1. Free dresser from a friend (now I can get the bedroom organized!)
2. Friends who want to watch movies (and love animated ones like I do)
3. Library books (and trips to the library)
4. Shortened work schedule
5. Tiny toads and frogs hopping madly to escape my meanderings around campus
6. Fresh blackberries
7. Honeysuckle-in-the-breeze
8. Humongous gift card to Hobby Lobby
9. Free tickets to see The Music Man in Greenville
10. Rain
I'm so grateful for the opportunities and the themes of my life right now. I'm learning about God's tenderness to women (especially in the Old Testament), how to be a better writer and painter, how to schedule my time wisely, and I'm getting to spend time with old friends (through snail-mail) and new friends (who live close by!). I've been given so many opportunities this year -- some I've had to turn down, but several that I've been able to take and they have been amazing.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
A Post in Three Parts
Let's start with the dreams I've had the last few days and then move on to the beach.
Dream No. 1 (Night before last)
Le husband and I were shopping at Bi-Lo (the one we regularly shop in) and when we exited and headed toward the van, I could see someone had set up a yard sale next to our van. (Which is illegal -- you can't sell things w/out permission in a store's parking lot) They then *broke into our van* and set up the store in the van. I started getting angry. I knew police would be here any minute and WE would get blamed for selling stuff. I wanted to run at the people and give them what-for but hubby held me back until he saw police coming and the let go of me.
I raced toward the van. The people scattered and I jumped into the van, incensed. I threw things out one at a time, relishing the crash and splatter of things careening out the window. I emptied it out and then told the policemen what had happened.
I may or may not have slugged some of the culprits.
Dream No. 2 (this morning)
I was at the hospital with my friend who was having her first baby (in real life, she's already had her first, but this was going back in time to when she was still pregnant with baby no. 1) and she was having contractions 10 minutes apart. Her husband wasn't there yet and her family were on the way but I was there until they all arrived. However, we were both supposed to be in a production of Arsenic and Old Lace (the hospital was built over a school) and when we didn't show up for Dress Rehearsal, the Dean from Community (who was directing) came and lectured us.
"SHE'S HAVING A BABY," I pointed out. "I am NOT leaving her alone!" So we argued back and forth for a while and the Dean finally said he was kicking us out of the play while I argued that we could just use a script to run over lines until the actual birth. He said we couldn't even have a script and if we managed to get one, there would be trouble.
So, he left and I sneaked down after him to the rehearsal. Everything was getting set up and I pretending to ask a friend's daughter a pertinent question but she knew what I was looking for and directed her eyes to her backpack and I knew she had a script in there.
When the Dean was out of sight (I thought) I leaned down and grabbed what I could of the script (about half of it) and sprinted out of the room. I was wearing heels. And I could hear someone behind me.
And there wasn't an elevator. My friend was on the 4th floor. I pounded up the stairs and recognized my feet were making a sound pattern that sounded like the beginnings of a rock song. I wound up on the wrong side of the hall and peeked into a room where my cousin was having her 2nd baby (in real life she hasn't even had her first). The baby looked exactly like my cousin's mother, down to the blonde hairdresser hair and big blue eyes. I stopped for a minute to say hello and then dashed to the end of the hall where my friend was getting in a wheelchair. It was time.
But it WASN'T -- because it was THE DEAN catching me with a script in my hands.
And then I realized my friend had already gone into labor and had the baby, but luckily her family was still there so we ended up going to dress rehearsal anyway.
------------------------------
On Friday afternoon, I tidied up the office and Stu and I ran to check the mail and pick up a few last things before meeting up with the rest of our vacation people. Still no book, but I did grab my phone (which I didn't need all weekend, but you never know). We met up right on time and lugged our bags (2 suitcases, 2 personal bags and a food bag...for 2 nights. Seriously) to the SUV and threw them in (carefully). We arranged ourselves (I got to sit in the back with the luggage -- very cozy, I loved it) and then went back to the driver's house to pick up the last two people.
On the way there, I took some pictures (posting later) and we listened to Mitch Hedburg. The last part of the trip we belted out our version of Bohemian Rhapsody (alongside Queen).
We arrived around 11 that night -- Pawley's Island, S.C. A couple at church had offered to let us stay Friday/Saturday night. The house was huge -- three stories, one of which was the under-the-house game room/patio with shuttered showers.
Of course we prowled around looking at everything -- 5 bedrooms, all with beautiful views of the canal (our side) and the houses right on the beach. We were one street away from salt water. Glorious.
The house was decorated with all that silly beach stuff (with Christianese flair) but the rest of it was gorgeous -- light colored wood all around, comfy, light furniture and windows everywhere. It conveyed a sense of peaceful, light air.
We took a walk on the beach and were amazed at all the stars (and planets!) we could see. The lights were out on the beach so as not to confuse the sea turtles. (Sadly we only glimpsed crabs)
The next day some friends came down to play for the day and we spent all morning at the beach. I came home for lunch and decided to catch up on correspondence and spend some time reading, and then at 3:00 we went geo-caching (mine and husband's first time!). We came home and everybody helped make a bountiful feast -- grilled chicken, beer biscuits, asparagus, sauteed vegetables, sausage balls, and potato salad. With fudge swirl ice cream for dessert. I went upstairs to groan and moan while my tummy made sense of the madness and watched some Conan (with Alison Brie from Community).
Then most of our friends said goodbye and headed home. There were six of us left (3 couples) and we were so tired we went to bed. Most of us had gotten pretty burned (even though we put on sun screen - YES, EVEN ME. Hubster put it on me because he is le sweetest) so we looked more like lobster than anything.
