Its enough to make you go CRAZY!

Oh the Possibilities!

I have some really exciting news that I am just bursting at the seems to share - but I can't just yet. SO I am writing about it here, on this blog that no one really reads - just to say I have some really exciting news! Here is a new mantra that I have been saying a lot lately:

She woke up and realized

She had forgotten the definition

of the word impossible -

She decided it must not have been

that important...

-found on an adorable note book - author unknown

Holiday Cheer.

It is dead week here at Walla Walla University - and it be honest I feel anything but dead. I watched a great talk this morning about finding what you love. About living a life that is intentional and full of my passion. I very well agree - and I think its about time I start.

So today I decided this week would not be a "dead week" - this week will be a "live week." Now that does not mean I will not have to study more then I want or that I won't write mounds of papers. But it does mean that I will find time to enjoy life, to feed my passions and to spend time with the people I value.

I am realizing life is too short, not to do the things you love and love on the people you value.

So heres to a week of creating time for the things you value in life, and living a life that is full of more then obligations.

Wind you are a whippin and a whirlin.
Spin me around.

Blow my unruly hair.
You make me want to whip and whirl right with ya.

By Max Lucado

Galations 5: 22

IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding pace of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day’s demands. It is now that I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I’m free to choose. And so I choose.
I choose love . . .
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.
I choose joy . . .
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical . . . the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.
I choose peace . . .
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I choose patience . . .
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I’ll invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clinching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I choose kindness . . .
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I choose goodness . . .
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I will accuse. I choose goodness.
I choose faithfulness . . .
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates will not question my word. My wife will not question my love. And my children will never fear that their father will not come home.
I choose gentleness . . .
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it be only in praise. If I clench my fist, may it be only in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.
I choose self-control . . .
I am a spiritual being. After this body is dead, my spirit will soar. I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek his grace. And then, when this day is done, I will place my head on my pillow and rest.

From When God Whispers Your Name
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1994) Max Lucado

I am SO Falling for Fall.

I am in love, I must admit it. I truly adore fall. I just cannot wait to curl up with a delicious cup of hot cocoa from the Patisserie -- Crawl under my down comforter and nest for the cool, long nights --

I am ready to fall back into routine, catch-up with friends and simply enjoy. To carve pumpkins and make costumes, to learn, create, grow and help.

Today is the first day of fall -- and I must admit I am just so excited! (yes, for anyone who reads my little blog -- I will be blogging much more regularly now -- at least I hope!)

Enjoy fall -- I think it's simply magical.

YES>

I am dying to meet USHA. To give her a hug and just hangout with her. The world is full of so many wonderful people. People full of inspiration, determination and hope. I have been fretting about finals, tests, and my dreams. This video was just what I needed to remind me how vast life is--how big the world is--and how truly amazing people are. watch this video its amazing.

There is a group of six going to India to put on a summer camp for the children at this blind school--Its inspiring, it is exciting, it is worth while. Check it out here and help them help these amazing kids.

Seeing this video just pulls at my heart. I think that I m going to buy my ticket to Bangladesh TODAY. My heart is craving my Bangladesh family--I don't think it has beat fully since I have left. I cannot wait to rejoin those adorable children. mmmm.

One has not truly lived until they have had their heart stolen by 107 adorable Bengali Children.

It feels so SO good to get my legs a movin. Today summer felt like it was finally here.

Finals done in 72 hours. phew.

Peace does not come when circumstances change--but when your heart changes--for better

sit. finish. start.

Fingers you must type. Brain you must absorb. Creativity you must pause.

Room you are cluttered. Binder you are full. Heart you are not connected.

Friend you are busy. Stress you are climbing. Motivation you are tired.

School you are almost closed. Finals you are creeping up. Papers you are piled.

push. finish. survive.

Creativity soon you will gush. Heart soon you will connect. Sleep soon you will be restored. Brain soon you will be pulsating. Stress soon you will be relaxing. Fingers you will soon be embracing.

hold. trust. be.

Meiko - Reasons to love you

I miss you!!!

what if we all thought like this:

: "Loneliness does not come from being alone, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important."

-Carl Jung

My heart just broke a little.

I am sitting in Starbucks and I see them. They are at a table across from me. The woman looks hard and in shape. She must run--long and far. The man looks much more down to earth--his beanie is pulled down around his face. He smiles much more at the two kids who are playing next to them.

I can barely hear their conversation--but I can tell it is not good. I suspect they are ex lovers or in a struggling marriage--their kids stand right next to them hearing there cutting words. The man is pleading with her, "not to make this a bigger deal then it has to be" and asking her to "listen." She has not a ounce of mercy in her face. She says nothing, gets up and walks away.

