Oh, and the World Spins Madly On

I'm Just Saying Hiii, to Your Answering Bell

2012-01-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

I have been watching Bridesmaids as I work this morning from my house. (And, I just noticed it is 1:00, where has the day gone?) Even though there are some sketch parts, Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy are hilarious ("I took 9 dogs and it turns out I am probably more comfortable with 6"), the cop is precious, and I love that the movie is about relationships and things girls really think and feel. The part where I am right now has Ryan Adams' song Answering Bell playing in the background. What a good song. The lyrics at the beginning just speak to my single girl heart that although not flippantly, does know what it feels like to meet guys and think oh, boy I wish I knew you well. In case you don't know the song, here is an acoustic version that is worth a listen.

Pinterest Dump.

2012-01-24T08:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my most recent favorites from the ever addicting and always inspiring Pinterest...

Source: blog.freepeople.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: instagram.heroku.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: shopbop.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: images.meredith.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: numberfoureleven.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: byashely.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: paperdollstudio.ca via Erin on Pinterest

Source: bellamumma.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: facebook.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: topshop.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: lovintheoven.com via Colleen on Pinterest

I made these bars Friday and must say they turned out pretty tasty.

If you are on Pinterest follow me here, so I can follow you too!

Community.

2012-01-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

"The word community has many connotations, some positive, some negative. Community can make us think of a safe togetherness, shared meals, common goals, and joyful celebrations. It also can call forth images of sectarian exclusivity, in-group language, self-satisfied isolation, and romantic naiveté'. However, community is first of all a quality of the heart. It grows from the spiritual knowledge that we are alive not for ourselves but for one another. Community is the fruit of our capacity to make the interests of others more important than our own (see Philippians 2:4). The question, therefore, is not "How can we make community" but "How can we develop a nurture of giving hearts?"

-Henri Nouwen

Henri Nouwen does it again. As someone living in a new city for the past 6 months building community has been one of the main, if not the main focus of life for me this past half of the year. The importance of community is something I read about, hear about, and talk about often, it seems to be everywhere! It is especially quite the hot topic in Christian culture, as it should be, I suppose.
I confess that I have spent much of the past 6 months thinking of community as something I must create for myself, not a quality of the heart. Frequently my thoughts on how to develop community are "how can I make community" and "who are the people here like me and meet my standard of what a good friend is and at the same time can meet my needs relationally". Maybe I should be thinking "how can I develop a nurture of giving my heart" and "community isn't about or grown out of self satisfaction, it is about and grown out of a heart that loves others as Jesus would." It seems as if the answers to those thoughts are what will develop a lifestyle of community. So, here is to 2012, the year of developing a nurture of giving hearts!

Source: dahudge.tumblr.com via Kerstin on Pinterest

Sports.

2012-01-17T01:36:00.000-08:00

I just realized that this past week most of the television shows and movies I have watched have been about sports; Friday Night Lights (tv) and Moneyball (movie). My dad has worked in sports as long as I can remember and watching FNL and Moneyball reminded me of a lot of moments from when I was growing up.

As a kid and teenager my family would spend our weekends going to college basketball tournaments, NASCAR races, golf tournaments, and traveling to see professional baseball games. I remember talking about Georgia Tech's Triple Threat over the family dinner table, discussing whether or not Heath Shuler would enter the draft early with my dad in the car on the way to school in middle school, watching Wimbledon at the beach every summer, and going over baseball stats in the sports page on Saturday mornings with my brother before he was even in kindergarten.

Those times made up some of my favorite childhood memories. It was something my family could do together, it was something we could do with other families, and it was something we could all talk about together.

I am really thankful my Dad worked in sports growing up. (And, he still does, go BMS!) Not only did it allow me to win a sports trivia contest in college, but also brought my family together in a really neat way. I hope one day if I have my own family we can eat a game day dog from Neyland Stadium, experience a NASCAR race in person, and see our favorite Major League Baseball player (who will definitely be a Cardinal) hit a home run. And, at the dinner table I hope we talk about things like who we think will win the Masters, how great the SEC is, and what an awesome quarterback Peyton Manning was in his prime. I also hope that sports are something that brings my family together the same way it did for me growing up.

My Dad and me at a Tennessee football game a few years ago.

Abstract Art.

