Once Again

One week this time, better than two. I just back yesterday from a quick trip to Auburn/Evergreen. Mom and I drove together. She was going to Evergreen to salvage pieces of her high school; I was going to Auburn to retrieve my paintings and deliver one that had been sold. Sadly the whole retrieving the painting thing didn't work out. My friend Rachel Stark has been kind enough to take care of it for me though so that I didn't have to return to Auburn. When I met up with my Mom in Evergreen, we went to her old high school that is being torn down to take pictures and take a few items. Mom came away with a door, a desk(hoping for some more), a few drawers, and bricks. I took several pictures which I played around with on Picasso.

So this morning, we woke up to the snow that everyone has been warning about. You know, I feel like snow is one of those things for me that growing up hasn't affected. You know what I mean? I still woke up this morning earlier than usual because I wanted to look out at the snow. I had to keep looking outside. We got about an inch I guess. So it didn't even completely cover the ground, but still, that's more snow than I've seen in so long. About a year ago Auburn got a ton of snow, but of course at the time I was running my half marathon in Seaside. Still a little bitter :) Today made up for that however. The snow is supposed to freeze on the roads tonight making travel nearly possible. Since I hadn't seen Ann, Ellie, Luke, etc. in a few days, I decided to make my way over here before things started freezing. So I'm here for the time being. Of course I took some pictures of the snow.

Just finished watching the game. Feeling a little nauseous. They barely won. Just imagine if the actual quarter-back had been in the game. Okay, that's all. I think I was going to say more, but my mind has kind of gone elsewhere at this point.

The Valley of Vision

THE DEEPS

Lord Jesus,

Give me a deep repentance,

a horror of sin,

a dread of its approach;

Help me chastely to flee it,

and jealously to resolve that my heart

shall be thine alone.

Give me a deeper trust,

that I may lose myself to find myself in thee,

the ground of my rest,

the spring of my being.

Give me a deeper knowledge of thyself

as Saviour, Master, Lord, and King.

Give me deeper power in private prayer,

more sweetness in thy Word,

more steadfast grip on its truth.

Give me deeper holiness in speech, thought, action,

and let me not seek moral virtue apart from thee.

Plough deep in me, great Lord,

heavenly Husbandman,

that my being may be a tilled field,

the roots of grace spreading far and wide,

until thou alone art seen in me,

thy beauty golden like summer harvest,

thy fruitfulness as autumn plenty.

I have no Master but thee,

no law but thy will,

no delight but thyself,

no wealth but that thou givest,

no good but that thou blessest,

no peace but that thou bestowest.

I am nothing but that thou makest me,

I have nothing but that I receive from thee,

I can be nothing but that grace adorns me.

Quarry me deep, dear Lord,

and then fill me to overflowing with living water.

In the Past Two Weeks

I don't know how that happened, two weeks. I kept putting it off because what do I say after its been two whole weeks. I decided I'll just give a quick update, a summary of what's been going on, and then we'll put this two weeks behind us and go on normally.

Two weeks ago, I packed up and moved out of Auburn. I had a great picture that I took with my phone of the moving van filled up. Actually it wasn't that full at all, and it was a little strange to see everything that I own be compacted into such a small space. I could just see it on the blog along with some very profound words about leaving Auburn, but now its two weeks later and a little bit after the fact.

I finished reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. Wonderful book. Highly recommend it. Its basically about the idea that we were created to live a great story and challenging you to do just that. Its definitely challenging, and he's just a great writer. He wraps it up by reminding us of the ending of our story as Christians, a wedding with our Savior.

Then of course, it was Christmas!

After receiving many wonderful gifts, several that I wanted to play with, Ada grabbed the markers she already had and started drawing on Christmas morning. Both Ada and Ellie show artistic potential!

Luke and Ada having a conversation after opening presents. Notice Luke's Toy Story pajama pants, shirt, arm laser things, and Buzz Lightyear Action Figure. Definitely a Toy Story Christmas.

This might just be a new facebook profile picture.

Ann has started a tradition of giving them new pajamas on Christmas Eve. Here Ellie is modeling her new pajamas. She has got the whole modeling thing down.

Mom gave both Ada and Ellie a makeup kit. Ada got into it immediately. That is nail polish that you see on Ada's eye lid, between her eyes, and you can't see it but its also in her hair.

Luke's so excited! I love these pictures. He began jumping and looking at me without any suggestion from me at all.

Ellie got her first American Girl doll this Christmas. We were all pretty excited.

So, since Christmas:

I made my first Etsy sale!! I was pretty excited. I sold Ellie, a painting I did this summer. If you look back at an old post you could see an image of it. Kind of a big first for me. On Jan. 5, I've paid to have my shop featured on the artist page, so hopefully that will bring about a few more sales. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

I've also begun the process of job hunting. I applied for several jobs on craigslist, and pretty quickly realized that at least 5 of them were scams. So, a little discouraged with craigslist. I don't know how to do this whole looking for a job thing. Not fun. I'm beginning to wonder if I could sale enough art to have a more basic job like Starbucks or Anthropology.

Since I blogged about every other time I saw (500) Days of Summer, I'll let you know that I saw it again! Its out on DVD. If you haven't seen it, go rent it immediately.

Finally, yesterday I took Ellie and Luke to see The Princess and the Frog. It was really cute! At least I thought so. Luke was sitting in my lap because he can't hold down the seat. So cute. This was a little difficult to figure out though with Luke, his popcorn, and my popcorn all in my lap. Anyway, he started saying towards the end, "this is taking a long time." Ellie, when we left the theater, wouldn't talk to me. Literally I kept asking her questions, and she wouldn't answer. Not sure what that means, but by the time we got to the car, she started talking about the dresses, and how when she grew up she would have all the beautiful dresses she wanted. This is her creation as a result:

Not bad, right?

I think that pretty much covers it. Promise it won't be another two weeks until you hear from me again.

Can't Sleep

For about forty minutes now, I've been tossing and turning on the couch, unable to fall asleep. This is unfortunate because Ellie is here, and Ellie will wake me up around 7:30 I'm guessing. I guess that doesn't necessarily mean I have to wake up, but I can't resist Ellie. A few hours later, Mom and Dad will be here to move me out. The problem is that for the past week or so, I've created a horrible cycle of sleeping in, then being unable to fall asleep at night, and as a result sleeping late again the next morning. I have had absolutely no schedule, so I was able to do this. Now, here I am, unable to fall asleep at 12:45. So, I flipped open my computer, brought up my blog, and turned on "On the Radio" by Regina Spektor. Wonderful, wonderful song.

Yes, Mom and Dad move me out tomorrow. Tonight is my last night. I've already exhausted the topic of "sad, I'm leaving." I'm not feeling so sad tonight anyways, that was last night. Tonight I'm feeling "get me out of here." I need new scenery. Ready to get home for Christmas, the coziness of the home I grew up in, and the chance to read my new book, A Thousand Miles in a Thousand Years.

