What I Did and Said

Check It Out

2012-02-14T22:27:00.000-08:00

This is a first for me. A coworker commissioned a drawing which he is going to have turned into a tattoo. So basically, I've designed a tattoo. Yep.

A Little Music Monday

2012-02-13T12:29:00.000-08:00

Have you heard any of Ryan's new music?

Brainstorming

2012-02-09T08:28:00.000-08:00

Reason #14 I Love New Orleans

2012-02-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

Because as I'm sitting in the car waiting in some slight traffic, I look around and see things like this. If I turned to my left, I would have seen what looks almost like a secret garden with a gold door with a moon cut out. To the left was one of the many beautiful homes in this city. Yes, this is a very broken city, but it can be so so beautiful.

The reason I don't love New Orleans? As I was waiting to pull out, a got honked at twice for not pulling out in front of other cars. Then, the icing on the cake? The guy had a fish on his car.

First Favorite Album

2012-02-08T07:52:00.000-08:00

What was the first album that you just adored? Don't you think that's a great question? I do. I just read an article asking several people that question, and of course I had to stop and think of mine. It took me a second, but what I came up with was Tim McGraw's album Everywhere. It was in the 5th grade I believe. In the 5th and 6th grade, we would get awarded for something, I don't remember what, by being taken to Captain D's. Is that small town or what? Yes, or big award was going to Captain D's. Anyways, I remember the teacher who drove us had the album playing in her car, and I just loved it. So I bought it with my allowance and listened to it over and over and over. My favorite song was "Just To See You Smile," and "One of These Days" always made me cry.

Recently, a friend from church commented that the country girl comes out in me every once in a while. He said that he forgets, and then I say something, and it's like yep, you really are a "country girl." I'm guessing this would be one of those things.

What about you?

A Little Spring Cleaning

2012-02-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

My room pretty much usually stays a disaster. Clothes everywhere, books everywhere, art supplies, everywhere. I'll tidy up every once in a while, but I don't ever really conquer the problem. Well, this weekend, I decided it was time to conquer the problem. You know, not just a quick tidying up, but a digging through it all, so that it was a little more organized, so that cleaning up no longer means just organizing all of my piles. Saturday night I went through all the art supplies that were in my bedroom and organized them. I made it down to only one box containing my packing materials for shipments! I went through the piles of papers on my chair. I picked up books and clothes. Now I'm going through old magazines. But guys I give up. I've learned a few things. One, I buy way too many magazines. Two, they all have the same articles. Pretty sure every single magazine has an article about how to create natural looking waves. Or a messy, high bun. However, I did find a few things that made me smile, and that I thought I'd share.

From the "Hey, it's ok!" article in Glamour...

to not act fun and personable until two cups of coffee. Not one. Not one and a half. Exactly two.

I'm a different person as an opener at Starbucks compared to a closer.

I found my next haircut. It's sort of a shorter version of mine now. But it makes me feel better about the fact that I absolutely have to get my haircut.

One magazine named the 7 best literary heroines of all time. Jo March, Jane Eyre, Hermione Granger, and Elizabeth Bennet made the cut. Of course they did.

Hey, It's OK...

... to start your to-do list with a few things you've already done. Check, check and check!

Always.

"11 Times You Still Need Your Mother"

4. When someone gives you a compliment so lavish you'd be embarrassed to repeat it to anyone else.

6. When the kids you're babysitting won't stop crying.

10. When the recipe calls for evaporated milk and you're standing in the grocery aisle wondering, Is that a powder? A liquid? A gas? I do this often. Except not for evaporated milk; I know what that is.

Katy Perry's childhood crush? Jonathan Taylor Thomas.

How about that; we have something in common.

And if you want to know how to get natural looking curls, just let me know!

2012-02-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

Laura and I bought a puzzles. We've put it on our kitchen table, and we all stop by every once in a while to add a few pieces. I'm a little tempted to sit and work on it non-stop.

I kind of adore puzzles.

Sketchbook

2012-02-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

Spring and Hearts

2012-02-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

A created a couple of treasuries. Would you like to take a look?

I Give You My Heart

An Early Spring

A New Life

2012-02-02T10:00:00.001-08:00

This morning I began a new babysitting job. As she drank her bottle and fell asleep, I was reminded that there’s nothing quite like it, holding a tiny, tiny child as they fall asleep curled up in your arms that is. These moments also allow me to see the miracle of life more clearly. And I began to think today, if God can create physical life where there was nothing, then certainly He can do anything. He can even create new life in me, despite sins that I often feel I can’t overcome. He creates life. That’s what he does. And he’ll create new life in me.

"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them."

Psalm 139:13-16

Commissions

2012-02-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

As you know, I often do commissions for people, but I’ve never really talked about the process, the commission process. So, why don’t I do that today?

(I’ll be using my most recent commission for my friend Elizabeth to illustrate the post).

The basic concept of a commissioned painting is that someone has an idea for a piece of art, but they need an artist (like me) to make the idea happen.

The idea could come from a painting of mine that they’ve already seen, a quote from their favorite book, a piece of art that they’ve admired before, etc. etc.

Once I’ve gotten the call (or email, whatever) there are a few basics that I go over. Size, materials, time frame, and of course, price. Size is completely up to you. I’ll always let you know that I typically paint on wood. I like the way it looks the best, especially if you don’t want to have to frame it, but if you prefer paper or canvas, I can do that also. Basically the same idea with paint. I typically paint with oils, therefore, I’m better with oil paint, I know it better. I like the outcome better. It is more expensive though, and on some occasions (like if you want me to paint on bricks) acrylic will work. I haven’t really used watercolor, but I can work with oils to create a similar outcome.

As far as time is concerned, I usually need at least a month. I do have another part time job, and oil paint does take time to dry, meaning I can’t just spend an entire day and get it done. I do a layer, wait for it to dry (which can take 12-36 hours depending on what I mix it with), do another layer, and repeat. Plus, it’s not a perfect science. Sometimes it just comes together really quickly, other times it doesn’t, and I have to do layer after layer until I’m satisfied. For example, I’m working on these four paintings for Elizabeth. Each one is very similar, and each one I’ve worked on for the same amount of time. However, two I would call finished, and two I’m not happy with yet.

Finally, the price. Though I should, I don’t have an exact calculation process, but I do have thoughts that lead to what I decide on. I do keep in mind that I’m still fairly new at this, so I can’t charge the same as people who have been building a career for 15 years. However, at the same time, I did study fine arts for 4.5 years to get to this career. I think I deserve to get paid more than minimum wage. So biggest factors are size, materials, and time. Size is pretty obvious, the bigger the painting the more expensive the painting. If for some reason acrylic works better for the situation, it will be less expensive than oil. It’s rare that I use acrylic though. Time is the biggest fact. Again, I’ll use Elizabeth’s paintings as an example. They are four basic landscapes, so I didn’t have to do any drawing beforehand, and they’re fairly uncomplicated paintings, so they won’t take nearly as much as time as the paintings I’ve done of buildings in the past. I’ve learned that I need to charge a lot for buildings :) Just a heads up.

Also, I do usually ask for the first half of the cost before I get started to pay for supplies.

So there you go. Did I miss anything? I’m always happy to discuss a commission. Just let me know!

A Little Random

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-08:00

One day I would like to have lights like this hanging from my kitchen, living room, or front porch ceiling.

If I ever get around to getting that tattoo that I always talk about but never get, I would like this to be the font.

Somehow I missed that thing where girls are just supposed to know how to put their hair in a bun. Today my roommates sat me down and taught me. I'll probably wear my hair in a bun a lot now.

I wish my studio would look this picture-perfect.

Who to choose? The new or the old? I may have to give up the chance to see John Mayer so that I can instead see Florence + The Machine.

John or Florence?

2012-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

A Sunday Afternoon...

2012-01-29T18:24:00.000-08:00

... trip to the flea market. Laura was needing a little retail therapy, so I decided to be a good roommate and tag along for the trip. Perfect Sunday afternoon weather, perfect Sunday afternoon company, and perfect Sunday afternoon activity.

I've been eyeing this store for a while.

Pretty.

Look Mom.

Wouldn't this just be perfect for displaying my quote pieces?

Laura's purchases. We've decided it's time to work on our upstairs' hallway. It could use a little revamping.

Like I said, perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Skinny Love

2012-01-25T19:57:00.001-08:00

Notice...

2012-01-25T19:56:00.000-08:00

...I changed the about me. After two years, I figured it was no longer accurate to call myself a recent college graduate. I'm 26 now; full-fledged adult I think, nothing "college" about it anymore. It was probably a little late in making the change, but now it's done.

A Little Late, I Know...

2012-01-23T10:42:00.000-08:00

But today I feel like writing down resolutions. These aren't a checklist, these are an inspiration for the next year.

This year I want to read more books. Definitely want to read more books. More specifically, turn off the television and computer and read more books.

This year I want to take more pictures, of my city, of my friends, of my life, even of myself.

This year I want to be out in the city more. According to Blake Lively, "You could spend your life trying to uncover all the treasures in New Orleans and not even scratch the surface." Well then, I better get started.

