What a day to appreciate.

Calm down.

2012-02-17T16:00:00.000-05:00

These overcast days have been comforting. They remind me to be still. They are refreshing. I love cloudy days almost as much as sunshine.

Keep your eyes on the skies today. Observe it.

Feel the nearness of Christ. Get away and think about Him.

Focus on what matters today.

Thats what Ive been thinking.

Today's Playlist: Gillian Welch, Sandra McCracken, Steven Delopoulos, and Red Mountain.

Take heart.

2012-02-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

Peace is something that I pray for often. When I am impatient, the peace that God gives is at stake. When I get worried and let my concerns take over, the peace that God gives is at stake. When my heart feels a little troubled, the peace that God gives is at stake. When someone bothers me, the peace that God gives is at stake. When I doubt the decisions Ive made, the peace that God gives is at stake.

Its an issue of faith. My faith is ultimately at stake. Not that Ill lose it, but that Ill shrink it. Without even thinking about it. The promise in Matthew 6 is beautiful. We've all read it, but really read it. Really believe it. Dont believe it just one time. But re-believe it all the time. Think about nature and animals and how God cares and provides for them. Actually appreciate flowers and their beauty. And then multiply that flower by like a million and think about and appreciate God's love for US. All of my worry is meaningless. The worry I feel about class. The thoughts I have about tomorrow. Dwelling on the decisions I have to make next week or in a year. Wondering how many people will read my blog posts. Wondering what people will think if I dont wear make up. The awkwardness of helping someone you might not like or know. Or just plain old restlessness. Every time worry comes, Im going to take a deep breath and re-focus. Im going to transfer my attention to what matters. And what God has for me at that moment. Which might be peace. It might be His soft voice telling me to stop. To stop worrying. Because the peace that he wants for me will be lost for that moment.

"I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace that I give is a gift the world cannot give. So dont be troubled or afraid." John 14:27.

Does that verse bring tears to your eyes? If not, try worrying, then read it. No, dont do that, but when you accidentally worry, read it.

Pray for peace. For little situations and for big ones. Trust God with all your heart. If we dont, our fellowship with God is at stake.

Yumquats.

2012-01-28T15:03:00.000-05:00

I have a friend who sent me a box of Kumquats. Her name is Laura-Leigh. Since the day she sent them I have eaten a handful everyday. They are like reversed Oranges. Sweet on the outside sour on the inside. The word derived from the Cantonese and they referred to them as Gam Gwats. When I say that version it makes me feel retarded. In Vietnam they use the plant as a decoration. Stupids. In the Philippines they make hot and iced tea with them. In America, I dont know what we do in America. I just eat them. I dont like to eat them around people. Except for my cousin. Bc sometimes I make a weird sour face. I cant help it. Im running low. Ive rationed them out for the next few days. Ive never bought Kumquats before. Apparently they are at their best in March and April. Its gonna be thrilling. I think I might start carrying some around in my purse. Mainly for the fact that when I look through my purse, there will be Kumquats everywhere. And I can offer them to people. And see their sour face. They wont know. Unless they read this. Kumquats kumaquats lumquats sqaquas unkwas. Thats me trying to say Kumquats as fast as I can five times in a row. Go on, try it.

Nonsensical.

2012-01-24T11:27:00.000-05:00

A bucket list of things I can never do.

1. Walk on the moon.

2. Meet Queen Elizabeth.

3. Pet a whale.

4. Own an elephant.

5. Be a Ringmaster.

6. Become Good Friends with Julie Andrews.

7. Give Mona Lisa highlights.

8. Meet myself as a 5 year old.

9. Play the lead role in a well-known Musical.

10. Fly, using a Jet Pack.

These were my thoughts today. Maybe these will become my real Bucket List one day. Oh me oh my. Thats a lot to consider. I feel nauseous.

Im sorry.

2012-01-10T20:37:00.003-05:00

Ive been doing some thinking. About this Jan Term class. I have a new perspective and I would like to write about it.
Everything in me does not want to pay attention in this class. Oh, the class is Jeremiah.
The first and maybe second day I didn't give my teacher unlimited attention. I surfed the web, ya know, what every college student does during class. Its almost a habit for us. I went home and started thinking. About people all over the world who can't take this class. Or any class for that matter. I thought about Pastors, and want-to-be pastors in different countries. Who don't have much. Maybe just a Bible. What they would give to be sitting in this class learning. About Jeremiah and past Kings and People and Cultures. The knowledge and information my teacher has about this book would be shocking to them.
I think about the People Groups and Individuals that have to read their Bible in secret. And all the secret Bible Studies that take place around the world. Some of these studies might last all day. Some pray together all day. They worship God together all day. In secret. They can't get enough of each other and God. They are thirsty. For knowledge and Christ.
I think about children in different parts of the world that would find some of the stories in Jeremiah interesting and intriguing.
And then I look at myself. A rich girl who gets to sleep in a warm bed every night. A girl who has cabinets full of food. A girl who has heat and air whenever she wants it. A girl who gets to wake up every morning and learn things that help her as an individual. Biblical information that helps ME grow as a Christian. And some days I choose to sleep in because I want to. And because I have this attitude about school. I get to learn from this professor who has spent hours studying this book that I know very little about. This would be the perfect life to one of those pastors who is doing everything he can to lead a whole congregation with just one Bible. And some people of the congregation dont even have a Bible to read for themselves. I have three!
I have three Bibles.
I have three Bibles.
I have three Bibles.
...and then some.
Some of those half Bibles.
Pocket Bibles.
I just want to cry when I think about these people. And I have cried this week. About my sorry attitude and about the attitudes of the people around world. And how different we are. The saved people that would look so forward to sitting in class and reading about Jeremiah. It meets from 8am-11:50am. He usually lets us out at 10:30. I get so restless after 3 hrs. That's all. A measly 3 hrs of sitting and I'm about ready to die.
I have payed attention this week. I have given my attention to Jeremiah and to my professor. I have thanked Christ for this opportunity. And I'm praying for these people that are in my mind. They are there for a reason.
I am aware.

Christmas Spirit. (pun).

2011-12-26T22:20:00.000-05:00

I read Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol for the first time this year. and watched the movie only 5 times. It really got me in the Christmas mood. It was Scrooge. He did it. His life did it. He was completely turned around. His life was changed. Those ghosts helped him to see the monster he really was and it was unsettling to him. He only cared about his business and money. He cared least about the people around him. And cared least about Christmas. He saw who he would be. And it broke him. It warms my heart to see the change in him at the end. He was open and grateful to be alive every day. "...And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us!""But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -- apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that -- as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.." I wish we could have our hearts open all year. Not just by doing good for others but living for Christ and others. Teaching them, having community, with friends and strangers, for the sake of them finding Christ in us. Lets not be bound by things. If we're bound by things living for others will not happen. The spirit of Christmas should continue all year round. Its about a baby, but also what he did for us. and for all humanity.

Sleigh bells are ringing...

2011-12-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

Im home for Christmas. It feels good. The streets are filled with Christmas cheer. And so is my heart. I have two perfect books lined up for break. One is Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. Im nervous excited. The Jim Carrey movie is a stroke of genius. Its eerie at times and I love it. Im having peppermint mocha coffee. It is warming my bones. Just like Scrooge does at the end of the story. Those ghosts changed his life.Ive already watched so many Christmas movies. The Grinch 4 times. The Polar Express 2 times. Elf 2 times. Jack Frost (old one). A Christmas Carol 2 times. A few Hallmark/Lifetime movies. A Christmas Story (part of it). I like this picture. Its glowing. Christmas merriment.

Human Thoughts. I am Human. But thats no excuse.

2011-11-30T09:22:00.001-05:00

Ive been thinking a lot about things that dont really matter. For the past few weeks Ive let people define me. I have gotten upset about the littlest things. Petty things. I guess what Im trying to say is Ive gotten easily bothered by things and some people. That I dont usually get bothered by. If I told you, you would look at me and say..."Thats dumb, who cares?" And I would say, "I know, this usually doesnt happen." I am my own self. And sometimes I feel like nothing can stop me, but not this month. People have stopped me. Not literally. Because of my selfishness I havent been able to love people like I should. I havent been focusing on others. I am going to make an effort this week. And the next week. And the next week. Until it becomes habit. To go without complaining. And to not be touchy. And irritable about the tiniest issues. And interested in only myself. All these things lead to nothing anyway. They are empty things. I dont want to be empty. I desire to be full of joy and healthy traits. And live life without thinking of mindless matters.

Thanksmas.

2011-11-14T09:33:00.001-05:00

Ok. I did it. I started listening to Christmas music. I dont care if you care. I love Christmas music. And I dont feel bad about it. I will say I usually dont start this early but this year my spirit is alive early and Im not ignoring it. Not this time. It is sort of awkward listening to Let it Snow while the high for today is 80 degrees. Rats. I want you to know, whoever you are, that I am not looking past Thanksgiving. Im only starting early bc there is never enough time to enjoy the Christmas music. Believe me, if there were Thanksgiving songs I wouldve started listening to those back in September. Do you believe me when I say Im not disregarding Thanksgiving? I have been celebrating it everyday. By making lots of Crafts. and with thoughts about how blessed I am this year. More so than last year bc I have still have a family that loves me and loves the Lord. I still have Christ who guides me and shows me how to live. I live in a warm house and get to sleep in a warm bed every night. I have money to use on food and clothes and medicine. And even money to by small things for others. Some dont even have money for themselves. I have extra. We all have extra. This post wasnt planned to be a serious one, but it is. Be grateful. We have so much.And so this is Christmas...And what have you done...Another year over...And a new one just begun...(John Lennon, love that song).I mean, And so this is Thanksgiving...

Open mind.

2011-11-10T11:58:00.002-05:00

I like to collect things. Lots of things. This season I have picked and picked up so many leaves. They are all in my room. Dead and crunchy. But something about this is comforting to me. They make me feel good. and warm. I picked some today. They are redder than red. I agree with them. They are pleasurable to look at. I taped some in my journal and wrote down my feelings. What I was feeling when I was searching. What I was feeling when I picked them. And why I taped the ones I did in my journal. There they will lay forever. Crackled and dead and...full of feelings. So way down the road I can look at them and have the same appreciation then as I do now.

Hello, this isnt really a happy happy post.

2011-10-31T21:06:00.004-04:00

I havent felt like blogging. At all. As a matter of fact Im forcing myself write now. See what I did there. I let this happen every time. I go two weeks sometimes more without blogging and it feels like years. Hi. Im Peyton. I like words and and adventures and old things. Like this old picture:

Its Halloween. I didnt dress up as anything. I even had grand ideas I just didnt have time. I also didnt have the spirit. Which is unusual. Sometimes all I wanna do is dress up. I like being someone else or something else.

I still have a list of Autumn crafts I need to make. I am so behind. Im inspired, and also uninterested. I do love this season.

I cant ever remember the plot of past books Ive read. I dont really mind. I only remember how it made me feel. Which matters. I have a good list of books I am gonna read soon. My heart is in full-swing.

2011-10-11T09:52:00.002-04:00

Ive gotten too comfortable. Ive gotten too comfortable with a lot of things.

People.

2011-09-27T14:23:00.002-04:00

I want to be like these people. This video has meaning. Community. Thats the meaning. To me. Im not talking about the Christian term. Just regular community. They might not even be Christians. But I like what theyre doing. The time they have to go on a small fun adventure. and talk. and eat. and just be together. Its special. Those times are special. Live simple. Be brave.

Ramblin Rose.

2011-09-09T10:08:00.003-04:00

Theres this one guy that always wears a sun visor. He takes it off for class and there is a crease in his hair. Its all I can look at.

Ive got some fantastic books lined up to read. Ones that probably no one knows about.

I never know what to do with the last little bit of coffee in my mug. Do I heat it up? Do I push through? Its a constant battle.

Last night my friend Kristi and I skewered a piece of Okra and stuck it in a chocolate fountain. We made our friend Alan eat it. We didnt tell him what it was.

This makes me laugh:

Kindness.