Yesterday we tidied up, packed, and looked longingly at the beach, but we had to leave at noon so when we were all done, we lugged our suitcases down the stairs, snapped a few pictures, and headed off to Charleston since our drivers had never been there.
We strolled through the market and the surrounding shops, including a spices shop (fascinating and wonderfully aromatic), a dessert shop (Hubby and I split a monster piece of chocolate cake), a hat shop (hubby longingly tried on some fedoras -- I really need to purchase one for him) and Black Market Minerals. We saw some great art (and some...interesting art) but our favorite was getting back in the car and driving all around the beautiful houses and gardens. I snapped several pictures, including some of the water at The Battery. (I will post these too)
We stopped for dinner and then headed home, listening to some soul, jazz and soundtracks (Moulin Rouge!).
I did spend some time exercising (running on the beach for a little while, playing in the waves, body-surfing, walking), I wrote 4 letters (didn't have enough stamps to send off more) and sent them from the beach, and I spent some time reading Harry Potter and a great book about writing (took lots of notes). I thought a lot about my newest story idea and did some work on the plot. I might have something there.
So, in essence, I did everything on my list, just not the way I expected. I also got to play in the water (most importantly) and see le hubster experience new things (one of my favorites): he saw stars reflected on the water for the first time, he (and I) went geo-caching for the first time, and he tried cilantro-lime rice (liked it!).
A really, really relaxing weekend, which is just what the doctor ordered. We got home late last night and I tried to read but kept crashing. I didn't sleep well though so I guess it's back to the melatonin for me.
I tried to be a writer on the beach as well, which was interesting. I couldn't find the right words for how the sun lights up the salt water, as if the water is sparkling. (But is sparkling the right word? Shimmer didn't fit, nor did glitter) The top layer of sand felt like fine, dry breadcrumbs, but deeper down where it was cool it felt like fine, dry snow. The sea rushed toward me to embrace me while the sand held me up and the sun caressed my face. The wind took my face and pointed me toward the sun while the waves pushed me and lifted me up and brought me toward the shore.
It never looks the way it feels. I don't know how a writer can properly convey the sense of wildness or happiness I feel when I am near the ocean. But I'll keep trying. It's a fascinating exercise.
How would you describe being on the beach?
Dream No. 1 (Night before last)
Le husband and I were shopping at Bi-Lo (the one we regularly shop in) and when we exited and headed toward the van, I could see someone had set up a yard sale next to our van. (Which is illegal -- you can't sell things w/out permission in a store's parking lot) They then *broke into our van* and set up the store in the van. I started getting angry. I knew police would be here any minute and WE would get blamed for selling stuff. I wanted to run at the people and give them what-for but hubby held me back until he saw police coming and the let go of me.
I raced toward the van. The people scattered and I jumped into the van, incensed. I threw things out one at a time, relishing the crash and splatter of things careening out the window. I emptied it out and then told the policemen what had happened.
I may or may not have slugged some of the culprits.
Dream No. 2 (this morning)
I was at the hospital with my friend who was having her first baby (in real life, she's already had her first, but this was going back in time to when she was still pregnant with baby no. 1) and she was having contractions 10 minutes apart. Her husband wasn't there yet and her family were on the way but I was there until they all arrived. However, we were both supposed to be in a production of Arsenic and Old Lace (the hospital was built over a school) and when we didn't show up for Dress Rehearsal, the Dean from Community (who was directing) came and lectured us.
"SHE'S HAVING A BABY," I pointed out. "I am NOT leaving her alone!" So we argued back and forth for a while and the Dean finally said he was kicking us out of the play while I argued that we could just use a script to run over lines until the actual birth. He said we couldn't even have a script and if we managed to get one, there would be trouble.
So, he left and I sneaked down after him to the rehearsal. Everything was getting set up and I pretending to ask a friend's daughter a pertinent question but she knew what I was looking for and directed her eyes to her backpack and I knew she had a script in there.
When the Dean was out of sight (I thought) I leaned down and grabbed what I could of the script (about half of it) and sprinted out of the room. I was wearing heels. And I could hear someone behind me.
And there wasn't an elevator. My friend was on the 4th floor. I pounded up the stairs and recognized my feet were making a sound pattern that sounded like the beginnings of a rock song. I wound up on the wrong side of the hall and peeked into a room where my cousin was having her 2nd baby (in real life she hasn't even had her first). The baby looked exactly like my cousin's mother, down to the blonde hairdresser hair and big blue eyes. I stopped for a minute to say hello and then dashed to the end of the hall where my friend was getting in a wheelchair. It was time.
But it WASN'T -- because it was THE DEAN catching me with a script in my hands.
And then I realized my friend had already gone into labor and had the baby, but luckily her family was still there so we ended up going to dress rehearsal anyway.
------------------------------
On Friday afternoon, I tidied up the office and Stu and I ran to check the mail and pick up a few last things before meeting up with the rest of our vacation people. Still no book, but I did grab my phone (which I didn't need all weekend, but you never know). We met up right on time and lugged our bags (2 suitcases, 2 personal bags and a food bag...for 2 nights. Seriously) to the SUV and threw them in (carefully). We arranged ourselves (I got to sit in the back with the luggage -- very cozy, I loved it) and then went back to the driver's house to pick up the last two people.
On the way there, I took some pictures (posting later) and we listened to Mitch Hedburg. The last part of the trip we belted out our version of Bohemian Rhapsody (alongside Queen).