This year I will double my sells on my Etsy shop. How will I do this? I will do this by making more pieces and coming up with new ideas, new items to sell.

This year I will learn a little bit more about myself as an artist. I will establish a brand for myself, but I will do this by understand a little bit better about what I want to paint, how I want to paint, etc. etc.

This year, I will discover even more amazing artists like I discovered Mumford & Sons, Band of Horses, and The Head and the Heart this past year.

This year I will call my friends more often. I swear.

This year I will accept New Orleans for what it is, even if that means accepting hot and humid in January. Actually, I might not be able to accept that. That means within 7 days I've got to embrace the humidity. Nope.

This year I will learn to consistently take care of my body. Yes, that means exercising on a nearly daily basis. This will be the year that I quit with the yo-yo exercising (you know, exercise a lot for a couple of months, then none at all for a couple of months.)

This year, I will serve my city. I will love the people of my city. I will be aware of the lives of the other people in my city.

This year, with his help, I will love the Lord better, and I will trust his plan for my life, I will seek his will for my life, and I will seek to glorify him with my life.

Basically, I'm Dying to See This

2012-01-21T22:14:00.001-08:00

A Favorite

2012-01-21T12:28:00.000-08:00

Love finding other artists that I love on Etsy. This is an artist that I love. He builds so many layers and textures and emotions with the oil paint. Look and adore.

Take a look at more of his work here.

What I'm Working On

2012-01-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

Awesome

2012-01-17T17:41:00.000-08:00

You know the article that mom's all over Facebook have been posting? The "Don't Carpe Diem" article? I haven't bothered reading it because I'm not a mom, and it seemed like an article for moms. Well, after my friend who is a nanny, not quite a mom, posted it, I thought okay, I'll read it. Yes, it's definitely for Mom's, but it made me start thinking about my job. I feel like my job should be the dream job. (The artist job, not the Starbucks job). People talk to me like it must be. Everyone acknowledges that the unstableness of it, and the selling yourself part, that that must be stressful. And it is. But people tend to talk to like the staying at home and painting part must be amazing, and I talk the same way.

I always remember this perfect summer that I spent in Auburn. The summer after my junior year. I was taking two classes I think. Only two classes. It was the first time I'd lived in an apartment, not a dorm, and other than that, I just got to enjoy the summer. The plan had been to get a job, but when I went to the first day of the painting class (which was only my second painting class) and the professor was already talking about senior project, I panicked. My parents gave me permission to not get a job and just focus on painting. So, I had a dream summer. I spent a ton of time in the studio, but I was still able to do a ton of reading, hang out with friends, watch movies...etc, etc. I was only taking two classes, and I wasn't working. I fell in love with painting and couldn't get enough of it. That's when I began to think about being a full time artist.

So when I don't feel that way, I think something's wrong. But at that point, I wasn't even thinking about what I was painting, I just painted. The idea of conceptual art hadn't been mentioned, there was no pressure, there was no need to sell it, even my professor critiqued the technical skills but never what I was painting, or why I was painting it. It wasn't a job.

It's like for the first time tonight it's hitting me. It may be art, but it's still a job. In order to support myself, I'm working at Starbucks, doing book pieces, doing commissions, to markets, etc. etc. and so if I don't always long to paint other things on top of that, maybe that's okay. I've got a lot going on. And yes, I like my job, but it's a job. And that is very freeing.

(Tonight, I wish I had someone to reread my blog and critique it. I want to get these thoughts down, but don't feel like making it sound good. Sorry )

Convicting

2012-01-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

"If the Church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority. If the Church does not participate actively in the struggle for peace and for economic and racial justice, it will forfeit the loyalty of millions and cause men everywhere to say that it has atrophied its will. But if the Church will free itself from the shackles of a deadening status quo, and recovering its great historic mission, will speak and act fearlessly and insistently in terms of justice and peace, it will enkindle the imagination of mankind and fire the souls of men, imbuing them with a glowing and ardent love for truth, justice, and peace. Men far and near will know the Church as a great fellowship of love that provides light and bread for lonely travelers at midnight."

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Memorizing Scripture

2012-01-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

I'm awful at it. This morning I was remembering my interview with Mr. Charles for Marannook. He asked me to start spouting out all scripture that I had memorized. I'm pretty sure I laughed. Haha. After a few seconds I think I was able to come up with a little but... not enough. This week I thought, one a week. If I could just memorize one verse a week. But I'm the queen of ideas that I don't see through. If I were to see this through, how would you suggest going about it? As you can see, I've been writing my verse for the week repeatedly. It works for a little while. It just never sticks. Anyway, suggestions?

Reason Number Thirteen I Love New Orleans

2012-01-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Caprese Panini at Il Posto.

Sufjan Stevens

2012-01-11T14:50:00.000-08:00

“Perhaps we don’t like what we see: our hips, our loss of hair, our shoe size, our dimples, our knuckles too big, our eating habits, our disposition. We have disclosed these things in secret, likes and dislikes, behind doors with locks, our lonely rooms, our messy desks, our empty hearts, our sudden bursts of energy, our sudden bouts of depression. Don’t worry. Put away your mirrors and your beauty magazines and your books on tape. There is someone right here who knows you more than you do, who is making room on the couch, who is fixing a meal, who is putting on your favorite record, who is listening intently to what you have to say, who is standing there with you, face to face, hand to hand, eye to eye, mouth to mouth. There is no space left uncovered. This is where you belong.”

My Reading List

2012-01-09T12:58:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of goodreads? Are you on goodreads? You should be. I've made my "pledge" on the site to read 50 books, which is basically four a month. Part of me is tempted to sit and try to list how many books I read this past year. Probably not 50, but I'm pretty sure 50 wouldn't be too far off. So far this year, I've almost finished North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell, and I've begun Too Busy Not to Pray by Bill Hybels.

Also on my list...

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close Jonathan Safran Foer

Three Cups of Tea Greg Mortenson

A Handful of Dust Evelyn Waugh

The Things They Carried Tim O'Brien

The Book Thief Markus Zusak

The Remains of the Day Kazuo Ishiguro

1Q84 Haruki Murakami

Pulphead John Jeremiah Sullivan

G. K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy: The Romance of Faith G.K. Chesterton

1 Dead in Attic Chris Rose

A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williams

Letters from New Orleans Rob Walker

Unbroken Laura Hillenbrand

The Help Kathryn Stockett

Life of Pi Yann Martel

The Thirteenth Tale Diane Setterfield

The King Jesus Gospel Scot McKnight

Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me: A Memoir... of Sorts Ian Morgan Cron

All is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir Brennan Manning

Mansfield Park Jane Austen

Love Finds You in Sunset Beach Robin Jones Gunn

I would love, love, love your suggestions to complete my list!

Happy Day of Epiphany

2012-01-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

The day celebrating God becoming man. The first official day of Carnival Season.

"There is but One to whom hungering souls must go, if they would not perish forever: they must go to Christ. "

-J. C. Ryle

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."

Philippians 2:5-8

Holidays Are Over

2012-01-03T10:36:00.000-08:00

I guess. I'm struggling to get back into a good pattern. I'm kind of happy to try to get back to a normal schedule though.

So first step, finally finishing these shelves!

(Sorry, I can't seem to get a very good picture)

I have to say, I'm pretty proud of the way they turned out. Next time, I will definitely not spray paint them though. I'll stain them.

Next order of business was to add these to my shop finally.

(I have Pride and Prejudice, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, and Shakespeare coasters)

And as always, you can see them in greater detail at FromMyBookshelf.

beneath the silver moon

2012-01-02T10:36:00.000-08:00

you were once a boy in tattered jeans

with skin dark by the sun

eyes so wide and deep with reckless dreams

to carry you along

you were always talking 'bout the sea

the brilliant mystic view

you never seemed to shrink from mystery

that was life to you

and you would find a resting place

where stars would light the room

and trees would bend with sacred grace

beneath the silver moon

i see you in this height so sad and sweet

your spirit burning bright

i know he whispers still in places deep

with flaming words of light

and you would find a resting place

where stars would light the room

and trees would bend with sacred grace

beneath the silver moon

and you would find a resting place

where stars would light the room

and trees would bend with sacred grace

beneath the silver moon

Hello

2012-01-01T20:45:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd say...

Happy New Year!

War Eagle!

(Wasn't that such a fun game?)

This is such a great video, please watch and enjoy.

I've begun to read a book called North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

Have you heard of it? It's another piece of Victorian literature that I am so happy to have discovered. I've already watched the BBC mini-series so I know I'm going to love the story. Even better, I got it for free on my phone! Yep, I'm reading it on my phone. Of course I'll want to own it eventually, but for now it works for me.

“He shook hands with Margaret. He knew it was the first time their hands had met, though she was perfectly unconscious of the fact.”

I'll go ahead and say, you should read it.

Finally, from the bulletin...

His law he enforces,

the stars in their courses,

the sun in his orbit obediently shines,

the hills and the mountains,

the rivers and fountains,

the depths of the ocean proclaim him divine.

We too should be voicing

our love and rejoicing,

with glad adoration a song let us raise,

till all things now living

unite in thanksgiving,

to God in the highest, hosanna and praise.

- Let All Things Now Living

Recipe Ideas?