2012-01-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

I am usually not an abstract art fan. It is probably because I like for art to have some sort of meaning, usually sentimental or a reminder of some sort, and I don't always see the meaning behind pieces of abstract art. When we studied abstract in Art History I totally lost interest and some of the time could not see what the artist was trying to convey, and that really frustrated me. But, on Pinterest I have seen some really beautiful pieces of abstract art, enough that I would put any one of these up in my own home, and consider painting something like this myself as a way to convey my heart.

Source: etsy.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: ohhappyday.com via Tricia on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Cassie on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Lynn on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: society6.com via Liz on Pinterest

Epiphany.

2012-01-08T11:33:00.000-08:00

"Epiphany is the day and season in the church year when we patiently watch and listen as God is quietly revealed before us one again. Sometimes, even when we try hard to do so, we just don't see God in our everyday lives or in the events of our world. Epiphany gives us the time and the resources to watch, wait, listen, look, and anticipate the light, life, and truth of the Lord's presence in our midst...As we watch and wait in the light of Christ, we begin to see the unfolding drama of the Christ child becoming prophet, healer, teacher, and savior. Much of the story is still to be told, but already we are being reminded of the direction in which this one sacred life is moving. Here was life at its very purest and very best. Life that had come from God was walking with God and was going to God (John 13:3). This life "enlightens" us as we remember that we too have come from God, are invited to walk with God, and one day will be fully at home with God."

-Norman Shawchuck and Rueben P. Job

Look at all those verbs...

watch, wait, listen, look, see, anticipate, invite, walk, remember, revealed, reminded, moving, walking with God, going to God. I am thankful for the season of Epiphany today and all of those verbs that make life, which feels to move very fast, have a steady slow rhythm of life with Jesus.

L.A. Tourists

2012-01-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

What a fun few days it was with Kristen and Mary Ann in Los Angeles! I love it when people come in town, (for many reasons) one being because it forces me to enjoy all of the things that make the city where I live unique.

Shopping on Abbott Kinney Street in Venice.

The best (and most expensive) cake stand shop in America.

Mimosas and art at The Getty.

Dollar cupcakes at Lemonade.

Happy New Years from The Woods!

Strolling around Rodeo Drive.

We finished their visit with breakfast tailgating and the Rose Bowl Parade.

The Rose Bowl Parade is probably my favorite thing I have done since moving to L.A. It is definitely going to become a yearly tradition. I just hope K-Rod and M.A. will be there every year!

All of you are invited too!

Do Not be Afraid. I Bring you Good News!

2011-12-25T15:37:00.000-08:00

Source: themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com via [maisontwenty3} on Pinterest

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in coths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."

-Luke 2:9-14

T. Swift + Civil Wars + Peeta

2011-12-23T20:33:00.000-08:00

I love it when three of my favorite things are all in one place.

Don Miller, My Thoughts Exactly.

2011-12-16T08:32:00.000-08:00

Part of my new job is to mingle and talk to people I don't know after church. It's kind of like going to the cafeteria as a Young Life leader, but with adults who can't throw their lunch at you and don't ever ask if you have friends your own age.

Sometimes mingling has made me in the past and still makes me nervous because I feel insecure about being awkward (hasn't that become seen as the worst thing you can be in our young adult culture), not very interesting, and what I look like. Most of the time though, it is who I am to be friendly, to want to know people, and it just feels I am being who God made me to be to hospitable.

In any case, I think I am going to print this letter off, put it in my pocket, and take it with me each Sunday as a reminder that we are given by God to the people around us.

Spotted: Moravian Star.

2011-12-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

The Grove, Los Angeles, CA 12.14.11

The Moravians founded my hometown, Winston-Salem, NC.

Almost 6 Month Update.

2011-12-12T11:25:00.000-08:00

By Christmastime I will have lived in Los Angeles 6 months. And, I gotta say, I am really loving life here on the West Coast. Things haven't exactly gone as according to plan, but in the best way possible. God had way better plans for my life than I had for myself. (Isn't that typically the case?)
Moving to L.A. I thought my life would look pretty much like it did in Dallas, just in a different time zone...
-Interior Design classes at The Art Institute.
-Working part time at Anthropologie.
-Getting involved in a church.
-Helping out with RUF.
-Trying to get into Set Decorating.
-Hanging with friends (and pretty scared I wouldn't make any).
-As well as learning about Los Angeles and (hopefully) growing to love the City of Angels.

South view of the 405 from The Getty Museum with Westwood and Century City (I think) in the background.

Well, only about 3 1/2 of those things are still what my life looks like 6 months into living in L.A...

-I am now taking classes at UCLA in Interior Design.

