Hi. I'm under construction.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T13:24:00.001-08:00

What will you be doing?! I'm ringing it in at Jon & Ranae's with Jeff and some of our other good friends. We have so much to celebrate and be grateful for. But I also just love fresh starts, and am taking full advantage of starting new. New perspective, new hope, new faith, new wonder, new opportunities, new love.
Cheers to 2012 being another wonderful year!

Of course!

2011-12-21T09:16:00.000-08:00

How to Make a Baby from Cassidy Curtis on Vimeo.

Cate Parr, Fashion Illustrator

2011-12-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

I see Cate's work and am inspired all over again to keep practicing my watercolor skills.

What I'm listening to today...

2011-12-06T09:36:00.000-08:00

HINK OUTSID THE OX

2011-11-23T08:43:00.000-08:00

I love this print!

Found Here

Nice Layers

2011-11-22T13:50:00.001-08:00

The History of the Sky

2011-11-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

Watch this.

I wish there was a way to capture life like this. Where every day is a box,

filled up with the most meaningful moments.

Ukraine's Green Mile Tunnel

2011-11-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

I'd like to be the conductor of the train that runs through this forest.

I'm in love.

2011-11-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

Save the Date!

2011-11-10T16:19:00.001-08:00

This is the Short Version

2011-11-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

The day: Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

The scenario: Jeff, Kati and I were going on an early sunrise hike, but because of the rain, we cancelled.

So Kati and I decided to go to Oddfellow's for brunch instead. Fun, right?

The problem: I woke up that morning sicker than a dog. The nasty head cold I woke up to provided me with a migraine, which provided me with the nausea. BUT! I would prevail. I was determined. I hadn't spent time with her in months and I missed her! I had new music to show her! She had new music for me! I couldn't just cancel. I probably should've stayed in bed, but I knew I could come home and sleep the rest of the day.

But what ended up happening that day was completely different and wonderful - a day I'll never, ever forget.

Kati picked me up and drove me to Oddfellow's.

While she was "parking", and I was "going in to get seats" I ran into this fine fellow.

(Kati, you sneak!) :)

The Fine Fellow

He hijacked my day.

He put me on a boat.

And asked me if I would be his wife.

I said yes!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He hadn't realized I was so sick until I was actually on the boat looking for the best place to puke my guts out. Luckily I didn't! But the whole time he was so sweet and so understanding - and then eventually I could actually sit up and carry on a normal conversation.

I started feeling better, and it ended up being the perfect day, just two best friends hanging out and in love.

I can't wait to be Mrs. Rose Kline.

boat picnic

the beloved ring (more stories to come about this!)

our view of Lake Union from the electric boat he drove - so pretty & peaceful!

and finally, Michigan

2011-11-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

LOTS has happened over the last month, and it would be wrong to get ahead of myself, so I'm going to write about Michigan, and then move on with my life.

First of all, can I just say I love the light tunnel in the Detroit airport? One morning around 5am, during one of our layovers there, we were the only ones walking through. It's so dreamy. Then again, when you're in love, everything seems dreamy. Until I ruined the moment by spilling coffee all over Jeff. Whoops.

It was my complete joy to meet Jeff's family. They instantly felt like my family, and I was at home with them. Mike, Lynne, Allison and Cayden are in my heart now and I find myself missing them.

Let me describe them.

Mike: all smiles, all sweetness, full of unexpected humor and depth. I'd met him a few weeks prior to our trip, when he came out here for the week the MC's graduated, so we were acquainted. I knew I really liked him, but it's an entirely different thing when you're staying at someone's home and apart of their day-to-day life. My favorite moment with him when when we were sitting around an outdoor bonfire one night. At that point, I knew in my heart I would marry Jeff, and become apart of the Kline family. But as Mike and I sat there talking, I was overcome with it again, so grateful to become apart of a family, with a dad, who is loving and faithful and kind. I don't know if he could tell I was crying, but I was. His example to me as a father to Jeff and Allison, a grandad to Caden and a husband to Lynne makes me trust not only him, but the son that he raised to be just like that. Since then, we've exchanged meaningful letters and conversations and I can say that I love Mike!

Lynne & Mike on Crystal Lake

Lynne: beautiful, down to earth, unassuming, with the best, dryest humor ever. As soon as I met her, I knew we would have a real friendship. She had a way of making me feel comfortable even though it's the first time we'd ever spoken. When I was expecting to be drilled with 20 questions, she sweetly gave me space to talk and get to know her with ease. My favorite moment with her was when we were walking along the foggy beach of Lake Michigan (photo below) and she told me how she came back to Christ, and they eventually adopted Jeff and Allison. Her openness to me about her story surprised me - mainly because I realized she was trusting me with a deep part of who she is. I respect her so much and I can only pray to be the type of mother she's been to them. Side note: It was cool watching Jeff laugh at things she would say. He loves her humor and gets that same dryness from her.

