Lana del Rey - Video Games

I just heard this song for the first time this morning.  Wow.  From what I've read, there is much debate on if you should or should not like her (per the hipster threads).  But it's undeniable what a magnificent singer/artist Elizabeth Grant aka Lana del Rey is in her own right.  I just hope that she comes to realize that she is beautiful without the need for all that plastic surgery/collagen injection mess.

Here's the song that has set the fire ablaze.  She brings alternative music back to the days of Fiona Apple's debut......she's a mix of Fiona + Tori Amos + the lead singer of the old Christian-alt band Hoi Polloi.  Love love love.

Extra Books find a new home over the Fireplace

So many books and so little space.  I took time during my vacay days to reorganize some books and photo frames to fit above the fireplace.  It's an empty space that Jason hasn't been sure what to do with.  And by combining our books, we've run out of bookshelf space.  So here's my solution.  Still need pics for a few frames (other photo frames will be disbursed amongst the house) and specifically used two to cover up eyesores of outlets or wall smudges from the previous homeowner.

Before a fresh coat of paint.....

After a fresh coat of paint.  I used leftover white ceiling paint I had from repainting the laundry room.

The finished product.  Now I just need to cover up that ghastly black cord on the mantle from the surround sound speakers.

Children, Writing, Poetry, and Art books. 

A Pear and some Crust

I had one pear and one half a pack of Pillsbury pie crust.  What is a girl to do?  I found this recipe online and it turned out great.  I substituted with what I had on hand: halved the recipe, pear, whole wheat flour, and made glaze with water instead of apple juice.

It turned out great!  So easy and cheap.  A great dessert for the winter months!

http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/easy-apple-foldovers-with-apple-glaze/cafa209d-6ef0-4de8-b228-1636ac7e15fe/

Mockingbird Conference

Here is a link to audio recordings of the conference I attended this past weekend.  Good stuff.

http://www.mbird.com/2011/11/birmingham-conference-recordings-grace-rest-and-the-end-of-scorekeeping

Operation Keep Swimming

My current existence is filled with boxes, tape, and less furniture.  Moving to Jason's home by the end of May to start the road to engagement/marriage.  He'll stay with his family most of the time for moral reasons.  Gottah get the past behind me, warm up these 'cold-feet' of mine, and move forward with my best-friend (Jason) by my side.  Moved the majority of my furniture while we were also moving furniture Jason and I were donating to a family member who lost their home due to the Tornadoes last week.  My apartment now sits with only a coffee table, small tv, chair, and bed.  I have two closets of stuff and knick-knacks still to pack.  Sitting here on the floor using my computer since there is no desk or table anymore.  It's kind of freeing to be without major furniture for a while.  Keeps things simple while I finish up my packing.

It hit me today that I'm really doing this......I'm really moving to Jason's to jump feet first into things that I fear (for one reason, or another).  But that is my life.  I fear many things but only realize it was all in my head after I force myself to take a leap of faith.  God has given me a peace about this "Move In and Move Forward" as my brother called it.  So I guess that is the main thing that matters........God will get me through it like he always tells me He will.  Or as Jason tells me when I get worried about the future and all that it brings......Just Keep Swimming.

Sal and His Donate-able Adventures

My little Honda Civic, named Sal (Sal Paradise), was beaming on it's drive home tonight.  The trunk and backseat filled to the brim with donated goods from hashers at tonight's VH3 running.  It's been such an honor this week to be the 'donate wagon' carrying things from co-workers and running buddies to places that can get it to people in need.

This past week has been a tough one.  Even those who weren't directly effected by the 4/27/11 tornadoes can feel the weight of it's destruction.  I'm overjoyed almost to tears hearing, reading, and seeing the people of Alabama in action taking care of 'their own'.  What an amazing thing to see people set aside their egos and lives for the care of others.  "There's hope in this world,"...........that's what Sal would say......."don't give up on the people".

An Easter Surprise

This morning I went to church to do my normal church bulletin stuffing.  After parking my car, I noticed two birds perched on the car next to me.  They fluttered about a bit.  As I got out of my car they flew away from the neighboring car and over to some parking lot posts (think plastic delineator posts for directing traffic through the parking lot).  Well, the posts they fluttered over to were ones I would be walking by on my way to the church building.  As I got close I noticed something interesting.  The birds were not sparrows, as I previously thought, but were a male and female Eastern Bluebird.  How peculiar to see on Easter morning!  The female bluebird got startled and flew off as I approached but the male sat there for a bit letting me get within 3 feet before following his mate.

Bluebirds symbolize happiness, love and renewed hope.  Renewed hope and a renewed relationship with Christ was something I prayed for at church on Friday night.  So it was pretty nifty to have a little visit from Mr. Bluebird to remind me "that all is new" on this Easter morning.

Happy Easter!  May you have a fun-filled day with your family & friends.  Get outside and enjoy this amazing day.  And never forget that God loves you and never gives up on you however distant you may feel from His love.

C

Natural Saints

Awesome story.  Over the past two years, I have been making attempts to honor God's creation by recycling and purchasing more organic foods and household products.  Being eco-friendly is not just about being left-wing......as a Christian it's a way in which we can honor God and his grand masterpiece which is the earth.


http://blog.al.com/living-press-register/2011/02/faith_in_nature_mallory_mcduff.html