If you've read him, do you find yourself thinking and writing differently? Let me rephrase that, wanting to write differently? He's so wonderful, and he leaves me wanting to contemplate my life the way that he does. Last night, Rach, Rachel, and I were discussing creating a persona for yourself, and the need for this in the life of any type of artist, such as Donald Miller, or myself. As an artist, part of my job is to create a persona that people will buy into. How does this fit into the story of salvation? My whole thing is being vulnerable and real. However, I often consider myself and think about the choices I make, from the clothes I wear, to the music I listen to, and I wonder, is all of it really what I enjoy or have I just been trying to fit into that world? I think, probably, I'm just thinking too much, because I remember the first time I heard MGMT, and I remember the thrill I felt. Also, there's no greater chance to be creative each day than when you put an outfit together. Its just as legit though to say that an artist has to create a persona for themselves, and I will have to continue doing that. I have to fit the role. I have to draw people's interest to get my art out there.

This post has absolutely no point, so I'm just going to go ahead and finish it up with this wonderful quote from, offirstimportance.org. When it comes down to it, our entire purpose simply lies in the fact that God chose to create us and then to save us.

"When God planned the great work of saving sinners, he provided two gifts.

He gave his Son and he gave his Spirit. In fact, each person of the Trinity was involved in

the great work of salvation. The love, grace and wisdom of the Father planned it; the love, grace and humility of the Son purchased it; and the love, grace and power of the Holy Spirit

enabled sinners to believe and receive it.

The first great truth in this work of salvation is that God sent his Son to take our

nature on him and to suffer for us in it. The second great truth is that God gave his Spirit

to bring sinners to faith in Christ and so be saved."

-John Owen, The Holy Spirit

To Do List Update

I have several other things that I should be doing right now, but its been a while since I've posted. So, I'm going to sit down and do that first.

I just went back and looked at the list, and I made a lot of progress. Unfortunately, we all know I did not watch Florida kill Alabama. Florida just didn't show up that day, but the chicken and dumplings turned out well (or good?, which would be the correct word right here?). I finished up all classes. I'm officially done with college. I made more prints and sold them at the Jan Dempsey Holiday Art Sale. You've heard about that. My paintings went up in the show at 8th & Rail yesterday. What else? I've completed my resume but I still need to write a cover letter and start applying to different places. Oh yeah, I finished that small commissioned painting.

New List:

1. Write Cover Letter (in the next few minutes).
2. Start applying for Jobs.
3. Prepare small panels for hanging, and then put them up on Etsy.
4. Put everything else up on Etsy. ( I have gotten started. Three new things are up.)
5. Buy Christmas presents.
6. Buy art supplies, start stocking up.
7. Pack

That's my list for the week. What I have to fill it up with. I don't necessarily expect to get it all done, but I do expect to get a lot of it done. I'll let you know how it goes.

Merry Christmas by the way. Can't wait to get to my Christmas decorated home. Our little house in Auburn isn't exactly Christmasy.

Moving On

First step of life outside of college. My first art sale. It was fun! So I didn't make a ton of money, some, but not a ton; but it was fun, and it was a start. I sold a lot of my small prints for only $5 each, and it made me think that I should make several of them this week and put them up on Etsy. People are of course more prone to buy the $5 print over the $300 painting. Daniel and I sat together, and we had fun. It lasted from 9 to 4, but it went by fairly fast. Everyone there was so nice, and it pretty much confirmed that that's how I went to do this whole art as a career thing. However, I need to find festivals that are full of buyers actually willing to spend money, and more interested in actual art rather than crafts.

I'm working on my Etsy page, so check it out. I've already put two of my large paintings on there, and I'm going to work this week to get a lot more up. Now that I'm finished with classes(forever), the Etsy page will more of a priority.

So there's a little update, and tomorrow starts my last week in Auburn.

Bookity, I'm obsessed!

Okay, I literally finished a post less than 10 minutes ago, but in those ten minutes I've found an etsy seller that I love too much not to share.

Her name is Bookity. She makes things with used books. The items that I like remind me of the props, or decorations, that they used in anthropology for a while. Do you know the ones I'm talking about? They were amazing. They created these larger than life flowers from books. They will never be able to top them. Anyways, back to Bookity. I have to admit, some of the items are from comic books, and I just can't get into that or the purses made from books. However, these, I adore.

Gift Tags Made from Ghost Stories

Paper Shakespearian Tree or Room Garland

Paper Shakespearian Hanging Tree or Room Ornaments.

I Hate Coming Up With Titles

I do. Because I want it to be something cute and catchy without being cheesy, that will just draw you into whatever I have to say, but every time my mind just blanks. Its the same with naming my pieces of art. I can't do it.

Doesn't this look like the inside of a rose? I'm currently sitting in my living room with a fire going. Kind of luxurious living for a college student. I know. Luckily, George came over and brought the fire to life because Rachel and I weren't so successful.

However, before that, Rachel and I were burning a few of her old notes, and it was just beautiful. I had to grab my camera. It was one of those moments were I'm left blown away by the beauty in something so simple. We simply grabbed some of her old notes to try to start our own fire and what we got was this incredible combination of grey and brown, the ink of the letters changing from the heat, the paper curling and tearing at the ends, the layers on top of layers, and the shapes that it took. Well it was all just beautiful. These are the moments that I feel the most like an artist, and these are the moments that most inspire me to create art. Isn't it a beautiful truth that those moments are God's glory? Apart from Him, that beauty wouldn't exist, but through Him, a simple act of burning old notes shows His glory.

I decided I'm going to try to capture these more often and share them with you. What should I call them? Inspiration shots? I don't know; I'll think about that. For now, enjoy the notes.

(I'm sorry that once again, blogger won't let me put space between my paragraphs. Why does it do that? So frustrating.)

Wonderful Quotes

"The living God, who revealed himself both at Mount Sinai and on the Cross, is the only Lord who, if you find him, can truly fulfill you, and, if you fail him, can truly forgive you."

-Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods

"If we are deeply moved by the sight of his love for us, it detaches our hearts from other would-be saviors. We stop trying to redeem ourselves through our pursuits and relationships, because we are already redeemed. We stop trying to make others into saviors, because we have a Savior."

-Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods

"Let us take comfort in the thought that the Lord Jesus does not cast off His believing people because of failures and imperfections. He knows what they are. He takes them, as the husband takes the wife, with all their blemishes and defects, and once joined to Him by faith, will never leave them. He is a merciful and compassionate High priest. It is His glory to pass over the transgressions of His people, and to cover their many sins."

-J.C. Ryle, The Gospel of Mark

To Do

I have exactly two weeks left here in Auburn, so I decided to make a quick to do list.

1. Watch today as Florida kills Alabama, or at least that's the plan. We're having people over, and Rachel and I are fixing chicken and dumplings and building a fire. Oh yeah, and she brought stuff from home to make chocolate chip cookies!!

2. Finish a small painting that I've been commissioned to do. Its completely different from what I normally do, but hey, its a chance to make a little bit of money through painting.

3. Make several more prints, and sell them at the Jan Dempsey holiday art sale. If I haven't heard from anyone before then, I will also sell most of the things from senior project. Last year, Cody sold $600 worth, so I've got my fingers crossed.