Lake Michigan Lighthouse

Allison: fun, endearing and brutally honest. I couldn't help but appreciate every quality of Allison when we met. I never had to guess what she was thinking, because she would say it. When we first met, she hugged me like we'd been old friends forever. She's been through so much in the last year and you can see how tired she is in her eyes. But she is a miracle. She really shouldn't be alive right now, but she is! In the midst of some crazy health problems, she's been raising a beautiful son, working and bought a beautiful home. I'm inspired by her drive and persistence through it all. One morning I was getting ready in the bathroom and she sat down and talked with me while I got ready. I love that she made a place for herself in the middle of my routine. In that moment, we felt like sisters.

Caden: no words.

Okay, so yes, there are words, but words will never do this kid justice. He's honestly the sweetest little guy I've ever met. He gets his endearing side from his mama. He has so much energy and is so curious and excited about everything he sees. There's not a rebellious bone in his body - just pure wonder. I loved the way he trusted me instantly by giving me his little hand to hold. I probably won't see him until the Spring...too long!!

Caden!

Some more favorite highlights:

saw my first firefly
climbed the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes
rented a beach house on Crystal Lake
long walks
lots of coffee and cherry pie every morning
saw "Raising Arizona"...a goodie
Jeff bought me a beautiful antique jade necklace!!!
meeting Jeff's bio family
swimming in Crystal Lake
watched old videos of Jeff as a kid :-)

Jeff & Caden

There were so many wonderful little memories that can't be put into words (like sitting on the dock on Crystal Lake) that I will remember forever. This trip made me more confidant than ever that Jeff is a man I love and trust and respect. He's someone I want to spend my days with.

It was hard coming back from a trip that was so defining and meaningful. It felt like I was jumping onto a moving train when I got home and haven't slowed down since. Because of that, it's taken time to slowly process all of it and more and more realizing the value in all of these relationships Jeff and I both have. Family is so important because it gives us something bigger than ourselves to be apart of. It reminds us where we come from and that we're miracles, placed by God to be connected to specific people at a specific time....fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, husbands and wives.

Thriller!

2011-11-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

There's a nursing home in Kirkland called Merrill Gardens. I used to go there and read to patients, do crafts, just talk and we even did a modified version of swing dancing once. But on Halloween this year, they dressed up like zombies and did a choreographed dance to Thriller. Elderly Zombie Apocolypse - - yes please! Watch all the way to then end, 4:33 is hilarious.

Intermission

2011-10-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

Georgia

2011-10-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

So...waaaaay back in early September my bf and I (bf stands for best friend and/or boyfriend...same diff) flew across the country to Georgia to visit my granddad, who I haven't seen in a long time.

Before I start showing off pictures, I will say this: Jeff is so awesome to travel with. We weren't able to sleep through the first red-eye flight so there were lots of games of war & battleship. Sometimes I get nervous to fly, but not this trip. It makes me love thinking about all the other places we'll go someday. When we got to Georgia, we drove through the Smokies, and saw all sorts of small mountain towns. There are rivers everywhere, and the hills are so green! I thought it would be hot and muggy, but the weather changed right before we arrived, to record-breaking rains the entire time. Aside from the pictures I'm posting, we did a ton and had a great time with my family. We had good conversations and I met family I'd never met (Uncle Jim & his daughter Cassie). I tried (and loved) grits for the first time. Jeff shot a machine gun. We discovered our mutual love for a certain country singer. Jeff did a bunch of projects around Grandad's house. I slept in every morning. Jeff made me coffee every morning. It was a wonderful time.

That's my grandpa! Isn't he handsome? He drives the biggest truck you will ever see,

and it has a horn that sounds like a locomotive in your ear.

This is the front view of their house, Loafer's Glory. He and his wife Chris have a beautiful piece of property,

full of cats and dogs and chickens and horses and deer and apple trees.
This photo doesn't do it justice.
Picture a long, winding uphill driveway. So long you can't see the house at the top.
Picture it surrounded by green, rolling hills bordered by green forests and creeks.

Jeff and I went out riding ATV's almost every day. At first we rode on the same one. We drove through miles of the Smokey Mountains, and even got lost once. Then we joined my uncle Jim and cousin Cassie and we each had our own. We had to move fallen trees and go through creeks.

I would do this everyday if I could. It was adventure at it's finest. I like driving fast.

This is Molly (it's a dog if you can't tell), and her blonde locks. She followed us everywhere.

My uncle Jim took us to a farm up the road where I met a Zebra for the first time.

Pretty eyes!

And I got to look at this face from morning 'til night for the whole trip. What a lucky girl I am.

It was a wonderful time with my Grandad & Chris. I ate more than I've ever eaten in my life.

I saw some beautiful country. We got to relax, and the monsoon rain helped us do that. Our plans to raft and be in the rivers didn't happen becaue of that, but it forced us to stay in, watch movies, play pool, take naps and eat some more. Just what we both needed!

After 5 days in Georgia, we flew to Michigan...

Dahlia Power

2011-10-20T09:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a dahlia as big as a frisbee? a plate? a fat mans face?

Now you have!

He scattered our debts upon the waves...

2011-10-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Road Warriors

2011-10-11T07:59:00.000-07:00

This post is for you, Linda.

It doesn't require any commentary and the pictures say it all.

We're baaaaack...

2011-09-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful time! Photos to come shortly!

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

2011-09-02T10:03:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Jeff and I leave for our trip.