-I don't work at Anthro anymore. Before I even moved to L.A. I prayed for a part time job in ministry while in school. Well, the Lord provided! Now I work for my church, Pacific Crossroads, getting new women at our Downtown service connected and also coaching Community Group leaders. I don't think if you asked me to create my perfect jobs in ministry more perfect ones could have been created.

A view from the balcony of St. John's Cathedral, where PCC meets in Downtown L.A., before last night's service.

And, I also babysit for my pastor's kids a couple days a week. They are the cutest, and the little boy, Jack, has quickly become my 2 year old boyfriend :)

-I am helping with RUF at UCLA and it has become one of the highlights of my life here in L.A. The college students have been so fun to get to know and I have just fallen in love with them.

Most of the girls at the RUF Christmas Party.

Plus, Joe and Tiffany, the Campus Minister and his wife, feel like family to me here. Tiffany has quickly become one of my greatest friends and I just can't imagine life here without her in it.

-Well, I would still love to be a Set Decorator, but am trying to look at that career as a marathon, not a sprint, where I just pursue that dream constantly and ignore the other parts of my life that build a life in L.A. So far I have met a bunch of people and am attending SDSA events when I can, and am just trying to figure out how the whole industry works and what the Lord is doing. I did get to see the set of How I Met Your Mother and just about died when I saw a sign that said "Ted Mosby - Architect"

It was, legend, wait for it, dary!

-I was so scared I wouldn't make friends and that it would be really lonely living in a city 3000 miles away from my family. But, so far, I have met some wonderful people! I feel like I have some real heart friends who love Jesus, talk about real things, are a lot of fun, and completely debunked my view of what people in L.A. are like. They also put up with me when I am stressed with school, trying to figure out what my life should look like, and the mess I can create while working on projects. The Lord has immensely blessed my heart with people to live life with here.

Some of my roommates and some friends picking out our Christmas tree. This is the only picture I have with friends from the entire 6 months I have lived in L.A. New Year's Resolution #1, take more pictures with the people I love.

-Well, I have definitely fallen in love with L.A. so far. Sure it is hard to run errands some days because parking and traffic can be a beast, rent can be astronomical, people can be flakey sometimes, and there aren't many preppy boys. But, all in all I love that I live in a city where television shows and movies are made, there isn't one style of dress, not everyone goes to church just because it is the acceptable and right thing to do, there are mountains and an ocean in my backyard, it is sunny most days of the year, there are so many parts of the city to explore that a Saturday afternoon never has to be boring, people are pursuing their dreams and it is amazing to watch God work in the midst of the journey of pursuing those dreams.

I have started fixing up my house, and it is slowly getting there. It is definitely a place though, that feels like home.

So, that is the almost 6 month update of life in L.A. It is a pretty great place to live. If you don't believe me, come for a visit! You can sleep on one of those green sofas. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, been a shoulder to cry on, gotten excited with me over new seasons of life, and everything else in between!

Lift Up Your Voice and With Us Sing!

2011-12-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

Good for my soul this morning. Hopefully yours too.

Celebrate Good Times, Come On!

2011-12-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

This is how I feel about today being my last day of class for the quarter...

Source: Uploaded by user via Barbara on Pinterest

And the award for hardest//least favorite/so glad it is over/I learned a lot/taught me I am not sure I want to be an Interior Designer/made my hands hurt from drawing so much/praise the Lord I made it and am going to finish and hopefully not fail class goes to the class I have at 3 today. Serious celebration to follow.

Advent.

2011-11-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

I pray my heart will remember this, in this season of Advent:

Christmas is the promise that the God who came in history and comes daily in mystery will one day come in glory. God is saying in Jesus that in the end everything will be all right. Nothing can hard you permanently, no suffering is irrevocable, no loss is lasting, no defeat is more than transitory, no disappointment is conclusive. Jesus did not deny the reality of suffering, discouragement, disappointment, frustration, and death; he simply stated that the Kingdom of God would conquer all of these horrors, that the Father's love is so prodigal that no evil could possibly resist it."
-Reflections for Ragamuffins
By, Brennan Manning

In a New York Color Minute.

2011-11-25T11:56:00.000-08:00

One of the best $1.29 I spent all week.

Canal Street by NYC.

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good!