2011-12-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, this may be an impossible question. It's just that I'm very bored with the recipes that I rotate through week after week. Easy vegetables, pasta with tomatoes and olive oil, spaghetti, humus and veggies, etc. etc. I want something new! However, I'm also on an even slightly tighter budget than I usually am. I need a recipe that I don't have to go buy ten new items for. So far I've found a couple of possibilities in a Rachel Ray 30 minute meals cookbook. Any ideas for me?

I Never Shared

2011-12-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

They aren't exactly what I usually paint, but still, it's kind of fun. My friend John grabbed these bricks when the Haley Center was having all that work done. For those of you who aren't Auburn graduates, the Haley Center is this huge building in the center of campus where everyone had a class at one point or another. So when the concourse around it was being completely torn apart and put back together, John grabbed a few bricks for himself. Over a year ago, John gave me these bricks asking me to paint a few Auburn scenes on them. They sat in my garage for way too long, neither one of us thinking to discuss it again. Finally, this fall we got together and discussed actual plans for the bricks. This is the result.

They were a Christmas present for his brother Matt, another friend from college. No, they aren't what I typically paint, but it definitely was a fun little activity to be a part of.

Tumblr

2011-12-28T16:21:00.000-08:00

Oh blog, now that I know about tumbling (is that a word, does anyone else use that as a word?) blogging just feels so long and complicated. I can even do a quick post on tumblr through my phone. It's just so very simple. And pretty. Now having to write out an entire post, well, that just seems so hard. I just don't know how people can do all of the different social media things out there. I began using pinterest and just completely quit twitter. I've pretty much quit with that. Though I know the internet is key these days for selling art, twitter just isn't going to be the way for me. On that same theme, now that I have a tumblr, I just can't bring myself to blog. Maybe now that the holidays are over I can get back to a normal routine....

but until then, you should follow my tumblr.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone! It seems I'm becoming the worst blogger ever. However, I have a new obsession, my new smart phone. Blogging gives me an excuse to use the little smart phone camera :)

I hope you're all having a wonderful Christmas. Of course I'm loving being home. I've been blessed to get four full days to stay here. Today feels like Christmas at our house. Ellie, Luke, and Andrew slept over at our house and everyone else joined us this morning. We had a big breakfast and opened presents. We have a church service at four and then we're having what will be an amazing dinner: prime rib, mashed potato casserole, the most amazing green beans you'll ever taste, and a salad. For dessert my Mom is working on eggnog tarts or something like that. Yum.

Isn't she precious? Love any time I get to spend with them!

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

"On this side of eternity, Christmas is still a promise. Yes, the Savior has come, and with him peace on earth, but the story is not finished. Yes, there is peace in our hearts, but we long for peace in our world.

Every Christmas is still ‘a turning of the page’ until Jesus returns. Every December 25 marks another year that draws us closer to the fulfillment of the ages, that draws us closer to home.

When we realize that Jesus is the answer to our deepest longing, even Christmas longings, each Advent brings us closer to his glorious return to earth. When we see him as he is, King of kings and Lord of lords, that will be ‘Christmas’ indeed!"

Joni Eareckson Tada"A Christmas Longing" in Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, ed. Nancy Guthrie

Long Time No See

2011-12-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

After year two of "being an artist," I'm learning that Christmas will always be my busiest season. So, I've been a little busy and haven't had a ton of time for blogging. This week I decided I would give myself a break from the art business and consider it my vacation. The hours I'm not at Starbucks that is. I have certainly slowed down as compared to last week, but it seems I still have plenty of things to do. Honestly, I haven't even started Christmas shopping. I saved it for this week. Not that I have this huge amount to get. I also have small car issues to take care of. The life of owning an old car it seems. On Thursday after work I'll be driving to Evergreen to meet my dad there. From there, he, Mary Ann, and I will be traveling to Scottsboro. It may not be the longest vacation ever but I do get 3 full days at home. It's better than I thought it was going to be. So I'm excited. I guess we say this every year, but Christmas definitely got here quickly.

Also, in the past couple of days, I've been watching my new absolute favorite show, Downton Abbey. It's a British television show on Masterpiece Theater. It has the same feel to it as all the Jane Austen, etc. remakes, but it's a new story, and it's a television show. What a find! So there's my little recommendation for the day.

The Line Up

2011-12-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

Well, the line-up for Jazz Fest is out there! Because of one certain performer, it's led me to think about the musicians that I feel an absolute need to see during my lifetime. Okay, I'll just go ahead and say it. John Mayer will be performing. You know that I'm a sentimental person, and that pretty much seeps into every part of my life, and that definitely includes music. I, like most high schoolers at the time, adored John Mayer in high school. Pretty sure I loved him a little more than the average girl, and ever since then I've been dying to see him in concert. Can't say he's one of my favorite artists anymore, but still, because of what his music has meant to me, I've continued to feel the need to see him live. And now, he's coming to Jazz Fest!! Now I just have to find someone willing to go see him with me. Let's be honest, it's not really "cool" to like John Mayer anymore.

If I see him, then I will have seen all of those musicians that have kind of held that place for me since high school. I saw Coldplay, I saw Celine Dion, I've seen Bebo Norman about 5 times, and if I see John Mayer, that will complete the group.

So now who? Well I was lucky enough to see Mumford and Sons as well as the Avett Brothers at Jazz Fest last year, they would have probably made the list.

Ryan Adams.

Definitely on the list.

Patty Griffin and Sufjan Stevens.

There are plenty of others that I would love to see, but I think that completes the musts list.

Who's on yours?

By the way, Iron and Wine and Bon Iver, among others, will also be at Jazz Fest!

Another reason I love New Orleans.

A Little Bit of Tim

2011-12-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

"We need to remember that if Abraham, who is the great model of faith and faithfulness, finds himself filled with doubts soon after great triumphs and revelations, then no believer ever should expect to get 'beyond' doubt. We never get to some spiritual level in which we leave doubt behind."

I find when I'm reading Time Keller, I kind of want to share everything I'm reading.

This is what he had to say a couple of days ago.

"But it may also be an indication of the kind of spiritual idolatry that the heart is capable of. Sin leads us to treat good things like career, or family, or money as ultimate things - things that will fulfill our deepest spiritual longings. All human beings live "east of Eden", alienated from God and therefore always restless and unhappy, even in the best conditions. The only way 'back to the garden' is through God's salvation. But instinctively we try to "get back" our own way. We say, "if I can become a successful artist, then I will finally experience happiness and fulfillment." But nothing is the garden of the Lord except the garden of the Lord."

Yep, I was reading this really great, very convicting passage, and I literally read my exact, very specific to me, idol. It stopped me in my tracks a little bit.

Music Monday

2011-12-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hey.

I haven't been a very good blogger lately have I?

But it's Music Monday, and that makes blogging easier.

When I first moved to New Orleans, I began making playlists (I just counted, I have 54 playlists. Eek. I'm a pack rat even in I-tunes!), playlists titled Hope (Hope 1, Hope 2...) They're more specific songs that feel encouraging to me in that moment. Rather than just my very large playlists of hymns, or Sunday morning appropriate songs.

Would you like to hear some songs from today's list?

Instead of pulling them up, I'm just going to let you go look them up if you'd like...

Faint Not - Jenny & Tyler

where there is hatred, let me sow love

where there is injury, let me pardon

where there is darkness, let the Light come, come

O Holy Night - David Crowder Band

Nat King Cole's version is perfection. However, I like their version, because with their more simple voices, it's less about the big production, and more about the truth in the words.

Run In the Night - Jars of Clay

when evil sets the war upon me,

I won't stumble, I won't fall

and though they do their worst

your love has found me first

Want to Visit?

2011-12-08T09:37:00.000-08:00

I feel like having a visitor. Anyone want to come visit?

We could go downtown and see the big city Christmas decorations. We could go to a few galleries because I don't go to galleries nearly enough. We could go to City Park and enjoy the Christmas lights show there. We could have a really nice dinner; I haven't gone out for a nice dinner in a while. We could go to Sucre and get some hot chocolate; apparently it's amazing! We could go to Frenchman and hear some jazz; I haven't done that in a while either. We could go to the yarn shop in the French Quarter and get free knitting lessons. We could ride our bikes throughout Uptown and look at the decorated houses. We could sell my work at the Palmer Park Market (I'll be doing that anyways, but you could help me). We could ride the fairy. I still haven't done that. We could go to a Christmas concert in the St. Louis Cathedral. We could go shopping on Magazine St. We could get cocktails at Cure; I feel a little bit like I could be in NYC when I'm there. We could walk over to Audubon Park with hot coffee (or coco) and pastries for brunch (on a warmer day that I'm sure is coming up). We could do so so many things.

Doesn't that sound wonderful?