We arrived around 11 that night -- Pawley's Island, S.C. A couple at church had offered to let us stay Friday/Saturday night. The house was huge -- three stories, one of which was the under-the-house game room/patio with shuttered showers.
Of course we prowled around looking at everything -- 5 bedrooms, all with beautiful views of the canal (our side) and the houses right on the beach. We were one street away from salt water. Glorious.
The house was decorated with all that silly beach stuff (with Christianese flair) but the rest of it was gorgeous -- light colored wood all around, comfy, light furniture and windows everywhere. It conveyed a sense of peaceful, light air.
We took a walk on the beach and were amazed at all the stars (and planets!) we could see. The lights were out on the beach so as not to confuse the sea turtles. (Sadly we only glimpsed crabs)
The next day some friends came down to play for the day and we spent all morning at the beach. I came home for lunch and decided to catch up on correspondence and spend some time reading, and then at 3:00 we went geo-caching (mine and husband's first time!). We came home and everybody helped make a bountiful feast -- grilled chicken, beer biscuits, asparagus, sauteed vegetables, sausage balls, and potato salad. With fudge swirl ice cream for dessert. I went upstairs to groan and moan while my tummy made sense of the madness and watched some Conan (with Alison Brie from Community).
Then most of our friends said goodbye and headed home. There were six of us left (3 couples) and we were so tired we went to bed. Most of us had gotten pretty burned (even though we put on sun screen - YES, EVEN ME. Hubster put it on me because he is le sweetest) so we looked more like lobster than anything.
Yesterday we tidied up, packed, and looked longingly at the beach, but we had to leave at noon so when we were all done, we lugged our suitcases down the stairs, snapped a few pictures, and headed off to Charleston since our drivers had never been there.
We strolled through the market and the surrounding shops, including a spices shop (fascinating and wonderfully aromatic), a dessert shop (Hubby and I split a monster piece of chocolate cake), a hat shop (hubby longingly tried on some fedoras -- I really need to purchase one for him) and Black Market Minerals. We saw some great art (and some...interesting art) but our favorite was getting back in the car and driving all around the beautiful houses and gardens. I snapped several pictures, including some of the water at The Battery. (I will post these too)
We stopped for dinner and then headed home, listening to some soul, jazz and soundtracks (Moulin Rouge!).
I did spend some time exercising (running on the beach for a little while, playing in the waves, body-surfing, walking), I wrote 4 letters (didn't have enough stamps to send off more) and sent them from the beach, and I spent some time reading Harry Potter and a great book about writing (took lots of notes). I thought a lot about my newest story idea and did some work on the plot. I might have something there.
So, in essence, I did everything on my list, just not the way I expected. I also got to play in the water (most importantly) and see le hubster experience new things (one of my favorites): he saw stars reflected on the water for the first time, he (and I) went geo-caching for the first time, and he tried cilantro-lime rice (liked it!).
A really, really relaxing weekend, which is just what the doctor ordered. We got home late last night and I tried to read but kept crashing. I didn't sleep well though so I guess it's back to the melatonin for me.
I tried to be a writer on the beach as well, which was interesting. I couldn't find the right words for how the sun lights up the salt water, as if the water is sparkling. (But is sparkling the right word? Shimmer didn't fit, nor did glitter) The top layer of sand felt like fine, dry breadcrumbs, but deeper down where it was cool it felt like fine, dry snow. The sea rushed toward me to embrace me while the sand held me up and the sun caressed my face. The wind took my face and pointed me toward the sun while the waves pushed me and lifted me up and brought me toward the shore.
It never looks the way it feels. I don't know how a writer can properly convey the sense of wildness or happiness I feel when I am near the ocean. But I'll keep trying. It's a fascinating exercise.
How would you describe being on the beach?
Friday, May 25, 2012
THE WEEKEND IS FINALLY HERE!
I am going to the beach this weekend! I haven't been in a long time (about...2 years?) so I am looking forward to the wind in my hair, the salt spray, and the option to do absolutely NOTHING.
However, I do have a short list of things I want to accomplish this weekend:
1. Reply to all the letters people wrote me in MARCH that I didn't reply to because I was in rehearsals
2. Finish reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (and taking notes on Hufflepuff in this particular story)
3. Exercise each morning by running on the beach (2x this weekend)
4. Work on my next novel idea (I did some world-building yesterday but need to work on plot)
That's basically it. Anything else (more reading, drawing) is icing on the cake.
The weather looks absolutely thrilling (storms) so I might indeed need more to do inside.
We'll see! I'll try to take pictures.
Have a great weekend!
However, I do have a short list of things I want to accomplish this weekend:
1. Reply to all the letters people wrote me in MARCH that I didn't reply to because I was in rehearsals
2. Finish reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (and taking notes on Hufflepuff in this particular story)
3. Exercise each morning by running on the beach (2x this weekend)
4. Work on my next novel idea (I did some world-building yesterday but need to work on plot)
That's basically it. Anything else (more reading, drawing) is icing on the cake.
The weather looks absolutely thrilling (storms) so I might indeed need more to do inside.
We'll see! I'll try to take pictures.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Creepy Cult Fest
Last night I ate a Hook and Ladder sub (ham, turkey, cheese, veggies) and baked chips.
Here's the dream:
Stu and I had purchased some land (a fenced-in field surrounded by trees on three sides with a road on the fourth) and we were driving to see it (I think we were planning on building a house). I think we were still in the south because I remember pine trees, fields of tall grass, and wooden fences with barbed wire. It definitely did not look like anywhere else.
