Saturday, July 31, 2010

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

I miss my Jessica. We drift in and out, but I'm always confident we'll be one again.

Friday, July 30, 2010

family tree.

Check out this awesome family tree. I want to do it.....RIGHT NOW!!!


THE TREE....

love in motion.

I don't know these people, but I love this video so much. Not only is the videographer and editing amazing, the music and wedding ideas are great as well. The very beginning pretty much sums up how amazing a feeling your wedding day should be. The blissful movement of dancing feet.

Max & Marquax's wedding video

garden goodies!

the garden is in full swing. the corn has tasseled. the tomatoes are green. zucchini growing in twos. it's going to be a good harvest.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

There was a girl in high school that didn't make my life hell, but she really made me feel bad about myself. But alas karma has done is duty and she's gained a lot of weight. I don't dislike the girl, I just did't appreciate what she did to me. I don't hold a grudge though...I love me.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

happy holi.

I was recently watching a movie that showed this celebration of color. They yelled Happy Holi and threw colored powder at each other. It was beautiful and so inspiring.
होली (Sanskrit), Holi, or Holli, is a spring festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and others. It is primarily observed in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka,[1] and countries with large Indic diaspora populations, such as Suriname, Guyana, South Africa, Trinidad, United Kingdom, United States, Mauritius, and Fiji. The main day, Holi, also known as Dhuli Vandana in Sanskrit,also Dhulheti, Dhulandi or Dhulendi, is celebrated by people throwing coloured powder and coloured water at each other.


Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

I can't give credit to just one person. My grandparents made a huge impact on my life, but I am also very thankful for my friends. They've gotten me through a lot. My family-even with it's flaws and disagreements are amazing.






Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope that I never have to bury another child. Monday we buried my cousin's baby and it was extremely sad.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

i love flowers.

If you're looking for a florist I highly recommend AS YOU WISH FLORAL DESIGN. She did flowers for a wedding I shot in June and they were amazing fresh flowers with spectacular modern design. I'm attaching the photos I passed along to her for her blog.





Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

I hope to travel more and have a family. I also would like to go to 5 countries I've never been and have a farm with cows, hens, and a large greenhouse.

physical therapy.

I start physical therapy on Wednesday for my knee and I'm a little nervous. I have a large cyst abnormality which is quite paintful and some times puts me down for hours because it hurts to even walk. Like the specialist said, I'm 24, I should be able to do whatever I want-and I SHOULD be able to do whatever I want pain, swelling, icing, heating, cracking, and popping free. I really hope the therapy helps, because I don't want to resort to knee surgery.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

I have to forgive my parents for giving up on me. My mom gave me to my dad, and my dad to my grandparents. I was a warden of the state for about 2 years. Let it go.

etsy love.

Eco Flair.

11m2

Louder than Words

Green Thread

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

I had a really difficult time with this truth.

I have a lot of things I need to forgive myself for. I need to forgive myself for not "sticking with" my 5 year plan, for believing in people even after they hurt me, for not learning every thing I wanted to from my grandmothers before they passed away, for not taking better care of my body, and for not always believing in myself-because of all people in my life that I've given the benefit of the doubt, I deserve the most support.

education.

I'm getting educated by The Union. I think it's a documentary every one should watch...I'm not even half way through it and I have learned so much. Open minds people...open your eyes, heart, and ears.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

I love that I'm independent. If I don't know how to do some thing I'll figure it out. I'm been living on my own for a long time and a girl needs to know things-like how to check her oil, fill windshield wiper fluid, level a shelf, unclog a drain, take apart her vacuum, and how to use tools. But I can do more than that. I can start a charcoal grill, put up a tent by myself, wait tables, clean, fix a sewing machine, fix my toilet, caulk the bathtub, design, scan photos, and take photos. I can also get in my car and go and do whatever I want to do, almost any time I want to do it.

There's a lot to be said about an independent lady-sometimes it's intimidating, but I'd rather be educated and able to survive on my own.

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

I hate that I let people take advantage of my kindness, but also that I am not good at saying no to people, which ALLOWS them to walk over me. It's a problem I have created and only I can end.

30 days of truth.

I've seen this on a few people's blogs lately, so I decided to do it also. I'm finding some new and great things out about people I didn't know very well.

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.
Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.
Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)
Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)
Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.
Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?
Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

camp euforia=greatness

camp euforia rocked my world and i hope to go back next year. even the heat couldn't damper the great mood we were in upon arrival in lone tree. not even getting lost and taking almost an hour and half longer to get there than planned could destroy the good time we were expected...and received in ten folds. such great people. i'm sure i commented on how appreciative i was that such a large group of people could come together and live peacefully and with such understanding of one another in the blissful state i was in. perhaps it was the people i went with, the farm we camped at, the music or the smell that engulfed the grounds like a cocoon-either way, it was a magic 2 days and made me the happiest i've been in months.





Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Start Your Own Farm Business

Start Your Own Farm Business

My life's ambition is to have a farm of my own. A green house with pretty much all the food I want or need in it, to learn to can, have fresh eggs and possibly milk, and other animals. To be self sustaining and do what makes me happy. Maybe one day...

Sunday, July 11, 2010

talent.

This lovely and talented lady now has a blog. Check it out...and her etsy, facebook, and market day page!

RECYCKS

Saturday, July 10, 2010

this old house.

Ok, not a house, but I live in this body that feels so old and broken down. Considering I haven't taken great care of it over the years, I understand, however at 24 I feel that it shouldn't be in such sad shape. When I was 17 I had emergency gall bladder surgery after 6 years of painful attacks and vomiting to discover over 2 dozen gall stones. Sick. I have migraine, 3 pinched nerves in my back, 1 pinched nerve in my hip, a tilted pelvis, and currently diagnosed with a large cyst abnormality in my right knee. I'm going to the ortho specialist the 19th of July and can't wait for some resolution to this pain and discomfort. I pretty much always feel like I pulled a muscle in my calf, my knee and every thing below it swells to almost an inch larger than my left leg, and the throbbing and sharp shooting pain is quite the nuisance.

I feel that once my knee is in better shape I will feel more encouraged to be more active. I really enjoy gardening and still do it even though it kills my knees. I've never been a runner, but I spend all day on my feet at work and exercising is the very last thing on my mind after chasing after customers for 7-10 hours. I'm looking forward to having a Trader Joe's in West Des Moines. I like Gateway, but it's inconvenient for me to get to and it can be expensive. I'm going to spend the rest of 2010 getting healthy. Collecting healthy recipes, reading more, using my fresh produce from the garden, and taking more photos(it makes me happy so I consider it a part of my mental health program).

posting this again because i love it so....MESSY VEGETARIAN

Thursday, July 8, 2010

music for the soul.

the iowa state fair.

I have been going to the state fair since the year I was born, so this year will be my 24th year attending. I don't believe there's any thing not enjoyable about the fair. At the end of the day I expect to smell like animal manure, deep fried wonderfulness, sweat, sunblock, and sweet lemonade. I can hear the music, the children's screams from the midway, and golf carts zipping up and down the streets. I can't wait for mullets, butter cows, fresh honey, people pushes around their babies with a stroller full of beer, over priced food, good friends, and family.



joy.



Wednesday, July 7, 2010

twenty five.

In less than 3 months I will be turning 25. I have mixed feelings about such an important date in my life; such an important age. On one hand I'm excited and can't believe how fast time has passed since high school. On the other hand, I'm discouraged and overwhelmed with life. In high school no one tells you life is difficult, pushes and pulls, lifts you up, and breaks you down. I was given the instructions to make a five year plan, told to go to college and establish a career, encouraged to get married-which stereotypically followed by children, and every one lives happily ever after. There was no warning of lay offs, broken hearts, being single for 5 years, getting your house and car broken into...no one warns you, I suppose it's because they don't want to scare people from living their lives though.
I try not to be discouraged from the steps back my life has taken, I work hard, and am good to the people around me. Some days are harder than others; sometimes I cry or scream. Some days I don't know if it will ever get better or if I'll ever be able to get ahead. And although things aren't exactly easy right now I have a belief that one day they'll get better. A person can only take so much, so things have to get better.
At one point in my life I thought by the time I was 25 I'd have a big job, be married, possibly have a baby, live in a cute little house ...aw, the naive dreams of a teenager. With less than 3 months until I turn 25, I have none of these things and none of them are to be foreseen in my near future. That's okay though, my beliefs on relationships, love, and life have changed significantly in the past six years. A lot of death, heartache, challenge, and set backs have taught me a lesson or two. Some times I'm better at using the experience from these lessons than others, but I try to use it all to my advantage. I'm just now learning to say no to people-I have a problem saying no to people because I don't want them to be upset with me. This has put me in situations that are less than desirable.
None the less, i'm learning. So one day it'll all get better. One day I'll be on top-I'm just hoping the day comes very quickly.