A Sick Day

2011-12-07T19:42:00.000-08:00

It's been slowly coming, but God was gracious to hold it off until I could deal with being sick. I woke up with a sore throat two days ago and immediately began taking airborne. Yesterday I was still feeling a little off, but I just couldn't be sick! I had an eight hour shift starting at 7:30 in the morning following a closing shift the night before. Not only that, but I had a job interview for shift-supervisor in the middle of it. I made it through and didn't start really feeling bad until the last hour of my shift. And today, well today I didn't have to go to work. So I took a sick day. When is it ever that simple to take a sick day? Never! Well at least it isn't for me if I'm supposed to be at Starbucks, and I know it's not for my roommate who is a teacher, and I thought of my sisters and all the other mothers out there who can't just stop being a mom when they're sick, so I felt it my duty to take it easy, since I could. One thing I did today, watched this movie. It's the movie version of comfort food, don't you think?

Almost Done!

2011-12-05T13:35:00.000-08:00

As I've mentioned before, I've been building some shelves for our living room/kitchen. I began building the shelves because I always see shelves for a good amount of money and think to myself, I could make those, and it would be so much less expensive. So, when our roommate moved out taking our shelves with her, I told Laura to let me build new shelves. I laugh so hard now thinking of the "fast and cheap" shelves that I thought I would build. I've been working on them for months. Months because the first ones I tried building didn't really work. It was all an experiment you see, first time building shelves and all. The second set went much smoother, but they've just taken so very many trips to Home Depot. It took a lot more wood than I realized, and I've already made a total of three trips for spray paint, and guess what, after the third trip, I ran out again. So, I will make one more trip to Home Depot for those final layers of paint, and then I should finally be done. It certainly wasn't fast, and it definitely wasn't cheap, but it was fun, and I'm pretty proud of my creation.

What do you think?

2011-12-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

This song will always make me think of All I Want for Christmas, my favorite Christmas movie as a child, and maybe still. This specific version will always remind me of the night of my senior project show, seeing them at 8th & Rail. Such a great night.

I'm taking 6 pieces to the post office today and working on two commissions. It's a good day for my little business!

2011-12-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Do you remember these cups? I loved them. I don't know why they quit having them. I ran across this one on a tumblr. I loved this quote so much that I made my own little art project out of it in college. It's hanging in my room now. I loved this quote. I guess I'm not alone. There it is, 5 years later.

Grateful

2011-12-01T19:35:00.000-08:00

Last night in community group we were discussing Elijah and Elisha. We've just begun a sermon series on the two of them. Someone wondered out loud what it was like to hear God speak, and do we just assume that God spoke to them in the same way that we were speaking to each other, or was it actually that He spoke to them in the same way He speaks to us today, speaking into our hearts, through others, through His Word, etc. None of us necessarily knew the answer, and I don't know if there is an answer, but someone brought up the example of God whispering to one of them, we couldn't remember which. God sent the thunder and the wind but His voice wasn't in those, His voice was in the whisper. (I'm paraphrasing, if you couldn't already tell.)

Really, that doesn't actually relate to my story, but have you found that He is constantly speaking, constantly working, but there are these certain times that the way He moves is just as if He's shouting. And it's so very exciting. And you want to share, right? So I want to share.

My car died on me yesterday. I don't know how honest I've been about money. I don't have a lot. Not even close to a lot. More like just barely getting by, and it's a good thing that I have parents who are willing to help me out of jams every once in a while. So when my car dies on me, well it's not a good thing. I immediately start stressing and worrying and wondering how am I going to take care of this? When I arrived home, I found that I had made two sells on Etsy. One was a commission. We've been going back and forth and I hadn't heard from her in a while. Well, I heard from her yesterday, and not only that but she told me she absolutely had to pay that day before her credit card expired. I had also been in communication with the other person on Etsy. However, she had said so many times that she was going to make the purchase but never did. I had kind of assumed she wasn't actually going to. Both of these came together yesterday when they could have so many other days. Its not often that I make such a profit from Etsy in one day. Then, turns out, there wasn't that huge of a problem. Just a slight connection problem. In fact, it cost more to get the car towed than it did to get it fixed. So, I had just enough from yesterdays Etsy profit to pay for the towing and repairs.

Perhaps no one else can understand it in the same way when happens to you. Its a very personal way that He shows up in the midst of what it is you're doing or going through. But I was excited, and I wanted to share.

Lyrics

2011-11-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

This is my life right now.

Through Your Eyes - Jenny & Tyler

blank pages for months
and the sound of his voice rings in my head
saying i should give up
and all that I write is meaningless

he says, no one else has to know about this
no one else has to know

white sheets feel so cold
i pull them tight but i can’t get warm
tonight he has won
i turn on the light so i won’t feel alone

he says, no one else has to know about this
no one else has to know

abandoned guitars
dust covered shelves, laundry piled high
tell me i’m not enough
and i know that they are wrong
but i still believe these lies

he says, no one else has to know about this
no one else has to know
no one else has to know

ooh i want to see myself through Your eyes
ooh i want to see myself through Your eyes Divine
ooh Father help me see myself through Your eyes
ooh i want to see myself through Your eyes
ooh i want to see myself through Your eyes

Good to Hear...Words from Tim Keller

2011-11-29T09:03:00.000-08:00

How could the same man who stood in faith without flinching against the whole world - who essentially said, "let God be true and every man a liar" - now fall into such a silly sin of personal weakness? Well the answer is that "the same man" can, does, and will. We are all sinners, through and through. That means that, on the one hand, we should never proudly let down our guard, thinking, "I'm not the kind of person who could ever do that." On the other hand, it means we should not feel hopeless and uniquely bad when we do sin.

Second, we learn that God is a God of grace. The Bible relentlessly gives us stories like this about the supposed "heroes" of the faith. Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Peter - it is amazing the kind sof serious and humiliating sins are recorded in the Bible about the very greatest saints who ever lived. Why does the Bible do that? It is because the message of the Bible is not "be strong and good and God will use you" but "God uses people who admit and know that they are not strong and good". God is a God of grace, working through and in weak people.

This story is not a fantastic story of a super-race. The people of faith are not choice, but chosen. Their sins and failings are described with painful candor. The focus is not on the exploits of the fathers, but on the faithfulness of God, who called the fathers in order that His promise might not be void." - E. Clowney, The Unfolding Mystery p. 42

From a Bible study on Genesis, this refers to Gen. 9:18-24

My Hair Needs Help.... These are Cute

2011-11-28T19:29:00.000-08:00

Music Monday

2011-11-28T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends

2011-11-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

How have your holidays begun? Good Thanksgiving? Mine was wonderful! Thanksgiving was very different this year, for sure, but it was kind of fun that way (especially since I'd already enjoyed the normal Thanksgiving with my family). I had the chance to meet some new people and enjoy a Thanksgiving lunch with them, work three very easy hours at Starbucks, then end the day with Thanksgiving dinner with friends from church. Does it make sense to say it felt like my own Thanksgiving? And I kinda liked that. With Wednesday being a holiday and Friday and Saturday both containing large football games, it felt a bit like three Saturdays in a row. Did anyone watch that game on Friday? What a great game. It's just fun to watch such talented players. Yesterday's game, well, not quite as fun was it? But War Eagle always! And today, today really feels like the Christmas season finally! In the coming years, I don't think I'll try to decorate early anymore. It felt wrong. And now it's like I can actually enjoy it, plus today the cooler weather has arrived. Might this be the time it actually sticks? Let's hope.

War Eagle and Merry Christmas to everyone!

One of Those Nights

2011-11-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

At my new Starbucks, one of my coworkers is in a band. I was asking him all about it when another co-worker asked, "Is failure an option?" His immediate response was, "No." It made me think, how would I respond? Truth? I already often wonder to myself "what else could I be doing?" Recently, it has just felt too hard. Tonight I got to a point of asking God why he put this need and desire to create in me when I don't really feel like I have the right personality or nature for it. I'm going to have to fight to have this career, and that doesn't really feel like me. So tonight I feel like I could go a little crazy. I'm clinging to the truth that God has plans to prosper me and not to harm me. Because tonight it feels a little bit like a bad joke. Thank You Lord that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever not to have the perfect career.

New Pieces

2011-11-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm blogging for the third time today. I always feel slightly embarrassed when I blog that often, like you must be thinking, oh poor girl, she has nothing else going on in her life. But, what can I say, I'm inspired. Plus, over the past few days, I've put several new pieces up on FromMyBookshelf, and I just don't want you to continue to be unaware. I went back to my book pages (including a few coasters). I especially love these book pages. They're all such beautiful, beautiful passages.

For You Alone - Persuasion

In Vain I Have Struggled - Pride and Prejudice

Add Some Beauty - Anne of Green Gables

A Veil is Lifted - Anne of Green Gables

Classic Hymns Coasters

Romeo and Juliet Coasters

I have to say, I really love all of these pieces.

Today I'm Happy...

2011-11-21T11:53:00.000-08:00

- Because my home is filled with pretty Christmas decorations including this pinecone garland. Another brilliant pinterest idea. (I don't actually have it hanging yet, I think I need another hand for that.)

- Because I was able to have coffee with a friend this morning who is a photographer. She understands the way my job works and the way it stresses me out in a way no one else does. We're going to start meeting once a week and giving each other homework assignments. It's kind of like I have a coworker! Yay!

- Because there is such good music in this world! Today I am enjoying a Pandora playlist inspired by Foster the People. I know I'm a little behind the time, but I'm really beginning to enjoy Foster the People.

