Artsy Fartsy Type of Day

First of all, I saw Laura's at Meet Virginia tutorial on how to make a Father's Day card and decided I definitely needed to try. It was really fun to pick out the paper at Michael's and I love the map tie on the shirt. Overall, I am really glad I chose to make this for Father's Day.

See the end product:

Then, because I have seen these tissue paper flowers in places like Anthropologie and such, I decided if I'm already in this artsy mood, why not try one more thing? So while I was at Michael's, I picked up an assortment of tissue paper and some wire string and had fun with it! (With help from Martha Stewart's website of course.)

And wa-la! See the end product:

It was a fun and productive day!

Hot Summer Days

I am usually always thinking one step ahead. I am constantly anticipating what's around the corner.

Many would say it's not the best way to live since you're constantly reminding yourself to return to the present, but for me, it's normal.

Yet lately, I have taken a step back from the over-thinking and anticipation and allowed myself to breathe. And needless to say, it has been nice.

I've realized I can't think too much about what will happen in August when I'm on my own for the first time. So instead, I lay outside on our new outdoor furniture and fill my mind with stories and read books as much as one should consume water. I look around me at the rose bushes surrounding my chair and the birds singing and I'm perfectly content right in that moment.

Not thinking about what's looming around the corner.

Books are Magical

Books are magical. There are truly no other words to describe them.

I was just reminded of their sheer power and ability to take over one's mind and consume their every thought. I just finished reading My Name is Memory and could not put it down for 3 hours straight. That is when you know a book has captured your soul and taken it hostage.

Yet that kind of hostage is nothing I will ever complain about. Actually, I'll have books take me hostage every day of the week. It is a wonderful occurrence when you find a book that captures your spirit. It is something I wish happened more often to me.

For now, I will be content knowing I found a treasure and will be on the lookout for another piece for the collection.

Picture

Summer Nights

Lately I've been obsessed with this bridge. But who can blame me? It's beautiful.

The river was pristine last night, with the sun setting and my friends all around me, it was perfect.

We attempted to make a fire in our fire pit after we left the river but that failed. But then we just put some smores in the toaster oven and they came out perfectly. All about thinking outside the box I guess.

Now I'm off to the lake and to see some friends I've known my entire life.

I'd say life is good. :)

A Perfect Summer Day

A few days ago, I decided it was about time I took my new beach cruiser out for a spin, and so my mom and I rode our bikes to our historic district. It was the perfect day because it involved some exercise, some mommy & daughter time, some shopping, and later I met up with some friends for Taco Tuesday. It was jammed packed and just how I like it.

Now my mom is telling me and I need to start packing up my things early. I think she has caught on to my denial about me leaving in a month and a half. She's on to me...

Have a terrific Thursday!

Song of the Day:

Every Tear is a Waterfall- Coldplay

TOMS next chapter

This morning I went to the unveiling of the TOMS next chapter to discover they are now selling sunglasses!

One pair of sunglasses=sight for one person. Currently they are working with an organization called Seva to provide this service in countries like Nepal, Cambodia, and Tibet. It is an amazing thing what TOMS is doing and I'm so happy to be a major supporter.

If you don't own a pair, well go out and get a pair. :) They are incredibly comfortable and you're giving a child in need a new pair of shoes; perhaps their first pair of shoes. That's definitely something to smile about.

New books=happiness

For me, summer equals quality reading time. During the school year, my time is consumed with reading books that are required or homework. So for the summer, I like to make a nice stack of books to read and enjoy. Since my Nook was in the shop (don't get me started, this is why I don't trust technology) I decided to head to Target to pick up some books. I ended up caving and buying The Happiness Project and also The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors.

I'm so excited to finally just read!

Do you have any good books to recommend?

A Quote a Day :)

"Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure you don't get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss your life. "

"Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life."

"They came to sit & dangle their feet off the edge of the world & after awhile they forgot everything but the good & true things they would do someday. "

-Brian Andreas

Scenes from Truckee

We went up to Truckee expecting some colder weather but nothing that involved snow. But what really happened was that a lot of snow came to visit us. I didn't mind though. The snow was truly beautiful. There is something about the way snow falls that gets me every time. It's so unlike rain with its harsh drops and loud pounding. Snow is graceful and eerily quiet. Like the difference between a yell and a whisper.

Truckee was what I needed to appreciate all the friends I have accumulated throughout my four years. I am grateful for each and every personality and sad I won't be seeing these same, safe faces come August.

But that's what this college experience is all about; branching out and becoming something new. Well, maybe not someone new, since I don't really want to become a new person, just someone improved and who better fits into their body. Because all we ever want is to become a better person each and every day right?

Song of the Day:

Pumped Up Kicks- Foster the People