He is left there sitting. Watching his kids and he looks exhausted. He gathers up the two kids and takes them out to the car--

It hurts me to see faces of such hardness, but it also perplexes me to think that woman may have the weight of the world on her shoulders.

wow this week has been crazy!

Let me update you on what I am doing--I am currently working as a Beauty and Fashion Editor for a local Walla Walla Magazine. I love my job. Here is a sneak peak at an editorial I did:

I am so excited to share with you all some of the exciting things that we are up to. How are you all doing? What are you up to?!

The tragedy of first position

cranky.

Today I woke up cranky.

It is a terrible feeling. It may have been because I went to bed cranky--for no accord. Or it might have been because I woke up too early--with way too many things on my mind. Or it may have been because of the rain, classes, or loneliness--. It may have been any of these things--but I still do not like the feeling.

Right now I am not cranky. I am excited. I am excited for the day to come, rain and all. but I wonder--why? Why do I have to wake-up cranky? God has given me so much and I wonder--does He find it annoying when I wake-up and forget? When I choose to be cranky? Thank-YOU God for being a God who loves even when we forget. Who is there to lift us up even when we are stubborn--and for being a God who can take me even when I am in the mist of all my crank-y-ness.

"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
--Marilyn Monroe

God COMPLETELY deserves my best--because He completely takes me at my worst.

right where I want to be.

This morning I spent my time like many other mornings: dreaming.

I browse through blogs, feast my eyes on creativity, and lust over the lives and adventures of others. But this morning I was reminded of something simply amazing: I have my life. I have a chance to live this life--not dream about others. I am right where I want to be, right where I should be--no matter what it looks like or compares to. I have a God who stands by me. Who puts me where I am to be.

Last night I slept on a hard roll-a-way bed--with a rock for a pillow. But you know what? I was perfect. For you see that bed was a bed and it was right next to my wonderful sister. And right next door--snuggled in a bed--are my ever-so-in-love-and-wonderful parents.

I woke up this morning in a suite--at the HardRock Hotel--but I could have woke up in a cardboard box--we never know what life will throw at us. But I know this: If I have my family tucked in around me--and we have each other--where ever that is--whatever the circumstances--that is where I want to be. Right there in that place is wonder. Is dreamy. Is worth all.

I was reminded yet again this morning--that all the riches in the world are meaningless--but the people you get to share life with--that is what matters. I am so thankful that I have the most amazing people to share my life with.

My God YOU are worthy of all praise--and this morning I praise you for giving us people to share with.

Nola.

I am soaking up this time with my family. This truly is what life is all about.

The Peaceful WOman

A peaceful woman seeks wisdom.

She loves to grow, explore, and change.

She finds truth and inspiration.

She remains authentic, yet glows with elegance.

She stops seeking perfection, and takes time to be.

She loves life and lives fully.

She draws you near to her soul.

-from a store front window.

may be all find a piece of this peaceful woman in us today.

miss you all lovely bloggers--I will be back as soon as I tackle all these finals! :)

Spokane's Best.

I just put together a list of my fav places in my home town Spokane for a friend. DO you guys have any other favorites that I have not included?

Eats:

There are some amazing eats in Spokane--here are just a few. I have included the websites--they really do not do them justice--but at least you can see the menu and location. There are lots of "typical" places and those are on here--but I tried to put things on this list that are more unusual--unique.

Coffee:

-Atticus: a cool little cafe located right downtown--next to a funky store called BooRadelies, I would say go into both of them! They are full of funky and interesting things.

-http://www.facebook.com/pages/Atticus-Coffee-Gifts/187042010221

=http://experiencespokane.com/booradleys/

-Rocket Bakery: http://www.rocketspokane.com/ delish coffee, tea and pastries

-Chaps--You should go here--really fun atmosphere and an amazing bakery--be prepared for lots of people..

http://www.chapsgirl.com/

The Usual:

-Twigs

-P.F. Changs

-Olive Garden

-The Melting Pot--

-Spaghetti Factory

Unique Finds:

-Mizuna: http://experiencespokane.com/mizuna/index.shtml

-Moxie: http://experiencespokane.com/moxie/index.shtml, not sure about their veggie options

-Scratch: http://www.scratchspokane.com/menu_dinner.html

-Wild Sage: http://www.wildsagebistro.com/dinner_menu/

-Luna--LOVE this place--!

http://www.lunaspokane.com/

-Queen of Sheba: I have not eaten here yet--but have heard NOTHING but good things--total experience

tp://queenofshebaspokane.com/ It will be an adventure and really unique :) because who really has ever had authentic Ethiopian food? Well I have some friends that lived in Ethiopia for six months and said this is really authentic--and you must have the coffee while you are there!