- Because for two days, I can focus on that other career of mine, the one that doesn't involve making coffee for people.

- Because I was able to go home and have my own Thanksgiving, so now, rather than be sad that I'm not with my family, I can just be excited about spending Thanksgiving with friends here.

- Because it's not last year. If it was last year, I would literally be depressed over the fact that it was in the 80's and humid on November 21, but this year I'm thinking there's nothing I can do about it, so, oh well.

- Because finally, I've begun riding my bike to work, and it's lovely!

- And because Psalms 63:5-7 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

It's Music Monday

2011-11-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

At Our House

2011-11-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

It's officially Christmas. We decorated and will probably continue to decorate. Pinterest has just given me so many ideas. I have become addicted to filling glass ornaments with pretty things. I could just go on and on. I love them. And they're so inexpensive and easy, oh and pretty. Don't you think?

Next Week

2011-11-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

(Next Painting)

This week has been full of Starbucks, adjusting and getting acquainted with the new store, working a lot of hours. I'm very much looking forward to next week. I have three days off!! Art, I'm coming back to you! I'm going to paint. I'm going to finish shelves. And I'm going to go to galleries. But first, Saturday morning I will be getting into the Christmas spirit early. The roommates and I will be decorating our house. Yep. I'm excited about all of these things.

Sentimental

2011-11-16T17:10:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned that I am a very sentimental person? I am. Very, but I don't think that that means I'm an emotional person necessarily. However, that's one of those things that I want to look at someone else that knows me well and say, right? From the outside is it obvious that I actually am a very emotional person? Is there a difference between sentimental and emotional? I think so.

Anyways... for some reason over the past couples of days I've been very emotional. Do any of you watch Parenthood? I got caught up on Parenthood last night and I promise you I cried about four times! I mean, that show. It's not my fault. It would break anyone's heart.

This has happening pretty easily over the past couple of days. It's not that I'm necessarily so sad, just, like I said, emotional.

On this particular day, I just miss Auburn. I was remembering my final semester and how amazing it was. Now, I might not have always thought that at the time, but it was. What I was remembering specifically was the opportunities for community. That final semester I was involved in an RUF Bible study, a Bible study at Lakeview Baptist Church, Friday morning prayer with Campus Crusade, church on Sunday mornings, and good friends that were good to lead me to the Lord on a daily basis. Of course, I wasn't taking a full load, so I had time for all of this. But that just doesn't happen outside of college. But I miss it. I want that back for a little while.

It's probably because it's that certain time of month where I'm a little off balance. Also, I will confess that work is a little draining. I'm grateful for the job, and I think I'm really going to like it. However, as much as I wish I was, I'm not one of those people who can come in and automatically feel comfortable and at ease with everyone. I feel that way with a few people, but for the most part, it's just going to take time. And it was so easy and even fun to go to work with my old co-workers. I'm ready to be past this part. I want to understand all the inside jokes; I want to feel like I'm coming to work to hang out with friends.

The good new is that my class with the Arts Council of New Orleans is complete, which means I get to return to community group tonight! That is much needed, and I'm very excited.

And that's all. Gonna go get ready now.

Here's the Thing

2011-11-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

Do you ever just not have it in you? I haven't had a good blog post in a while, but nothing's coming. I just can't think of anything. So, sorry guys. But I've got nothing. Enjoy this pretty picture that I'm starting to paint instead. New plan, still sticking with painting the details of nature, but stop stressing about it. Just paint. That's what's I'm doing these days. So, this is is a photo that I had in waiting. And today I pulled it out to be painted. Look at that, I'm came up with a little something.

I Made a Treasury Tonight

2011-11-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Yellow

and

Orange.

Will you quickly take a look and maybe even click on a few items for me?

Last Night

2011-11-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

Well, I need to be getting in the shower and getting ready for work. I think I'm going to ride my bike this morning. You won't believe it. I've actually gotten into a good sleeping schedule! I hope it sticks. Earlier this week I actually went to bed at 9:30, and this morning, I woke up on my own before eight! This is huge for me. I'm not sure why it happened so suddenly, but I'm gonna go with it. So, it's been a nice little morning, having a few hours before I had to think about work.

Last night I had my first art show, or at least the first one that wasn't associated with Auburn. None of it went exactly as I had planned. First, I left my keys at home and was locked out when I got back from work. This meant that I wasn't able to get cleaned up and ready and make it to the show on time. My roommate came to let me in, but I was already running late. After getting myself together and finally heading towards the show, I managed to get lost downtown trying to find a parking spot. I ended up back at our house and leaving with my friends at the later hour that they planned on going. Oh well, at least I got to be with my friends. It was really a fun night. After the show, we found a bar in a nearby hotel to get a glass of wine. It was the kind of night that you could only have in New Orleans. As we sat in this fairly fancy place listening to music, watching people dance, drinking wine and eating cheese, suddenly three people elaborately dressed as Alice in Wonderland characters appeared on the dance floor. We all agreed this is why we love New Orleans. Nothing compares.

It was the kind of night that I couldn't help but think, I can't leave this place. I have good friends, the most amazing and unique city, and my artwork is currently hanging in the city. It's just a start, for sure, but it's a start.

Okay, I'm going to go get cleaned up now....

Trainride

2011-11-09T06:13:00.000-08:00

As I write, I am traveling on a train back to sweet, sweet New Orleans. It sounds so very romantic doesn’t it? For whatever reason, it feels so much more so on this trip back than it did on the way home. Perhaps I was too focused on and too excited about where I was headed to really fully enjoy it. Now, I can really take in the delight of riding a train. (With a perfect selection of music playing in my ears of course). It wouldn’t be complete without background music. No MGMT or Kelly Clarkson for me today. No, it’s definitely a Josh Ritter, Matthew Perryman Jones, and Band of Horses type day. I’m also reading Anne of Avonlea (second in the series). You know how some people are sponges, and others are, well I don’t know what they’re called, but some have their very own specific way of talking, while others kind of absorb the way others around them talk? Know what I’m talking about? Well I’m definitely a sponge, and I’m a sponge when it comes to books I’m reading. I think I have a little bit of Anne in me anyways, the way she sees the world, and I certainly take that way of thinking on when I’m reading her story. Have I fully described my mood to you now? A little while earlier I wondered how people could just sleep through the train ride. It’s such a large amount of time just to read, listen to music, day dream, pray, or write. Why would you waste it by sleeping, uncomfortably? Of course, a little while later I was feeling slightly restless and thinking about exploring the food cart just so I could stretch my legs. Not feeling so thoughtful right then. (Just spotted a woman walking by with coffee. I wonder how coffee on a train tastes? hmm....)

I know I abandoned the blog for over a week. It’s just that I was on vacation, and at some point I decided that the blog was included. That probably shouldn’t have been a part of it, but I just didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t feel like forcing it while I was on vacation. Vacation. Home. It was really nice. The fall colors were AMAZING. Really. It seemed that I picked the perfect time to get the peak colors. The largest tree in our front yard was still slightly green when I got there and the leaves were beginning to fall off when I left. But all the time I was there, it was a beautiful orange/yellow. I got plenty of family time in, the whole family minus Kate. I finally felt like John and I bonded a bit. We’ve spent such a small amount of time together in his life. He has the sweetest little smile, even if you really have to work to get it. One night, I was able to put Abigail to sleep. If the she isn’t screaming, there’s nothing better than rocking a baby to sleep. I love it. What else did I do? Spent time with everyone too of course, not just Abigail and John. I helped my mom with the art class she teaches at church. Enjoyed normal sleeping hours. Watched the Alabama/LSU game. Go tigers. Went to Sonic a couple of times. Ate a Thanksgiving meal. Had lunch with two friends. One of those friends was in Nashville. I felt a bit like I was cheating on New Orleans because as I was driving I so hoped that I would fall in love with the city once I got there. While I enjoyed the city, and loved spending time with Rachel, no city is New Orleans. But it would be worth it to be closer to my family.

I didn’t want to leave. But I’m determined to enjoy my time in New Orleans and not think about what I might be missing out on. For one, while in Nashville, I couldn’t help but feel sad at moments at the thought of leaving New Orleans. I must embrace the time I’ve got. Two, I know that I take on this air of pouting and feeling sorry for myself. As if I haven’t been given what I deserve. It’s an idol. This idea of being close to my family, closer to the things I know as home (mountains, fall colors, big yards, my kind of trees). These things are such an idol for me. When I say I’m determined to enjoy it, I really mean that I’ve pleaded with God to change my heart. If I am willing to turn it over to Him, I am confident that He will. That’s not an easy thing for me to do I’m afraid. I am excited to get back to my world. To get it all going again. Tomorrow I start my new job and the new Starbucks, Friday I have an art show, and then I have nearly two months to prepare for the December Arts Market of New Orleans. After that I’m thinking a show in Scottsboro. I’ve found that people want to buy your work if they know you and have invested in your life. I’ve also found that people in towns get excited about an event like this when they don’t often have the opportunity.

Okay, have I covered everything? I think I’ve covered more than you wanted to read probably. Forgive me. I’ve always wished I was a writer and being on a train really makes me want to write.