When we got there, a man with long hair and clothed in a beige robe was leading a group of people and setting up housing in the field (mostly canvas tents). They were a cult. The guy was dangerous, we knew, and we knew he was going to end up hurting these people. We didn't want them on our land but we felt powerless to make them leave.
We went to an underground garage and I realized we had two other vehicles -- our old car and a brown van. We considered going back in a different vehicle and attempting to talk them out of living there.
Then we went back to the field and we felt the guy slowly drawing us all in, closer and closer to the moment where everything would start going crazy.
Then I realized that the field wasn't being paid for out of my bank account and Stu and I drove away from the scene in our van, freaking out because we weren't sure how far behind we were in our payments and wondering how we'd ever paid for the field in the first place.
Here's the dream:
Stu and I had purchased some land (a fenced-in field surrounded by trees on three sides with a road on the fourth) and we were driving to see it (I think we were planning on building a house). I think we were still in the south because I remember pine trees, fields of tall grass, and wooden fences with barbed wire. It definitely did not look like anywhere else.
When we got there, a man with long hair and clothed in a beige robe was leading a group of people and setting up housing in the field (mostly canvas tents). They were a cult. The guy was dangerous, we knew, and we knew he was going to end up hurting these people. We didn't want them on our land but we felt powerless to make them leave.
We went to an underground garage and I realized we had two other vehicles -- our old car and a brown van. We considered going back in a different vehicle and attempting to talk them out of living there.
Then we went back to the field and we felt the guy slowly drawing us all in, closer and closer to the moment where everything would start going crazy.
Then I realized that the field wasn't being paid for out of my bank account and Stu and I drove away from the scene in our van, freaking out because we weren't sure how far behind we were in our payments and wondering how we'd ever paid for the field in the first place.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Movie Rec
My mind has been taken over by Dr. Seuss's The Lorax.
I wanted to see it in a big theater with pretty screens but didn't actually catch it until it hit the $2 theater.
I'm listening to two of the songs over and OVER partially because they're catchy but partially because they're *brilliant* in what they're saying.
I wasn't expecting a whole lot from the movie (Horton Hears a Who was great so I knew it would be good) but it blew me away with how hard it hit politically and theologically.
I don't know how close it is to the original book (haven't read it in a while) but the movie is basically the first few chapters of Genesis.
There's the set-up -- Creation, mandate, and then comes the Fall and Man being cast out and the ground being cursed. And then love's redemption. It's absolutely breath-taking.
And then you've got the commentary on the 1% vs. the 99%, the political and religious status of America, the greed of corporate America (and those who want in on The American Dream).
Also the hope and change that one small act of love provides.
Really, really great stuff -- even the music is right on cue. There's a particular point where things start going downhill and the music starts falling apart. Everything grows more chaotic until finally it just collapses.
And the opening number. I can't even begin to describe the silliness, the spectacular-ness and the snarky lyrics.
The cast us uber-talented: Jennie Slate, Nasim Pedrad and Rob Riggle from SNL (I think there's others too), Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White, and my FAVORITE: Ed Helms (from The Office).
If you haven't seen Dr. Seuss' The Lorax -- hightail it to St. Andrew's and see it.
I wanted to see it in a big theater with pretty screens but didn't actually catch it until it hit the $2 theater.
I'm listening to two of the songs over and OVER partially because they're catchy but partially because they're *brilliant* in what they're saying.
I wasn't expecting a whole lot from the movie (Horton Hears a Who was great so I knew it would be good) but it blew me away with how hard it hit politically and theologically.
I don't know how close it is to the original book (haven't read it in a while) but the movie is basically the first few chapters of Genesis.
There's the set-up -- Creation, mandate, and then comes the Fall and Man being cast out and the ground being cursed. And then love's redemption. It's absolutely breath-taking.
And then you've got the commentary on the 1% vs. the 99%, the political and religious status of America, the greed of corporate America (and those who want in on The American Dream).
Also the hope and change that one small act of love provides.
Really, really great stuff -- even the music is right on cue. There's a particular point where things start going downhill and the music starts falling apart. Everything grows more chaotic until finally it just collapses.
And the opening number. I can't even begin to describe the silliness, the spectacular-ness and the snarky lyrics.
The cast us uber-talented: Jennie Slate, Nasim Pedrad and Rob Riggle from SNL (I think there's others too), Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Taylor Swift, Betty White, and my FAVORITE: Ed Helms (from The Office).
If you haven't seen Dr. Seuss' The Lorax -- hightail it to St. Andrew's and see it.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Apparating
Last night I dreamed that I was learning to apparate with Harry and Ron (apparently I was Hermione). Whenever anyone apparated well, they got a white henna symbol on their forehead.
I apparated and a sizzle on my forehead caused me to yelp. Ron came over and asked if it burned and when I said yes, he leaned down and kissed me gently on the forehead.
Then he apparated and was in a lot of pain so I pulled him down (since he was quite tall) and kissed him on the forehead, beside his henna symbol.
I mentioned to Stu that we were a lot like Hermione and Ron so that's probably where this came from (that and I've been reading Prisoner of Azkaban each night prior to sleepy timez). It was just really sweet.
I apparated and a sizzle on my forehead caused me to yelp. Ron came over and asked if it burned and when I said yes, he leaned down and kissed me gently on the forehead.
Then he apparated and was in a lot of pain so I pulled him down (since he was quite tall) and kissed him on the forehead, beside his henna symbol.
I mentioned to Stu that we were a lot like Hermione and Ron so that's probably where this came from (that and I've been reading Prisoner of Azkaban each night prior to sleepy timez). It was just really sweet.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Studio
Time to edit!