It's only a day away!

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO:
sleeping sound through every flight
playing thumb wars if we get bored (or just want to hold hands)
not losing any luggage
foggy morning hills and dales (what's a dale, anyway?)
Georgia peaches (guaranteed they taste better there)
drive-in movies
sleeping in
Chris's killer bloody mary's for brekkie (seriously AMAZING)
riding motorcycles and horses
white water rapids (Level 1, por favor)
lightning storms
fireflies
small mountain towns (don't think of Deliverance)
conversations with Grandad
meeting Lynn, Allison and Caden (so excited!)
meeting everyone else (really)
visiting Jeff's hometown
long walks
listening to more of Mike's stories
tall sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan
enjoying the non-stop rest and adventure with Jeff (!!!)

This trip already feels so blessed. All the details came together just like we prayed for.
I feel really fortunate to be able to go on a long, full vacation with my wonderful boyfriend.
It will be full of meaning and substance and irreplaceable memories.

So long, for now!

Say Something Nice!

2011-08-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

We need to do something like this in Kirkland. :) It totally made me smile.

[Except I'm trying really hard to ignore how many germs are on that thing.]

In 3 weeks it will all be over...

2011-08-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

"What will be over?" you ask.

This will be over:

I'm going to Michigan with Jeff to meet his family. Wooooooooooooo!

I pray to the good, kind, gentle, accommodating and sweet Lord of Hosts that I don't make a complete fool of myself.

But seriously, I'm really excited. Excited, as in, I have no idea what to expect, but I'm looking forward to seeing that side of Jeff's life. His dad is in town this week so we've just met, so I have sort of a preview of what our trip to Michigan will be like. He's the most warm, genuine man with the greatest laugh. We had dinner at Milagro a few nights ago, and at one point we were all weeping from laughter. Personally, I think if you can laugh with someone that hard that you just met, that's a good sign.

Now if I can avoid long, awkward prayers at the dinner table, pool volleyball and admission to milking my cats teats (which I've never done), I'm good to go.

Our trip to Michigan will actually be Part II of our adventure out East. Part I is Georgia, and Jeff is coming! Yeeee! $%&@#!!! Can you sense my excitement? First ever vacay with my man!!

Lord, have mercy.

Your Song, My Song, His Song, Her Song

2011-08-23T14:27:00.001-07:00

Fave BAND! Great SONG! New VID! Awesome BEARD!

2011-08-17T14:07:00.001-07:00

Also check out Rivers & Roads. Gorgeous location and killer acoustics.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2011-08-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

Jeff and I tried watching the Perseids meteor shower this weekend, but were so bummed at the clouds covering up the show!

I hope you had better luck than us!

(photo found here)

P.S. Jeff's new form of entertainment is asking me to whistle "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"...because I stink at whistling! Then he makes me laugh, and really can't do it. I sound like a dying tea kettle.

Blue Ridge, Georgia

2011-08-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

In just a few weeks I'm going to visit my Granddad and his wife Chris in Blue Ridge, Georgia. It's been about 8 years since we've spent face-to-face time together. I'm looking forward to seeing what his life in the eastern hills is like. They live on a huge piece of land down in a valley, in a big house with lots of rooms. They have horses and motorcycles and gardens. I can't wait! I want to pick apples, drink sweet tea, sit on the front porch and hear stories about his life. HE, on the other hand, is hoping I'll go river rafting on one of the Level 5 rivers near his house. Sorry Granddad, but I don't want to die.

[photo of the Blue Ridge Mtns. found on this sweet blog]

In his younger years, when he was in the Navy, he was the most handsome man I've seen in photographs. Then years later, he wore his hair long with tiny glasses and leather and rode Harley's all over the U.S., and looked just like Jerry Garcia. Still handsome, in a different way. Now he's 72 and his hair is short and I want as much time as possible with him.

I don't have very many family members who are active in my life. I wish I did. Family to me is like the missing link, the thing that helps me make sense of who I am, why I am, etc. When I have a family someday, I want my kids to have a sense of belonging, of knowing who they are, whose they are, and why they are. I want that sense of legacy to start now, with my family, my Grandad, and this trip.

I hope he's prepared to answer all the questions I have for him. I want to know about our Cherokee relatives, and how connected he is to them. I want to ask him about my Grandma, the one I've never met, what he remembers about her, and if her hair was really as platinum blonde as the black & white photo I have of her makes it look. I'm going to ask him why he left Southern California and Warner Brothers and moved across the country to start a new life. I want to know what it was like when my mom got back in touch with him after almost 15 years of silence. And I want to know what it was like for him to say yes to Jesus Christ, just a few months back. And just ask him what it's like to be him.

I might be able to dig these things out of him, and I might not. Either way, I pray it's a sweet time with him and Chris. I'm just happy I get to be with him.

Waves & Sand

2011-08-11T09:15:00.001-07:00

This song is ok, but I like the video because it reminds me to not get so old and responsible that I lose the wonder I had as a kid, where every step into my yard became an adventure, where I didn't mind so much what people thought of me, and where everything had meaning.

move.learn.eat

2011-08-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

1 trip of a lifetime

3 guys

44 days

11 countries

18 flights

38,000 miles

2 cameras

1 terabyte of footage

3 ambitious linear concepts

3 beautiful short films

Rick Mereki: director, producer, camera & editing

Tim White: DOP, producer, editing & sound

Andrew Lees: actor, mover, groover

Found here.