Looking for a quick lunch?

Here is a new market/cafe: Main Market--for the green at heart

http://experiencespokane.com/mainmarket/index.shtml

-Mustard Seed--nothing too fancy--but my favorite noodle bowls in town. They best sautéed green beans around. http://www.mustardseedweb.com/

-Herbal Essence Cafe: http://www.herbalessencecafe.com/?c=Lunch_Menu and rumor is they can do most things with tofu instead of meat.

Night Beats: Not my thing, the lounge scene--but here are what I have heard are the best.

Zola--rumored to have live music every weekend

http://www.zolaspokane.com/Home_Page.php

MarQuee--rumored to be the trendy hangout

http://www.marqueelounge.com/

Peacock Room--SO beautiful--very swank

http://www.thedavenporthotel.com/index.php?act=/dining/peacock

Sweets: SO my thing.

-Chocolate Apothecary--chocolates from all around the world

-Fresh new Yogurt place in town, FROYO: SO Delish--serve yourself, any flavors and toppings.

http://www.froyoearth.com/

-Lindamans--good food, but even better desserts. Seriously you must try the Coffee Mocha Torte is you are feeling something sweet--its my fav.

http://www.lindamans.com/

Stores:

-Wanna get lost in a book store? Check out this one--Auntie's Bookstore http://experiencespokane.com/auntiesbookstore/index.shtml

-Very cool shops are located over in the "Flour Mill" across the river--check them out! There is an amazing "Chocolate Apothecary," funky shops and a great Ethiopian restaurant.

http://www.chocolateapothecary.com/

http://www.thekitchenengine.com/joom/

http://wondersoftheworldinc.com/

EAT HERE: http://queenofshebaspokane.com/ It will be an adventure and is a really unique experience :) and who really has ever had authentic Ethiopian food? Well I have some friends that lived in Ethiopia for six months and said this is really authentic--and you must have the coffee while you are there!

There are SO many amazing stores in SPokane--so if thats on the plan let me know what you are looking for and I can point you in the right direction.

Entertainment:

-Knitting Factory--always has something playing.

http://sp.knittingfactory.com/

-Magic Lantern Theater--Serve the yummiest popcorn and always have offbeat interesting films. The Illusionist looks very cool--

http://www.magiclanternspokane.com/

-Walk down by the river--and for some old fashion fun, ride the Historic Carousel and take the gondolas over the river.

-The local arts museum--I have never been there, but hear its amazing

http://www.northwestmuseum.org/

-Check out this web address for some more happenings around Spokane:

http://www.visitspokane.com/visitor-info/calendar/index.cfm?showweek=1&cdate=3-11-2011

-If you are an animal lover, most of you like this-- :) you get to play with lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh No!

http://www.cattales.org/

heavy.

Death hurts. This past week two people around me have died.

I look on the Facebook of their loved ones and I cannot stop the tears from flowing--and just thinking I could not imagine the pain of loosing my sister or my mom.

I find myself pleading with God to not let that happen to me--Is that selfish? Sometimes it feels that way. All I know is that my eyes are like faucets and my heart in pieces for all the loss and death I have seen in these past few day.

God please come soon so no one else has to endure the pain and suffering of this world.

God is so good. I say this because I feel it, I have seen it, and I believe it. But I wonder if I could say it, if I had was the one who just lost a brother, my boyfriend, or best friend.

My love and prayers go out to those who have just lost someone they dearly love. I am so sorry for your loss--I don't know how to see good in this--but I pray that you will feel Gods goodness, even if you cannot see it. That you will feel His goodness of comfort, support and love.

God is so good. I say this because I feel it, I have seen it, and I believe it. But I wonder if I could say it, if I had was the one who just lost their house, loved on, or city to a devastating earthquake.

My friend is currently living in Christchurch New Zealand and experiencing this devastation first hand. I talked with her last night and my heart broke a little when I heard her recount the horrendous events of the past few days.

Today my life is great, the sun is out, my family is happy--but many people are hurting, and this bliss could end in one second. I could get a phone call that would change everything right now. I hope that we can remember to uplift those who are dealing with great suffering. When I acknowledge the pain and suffering many people face each day--it reminds me that life is all about perspective and maybe, just maybe if we took another perspective we would realize that we are blessed. We are truly blessed and that we should use that blessing to help in any way we can.

Life is too short and fragile not to tell those you love, how much you love them and to support those who need it.