4. 8th and Rail is having an art show with a theme of narration on the 15th, and I'd like to get my stuff in. I just have to figure out how to talk to them about it if I don't really have the money to go to 8th and Rail right now.

5. Complete my final homework assignments for Comp1000, and study for the final that is next Friday.

6. Take down senior project. That will be a sad day.

7. Complete resume and starting applying for jobs everywhere.

8. Pack up and move out.

9. If I do sell some artwork, make an appointment for my final haircut at the place I've been going the past year. She's amazing; I don't want to leave her. (If you know Hamilton, check out her new haircut for proof!)

By the way, I decided not to walk at graduation. My thoughts never changed on the whole situation, and I finally decided why make myself and my parents sit through that if I don't even want to do it. Also, I have now gone through my senior show and it really did feel like my big finale, like it was enough.

So that's it. It looks like a lot more when I type it all out, but I have nothing else to do, so it should be very doable.

An Emotional Girl

Sitting in my favorite corner of Toomer's Coffee (with Christmas music playing softly in the background, ah...), I can't help but think of the many times I've been here. I'm not a regular in the sense that I'm here everyday, but I've been coming a couple of times a week probably almost every year I've gone here. Give me two seconds and I can come up with 10 million times I've met with people here, run into people here, or dealt with my 10 million emotions here. Suddenly, I've turned into this incredibly sentimental and emotional girl. Yesterday was my last art class ever, along with my last Crusade. I got emotional at both. Already sad after leaving crusade, I got teary-eyed about driving out to Starbucks just because it will be one of the last times I ever drive out there. Right now, I'm not necessarily sad about the friends I'm leaving because I know that I will still talk to them, I will continue to watch Auburn football, and I will continue to make art. What makes me sad is leaving the details of the life that I've built here. You know what I mean? I will no longer go to Crusade on Thursday nights followed by crusade prayer in the morning. I'm not going to be run into several people I know everywhere I go. Biggin won't be an everyday stop and neither will Toomers. You know, I remember the adjustment to Auburn being difficult, but I definitely don't remember being this sad about leaving Scottsboro.

At the same time, I am very excited about the next steps in my life. I so look forward to seeing where God's going to take me. There is nothing more exciting than waiting to see how God is going to move. I trust that He has a plan, and I look forward to seeing what that is. Earlier today, I was reading some blogs by young single women, and it made very excited. The idea of building a new life in which I start a new job and create art on my own is very exciting! I've been looking up festivals in which I can sell my art. If I can come up with the money, I would love to be in one coming up this spring in Seaside. This could be a challenging but really fun year!

This morning at prayer, we read through Psalm 25. Michael suggested it because he said it is very appropriate for upcoming graduates. It leads us to look to God for wisdom and guidance.

Verses 12 through 15 say:

Who is the man who fears the Lord?

He will instruct him in the way he should choose.

His soul will abide in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.

The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant.

My eyes are continually toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net.

I've decided that this is the chapter that I am going to cling to as I take on the next year. I'm very much aware that while it will often be exciting and fun, much of it will also be difficult and lonely. Stay tuned to see how it all pans out.

Give or Take (Senior Project Show)

In case you missed it...

Cody, Daniel, and I spent nine hours on Monday putting all of this up. Obviously, it takes much longer than you would think. Everything has to be just perfect to make it look as good as possible. Tuesday, we basically just hung out at Biggin all day waiting for the two hour show that flew by. It was so much fun! So many sweet friends came by, and it was so encouraging to get everyone's response. My parents also drove up for the show, and I was thankful to have them there. What can I tell you about the show? I'm not sure except to say that it was just so much fun to be there with people from such different areas of my life. There were the guys that I've gone through all of this with, the many professors that I've taken who have each taught me so much, several former classmates, friends from different times here at Auburn, randomly a girl I graduated high school with, and my parents. The support throughout this process has been amazing! It was also so encouraging to hear from people that don't know me that well, or at all, to hear their response to my work.

After the show, my parents took Kate and I out to Hamilton's for a wonderful dinner. Then Rachel and I drove out to 8th and Rail to meet so many people. Kate and Hamilton were there with some friends, but the guys from senior project were also. It was packed and I saw several random faces. I mostly hung out with the guys the whole time, enjoying one last night together. First time I'd hung out with them outside of the studio, and so much fun! Too bad we're all about to graduate. We talked about that, how its never going to be the same again, and we don't want it to end.

Laura Beth, you said to soak it up. Well I am. I'm beginning to feel slightly panicky and emotional. As much as I've looked forward to this, I'm days away from graduation and I just want it to stop! Can you ever be ready for a complete life change? I'm walking around Biggin tonight (I'm printing), and it all feels different already, like somehow I don't belong anymore because my senior project show is over. I don't like it.

I know that God has great plans for my life, in Scottsboro, or in Charleston, or wherever, and I know that I must move on to see those plans. I'm just sad, and a little nervous about starting over.

I've been listening to Christmas music, and these lyrics from Joy to the World have stuck out to me.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground,

He comes to make His blessings flow,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as the curse is found!

What beautiful words. I know that it is normal and okay to be a little sad about leaving this place, but it is not okay to be feeling panicked. Panicking is a result of the curse, and He has come to make His blessings flow through and banish my panicked thoughts. That's comforting, and exciting!

(By the way, if you're in Auburn, the show will be up for the remaining of this week and next week. Its on the first floor of Biggin (Toomers Corner), and open from 8 to 4.)

Pictures

I have to first take a second to say WAR EAGLE! I've never been so proud to be an Auburn fan. Maybe we didn't win, and I know that for some people a "moral victory" isn't enough, but what an amazing game. That first quarter was absolutely insane. I don't think I've ever been as excited at a football game as I was then. Auburn played with such heart and worked so hard. I must confess I had doubted their ability, but they quickly showed that they had come to played some football. It was my last football game as a student, and it was all so very memory worthy. At the end, after Alabama had finally managed to outscore us, the stadium remained filled with Auburn fans cheering on their team. It was such a cool moment. War Eagle, and congrats Alabama.

The guys running out on the field.

Our group watching the game (the sun was a little bright apparently).

The guys leaving the game with the fans still cheering them on.

This was Thanksgiving week, but look at how proud she is to be an Auburn fan! Check out my sister's blog to read the cutest story about her response to the Iron Bowl.

A few pictures of Ada playing outside in the leaves.

Poor little Luke was sick. He had us all wrapped around his little finger. If its possible, I think he might have been cuter than ever when he was feeling so bad. He still managed to enjoy himself though.

Finally, I took a couple of pictures of the crepe myrtles that I've put so much time writing and painting about. Mom sent me some pictures when they were at their peak color wise. They were beautiful but are now loosing their leaves. The crazy amount of leaves on the ground reminded me of snow. Of course in Scottsboro, if snow sticks, there is only enough to partially cover everything so that the ground beneath peeks through. It was the same way with these leaves.

Twilight

It's been three days since I've posted, and I've gotten to the crucial point where I need to post or I will slowly begin to post less and less. At the same time, after three days, its got to be a good post. So what should I post about? Twilight I think.