I have the photos on Stu's hard drive, Photoshop, the Macbook Pro, a Pandora mix station (The Shins, Taylor Swift, Owl City, Relient K and Good Charlotte) and the overhead light OFF (got the kitchen lights on).
Looking forward to a few hours of editing and then some reading time before bed.
This is the life.
I have the photos on Stu's hard drive, Photoshop, the Macbook Pro, a Pandora mix station (The Shins, Taylor Swift, Owl City, Relient K and Good Charlotte) and the overhead light OFF (got the kitchen lights on).
Looking forward to a few hours of editing and then some reading time before bed.
This is the life.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Always Bring The Charger (And Have a Little Fun)
Today I became a wedding photographer.
It all started a few months ago when my friend and co-worker Amanda asked if I knew any. I mentioned two and sent her on her way. Well, neither of them worked out.
So, she came back. Hubster wasn't comfy snapping photos so I volunteered. I wanted to do something nice for them and they weren't having live music (thank goodness).
I did their wedding invite photos, which they seemed to like. And so I was slated to be their wedding photographer.
I wasn't too nervous about it (except for my subconscious, which kept giving me nightmares about the battery running out) since my mother was a wedding photographer and I had been dreaming of this opportunity for years.
I made a list (checked it several times) and packed up everything in the handy-dandy black camera backpack -- including the battery charger. I even brought props (which we didn't really end up using, but c'est la vie).
Funnily enough, when we arrived at the location we realized we'd done a wedding there two years earlier -- as videographer and harpist.
When the bride arrived, a flurry of photos began. We did pictures with this family member. That family member. Her family. His family. I caught some fun candid moments. I found some beautiful things to preserve.
And then my battery went overboard.
Luckily, we'd gotten all the portraits done before the ceremony with 20 minutes to spare. I plugged the charger in (thanking my subconscious for planting that particular nightmare) and wriggled in my seat until it was time to attend the reception/ceremony (two birds with one stone for these kids).
I got to eat and snap pictures lazily for another 20 minutes and then the bride and groom arrived and I was able to snap a few darkly lit but hopefully alright photos of the happy soon-to-be couple.
Afterwards I got some better photos.
And also more of the reception and surrounding area.
We were about to take our leave when I saw what SOMEONE (not me this time, I promise) had done to the "getaway car" and attempted one last photo.
My battery was truly dead.
I didn't get pictures of the cake (half destroyed by the time I realized what was going on) or them leaving (battery truly dead) but I'm hopeful the other photos will make up for that.
Here's a sample:
It all started a few months ago when my friend and co-worker Amanda asked if I knew any. I mentioned two and sent her on her way. Well, neither of them worked out.
So, she came back. Hubster wasn't comfy snapping photos so I volunteered. I wanted to do something nice for them and they weren't having live music (thank goodness).
I did their wedding invite photos, which they seemed to like. And so I was slated to be their wedding photographer.
I wasn't too nervous about it (except for my subconscious, which kept giving me nightmares about the battery running out) since my mother was a wedding photographer and I had been dreaming of this opportunity for years.
I made a list (checked it several times) and packed up everything in the handy-dandy black camera backpack -- including the battery charger. I even brought props (which we didn't really end up using, but c'est la vie).
Funnily enough, when we arrived at the location we realized we'd done a wedding there two years earlier -- as videographer and harpist.
When the bride arrived, a flurry of photos began. We did pictures with this family member. That family member. Her family. His family. I caught some fun candid moments. I found some beautiful things to preserve.
And then my battery went overboard.
Luckily, we'd gotten all the portraits done before the ceremony with 20 minutes to spare. I plugged the charger in (thanking my subconscious for planting that particular nightmare) and wriggled in my seat until it was time to attend the reception/ceremony (two birds with one stone for these kids).
I got to eat and snap pictures lazily for another 20 minutes and then the bride and groom arrived and I was able to snap a few darkly lit but hopefully alright photos of the happy soon-to-be couple.
Afterwards I got some better photos.
And also more of the reception and surrounding area.
We were about to take our leave when I saw what SOMEONE (not me this time, I promise) had done to the "getaway car" and attempted one last photo.
My battery was truly dead.
I didn't get pictures of the cake (half destroyed by the time I realized what was going on) or them leaving (battery truly dead) but I'm hopeful the other photos will make up for that.
Here's a sample:
I love this mirror.
Blurry pictures = the way I really see things.
Rings! (The pearl is the engagement ring)
So many gorgeous mirrors in this place!
Dress detail
One of the groom's little sisters contemplates the bride's dress
An idea from Pinterest. Wasn't sure the groom would go for it, but he and his brothers are hams. It worked out perfectly.
These are all untouched -- I just uploaded them to the hard drive so I could edit all weekend. (Comments? Critiques?) Tonight, however, I will simply enjoy a few chapters of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and then go to sleep.
Sweet dreams.
Bieber, Preggers & Chicken Bones
Last night I ate steak and potatoes, with ice cream for dessert. Then, I had two tiny chicken strips from Hardee's right before going to bed. Hence this dream:
I was in a gorgeous house -- huge kitchen which led into a living room, it had high ceilings, picture windows, dark wood floors, marble countertops...
...and I was babysitting Justin Bieber. Who was a real tool.
He left the macaroni boiling and let it become a huge mess (the water boiled over and went all over the floor) and then he expected me to clean it all up so I tried different tactics to get his lazy butt off the couch and finally threatened him (I forget the threat) until he got up and cleaned up. Ohmygosh. He was extremely irritating.