On a lighter note...

2011-08-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Every time I watch this, I weep. My body doesn't know how else to respond. Laughter is not enough.

BARTLE DOO?!!

Friday Thoughts

2011-08-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

I like this guy (a lot).

And I like it (a lot) when we're together.

On a dock.

In the sun.

Or wherever.

He makes me smile (a lot).

And I'm so thankful I'm in his life.

Perseids

2011-08-03T14:14:00.000-07:00

The last few years, I've gotten to watch the Perseids meteor shower pass through the skies over my house at night. Or should I say morning? I've set my alarm for 2 or 3am sometimes. Luckily, we have a pretty comfy hammock, so that helps. But it's ALWAYS worth it.

This video shows Perseids over Mt. Rainier. Incredible!

This year, the peak viewing time for Seattle is August 13th. I will be there, praying for clear skies and welcoming the wonder.

One in 8 Million

2011-07-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

I ran across this website a few days ago.

One in 8 Million - New York Characters in Sound and Images

I love the uniqueness of each person, and I love the fact that they are all created by and known deeply by my Father. It makes each one feel like less of a stranger to me.

Listen to the stories and look at their pictures. I've only watched a few, but I'm so glad I did. I'm going to try and watch them all. Whoever created this website did such a beautiful job!

Beach poppy

2011-07-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

I went to Seabrook, WA this last weekend with the gals. It was so lovely.

Words

2011-07-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

Greatest Weapon by Nina Landis

This is one of the more sweetly convicting songs I've heard, and such a good reminder of the power of my words.

You have a choice
You have a choice to make
Are you gonna speak life
Or break the back of your brother?
Are you gonna lift up?
Or are you gonna choose to curse each other?
'Cause it's our greatest weapon
In His image you were made
You have a choice
You have a choice to make
Life or death
Blessing or cursing
Hope or doubt
Faith or fear
Purpose or confusion
Love or hate
It's your choice to make

April, May

2011-07-20T16:42:00.001-07:00

Oh man. April, May's Fall 2011 line is gorgeous.

Jungle vs. Woods

2011-07-19T16:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when the Holy Spirit is speaking to me, I hear Him right as I'm waking up, in the in-between.

About two months ago I woke up to one of His rhetorical questions, and I've been thinking about it again today.

Would you rather be at peace in the jungle or lost in the woods?

I could come up with a my answer, with good reasons and guesses as to what He means, but I don't think that's the point. I think He wants me to let the question settle in deep. And I think He wants to use it someway, either to point to my future, or to confirm my past. Or to just let me sit in the tension of it, which He loves and I don't love so much, and let it create a deeper trust in me.

So I'll settle into the tension today, and watch Him fashion my life, and confirm my belonging to Him, no matter what it looks like, jungle or woods.

Listener

2011-07-16T09:37:00.000-07:00

I woke up with this going through my head.

everything falls apart at the exact same time
that it all comes together perfectly for the next step

His voice is a hard one to forget. I saw this video a couple times a few weeks ago, and for some reason it didn't reappear in my memory until today.

The lyrics are too much to quote, and I can't pick my favorites, so here they are, all of them.

Secrets are My Fave, Part 2

2011-07-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

I got another installment of mystery flowers yesterday: this time, dahlias!

Except it's not a mystery anymore. They were from a client's garden. :) How sweet is that?!

Pretty darn sweet if you ask me.

Summer Solstice

2011-07-15T03:45:00.000-07:00

"Close your eyes and follow God." [Fenelon]

One day, several weeks ago, I was convinced that a relationship with Jeff would never work. And the next day, God broke through all that and put him in my heart, and everything changed. My hollow reasons turned into a yes of sweet self-suicide. I realized this wasn't as much about Jeff as it was about the tight grip I had on my life.

That day, as the Holy Spirit made His way past my senses, as He unlocked my fearful heart and reminded me who I am, and as He whispered His promises to me, I became compelled to put away my sight, not taking into account what I do or don't see with my natural eyes. I made a decision that I wouldn't be ruled by my own preferences or passing feelings, reaping the bitterness of my own appetite. I'd be giving myself too much credit by saying I just made up my mind to say yes, because my heart change was simply a work of the Holy Spirit - it was a work that was born of pure faith and a sovereign gift from God. I know this.

"...she received a special assurance from God. What God did in this case made it perfectly plain that His purpose is not a hit-or-miss thing dependent on what we do or don't do, but a sure thing determined by His decision, flowing steadily from his initiative." [Romans 9:11,12]

So it suddenly all became very simple: let go of the life I think is mine, reject fear, embrace His wild plan for me and hang on for the ride. And say yes to Jeff.

"But God is greater than our hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves." [1 John 3:18]

I'll spare you the details, except to say this: I'm thrilled to be on this journey with my dear friend Jeffrey. I respect and trust him. I love to be with him, and when I'm not with him, I miss him. He's kind and thoughful. He's full of strength and conviction and depth. He makes me laugh so hard. He's a maze of brilliance. He adds so much value to my life. And he's given me a place my heart can safely land.