No, surprisingly enough, I haven't read the Twilight series, but with all that has been on television about it in the past week, I think I'm almost caught up. Guess what preview is on television right now?! New Moon.

I must admit I'm becoming more and more tempted to read it. I've tried to hold off because a weakness of mine is getting hooked to stories, any story. I become way too involved in the story, can't handle not knowing what's going to happen next, or having to move on with my life when it is over. The CW is dangerous for me. If I watch about two episodes of a show, no matter how bad it is, I'm addicted and from then on it is a struggle to stay away.

Basically, I still don't want to give the time to reading Twilight, I just want to know what happens with Bella and Jacob. I have to say, the idea of them sounds much more appealing than Edward. He was just bad in the first movie. Jacob seems a little more normal, and I've always been a sucker for the best friend romances. Someone just let me know the summery of the entire series, and my temptation to read it will be gone. That would be great, thanks.

By the way, I actually dreamed that I was back in high school and there were vampires attacking everyone. Weird, especially since I haven't read them!

Also, I'm sorry for the completely random and pointless blog.

World Spins Madly On

On this Saturday morning (it still feels like morning despite the fact that its 2:00), I've created a playlist and that ends with a favorite of mine, "World Spins Madly On" by the Weepies. While I don't think the actual words of the song fit what I'm feeling right now, the title does. I did wake up this morning with a feeling of, okay, now what?

I finished yesterday around 4:00. Like I said, I think it went well. I got five paintings into the show, including my small panels that make one large piece and four large paintings along with my four sketchbooks. Which by the way, they suggested that I put the sketchbooks in the show with chairs so that people will feel the ease of sitting down to look at my sketchbooks. I hadn't thought of that, but I love it!

Once I was done, it felt very very exciting, it really did, but somehow at the same time anti-climatic. I don't know if I'm going to make sense at all right now, I'm feeling so many different emotions. When I really stop and think that I never have to go through a critique again, that I never have to work with critical teachers again, never have a project that I am rushing to get finished, well I am absolutely giddy. Its hard to let that really sink in though. At the same time, I feel very sad and emotional about the fact that its over. Like I've said, the end of senior project clinches it that college is almost over. I actually got very emotional driving back to my house last night. Its just such a huge moment. Its over. For four years I've gone to these classes, had these critiques, walked into Biggin, and though I am going to go back into Biggin, this is what I've been working towards through all these classes, and now its over. Its bizarre to be in a moment that I know I will look back on for the rest of my life. You know what I mean? One of those moments that will be a defining point in your life. I will always remember finishing senior project, and it will always be that changing moment.

Last night some of my friends and I went out and had a really nice dinner (we missed you Rachel:) and then stopped by 8th and Rail for a little while. It was fun to go there because two of the guys who work there were in senior project last semester, and one of the guys who also finished yesterday came by with some of his friends. So of course they know the feeling of being finished with senior project. This morning I slept in, late. Afterwards I woke up and had a really good breakfast (bagel with cream cheese AND apple butter, yummy, and coffee of course). Since then, Rachel and I have been seriously cleaning the house. Isn't it nice to just get things good and clean before you leave for a little while? Nice to come back to a spotless house. I like to think that this is how I can spend my Saturdays fairly often from now on. At least until I have children. I actually really need to finish this up so that I can get on the road. With my mind so on senior project this week, I've kind of kept forgetting that I also get to go home for a week now. My mind was just on senior project, not going home. Its like this extra treat!

So there we are, I'm finished, it went well, and I'm sad, but so excited!

I'M DONE!!!

I got five pieces in the show and my sketchbooks! If there is room, then two other pieces will go in. I'm done!!! Details later.

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages, when the day seems long

From this labor and this heartache I have come

The skies will wear out, but You remain the same

Rock of Ages, I praise Your name.

Rock of Ages, You have brought me near

You have poured out Your life-blood, Your love, Your tears

To make this stone heart come alive again

Rock of Ages, forgive my sin

Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages

Bind your children til your kingdom comes

Rock of Ages, Your will be done

Rock of Ages, when in want or rest

My desperate need for such a Savior I confess

Pull these idols out from my heart embrace

Rock of Ages, I need Your grace

Rock of Ages, broken, scorned for me

Who am I that You would die to make me free?

To give me glory, You took the death and pain

Rock of Ages, my offering

Rock of Ages, "it is done," You cried

The curtain's torn and I see justice satisfied

Now write Your mercy here on my heart and hands

Rock of Ages, in faith I stand

Rock of Ages, my great hope secure

Your promise holds just like an anchor to my soul

Bind your children with cords of love and grace

Rock of Ages, we give You praise

God is so gracious; what a gift it has been to not have a job this week. This is pretty much it guys. Tomorrow is the day before the final review, the last day to get everything done, the last day to be completely prepared. I'm suddenly beginning to feel very sad. Ridiculous I know. I'm thrilled to be done, get giddy thinking about Friday afternoon at the end of it all (around 4:00, my review is at one if you want to be praying for me). But this is it: final review makes it so official. College is swiftly coming to an end, which I'm excited about, but it doesn't make it any less heartbreaking does it? I'm listening to Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson, doing the unexplainable girl thing where you want to hold on to the sad feelings. I want to mourn the end of these four and a half years, not to mention just this semester. I started cleaning up my area of the studio tonight, pulling my things off the wall. It made me sad about just this semester coming to an end. I'm going to miss the guys that I've spent so much time with this semester after already having so many other classes with them. Tonight as we were walking down the hall, Cody pointed out that this would be one of the very last times we would walk down the halls of Biggin late at night stressed about an upcoming critique. These are the guys who have experienced being an art major with me, topped off with senior project. They get it. I'm sorry, I guess I'm being a little overly sentimental, and I need to get to bed. Good night everyone.

150 Love Letters

I collect swagbucks, and with those swagbucks, I buy amazon gift cards. With the amazon gift cards, I buy books, always books. My most recent purchase: Other People's Love Letters. I know, healthy, right? Reading 150 love letters when you yourself aren't receiving love letters, and would love more than anything to be receiving love letters. Honestly though, I don't think it messed with my head. They just become these beautiful, incredible, stories. They are so personal, which makes it so great because there is no fiction here, just real people living their lives. Lots of them are sappy or sweet, some of them are kind of angry after a breakup, some of them are funny. Some of them are about 70 years old. Those are really good. There is one that I want so badly to share with ya'll, but I'm afraid its too long. Its actually two letters. One letter is confessing for the first time a crush, the second is a positive response.

Okay, this one might get a little long, but I just have to share.

My dearest
Lizzie-
Dec. 22nd, 1911

I don't know whether you seen me this morning or
not, I saw you by the drug
store where you met Miss Weignant. I expect
to go to bed this afternoon,
So I must write to my Sweetheart
first.

I just received three nice presents from the Hubbers, I
appreciate them
very much as I did yours, Tomorrow I will give you your
ring, I received it
yesterday and had the jeweler's wife take it to
Allentown and have it
engraved. So I will be there to put it on your
finger tomorrow afternoon,
I showed it to the folks here and they think it
very pretty, Sallie said if I
would give it to her she would be my
wife. But Pete's love is all for his
dear Lizzie, and hopes to make
her happy when he gives it to her.