2011-09-06T22:10:00.003-04:00

Autumn is almost here. Its so close. I got a taste of it today. It was a tease. Like having one Twizzler. Or one Candy Corn (I had my first ones this past weekend-It was dazzling). With Autumn comes a new spirit. A new mind. Its uplifting. Every year. Crispy air, the trees, the treats, the cool mornings, blue skies, decorations, the scarves and boots. Every Autumn I do new things. Listen to new music. Read new books. I get new ideas. I try new things. Special things. Its a warm season. Autumn helps us appreciate nature. Maybe thats why I like it so much. It makes things beautiful and enjoyable. I cant wait to see leaves on the ground and on my car. And have picnics. And read outside without getting sweaty. And having windows open. And be in the woods. And have adventures. While the winds blowing. It just warms the cockles of my heart. Thats all.

Living in the power of Eternity.

2011-08-31T10:34:00.002-04:00

Weve been doing a series at Wiregrass Church dealing with Time and making good use of it. Our lives are so short. We wrinkle so quickly. Everything we do is but a moment. A moment in all eternity. Since we are but moments, it should be all the more important to glorify Christ with every single thing we do. As if thats not stressful enough, we must do it the best we can. We must glorify Christ as hard as we can. Its not about us. All the moments arent about us. Yet its so easy to get caught up in ourselves. But why? I think its because everything in society points to us. Not the Saviour of the world. Not the creator of the world. Not the Sustainer of the world. But us. Society makes it so easy to live for ourselves. Im not saying this is an excuse, but a mere challenge. How can we overcome it? Walking with Christ. Spending time with our heavenly Father. Who desires a relationship with us. Who wants the very best for us. Our glory is way too small anyways. How can we make our days count? How can we make every moment about Christ? Pray. Pray that doing the right thing will be second nature. Pray that the very thought of making every moment count will consume you. Making every moment count is stressful. It actually makes me nervous. I will fail today. I will fail tomorrow. At those moments I will be most thankful for Grace. But the Lord is near. He wants to help. He wants to change my thinking. He wants to give second chances. More tries. I am thinking about the decisions I might make today. Living for my own glory is wasted time.

30, Flirty and Thriving.

2011-08-26T09:11:00.005-04:00

I want an old swimming cap. Not sure if I would wear it all the time, but sometimes. Whenever I went swimming and wanted to keep my curls.

Divine!!!

This ones styled a little differently, but it goes so well with her suit.

Im freezing this dream so I can have it forever.

2011-08-24T10:11:00.002-04:00

Ok. This was my dream last night. Oh man. Im nervous. I dont know how it started but I was at this hospital in the middle of a jungle. It wasnt an ordinary hospital. It was a hospital for both humans and animals. Wild animals. Now. There were only a few humans in this jungle. Me being one of them. We were searching for a baby. A baby tiger. It resembled a calico kitten. This is how we searched for it. We had to find the areas where the tigers and cheetahs and lions slept. We had to find patches of grass and if it was flat we knew they had been sleeping there. And from there we could somehow track them. I have a vivid memory of finding a flat patch of grass and laying there to get the full effect and to better my chances of finding the thief. As we traveled to different patches we finally came across a family of cheetahs. The baby calico kitten lay in Father Cheetah's mouth. In his lower lip. My human friends and I had to go and pull down his lip and get the baby kitten. Without getting bitten. And without the cheetah getting angry. Success. It was easy. And it was all slimy. We took it to the hospital bc it needed medical attention. I remember walking down the hall in the hospital and looking in each room and seeing animals. I passed one room that had a roaring lion in it. I thought about running for my life but then thought about how it could easily come out of its room and eat me. But if I just quietly walked by and smiled it would all work out. At one point I went into my friends room and she was straightening her hair. Nothing seemed to bother her. While I was confused and stressed from searching for the kitten, it was like a regular day for her. Just another Wednesday at the wild animal hospital in the jungle. In search for the baby kitten stolen by the cheetahs. It sort of gets fuzzy here. All I can recall is that before I woke up I was playing dodge ball in a big dark building with lots of people. They werent very good. And there might have been animals involved there too.

Too infinity, not anymore.

2011-08-23T11:16:00.002-04:00

This video speaks to my heart. It should speak to yours. Here:

Goodbye, Space Program. No, not goodbye.

Lofty.

2011-08-22T10:12:00.002-04:00

I wish I had this reading space. Its so simple and comforting. And quiet. And inspiring.

Hello Figurines. You are small.

2011-08-19T10:16:00.004-04:00

I ran across these the other day. Arent they lovely? Its like a tiny world. An imaginative one. A small imaginative one.

My cornucopia of thoughts for today.

2011-08-17T11:42:00.003-04:00

We've been working so hard in volleyball my whole body hurts. Or it could be Im more out of shape than I thought.
I enjoy listening to Don Knotts voice. For some strange reason I cant explain, its soothing.
I like to watch rain hit the ground. I like to watch puddles form. And seeing the dry ground where my car was. And listening to it. But I rarely ever do that in the summer because if I open the window it makes my hair frizzy. And sometimes its not worth it. And sometimes it is.
I want to play the Accordion so bad. So bad my eyes get squinty.
Still goin strong on my blow-up mattress. 2 weeks. Hopefully Ill be resting peacefully in a bed by next weekend. Not like literally resting peacefully.
Classes started. I hate school so much I get nauseous at the beginning of every semester.
I used to never double knot my shoes. Now I do.
Im so grateful I have 2 arms. I want to inspire people with these arms.
Its been windy. I dont mind. I have boy hair.
The new Coldplay song Every Teardrop is a Waterfall is so brilliant. It gets in my heart and makes me dance.
Current read: Biography of George Muller. A Man of Faith and Miracles. He was Warrior. An Expecting Warrior.

Hey, it could happen.

2011-07-30T17:37:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zOrV-5vh1A&feature=player_embedded#at=30

My eyes need to see things like this. Its therapeutic. This is an illustration of how I think sometimes. In a different world. With a different mind. and different eyes.

Its winsome.
Charming.
Engaging.
Enchanting.
Captivating.
Magical.
Soft.
Delightful.
Grand.
High-flying.
Blissful.
Inspiring.

Confident Darkness. Running in Fog.

2011-07-28T11:35:00.004-04:00

If I wasnt a Christ Follower would I not fear everything? Would I not fear the unknown? or the future? or decisions? I would fear what I cant control. I would fear peoples opinions. and disease. and the future, as a whole, everything that lies ahead. It would all be up to me. It would all be in my hands. a nasty, egotistical, polluted, depraved me. I am all these things anyway, but I would be saving myself. I would be my own god. I would be so connected to the world. My faith would be found in a changing world. It would be found in a people and culture that alters almost every moment. If I didnt have a connection with the Creator of the world I would be hopeless. I would modify my life along with society. I would be so ugly. So defective and unpredictable. I am uncertain about the future but I am so certain about my God. He is immutable and unswerving. He is the definition of dependence. I dont know what to expect when I graduate. I dont know the opportunities Ill have. I dont know where Ill be. I want to change the World. I want to change a people. The decisions I am making now are important. The commitment to be like Christ, now, in a shifting world, is important.

Without Christ, I would be on my own. I would be on a different path. One that was literally uncertain.

Ho ho ho and stuff.

2011-07-21T19:23:00.008-04:00

Today we had a Christmas party at the Church. It was a lot of fun and the kids loved it. Here is the invitation I gave to the parents.

Christmas Party
@ Wiregrass Church!!
When: Thursday July 21, 2011.
Why? Because Christmas is almost here! Its 5 months away! So much to do so little time. Also to bring a little Christmas cheer to the church.
What we’re doing: Christmas games, decorating cookies, singing loud for all to hear, Dirty Santa (see “what to bring”), making Christmas ornaments, Dance parties, Christmas movie, and much more!!!
What to wear: Wacky Christmas clothes, costumes, sweaters, red and green.
What to bring: Kid-friendly item from your house that you don’t mind giving away. It will be used for Dirty Santa. Each child should bring a wrapped gift. Don’t buy anything!!!
What we will be eating: Candy, Candy-canes, Candy-corn, and Syrup. Just kidding, bring lunch.

Can you hear the bells? …I can. Murry Chrizmus!

Lights!

Crafts with Christmas music.

I dressed as Santa and read them a Christmas book.

Decorated cookies.

Some example ornaments:

Dirty Santa:

T-minus 6, 5, 4,...

2011-07-20T20:26:00.006-04:00

Heres the rocket I built today. For ze kids.

We made a play. Heres how it went. Im leaving out all the details. There were two builders who built the rocket. Two little girls. Age 5 and age 5. They were good friends with the astronauts who was played by 3 little boys. Ages 5, 6, and 7. They come in and ask the girls how their rocket is coming. At this time they all visited the President, Richard Nixon, who was played by a 8 year old girl. It was perfect. The President was shocked to see their rocket and also excited. The 3 boys were headed to the moon! They went. Two 10 year old girls played Houston Control. They stayed in close communication with the astronauts. The boys landed and everyone on Earth had a dance party. (Choreographed by one of the 10 year olds.)

Too infinity and beyond. Beyond beyond. Beyonce.

Assemble the Rockets!

2011-07-20T10:18:00.007-04:00

July 20, 1969. Neil Armstrong and Edwin Buzz Aldrin are the first humans to set foot on the moon. Apollo 11 Mission. Mission to the moon. and Mission on the moon. What an amazing date in History. First they tested artificial satellites then they sent man around the earth then man went to the moon. Space Race with the Soviets. Apollo 11 was prepared for the encounter of the moon. Along with Neil, Michael, and Buzz. Buzz Lightyear. They landed, after much complications, on the Sea of Tranquility. They waited for 6 hrs before they ventured out of the craft. How anxious they must have felt. The only thing I have in comparison is the long wait for a scary roller-coaster. Im so nervous and excited and anxious I nearly wet my pants every time. And roller-coasters fail when compared to another planet. I mean, its all about perspective during these important anniversaries. How did they feel? Thoughts? Concerns? Where they nervous about what to say to the 500 million people watching? What if Neil had stuttered? That would've changed things. I bet he rehearsed his line over and over. Or maybe not. Maybe it came from within as soon as he stepped out. He might have even thought of something better when it actually happened. I wonder about these things. Did he feel completely nauseous? His life was on the line. I mean, there could've been other life forms up there. Aliens. I bet Buzz wanted to be first to step. He didn't qualify though. He's Buzz Lightyear. He handled it well Im sure.

This forever positively changed the Nation. Science education, Rocketry, Physics, Technology, Astronomy, and many more things. Things I dont even understand when it comes to advancement from the Space Race.

Too infinity and beyond. Thats probably what I would've said when I landed on the moon. Or maybe something like "Moon rocks." Or "I feel very nauseous." Or "I just peed." Or "There seems to be no sign of intelligence anywhere..." Yeah. A quote from Toy Story, that'd be me alright.

We won. Go USA. Proud to be American. Most of the time. Today, Im very proud of how far the Nation has come. When speaking of inventions and such.

For now, Earth is still our home, but I wont be surprised when...Well, Ill save that for a different post.

Wouldya look at em now:

I love you Neil. You and your team will forever warm the cockles of my heart. You did it.

Watch the movie Moonshot.

Vintage Finds.

2011-07-17T16:24:00.007-04:00

Yesterday I went antiquing. Im in search of a bed frame. One that I can paint. I had a little luck but not sure if its the one. It was sitting outside in the rain yesterday which made it look...wet. It was almost unapproachable. I would like to do something like this: A white bed spread with a painted bed frame. So pretty.

Instead of finding what I was looking for I found these:
Picnic basket, vintage scarf, and set of 3 glasses.

Ive always wanted a picnic basket.

Arent these lovely?

These 3 things costed me $17. Perfect. They are treasures. And I love treasures.

Toy Monsters.

2011-07-06T14:32:00.003-04:00

Im in love with Bonnie from Toy Story 3. Shes one of the cutest Pixar characters. Sometimes I want my hair cut like this. No but seriously. I also would like to hangout with her. and use my imagination with her.

I also like this little character. She makes me wanna cry at the end of Monsters, Inc. Have you seen it?

The Memory of Memories Past.