2011-11-24T11:58:00.000-08:00

Source: dearlillie.com via Michele on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Margaret on Pinterest

Source: riflepaperco.com via Ashley on Pinterest

"Be honest is the turkey's name Paul? No, it's Hank...Hanksgiving"

2011-11-23T08:24:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, this is the funniest episode of New Girl yet. So, if you aren't watching the show yet you need to get with the program, set your DVR, and catch up immediately. Did I mention that I have become friends with a guy who works in the Set Dec department on New Girl. Well, over Labor Day he invited me and my friend Melissa to come visit the set, since I want to work in Set Decorating. It was really neat to hear all the inside scoop and we even gotten to see Zooey film a scene! She is just as adorable in person as she is playing Jess (who's that girl, it's Jess!) and singing with M. Ward in She & Him. Happy Hanksgiving Eve everyone!

Casa Bonita.

2011-11-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

There are some days living in Los Angeles that I miss Dallas so much it hurts. Today is one of those days. It isn't Dallas the city that I miss so much, it's simply my life in the Big D. Good friends that I know well and know me well, knowing where everything is and how to get there (in under 10 minutes), Matt Chandler, the ease and convenience of the AI computer labs and light boards, Chuy's queso and Gloria's margaritas, Chick-Fil-A on every corner, Kidd Kraddock in the mornings, the clean Kroger on Mockingbird, walking Katy Trail, just the history of living in a place that makes for a strong rhythm to life, and my precious house on Bonita Avenue that really felt like home.
There is something about a place feeling like home that is hard to move on from. One of my old roommates, Melissa, took some pictures of our old home over the past couple years we lived together and they are really beautiful. She is so wonderful at catching the light at just the right time and place that it makes our dusty little house look like it should be in a magazine.

"Home wasn't built in a day."

-Jane Sherwood Ace

Team Peeta.

2011-11-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

And, I read that this trailer will show before Breaking Dawn Part 1, which comes out Friday. I can't wait to see it on the big screen! Countdown until March begins now!

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

2011-11-09T22:11:00.000-08:00

I want to be friends with Mindy Kaling. She is super smart, a hilarious writer, friends with John Krasinski, my same age, and lives in the same town as me. Meant to be besties? I think so. She wrote a new book, so maybe it will feel like we are friends after I read it.

But, I kind of feel like Mindy and I already are friends after reading this quote by her today on her website:

"I am so terrified, you guys. Not because I don't think the book is great-- which it really is, I swear-- but because it is the first thing I've ever done creatively that is 100% me. There hasn't been a more complete representation of who I am then this book. So win or lose, it'll all be on me."

I feel so much the same way about simply being who God made me to be. It's not that I don't think who God made me to be isn't great. It's just that when I am only that, it leaves me open to being simply being me, comfortable in my own skin, secure knowing Jesus died for me, without the bells and whistles I usually try to be as well to make sure people like me. So, Mindy, one day I hope we meet here in L.A. And, if we do, I hope we get to talk about this quote. And, being 32. And, John Krasinski.

Birds.

2011-11-06T15:06:00.000-08:00

What an amazing God we have that can create birds that can do this...

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

From Me to You...

2011-11-04T17:49:00.000-07:00

Source: ohhappyday.com via Kim on Pinterest

Color Coded Bookshelves.

2011-11-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

I am thinking of doing this in my house...

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Elise on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Brittany on Pinterest

Source: creatur3s.tumblr.com via Aysha on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Lara on Pinterest

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

It just makes things look so put together, but unboring (I don't think that's a word).

Heavenly Fire.

2011-11-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

"O for a spark of heavenly fire,

From the Redeemer's throne,

The pure and permanent desire

Of loving [God] alone!

The pure desire unquenchable

Ev'n now I seem to prove,

But only Thou, my God, canst tell

If Thee I wish to love.

Vouchsafe me then the wish sincere,

The wish sincere fulfil,

And stamp me with thy character

According to thy will:

Accomplish'd see thine own desires,

And O! be satisfied,

When singing with th'immortal squires

I triumph at thy side.

-From The Unpublished Poetry of Charles Wesley, Vol. 3

Source: web.me.com via Emma on Pinterest

Let's Just Skip Halloween & Get to the Good Stuff!

2011-10-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

If it were up to me, we would just skip Halloween and head straight on to Thanksgiving and Christmas! I mean, hello, candy is great and all, but turkey, twice baked potatoes, stuffing, peppermint bark, peppermint hot chocolate, and gingerbread takes the cake! I might have even started listening to Christmas music this weekend. So, here are some new faves to listen to in the upcoming season...

And, because I hate to be a complete Halloween hater here is the Girls Team winning pumpkin from the UCLA RUF Pumpkin Carving Contest...