Well dearest, I told my mother
of our engagement, my sister had heard it in
Palmester Wednesday when she
visited the hospital, She hadn't told my Mother, so
I had to break the
news. Now they all know it.

When I said I felt different I
didn't mean that I felt badly about it, I
feel happier than ever. I
don't know just how the weather is going to be
tomorrow, if it is like this
it would be as well for you to take the 342 on the
C.R.R. and go right
through arriving at Reading 545. Then we could spend
the afternoon at
Lamareux. We can decide that tomorrow, then I will not
see my
sweetheart for some time.

But my heart goes with her and my love
will last no matter how long we are
apart.

So, I can't manage to get out of the blocked quote, sorry. So here's my "internal struggle." Do I love art more, or do I love books more? Two days ago, a professor told me that I wasn't excited about any of the paintings that I've done. She asked if that was fair to say, and I told her, no that is not fair to say, and I meant it. At the time I was working on several of the paintings, I was very excited. The process takes away the excitement. Later that day, I was reading some of the letters from this book and became absolutely thrilled by one of the letters I was reading. It brought up the same question that I've thought about a lot, does my love of art compare to my love for books?

During Camp War Eagle, I went intending to be an English major so that I could be an editor or something similar, but at the last minute I decided I had to stick with art. In the last year, I've debated over whether or not I would rather be a librarian than try to be an artist. I never trick myself into thinking that I'm this brilliant writer. I don't think I'm a bad writer, but I also don't think I'm this stand out writer. However, I don't think that there are many people who are as passionate about books and stories as I am. However, my actual talent comes in larger in the art area. My absolute dream is to own a used a book store. A couple of years ago, I discovered with some friends this incredible used book store in Montgomery. Unfortunately, it didn't last. However, the owner told us about his life of traveling buying books to sell in his used bookstore. That sounds like a dream.

As I consider this, I am aware that I've gone to school to be an artist, and therefore I have become slightly jaded when it comes to art. I haven't ever pursued an English degree, or Library and Information Science Degree. My love for books hasn't had the chance to become jaded. I'm also aware that I loved making art this summer and again, I become burned out by school. Its happened before, so now I'm more aware that that is all it is. I just have to ride it out. I still can't help but wonder if I would be more passionate about what I was doing with my life if it had to do with books.

Well, I'm just rambling, and I need to stop now. I have some art to go make.

Breathe in Breathe Out

Theme song of my week is already Breathe in Breathe Out by Mat Kearney. As I sit and listen to it, I find myself doing just that, taking in deep breathes, and as I do that, I instantly feel God's presence. If I can just stop for a second, slow down enough to take a deep breath, well then I can't help but see that He is there. So revealing that when I slow down in such a way, then I am immediately aware of God's presence in the car, in the bed, sitting in the studio. Why is it then that I usually try to keep myself so distracted and busy? I can't really answer that question except to say that I am a sinner with serious issues.

What I take from this song reminds me of Be Still and Know by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is holy

Be still, O restless soul of mine

Bow before the Prince of Peace

Let the noise and clamor cease.

Be still.

I can honestly say I don't feel the stress that I did this morning. Of course this morning I felt constantly on the verge of a panic attack, haha. I still feel anxious to get a lot of work done, but I know that I've worked hard, and I am pleased with a lot of it. That's enough.

Now I need to get to bed, because its going to be a long week, and I need to get some sleep to be able to function.

Do I Have to Start this Week?

I don't want to. I want to just bury myself in a little hole instead and come out when the week is over. Or if I could just somehow transport myself to a week from today, that would be good. I have to meet with the scary professor still, and of course do Final Review on Friday. I keep going back and forth between stressed and worried to I don't care I just want to get it done. Neither attitude is a good one. I should care but not be worried because that doesn't do me any good does it? In the end, senior project doesn't hold enough importance to worry me. In the end, all that matters is that I am holy, chosen, and loved by God. Okay, lets get started.


Most of us have never really understood that Christianity is not a self-help religion meant to enable moral people to become more moral. We don't need a self-help book; we need a Savior. We don't need to get our collective act together; we need death and resurrection and the life-transforming truths of the gospel. And we don't need them just once, at the beginning of our Christian life; we need them every moment of every day."

-Elyse Fitzpatrick and Dennis Johnson, Counsel from the Cross (Wheaton, Ill.:Crossway Books, 2009), 30.

Trip to Athens

I went to the game in Athens this weekend. Sadly, my camera died once we got into the stadium, and this is the only picture that I got in the stadium. We couldn't have been much further up, but we still got to see the game, the sad, sad game. You know, I've always liked Georgia, and I cheer for them if they're playing someone else, although most Auburn fans don't feel the same way. Really though, in the SEC, what team besides yours do you like? I have to say though, I was slightly disappointed by the Georgia fans this weekend. They repeatedly booed their own team. When their team did badly, they booed. What is that? I know that no team is perfect, but seriously, booing your own team? I just have to say, despite our loss, and the fact that our team always seems to just give up, because obviously we played well against them in the first quarter, whatever. I'm still happy to be an Auburn Tiger. We're not perfect, but I firmly believe that we are the best team to be a part of, in the good seasons or the not so good like this one. So WAR EAGLE!

We didn't actually head to Athens until Saturday, and so we pretty much immediately just headed to campus. I really like Athens by the way. Its a cool city, really cool campus. It would be fun to go to a school in such a bigger town. Auburn isn't exactly big is it? My friend Laura was kind enough to let us stay with her. We caught a ride to campus with her sister, and followed her around for a little while before meeting some of our friends at Tiger Walk.

Laura:

At Tiger Walk:

While we were giving our feet a break:

We were lucky enough to pick a spot to sit that the band passed by:

This is random, but don't you just love seeing little boys at football games? Don't you know they're just always so excited to be there, so cute in their little jerseys.

So, anyways, while it wasn't the most successful weekend ever, it ended up being good, despite our awful loss. (I've never been to an away game that we lost, and that was just sad). It ended up being a lot of fun. We ran into a few friends downtown that we got to catch up with and hang out with. So all in all good weekend. And despite it all, WAR EAGLE!

Style Me Pretty

So, chances are that if you are reading my blog, you've also read my sister's blog. In case this assumption is wrong, check out stylemepretty.com. An inspiration board that Kate created is going to be turned into a real photo shoot! I think that's so cool, and I know she's excited, so go check it out!

Here's a Question

I've reached the point of the semester where I'm ready for a fresh start. Of course, this semester, being my 9th semester and senior project, the feeling is intensified. Here's my question for you if you've moved past college: do you continue to get that feeling? I'm just wondering, what's going to happen "next semester" when its May and I just have to keep going? Do you get that feeling? Or do you just not because you aren't going by semesters anymore?

Just curious.

Favorite Songs of All Time (or at the age of 23)

1. Ghosts - Indigo Girl
2. Burning Up the Night - Griffin House
3. Vitos Ordination - Sufjan Stevens
4. Shelter - Sandra McCracken
5. Til Kingdom Come - Coldplay/The Hammer Holds - Bebo Norman/You Picked Me - A Fine Frenzy (it's a three way tie.)

