The Many Expressions of Charley




The other night I snapped some photos of Charley because she was sleepy and 
would let me do whatever when typically it's her way or the highway!
Charley is known as the diva in this house because she is really feisty and 
well, a diva. No other way to describe her. But lately she gives us these faces 
that basically say, "Guys. I am SO unamused." It's gotten worse since she 
was groomed. 

But anyways, I hope you appreciate these model shots of Charles Francis. 
(and yes, she's a girl.)

A Little Hello

Photo: Tumblr

Hello! (: 
Unfortunately, I did not take any photos from my Thanksgiving away from home. This
was the first major holiday I celebrated away from my family and California (except
for Easter. Does that count?) I'm not going to lie and say it was easy but it definitely
wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I'm truly grateful for good friends and 
extended family that was here to help fill the void a little bit.

All I can think about right now is going home! I have about 5-6 tests standing in my 
way and then I am off to California and then Hawaii and then ITALIA! (I know
I am way spoiled and incredibly blessed. I tell myself everyday.)
I still can't believe I will have two other dear friends in Italia while I am there.
It feels like God truly wants me there at this time and is helping me out 
along the way. I finally sent off my visa application and after one minor complication
all I have to do now is wait! 

Sorry this post doesn't have much substance to it but this is where my mind is right now.
It's jumbled and filled to the brim! I hope your Thanksgiving went well
and many thanks were given. I know I have a LOT to be thankful for!

I'll try to plan out posts from now on. We'll see how that goes...

Lincoln

(Photo: Tumblr)

This weekend I finally went and saw Lincoln. Guys. If you 
haven't seen this spectacular movie yet, you must!
Even though I knew the outcome of the movie, I was
still on the edge of my seat, biting my nails.
Daniel Day Lewis is Abraham Lincoln and every other
actor was truly immersed in their historical role.

But something I caught at the very end of the movie was
Lincoln's second inaugural address. The conclusion is
shown below. I realized as Daniel Day Lewis spoke
those beautiful words that they eerily apply to today.
Every word fits like a historic puzzle piece into these
tumultuous times we are encountering now and possibly
in the future. These are encouraging words, inspiring words,
words that pick up a nation once and could do so again.

"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

Things I'm Loving...

What I'm Loving Recently...

 Dressing up really patriotic for Veterans Day. All I have to say,
'MURICA!'

 Pretty skies like this one from a week ago. God was totally showing off.
 Getting in the holiday spirit. I love writing on our chalkboard frame.

 Homemade chai tea lattes. Nothing better.
Photo: Tumblr

I used to watch this show during season 1, took a break, and am now catching up on season 3 so I can understand season 4. 
So good!

What are you loving??

Warm Feelings Up in Here


“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” 
― Edith Sitwell

Currently I'm listening to "Marshmallow World" (possibly the greatest Christmas
song ever written? yes.) and day dreaming about white snow on the ground, the
stillness as it falls, and twinkly lights everywhere you look. 

This is my favorite time of the year. I love the childlike wonder involved
and the feeling that once again, anything is possible. I absolutely
refuse to ever grow up during Christmas time. I think this is how 
Scrooge became the kind of man he grew up to be. 

I am so excited to go home in less than a month (!!!!!), be finished
with this semester, and head off on the greatest adventure of my life
thus far. 

What's your favorite part about the holiday season??

Photos: Tumblr

Celebrating Early


So this happened.

My roommate and I decorated for Christmas a little bit. I am one to believe
that Thanksgiving and Christmas can coexist and so that's why
we didn't take down our pumpkins, we just added a Christmas tree 
(or two) to the mix. A lot of this had to do with the fact that Arizona had 
it's first cold spell this weekend and I grasped on to that and ran with it.

But because Arizona is out to get me (I kid), the weather should be back
up to the 80's by Wednesday. Yaaaaaay...

Anyways, here is our roommate Christmas card 2k12 starring
the one and only diva dog, Charley. (Who is so unamused
with this position we put her in.)

Things This Fall Have Taught Me


HAPPY FRIDAY!

Without a doubt, God has a plan. And it's perfect. 

Sometimes the hardest moments are the ones you look back on and realize
they were also the largest growing moments. 

But sometimes they are just hard and miserable.

Your mom can heal any wounds and pick you up off the 
ground when you've (almost) thrown your hands up and said,
"I give up!"

Your dad can give you the greatest words of wisdom and the best
pick me ups without even saying the words.

Your sisters can put you in your place and remind you that your 
problems are not that bad.

Sophomore year is difficult.

And lastly, sometimes you can't have it all and other times it sure
feels like you do. 

A Quote For Tuesday

It’s much easier to not know things sometimes. Things change and friends leave. And life doesn’t stop for anybody. I wanted to laugh. Or maybe get mad. Or maybe shrug at how strange everybody was, especially me. I think the idea is that every person has to live for his or her own life and than make the choice to share it with other people. You can’t just sit their and put everybody’s lives ahead of yours and think that counts as love. You just can’t. You have to do things. I’m going to do what I want to do. I’m going to be who I really am. And I’m going to figure out what that is. And we could all sit around and wonder and feel bad about each other and blame a lot of people for what they did or didn’t do or what they didn’t know. I don’t know. I guess there could always be someone to blame. It’s just different. Maybe it’s good to put things in perspective, but sometimes, I think that the only perspective is to really be there. Because it’s okay to feel things. I was really there. And that was enough to make me feel infinite. I feel infinite." -Stephen Chbosky
Happy Election Day!!!!

A Beach Getaway

On Thursday and Friday I ditched this 80 + degree weather....

For the beach with my mom and sistor. 
 Needless to say, it was a fantastic two day getaway. We were 
visiting Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego for my
sister and the campus was right on the ocean. Let me repeat that,
RIGHT on the ocean. Basically, it was really hard to get back on 
the plan heading to the desert. 
Being with my mom and sister really did my heart some good
and these next few weeks till I get to go home are so jam
packed that I'm thinking they'll go by really quickly. 

Also, all these studying abroad meetings and visa appointments
coming up are really daunting and I can't believe all of this is
really happening! Ah!


And lastly, Charley does this adorable thing where she hugs your leg and then
continues to eat your leg. Does anyone have any good puppy recommendations
to stop the biting! It's like Twilight up in here! :)

(Oh yeah, you knew I got a puppy right? Well she's mostly my roommates
puppy but I have equal responsibility haha)