Sunday Morning Bulletin

2011-10-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

Father in heaven, forgive our sins.

Forgive us for the sins that we remember.

Forgive us for the sins we have forgotten.

Forgive us for being weak in fact of temptation.

Forgive us for being stubborn in the fact of correction.

Forgive us for trying to earn your favor.

Forgive us for failing to receive your grace.

Forgive us for judging others harshly.

Forgive us for being lenient on ourselves.

Forgive us for the lies we have told others.

Forgive us for the truths we have avoided.

Have mercy on us, and make us whole.

Amen.

Just a Few Random Thoughts

2011-10-28T10:19:00.000-07:00

Can you tell I'm a little distracted this week? One, I'm busier than usual, two, I'm ready for my "vacation." So gathering my thoughts for a blog post has been a little challenging. Solution? Don't gather them.

- I am pumped to ride a train. Mostly because it means about 16 hours (at least 16, I hear there can be a lot of delays), 16 hours of solid reading time. That's so much time! Has anyone read the Wicked series? One of my coworkers owns it and has suggested I borrow it. I'm thinking I should take this opportunity to read a new series, but what I really want to do is start over at the beginning of the Anne of Green Gables series. Oh the struggle.

- I got a new toy this week, well last week, but I just got around to using it this week. A drill! I love it! I built myself these really large, sturdy easels to display my work for the Arts Market this weekend. I just want to keep going. Luckily, I still need to build some shelves for our apartment. My roommate might hate me by now for not having them done yet. And understandably.

- When I went to Home Depot to buy the supplies for these shelves this week, I had several men offer to help me get the wood into my car. When a man working there offered, I was appreciative, but declined. As I was putting the wood in my car (doing just fine), these two older men shouted out "do you need some help?" I felt slightly annoyed, but thought they're just trying to help, being gentlemen. Then, when I declined, they shouted out that what I needed to do with the wood was take it home to my husband and have him put it together. At that point, I was just plain offended.

- When I told this story to one of my coworkers, she laughed and said, yeah I bet that really annoyed you as independent as you are. Me? Independent? She's not the first coworker to say that about me. Huh. I wouldn't use that word to describe myself.

- In class this week, we had to do mock interviews. It gave us a chance to practice our ability to be on camera, and it will give us an artist interview to go on our websites, which I still need to create. For some reason, I was really nervous. It made me feel better that I wasn't alone in this. All I could think about going into it was Food Network Star. Have you seen it? The first time they have to be on camera tends to go very badly. Turns out, it wasn't that bad. It's weird to see yourself on camera though. I walked away with two thoughts. One, I understand why people think I'm so young. It's not just my height. I have a really young sounding voice and way of talking. Two, it's time to cut my hair.

- Okay, I think that's all for now. I need to go pack up my car for the market tomorrow!

I Need You So Much Closer

2011-10-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

Ready for a little of this...

a little of this...

and a little of this...

You know that feeling? It's the week before vacation, and all you can think about is being on vacation. That is totally me. It's like, do I really have to prepare for the market this weekend, or can I just skip all of this and go home, now? I'm ready for fall color, an early Thanksgiving meal, and family, now, right now. On top of that, I'm also slightly preoccupied with the idea of switching stores. I'm a sentimental person, and I don't necessarily like change, so it definitely makes me sad to think about leaving my coworkers. However, I haven't been enjoying my "day job" as much lately. Just a little bored I think. For that reason, I'm looking forward to a change. I think it will shake things up a bit and make them a little more interesting. You know? It's a chance to meet new people, co-workers and customers. And that I'm excited about. But yeah, until those things happen, I still have work to do this week. And I guess I should go do that...

Hey, it's Music Monday

2011-10-24T13:45:00.000-07:00

Ryan Adams, my favorite, has a new album out!

A week of non-stop Starbucks and babysitting is over. Today begins a week of preparing for an art market (which is on Saturday). And in one week, I'll be headed home!

To Create

2011-10-22T19:16:00.001-07:00

A Cold and a Few Goals

2011-10-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

After a week of going non-stop combined with a change in weather, it seems I have developed a cold. This morning, I actually don't have anywhere to be. The plan was to finally finish, or make serious progress on the shelves I'm building, instead I'm taking it easy until I have to go to work at 3, hoping it'll make the cold pass quickly. I'm supposed to go to Baton Rouge tomorrow! I'm just trying to find productive things I can do while also "taking it easy."

So our most recent assignment in my class was to create five goals for the next year. I was actually kind of surprised by how quickly I was able to put down those five goals.

1. First of all, I want to perfect my festival booth. I will be selling at the New Orleans Art Market both in October (next weekend) and December. I plan on continuing throughout the year until ideally I will have it all figured out by around August.

2. After this year of perfecting my skills at this smaller festival, I will start applying to larger festivals. For example, I plan on applying to sell at Jazz Fest. However, I want to apply to festivals all over the south. There are many reasons for this. First of all, I just think that sounds like a great opportunity to go to new cities with my work. Second, I won't be dependent on New Orleans to continue an art career. Third, from what I've read, there are larger, nicer, once a year festivals, where people go intending to buy large pieces of art and not just for something to do on a Saturday.

3. Begin applying to juried shows. This is a great way to get my art out there and to make it into a few galleries without becoming attached or committed to the gallery world. I'm not convinced I'm interested in the gallery thing, but this would give me a chance to feel it out, and to have more people see my work.

4. Get organized! I would love to somehow be able to create semi-consistent work hours. I need to open a business account, and start using the majority of the money I make through art to go back into the art. Also, need to get my on-line sites unified or even just completed. I have got to get a website! This must become a very professional business.

5. Continue to work on art series, rather than just random pieces of art. I want to move further and further away from completing something just to complete it, and instead always having purpose behind my art work.

(Bonus) 6. I think I'd like to pursue teaching a few art classes for children. I think it would be good to use my talents and studies in another area. I think it could be good to get my name out there a little more and get involved in the community. I already babysit a good bit, why not combine these two things? I'm just not sure where I would hold art classes. I've already got one home-schooling mom who thinks it would be profitable, and she's event lent me a book that she already owned about how to go about it.

Keep me accountable?

Warm Drinks and Scarves

2011-10-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a busy week, hence the lack of posting. I'm about to go babysit a few girls, and a little, and teach them a little about perspective in drawing. Their mother home schools them, so I'll be stepping in and teaching a little art. I've been doing a lot of babysitting and a lot of working this week because I plan on going home the week after next. But first, this Saturday I'm going to Baton Rouge for the Auburn/LSU game, and next Saturday I'm selling at the Palmer Park Festival. A lot to get done! At least I can wear a scarf and drink hot drinks while doing it all, yay!

However

2011-10-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

Just because my focus is shifting, it doesn't mean that everything is changing. Don't you worry. I will still share ALL of my new pieces with you.

Check it out here.

Music Monday

2011-10-17T11:15:00.001-07:00

A Tumblr

2011-10-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

Have I told you that I'm taking a class right now? It's called Artists as Entrepreneurs. I told you that didn't I. It's been great. Overall, I would just say that it's given me more focus and direction. One thing they've confirmed is the importance of your on-line presence, and one thing I've noticed is that my "on-line presence" is more directed towards FromMyBookShelf. This led me to think, if I'd rather be doing paintings for a living, I should probably put more of my focus on that. So, I'm going to try to make this blog solely focused on pursuing life as an artist here in New Orleans, my "new city". But you know I love books. So just for the fun of it, I've started a tumblr, and that is where I'll enjoy all things books. Would you like to take a look? It's here.

Homesick

2011-10-14T10:52:00.001-07:00

For those of you who aren't near your family, or near your home, do you get more homesick during the fall? I was just remembering last fall, and boy I really hated New Orleans. It's like all summer I had adored it, and then fall came, except it didn't, and suddenly all I could see were New Orleans's negative qualities. Well, I'm happy to report that I'm growing and evolving. This year, I don't hate the city, I just miss my home. While driving a friend to the airport this morning, we began to discuss being homesick in the fall. As someone who is from here, she pointed out that New Orleans is just simply a bad place to be in the fall. While everyone's year is continuing, progressing, cooling off, and changing seasons, we have a prolonged really hot summer. And that leaves everyone feeling restless and in need of a change, whether you have another home to miss or not. Do you know that a friend I work with is doing her student teaching, and when she cut out red and orange leaves to decorate with, her students asked her why she had red leaves?! Oh the tragedy. Anyways, I guess I was just wondering if anyone else is feeling the annual fall homesickness.

I do wonder what God's plans are for me. About a month or so ago, I would have told you that I will for sure be moving to Nashville in about a year. And right now, that sounds perfect to me. However, now I wonder if that's the best decision for my career. The plan is to consistently sell in the New Orleans Art Market this next year and perfect it. By the end of the year (meaning next August), I would hope to begin selling at larger venues. Markets that are more selective. Markets that have more buyers. If that's what's happening, then my center location could be Nashville, if it all works according to plan. But things don't always go according to my plan. And for that I am very thankful. I know that I want to follow God's will, but I'm struggling to turn mine over to Him. I want to return home (or closer to it.) I want to know that I will get home for Christmas, and not have to worry about it. I want to see my nieces and nephews more than every 4 to 6 months. I'd rather watch them grow. I want to have a fall, and I want to see mountains. I want a break from a city that's run completely by pleasure and its own desires. But hey, it sounds like I am a little bit too.