Top 5 Current Favorites:

1. Quelqu'un m'a dit - Carla Bruni, I want my art to look the way this sounds.
2. Why Do You Let Me Stay Here? - She and Him
3. Maps - Rogue Wave
4. The Promise - Tracy Chapmen
5. 3 - Britney Spears (Let me just say, I have no idea what she's saying, except 1-2-3, but I can't help but dance every time this song comes on).

What about you? What are your favorites that I should check out?

Victory's Within the Mile

Here it is, my studio, one week and two days before final review. Final review is next Friday, November 21. I certainly don't think their criticism will be that I haven't made enough work because its flowing out of the studio. After being very calm about everything, and unfazed by what they thought, I'm suddenly under a very different mindset. I just want it to be done and over! I'm so close. Did anyone catch where my title came from? Totally cheesy, but this Jay-Z song came on the radio this afternoon after I had left the studio and was driving out to Hobby Lobby. Leaving the studio, I had walked past Professor Dunlop's class. I saw him walking among the desks and thought back to when I was in his class my very first semester. Very difficult class, and after taking it, I decided I didn't think I could handle four years of being an art major. Maybe in the end, God took me out of art for a year to show me in the "I can't handle this major!" moments that I wasn't satisfied being out of it. I remember being an education major thinking that I would feel much more like I had accomplished something at the end of four(and a half as it turns out) years if I'd stuck with studio art, senior project and all. Now, I'm certainly not discrediting education majors. I know they work very hard, and it can definitely be challenging, but I guess it just wasn't the challenge for me. Here I am, a week and a half away from finishing senior project! So, I was riding in the car and heard the lyric, "victories within the mile," and I got very pumped. You can't get much closer than a week away. No matter what, for the most part, I like what I've done, and I've made it through.


By the way, look closely and you might find yourself in my senior project :) I often paint from images of my family and friends without permission. I hope you don't mind. The paintings where I've gone into the greatest detail are of me and a random internet girl. So chances are, its not a very obvious depiction of you.

Humor Me

So, I've read several "I believe" things lately, and find them so much fun! That's what I want my blog to be, something that can go right alongside my artwork, as creative and relatable, fun and encouraging. I want it to point to the truth of the Gospel, while also being vulnerable and honest, admitting my struggles. I think it still needs some work, but maybe I'm getting there?

So...

I believe in stopping at the end of the day to fix a good meal, and maybe have a glass of wine. I believe we need a time where we have the excuse to slow down and stop for a little while, no matter how busy we are.

I believe that the beginning of fall is one of the greatest visualizations of God's grace. How incredible it feels, the crispness of the air, and the beauty of the trees (especially farther north than Auburn) is something we certainly don't deserve, but is an incredible gift.

I believe in the comfort of a hot drink. Coffee might be my favorite, but any hot drink will do. Hot chocolate, wassail, hot tea. It always makes anything better if you're holding a hot drink.

While I don't always live it out, I believe that we are here for God's glory, and that we will find most satisfaction when we are surrendered to that truth. I believe that when we try to live for our glory, it becomes a disaster.

I believe in allowing yourself to enjoy people like Celine Dion, Justin Timberlake, and Kelly Clarkson even if you are more of a MGMT, Rogue Wave, and Damien Rice kind of girl. I also believe that there are few things better than belting out Celine Dion in the car with your girlfriends. And she was amazing in concert.

I believe that I will never go to a better concert than Coldplay. I will tell my grandchildren about it when talking about my college days.

I believe in forming relationships with musicians, bands, songs. I will always love Bebo Norman, Celine Dion, and Tim McGraw even if they aren't what I would listen to now, they were a huge part of my life in the 4th grade, 7th , or 10th (not in that order).

I believe in taking the opportunity to be creative, whether that means putting together a mixed cd, putting together a great outfit, the way you take notes in church, or playing the piano even if you haven't taken lessons since the 6th grade. I believe I need to live out this belief more often and stop watching as much television as I do. If only I had a piano here in Auburn.

I believe in Lost....and Harry Potter. Oh how I love Harry Potter.

I also believe in Jane Austin and the way that they did romance in her day. I should have been there. I especially believe in Sense and Sensibility and Elinor. She and her story with Edward are my favorite. It was romantic while still being practical. The romance in movies these days often don't make a lot of sense, and aren't even close to realistic.

I believe in popcorn on the stove. Yum, that's what I'm eating right now.

I believe in being vulnerable. I think we need to be honest and open about our struggles and weaknesses. I think that's a much better way to share the Gospel, to be honest about how we struggle but still hold on to the Gospel, rather than act as if we're always happy and always good.

Finally, I believe in being feminine. For me that means wearing skirts, putting on a little makeup each morning, never ever burping in front of others, adoring Jane Austin, and coming alive when I am able to take care of my nieces and nephews. I believe that this can be different for each woman, but I believe in men being men and women being women, and that God has created a good and perfect role for each of us.

So excuse my moment of self-absorption, but that was really fun. You should go do it.

That Kind of Morning

This morning, as the hurricane pounds down on us, I'm in dreaming mode. I didn't get up and go to the studio this morning, because I didn't want to get out in the rain. What I've decided to do, is wait until after I've eaten lunch, and then just stay until dinner, so that I don't have to get back out into the rain. So, here's what I'm dreaming of on this dreary(but wonderful) morning: the day where I have my own studio at my home in which I would spend all day working. I would get up, fix my coffee, have my quiet time with breakfast. After, I would turn on my music and set to work in either the studio in my garage, or if its a cold, wet day, I might stay in the smaller studio that I will have in the extra room in my house. I would work like crazy until lunch time, then I might blog on my crazy successful blog (it seems that all successful, creative people also have a blog with a really large following). Then I would do some of the business stuff such as responding to etsy orders or packing up paintings and sending them on to their buyers. With the rest of the afternoon, I would pick up on the painting and end the day when I began fixing dinner for my husband and me. Doesn't it sound delightful? I love reading the blogs of people who are currently living this life; it excites me to see that some people are actually pulling it off. Of course, I have two slightly conflicting dreams, I also want to be a mother, with several children, and I don't think I could carry a business while also raising young babies, but I think if I was going to have any kind of "career" while raising children, painting would be a good one. However, this morning I'm dreaming of the lifestyle that I'm currently headed towards, which is the life of an artist.

One blogger that I've been reading who is living out her creative life making baby clothes, is Nat the Fat Rat. She specifically mentioned in her latest blog that she would love to go back to her "old self" and let her know that her dream happened, she's living the creative life that she dreamed of living.

Another recommendation, Rachel Slay finally started a blog! check it out.

Enjoy this rainy day!

What I'm Listening To

I'm in desperate mode, working so hard to quickly create pieces that my professors will like. Somehow, I'm down to only 10 days left to work. Wow, panic. I'm definitely no longer feeling relaxed in the studio, especially since I had a pretty bad meeting on Thursday with a professor. This is what I'm listening to trying to calm my nerves.