Then, I dreamed my family and I were in a huge emporium-type store and there were different venders and we went past one section and I looked at one of the vendors and realized it was an old friend of mine named Nita. She'd dyed her hair white which is why I hadn't recognized her.
I turned around and went to her little booth (she sold gorgeous jewelry) and we talked for a while. In real life and in my dream world, she isn't a Christian, so it wasn't really a surprise that she was living with a guy and they were going to have a baby. (I was happy she was going to have the baby)
Then Nita's mom showed up and we were talking about how she was going to move from Florida to Vegas with her two sons, Sam and Max. (Sam is almost grown and Max is I think in highschool -- he has Down's Syndrome and is a sweetie pie) Nita was concerned about the effect of Las Vegas on the boys but I think I said something to the effect of, "Just make sure they're home at night -- the real Vegas doesn't come out 'til dark."
???
Then I dreamed that I was at the gorgeous house again with my family and my sister had gotten pregnant from some guy I'd never met, and my sister and I were on the couch together picking through a carton of chicken bones, and I was really, really upset that she'd actually slept with someone and gotten pregnant.
And that was the end of the dreams.
Apparently someone I know is going to get pregnant. Let's hope their kid is less annoying than Bieber was.
I was in a gorgeous house -- huge kitchen which led into a living room, it had high ceilings, picture windows, dark wood floors, marble countertops...
...and I was babysitting Justin Bieber. Who was a real tool.
He left the macaroni boiling and let it become a huge mess (the water boiled over and went all over the floor) and then he expected me to clean it all up so I tried different tactics to get his lazy butt off the couch and finally threatened him (I forget the threat) until he got up and cleaned up. Ohmygosh. He was extremely irritating.
Then, I dreamed my family and I were in a huge emporium-type store and there were different venders and we went past one section and I looked at one of the vendors and realized it was an old friend of mine named Nita. She'd dyed her hair white which is why I hadn't recognized her.
I turned around and went to her little booth (she sold gorgeous jewelry) and we talked for a while. In real life and in my dream world, she isn't a Christian, so it wasn't really a surprise that she was living with a guy and they were going to have a baby. (I was happy she was going to have the baby)
Then Nita's mom showed up and we were talking about how she was going to move from Florida to Vegas with her two sons, Sam and Max. (Sam is almost grown and Max is I think in highschool -- he has Down's Syndrome and is a sweetie pie) Nita was concerned about the effect of Las Vegas on the boys but I think I said something to the effect of, "Just make sure they're home at night -- the real Vegas doesn't come out 'til dark."
???
Then I dreamed that I was at the gorgeous house again with my family and my sister had gotten pregnant from some guy I'd never met, and my sister and I were on the couch together picking through a carton of chicken bones, and I was really, really upset that she'd actually slept with someone and gotten pregnant.
And that was the end of the dreams.
Apparently someone I know is going to get pregnant. Let's hope their kid is less annoying than Bieber was.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Family Portraits
This is probably the best picture from the short and sweet photo shoot I did for my boss and her family. I was really sick that day so of course I couldn't think of anything really fun to do (like have them all sprawled out along the fence). But it went pretty well and now Cynde has the CD of pictures and I think she's pretty happy. She paid me (!!!) and I am contemplating saving some of the money for an anniversary trip...!
Cynde is an amazing boss and I always feel so lucky because I know I'll never have another great boss like her. Sadly, I'm going to have to say goodbye because she's leaving to pursue her dreams in Vienna this fall. I'm so excited for her but I shall miss her DREADFULLY. I'm so glad I got to do this for her before she left.
Here's my other favorite one -- mostly because I think I captured all their personalities pretty well in this shot:
Hope you like! Comments & critiques are welcome.
The Weasley Show
Last night's dream was amazing.
(I ate a brownie and homemade whip cream, plus some pita chips and hummus after dinner, which was chicken nuggets and french fries)
I dreamed I was AT HOGWARTS and I was in a large room with wide windows and wooden floors. There was a big comfy sofa and it was the start of term, so there weren't many people there. A few wands were mixed up with a bunch of stuff so I picked one up and tried to close the blinds with a verbal spell (I was year 2 so of course they wouldn't shut...silly me).
Then I was at Hagrid's house (it was more like a short ranch-style house than a hut). I was either me or Harry (I'm usually Harry in my Potter dreams), and I was sitting in the house when Ron, Fred, George, Ginny and Alicia Spinnet showed up.
The Weasleys were talking about doing a campus-wide PSA video-type thing where they would come up with sketches and broadcast it around Hogwarts.
Alicia was in on it, and I was looking forward to watching it (what will they come up with?!) when Fred and George asked ME to BE IN THEIR SHOW!
I was flabbergasted.
"ME?! You want me to be in your show??"
And they acted all, OF COURSE, it'll be great, we'll be a good team, blah-blah-blah...
And then we went out to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and I forget the rest.
But I just woke up with this incredible feeling that two of my FAVORITE PEOPLE wanted me to be a part of something artistic they were doing.
<3
(I ate a brownie and homemade whip cream, plus some pita chips and hummus after dinner, which was chicken nuggets and french fries)
I dreamed I was AT HOGWARTS and I was in a large room with wide windows and wooden floors. There was a big comfy sofa and it was the start of term, so there weren't many people there. A few wands were mixed up with a bunch of stuff so I picked one up and tried to close the blinds with a verbal spell (I was year 2 so of course they wouldn't shut...silly me).