I pray that the Lord will change my heart, mold my desires to His, whatever that might be.

Thanks for listening :)

Psalm 91

2011-10-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the almighty." Psalm 91:1

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High. The blessings here promised are not for all believers, but for those who live in close fellowship with God. Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the mercyseat, yet all do not dwell in the most holy place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence. Those who through rich grace obtain unusual and continuous communion with God, so as to abide in Christ and Christ in them, become possessors of rare and special benefits, which are missed by those who follow afar off, and grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Into the secret place those only come who know the love of God in Christ Jesus, and those only dwell there to whom to live is Christ. To them the veil is rent, the mercyseat is revealed, the covering cherubs are manifest, and the awful glory of the Most High is apparent: these, like Simeon, have the Holy Ghost upon them, and like Anna they depart not from the temple; they are the courtiers of the Great King, the valiant men who keep watch around the bed of Solomon, the virgin souls who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. - Charles Spurgeon

Oh that I would be someone who dwells in the most holy place.

Go here to read the entire thing.

It's Official

2011-10-12T09:51:00.000-07:00

I will be switching Starbucks. Instead of taking 30 minutes to get to my store in Metairie, I will only need about 5 minutes to get to the store on Maple Street, in the heart of Uptown New Orleans. Quite an improvement. This will save me time and gas money. Not to mention they are supposed to get the best tips, and they don't have a drive-through window. It's just a cafe! All of the baristas there seem really nice, and I've heard great things about the manager. It seems to be the store everyone wants to be at. Plus, instead of pervy old men, most of my customers will be Tulane and Loyla students. This is definitely a good thing.

But I don't like change, and I can't help but be sad about leaving all of my coworkers. And Lindsey knows how I like my schedule. What if my new schedule is all over the place? What if I can't get off for Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or the Palmer Park Festival. But that's just me worrying. I know this is a good thing, a blessing, and I'm very grateful for it.

Yay!

I Only Have a Second

2011-10-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

I just love trees. That is all.

Music Monday

2011-10-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

Weekend Projects

2011-10-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

My project: Decorating our living room curtains with some stylized leaves.

Laura's project: Creating a more visually appealing and accessible way of storing our spices. (These are now covering the top of our fridge).

Our combined project: A homemade pumpkin spice latte.

Thus Says the Lord

2011-10-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

"Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord."

Jeremiah 9:23-24

"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son. ...Discipleship without Jesus Christ is a way of our own choosing. It may be the ideal way. It may even lead to martyrdom, but it is devoid of all promise. Jesus will certainly reject it.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Craft Rooms/Art Studios

2011-10-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

In magazines, on blogs, basically in pictures, studios are always so very organized, pretty, straight, and clean. Drives me crazy! Of course, I realize they're set up for ads and to be pretty pictures, but there is nothing clean and organized about being that creative. Creative enough to have an entire studio? Then you're not going to be this straight.

And they're you go. There's my little rant for the day.

This is the studio of an actual artist. Notice it has a different look entirely.

Here's my studio. Now that I think about it, I do wish a little bit of what they've got could rub off on mine.

Okay, so....Art for Art's Sake

2011-10-06T08:37:00.000-07:00

I'm back in good ole' NOLA, and I think I'll start by telling you about Art for Art's Sake. What a fun night! I had wanted to wait until I had pictures from the night, but I don't have that yet, so we'll delay the pictures from the night, and instead I'll just share a few pictures of new work that I displayed during the event.

Let me just tell you, I have the best job in the world! In two hours I'll be telling you something completely different, but thinking about that night leads me to say, I have the best job in the world! Ashley and I both were a little stressed and unsure the week leading up to that night how it would all come together. However, everyone agreed it came together very nicely. We transformed that little office into quite the little gallery. We had pretty painted pumpkins, our work displayed throughout, a little wine, a little cheese, great music from a friend at church, and a children's activity that was quite the hit. The night also definitely confirmed for me how much I love my church and my community group. The place was filled with friends the entire time, many friends helping us pull it off. I was even able to get to know a few new people from church.

At the end of the evening, I asked Ashley if we could please start doing this once a month.

Guess Where I Am

2011-10-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

This is how I spent my day!

It was very unexpected, but when I realized my parents were going to be so close by, I just couldn't resist joining them for a day.

I got a full day of sun and sand complete with a sunburn.

And tomorrow before I head back to New Orleans, we are going to Sea 'N Suds for lunch. Steamed shrimp!!

Friends, A Little Help?

2011-10-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Our latest assignment for my class is to determine who our audience is. Oh wow, I think it's too soon for me to tell really. Part of that assignment is to pick three words that describe our work. So, that's where you come in. What three words would YOU use to describe my work? They suggested we ask our friends. Here are a few pieces to refresh your memory, and of course I have plenty of other sprinkled throughout my blog.

Thanks friends!

Music Monday

2011-10-03T11:53:00.000-07:00

Very soon I will be posting about Art for Art's Sake, I promise! But for now, I am going go back to the good ole days of Music Monday!!

Oh if only I could see her live.

Always love a new version of an old hymn, and I adore his soft, simple version.

Did I mention that they were amazing in concert? This was the song they did during the encore.

Needtobreathe's newest album has pretty much been playing non-stop on my computer over the past week.

From the Bulletin

2011-10-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

the cross is the hope of Christians

the cross is the resurrection of the dead

the cross is the way of the lost

the cross is the savior of the lost

the cross is the staff of the lame

the cross is the guide of the blind

the cross is the strength of the weak

the cross is the doctor of the sick

the cross is the hope of the hopeless

the cross is the freedom of the slaves

the cross is the power of the kings

the cross is the water of the seeds

the cross is the consolation of the wounded

the cross is the clothing of the naked

the cross is hope of eternity

We thank you, Father, for the cross. Amen.

Adapted from a 10th cent. African Hymn

Art for Art's Sake, Tomorrow!!

2011-09-30T09:46:00.000-07:00

Way back in May, my pastor mentioned the idea of showing my work at the church office during Art for Art's Sake, and we've been discussing, brain-storming, and preparing ever since. Now it is finally here! Tomorrow is Art for Art's Sake in New Orleans. Basically, galleries open up all over the city with live music, tons of art, and of course food and drink. Really, that could describe most events in New Orleans, but tomorrow night it's called Art for Art's Sake. I'm so excited! Ashley and I have been working over the past few days pulling everything together, and I think it's going to come together wonderfully. All that's left to do is set up shop. Well, we have a few things left to pull together, but for the most part, we'll just be setting up. We have no idea how many people to expect, so I'm just thinking of it as a fun party with all of my friends. And that makes me really excited!

By the way, I borrowed the photo from Ashley, take a look at more of her stuff here.

The Perfect Studio

2011-09-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

My dream studio would be in the woods with only windows as walls, that way I could just look out my window and paint what I see. Plus, perfect lighting.

There would be a record player with an endless selection of records.

Okay, I take it back. One wall wouldn't be windows, it would be cork. So, three walls completely made of windows and one wall completely covered in cork.

Tiny little fridge to hold maybe some wine, some cheese, water, and pears. Or something like that.

(Aren't these cute? They're from Pottery Barn Teen)

Coffee of course. Probably a Keurig because I'll have a paint on my hands and can't mess with coffee beans or a grinder. Do you know about the Keurig? Very simple to make one quick cup of coffee. Check out One Cup Connection for Keurigs & K-Cups.

And maybe a bed so that I could just crawl into bed when I couldn't stay up any longer painting.

Except I probably shouldn't sleep in the same room that I use oil paints in.... oh well.

Nearly perfect studio.

Glitter Pumpkins!

2011-09-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Busy, Busy

2011-09-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

There's a lot going on in my life these days, and this is definitely a good thing! However, I think I need to readjust. I need time to figure out this slightly fuller schedule. Blogging has definitely slipped through the cracks. This is unfortunate because I have so much more I could be blogging about! I'm only quickly writing before I get back to my homework. Yes, homework! Already I've created my artist resume, I'm about to write my artist statement, and either late tonight, or early tomorrow, I will finish with my artist bio. This is all supposed to be sent in tomorrow for my Artist as Entrepreneur Class. That's not all that's going on. I've also got Art for Art's Sake this weekend!! This morning Ashley and I went to Hobby Lobby, I mean Michael's, to buy fake pumpkins, spray paint, etc. Tonight we're having a girls' craft night! The pumpkins will be our decorations for this weekend. It may not feel like fall, but this week, we're living like it is. As we speak I'm drinking a pumpkin spice latte, and tonight we'll be eating brunswick stew. Yum. I think my life will slow down a little bit after Saturday. I hope. If I'm not back before then, it's because I'm quickly scrambling to get everything together for that night. I am so very excited about it!

My Marketable Product?

2011-09-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

So, I kind of love this. What do you think? Could this be my new marketable product? And Laura Beth, I'm going to ask again, do you want to work with me? Your write the words, I'll do the paintings?

