music makes me smile

Today feels a little gloomy... for reasons just beyond the insane thunderstorm raging outside. 

But no matter.

When all else fails, music is where I turn to bring the sun back out.

1.

Mindy Gledhill: Anchor

I am a huge fan. I love the whimsy, her voice, and the sentiment.

There are those who think I'm strange

They would box me up, and tell me to change

But you hold me close and softly say

That you wouldn't have me any other way 

                                

2.

Phillip Phillps: Home

Yep, you read that right. His name is Phillip Phillips. I'm sure you've already seen/hear that he is the newest American Idol winner. (I have hope for this one). 

If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you're not alone

Cause I'm going make this place your home

3.

Luke Bryan: Drunk on You

Perhaps I've been living in the south for too long, but the country is starting to get to me.

I'm drunk on you

and high on summertime

NOTE: I do NOT support drinking or drugs,  I just like the play on words ;)

Anyway, these are just a few of the songs that have kept me earphones busy today. 

Hope you enjoy :)

[much love]

Monday's musings: Relocation edition

I started this blog in Arkansas...

But now, I find myself in Tennessee.

As a little kid, you think about all the perks of growing up:

-staying up late

-eating dessert before dinner

-going wherever you want, whenever you want

-etc.

Basically, you can't wait until you are in charge.

BUT.

What you fail to recognize as a kid is that things are never completely under your control.

No.

Lots of things are out of your realm of authority.

We don't always get to decide if we stay or if we go... if people like us or they don't... or the timing of things either.

We just don't.

Which is how we landed here in TN.

Land of Elvis, barbecue, and my favorite sushi restaurant.

This is not where I would chose to be at this point in my life... not geographically or philosophically. 

I don't like being dependent and I do like having my own space. 

But that being said, I'm determined to "bloom where I am planted"... so to speak.

I will choose to be happy, because if nothing else, I at least have control over that. 
[Much Love]

A blog about love

Long hiatus, I know...

But, I have to share this gem with you...

I stumbled across this blog a week or so ago:

A Blog About Love

I have spent my free time since, reading totally engulfed their beautiful story of lost love, change, personal happiness, and love found. 

It has changed my life. Sure, that sounds silly. A blog? Life changing? But hear me out... its UN.REAL.

So, if you have any time over the next few days, hop on over there. Trust me, you'll be so glad you did. 

[Much Love]

Once upon an airplane...

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow marks Cluck's (aka Clark) first trip on an airplane.

eeek.

While I love my fluffy companion, I would be lying if I said I wasn't terrified out of my brains  nervous about taking said furry friend on an airplane with me.

Here's the thing folks, while we all find crying babies on a plane a bit annoying, its understandable. You have a kid, you have to bring said baby on flight with you. Baby may not like flying, hence all the crying. While this keeps me from sleeping, I understand. Babies cry.

However, I don't anticipate that kind of forgiveness with a rambunctious dog. 

Clark is NOT a lap dog... much to my chagrin. He only cuddles when he is dead extremely tired. 

I am preparing myself for many "oh-you-are-one-of-those-girls-with-a-tiny-dog-in-your-purse" glares.

Pray for me.

Photo: Linda Prows

Monday's musings: A Carol of Joy

During the holiday season it is all too easy to get wrapped up in the gift giving (no pun intended). Amid all the hustle and the bustle of tree decorating, treat making, and ugly sweater partying, we can easily forget the reason for the season, if you will. 

That being said, I wanted to share something that has helped me, each Christmas season, to remember the birth of our precious Savior.

Once upon a time, I was in the A Capella choir at the University of Utah. For our Holiday concert, we sang A Carol of Joy. Never before had the message of Christ's purpose- His love, His hope, and His peace- been so  clear to me. Christ was born for me; to love, guide, and ultimately, to save me. No moment in history has had a greater impact on my life than the birth of this precious baby. 

THAT is the reason to celebrate during this Christmas season.

And so, if you find yourself beginning to forget...

Lyrics:

Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry;
Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky.
Lengthening shadows, 
Dark closing in...

Then, through the stillness, carols begin!

Oh fallen world, to you is the song--
Death holds you fast and night tarries long.

Jesus is born, your curse to destroy!
Sweet to your ears, a carol of Joy!

Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow;
Cold barren hillside, shrouded in snow;
Deep, empty valley veiled by the night;
Hear angel music--hopeful and bright!

Oh fearful world, to you is the song--
Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong!
Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound--

A carol of joy!

A Saviour is found!

Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes!
Thrill to the chorus filling the skies!
Look up sad hearted--witness God's love!
Join in the carol swelling above!

Oh friendless world, to you is the song!
All Heaven's joy to you may belong!
You who are lonely, laden, forlorn--
Oh fallen world!
Oh friendless world!

To you,

A Saviour is born!

Monday's musings: Procrastination

(Photobooth: what fills my time while I procrastinate)

I have a problem. I am the world's biggest procrastinator... That may sound like some joke, but it's not. I procrastinate all too often. I push things off until I no longer can. I end up living on nothing but pure adrenaline until whatever I didn't do earlier is done. I have pulled all-nighters more times than I can count. I have likely taken years off my life (between the sheer stress and lack of sleep) in the process. So, my question is... WHY? Why do I keep putting off till tomorrow that which should be done today? I have every intention of getting it all done, but end up wasting hours in the getting ready stage, the preparation stage. It is so hard for me to get to the progress stage and when I do, it lasts no longer than a few hours at a time. It's frustrating, really. I have, somehow, trained my brain to disobey when it comes to this. And now, I have to retrain it. Its hard. Really really hard. And it hurts. But I have to... my college degree depends on it. Game on.

[Much Love]

Monday's musings: Thursday edition...

I'm behind. So what? Today I'll just leave 3 things I love:




1. Puppy snuggles from this little guy

photo: Linda Prows

2. Christmas decorations and music

via

3.

Starbucks caramel apple cider. yummy

And with that... I will go back to my homework

[Much Love]