Why are you striving these days

Why are you trying to earn grace

Why are you crying

Let me lift up your face

Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love

Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough

To where will you go child

Tell me where will you run

To where will you run

And I'll be by your side

Wherever you fall

In the dead of night

Whenever you call

And please don't fight

These hands that are holding you

My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side

They swallowed the grave on that night

When I drank the world's sin

So I could carry you in

and give you life

I want to give you life

Cause I, I love you

I want you to know

That I, I love you

I'll never let you go.

I must be reminded right now that my artwork, or my professors' approval doesn't define me or give me worth. It doesn't even begin to touch the fact that I am loved by my Creator. That defines me.

Sunday Morning

This morning, as I was running late to meet a friend for coffee before church, I sat down and opened up Morning and Evening. Such an incredible book filled with such incredible truth. I mistakenly read the morning devotional for November 7. I seem to continually be behind on the date this month; its just a little unbelievable how fast the semester has gone. Sidetracked, anyways, the devotional was on Isaiah 49:16,

"Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands,"

a verse in response to Zion saying

"The Lord hath forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me."

Spurgeon paraphrases the Lord's response with these words: "How can I have forgotten thee, when I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands? How darest thou doubt my constant remembrance, when the memorial is set upon my very flesh?" As I read this, I was pretty much brought to tears because I have such little faith. His passion is so great here, for His people.

These days, as I prepare to graduate college, I so badly want someone to be doing it with. I don't want to make these decision alone, and I don't want to start this next step alone. Having just had lunch with a friend who has now been out in the "real world" for three months, the difficulty of this has pretty much been confirmed. I find myself trying to cling to friends, or find friends that I can take this next step with. Reading these words, I was reminded that in no way am I alone. His response to my doubts: "Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands." Can't you just hear the way that He would say that, like slightly exasperated and trying to enforce the point, and filled with passion. He hasn't forgotten me, and He isn't leaving me to do this alone. He is carrying me to and through whatever He has planned next for me.

The sermon at church was on Zaccheus, and the verse in which Jesus says, "Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." He is no complacent God that we serve is He? He isn't letting my life move along without paying attention. He is no passive God that we serve is He? He wasn't going to let Zaccheus' go unchanged that day, and I know that it is the same for all of His children. What an incredible reminder this afternoon.

Printmaking Studio

The printmaking 4 studio is buried in the basement of Biggin. Its such a great a little spot, better than the other printmaking studio for so many reasons. First of all, its small and cozy. Its fitting to be here alone, and I like it, as opposed to the other room which is too big for one person. Lately, I don't come during class time because the teacher isn't really here anyways. I come an hour to two hours late so that I can have time for lunch between senior project studio time and printmaking studio time. As I've mentioned before, I work better when I'm in the studio alone, so this works for me.

Here's the second reason its such a great room. One wall is completely window, so as I make my prints, I can also people watch. They're walking by on the "concourse"(its behind Biggin, not really concourse, but what else do you call it?) usually completely unaware of the room that lies at their feet. Its too bad, because its a great little room that they're missing.

What am I going to do without my Biggin? My studio from now on will be my bedroom, or extra room in my apartment, or at best, a garage, which sounds so great, to have a garage for a studio, but I love Biggin, and I don't want to let it go. I want to let the student status go, but not the building. No more people watching, no more coffee across the street, no more fellow art majors. I must remind myself that I will also no longer be a student, no projects, no grades, no scary teachers, or eight o'clock classes. Just work at 8:00. Okay, I'm going to stop now...

Why I Missed the Ole Miss Game

I went Trick or Treating tonight with Dash(from the Incredibles):

Raggedy Ann (which, by the way, came off a doll, and was worn by me when I was about her age) :

a ballerina:

anda little mouse:

Actually, I came home because there is a shower for Laura Beth tomorrow.

Happy Halloween!

How about this football game? Kicking myself for not being there. Down to four minutes and we're ahead 33 to 20! Kicking myself. However, this morning I was thinking to myself how glad I was to be at home with my entire family(minus Kate). That just doesn't happen often, and Kate will be here soon. Auburn just intercepted!! That's it, we've won the game.



I got on here to just to share this quote from Of First Importance. Its beautiful.

"Forgiveness invites us to return to God, obliges us to return to God...inclines us to return to God, and encourages us to live in a state of amity and holy friendship with God, pleasing him and serving him in righteousness all our days."

-Thomas Manton, Works (Worthington, Pa.: Maranatha Pub.,n.d.) vol. II, 186

Elisabeth Elliot

Kate put me on to this website with a daily devotional by Elisabeth Elliot. They are so good, and each one is always what I need to hear. Today's was especially good, on waiting, which I need to hear, I think we probably all do in some way or another. Its pretty long, but I'm just going to share a few pieces of it.

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14

"Waiting requires patience--a willingness calmly to accept what we have or have not, where we are or where we wish we were, whomever we live or work with.

To want what we don't have is impatience, for one thing, and it is to mistrust God. Is He not in complete control of all circumstances, events, and conditions? If some are beyond His control, He is not God.

A spirit of resistance cannot wait on God. I believe it is this spirit which is the reason for so me of our greatest sufferings. Opposing the workings of the Lord in and through our "problems" only exacerbates them. It is here and now that we must win our victories or suffer defeats. Spiritual victories are won in the quiet acceptance of ordinary events, which are God's 'bright servants,' standing all around us.

If I am willing to be still in my Master's hand, can I not then be still in everything? He's got the whole world in His hands! Never mind whether things come from God Himself or from people--everything comes by His ordination or permission. If I mean to be obedient and submissive to the Lord because He is my Lord, I must not forget whatever He allows to happen becomes, for me, His will at that moment. Perhaps it is someone else's sinful action, but if God allows it to affect me, He wills it for my learning. The need to wait is, for me, a form of chastening. God has to calm me down, make me shut up and look to Him for the outcome.

His message to me every day
Is wait, be still, trust, and obey."

New Favorite Artists

Two of the senior project committee members have lately introduced me to two new favorite artists. Teachers often suggest artists to look at after seeing your work. These are two favorites of mine.

Tony Scherman

Alan Rankle

Only three weeks left of senior project! I went and ordered my cap and gown today! Getting closer and closer.

Update

Since I once again haven't posted in several days, I have several things that are going on and I could blog about, so I thought I'd just give a quick update on my life in general. I guess I'll start with the fact that this is my first week away from the day care. I took this picture on my last day at work. They were really sweet fixing me cupcakes, Indian food (because one of the women I worked with is Indian) and a card which all of the toddlers signed (meaning they scribbled on the card). I was lucky enough to finish my job there with yogurt on my last day, and the chance to clean vomit off of a few toys. I actually had a dream last night that I ran into several of the toddlers, strangely enough in my hometown neighborhood. As strange as that was, it made me miss them. Still, I am enjoying all the free time I now have. It has made my studio time much more enjoyable knowing I don't have to immediately go to work after. I'm just still kind of figuring out how to manage my time well.