I have always been afraid to wear Bold lipstick. Tonight that changed--I went to WalMart and bought the colors I love--and I feel fearless in them.

I have decided to do this:

"She decided to free herself,

dance into the wind,

create a new language.

And birds fluttered around

her writing "yes" in the sky!"

Last night I got to visit Bangladesh--I closed my eyes--and instantly I was there.

The black cloud of sleep rushed me back, while my body lay nestled in my bed.

I got to stay only a few hours--but they were blissful hours.

I arrived and all the children just looked. Finally out of the corner of my eye I spotted Ruthy. Ruthy ran in full sprint--as fast as her little, knobby legs could carry her. She was heavier then I remembered. I felt her new weight settle in my arms--and her clammy little hands grab me tight--as if to say, "I am never letting go."

I saw Marissa, Amy, Mark, Hanna and so many others. They slowly found their way over to me--each quizzing me--making sure I knew their name. They had changed--they were bigger and older.

I woke-up this morning, to big snow flakes dancing outside my window, and my heart longing to wake-up to something different. To wake-up to green rice fields and no obligations. Waking-up to uninhibited smiles and warmth.

Every morning no matter where I am--I want to wake-up not wishing for something different, but valuing what I have. I want to wake up to uninhibited smiles, sincere joy, and uncontested happiness.

I wonder what needs to be tweaked in my life so that this can be a reality--not simply something found in a dream.

I would LOVE to see this performance.

A little Drama and Grace for your morning. The weekend is almost here! :)

ouch.

Someone I love has been hurting a whole lot. Hurting to her very soul. Being in love is risky--and there seems to be nothing more painful than a broken heart.

Seeing her pain, feeling her tears, hugging her little achy body--hurts. It hurts me. I think there is little, more difficult, to watch, then hurt that cannot be comforted with words. Hurt that just hurts and nothing said can fix or alleviate that hurt. It just has to hurt.

Harsh words fly--they cut deep and gouge in. They anchor their hooks of hurt, embarrassment, questioning and self-doubt.

Sometimes life is messy. It hurts and we hurt.

I sometimes think that if we all could just live by this--there would be a whole lot less hurt that words could not heal. A whole lot more smiles and happy, joyous hearts.

"Above all else, guard the affections of your heart;

the emotional attachments you make

determine the course of your life.

Watch what you say and how you say it;

always speak the truth and never with hostility about

anyone or anything.

Look straight ahead;

focus on what is good and right.

Think carefully about which direction you're going and

walk only on solid ground.

Don't swerce to the right of to the left;

dont turn down the road of wickedness."

-Proverbs 4:23-27

there is just something so wonderful about:

• sleeping until you are no longer tired--and waking up to the sound of nothing\
• clean, soft, new sheets
• sunshine outside my window
• morning stretching
• knowing that in just 5 short days I will be enjoying a three-day-weekend!
• some bible time
• laying in bed, cuddled under a comforter--appreciating the little things in life.
• Vintage Valentines to send to my loves

I hope your weekend has been wonderful and full of little joys! My sister has been here and I just LOVE having her here, she sure is my bestie.

Well thanks.

Dear Anonymous Blogger who left me the best compliment today,

Whoever you are just wanted to say thank-you!--your compliment and thoughts about my blog are GREATly appreciated. I was just thinking today--I wonder if I should even be blogging. Your comment made me want to keep going. I appreciate you stopping in, reading, saying hello, and leaving some encouraging words. I hope to hear from you again--and that you have the most amazing day.

Thanks for making my day!

Kindest,

Elliot

Life is a great big canvas you should throw all the paint on it you can.

-Danny Kay

Today looks like a sort-of gloomy day. I am determined to have nothing less then a splendid, joy filled day.

This is cool!

What a fun way to reuse a milk carton and make some fun paper for V-day cards!

The tree outside my window is a big pine tree--when I look out side I can see it dance. The branches sway this way and that--twisting and turning with every breath of wind. The sky is a hazy blue and I can almost just feel the cold swirling around just beyond the windowpane.

I aspire I could be like that great tree outside my window--just simply a tree--dancing to whatever breath of fresh air blows my way--lending shade on a hot day and shelter on a cold night.

I am wrapped up in my bed, snuggled in a fluffy down comforter. I am too hot. I don't have my contacts on--so things are a little blurry. But I can still see all the stuff I have cluttering up my room. I can still see the piles of books I bought but have not taken the time to read, the closet of clothes I left for six months and never missed--but still have.

I have everything I could ever hope for--and still seem to acquire more. and more. and more. When I was in Bangladesh I had only the things that would fit in one suitcase--and as I remember--that was plenty.