Then I was at Hagrid's house (it was more like a short ranch-style house than a hut). I was either me or Harry (I'm usually Harry in my Potter dreams), and I was sitting in the house when Ron, Fred, George, Ginny and Alicia Spinnet showed up.
The Weasleys were talking about doing a campus-wide PSA video-type thing where they would come up with sketches and broadcast it around Hogwarts.
Alicia was in on it, and I was looking forward to watching it (what will they come up with?!) when Fred and George asked ME to BE IN THEIR SHOW!
I was flabbergasted.
"ME?! You want me to be in your show??"
And they acted all, OF COURSE, it'll be great, we'll be a good team, blah-blah-blah...
And then we went out to the edge of the Forbidden Forest and I forget the rest.
But I just woke up with this incredible feeling that two of my FAVORITE PEOPLE wanted me to be a part of something artistic they were doing.
<3
Running From the Law
I remember what my dream was from the other night!
I was driving a car through a tangle of bridges (must have been in California) at night and got stopped by a policeman (I don't know if I did something wrong or not...I may have gone past a stop sign or something). He asked me for my license.
My heart dropped into a deep pit of horror.
I don't have a license.
I don't even have a PERMIT.
I faked a smile and handed him my S.C. State ID and when he commented that it wasn't a license, I said, "Oh, my! I must have left it at home!"
At which point the dream starts to get fuzzy.
...but I think my sister pulled up beside me and I got in the car with her and we skedaddled before he could write me a ticket.
...Apparently I'm a bit of a liar in my subconscious.
I was driving a car through a tangle of bridges (must have been in California) at night and got stopped by a policeman (I don't know if I did something wrong or not...I may have gone past a stop sign or something). He asked me for my license.
My heart dropped into a deep pit of horror.
I don't have a license.
I don't even have a PERMIT.
I faked a smile and handed him my S.C. State ID and when he commented that it wasn't a license, I said, "Oh, my! I must have left it at home!"
At which point the dream starts to get fuzzy.
...but I think my sister pulled up beside me and I got in the car with her and we skedaddled before he could write me a ticket.
...Apparently I'm a bit of a liar in my subconscious.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Betting Man
I dreamed I was in the basement of a ranch-style house with shag carpeting. There was a poker game going on and we really needed money for something (don't we always?). So there were teams of players, and Stu, and my old friend Caleb and I were all on a team and it looked like we were not going to get the money we needed in time.
Then, Stu and I were getting ready to leave and Caleb comes running toward us, saying, "We won! We won!" And he was holding up a gold and glass antique lamp.
"I was the only one to bet on us! So we won!" (Apparently I don't know how poker is played. Maybe it was a lottery type deal?) Then we asked, "So where's the money?"
"Well, they didn't have enough, so we got this lamp! It's an antique!"
Which, to us, meant it was basically useless unless we could find a buyer willing to spend so much money on a lamp.
I forget the other dream I had, but it was equally strange.
Then, Stu and I were getting ready to leave and Caleb comes running toward us, saying, "We won! We won!" And he was holding up a gold and glass antique lamp.
"I was the only one to bet on us! So we won!" (Apparently I don't know how poker is played. Maybe it was a lottery type deal?) Then we asked, "So where's the money?"
"Well, they didn't have enough, so we got this lamp! It's an antique!"
Which, to us, meant it was basically useless unless we could find a buyer willing to spend so much money on a lamp.
I forget the other dream I had, but it was equally strange.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Artistic Update
The photography shoot was short and sweet (I was deathly ill at the time but DETERMINED to get more photos for my portfolio...that I still need to put together...) and I'm pretty happy with the results. I even used CS5 Photoshop instead of Picasa (I'm GROWING UP) and I've got about 20 shots I'll be putting on a CD for the family. Here's hoping they are happy with the end product! I might post a picture here in a day or two.
I'm also really stoked about the book(s) I won, and I've planned a fun little art project around it. So I'm just waiting for the book to show up...!!
Also, I'm done with the article for the Epistle (church...newsletter isn't the right word but I'm not sure what to call it. It's full of artsy, imaginative stuff and some heady, academic food for thought) except for a stupid title. I'm le worst with titles so I'm hoping the copy editor comes up with something. I might have sent over 25 options...O.o
And the weird thing is, writing this article was the first time I felt like I've birthed something. (Let me explain) All my other writing up to this point has been somewhat sterile. Even the first draft of the article was just...black and white. A skeleton.
But when I got it back with comments, I took the suggestions and re-worked the article and somehow managed to infuse a bit of myself into the writing and...I had the weirdest sensation of pulling muscle and skin onto a bony frame.
And it wasn't me purposefully making choices. That muscle and skin were birthed from something inside me that wasn't quite conscious me.
This year, so far, has been encouraging in an artistic and relational way and I pray it continues to be so. God has provided and I am thankful.
Sweet dreams.
P.S. I've had several crazy dreams the past few nights but they've faded before I could get to a computer. I seem to remember something about a Japanese game show and Anne of Green Gables pinafores. I ate popcorn tonight so we'll see if I can top that.
I'm also really stoked about the book(s) I won, and I've planned a fun little art project around it. So I'm just waiting for the book to show up...!!
Also, I'm done with the article for the Epistle (church...newsletter isn't the right word but I'm not sure what to call it. It's full of artsy, imaginative stuff and some heady, academic food for thought) except for a stupid title. I'm le worst with titles so I'm hoping the copy editor comes up with something. I might have sent over 25 options...O.o
And the weird thing is, writing this article was the first time I felt like I've birthed something. (Let me explain) All my other writing up to this point has been somewhat sterile. Even the first draft of the article was just...black and white. A skeleton.
