Dealing with Disappointment 

This gallery contains 15 photos.

We’ve all been there:  the deal didn’t come through, the plans had to be cancelled, you didn’t get the job, the relationship ended – hopes and dreams can turn to disappointment and doubt quickly. Things just didn’t turn out the way … Continue reading

Blog Tag!

My sweet friend, Cara (former neighbor in Atlanta), tagged me in a little blogger game. And because I’m “it” you get to find out 11 fun facts about me 🙂

The Rules:
1. You must post these rules.
2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.

The Questions:
1. If you could have someone do one chore for you for the rest of your life,
what chore would it be?
Washing clothes, dishes, or windows. Hate each and every one of those.

2. Which song do you always sing at-the-top-of-your-lungs-super-loud-yelling style in your car?
Any power ballad or Beatles song. Most likely, something I’ve recently heard on Glee.

Sing seems to do the job.

But other past contenders have been Unwritten

Don’t Stop Believing

and, of course, Defying Gravity.

3. Publix or Kroger?
Publix all the way.

4. What instrument do you wish you could play?
Guitar. I can only barely play piano after years of lessons 100 years ago.

5. What did you eat for breakfast?
…nothing… I should probably get on that.

I’m a local at a little coffee shop around the corner. The guy that owns it with his wife is from Cambodia and he’s always smiling. He begins to make my usual caramel latte and hot buttered croissant when he sees me walk through the door and he gives me half off because I come in most days. It is so nice the simple joy of being a local and having your usual favorite every-day order ready (and 50% off!).

6. If you had to buy your clothes from one store for the rest of your life,
what store would you choose?
Banana Republic (I’m such a prep.)

7. What is one quirky thing you do that others may find strange?
I bite my nails. Grant hates it!

8. What TV show is your guilt pleasure?
So many…. Dawson’s Creek, Felicity, My So-Called Life… are we sensing a late-90s trend… anyone…? Bueller?

9. What is your favorite season of the year?
Autumn. All the colors, the turning leaves, and the fashion: layers, sweaters, boots, scarves… need I go on?!

10. When was the last time you felt homesick?
All the time–are you kidding? London is a fun place to visit, but it’s a difficult place to live. I miss the slow Southern drawl, smiles, charm, and kindness, the sense of community and unapologetic evangelism of the South. I miss the warmth of the weather and even more so the people. Lord, take me home!

11. If you could be best-friends with a celebrity, who would he/she be?
Jennifer Aniston. We’re practically besties already.

TAG YOU’RE IT!
Stephanie @ All Dressed Up in Dreams
Jordan @ The Guerra Gang
Mandy @ Keeping Up with the Kimseys
Sal @ Baby Bukes
Jessica @ Jacob and Jessica

And here are your 11 Questions:
1. What’s your favorite Christmas/ Birthday gift or story (good or bad)?
2. What’s your favorite memory from college?
3. What’s your favorite place you’ve been?
4. What’s the next place you’d like to visit?
5. Lake, beach, mountains, or dessert?
6. What’s your favorite cuisine/ meal?
7. Would you rather be on Survivor, American Idol, or Jersey Shore (they’re about all the same to me)?
8. Would you rather head up a flash mob dance party or sing along?
9. What’s your favorite childhood movie? (You know I love me some Disney!)
10. What’s the best thing you’ve learned from your mother?
11. What’s your favorite pic (please post and add a caption)?

5 Minute Friday: Grateful

From The Gypsy Mama Blog
For only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Unscripted and unedited. We just writewithout worrying if it’s just right or not.

    1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
    2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
    3. Most importantly: leave a comment for the person who linked up before you – encouraging them in their writing!

Grateful
I am grateful for many tangible things on this earth. I have the best husband in the world, the sweetest most supportive family, and the kindest and steadfast friends a girl could hope for. Hugging their necks, holding their hands, sharing life over dinner, or grabbing a coffee together—these are the real ways I can love on these tangible people.
But I am grateful for intangibles, too. I am grateful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Godhead three-in-one, and the fellowship of believers.
I am also eternally grateful for music.
Where would I be without it? Very few things can change my mood as quickly and effectively as a song. Very few things can express the thoughts or yearnings of my heart the way a song can. Words can be so limiting—but words and melody can come together to compensate for the burden I sometimes feel stirring in my soul. 
Music is my muse. Music is my inspiration. Music makes ordinary things seem extraordinary—riding to school on the tube, doing the dishes, dinner with my sweetheart. Music can represent the best and worst of things simultaneously and still be beautiful. 

Music appeals to the dancer in me—the dancer that will exist long after the days of dancing, when I am stooped and arthritic. 
Music brings color to my world when circumstance threatens to bleed it dry, leaving only shades of gray.

                                 .
Music is incredible—its depth and its intricacies—and for it, I am grateful. 

Masquerade Pics

I’m a little bit over facebook right now, so I’m posting stuff on here, 
rather that setting up new albums there. Enjoy!
Alex, Martin, and Shara
Dancing Divas 
{friends from church} 
Alex, Martin, Shara, and me 
{my mask was a big hit, but it looks ridiculous in most of these pics. Oh well.}
Alex, Martin, Shara
Dance floor 
{upstairs}
GG, GG’s friend, Charlie, and Me
{GG’s mask had feathers!!}
Katie and Me
{love}
Our table
{downstairs}
Shara and Me
{two americans in london. love her!}