Its cold here in Walla Walla--but I am too hot. I have too many blankets, and the heat is working too well in my house. I was actually thinking last night--it is too hot in here! I can't even sleep" Then I read things like this:

Beverly Waid

Beverly Waid It is soooo cold in Bangladesh!!! We are putting layers of clothes on our chidlren!! They look fat!!! children and older people are dying because of the cold. I pray this does not last so long!!! We have our little heaters for the children and we use them for class time, too! Maybe it helps a little bit! Please pray this cold will go very soon.....it's the humidity that makes it soooo cold!!!

This forces me to remember how lucky I am. To remember how lucky I am to have layers to fight the cold. How lucky I am that my children in Bangladesh have warm sweaters.

But I also remember what so many others in Bangladesh do not have. I remember seeing 100's of people lined up for miles outside BanglaHope--just to get a blanket. They would quickly wrap their frail bodies in these thin blankets. It was so cold--I'm ashamed to say I had three of these blankets on my bed. The thought still hurts. I remember seeing that bitter cold they felt. The cold that their paper thin skin could just not keep out.

I wake up this morning and see the stuff I have--the warmth I took for granted. The clutter of things I do not use. It makes that familiar feeling of guilt, disgust, and shame slam into my heart. I have felt this feeling so often, in bangladesh, back home--I have SO much--

Walla Walla University Week of Worship is this week. I have been challenged to fast for 40 days. I have prayed and thought--thought and prayed and I have decided to go on a no more stuff for me fast. This means no more buying extra things for me--clothes, knickknacks, art stuff, make-up, jewelry, whatever else I don't need. No more buying into stress, worry, anger, dislike. Just simply being me. Being just me. No more filling my life with things I don't need--but instead hopefully learning to be happy with what I have, who God has made me, and open to what he wants me to become.

I also hope to de-clutter. I have this picture in my mind of outfitting a someone who actually needs--with the best I have. Letting her pick her favorite thing from my closet--and then saying have it--not looking at prices--not just giving things I don't like--but giving someone what they love. This might be a lofty thought--It might be hard to do when I see my favorite dress being picked--but then I think--my mom has always said the best gift you can give is one that you would want to keep for yourself.

I want to learn more about being less.

The Sartorialist

I miss my Girlies...Where have you guys been all week?

I hope to see so much more of you this next week. I love you so much.

xoxo

I want more.

I want more Jesus.

I want the lump in your throat, butterflies, breath deeper, uninhibited joy that only my God can give.

My cup is full--but not hot.

My cup is intact but seems to have hairline fractures--I cant really see them but I know they are there. I don't know why--maybe just due to age--or shoddy car.

My cup is "you could drink out of it clean"--but could use a good scrubbin' with some suds of contentment and direction.

My cup is wanting to be part of a glorious tea-party--to be sat down with and cradled in loving, all creating hands. To be filled over and over again with the perfect brew--around a table of laughter, joy and unconditional love.

Just like at every tea party it take time--but I am ready for the clock to start turning and excited to bask in the hands of the tea master.

mmm mmm good!

I am currently planning a trip back to Bangladesh for this coming September. I am about to burst. I am oh so so excited. I cannot wait to hug the little beauties, soak up their smiles and dance the days away with my Bengali family.

My grammie is coming with me. awwww I just cannot wait to throw on my celor kamis, jump in the back of that old banged up pick-up truck and bounce the 8 hours down the dirt road back to bliss!

September you cannot come fast enough!

But today i will force myself to enjoy the little things in life and savor all that I am blessed with here--for I am abundently blessed.

Stan Walker - Choose you (lyrics)

Love this.

Wishing you all a lovely New Year. Here is something I received in a forward from my Dadeo--Something to ponder: Something To Think About Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest:Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400.00 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has rules, just as any game has certain rules. The first set of rules would be: Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you. You may not simply transfer money into some other account. You may only spend it. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400.00 for that day. The second set of rules:The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, It's over, the game is over ! It can close the account and you will not receive a new one. What would you personally do? You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself, but for all people you love, right? Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself, right? You would try to spend every cent, and use it all, right? ACTUALLY This GAME is REALITY! Each of us is in possession of such a magical bank. We just can't seem to see it. The MAGICAL BANK is TIME! Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life, and when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us. What we haven't lived up that day is forever lost.Yesterday is forever gone. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time...WITHOUT WARNING. SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds? Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars.Think about that, and always think of this: Enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think. So take care of yourself, beHappy, LoveDeeply and enjoy life! Here's wishing y'all a wonderfully beautiful day. Start spending.. .