2011-06-23T20:00:00.002-04:00

Some memories are the saddest memories. Think about it. For years contemplated this but have never told anyone. I imagined I was the only one who thought this but I heard a quote in a recent movie and it said basically the same thing. When I remember an inimitable memory I am immediately filled with content and also discontent. At the same time. The memories are so good you are sad you wont ever re-live them. I reflect on good memories a lot, especially during anniversaries. For instance, with it being summer I recall many memories that have been made over the years during this season. Right now I am most happy/sad when I think about Doe River Gorge. About how I got there and what might take place over the next three months and the feelings I felt upon arrival. I was frightened. I didnt know anybody and was about to embark upon new things and high adventurous activities I had never done. Shortly after intense training I knew I was supposed to be there. God so richly blessed me with incomparable friends. Memories that were made in those two summers are some of my most cherished of all. I think back on the spirit of adventure we had and shared. We took it wherever we went. We had this carelessness. Not to say we were ever in danger (ok maybe sometimes) but we just lived in the moment. And thats when I think the best memories are made. The location held something grand for us. Something magnificent. And even if it didnt, adventure was created. We appreciated new-fangled things. We also appreciated each other and these types of people are few and far between. I think a big part of this unfortunate memory sadness I always feel is the PURPOSE I had at Doe River. It was to share the glory of Christ to children and teenagers. We had a new batch every week to build a relationship with. Apart from the memories I shared w people, I shared a lot of unforgettable times with My Saviour. I wouldve been useless w out Him. We all wouldve been. I have never been so tired from doing the work of the Lord. Which is the best tired. Its those times that we are so close to the Lord. We have nothing but Him. In a foreign place we've never visited. or doing something we have never done. or being so tired theres nothing to do but seek and pray and ask for strength. Im walking with the Lord but when I look back I just feel uncomfortable...bc Im comfortable, w where I am. Im used to this, just going to school, working at the church. Granted I need the Lord but I have things and idols that take His place all the time. I want to be in a place where I dont. I want to be wholly dependent on the Lord. With my physical state and the state of my heart. Sometimes I diminish my current purpose, which is not smart. or healthy. God has me right where I am, right now. I draw near to Him and to His will. I surrender to His purpose everyday. However, I need to need the Lord more.

"To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward." -Margaret Barber, The Roadmender.

To go along with the last quote my dear friend Eric Neely, ironically from Doe River, texted me today after I told him of my problem, "...Just as good memories are out there waiting to be made..."

Dr Seuss puts it this way: "Dont cry because its over, smile because it happened."

Only a Few.

2011-06-19T21:12:00.003-04:00

Im getting right to the nitty gritty. bc thats the sort of mood Im in. I have been neglectful in blogging. Things have just been going fast. I havent time to settle in and blog. I need to get my bearings. I dont like it. I havent had much time to breathe. Class. and since work started at the church. I love my church. I sort of have my own very small daycare. Im keeping the staff kids this summer at the church. I love being exhausted from playing with kids. Its good.

Its also good being in Gods will. Knowing you are doing what he wants you to do brings so much peace. Im always learning what peace means. Every season is different.

This weekend was spent with the Fountains. We always have fun adventures. Those kids have a big piece of my heart. They are all such treasures. Just know we make each other laugh a lot. They appreciate things like I do. Like the clouds. and movies. and late night talks. and drawings.

Goodbye. Wait, I take that back. Im not saying goodbye.

Roll on, America. Roll on.

2011-05-28T15:39:00.002-04:00

I have really been wanting to ride one of these. So much so that my heart itches. Whatever that means. Actually I know what it means. I just made it up.

If I could ride any one it would be Kracken, which rests at Seaworld. (Its not like a real Krackin although that would be exhilarating too.) One of the best places on earth. Not bc of the roller coaster, but bc of the animals who have given their life dreams up to be there. For the people. Or maybe it wasnt them that decided. Their kismet lied in someone elses hands. Blast. Or maybe it was their decision. Ide like to think so. Ide like to think so.

I feel restless looking at this picture. Grrreat...Itchy heart.

A super-genius!

2011-05-27T13:20:00.003-04:00

Ok. So Im taking this class at BCF this summer. I thought it was gonna be a doozy. But was I wrong. The class is Hermeneutics. Which is Biblical Interpretation. If you ever plan on reading the Bible you need this class. This class is for the purpose of observing scripture then finding the meaning- what it meant to the original audience then to us. There is this river of culture, time, values, etc, that separates us from them. Ive only had 3 classes and Ive gained so much insight and understanding. So. About my professor. I know all of you are on the edge of your seat. First impression: Mustache, short, grey, gentle voice, fancy get-up, tiny glasses, etc. All of these are good things. He looked so...professional I was intimidated. Not to mention there are 3 men in my class. Thats enough as it is. Which I dont want to toot my own horn but I have to tell you this. First you should know he has written a novel. Its actually in the process of being published. So he is big on writing. He is going to teach us how to write in a very formal way. Dangit. So we had our first few assignments due this past Tuesday. One was a 3 page paper on our preunderstandings about the Bible. I tried collecting my thoughts which is hard for me when writing a paper for school. I turned it in thinking I did horrible job as far as writing. So yesterday we got it back and he complimented how I wrote. Out of 3 men he was highly impressed with mine. He said he just enjoyed reading it. I nearly cried. I thought what he was about to say was how much it sucked. No. No. I take that back he would never do that. He sees the best in everything. It was a very humbling moment. Not to mention he used my other assignments as an example and passed it around to let everyone see how its done. I contemplated on not putting this in my blog but I really am humbled by the fact he made these few insignificant short comments. Especially when I thought it was going to be a disaster!

So. About him. Sorry for the long paragraph. I bet some of you thought about reading then stopped. Which my professor talked about how paragraphs are crucial bc they let the reader breathe. Oops. Didnt mean to suffocate you. Wait, this is my blog I can do whatever I want. and however I want. Ok. Fine. Take a breath...

He goes by the name Dr. Larry Bruce. Quick synapses. He was in academics for 17 years. Let me tell you about that. He was interested in Philosophy. He thought his professors had all the satisfying answers for him. They didnt. He switched majors. Something w Archeology. He did a lot of cool things and experiments w this. Wish I knew more about that. Switched majors or maybe he minored in that. Then he was involved in the military airforce. Flew planes. Maybe fighter planes. He said he had a lot of close encounters. With death. Got into the pilot life. Like a real pilot. It only took him 1 year to get his pilot license. Then, being the genius he is, he created this program that all American pilots use. I dont know what it is, but I think recently it changed. Got married and lived in Texas. He had everything he wanted, he thought. He had a nice home, wife, convertible, the whole dream. He was even building some plane at the time. Then off to seminary. Found Christ. In a really tangible powerful way. His testimony brings him to tears. Its a beautiful story. With all of these experiences he thought the destination was at the end of each. He would reach it then be completely unsatisfied. Until he found Christ.

He reminds me of a character in one of my favourite books, The 13 and Half Lives of Captain Bluebear. A section of the book Bluebear goes to this school where this unique intellectual professor, Professor Nightingale, teaches the important aspects of existing. Professor Nightingale has seven brains. One was in his head, four grew outside his head, the sixth was located where the spleen normally is and the seventh was an object of eternal speculation among the students.

Here: "To the superficial eye he looked rather small and frail. His spindly little arms dangled- superfluously, it seemed- at the sides of his bent body, which was precariously supported by two wobbly legs resembling lengths of garden hose encased in trousers. He was slightly humpbacked, and his head, with its four external brains, was tremulously balanced on a long, scraggy neck. His big bright eyes protruded so far from their sockets, we were always afraid they'd pop out of his head, especially when he became agitated. Yes, Nightingale made an extremely frail impression, but appearances were deceptive. He simply preferred to solve problems by dint of mental exertion. I was actually present one day when the professor opened a can of sardines merely by applying his mind to the task."

Here is a picture of the character: ...yyyeah thats a mustache on his frail face. Along with a graduation cap on each brain.

There is so much more to say about this character and also about my real professor, Dr. Bruce, but I simply dont have the words that would do him justice. He is an explorer, and adventurist, and a world class...inventor. He is a man of God and seeks to live as He did. The way he observes the Scriptures is beautiful, not only that but he is so open to what we have to say. He pays attention to what we say and he isnt too proud to learn from us.

The other day at the end of a passage he told us to summarize the way David wrote by using one word. I said he makes it sound Desirable. and Dr. Bruce and I understood each other. He said 'Youre right......Its Winsome. I wouldve never thought that.' One of the men said thats an old school word! That man doesnt appreciate words like Dr. Bruce and I do. I wanted to punch him.

Madder than a Minninite.

2011-05-17T18:19:00.003-04:00

Ive had to move out of my shelf room for the summer. Im so sad. When I first moved in there I felt so...confused. But now, I want it back. I want those shelves. They were so close to my heart. and face. It was a tiny room. Im having to adjust to my new habitat. Its so...not shelvy. Which brings me to my next point. Change. Why is it human nature to not be accepting of anything new. I usually can adapt easily. But for some reason, I want my room back. I hated the house, its haunted, but I want my shelves. I want them to swallow me. Its like my nature condemns this new dorm. Or maybe its because I have no desire to live in a dorm. Ever again. But there are only so many apartments in Graceville. Its all for the cause.

There are so many things I want to say but dont feel like writing them. So goodbye.

Well Ill say one thing. I went to Panama City to visit some Birmingham friends. We had such fun times. We saw sharks. and made a lot of shark jokes. Not the kind you are probably thinking of. I say all this to say Im so glad I got to spend time with them. They are beautiful peoples. The kind that think like me. and vice versa. Vers visa.

Here is a list of possible topics I will blog about soon:
My new teacher.
Something old.
Summer job at Wiregrass Church.
Penguin child.
A picture and explanation of someone on a bike.
Maybe an old story.
Updates on my ambidextrous hand.
Summer readings.

May the forth be with you.

2011-05-04T14:41:00.004-04:00

I would like to own this couch. It is just so grand. and vintage. and yellow. But you know all that.

I will tell you something you might not know. I have eaten a banana everyday this week. I havent eaten one yet today though. I can see one from here. Its a brain booster sort of food. Its also exam week. So you do the math. Food math. And while we're on the subject of bananas I used to have one of these:

They were stuffed animals. They sang too. Bananas in Pajamas. My friend Allison had the partner.

I like the smell of...

2011-04-27T20:41:00.003-04:00

Blog posts.
Bubbles.
Pool toys.
Balloons.
Books.
Antique stores. Aka History.
El guapo. You might not.
Indians.
Fresh air.
Nail polish remover.
My coffee thats brewing.

But most of all I like the smell of summers. Which reminds me, I need to get back to my work. The semester is coming to a close. So I have a billion things due friday. See how I didnt capitalize friday? Thats bc I dont have time to. And its irrelevant to me right now. This blog post is so relevant to me right now. With that being said, I will upload a great picture.

What about Grandma?

Combination.

2011-04-23T12:05:00.000-04:00

Today is Earth Day and also Good Friday.

Earth Day is a time we celebrate what the earth is. Its a day of appreciation. Not in a weird way. Even though I have face paint on. bc the Indians knew the earth well. With their feet. and skills. and direction. Today I am wearing moccasins and face paint in honor of them. Or maybe it was just an excuse to look like an Indian. Today I am celebrating animals, science, weather, trees, insects, seas, mountains, ugly animals, the different kinds of flowers, photosynthesis, the ground. etc. But I celebrate these everyday.

I thought it was ironic. The Earth was created by the Savior of the world that died thousands of years ago for us. It was his plan. God was, and always will be. He had a plan for every person. He created the world with intelligent design. and you and me. And he died just for us. So I am celebrating these together. The earth brings glory to God. But you know that. I just wanted to put it out there.

Sun is shining everyday.

2011-04-19T14:53:00.003-04:00

I would like this hat for Easter. Isnt it darling. Its probably hand-crafted. And over a hundred years old. Doris Day looks lovely in it. I would half of a half of a half as lovely as her.

Here is a picture of my mother of pearl and sister and brother and their mother of pearl from a very long time ago. I want my moms orange hat as well.

I love old things. and old photos. Sometimes I see the world in black and white. In a good way. Dont worry, Im glad I can see in color. I wouldnt be able to appreciate the color of El Guapo. or the trees. or Chief Powhatan. or Dr. Richards bow ties. or the red exit sign above doors. or the blue sky. The Beatles appreciated the blue sky. I love that song.

To be informed.

2011-04-15T11:25:00.001-04:00

I have a tooth itch.

I thought that was worth a blog post.

Yall needed to know.

I LIKE...

