New; Clean; Bright

So I mentioned a while ago that we got some new living room furniture [while=2 months ago]. And I took some pictures a bit ago [bit=3 weeks ago]. Max and I are taking a day to chill out and get some things done around the house, so I thought the perfect distraction would be to finally share the pictures with you.

It feel so much cleaner without two big brown couches. And the lighting is phenom at night with just the twinkle lights. Our main light is hideously bright. Most of all I am thankful that I no longer have to re-tuck the slip covers every time I stand up. I also posted a little shot of our kitchen decor that brings a bit o'party to the room.  Homemade with vintage fabric by yours truly.  And the calendar is work by one of our favorite illustrators, Charlie Harper. And our mantle, nothing new. I just love it.

Couch: World Market

Side chair: Tin Roof

Lamp: Ikea

Pillows: Target

Rug: Target

Twinkle Lights: World Market

Frames: Target & Michaels

Resort

Today I find myself looking to the weekend with... apprehension. I know the word is a bit strong for my current emotions. But it is fact that I lean towards the dramatic side of things. It can get pretty boring if you don't, right?

We've got two concerts, a wedding, and then a few days of vacationing with my family.

And at least 22 hours of driving. [Why is it that road trips always sound fun, but once you're half way you just want to be done and out of the car?]

I found these fun Resort Collections yesterday and was very much wishing that I could get away with the budget and look of their vacationing attire. My personality alone tends to attract some attention [not purposefully, despite the opinion of some].  And the non-presence of my denim skirt, bikini top, bronzed and oiled skin, belly button ring, and latest edition of People magazine is just another prop  for this sore thumb. No worries, I'm already over it. Just enjoying the drama, once again.

Anyways I think these outfits are smashingly cute.

The bow sling-back shoes are calling my name!

In other [more personal and less vain] news, I am very excited to start up this fall in a Writing Essentials class by the Christian Writers Guild [go here for more info].  I have been looking at different online learning opportunities and this particular one came highly reccomended by a friend. Of course I have no idea where it will lead, but I know that in writing I come alive, and I know that God loves it. Good reasons, right?
I also love this verse from 1 Corinthians 13:12-
"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known."

So come fall, you can expect some professionally edited works from yours truly.

Until then, I will continue to cram my summer days with music, projects, and work. But mostly...

jus' hangin out.

Cover to Cover

Last night I got carried away browsing through the international fashion magazine covers for July. I was pretty surprised at how many countries have their own edition of VOGUE. Being enamored with both cultures and fashion, it was right up my alley. I've travelled a bit [but not near enough] and have found it very interesting the different trends in different areas.

For example, I was in Israel in 2007, and in Jerusalem it was the norm to wear leggings with a t-shirt. No shame in a the curve-exposing silhouette. Around these parts it took another 3 years for that to become acceptable.
In Europe in 2008, what many distainfully refer to as "hammer pants" were the norm. Again, it has taken 3 years for the trend to creep its way into our region.

Of course there are those who search out for new and exciting fashion wares. And certain US cities and magazines are more adventurous with their daily garb. But for our society as a whole...we are late bloomers.

Anyways, I'm not trash talking our country in any way. I just find it all interesting.

Here are some covers I especially liked.

   

   

  

A Dreamer

I think I've mentioned it before, but one of my heros is Harriet Tubman.

I really don't know too much about her, but what I do know, I am  provoked by.

 I've been wanting to read a good book on her life and this title stuck out among the many. Perhaps for vacation.

Anyways, I just read and now love this quote by her [I'm a sucker for quotes].

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

What an amazing woman. Reading that, I felt she was speaking right to me. Too many times I tell myself I can't do it.

I don't have what is necessary, and then I give up, or at least slow my run to walk.

In the last week I have been [attempting] to make the sacrifices that simply must be made- pride, sleep, my priorities.

It has been three days of waking up earlier and though it's only a half-hour, I feel the differance.

Last night I had a great little chat with another girl about how insignifcant we can feel in comparison to our dreams.

I was telling her, but I think I needed it just as much.

Here's the deal:

1. God gives dreams and prophetic words to us, well aware of who we are and what we posess.

It's not our job to make ourselves who or what we think we ought to be. We are to take what we've been given, and invest our whole selves in it. The dreams are not meant to be heavy things, but rather a push in the right direction. 

2. Normally things look smaller when you are far away, but with dreams they can look so huge when they are ways off. If we just keep walking with what we have, trusting the path before us, soon we'll be face to face with our dreams and realize how possible they really are. 

Well Cathedral Pearls has another show tonight, and hopefully my synth cooperates this time. 

<3

CJ.

Summertime Sunshine

It has been a bit since my last post, and something tells me the ol' blog posts will continue to be few and far between this summer. If I'm not working, I can pretty much guarantee you I will be outside.

I doodled this little guy at work today. I thought it captured my feelings for summer pretty well.

It's just on a 3"x 4.5" piece of paper, currently propped up on my desk.

I know I'm no graphic designer, but everyone once in a while I've got to add little images to my writing.

Even in meetings, I find it is thee best way to take notes.

My journal isn't made of neat lines, but big swirling letters and little bitty blocks. And here and there a dress sketch.

One day [hopefully soon] I'd like to get a tablet to write, draw, read, and... play a game [don't tell anyone I'm addicted to angry birds and cut the rope].

Until then it's good ole ink and paper for me!