A Little Scattered

2011-09-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Before I've even started writing this post, I can already tell it will be slightly scattered. My mind is kind of everywhere. First of all, I wanted to say thanks for the few encouraging comments from my last post. As for a little background, I've just begun to take a class called "Artists as Entrepreneurs." It was quite intimidating, and it left me feeling a little bit like I didn't know what I was doing. I have to have my bio, artists resume, and artist statement done by Tuesday, and I don't know how much I'll have to put on the resume, or where I'll go with my artist statement right now. They told us we have to make ourselves and our art "marketable". That's so very different from what I was taught in school. In fact, I was taught that if we are working to make ourselves marketable, then what we are doing is not art. So I think it leaves me feeling a little confused as to what I should be doing with my work right now...hmm. However, it has led me to look at my work and realize that there is a little bit of a theme in what I've done beginning in senior project and continuing since then. It's an oil paint, pencil drawing combo involving images from nature. Now I just have to figure out how to explain that, to make it sound appealing.

Okay, maybe I won't be scattered. I was going to tell you all about Art for Art's Sake, but I think it deserves a post all on it's own, and I was going to tell you that I'm feeling a little homesick, but what else is there to say? It's leading me to make irrational decisions, like taking off for more than a week for my Christmas vacation. Whoops. By then I will have a few days of vacation hours though, and the day before I head home I will be doing a Palmer Park festival, and I have high hopes that it will carry me through Christmas. And what do you expect? I haven't been home since July, and won't go home until Thanksgiving. I'm going to need plenty of days there by the time I finally make it back. I will get to know my niece, and I will spend more than one day with John!! Okay, I guess I did find more to say.

By the way, on the moving or not moving front, right now I'm leaning in the direction of not moving next year, but just taking off for about a month or a little over in October/November, and going home to do festivals there. It's like I'll migrate home for fall. I think this might actually be an option with Starbucks, and if I get a big chunk of time at home every fall, I think it would carry me through the rest of the year. A lot could change by next September, but I'm just thinking I have so many opportunities that I'm just starting to take advantage of here. Would Nashville or Philadelphia or wherever give me as many places to sell my art?

Okay, it did become scattered. I knew that was where my head was this morning.

Let's Talk

2011-09-21T20:39:00.000-07:00

When I began this blog it was in an effort to bring people into my life. To open myself up or to be an open book. As my life changed a little bit and I graduated college, moved home, and then moved to New Orleans, I think my desire was for it to be a documentation of this life I'm leading. The life of a recent college graduate (how long can you call yourself that? I'm past it aren't I? why does that make me sad?), a recent college graduate trying to make a career as an artist, and a girl who has moved away from home to live in a city for the first time, and not just any city, New Orleans. So what do you think, dear readers? Is that was this blog is? I guess it has been to some degree, but I don't think it's been the blog of an artist. I think it's been the blog of a girl who has moved away from home to live in New Orleans. Here's what I'm thinking though, I don't think I've been embracing myself as an artist enough to open up to you as an artist.

Let me explain.

In high school, I remember saying I wouldn't get a degree in art, I couldn't, because I couldn't handle a career where someone was constantly judging what I do. And yet... somewhere along the line I decided to take the gamble. What was it my mom always said? That all of us, she and her daughters, were just talented enough to drive us crazy. How true that is. So yeah, I chose the art degree, but from day one it intimidated the heck out of me. I've chosen a career that just quite simply intimidates me. I tried so hard to get out of senior project, because the degree, and the career path it would lead to, most of the time just felt like too much. I really did try so hard to get out of it, but God knew the plans that He had, and getting out of senior project just didn't work. I remember the day that I realized I would have to do Senior Project. A feeling of both horror and relief filled me. Horror because I knew how hard it would be but relief because I knew I would regret it if I didn't do it.

It's the same with this career. I long for something more cut and dry. And I don't think I naturally have the drive it takes to make this happen. And if I'm being honest, well I'm not one of those that struggles with being a slave to her schedule, more like I struggle with succumbing to laziness. Being my own boss? Probably not the greatest idea. Selling myself? Um, no. And knowing exactly what I want to do with my work without being influenced by outside forces? Yeah right. None of this comes naturally.

But despite all of that, what does come naturally is the need to be creative. I'm a passionate and creative person. I have to do this. It's never going to come naturally, and it's always going to be really hard work. That's just the truth. I think I've tried to deny it, and put on a front of "I've got this", but I don't.

But I'll make it. Until God shows me otherwise, I will continue to take the next step. I have several new "steps" coming up. I'm scared of the next few months, but I'm excited because I know it will push me just a little bit further.

So there. That's the truth. And that's the angle I want to write from from now on.

I'm Tired Tonight.

2011-09-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

The plan was to really write tonight. Talk about my day and what's coming up over the next few months, how excited I am about the things coming up, and how nice it is to feel tired at the end of a long, productive day, but you know what? I'm tired. I'm not really feeling the whole writing thing, so instead, I'll share a music video with you, because it is Monday after all, the day I use to refer to as Music Monday.

Seeing them in concert tomorrow night! I spent pretty much my entire shift last night trying to find some one to cover the end of my shift tomorrow night so that I wouldn't miss it.

Want One

2011-09-14T16:57:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned my piano playing hobby? I played when I was younger, quit on a whim, have regretted it ever since. However, I picked it back up a little bit in high school, but always used quitting lessons as this excuse. Well, when I went to visit Claire, her roommate had a keyboard in her room. She's good! And guess what, she didn't begin playing until college. Now she's writing her own music. Suddenly the fact that I quit in the sixth grade doesn't seem like a good enough excuse for my mediocrity in piano playing. However, I think not owning a piano does. So, I'm going to need a keyboard. I'm dying to have one. Soon I hope, but probably not.

The Latest American Girl Dolls

2011-09-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

They're from New Orleans! I'm afraid I got a little overly excited when my pastor told a group of us this information. I really do hope one of my nieces gets them eventually. When I become an extremely successful artist in the next year or so, I might just go ahead and buy the dolls for them :)

Check out the fairy costume!

Glimpses of Creativity

2011-09-12T20:33:00.000-07:00

The Hour of Splendor in the Grass

2011-09-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm back to New Orleans, the work week has started. It was a good weekend though. I really enjoyed getting to see Claire, and I love knowing that a friend is so close. It was refreshing to get away from New Orleans for just a little while. Because Claire is living on a college campus, working with college students, and because we were watching Auburn football, the whole weekend kept reminding me of Auburn. It made me crave a game day in Auburn, the energy of the game followed by the relaxation of crashing at home or even better at Amsterdam's Cafe. Claire had recently read a few lines from William Wordsworth's poem, and when I would mention Auburn she would say

"Though nothing can bring back the hour

Of splendour in the grass, of glory in the flower;

We will grieve not, rather find

Strength in what remains behind"

It is a beautiful poem, isn't it?

By the way, I created a little Treasury to get a little more excited about the work week. Take a look! Even better, click on the items, and comment!

An Old Friend

2011-09-09T09:51:00.000-07:00

Going to visit my friend Claire today. And when I say old friend, I mean compared to the friends I have here in New Orleans. I met Claire freshman year in ADPi. She's recently moved to Hattiesburg, MS for an internship with Campus Crusade. Not only is Claire there, but so are three other friends that I know from Crusade at Auburn. Oh, my bad, I forgot its called Cru now rather than Crusade. Anyways, unfortunately, the other friends won't be there this weekend, but I'm very excited to see Claire, and excited to see them in future visits. Hattiesburg is a mere hour and forty-five minutes away! That's crazy to have a friend so close. Before that, people were at least 5 hours away. You can imagine my excitement about having a friend so close. There's just something to be said for people that have known you longer than one year.

Current Day Austen

2011-09-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of a scene from Jane Austen, except current day. Specifically Persuasion or Mansfield Park. Even more specifically when Anne Elliot is visiting her sister and they walk along the sea, or when Fanny Price returns home to her family. They always walk along the sea, and its always so cloudy.

Hymns

2011-09-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

You know I love old hymns, and I'm pretty sure many of you do as well. Many of you may have already discovered this, but I just found a website that allows you to find a hymn to go along with the scripture you are studying. For example, my pastor has just begun a series on Philippians, so I've been reading through it.

Philippians 1:6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." led to the hymn "A Debtor to Mercy Alone" and more specifically these lyrics:

The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete;

His promise is Yea and Amen, and never was forfeited yet...Yes, I to the end shall endure, as sure as the earnest is giv'n; More happy, but not more secure, the glorified spirits in Heav'n.

Check it out here.

By the way, how amazing is that piece of art? I want to figure out how to do it myself.

This Weather!!

2011-09-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's unbelievable! There is an actual cool breeze coming through my windows as I sit typing this out. Yep, that's right, it's currently 72 degrees outside. If I didn't have to head to work soon, I would definitely be out at Audubon Park. How I've missed spending a little of each day there. Trying to remind myself we've probably got quite a few hot days left. However, it feels so good outside I just can't really control my excitement. Oh happy day.

Hey Mama

2011-09-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

Mat Kearney filmed this in New Orleans, in case you couldn't tell. The song is very catchy! If I had known this was happening, I might have done a little stalking.