2011-04-14T15:18:00.002-04:00

quoting movies in real life.
crinkly papers.
getting a clean sheet of paper, crinkling it up, getting it dirty, and drawing a treasure map on it.
digging up holes and burying secret things in it.
observing clouds.
eating snacks for lunch.
writing phrases on my arm. in permanent ink. risky.
shooting rubber bands.
old books.
old people.
musicals.
tiny things.
bracelets.
dinosaur key chains.
hair buns. and nuns.
scarlet pimpernel.
making pinky promises.
walking to the beat of my heart.
watching other people play dumb games on their computer.

First space traveller.

2011-04-12T09:53:00.002-04:00

Today marks the day of the first earthling launched into space. A Russian man named Yuri Gagarin. I was just thinking of the things he saw. And what he was thinking before blast off. I bet he just embraced death. I would have. To go where no human being has ever been? That’s shocking. I would have just said…Its totally worth it. Goodbye. He probably is the one who invented astronaut space food. Like dry ice cream. Ive eaten space food before ya know. Not in space. I was on earth. At the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center. We took a field trip there in 6th grade. We even got to really imagine being at the center of control while we launched someone into space. We wore headsets and got to push buttons and open cabinets. My friend and I were in charge of oxygen supply. We almost ran out of time bc we couldn’t find the oxygen tanks. Then after, we realized all the parents and teachers had been watching us through those fake windows. Blast. Like a rocket. I wonder if his hands were shaking. What if his hands were shaking so bad he pushed all the wrong buttons. Or if he is the type of person that cant handle pressure. And he forgot everything he knew about rockets and control. His spacecraft was Vostok. He circled the earth. Or space terminology- orbited. First journey around the world. Success. Go Soviets. Go Buzz Lightyear. I am celebrating with them today. He is a hero to many.

I bet he encountered aliens. Hope he packed his alien gun. And his alien repellent.

"I'm actually stationed at the Gamma Quadrant, Sector Four. As a member of the elite Universe Protection Unit of the Space Ranger Corps, I protect the Galaxy from the threat of invasion from the evil Emperor Zurg, sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance!"

JAPAN.

2011-04-07T15:17:00.002-04:00

There is a light
It burns brighter than the sun
He steals the night
And casts no shadow
There is hope
Should oceans rise and mountains fall
He never fails

So take heart
Let His love lead us through the night
Hold on to hope
And take courage again

In death by love
The fallen world was overcome
He wears the scars of our freedom
In His Name
All our fears are swept away
He never fails

All our troubles
And all our tears
God our hope
He has overcome

All our failure
And all our fear
God our love
He has overcome
All our heartache
And all our pain
God our healer
He has overcome

All our burdens
And all our shame
God our freedom
He has overcome

God our justice
God our grace
God our freedom
He has overcome

God our refuge
God our strength
God is with us
He has overcome

Word of the day: Kismet: Destiny or fate.

2011-03-24T14:33:00.003-04:00

Woolgathering
Indulgence in idle fancies and in daydreaming; absentmindedness.

My woolgathering is a handicap in school.

Gardeviance
A chest for valuables; a traveling trunk.

Zoo
A park or an institution in which living animals are kept and usually exhibited to the public; collection of animals.

Conquistador
Adventurer or conqueror.

Clandestine
Secrecy, often in order to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.

Dazzling
To amaze, overwhelm, or bewilder with spectacular display.

Bedazzle
To dazzle so completely as to make blind; to please irresistibly; enchanting.

Here is a bedazzling picture of Humphrey Bogart riding a bike. Look at that form.

Paper Doll Stop Animation

2011-03-19T12:28:00.000-04:00

This video just makes me feel so.....warm. And alive.
I love the circus. and magic.
I love the cursive writing and the things they say about each performer.
Its a genius of a video.

Legs legs everywhere.

2011-03-17T15:20:00.004-04:00

When I look and think about celebrities I dont think about them doing the same things I do. I always think they dont have a real life because theyre always getting their picture taken and people doing their hair and makeup. So I wanted to do this. Here is a picture of Bing Crosby riding a bike. Look. He is normal just like me.

Sometimes I like to do this on my bike too. It makes me feel like Im a really good ice skater. And anything is possible when you feel like that.

Prayer can change the world.

2011-03-15T14:36:00.003-04:00

Ive been thinking a lot this year about our country. I dont watch the news often, which has its benefits but also downfalls. I know whats going on but at the same time, dont. I dont want to say I dont care about the leadership of our country, Im just not interested. Our country is in a bad condition. And its only getting worse. I was convicted last semester about something. Prayer. I dont ever spend time in prayer for my country. And right now, its the only think I can do, effectively. When you think about it, its the only thing anyone can do. Its also the most important thing anyone can do.

I lead a 6th grade girls small group at church. And sometimes I forget the most important thing I can do for them is to pray for them.

Im going to start praying for my country. But I dont really know what to pray for. At least, specifically.

Im also praying for other nations, Japan. My heart has been heavy because of what theyre going through. Chaos. Some without food, shelter, or anything. Family. Im blessed to say I go to bed every night comforted, in a warm bed, feeling loved and even full. But I am broken-hearted for them.

Im praying for hope for them. To find eternal hope. The hope that changes people. Attitudes. And hearts. In the midst of confusion and turmoil there is hope. What we see as chaos, God sees as perfect order.

Good cheer...

2011-03-05T18:19:00.004-05:00

Last night my cousin Kessler and I built a tent. Honestly we werent as successful as we were hoping. We struggled in the beginning. Luckily, together, our minds are so creative we found a way. We hung fishing wire from different places and draped the sheets over them. We planned to hang up big bulb lights inside but they decided not to work. Blast. We filled it with blankets and pillows. It was cozy. It felt so safe. And warm. We made cookies and put icing on them and made tea. Earl Grey. Its like he was there. To add to our revelry, we watched Juno and 500 Days of Summer.

This was our inspiration:

This was ours:

Tay pott-ay:

"That man is richest whos pleasures are cheapest." -Henry David Thoreau.
We shared happiness.

I wonder...as I wander.

2011-02-28T21:33:00.004-05:00

I like to wonder. I like to wonder about things when I might not find an answer. Im not looking for answers. I like to not know things. I feel so comfortable when I just wonder. There is mystery and beauty and security when I just sit and...wonder.

I like these warm spring days. I like having special kids in my life to play with. They see things differently than I do. I can think like a kid, especially when it comes to adventures, but there is always something to learn when Im with them. Its like we both know secrets and dont mind sharing them with each other. Thats the joy of exploring. I love secrets. And using my imagination.

The earth is full of great things. Even if they may not look great. Like earthworms.

There is play to be had. Go outside. Go green. Go karts. Go pro. Like Prothro.

So far so good.

2011-02-27T16:27:00.007-05:00

Another personal success. I made some headbands. It was refreshing.

Meet Bess Fountain. Isnt she cute? She turned 8 yesterday and I made her this headband.

She ate a lot of cake. bc it was her birthday.

Meet Mary Dean Fountain. I like her.

I made this one for myself.

Bicycle races are coming your way! So forget all your worries Oh yeah.

2011-02-17T16:13:00.006-05:00

Today I rode my bike. It was delicious outside. And the birds were alive and in tune.
Things I took:
My license just in case I was going too fast.
My chapstick. bc of the wind hitting my lips.
My camera. Hence pictures.
I also took Wilco the singer. Songs: Hummingbird, Either Way, True Love Will Find You in the End, etc. While I was riding I even nodded my head to the music.
I didnt take my phone. So I had no distractions. When I got back, I had no messages. Blast.
I found this big dirt pile and decided to go off roading. It wasnt as exciting as I thought it would be.

I took these people. They wore black and white.

Rides bike.

I even went by the scary house in Graceville. Its a murder house. Its also got a fence around it. We'll save that for a different post.

SUCCESS.

2011-02-16T15:34:00.005-05:00

I wrote with my ambidextrous hand. Thats a picture of Constantine.

I made these for my small group that meets on Tuesday nights. Cute huh? Happy Hearts.

So far so good...we'll see what I do next...I know you're so anxious.

Honesty is key. In blogs.

2011-02-15T11:28:00.003-05:00

Im reading this book for class bc I have to write a review on it. I had a bad attitude in the beginning but turns out...its a good read. About small groups in church.

I am listening to Chris Thile. Who is a bluegrass instrumentalist extraordinaire. And Im having coffee. So my heart is alive. Plus I have Jesus.

I have to write some things. Get them out there. Not for your pleasure but to help me feel better.

I used to write in my ambidextrous notebook everyday. I dont anymore.
This summer I was making a lot of headbands. I dont anymore.
I have been writing a kids book about el guapo. I havent sat down with it in a while.
I used to blog nearly 3 times a week. I dont anymore.
I was real good at writing in my diary/journal and taping things in it. I dont anymore.
I went on adventures a lot on my bike when I first came to school here. I dont anymore.
I once took a lot of pictures. I dont anymore.

Why is this? Do I need to make more goals for these things in general. No. Bc that would only add pressure. I love doing these things but just dont do them. I am interested in new things. But I still love those activities I used to do. Youre probably thinking, just DO them. Youre right. I will. I will. And maybe Ill post pictures. So Ill be using my camera again too.

This could be the start of something new. A whole new blog. Maybe I could organize it to do at least two of these a week. And then that would mean me blogging at least twice a week.

Ok. Dont tell anyone this in case I get lazy or busy. Maybe I shouldnt have told you this idea. Rats. Im not erasing it. Im not! Keep me accountable. Whoever you are. Void.

WISH ME LUCK.

Rhythm of My Heart.

2011-02-01T15:09:00.003-05:00

Music is so awesome. And inspiring. There are songs that make me want to run away and explore the world. And some that make me sit in silence and just think. Its spectacular. Others I cant do anything but write. Different songs make me do different things. They make me feel different. Im sure you can say the same thing. Some music just gets right in my bones and I cant help but boogie. Ok.

There are some voices that are just so clear and beautiful and full of life that make me want to laugh and cry all at the same time. Here are a potpourri of examples.

Fleet Foxes: Helplessness Blues.
Phil Collins: Take Me Home.
Iron and Wine: Upward Over the Mountain.
Brooke Waggoner. Colorbloods.
Matthew Perry Jones. Abide with Me.
Cat Stevens. Peace Train.

And the beat goes on...

solezoo.

2011-01-31T15:27:00.002-05:00

there is beauty in reading books of old. and sometimes i wish i could hop right into them. i imagine myself living in olden times. and what it would be like for everyone to know the same dances at parties. and the feeling of wearing a dress everyday. w curly hair.

i want to be in the woods. with the wolves. only the nice ones.

im not capitalizing any of the letters that should be capitalized in this post. i just dont feel like it.

rats. thats whats on my mind. carolina on my mind. carolina rats on my mind.

Everyday. All the time.

2011-01-29T19:02:00.002-05:00

The Lord is always teaching me how to love better. Sometimes there are more opportunities than I wish. I have such a desire to love well so maybe that's why he's giving me all the opportunities. Maybe I should change that word to chances. Or openings. Sometimes when I get frustrated at people I have to think of them as a gift. An opening to make myself better. But do I really have this attitude when the test comes?

He who does not love abides in death.

By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Love MORE.

Walkin on the fightin side of me.

2011-01-27T14:46:00.004-05:00

Ive wondered. Is it true that nobody wants to hear your dreams unless you're in them? Is that the same for blog posts? Likely. Plus its my blog anyways. So Im telling you. I guess it lies in your hands since you're the one reading. I had a dream last night that I was fighting a lot of people. I had never seen them before. Im not going to tell you the dream in its entirety bc I know you wouldn't care. I'll get straight to the point. Every time one of the fighters threw their sword at me it turned to nerf and I caught it and threw it back. Of course, when I threw it, it turned back to sword. And I'll leave you with that. No wait, Im immortal. And I'll leave you with that. After I say a few more things...

I might be able to explain why I had this dream. Im started a Trilogy called The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Its about the future. In the book people fight in an arena. My dream didn't take place in an arena.

My teacher just sang in class. It blessed my soul. Hes got the guts.

Oh Oh it's magic.

2011-01-24T15:49:00.002-05:00

First blog of the new year. Pressure. I was debating about making this post serious or lighthearted. Im going w both.