"Full of peace and safety, adventure wasn't missing. It pulled through every fiber forming the rugged hills and delicate wildflowers. It existed as an integral part of the peace, and now I could identify it. God's spirit made me safe on the cliffhanging adventure of growing close to the Maker of the universe, the ultimate hand holding my small life." [Perpetua]

The field surrounding Clise Mansion - the place everything changed.

my lazy lunch

2011-07-01T16:59:00.001-07:00

Falling asleep on a public park bench in the sun always makes for interesting dreams.

What do you love?

2011-07-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

Kinda cool.

I said "secret passages".

we can start moving forward

2011-06-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

I like everything about this.

2011-06-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Love's Definition

2011-06-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

This song has rocked me since the first time I heard it, but especially lately.

greens and blues

2011-06-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

The calendar said it was summer, and I believed it.

So I drove until I found a nice, wide stretch of grass.

I found the perfect spot.

Under a tree.

And as I laid there curled up under the canopy I realized: I find Jesus the most in my failures, mess-ups and weaknesses. When I recognize my sin, I recognize Him even more.

John Charles

2011-06-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

I can't remember the last time I called my dad to chat, but I did tonight. He'd been on my mind all day.

It was a sweet, sweet talk. He's so much softer then he ever was when I was a kid. I guess time and pain and weakness change your perspective on life.

I found out that he hiked Mt. Olympus in his younger years (in the Olympics). He could talk about his hiking adventures all night, and I'd do anything to hear his voice so I asked as many dumb questions I could think of to keep him going. The hike to the base of Blue Glacier took 4 days down the Ho River, through fields of wildflowers and rainforests, until they got to where they camped on top of the glacier. He said he could hear the glacier creaking and cracking while they slept. Then they summited. No big deal.

Apparently he's also a fan of horse races. News to me.

And he told me he thinks I'm so smart, and he wished he told me that a long time ago. Oh, dad...

At one point, he told me he used to be a runner. I never knew that! I said "Dad, I'm half you. I love hiking and being outside and playing sports and running because of you. Mom never liked that kind of thing." I think it made him happy to hear that. I love that I'm my dad's daughter.

Here he is, helping me waddle along. Doesn't he have great hair and great forearms?

He's still in pretty good shape. He rode his bike 20 miles just yesterday. I think it's cute to picture him peddling along, because he never rode a bike when I was growing up.

I found some photos from the day he & my mom married. He's so handsome to me. And my mom has awesome legs!! (Side note: she made her own wedding dress. Go mama.)

People were always naturally drawn to him.

Just look at him.... I would've fell for him too. Again, go mom. She knew what was up. She is PUMPED - look at her face!

Some things I got from my dad: my smile, my prankster ways, my ability to put people at ease, my love for nature, my impatience, my desire to be loved, my simple-mindedness and my love for beer.

Happy Fathers Day, Daddio. You are so loved, by your daughter, who is half you.

Francoise Nielly

2011-06-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

The man is amazing.

I want to understand the shadows and terrain of the face like he does.

What once was lost...

2011-06-15T20:45:00.000-07:00

...now is found.

Kill the fatted calf!! I found my ring!

Seriously - this is a big deal. My little sis the silversmith made me this silver ring and set it with a citrine gemstone. (Say that sentence 10 times really fast.) Lately, if I think about how I misplaced it, I'd get this little stab of sadness, picturing it in some field or parking lot or on some strange girls hand.

I was doing a deep-clean of my room tonight, organizing important papers, putting my paintings in a safe place, and assorting my lip gloss by color...when I found it. What a relief. It's a ring I hope to have forever.

Ignore my alien hand.

Secrets are My Fave

2011-06-15T14:50:00.000-07:00

Someone out there is a real sweet person. I got back from lunch today and found these two peonies on my desk. They're huge, and they smell so lovely! No one seems to know where they came from. And honestly, I don't want to know. I like wondering. And I like knowing that someone else out there has a secret to keep...that they gave flowers to a girl today, and she doesn't know where they came from.

Which reminds me of an encouraging word my friend James gave me last summer:

"You are the fragrance of God. You permeate darkness and penetrate the unmoving. With gentleness like a wind, a breeze, you fell great borders and stone gates. You are His scent. You smell like Him. You awaken the vivid memories that turn hearts, bring tears and take us back to the moment of first love."

truth for me today

2011-06-13T11:13:00.001-07:00

finding my heart now

2011-06-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

peonies on my desk

2011-06-07T15:38:00.000-07:00

I wish they never died and fell to pieces.

Fierce was the Wild Billow

2011-06-06T12:30:00.000-07:00

Fierce was the billow wild, dark was the night;
oars labored heavily, foam glimmered white.
Trembled the mariners, peril was nigh;
then said the God of God, "Peace: it is I."

Ridge of the mountain wave, lower thy crest;
wail of the tempest wind, be thou at rest.
Sorrow can never be, darkness must fly,
where saith the Light of light, "Peace: it is I."