Happy Halloween!

Prepfection.

2011-10-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

My new favorite blog is Prepfection. It fully embodies my clothing and interior style and add in the fact that I like deer heads, fall, monograms, and boats and this blog is all my favorites in one place. I think I would have loved living in the preppy 80's (think the earliest scenes in When Harry Met Sally) as a young adult, therefore I love that this tumblr has both old and more current photos. Here are some pictures to make it your new favorite blog too...

And, in case those photos didn't convince you to take a look, maybe these will...

I don't even know of anywhere near Los Angeles to pick apples (and find cute boys that do too). So again, why do I live in a city of boys that wear skinny jeans and surfer shirts and have never heard of Vineyard Vines or L.L. Bean?

It's Fall Y'all!

2011-10-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

And, you know what that means? Fall clothes! Scarves, tights, and boots, oh my!

Source: polyvore.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: garnethill.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: littlegirlbigcloset.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: kendieveryday.blogspot.com via Marianne on Pinterest

Source: modcloth.com via Kaitlyn on Pinterest

Source: None via Maggie on Pinterest

Source: sewingin-nomansland.blogspot.com via Kassie on Pinterest

Source: shopbop.com via Mallory on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Chrissy on Pinterest

Source: prepfection.tumblr.com via Jess on Pinterest

L.A. or Dallas?

2011-10-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today's weather makes me think I might still live in Dallas, not Los Angeles...

Heart.

2011-10-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

I would like this in my house...

Source: cokercola.blogspot.com via Erin on Pinterest

I would like to hear this live...

And, I would like to live a life knowing this truth deep in my heart...

"Let thy goodness, like a fetter,

Bind my wandering heart to Thee:

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,

Prone to leave this God I love;

Here's my heart, O take and seal it;

Seal it for Thy courts above."

Beets.

2011-10-07T08:39:00.000-07:00

What do you think of when you think of beets? The first things that come to my mind are Dwight Schrute and Doug Funnie. But, yesterday I was peeling some beets and realized they are beautiful. The colors are rich and they have a woodgrain look to them or stripes, making them beautiful, unique, and delicious too.

Source: tarteletteblog.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: wishflowers.tumblr.com via Marianne on Pinterest

Source: foodculturalist.tumblr.com via Shayna on Pinterest

Source: wholeliving.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Source: appledrane.blogspot.com via Carla on Pinterest

Room Tour: Bedroom.

2011-10-04T12:10:00.000-07:00

This is my new bedroom in Los Angeles...

I really love the way this room turned out, and, for the most part, didn't have to buy much when I moved in the house. The bed and dressers were given to me when I was a baby by my great uncle, so have been my bedroom furniture all my life. Both the white bedside cabinet and white chair at the dressing table are from the Ikea clearance section. (Even though the cabinet did have to be taken apart just to fit in the car it was definitely worth it for only $30.) The brown curtains were on sale at Ikea for $10 for 2 panels. The bedding my very generous mom bought for me on sale at Anthro. And, all of the accessories, lighting, and most of the wall art are just pieces I have picked up over the years. I love that most of the things in my room have been repurposed or tell a story of sometime or someone in my life.

Current Inspiration.

2011-10-02T08:35:00.001-07:00

For my (much need of finishing/continuity/pictures on the walls) living and dining room,

Pic found here.

because I picked up 2 of these great Jonathan Adler hanging lanterns (1 for free and 1 25% off) at Swoozie's last weekend in North Carolina with my mom.

Moon River.

2011-09-26T11:51:00.001-07:00

This beautiful duet is worthy of resurrecting the blog...

Goodness, my eyes fill with tears whenever I hear any version of this song. In fact, it used to be my phone ringtone, but I got teary anytime my phone rang, so I had to change it. Anyway, there is just something about the words and the melody that are so tender. And, the term "huckleberry friend" draws such a cute picture of two friends or a married couple sharing a simple life together on the banks of a river.

This is the "Moon River" I picture in my head. By, Russell Hogger.

I want this painting hanging in my home to remind me of the consistent pace of life I want to live with Jesus, even in the midst of fast paced Los Angeles.

Future.

2011-09-07T11:02:00.003-07:00

So, my life here in L.A. is about to take a minor change in the way of school (transferring to a program at UCLA!) and I have really let it take my heart to a very restless place. I like to know what the next month, 6 months, and year are going to look like for the most part. {Isn't it interesting that God has given me a desire to work in an industry that does not work that way?} And, right now I feel like I don't even really know life will in a sense look like after the next two weeks. But, I read a quote this morning that really brought peace to my soul...