Ive been thinking a lot about myself since the end of December. Ive been thinking about who I want to become this year. I heard a sermon from Andy Stanley a while back and everyday these words come to my mind. "It is a mistake to decide what you want to do before determining who you want to be bc at the end of the day who you want to be will ultimately determine what you will do." Sometimes I get these out of order. His challenge brought lots of time and thought. Challenge: make a small list of character traits that you would want people to talk about at your funeral. Im probably taking this more seriously than I should but I have come up with 2 since the beginning of this month. After much thought on those 2 I have noticed a difference in the way I treat people. Try it.

One of my most favorite things is writing and receiving letters. or receiving and writing letters.

Ive been watching a lot of the Australian Open. I want to be like Federer. and wear bandanas all the time. I play a lot w my Vietnamese friend at school. He makes me feel like Im in the Australian Open. He could be if he wanted to.

Ive been working on a new kids book involving el guapo, my fish, and his tricks. It might win a lot of prizes. It might not.

I really dont like new semesters. Overwhelming. Especially for a person my size.

Music inspires me. A new song: Take Me Home by Phil Collins. Listen to it. Feel it. Its tangible.

Short.

2010-12-06T13:28:00.002-05:00

Christmas time is nearly here. Ive already celebrated it thousands of times. I still need to make paper snowflakes.

Im reading The Time Machine. by H.G.Wells. Its a stroke of genius book...this time last year I was reading The Time Travelors Wife. Weird huh.

I need a good Christmasy book to read over the Christmas time break I'll be having soon.

I havent written with my ambidextrous hand in a while. Great. Just great.

No Shave November went very well thanks for asking. My hairs grew 2 times their regular size. Like the Grinch's heart. Which brings me to my next piece of information. I watched that movie for the first time this season last night. I felt so alive. Its my most favorite Christmas movie ever. Times ever.

About to take final number 1. Jesus take the wheel.

November. Yesvember.

2010-11-01T23:35:00.002-04:00

So. Good news. My friend Chelsea and I are doing a little experiment this November. We're calling it Operation No Hair Left Behind. We are taking Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins to increase the growth of our hair. We also invested in Mane and Tail Shampoo to assist in the process. We are trying to speedy-up the process of our hair growth. We will be documenting the progress weekly by taking pictures and drawing lines on the door of our closet. I will keep you posted on this adventure. I know you will be on the edge of your seat with excitement. We hope to have Indian braids by Thanksgiving. I need an Indian braid since my Aunt Betsy and I are putting on a Thanksgiving Day Play. I titled it A Thanksgiving to Remember: An Exclusive One-Time-Deal Performance by Betsy and Peyton with the help of Kessler on piano and Mother of Pearl narrating. So Im an Indian in the play and thats why I need an Indian braid.

Today marks the first day of No Shave November. I am participating. This is my third year. Legs and armpits people. and upper lip. of course. Stache-tastic.

Tomorrow I am going to the National Peanut Festival. One of my favorite places. Fairgrounds. I love all the people and smelly things. Fairgrounds smell of BO and feet. And fried foods. ew. But I love it. I like to run and play. Last year if you dont remember I became best friends with an elephant that was kind enough to probably leave its country and give rides. It reached out and touched my hand. I reached out mine in return and then it happened. The golden moment. Elephants never forget. That one sure wont.

I am nearly back in the craft business. I will be making Thanksgiving crafts soon. Such as turkeys, pilgrims, mayflowers and Indians and such. Just wait. Just you wait Mr. Higgins. My Fair Lady reference. Duh. I love Julie Andrews. I read her Bio once. Im on to different things now.

Nachoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

2010-10-26T11:11:00.003-04:00

Tonight is Incognito at BCF. Its a Halloween Costume Party. Im going as Nacho Libre which means I get to draw a moustache on my face. Which means I get to do one of my favorite things in the entire world.

This weekend, as a 6th grade girls small group leader, I had the opportunity to go on a youth retreat. We went to Sharp Top Cove in Georgia. It was beautiful. and crisp. The air was fresh and it felt good to get away. My girls learned a lot and Im glad. I spend a lot of time praying for them.

I just filled out my absentee ballot.

Next week Im going to the National Peanut Festival. I feel like Ive waited my whole life for this. Last year I gloriously touched an elephant. We became best friends. I bet he'll remember me. Elephants never forget.

Two weeks ago Brian and I took the Fountain kids to the Wiregrass Museum of Art in Dothan. When we got there it was closed due to construction. So we went to Wiregrass Church and toured the new building. Its coming along! Then we went to get ice cream at Yogurt Kraze. And we ended the fun surprising day at the park.

I didnt have a favorite toy when I was little. Mom said. She said I liked to play outside.

We are the champions of the Volleyball intramurals. Booyahz.

Im starting a new book in approximately 5 minutes.

Apple juice flood.

2010-10-20T20:11:00.003-04:00

Im currently watching Fantastic Mr Fox. I love this movie so much. I like it bc its just so wondrous. And fantastic. Thats it! And everything is in the shade of orange and light brown golden mustard yellowish.

There is suppossed to be a meteor shower tonight. I would like to stay up all night and watch it. I like to keep my eyes on the skies.

Sometimes when Im mad I spit. It helps me feel better.

I want some delicious apple cider. Right now. Its all Ive been thinking about. Celebrating fall and thankfulness is so exciting.

Today I found a live cat and I tried putting it in my basket on my bike. It kept jumping out. Rats. Cats like rats. Bc rats are kind of like mice. mices. mouses.

I have never ran over an animal with my car before. I ran over 2 squirrells this week. In one week! I almost cried with the first one. I did cry with the second one. Not really. I nearly did.

Im going on a retreat with my small group girls this weekend. Its with Wiregrass Church. Which is basically the coolest church ever. No but seriously. I am praying God will teach them a lot of things. At least one thing. I am also praying for meaningful conversation with each of them.

Im about to start a new book. I always have a hard time getting started. I can never just open it and start reading. I usuall have to get some place quiet and start. Like at a park. Or in the woods. Or in my room with my fall lights on. From then on out I cant put the book down. Bc Im good at picking out books.

I want to learn Kung Fu. Everything is Kung Fu.

The ceety of meeeesteries.

2010-10-19T10:05:00.003-04:00

My dream that I had last night is a mystery. I hate it when I dont know the purpose of doing something in my dream. I cant remember why I did some of the things in my dream last night. Ill give you what I do remember:

I ate every meal on a very fast moving train. It was highly dangerous when getting on it too.

The restaurant on the train was fancy. But I never wore a dress.

Everything on the train was green. It was like looking through night vision goggles that have this light green shade. If that helps.

Me and some people (whom I cant remember) were on our way to the train to eat and we passed this huge mud pit. It was in the middle of the road and a man had been trapped in it for a few weeks. Underneath the road. (I think since I have been thinking about the miners I had this dream). We were walking by and one of the news reporters grabbed me and said will you answer some questions about this. He asked me what I think it would feel like to be trapped underneath the ground for weeks. He asked me what I think the man was thinking. And he asked me what I think the man learned from his experience underground. I had good answers. I was on the news. Then we made our way to the train to eat.

When I got on the train I saw my cousin, Kessler, and I asked if she saw the man in the mud pit. This is when I woke up when I was sleep talking. I literally woke up in the middle of asking this question. I was whispering. It was so real to me. When I was awake I felt like I really wanted to know if she saw the man. Then when I was even more alert...I laughed at myself.

I escaped the moving train towards the end of our meal bc I had to make a quick, private trip to California. I flew there to see a good friend.

I cant remember why I flew to see her. This is the part when I wish I could remember the purpose of flying to California.

Thats my dream.

I lack confidence in thinking you pictured this dream well. Its impossible to see it as I saw it. Lived it. I wish you could. Bc it would still be a mystery.

never was a cloudy day.

2010-10-05T10:01:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine just found a feather on the ground. He gave it to me. Im taping it in my journal. Its still fresh.

It felt good to be home last weekend. The art show was perfect. In all its glory. I wanted to buy a painting of a tree. It was 700 dollars. What do they think Im made of money? I told them I wasnt. Then carved my name in their painting.

I am going home again this weekend too. My good friends Meredith and Jeremy are making promises to be wed forever.

El guapo was so excited to see me when I got back. He jumped out of his bowl and came running to give me a hug.

I found a pretty yellow leaf at my brothers new house. I taped it in my journal. I like to tape things in my journal. It makes me feel like Im saving it forever. I am. It is comforting to me. It makes me feel safe.

West Beast. East Beast. And Autumn.

2010-09-29T16:50:00.003-04:00

I can never take my Vitamins without making a funny face. They sometimes make me gag. I dont know why I capitalized Vitamins. I guess they are important so they should be.

I am going home this weekend and I cannot wait to see my mother. She is the most wonderful in the world. We are going to have slumber parties and run errands and go ice skating and eat a whole roll of tollhouse cookie dough as fast as we can and maybe even hold hands. bc dad will be out of town. So just me and the elder.

This banana Im eating is a stroke of genius.

This weekend is the Bluff Park Art Show. I have gone to it every year for a long time now. Its a big part of my life. The weather is always nice. Breezy and sunny. They also have the best bbq sandwiches. They are made out of wiches. Thats why they are the best. Sandwich. Sandwishes. A sandwich made out of wishes. Yum. My best friend and I have gone for years and years. We park at her grandmothers house which is like a mile away and walk. We have to walk down this really ginormous hill. I might bring my rollerblades this year. Her grandmother is nice. Shes one of the ladies thats in charge of the Art Show. She knows my name and everything. Then theres these Snow Cones they sell. I always get half blues clues half pina colada. Brittany always gets half tigers blood half pina colada. We both get cream over it.

I just cant wait. I am going to have the time of my life going home. Im leaving tomorrow so it is extra long. Plus the leaves actually change in Birmingham. They dont in Florida. All we have palm trees. Stupid. I have a bad attitude. Trees are my favorite part of nature and when they dont change in Autumn...well...I hate my life.

On the Air.

2010-09-28T16:12:00.005-04:00

I like to do weird things when Im by myself. Let me tell you a secret. I trust you. Thats not the secret. This is: The song Float On by Modest Mouse just came on my M. Ward Pandora station and I got up and did some really crazy dance moves. In my room. I live for those kinds of moments. They are good for my brain. All four of them.

Some updates: Updates you might not know:
El Guapo is doing just fabulous. Its kind of you to ask. He is still so handsome. Hence his name. Age hasnt done a thing to him. He is my fighter. He is looking at me right this very second. He knows.

My ambidextrous hand is kicking. Its writing so well. Its been a little over a year since I first started. I looked at all my old wirtings from last year. I dont know how I did it. It was touch and go there in the beginning.

I am reading a new book. It is extraordinay in every way possible. Its definitely my kind of book. Sometimes I think I wrote it. The book is written from the perspective of a boy with assburgers. He is autistic and I want to know him. Its a fiction book. Rats. I wish I could just dive right into it. That was a metaphor. Only I know what Im talking about though. And maybe someone else. A secret person. Whom I am getting to know.

Today my good friend, Lindsey Grefseng told me that a boy from the Special Olympics told her to tell me hi. He wanted to know if I was coming to any of his basketball games this season. Oh I wish I could. His names Andy. He was in my profile picture once. He had the hots for me. He called me his woman. One time he told another boy to "step away from my woman." I didnt hate it. We danced together to a live band in the city lights. It was the best day of his life. He just didnt know it. Or did he? I danced with a lot of special needs boys in Nebraska. It was the best day of MY life. And I knew it.

A lot of great songs are coming on my Pandora station. No, not like Pandora Avatar. Here they are:
Tarkio- Keeping Me Awake.
Iron and Wine- Love Viligantes.
M. Ward- Chinese Translation. Todays Undertaking. Four Hours In Washington.
Veviter- Been So Long.
Wilco- Kamera.
Modest Mouse- Float On.
Eric Ziegenhagen- Heat.
Jose Ganzalez- Killing For Love.
Laura Veirs- Anne Bouny Rag.

...and the beat goes on.

slim jim swim fins.