Monday, July 5, 2010

80/35

I was sad not to get to experience much of 80/35 this year. The past two years were amazing times, but alas work has gotten the best of my 4th of July weekend this year. I did get to go for two hours on Sunday with Brittany. Unfortunately we both had places we were previously obligated to be and there wasn't a lot going on while we were there. Family Groove Company played, which is ALWAYS an amazing time, but the other free stage wasn't being used and there was no music to be heard from the main stage. Either way we didn't have tickets so we weren't getting in any way. We did have a beer, I got to see Karla, got a t-shirt, and got a coffee from Ritual! The rain didn't ruin our minimal chance to experience 80/35.
Camp Euforia will definitely make up for my lack of music this year. It makes me so sad, however. I miss listening to music and dancing-it really is one thing that makes me forget about all the other non sense in my life.

creative minds think alike.

this is the design I did for Swap O Rama on a recycled cotton bag. This bag is perfect for groceries, going to the beach, or just an extra bag! Best design I've done in awhile too...oh and don't forget the sticker I made that I put in swag bags for the event also!


design


sticker

Sunday, July 4, 2010

made in iowa.

I love homemade goods. Homemade gifts, baked goods, gardens...any thing! So when I found Southern Hills Winery I had a good feeling about it. THEN when I tasted their You're Making Me Blush wine, I fell in love. I'm actually drinking a glass right now while watching "Dexter". I'm not much of a drinker, but a nice glass of wine is the perfect ending to a blah day.

Southern Hills Winery

swap o rama rama.

RAMA-LAMA-DING-DONG! I know we just had a swap-o-rama in April, but I can't wait until the next one. This year I did the screen printing workshop, which was amazing. I had a lot of fun, learned a lot, and met some amazing new people. I was sad that I didn't get to do any other workshops or see Handmade Nation. The event gave me inspiration to do a lot more hands on projects-the first one: a festival shirt. I will definitely be posting it when-or IF-I get it done. There are a lot of projects I want to finish, heck what am I saying, there's a lot I need to start.
Find Swap-O-Rama-Rama on facebook ----> SORR







from my mouth to your ears.

Read this today and thought...yes, that's so right.

"Art is much less important than life, but what a poor life without it." — Jasper Johns

Saturday, July 3, 2010

eat your fruits and vegetables.

This website-mainly it's recipes-make it worth mentioning. I'm definitely going to try out a few recipes
MESSY VEGETARIAN COOK

Look at this recipe for SUMMER TOMATO AND AVOCADO TART....scrumptious!

Ingredients
2 avocados, sliced lengthways to 1/4 inch
1/2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
400g cherry or baby plum tomatoes, sliced 1/4 to 1/2 inch, stem to base.
5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (notice a theme here?)
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Approx 350g puff pastry
A few basil leaves to garnish (optional)
Directions/Method
Preheat the oven to 200° C (400° F) and roll the pastry to a thin sheet on a baking tray.
In one bowl, combine the sliced avocados with the citrus juice (it will keep the avocado from browning). If you’re worried about accidentally mashing the avocado slices, just use your fingers to lightly rub the juice on all surfaces.
Combine the oil, garlic, and oregano in a medium bowl. Add the tomatoes and stir to coat with the oil mixture.
Place the tomato halves on the pastry in a single layer. If they don’t cover the whole pastry, that’s okay! Bake for 10 minutes before removing and quickly placing the sliced avocado on top. Return to the oven and bake for a further 8-10 minutes, until the pastry is lightly and uniformly browned. Remove and serve warm.


Read more: Summer Tomato and Avocado Tart | Recipe by The Messy Vegetarian Cook http://www.messyvegetariancook.com/2010/06/09/whore-you-calling-a-summer-tart/#ixzz0sbQGbaVp


15 days.

15 days left until Camp Euforia and my excitement is growing. I refilled my migraine medicine, got new sun block, looking to purchase a new sleeping bag and mattress pump next week, and attempt to make a festival shirt next weekend!
Check out their link here CAMP EUFORIA for more information. The lineup is amazing and I look forward to the amount of amazing music I will be subject to: Euforquestra, Kyle Hollingsworth, Heatbox, Chicago Afrobeat Project, The Workshy, and The Uniphonics just to name a few.
This years there's going to be offering massages, yoga, and art which makes me very happy. I can't think of any thing more relaxing than a massage in the great outdoors surrounded by music filling the trees around me and soaking up the sun of a beautiful morning.


Thursday, July 1, 2010

trader joes.

I love me some Trader Joe's. I remember going to see my Aunt Diane in California and on our road trips we'd stop and pick up smoothies and snacks(mostly a bucket of yummy chocolate chip cookies). I really enjoyed the vibe and atmosphere there and am really looking forward to having a Trader Joe's finally in Iowa! It's only 10 minutes away too. Hurray!

Trader Joe's DSM Register News

fear.

What you fear you create.-----------therefore i'm no longer going to fear.

I will not fear being alone.
I will not fear never having control of my life, financially and in love.
I will not fear.

gracey belle.

meet gracey belle.

great find.

another great find on etsy.

lulu bug jewelry
*I'm in love with this bee necklace by lulu BEE