Jesus, Deliverer, come thou to me;
soothe thou my voyaging over life's sea;
thou, when the storm of death roars sweeping by,
whisper, O Truth of truth, "Peace: it is I."

Best Camera Challenge Results

2011-06-06T09:01:00.001-07:00

Last January I entered a photo contest with some of my iphone favsies. You can see my entries here. If you have some time to check out others entries, do it - you won't be disappointed.

The winners were just announced, and sadly I wasn't one of them. Still, I was so inspired by everyone else.

Here is the winners gallery!

My particular favorites are Merit Award Winners Jayms Ramirez and Michael DeAngelis, and Places Winner Philip Drucker.

Congratulations everyone!

Chisel Me

2011-06-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

Pastor Norm ended yesterdays talk with this video.
Ahh, I can so relate.

Sometimes this is all I can say.

2011-05-24T00:33:00.000-07:00

Accident

2011-05-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a watercolor I did a few months ago that was completely accidental. I was working on a flower, got bored and started a face. The way it ended up looks like the flower is meant to be in her hair, but they started out completely separate.

I want to get really good at faces and expressions.

Who is John Galt?

2011-05-22T17:27:00.000-07:00

I've been making my way through a very well-worn Atlas Shrugged (on page 188 of 1084), and Ayn Rand is blowing my mind. What an incredible writer.

Some excerpts that need no context:
_________________________

He glanced at her and did not answer. Then he said, "I like cigarettes, Miss Taggart. I like to think of fire held in a man's hand. Fire, a dangerous force, tamed at his fingertips. I often wonder about the hours when a man sits alone, watching the smoke of a cigarette, thinking. I wonder what great things have come from such hours. When a man thinks, there is a spot of fire alive in his mind - and it is proper that he should have the burning point of a cigarette as his one expression."
_________________________

"Francisco, you're some kind of very high nobility, aren't you?"

He answered, "Not yet. The reason my family has lasted for such a long time is that none of us has ever been permitted to think he is born a d'Aconia. We are expected to become one."

He pronounced his name as if he wished his listeners to be struck in the face and knighted by the sound of it.
_________________________

"Francisco, what's the most depraved type of human being?"

"A man without a purpose."
_________________________

The three of them set out every morning on adventures of their own kind. Once, an elderly professor of literature, Mrs. Taggart's friend, saw them on top of a pile in a junk yard, dismantling the carcass of an automobile. He stopped, shook his head and said to Francisco, "A young man of your position ought to spend his time in libraries, absorbing the culture of the world."

"What do you think I'm doing?" asked Francisco.
_________________________

And I just found out there's a movie coming out. The book was published in 1957, but I love that the story is timeless enough to create the film in a modern setting, 50+ years later. She was ahead of her time. I can't wait to see the movie, but I want to finish the book first.

May Day Clean at Heritage Park

2011-05-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

Home

2011-05-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to sing with my kids someday!
This video melts me every time.

I've seen this a few times, and I just now noticed that at 1:48, she says "One day I'm gonna whistle??"...too cute.

As a kid, my favorite song to sing with my stepdad was Dance, Dance, Dance by The Steve Miller Band. He'd get out his 12-string every night. I'm pretty sure he's one of the main reasons I love music so much. So I look forward to times like that with my kids. (And they won't care how bad my guitar playing is.)

Here's the original Home by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.

Me. U2. Qwest Field. June 4th.

2011-05-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

"U2 is not a rock band really.. I dont think so, I think its like we're a folk band or something. The LOUDEST folk band in the world... but once in a while.. there's a song, that makes you want to burn the house to the ground." - Bono

I'll be there.
And I'm seriously pumped.

Yeeeee!

Sweet Song

2011-05-18T10:33:00.000-07:00

And sweet light through the trees.

And sweet lyrics...

"I just want adobe slabs and four walls for my boys."

Uhhh...

2011-05-17T22:21:00.001-07:00

...somehow I deleted my blog template.

%&$@#!!!

So sorry, friends. I'll be working on it the next couple of days and hopefully make it into something you'll enjoy looking at.

Meanwhile, I leave you with this happy song sung by a girl named Rosie who loves bonfires and bike rides and dancing. (uh, me?!)

Wallace Falls

2011-05-16T07:20:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning, some girlfriends and I had a nice little hike up to Wallace Falls. I recommend it if you want a day hike with gorgeous views of falling water and lots of moss-covered trees.

Firsts

2011-05-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

This week was full of firsts for me, in no particular order...

I ran my first 5k! To some of you, that might not seem like much, but to me, it was a great accomplishment. I run alot, but it's usually a private matter: it's time alone with God; shaking the cares of the day off; sometimes tears; face into the wind; pounding my frustrations into the pavement; people-watching in the rain.

This was different since it was with 100 more people. I really liked the feeling of the healthy competition. I pushed myself harder than I normally would've.

I turned 31. I've never been 31! So that was a first. :)

And I came home this week to a birthday gift on my front porch: Ms. Pac-Man...the mini arcade game! I plan to conquer this thing!

For my birthday, my girls took me out to French food at La Grand Bistro Americain and I had my FIRST EVER champagne lemon drop. Then I had another, so it was no longer a first. But just as amazing!