2010-09-27T16:26:00.000-04:00

I really like scrabble. For some reason I feel like it makes me smarter. I played this weekend. I won won and lost won. Try to figure out that riddle. Scrabble isnt Upward. Not everybody wins. Im the exception. Holla. I played on an Ipad. Which made me feel real smart bc its vocabulary was much bigger than my brain. I used words like frinca and adz and taj. My friend used words like dweeb and loser and sexing. He won in the end which is ironic. bc he is a loser himself. Just kidding. He might be reading this...Anyways, I want to keep playing. It makes me feel old. and I like old. People. Next game will be soon. Ive got confidence in me just like Julie Andrews sang in The Sound of Music. and we all know she won in the end. The key to victory is not confidence. Its Julie Andrews. I read her biography. I know all the secrets...in becoming a movie star. and in becoming a successful scrabble player. Im becoming a smarter human being bc of scrabble. I know it. In my heart. I used my heart once in the scrabble match.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day was Saturday. I had high hopes of blogging on that day but was too busy. Sitting on babies. and beating them in Mario Brothers. But lets save that for a different post. Eunice saw what people didnt see. She started the Special Olympics. She had this passion for Special Needs kids and simply did something great about it. She touched so many lives. She interacted with so many kids. Talked with them and told them to be great and try hard. She had the vision to speak for those that couldnt speak. The world is forever changed by what she did. I had a chance to go to the Special Olympics this year in Nebraska. It was such a sight to see all those kids play sports. To see their hearts. Their hearts in action. It was inspiring. I am still learning so much about what she did. I want to be like her. She had a beautiful heart. and face.

At the Special Olympics they had a huge dinner tribute for her. She passed away just last year. While I was at this tribute all the old ladies that were serving were wearing pins and scarves with her face on it. I asked one where they got them and she said they were specially made for this tribute. Only 50 were made for the old lady volunteers. The old lady gave it to me bc she doesnt wear pins. She gave me a big hug and I nearly cried. How nice. She has no idea I wear it every day.

I am blogging in my Autumnal room. In my Autumnal sweats. With my Autumnal music. Surrounded by my Autumnal lights and pumpkins. Autumnly, of course.

raisins. rats. and...ridicule.

2010-09-24T19:19:00.002-04:00

I thought I would continue celebrating fall by blogging some more about it. sweaters. coffee. pumpkins. carving pumpkins. good music. hats. leggings. fires. fire smelling clothes. art shows. cider. crafts. wind. boots. windows. scarves. wolfs. leaves. new thoughts. new ideas. things that are brown. and golden. fresh air. mountains. socks. books. letters on cool days. smoke. blankets. picnics. apples. apples of my eye. perspectives. cuddling. trampolines. playtimes.

I like to learn new things. I like to try new things. Like new songs on my recorder. heh heh.

I want to go play on a playground. Wearing sweats. mmm. Soon. Chancho. I need to borrow some sweeeeas.

nom nom nom.

2010-09-23T10:07:00.002-04:00

Today is the first official day of Autumn. Fall Equinox. I have to do something fallish. Like go buy pumkins. or paste a leaf in my journal. or dress up as the pumpkin king. or watch a fall movie. or have a picnic. I think ill end up resorting to buying pumpkins and decorating my room. I love fall. So many good things. Too bad its the fastest season. Winter always barges in. The thing that really upsets me is the leaves in florida dont change. No lie. Not one bit. It depresses me every year. I hate florida. It ruins this season for me.

Last night I went to Waffle House at 11. It was Josh Wilsons bday. I made a toast. I brought my moustache mug and the lady gave me free coffee. After, we went to Walmart. My friend and I got in the buggies and our friends pushed us. We had Mario Kart racing. I won. I always win those kinds of games. Im surprised we didnt get kicked out. They saw us alright. Maybe they were in the equinoxal spirit. We got back at 1:30. I ended up going to bed at...3:00 bc of the coffee. And the racing. That was like a pre-game for the night. Got up at 7 this morning.

Kate Fountain and I made more hilarious videos last night when I was babysitting. I had to keep them at their grandparents house across the street. We dressed up in her old grandma clothes and made funny knitting videos. Sometimes I think we should make a comedy show. We are all just so funny together. They have great minds. Like Rocky and Bullwinkle.

How boutchyou, wid da eyes!

2010-09-21T10:11:00.002-04:00

My psychology teacher is sick. She has an infection in her tranchea. or something that ends in an ea. I am on the back row. Blogging. Wasting my life away. Joke.

She also does yoga. Shes roughly 50 years of age. I worry about that.

Ive got some some good ideas about...Ide rather not say. Just know Ive got my thinking cap on.

I made a pom pom garland. Im going to hang it in my room. Another idea I got from this lady's blog. Just call me the craft lady.

The other night I watched Toy Story with the Fountain children. It brought me back to when I used to watch it as a kid. My best friend Sampson and I watched it more than anybody. We knew all the lines. We knew what was really funny in that movie. That movie is just so comforting to me. Just the very thought of my toys coming to life when Im not there is so magical. I believe it. After watching it all I want to do is play with my old toys that Ive forgotten about. Im old now. But I still have great imagination. Its a good thing I have such wondrous kids to use it with. It was great to share that with the Fountains. bc they are creative like Sampson and I used to be. And they laughed at all the parts I laugh at. It warms the cockles of my heart.

So theres this new song I love. Ive got the magic in me. Um, no, that was the name of the song. I knew what you were thinking. It is just so...good. I like the way the rapper raps. He is so unclear I just mumble the words. Wait, I do that for every song.

A third of my coffee is left in my cup. Its getting cold. What do I do? Do I heat it up in the microwave or push through? These are the thoughts that I struggle with.

arts. crafts. great.

2010-09-17T10:58:00.003-04:00

I took on this new self this summer. Crafts are a big part of my life now. Well, they have always been. I have always loved crafts and making things. But these are bigger and better crafts. More grown-up crafts. No. I like kid crafts. Sometimes better than grown-up crafts. Anyways, now that you have my back ground check, lets get down to the nitty gritty. I got this balloon lamp idea from a ladys blog. She makes a lot of crafts too. I saw this and couldn’t resist. It was pretty simple. In the beginning I needed help. But after the beginning I was nearly a professional glue handler. I plan to put a light rhizome in it and hang it in my room. Over my bed. Its kind of like a lamp dream catcher. Its kind of like an alien sack. In case the space aliens invade. Alien kick out. Its kind of like an android machine. Or maybe a paste contraption for spiders.

I was a bit nervous about popping the balloon. I had some doubts but obviously it worked in the end. My cousin documented the whole process. I made it at her house and popped it in our dorm. Mrs Aunt Betsy assisted me in the beginning. She deserves credit. Also, her house is already decorated for Autumn. Which made the whole craft all the more enjoyable. Sometimes it is so much easier to do things when surrounded by a warm safe environment. I felt so glowy and fulsome and radiant inside bc of what I was doing, who I was with, and where I was. This new season has already brought so much. New thoughts, new habits, new crafts, new friends, new ideas, new celebrations, new books.

Check out my cousins blog. Shes pretty awesome. She also blogged about this. Kessleran.blogspot.com (Plus shes got pictures uploaded on her blog. and Theyre really cool.) So go look. Right now.

snipe.

2010-09-16T09:05:00.002-04:00

Its not hard for me to really be thankful for people in my life. People always say that they dont know what they have till its gone, well I am always constantly thinking of how grateful I am for the people that are in my life. I really have this appreciation.

Last night I was babysitting the Fountains and we usually do something adventurous. We had a picnic on the trampoline and then watched Up and ate popcorn with blankets. Those kids are so special to me. It was a magical moment. We even star gazed. I told them how big God is.

Abi Huckabee broke her ankle on tuesday. I spent the day in the doctors office with her. I practiced what Im gonna draw on her cast. Hieroglyphics. A step by step drawing of what happened. She fell on someones foot playing volleyball and twisted her ankle. It was a tied game and she won it for us. PTL. Fortunately for me I have her crutches to play on at the house. Im her entertainment always.

shish-ka-ricky-bobby.

2010-09-10T15:54:00.003-04:00

My friend and I are looking for a house to live in. I want my own space. and galaxy. We found the cutest one ever across the street from school. Its for rent. But we cant seem to find a third roommate. The house has a red roof. and a red door. and red shutters. The rest of the house is cream. It has hardwood floors too.

All I can think about is how ready I am for fall. Ive been doing a lot of looking in magazines. I want that house so bad for the sake of decorating. I want to buy lots of pumpkins. And light candles. And have loud dance parties without offending anyone. We cant do any of those things in the house/dorm Im in now. Rats.

Im in a coffee shop reading and writing and...arithmetic. This creepy man across the room is really staring at me. I mean, really staring. Im trying to make myself look unattractive. Not really but it is so annoying. This is my current life people. Then theres this other weird guy playing on his ipad. He can talk and it will replay what he said in this alvin and the chipmunk voice. Hes about 40 years old.

Bands I have been listening to for the past week: She and Him. M. Ward. Mumford and Sons. Needtobreathe. William Fitzsimmons. Priscilla Ahn. And a lot of other random songs.

I got vibrams. They are just rocking my world. I feel so much more connected to the earth.

The Lord is teaching me a lot. About people and how to love. And how to show Christ's love.

Airplanes and Superstars. You'll be in my heart.

2010-09-09T12:29:00.003-04:00

I have been reading a lot of books since the end of last semester. Sometimes all I can think about is getting alone in a quiet place and just reading. I just finished a biography on Amelia Earhart. She was one really neat person. She was so brave and courageous. She took a chance and did something that other women would'nt dare do. She wanted to prove to the world that she could do something that only men do. Sometimes I think of my own personal adventursom life and, in comparison, it is nothing to the people I read about.

I am now reading a biography on Julie Andrews. She fascinates me. I love biographies. I love reading about people. Once I read about I feel like I knew them. I like to know personal stuff and the lives they lived outside of what the world saw.

A boy today asked me what I was reading and he asked me who Julie Andrews was. I through the book in his face. Julie and I were so disappointed.

Dr. Carroll is my favorite professor at bcf. He is one of the english teachers. He has read every book thats ever been written. For real. Freal. I always spend time talking with him in his office. I took his American Literature class last semester and loved it so much. He is currently letting me borrow Queen of the Turtle Derby. I told him..."You know me so well."

Do ray me fa so la te do.

2010-09-05T16:14:00.003-04:00

I am so bad at blogging. Well...when Im not blogging. I always say I am then promise it in my heart of hearts but never do. I am not going to tell you that I am for the next few months, but I sure will try.

Fall brings so many new things. It feels so refreshing to start new seasons. Seasons of life and Seasons, literally. I get excited about wearing boots. and wearing scarves. and eating candy corn. and smelling candles. and having windows open. and the wind. and music. and leaves. and pine straw everywhere. Speaking of new things I changed majors in the middle of the first week of school. I dont want to teach. I changed it to Leadership and Christian Education. It was the broadest and least amount of hrs degree. I am excited. I dont really care about kids acedemically. I care about more important things like life skills and their souls. I want to write kids books and do mission work and work with special needs kids athletically. With teaching I wouldnt have time to do anything extra like that. I am excited to see what God will do with this new major and life. I want to impact the world. I get excited about not knowing.

I just had my first fall treat. It was a pumpkin delight cookie. I am surrounded by fall decorations too. Im at the relatives. Mrs Aunt Betsy is so wonderful at decorating for seasons. Along with the fall treat, The Sound of Music is on. Beautiful.

Happy labor day. Happy almost fall.

I love all libraries except this one.

2010-06-23T13:23:00.003-04:00

Funny story:

I went to the library the other day to check out a book. Since I don't live in Dothan I cant check out books. (What's the point of a library if you cant check out books! How selfish of them). BUT Im employed in Dothan so I can. I brought a letterhead of Wiregrass Church with me. They also needed a document with my Graceville address to prove I live there. I politely asked them if I really needed that since I didn't have it with me. They gave me a hesitant look, the look as if they would let me go ahead and check it out...then they explained in a soft voice that their boss was very anal about that kind of stuff. I said 'its no big deal, for your sake I'll come back tomorrow!' So then they said "Don't worry about bringing the letterhead back since we've already seen it." I go back the next day (with my address doc) and explained to the new lady my situation. She immediately asked for my letterhead. I said "Oh the ladies yesterday said not to bring it back since they saw it!" She snapped back and said "WELL HONEY I HAVE TO HAVE IT TO LET YOU CHECK OUT A BOOK!" I said well I don't have bc they said don't worry about it. She said "WELL WHAT WERE THEIR NAMES?!?!" (She gave me that look like, AHA! Gotchya. Booyah. Yeah). I said well I don't know but one was a heavier set black lady who helped me with much courtesy, and the other had grey hair in a pony tail with bangs and glasses. She replied "WELL SWEETY, WE ALL DONT WORK AT THE SAME TIMES NOW DO WE!!!" I understood and said 'let me go check in my car for my letterhead.' I thought it was hopeless at this point. I found it in my purse on the way out!!! I marched back in there and said "HERE JERK!!!" Not really, although I wanted to at that point bc of her impoliteness. To make the long story short I stood there for 15 minutes while she filled out my info for my library card on an old typewriter. Ya know, the ones that take 5 minutes to type out one sentence? Those. (In the end I think I figured out who the "anal" boss was.) I got my book. I checked out "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath, which parallels her life. After I got it she then FIRMLY explained to me they don't renew books. What library doesn't renew books?! ...This one.

