen.  And try your hardest not to cry, but I bet you will.

Divergent.  One of the most fun books I've read in a while. I could not put this down on my long road trip over the holidays.  I have the second book waiting on my shelf right after I finish The Age of Miracles, which I am completely engrossed in.

Happy, happy

I've been doing lots of nothing but...

eating lots of food.  Not "good for you" food.  Yummy fattening deliciousness.

watching lots of TV/movies.  Helped my parents finish Downtown season 2 to get ready for season 3 in 2 weeks! And Thor.  I can't stop re-watching Thor.  It's even better the 2nd, 3rd and 4th time.  And Iron Man 2 because...well, because it's Iron Man.

thankful for some time to celebrate the birth of my Savior as well.  Amazing church services and worship time. 

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Frozen

Have you seen Frozen Planet?!

I'm obsessed with it right now.

Found it at the library and have been trying to slowly watch it instead of watching all 8 hours at once.

It's crazy good.

And the snippets of how they film it...wow. 

Anyway, if you need a last minute gift for someone who loves documentaries or nature, Frozen Planet would be a great idea.  I mean there are narwhals, polar bears and penguins.  And the frozen tundra that melts and becomes some of the most beautiful landscape you will ever see.  It's addicting.  And educational!

Runner

Still running.

Can't even believe it myself.

I feel like I started to slowly turn the corner with my whole attitude towards it.  I don't do it as much as I should.  Only a few times a week (or once a week, if I can't nip that laziness in the bud). But when I do actually do it, I don't feel sick or like I'm dying every second.  The winter weather may be the blessing in disguise for that.  Whatever the case, I'm thankful for the change. 

I started running back in the spring of this year.  After many failed attempts in years past, this time it stuck.  Maybe it was turning 35.  Maybe it was having goals to look forward to.  Maybe it was having a plan in place rather than just winging it.  Maybe it was me praying "Lord, help me get the better of my laziness." Probably a combination of all those things. Whatever it was, it's working.

I must tell you that I'm not an athletic person.  I was blessed with family genes that have given me a small, slender frame for my entire life.  I didn't have to exercise to be skinny.  I wasn't good any any sports, so I just didn't really participate other than some volleyball in high school. I was much more content to sit in my room and read, craft or write.  A dangerous habit, if you want to live a healthy life.

Reaching middle age (really?!) I realized that if I want to be healthy, I have to do something about it.  I have to be the one to get off the couch and do something.  I have to be the one to gain control over my laziness and go outside in the mornings.  So I did.  I choose to run.  I choose to have those tough  mornings when I just want to walk and not run so badly.  I choose to push myself to go further when I don't want to.

So for those of you that just don't want to.  You hate running. You don't have time.  You can't run to your mailbox to get the mail, not to mention 1 whole mile.  For all of you, let me say that is is possible.  You CAN do it.  You can train yourself.  You can run 1, 2 or even 3 miles.  Just put on those running shoes and do it.  Stop making excuses.  Stop waiting until next year.  And then keep up with your goal.  Refuse to let your laziness win.  Refuse to keep giving up and starting over.

You may not love running.  I don't.  But I do love the energy I get from doing it.  I do love finishing a run and knowing I "ran".  It's a mental game.  It is.  The physical stuff is much, MUCH easier than the mental game.  It's exciting to gain control over that crazy mental block.  It's exciting to feel the wind in your face and push yourself.  And all those comfy running clothes aren't too shabby either!


****ps..I still would much rather swim than run.  It's just that the pool is so expensive and my favorite one to swim in is 45 minutes away, by my parents house.  Thankfully, the holidays mean that I'll be able to jump in a few times while I'm visiting them. 

Reflect

(Blue Window by Michael Carson)

"You have been uniquely wired and uniquely gifted by God. You've been drawn to certain hobbies, drawn to certain habits, placed in certain neighborhoods, and given certain positions that you might reflect the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ in powerful ways to the world around you so that my hope is you wouldn't be so bored in life but rather would enjoy the life you've been given as you see the eternal weight of it. " -Matt Chandler "Galatians - A Former Life" Feb 12, 2012 


This little section of a message by Matt Chandler (heard via podcast) has been stuck in my head since I heard it on Monday.  (I've started listening to podcasts while running and LOVE it).  Totally inspiring.

365 update

(my brother and my niece washing dishes at my parents.  melts my heart)

I'm about a month away from finishing up my 365 photo project.

What an experience.

I'm so glad I decided to do it.
On a whim, no less.
No forethought other than...
"Take a photo today and one tomorrow and the next day"

(the Winnie dog completely puzzled by the sounds from the record player.)

That turned into 11 months.

I will say that I don't think I would have done it without my iphone.

I just know that if my photos depended on lugging around my DSLR everywhere, it would have ended on week 3.

(pretty fall colors)

But my phone, I have with me everywhere.
When I go running.
When I go to the store.
When I'm sitting in my room playing with yarn or glue.
When I go on adventures.
It's right there in my pocket, getting pulled out dozens of time to capture something.

(my view while running this morning.  so crazy beautiful. no filter either.)

It will be exciting to finish up mid January (I started the day I activated my iphone).

A Blurb book should be in the works to commemorate it.
It can go along with my #campsummer14 book.

A year of photos.

A year of my life.

So much fun and just a little bit of work.

Crazies and food = favorite Fall activity

One of my very favorite Fall traditions is our local Rennaissance festival.  I've heard it's one of the best in the country.  Luckily for me, it's literally 20 seconds from my church which means traffic is super fun on Sundays in the Fall!  Just kidding.  Well, not really.  Traffic really is quite awful, but I'll trade that for being so close to all the Ren Fest magic.

I usually wait and go when the weather cools down and the leaves are just starting to turn and float down to the ground.  After doing the festival in the rain (no thanks) and the heat (again, no way), I've learned that the cool days of October are prime for enjoyment.

The cooler weather doesn't deter anyone from dressing up in their Renaissance best.  There are a host of all sorts of crazies with strangest costumes I've ever seen.  It's highly entertaining and addicting.  People watching is the best part of the Ren Fest.

Okay, more like food and people watching.  Both are portrayed quite well in this shot.  I like to grab my food and then sit and stare at people walking by.  And there are so many delightful treats that it's an easy thing to do all day.

You could eat at a different stand for a whole week and not eat the same thing twice.  After this place has been open for an hour or two, the lines are crazy long and people are shoving food into their faces every where you turn.  And it's good food too.  Delish.

And the shows...some of the best live entertainment I've ever seen.  All the show are included in the admission price, so you can just plan out your schedule and squeeze in as many shows as you can between your people watching and eating.  There are a few favorites that I always make sure to see.  Like this guy in the photo above.  This is his second year here and is now a favorite of mine.  Hilarious.  I laugh so hard my stomach hurts.

This troupe has been at the festival for almost 15 years.  They do Shakespeare mixed with improv.  It's magic.  I see them at least twice each year.

The Bro decided to do the Wall Challenge this year and was super close to ringing that bell.  He's quite the climber now, living in those crazy Utah mountains.

The festival is always the most fun when you can share it with people you love.  It was so much fun to have The Bro back with me this year.  We went for the first time together about 7 years ago.  A favorite tradition of ours until he moved away.  Thankfully, he was back this year while it was still going on.  And we had sweet M with us too.  Such a fun fall tradition.  Magic, food, crazy people.  What more could you want?!

Do you have Rennaissance Festival in your state?
What's it like?