"The future is in God's hands, not yours. God will rule it accordingly to your need. But if you seek to forecast it in your own wisdom, you will gain nothing but anxiety and anticipation of inevitable trouble. Try only to make use of each day; each day brings its own good and evil, and sometimes what seems evil becomes good if we leave it to God, and do not forestall (God) with our impatience."

-The Royal Way of the Cross:

Letters and Spiritual Counsels of Francois de Salignac de la Mothe-Fenelon

Source: bonnietsang.tumblr.com via Anna on Pinterest

Bedside Table Inspiration.

2011-08-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

This Sunday I finally move into my permanent house in L.A. What, Erin, you haven't moved into your house yet? Yes, it is true. For about 7 weeks I sublet from a girl (in the house where I will live permanently) while she was in Europe. And, now, this Sunday another girl in the house gets married and I get to move into her room. (Get ready for many room setup posts.) So, for the past two weeks I have been a nomad, staying at my friend Liz's for the first week and Matt and Ellen's this week. Unfortunately Liz and her husband were out of town almost the entire week that I was there, but this week it has been fun getting to know the Godfreys while staying at their place.

One thing I know for sure now, I was not made to be a nomad. I like being settled and a place feeling like home, having a routine for getting ready in the morning, not having a large suitcase in the backseat of my car (although with the mess my car can become, one would wonder), knowing where nearby places are like Trader Joe's and Ralph's (aka Kroger), Walgreens, and Home Depot, and here in L.A. driving around familiar areas where I know how to get around.

And, I can't help but think about Abraham and how in Hebrews 11 it talks of him living in tents and what a longing that must have cultivated for his home with God in heaven. I am not quite spiritual enough to have longed for heaven in these past couple months of not feeling settles. I have just longed for my trinkets like my bird bank and trifle bowl, my art that all tells a story about my life, my clothes that would always be the perfect thing to wear if I just had them, and of course, my own bed. But, Sunday, the movers come, unload the relo-cube and I am in business.

Ok, so this was supposed to be a post about inspiration for my bedside table. I looove an oversize bedside table! For the past few years I have used a kidney shaped dressing table and have loved it. But, at the new house I have to get ready in my room since I share a bathroom with two other girls. Therefore am going to use the dressing table for it's actual purpose. But, today I was looking around the web and got some inspiration to use my desk as a bedside table. I never ever sit at my desk and work anyhow, so this would make it more functional and I can use the space underneath the chair opening to house things.

This first picture is what gave me the idea first. Then I searched around Pinterest and found lots of inspiration.

Source: hannahkateflora.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: None via Brittany on Pinterest

Source: thatkindofwoman.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: designspongeonline.com via Dana on Pinterest

Source: marcusdesigninc.blogspot.com via Six on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Susan on Pinterest

Source: blog.livelikeyou.com via Caitlin on Pinterest

Source: brynalexandra.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

Our Idiot Brother.

2011-08-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

And, I am not talking about my brother. Either of them. What I am talking about is the movie Our Idiot Brother and how much I want to see it! I mean just look at the cast. And, the cool movie poster. And, watch the trailer.

L.A. Time Lapse.

2011-08-09T15:22:00.002-07:00

This video makes me think of all the stories happening in L.A. on any given day. People waking up, going to work, trying to find work, pursuing dreams, being frustrated with the pursuit of what feels like a dream lost, trusting Jesus, looking for a Savior, falling in love, falling out of love, having babies, burying parents, driving, being stuck in traffic, reuniting with old friends, making more friends, clubbing at night, feeling alone at night, going to bed with their husband or wife, going to bed alone, feeling loved, and feeling empty. It also makes me love this city and it's people.

LA Light from Colin Rich on Vimeo.

"This is a place where I don't feel alone. This is a place where I feel at home."

Brilliant!

2011-08-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Tina on Pinterest

Once again, Kate Spade stores have the best design.

Lucite Chairs.

2011-08-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I think it was March, I found these beautiful lucite chairs at the TJ Maxx at Preston Center in Dallas...

Not knowing how much of my furniture I would be able to bring with me to L.A., because I didn't know where I would be living and because I already have a desk chair and dining room table chairs I didn't buy one. I am so wishing I had bought one now, because I got rid of my dining table and chairs and my red desk chair, since it does not go with my new bedding from Anthro...