I just don't understand how people can be so rude for no reason. Couldn't I have been this ONE exception? Bc they probably rarely have people come in from out of town wanting to check books out. So its not like she has to deal with this all the time. Well it nevertheless gave me a chance to show Jesus. We are called to be the different ones. Even though SHE was the different one in this situation.

2 words. put a little love in your heart.

2010-06-21T11:57:00.003-04:00

i am going to tell you a secret. A secret from the heart. and soul. my heart and soul to be specific. when i get ready in the morning sometimes i listen to really weird and great music to inspire my outfit. true story. ill give you a list in a second of a few examples. if i dont know what to wear i just simply play a song that will inspire me. then the ideas start flooding in.

sufjan stevens- we are what you say.
rusted root- on my way.
veer zaara- aisa es hai mera.
cat stevens- peace train.
donna lewis- always and forever.
my polka vinyl.

ps cat stevens inspires me period. thats all. he is one of the grandest. he has a special place in my heart.

toy story was excellent. its sort a kids suspense thriller movie. i wish i had seen this one with my best friend. bc we saw the first and second in the theater when we were younger. i nearly weeped at the end. it was truly touching. it made me want to go home and play with my old toys. they will never be forgotten. i love them.

dear barbie, im sorry for always cutting your fake hair. your long curly locks got in the way of my tom-boyish lifestyle. they also got extremely mangled. probably due to rolling you down the street in your scratched up corvette. sorry about that too.

gassy grassy glassy.

2010-06-10T16:41:00.003-04:00

Wanna know something weird I do? Ok. I'll tell you. Since you asked. Occasionally when Im in my car listening to music I sometimes lip-sing. Then...minutes later I'll realize what Im doing. That's the sad part...I dont even realize Im doing it. Dont get me wrong, I love to sing, outloud, but sometimes on accident I lip-sing. I dont know why.

I have a few paintings I will be painting soon. I think they are good ideas. I hope they turn out the way Im picturing.

I like the sound of banjos. and good voices. and I like the taste of good food.

I am super excited about Toy Story 3. Those are some of my favorite disney movies. and Pocahontas. I want to be just like her.

Adventures. Adventura. Ace Ventura.

2010-06-09T17:14:00.002-04:00

I am in serious search of some Binoculars. See, I capitalized it because they are currently so important to me. I am going to be doing much exploring this summer and am in desperate need of them. Yes, desperate. I think they can only help my explorations. Probably even increase them in number. My eyes can only see so far. I am far from blind. I am also far from seeing small things from 2 miles away. I have been looking, not as much as I should, at local antique stores, but havent had much luck. I did find some great perfect ones but they were out of my price range. I also dont want them to be heavy. Aka I am going to wear around my neck. 24-7. Holla back.

I am really missing the Olympics. They are so grandiose. and grand. My Aunt Betsy and I had the most hilarious commentary. Ever. We also wished we were in the olympics ourselves. We are talented in so many areas. My dad alwasy said he could see me as a Speed Skater. I have always said I could see myself as a Speed Skater. I like speed. On ice. I love the Olympics. And cannot wait till the next showing.

I have never called them "Fireflies."

2010-06-08T12:56:00.003-04:00

Just the other day I was thinking about bugs. Lightning bugs to be specific. I am fascinated by them. I have one question...Where do they go in the daytime? Are they sleeping in the trees? It is not unusual for me to climb trees in the day time, and when I do there are no sign of them anywhere. Are they sleeping in the ground? No. Or...Do they just become a completely different bug in the day? Maybe they transform after the world is asleep. By night they are lightning bugs...by day they are.....beetles. The ones that shine blue and green when exposed to the sun.

Sunday I was deathly ill. Let me explain. I was perfect all day. I ate chips and salsa for lunch while watching 27 Dresses. People say I remind them of Katherine Heigl. I dont look like her but maybe act like her...? Anyways, later that afternoon, around 6:30, I made a hilarious rap video that I will post soon. After that I got really hot and started feeling nauseous. I watched The Incredibles and Toy Story 2. It was downhill from there. I started throwing up. Which I havent done in forever. I was up most of the night. 4:00 I turned out the light and went to sleep and got up the next morning feeling better. Monday I laid around all day. I watched Finding Nemo, Ice Age, Tarzan, Alice in Wonderland (the new one), and The Wedding Planner. Tuesday, which is now, I am at work, feeling good. Maybe it was bc the video I did was by Eminem, Lose Yourself. I ate macaroni and cheese for dinner that night. I know it couldnt have been that bc thats my favorite food. Ever.

Wiregrass Church is good. It is my second week. I am still trying to learn everything. That part is going faster that I thought.

I am currently in love with orange scented candles.

I thought The Prince of Persia was going to be retarded...turns out I loved it. and still do. I thought it was corny but thats why I thought it was funny/good.

Remember me?

2010-05-31T23:12:00.002-04:00

I go through dry periods with blogging. I dont know why, I know Ill regret it in the end. But I still find time NOT to blog. Rats. Not this summer. I am going to. I am telling you Im going to. Whoever you are. Void.

So many bloggable things have happened since my last blog, December 18, 2009. Might as well be 2007. It is now 2010. A new year. I didnt even take a break to blog about the new year. New thoughts. New ideas. New adventures. New things to explore. New things to see. New things to hear. I mean, it wasnt even Christmas last time a blogged. Merry Christmas. Happy Summer.

Summer is now. I am back in the Floridian Lifestyle. This is a brand new chapter of my life. I love beginnings. I feel fresh. I start working with the kids at Wiregrass Church tomorrow. I have been attending for exactly a year not counting last summer when I was home. Most of you know Andy Stanley, it is a sister church of Northpoint in Atlanta. Cool thing. I love this church. A new family.

God is teaching me a lot. A lot about things I need to be working on. I cant accomplish anything without him. Sometimes I think I sort of can accomplish a little bit by myself. Sometimes I accidently think this without knowing until later.

School was somewhat rough this Spring semester. A lot of doubts. A lot of negative thoughts. A lot of trusting the Lord.

Tomorrows the first day of doing something Ive never done before. Im frightened. I want to do such a good job this semester. I am also excited. Wish me luck. Good luck. Thanks.

Oh and I will be back. I. Will.

james, the warrior.

2009-12-18T00:04:00.003-05:00

christmas is beautiful in every way. jesus became flesh. he made his home with us. -scotty.

happy birthday baby jesus.

i have been observing mrs patton and her 2nd grade class at smcs for a class. i just wish i could skip the rest of school and have my own class. i have to have 50 hours of observation.

david brasher plays wonderfully on his guitar.

me and brittany moore made a beautiful memory tonight. if i told you what we did it wouldnt be a secret. which is part of the fun for us. it had to do with a certain magical christmas song.

i still dont think ill be done with christmas songs after christmas. this could be a problem. a sad problem.

noah dollar is so funny. he is in mrs pattons class.

i love hiking. i wish i lived in tennessee so i could run through mountains. like they do in last of the mohicans.

i went to the sec game. i love bama. and i love winning. and it snowed the same day. what a day.

i love writing letters. i have written a lot of christmas letters. i will mail them tomorrow i think. my farthest letter is going down to bolivia.

i want to dress like something christmassy. like a reindeer. but i dont have any creative ideas. maybe i could dress as a christmas list. a nice one of course. or i could dress as egg nog. or the north star. or a shepherd. or baby jesus. maybe a christmas frenchman. or a mustache. moustache. moostache.

i saw all the geese at star lake today fly away together. i wanted to fly away with them.

mt rushmore.

2009-12-03T02:18:00.001-05:00

finals make me want to kill myself. this is currently my life. wish me luck.

santa is magic. your not magic.

2009-12-01T21:15:00.004-05:00

thanksgiving break was stupendous. stupid. stupidous. it was the least of stupid. a lot of events took place. a lot of good memories took place.

christmas is nearly here. i have already celebrated it thousands of times already. ive made 4 sets of paper snowflakes. i am ahead of schedule.

i was at the nielsens playing with the kids and shelly and dave were putting up the christmas tree. me and si and leah all sat in the christmas tree box and pretended we were a bobsled team. i love them so much.

i have a new book. its a stroke of a genius book. huh?

thanksgiving was excellent. not for the food but for the family. i love my family. and my grandmother. it should be the day we celebrate grandmothers. i want to be just like her. and my mom put together.

animals have much nicer souls than humans do. they never tell lies. or blow anybody up.

i went into the woods. with kristin at oak mountain. it was good to explore. florida doesnt have too many woods. we were walking and this biker guy rode by and said "do you have a license for those legs?" aka my life is complete.

one time when i was little i wished i had muscles like popeye.

my ambidextrous hand is doing quite well, thank you for asking.

i gave blood today. im such a great american. God bless the USA. God bless the blood givers. for they shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. ps the man that was taking my blood was sooooooo hilarious. i joked with him the whole time.

i love history of small towns. it is so beautiful to me.

they gonna wash away. they gonna wash away.

2009-11-18T11:43:00.004-05:00

i always feel really sad when i see live chickens that are being shipped somewhere else. i drove by some the other night and they were on a truck as big as an eighteen wheeler in cages. i just felt sorry for them. although they might enjoy it. they probably think its adventurous. i wonder if they are trying to figure out where theyre going.

i have been celebrating christmas a lot. and drinking coffee late at night.

the weather today is splendid.

my friend mackenzie got me a goldfish. el luchador died last week. i will post his eulogy on here soon. she brought me a very tiny goldfish. i named him el pez dorado. the gold digger.

i finished a book. it was the greatest book ever read. i wanted to run away and search for adventure when i finished. i nearly did. “I was feeling wonderful. It seemed that the wind in my fur and the wild sea beneath me existed solely to transport me into a world of adventure. Could anything be more exciting than a journey into the unknown, a voyage of discovery across the great, wide ocean?”

i am back in the ambidextrious business.

i do love beards.

return to patmos.

2009-11-06T16:53:00.003-05:00

if i drove a beetle bug i would feel like im constantly racing in mario kart.

what if in football there were guns. the players could have guns. the only way to get a touchdown is to get to the other side without getting killed. and when you get a touchdown you automatically get ammo. or that was the only way to get ammo.

candy corn flavored pringles. delicious.

i got a new fish. el guapo is still alive but i got him a friend. i named the new one el luchador. the wrestler. the handsome and the wrestler. perfect. he is sort of albino. he is white with orange on top. they kissed once.

i received a 'happy' in the mail last week. it was exhilarating.

the peanut festival. i touched an elephant. i was watching it give rides and i went up to it and it stuck out his trunk and became best friends with me. it was one of my top 5 favorite moments in my entire life. elephants never forget. i sure hope that is true.

sunglasses. gunslasses.

2009-11-02T19:15:00.000-05:00

camping. wet. cold. rainy. fire. hot chili. smores. grilled cheese. bedtime. wet. 3:00am. blue van. morning. no fire. cracker barrell. campsite. clean up. rainy. old chili. yuck. however we had such a fun time being together. adventures.

i was nacho libre for halloween. it was da baayste. i wore a curly wig. and everything else that he wears. including a very nice moustache. which was my favorite part. i will soon have a real one. no shave november.

today i played ultimate frisbee against the greatest team of the country. my team lost. obviously.

in one of my education courses i sit by this girl. she drinks 2 chocolate milks and a mountain dew every monday and wednesday. jet packs.

Jesus said to eat a lot of candy. it is good for the mind. soul. and body. and heart.

rock band. they should come out with rock orchestra.

antelope dogs.

different perspective.