Second update, Casey and Tyler's wedding. The wedding meant a reunion for our training staff, and my house was the sleeping location for many of them, along with a get together on Saturday night after the wedding. I got to see so many friends that I hadn't seen in a long time including one who I had not seen since our reunion three years ago. It was an incredible weekend. Its amazing little those relationships have changed over the past three years. Also incredible how much our lives have changed since . The wedding was absolutely beautiful, and just incredible to watch as two of our training staff got married.

Finally, an update on the studio.
These are a few pieces. The first a work in progress, the second and third are just about finished. Only three and a half more weeks! Four weeks from today, I will be on Thanksgiving break and done with senior project. After these two days, I think I'm really going to enjoy my time in the studio the rest of the semester.

Shopping Trip

Check out this outfit that Lillyella (a blogger I follow) created on her blog.

Most of the outfit is from Etsy! Her entire blog kind of focuses on the amazing things she's finding on etsy, which I just love. This outfit was very inspiring to me. Because I'm down to my final two paychecks (today is my last day of work!), I've decided to do some much needed winter clothes shopping. So, tomorrow I am headed to Birmingham with Rachel. First though, we went through our closets and got rid of what we shouldn't be wearing anymore. We took our things to Playto's Closet, and Fringe, trying to make some money. I only made $14, but I plan on giving the rest of the clothes to my Mom for her yard sale. Rachel and Hamilton went through my closet with me, and it was pretty intense. I felt like I was on What Not To Wear. Rachel made me give up some skirts that are several years old, and too small, but that I kept hanging onto because they were nice brands. At one point, Rachel pulled out some shorts, turned them around, and the back was covered in paint spots! It reminded me so much of something that would happen on What Not To Wear. While going through the closet, we also looked at what we really are missing and what we really need. I highly recommend going through your closet with friends who will be honest about a top that looks like its from the beginning of high school, which it was. I'm trying to be extremely strategic because I don't have a ton of money. I've already bought one new pair of heals, because I had so many shoes for so long that I quit buying them, and I finally got to a point where I need a new pair. I've also already bought a cute, patterned scarf, along with a pair of tights. Now, the plan is to find a nice pair of dark jeans, a belt, a new purse, a cute dress, and colorful tops, and a big necklace. Or at least as much of that as I can get. We plan on going to Forever21 and trying to make our money stretch, then moving on to the sale racks at the nicer stores. I'll let you know how it goes!

Busy Week Ahead

I have a very full week ahead of me, but I am prepared, because I took it pretty easy this past weekend. I didn't go to the studio at all on Friday because of the surprise visit from my mother, sister, and niece. Saturday, I planned on going to the studio, but after my sister, Kate's, computer crashed, I let her use my computer. I then realized that all the images I paint from are on my computer. So instead, I hung out with my friends Rachel and Hamilton before going to the game. I did go to the studio for about 3 hours yesterday, but after sleeping and having lunch with my Mom, sister, and roommate. After studio, I once again met up with my Mom(my Mom isn't usually in Auburn this often, just a rare turn of events), and we went to church and then to dinner with my cousin at Amsterdams. Anyways, all that to say, it was a good, refreshing weekend.

So this week:

Today is mostly filled with class and work, followed by dinner/Bible study tonight. After I get back from Bible study, Rachel, my roommate, and I have to go to the store to buy supplies for our Welcome Fall party tomorrow night!! We will have taco soup, pumpkin pie, and hot chocolate or maybe apple cider, along with a fire going in the fire place. We then plan on watching a "fall movie."

So that's tomorrow night after a full day of class and work, which includes a meeting with a member of the senior project committee. Wednesday is another day full of class and work, including a meeting with another committee member. That night I will need to go to the studio since I won't have a chance this weekend. Thursday is class all day and my final day of work. That night I am going to a bachelorette party/lingerie shower, which I'm very much looking forward to. Then, Friday I am going to Birmingham for the day with Rachel, roommate, to shop, and maybe look at a few apartments with the prospect of maybe moving to Birmingham in the spring. We are going to stay with my Mom's cousin at her house in Mountain Brook.

Then Saturday is the big event. Marannook will be holding its first wedding. Two members of my training staff, Casey and Tyler, are getting married that night. Its so exciting on so many levels, first of all, its just exciting that Casey and Tyler are getting married, and that I was on staff with both of them! Second, because of that fact, it will probably feel a bit like a training staff reunion. At least one of the girls from my staff will be staying with me that night. I'm quickly realizing that weddings are great for reunions once everyone starts leaving college. Also, I just think a wedding at Marannook will be really unique and really beautiful, and Casey and Tyler's wedding will be very Christ centered I know. Its such a blessing to go to a wedding in which you're reminded of Christ's love more than the couple's love. Also, they're serving hot dogs at the reception on Manna Deck, which is what we also ate every Friday night after campers left. So fun. So Sunday, I'm sure I'll do some visiting, and maybe resting after the eventful weekend.

So its a busy and full week that lays in front of me, but definitely a good busy. Did I mention that after this week I won't have work anymore and therefore, I'm going to have so much time!! After adjusting to the whole loosing my job thing, now its just very exciting to think about no work in the afternoons. There's my update, you might not hear from me much this week. Hope everyone has a good one!

Dreaming

So, I don't know how realistic this is, but I really want to go on a road trip through New England after I graduate. I realize that the chances of this happening aren't great, but when else will I be able to do it? I might as well start saving, and if I'm unable to save enough, well then at least I will have a little money saved right? That's the worst case scenario, which isn't too bad. My hope is that I will be able to sell some paintings in the senior show which will make my trip possible. This trip will almost solely depend on selling artwork. I have recently sold one painting, so it has already begun!

I want to go to First Friday Art Walk in Portland, Maine,

and a really great bookstore in Boston,

and a really great park in Philadelphia,
along with so many other things.

Any tips on inexpensive ways of taking road trips?

I had a nice surprise today when my mother, sister, and niece came through Auburn. We all ate lunch at Big Blue, and I took a few pictures of Ada. I have to admit, it makes me really happy when I see other girls looking at her, and talking about cute she is, and I'm like, yep that's my niece. Look at her, she's adorable.

Prints

So, I'm not only doing senior project this semester, I'm also taking Printmaking 4. Its a pretty low key class, and hasn't taken a lot of work, but as soon as work is over I plan on spending on more time printing. This semester, I've been printing on fabric. I think overall printmaking creates this sort of antique, vintage look and putting it on fabric I think enhances that, which I like. So I thought I'd share my favorites.

Prints are a fast and inexpensive way of making art. I find so much freedom in making these prints, its such a nice break from what senior project is. I feel so much less pressure when I go to the printmaking studio. I don't know how a person continues to make prints outside of college. The printing presses are very large and I'm guessing expensive, so I don't think I'll be fitting one into my first apartment. While I have the equipment, I believe I'll try to make a lot, and perhaps put them up on Etsy.

I don't know how the days have gotten away from me. I'll try not to wait nearly a weak before posting again.

Home and Fall

I know, two posts in one day, but I took these pictures that just make me really happy. They are so my Mom and her way of decorating our house in the fall. Everything just feels so cozy and so much like autumn. So I wanted to share. (The jars are apple butter. The apples are from crow mountain, which are a staple in Scottsboro during the fall.)