But when I got it back with comments, I took the suggestions and re-worked the article and somehow managed to infuse a bit of myself into the writing and...I had the weirdest sensation of pulling muscle and skin onto a bony frame.
And it wasn't me purposefully making choices. That muscle and skin were birthed from something inside me that wasn't quite conscious me.
This year, so far, has been encouraging in an artistic and relational way and I pray it continues to be so. God has provided and I am thankful.
Sweet dreams.
P.S. I've had several crazy dreams the past few nights but they've faded before I could get to a computer. I seem to remember something about a Japanese game show and Anne of Green Gables pinafores. I ate popcorn tonight so we'll see if I can top that.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Happy Dance
God gave me another photography opportunity!
I got asked to do a family portrait session on Saturday afternoon! It'll be outside (if it isn't raining), and the ultimate product will be in black-and-white.
That's one more photo shoot I can add to my portfolio, which right now consists mostly of nature photos.
ALSO:
I WON A BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This day just keeps getting more awesome.
:D
I got asked to do a family portrait session on Saturday afternoon! It'll be outside (if it isn't raining), and the ultimate product will be in black-and-white.
That's one more photo shoot I can add to my portfolio, which right now consists mostly of nature photos.
ALSO:
I WON A BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This day just keeps getting more awesome.
:D
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Two More Days
If I can survive Finals Week...I have glorious summer plans:
- Art Days -- I'm reading up on painting again so I can work on art therapy/art projects
- Baking Days -- I've got a bunch of delectable recipes to try
- Reading or Watching Stuff Nights -- evenings spent flipping pages or channels, or popping in a disc to see Speedracer, Moulin Rouge! or a host of new movies yet to come on my Netflix queue.
- Game Nights -- D&D, Warhammer, board games, card games, whatever -- any game with friends is fun.
- Writing Days -- I can spend a late morning-to-afternoon writing shift on revising my ScriptFrenzy manuscript or prepping for NaNoWriMo (or working on my HP paper that I'm doing FOR FUN)
- Crafty Time -- with friends! There are several smaller sewing projects and home decorating projects to try.
- Shopping Trips -- thrift stores, here I come!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
The Product of Faux-Mexican Food
Last night's dream was about PIRATES.
But it was not the exciting salt-spray-and-buried-treasure sort of pirates.
Some friends and I were on an enormous ship (cruise, maybe?) and it got attacked by pirates, who were very raggedy scavengers. They weren't bloodthirsty, they just wanted new clothes (theirs were rags), jewelry, food, whatever we had on hand. They rounded us up and took us below and made us take out all our clothes (we kept one outfit on, of course!) and pile them up. I found someone's wallet and thought it was my dad's and was frantic that his ID and stuff was gone but it was someone else's and the pirates hadn't actually touched it (there was still cash in it).
Then I noticed a little boy (maybe two? He could walk on his own) wandering around and took him by the hand and walked him through all the piles down below, wondering where his parents could be. I felt protective of him and my mind even whispered, "See...if you had a little boy...it wouldn't be that bad, right? You could do this."
Then the authorities showed up and the pirates were scattering and then being rounded up themselves. I put on one of those jacket/skirt combos in pastel colors that were popular a few years ago (more like 7 years ago) and decided to be the pirates' lawyer and get them off a heavy sentence since they really hadn't treated us badly.
And I guess we had a trial there but I don't remember what the end was because I woke up with a jolt and thought I overslept and was late for work (I was five minutes ahead of the alarm. SIGH).
I had a taco and chips and salsa for dinner last night.
But it was not the exciting salt-spray-and-buried-treasure sort of pirates.
Some friends and I were on an enormous ship (cruise, maybe?) and it got attacked by pirates, who were very raggedy scavengers. They weren't bloodthirsty, they just wanted new clothes (theirs were rags), jewelry, food, whatever we had on hand. They rounded us up and took us below and made us take out all our clothes (we kept one outfit on, of course!) and pile them up. I found someone's wallet and thought it was my dad's and was frantic that his ID and stuff was gone but it was someone else's and the pirates hadn't actually touched it (there was still cash in it).
Then I noticed a little boy (maybe two? He could walk on his own) wandering around and took him by the hand and walked him through all the piles down below, wondering where his parents could be. I felt protective of him and my mind even whispered, "See...if you had a little boy...it wouldn't be that bad, right? You could do this."
Then the authorities showed up and the pirates were scattering and then being rounded up themselves. I put on one of those jacket/skirt combos in pastel colors that were popular a few years ago (more like 7 years ago) and decided to be the pirates' lawyer and get them off a heavy sentence since they really hadn't treated us badly.
And I guess we had a trial there but I don't remember what the end was because I woke up with a jolt and thought I overslept and was late for work (I was five minutes ahead of the alarm. SIGH).
I had a taco and chips and salsa for dinner last night.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Photo Blues
Two nights ago I dreamed I was preparing to shoot a wedding (it is the one I'm actually shooting in real life). I think it was going to be at Apostles in my dream, so I went early and was very excited about all the beautiful pictures I'd be taking. But my mom arrived and took the camera and took a ton of pictures leaving me with no battery life. I took the charger and was charging it while the bride was doing all the things I wanted to take pictures of -- getting ready, everybody getting seated, family, etc.
I was very upset, but no one (not even my mom) seemed to care and the wedding went on without me taking a single picture.
I was very upset, but no one (not even my mom) seemed to care and the wedding went on without me taking a single picture.
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