2009-10-26T00:32:00.000-04:00

So the church I go to in Dothan is a sister church to Andy Stanley’s church in Atlanta, North Point Community church. Every Sunday instead of the pastor preaching we pull down a huge screen and hear from Andy. He shared from Matthew 14, the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, and he put this passage in a different perspective than what I’ve always thought. So what I am about to say came completely from Andy. I just wanted to share bc I thought it was neat.

Verse 13

“As soon as Jesus heard the news he left in a boat to a remote place to be alone. But crowds heard where he was going and followed him on foot from many towns. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped off the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”

Now. First off, if I am going somewhere to be alone…I want to be alone! Jesus was going to a remote place so he could mourn the loss of John the Baptist…I mean, I think he needed to be alone. But when he got off the boat he was basically surrounded by tons of people. It says he had compassion on them and healed their sick…that would be the last thing I would want to do. If I were going somewhere to be by myself I would be extremely frustrated to find 5,000 people follow me and then heal them!

“That evening the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and its already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to their villages and buy food for themselves.”

Aka so we can eat. That’s probably what they were thinking…we are hungry, let them go get food so we can get food.

“But Jesus said, ‘That isn’t necessary-you feed them.” “But we only have 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish!”

Here it is. The invitation that will change everything. Jesus invites them to feed 5,000 people. In their minds they are thinking what are you talking about, we can’t do it, we only have 5 loaves and 2 fish! Jesus invites them to get out of their comfort zone. So many times we feel God nudging at us to do something but we come to him with all these excuses…I can’t teach middle schoolers! What if they ask me questions that I don’t know the answers too! Jesus says well bring me the answers that you do have. I’m not experienced enough! Jesus says well bring me the experience that you do have. I can’t go on a mission trip! I’m super afraid of planes! Jesus says well bring me that fear. I can’t do that! I’m not smart enough! Jesus says well bring me what you know. We always have excuses. All Jesus wants us to do is to take that very first step and He will do the rest. Sometimes that will be filling out a volunteer form to help in Sunday school. That’s all. Fill out the form. He will do the rest.

“Bring them here.” Jesus said. (after the disciples said ‘but we only have so much’ Jesus probably said this in a very deep voice…bring them here! Bing them to me!) I’m sure the disciples weren’t surprised to hear this. I think they knew something big was about to happen.

“He then took the bread and fish and blessed them……..he gave the bread to the disciples who distributed them.” Jesus asked them to distribute the food…that’s all. That’s all they knew how to do. Then Jesus made something miraculous happen! What a story!!!

“Immediately” after this, Jesus told the disciples to go back across the lake on their boat. Jesus then “sent the people home.” I wonder how he did that. “Welp, you guys are dismissed.” Ha. I’m sure the crowd was thinking, “No, I think I’m gonna stick around with you.” I can’t imagine how that went down. So Jesus went up the hill to pray until night came. A strong wind came and the disciples were in trouble on the lake. 3:00 in the morning it says they were “fighting heavy waves.” I mean, they are fisherman aren’t they and they can’t even cross the lake. This was no surprise to Jesus. He comes out there walking on the water. “When the disciples saw him they were terrified.” Woa. How did Matthew ever admit that? He just ratted out everyone, including himself. They said “It’s a ghost!” haha. Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid, take courage, I am here.” Then…theeeeeeen, Peter had this brilliant idea. Peter knew that after Jesus invites them out of there comfort zone he always does something amazing! So Peter says “If it’s really you, tell me to come to you walking on the water!” wow. He is smart. Jesus said, “Yes, come.” So Peter does WHAT HE KNOWS HOW TO DO and gets off the boat and uses his legs and starts walking. But when he saw the strong waves he got scared and began to sink. He said, “Save me!” So Jesus reached down and grabbed his hand and said, “You have so little faith, why did you doubt me?” In translation Jesus probably meant, “You were so close!!! Why did you give up!!! You were almost there!!!” Then they all got in the boat and the disciples worshipped him saying “You truly ARE the Son of God!” Ha. As if they had doubted before….like when Jesus fed 5,000 people. Ha.

This is all so applicable. When Jesus nudges us to do something, even if we feel unqualified, DO IT! bc it will turn into something fantastic and of course God will be glorified! But the second we give ourselves honor, we will sink. Or the second it gets too hard and we give up, we will sink. Trust God. He only always asks us to do what we know how to do. The first step.

1875. 250.

2009-10-18T21:02:00.000-04:00

Friday was a very special day. It was the birthday of a man who forever changed education. His knowledge on spelling and desire for teachers to teach spelling to students will be remembered. Noah Webster is perhaps one of the greatest and smartest men who ever lived. Happy birthday from a true fan. I am going to Connecticut to celebrate his festivities. Noahs birthday festivities. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.

We had our first travelling college volleyball games this last weekend. We lost all 4, but we have come a long way. We had a tournament in Montgomery this weekend. we have one game left this Thursday then our season is over.

Today was the most beautiful day ever. It was about 68. mmm. Delicious.

the arcade fire "wake up." listen to it.

2009-10-14T19:26:00.002-04:00

where the wild things are. hurry up.

apricots are made out of live apes.

i made a cake today. with blue food coloring. aka a blue cake. with funfetti. and sprinkles. it was for a class. noah websters birthday is friday.

i think i saw the great gatspy today. i was watching an old movie but is that even a movie? it was black and white.

i cant wait to carve my pumpkin. i dont even have a pumpkin yet.

i am debating about getting twitter. i dont need it. neither does everyone else.

billy jean is not my lover.

brilliant.

2009-10-05T11:32:00.003-04:00

'ill take the dream i had last night
and put it in my freezer,
so someday long and far away
when im an old grey geezer,
ill take it out and thaw it out,
this lovely dream ive frozen,
and boil it up and sit me down
and dip my old cold toes in.'

the horse is in the moon.

2009-10-03T21:37:00.002-04:00

i like...
fall.
boots.
art shows.
art.
homecoming games.
old friends. most.
books.
coffee.
sweaters.
water.
music.
trees.
creativity.
things that are brown.
bangs.
poems.

...and the beat goes on.

fall equinox.

2009-09-29T19:32:00.002-04:00

Fall is such a great season. It makes me want to travel. and wear cute scarves. And killer boots. It actually makes me want to do a lot of things. I always learn new things when fall comes. The air is different. The leaves are different. It is a new chapter. I love new chapters. Fall brings new things. Pumpkins are becoming pumpkins. Leaves turn orange and red. The sky begins to look more and more blue. Change is good. Fall is good.

soon: camping. bluff park art show. volleyball tournaments. pumpkin patch/carving.

fall brings good music too.

love God love others.

2009-09-22T14:11:00.000-04:00

“The way to disengage the heart from the love of one object is to fasten it in positive love to another. It is not by exposing the worthlessness of the former, but by addressing the worth and excellence of the latter that all old things are to be done away and all things are to become new. The only way to dispossess the heart of an old affection is by the expulsive power of a new one.”

-Thomas Chalmers

My church pastor preached about this on Sunday. The first commandment is love the Lord your God. With all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. If I do this everything should fall in place. Let me try to explain as he did. If its money I’m seeking after it will undoubtedly turn out to be a mistake. It will not satisfy me in the end. It is worthless. When I put forth an effort to turn from this there might be a void inside me. I first need to focus on filling it with God. This means I am ‘addressing the worth and excellence of the latter.’ Aka God. He is the only one who makes all things new. He will start working in me. He is worthy and excellent! I should love him with all my heart. soul. mind. and strength. Now, once I do this, I will be able to fully reach out to others and love them. Which is the second greatest commandment. But is equally important. The only way to do this is loving God. Because the love of the father is in me. (1 john). Therefore it is impossible to love others without loving God first. Or at all. So instead of focusing on the current sin or struggle look to God and love him. If we love him with everything inside of us, the old thing might be done away with. Something new and good will happen. Maybe loving others.

‘The only way to dispossess the heart of an old affection is by the expulsive power of a new one.’

some of them didnt even have teeth.

2009-09-20T21:47:00.003-04:00

me and my bf went garage saling this weekend. or garage sailing. heh. we went to a few flea markets. one of which we saw something very beautiful inside. ten very old men gathered playing guitars and singing. they were sitting in a circle. their songs consisted of old hymns. but they were upbeat and sounded somewhat bluegrass. we walked up and started listening to them and the old man on the mic said 'hey yall get up on this stage, we could use some talent by some young people!' and we laughed. they continued to play. we continued to dance off into the rest of the flea market.

ps i found some good treausures at the flea market. one item i purchased is a mary poppins silver spoon. except it is no longer very silver. its more of a gray color. it is a beaut. i heart mary poppins.

very large bow ties.

2009-09-15T19:31:00.003-04:00

i usually walk to dinner, if im not in a hurry. well i saw something tonight that i usually dont see. ever. i saw a girl. with a lasso. lasso-ing a park bench. this is a true story. maybe she was pretending it was a cow. i do that sometimes. she might have been trying to impress a cowboy. since there are so many of those in florida. i would like to think she was training. for the gold. my friend eric made a good point..."at least the park bench didnt get away."

i was thinking about how different colors bring out peoples eyes. what if our eyes automatically changed colors to match your shirt? woa. magical. i would wear tie dye.

my first competitive college volleyball game is thursday. double header. i am very excited. however i had to take out my nose ring. rats. it was painful. emotionally.

fall is nearly here.

pretzel. prentzel. the second is the correct form.

me- 'hi, el guapo.'
el guapo- 'hi peyton.'
me- 'i like fish.'
el guapo- 'me too. your a fish.'

hardcore facial expressions. check.

2009-09-14T11:25:00.002-04:00

this weekend.

volleyball practice til 2 am thursday night. friday morning 5 am. home. errands with mom. cookies that needed icing. rafting trip with college group. ocoee river, chattanooga. bed time 2 am. musical improv with kristin. recorder and harmonica= laughs. magical things nearly appeared that night. 7 am breakfast. rafting. glorious. river. beautiful. mountain view. yes. river guide julia. cute bus driver. mmm. home. lingerie shower for my bestest. good times. chocolate fountain. chocolate. abundance. sunday. disc golf. back to school. sunday night. play time with el guapo. he was surely missed.

bewitched...bewildered...

2009-09-09T16:32:00.002-04:00

i let a friend of mine give me bangs. my forehead looks so good.

i bought some china today. vintage china. 2 large plates, 4 small plates, 4 small bowls, and 4 small coffee mugs. mustard yellow with some brown designs. 5 dollars.

me and my cousin are making clothes. we got some old skirts today that will be dresses soon.

i just burried some orange seeds in my backyard hoping it will one day turn into an orange tree. i am confident.

brooke waggoner. mmm. so good to my soul.

i am painting something soon. ive got miraculous ideas.

white water rafting this weekend. this is part of my search of el dorado.

awake.

2009-09-02T13:53:00.003-04:00

i have been thinking a lot about pleaseing the Lord. i feel like God has placed this on my heart maybe bc its something i need to work on. it is heavy. i am so corrupt. even when i do good things, they are filthy. bloody. i am working on loving more. serving more. having pure thoughts. kind thoughts. making my attitude better. i am going to carefully determine what pleases the Lord. or at least try. i want to be wise. and i want there to be purpose. i dont want to act thoughtless. change. this is good.

spandex.

2009-08-30T15:33:00.003-04:00

i am playing competitve college volleyball. bcf is starting their first team. holla. workouts are 5:30 am for the rest of the season. i am excited about getting up that early for a reason. i love the outside in the mornings especially when the sun hasnt risen yet. rose. rised. arised. everything is so peaceful. and exactly where it should be. early mornings are beautiful. the mascot for our school is the eagle. the bald eagle, of course. we shouldve been the moose. mooses. meese. mossians. moosicans.

matching toms...you and i.

2009-08-26T11:58:00.003-04:00

a dear friend of mine texted me a verse a few days ago. it meant a lot to me because i know she wanted me to read it. Hosea 6:3. 'Oh that we may KNOW the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of the dawn or the coming of rains in early spring.' this was a verse i needed at the time. which is why it is now so important to me. it has meaning. God is so cool. this friend is moving to atlanta in september. even though i wont be home a lot this semester, i will miss her. she is so encouraging. her walk with the Lord is so encouraging. i know when she reads this she wont think highly of herself. i am so grateful she will be doing what God wants her to do. rachel jones. i am praying that God will give you a peace in every situation. truly. i love you!