Listen to me right now. Try it.

Don't question me.

Just do it.

This next picture has nothing to do with a first, but definitely worth a post.

Just look at those sweet eyes. :)

I've been to M's games many times, but this was my first time in the front row.

Picture this: Ichiro, kicked back, sipping a cold beer, crackin' jokes, not a care in the world.

That's basically what it was like. I was that close! Except he was in uniform, about 50 feet away, totally ignoring me because his head was where it should've been: in the game.

I met a terrorist for the first time - named Bob. He had a knife and was very threatening.

I went to my first meeting at the Kirkland Arts Center as the newest Community Leader. Don't ask me what that means yet. But can a girl still be excited?

And lastly, I got my first pair of original Ray Ban's. Doesn't get more classic than that! I love them!

Kirkland Arts Center

2011-04-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

I took this photo on a walk this morning with Connie.

There's an opportunity for me to get involved with the Kirkland Arts Center, so we'll see what happens. But I love art, and I love Kirkland. It just makes sense. More to come...

Gone Home

2011-04-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

David Wilkerson, a great man of God died today.

As a little girl, I remember reading The Cross and the Switchblade comic book and being fascinated by his story and his willingness to give his life up for the lost and broken. I remember how he so fearlessly gave love away, all for the cause of Truth.

But today, at age 79, he went to be with his Creator.

You can read about it here.

Here's his most recent blog post from just yesterday.

And here's a powerful sermon he preached recently.

The Big Time

2011-04-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hi guys & gals.
Remember this old picture from my stock photography archives?

Well...it made it into The Colbert Report in March. How hilarious is that?

I can't find the full episode on Hulu anymore, but the clip I'm in made it to the Colbert Nation website.

Check it out here. I'm 43 seconds in. It's easy to miss, so look closely.

[Special thanks to Danette V.W. for spotting me and leaving me a voicemail telling me about her find: "ROSEANNE RUIZ....You are going to crap your pants...!"]

ships are launching from my chest

2011-04-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

Great filming with an equally great soundtrack makes me want to do things I've never wanted to do....like do 360's on a mountain bike.

Check it out.

Forestry

2011-04-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

I'd like it if my running route looked a little more like this.

This would do too.

With the Last of the Mohican's soundtrack on repeat.

{found here and here}

Today...I would go to the Seychelle islands.

2011-04-08T07:25:00.000-07:00

2011-04-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

{found here}

My Latest Watercolor

2011-03-22T07:35:00.000-07:00

I painted this little lady for the CCA auction.

Filtered photo.

I know I'm 30, but I still want one.

2011-02-22T08:20:00.000-08:00

Found here.

The Great Divorce, page 134.

2011-02-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

{Rattlesnake Ridge//7:30am}

The Happy Trinity is her home: nothing can trouble her joy.
She is the bird that evades every net: the wind deer that leaps every pitfall.
Like the mother bird to its chickens or a shield to the arm'd knight: so is the Lord to her mind, in His unchanging lucidity.
Bogies will not scare her in the dark: bullets will not frighten her in the day.
Falsehoods tricked out as truths assail her in vain: she sees through the lie as if it were glass.
The invisible germ will not harm her: nor yet the glittering sun-stroke.
A thousand fail to solve the problem, ten thousand choose the wrong turning: but she passes safely through.
He details immortal gods to attend her: upon every road where she must travel.
They take her hand at hard places: she will not stub her toes in the dark.
She may walk among Lions and rattlesnakes: among dinosaurs and nurseries of lionets.
He fills her brim-full with immensity of life: he leads her to see the worlds desire.

by C.S. Lewis

tundra

2011-01-15T16:39:00.000-08:00

As little as I do it, you wouldn't guess that one of my favorite things to do, rain or shine, is go on morning walks by myself. I'm grateful to have a wide open field with trails and landscape and a view of the Olympics right behind my house. Walking back there changes my perspective and reminds me that things aren't as big of a deal as I make them. It reminds me that God cares about me, because he cares about the sparrows. And I am in His care so much more. Things get more simple, and I find myself trusting Him more.

Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I took my camera out (aka iPhone) and shot some photos during my walk. It was a frozen morning, and the light was perfectly captured in the ice and frost. I used the CameraBag plastic filter after I took them, even though some of them probably didn't need it.

Call me greedy...

2010-10-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

GORGEOUS!

I'll take two of each, please.

Gratitude

2010-09-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

"Gratitude unlocks the fulness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of the past, brings peace to our today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

-Melody Beattie

The Exquisite Book

2010-08-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

I saw this book online today and am in looooove.

Over 100 artists contributed to it by adding on to the previous artist’s drawing using a common horizon line.

Brilliant!! I'm dying to get it. Or start my own.

You can check it out here.

Summer Weekend

2010-08-30T18:49:00.001-07:00

In honor of a great weekend, I've got to share some photos I took.

Friday night: Bolivian restaurant, then Seattle Art Museum REMIX with the gals.

Saturday night: I was given a ticket from a friend (if you're reading this Daniel, THANK YOU) to attend the Vogue fashion show in Bellevue.

I had a front row seat right on the runway!