And, as much as I would love one of those bamboo chairs or a Phillippe Starck Ghost Chair I am now on the hunt for a more affordable version. Here are a couple I have found, both for $79.99 (a much higher price tag than the way cuter TJ Maxx find)...

Lucite folding chair from Bed Bath and Beyond

Tobias Chair from Ikea

The Rose Bowl Flea Market is this Sunday and I am hoping to go and find a wonderful (affordable) alternative!

Back to Dillon???

2011-08-02T07:50:00.000-07:00

So, apparently there are talks that Peter Berg is developing a Friday Night Lights movie starring Kyle Chandler (as Coach Eric Taylor) and Connie Britton (as counselor, oh excuse me, Dean Tami Taylor) that picks up where the television show left off. How amazing would that be?!?!! I would mainly like to see Matt and Julie get married, the Riggins house, and how much Coach Taylor's accent changes in Philadelphia. Let's take a look back at everyone's favorite Dillon residents...

Hope to Meet Again.

2011-07-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

I am really loving life here in California! (Happy one month anniversary L.A., I foresee our relationship lasting quite awhile.) It has been really fun exploring Los Angeles (Westwood and Pasadena being two of my faves, Hollywood my least fave so far), finding my own little spots that make this huge city feel like home, making time to enjoy the beach and mountains, getting involved at church and with RUF, meeting some great people, and starting to find a little bit of a rhythm of school, work, and the rest of life, which as someone who loves routine is a huge blessing. But I have really been missing my friends the past week and a half or so. Wednesday I read this hymn in The Divine Hours and it was good for my heart.

Blessed be the tie that binds

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above

We share each other's woes

our mutual burdens bear;

and often for each other flow

our comforts and our cares

Before our Father's throne,

we pour our ardent prayers;

our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

our comforts and our cares

When we asunder part,

it gives us inward pain;

but we shall still be joined in heart,

and hope to meet again.

-John Fawcett

Carmageddon.

2011-07-15T09:26:00.001-07:00

Somedays I forget that I live in L.A. My life is so similar to my life in Dallas, work at Anthro, go to school, do homework, try to hangout with people, go to the grocery store, attempt to workout, ya know the usual. I didn't really expect that. I thought that it would feel different living in a different city. Not feel better or worse, just different.

I also thought the people would be mean (since California isn't the south), but they have been as friendly and kind as Texans. I think the southern accent helps.

I didn't think the sky in California could be the most beautiful shade of Carolina blue.

I thought I would be the only preppy person in town, but there are lots of preppies around. (None with Croakies though, of course. I am still proudly wearing mine.)

I didn't think about how noisy living in a big city would be. There always seems to be a car alarm going off, dog barking (or two), honking because of traffic, police car or fire truck siren, or fireworks going off at all hours of the day. I already don't really notice them, because it is all the time.

I did not know how much humidity affected my hair until I wasn't ever around it.

I didn't know I could go to a party where I have to mingle a lot and not be awkward.

I thought finding good Mexican food would be more painless than it has been. Any suggestions, anyone?

I didn't realize how comfortable I really am in my own skin now. Thank you, Jesus for working on this area of my heart for the past few years.

I thought I would be more excited if I ran into celebrities in L.A., but I really don't care and don't even recognize them.

I didn't foresee transferring to my new Anthro to be as easy as it has been.

And, I didn't think that transferring schools wouldn't be as hard as it has been. Everyone already knows each other here and has their little groups. They know what instructors' personalities are like and what to do to make a good grade. The vocabulary is different (ex: I had never heard of a reflected ceiling plan, but it is what I know to be an electrical plan). All of the other students know that to stay in the computer lab after 11 you have to check out an overnight pass, where the library is, and where to print things. Most people have been friendly and kind enough to help me. Some haven't. I just didn't expect this part of life to be so difficult in Los Angeles. School was so comfortable in Dallas and now it is probably the most uncomfortable part of my life. I even dropped a class because of how overwhelming it all is in the midst of also moving across the country, starting a new job, trying to make friends, getting involved in a church, transitioning into an internship, learning my way around this huge city, and of course surviving Carmageddon.

And, more than anything I have seen how much I need Jesus, love Jesus, have Jesus, and He takes care of me since moving out west into my new life in L.A. I am really loving it.

p.s. I will return to normal blog posting about things other than my move soon :)

My California Life.

2011-07-11T15:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, that is the front door open, balcony doors open, and me wearing jeans. In July. And, I am not sweating. I think I am getting quite used to life here already.