It was a beautiful, inspiring show.

And yes, I wore jeans. A girl cannot have too many pairs.

Sunday: OK. So I have this friend who is training to climb Mt. Rainier, so we went to Mt. Si and got some serious hiking in. She is amazing! She will find a mountain and conquer it. I even tried on her 40 lb pack for a little bit on the trail, and the woman is seriously legit. And I am such a weakling.

Here she is. Nikki: Mountain Warrior Goddess.

This my friends, is a mac 'n cheese bar. It looks putrid, but it's actually delish. The synthetic cheese holds it together quite nicely.

Moss on a log. Once I was hiking by myself and I got tired and I took a little nap on a mossy log. It was very soft, trust me. I have a soft spot in my heart for mossy logs now, I guess.

Today: I'm a little sore, but I'm totally inspired. That's what happens when you combine friends + fashion + nature all in one weekend. My head is about to explode. In the best way possible, of course.

I might have posted this before...

2010-07-05T22:35:00.001-07:00

...but I have to post it again.

Days With My Father

On Lake Union

2010-06-07T21:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday Morn

2010-05-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

See this innocent face?

This is Stella, Jen's pup and our house mascot.
Her hobbies include breakfast time, dinner time, cheese chunks and chew toys.

Last Saturday morning, Jen and I heard shrieks coming from somewhere.
Was it a small child? A bird stuck in the chimney? A squeaky toy?

Jen ran out back and found Stella pawing at a small animal.
Here's the scene of the crime.

Stella had found some live chew toys in this small little hole ("warren" to you bunny lovers).

Jen rescued this little guy (don't ask how). He had a broken leg.

We call him "Little Broken Leg".

Then we found his brothers: "Fearful Heart" and "Internal Wound".

What to do, what to do?
They needed to be tended to after flopping around in Stella's mouth and being batted around by her paws. So we put 'em in the shoe box and headed to PAWS...

We dropped them off and felt better about that decision than putting them back out in the wild, vulnerable and wounded.
God bless 'em.

mi madre

2010-03-31T20:17:00.001-07:00

mighty one

2010-03-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and that as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

-George Bernard Shaw

Mr. Ed at age 90.

2010-03-27T18:03:00.001-07:00

A friend said this photo reminded him of me.

Why, o, why?

2010-03-08T22:21:00.001-08:00

Sea

2010-03-04T08:24:00.000-08:00

I'm going to the sea for several days.

What I will do while I'm there:
Walk, for extended periods of time.
Rest, for extended periods of time.
Eat, periodically.
Pray, the entire time. This trip is a prayer in itself.
Read, but not much.
Write, if I'm compelled.
Paint, if I'm inspired. I know I will be.
Photograph.

Be back soon!

Today I was just missing my short hair.

2010-03-02T23:58:00.000-08:00

If you can't tell, I'm the girl on the left. I'm very tense here. That's what happens when I play Ms. Pac Man.

Fashion Week is in full swing.

2010-02-22T19:49:00.000-08:00

What a gorgeous catwalk.

2010-02-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

Blooms

2010-02-16T19:38:00.000-08:00

Today, at lunch, I looked over, and saw these little beauties. In mid-February. Astonishing.

This is us. I love us.

2010-02-13T17:59:00.001-08:00

Watch this.

2010-01-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

Big Box & Maru

Stylish + Simple + Inspiring

2010-01-21T22:46:00.000-08:00

It's photos like these that make you wish you had long, blonde hair and THOSE SHOES.
Photo taken by Scott, of course.

"Are you a Puma?"

2010-01-21T07:02:00.000-08:00

I HAD to repost this from my friend Jim's tumblr.

Fun Fact

2010-01-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

I will freak out and kick and scream and laugh and cry and fight you to the death if you ever try and hold me down and tickle my feet. FYI.

Song

2010-01-12T22:56:00.000-08:00

I can't get enough of this song by Jordan Hardee.

I'll admit, it took some time to grow on me.

The electric guitar... you just have to hear it. Then there's this sweet groove about two.5 minutes in that is like, wow. "Come and wreck this ship with your love storm...come sweep us away with your holy ways..."

Then over and over he sings "set my mind on things about You; give me love for things You do."

The anthem of my life.

My latest painting.

2010-01-12T07:58:00.001-08:00

2010. The very first day to begin again.

2010-01-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

As I was reflecting on 2009 and re-reading some journal entries, this quote I'd written down by Henri Nouwen stood out to me the most, and summarizes so well how I see the step into the new year.

"To be grateful for the good things that happen in our lives is easy, but to be grateful for all of our lives - the good as well as the bad, the moments of joy as well as the moments of sorrow, the successes as well as the failures, the rewards as well as the rejections - that requires hard spiritual work.

Still, we are only grateful people when we can say thank you to all that has brought us to the present moment. As long as we keep dividing our lives between events and people we would rather forget, we cannot claim the fulness of our beings as a gift of God to be grateful for. Let's not be afraid to look at everything that has brought us to where we are now and trust that we will soon see it in the guiding hand of a loving God."

So on this new day, I step gratefully into a new year, a new decade. Unafraid to accept the fulness of my life story as a gift.

2010, here I come.