Left vs. Right

2011-07-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

I love these Mercedes ads...

Source: adsoftheworld.com via Laura on Pinterest

Source: myrevelment.com via Laura on Pinterest

And, I promise an update on life in Los Angeles is on its way. I will say that I am loving life in L.A. and daily see how good Jesus is!

California, Here We Come!

2011-07-01T09:02:00.001-07:00

But, first I had to move all of this out of my house with my sweet roommates.

Then it was Dallas to Flagstaff to The Grand Canyon to Vegas to LA with my friend Kristen!

And, this is the scenic view out of my new house in Los Angeles!

OMG.

2011-06-24T05:10:00.000-07:00

This might be the most beautiful wedding suite I have ever seen...

I love how it is so classic looking, but isn't stale and ordinary.

Wouldn't you die to be able to handwrite like that?

The New Girl.

2011-06-22T21:31:00.000-07:00

I would not mind being an intern in the art department of Zooey Deschanel's new Fox televison show.

Storm.

2011-06-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

I will miss Texas storms, like the one happening outside my window right now.

Source: flickr.com via Jim on Pinterest

Source: None via Erin on Pinterest

Source: htneighbors.com via Sabrina on Pinterest

One Week...

2011-06-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Until I leave Dallas to live here:

Source: modelcitizen.us via Carrie on Pinterest

Source: facebook.com via Camille on Pinterest

Source: pxleyes.com via Norah on Pinterest

Source: darkroastedblend.com via sara on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Caroline on Pinterest

Source: en.wikipedia.org via Jeff on Pinterest

So until then I will be dealing with a lot of these:

Source: picklebums.com via Erin on Pinterest

Eating a lot of this:

Source: blogostoso.wordpress.com via Mileni on Pinterest

Spending as much time as possible with these types:

Source: inspiredbythisfeeling.tumblr.com via Carol on Pinterest

And, listening to this song a lot:

I know it says "let's move out of Los Angeles", but it also says, "c'mon let's make this dream that's barely half awake come true". And, it is pretty.

Did You See Google Today?

2011-06-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

If not, go to Google and strum the logo's guitar strings.

Maybe their most creative (and entertaining) yet, in my opinion.

Swing, Swing, Swing, From the Tangles.

2011-06-07T07:12:00.000-07:00

Swinging on swings like this make me feel seasick...

Source: lucuchen.tumblr.com via KC on Pinterest

But, I think I could handle swings like these on a lazy summer afternoon. I just love their oversize large scale...

Source: piewacketblog.com via Kaela on Pinterest

Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via Cj on Pinterest

Source: desiretoinspire.net via Kathryn on Pinterest

Source: onbluepoolroad.com via Maryellen on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Solena on Pinterest

Source: None via Kelley on Pinterest

And, in other news...I got a job at the Anthro in Beverly Hills!

It feels a little like manna from heaven. And, yes, the zip code is 90210.

Uncharted.

2011-06-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite musical artists is Sara Bareilles and her latest album Kaleidoscope Heart (Don't you just looove the name? I do. Shocker, I know.) is just fantastic. The words to many of the songs are rich, the melodies are easy to sing along to, and that is such a killer combination.
Well, recently I was driving down I-75, jamming in my car, singing along to Sara's song "Uncharted" when I was reminded that I get one of the lyrics wrong. Every. Single. Time. I sing it (terribly) "Compare where you are to where you wanna be and you'll get somewhere." The actual line goes "Compare where you are to where you wanna be and you'll get nowhere."
What a picture of the reality of my heart. For some reason I think that by comparing my talents, gifts, flaws, life circumstances, etc., and making myself feel either elevated or subservient I am going to get somewhere in life. Where I think I am going to get I am not really sure. The thing is "my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' love and righteousness." Not in the opinion of the person sitting next to me.
If I ever run into Sara Bareilles I am going to tell her how "Uncharted" reminds me each time I hear it that my value comes in the perfect love of Jesus, and not in the cycle of comparison. And, that her and Ingrid Michaelson's duet "Winter Song" is #16 on my iTunes Top 25 most played.

Roam.

2011-05-25T05:27:00.000-07:00

I think I might have found my latest ~~time waster~~ inspiration website.

A blog that brings words to life through pictures. Why didn't I think of that?

Anthro, you are so smart!

People are So Dang Creative!

2011-05-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

Source: dougswordclock.com via Anette on Pinterest

Source: us.mc824.mail.yahoo.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: scotchandscones.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: coolmaterial.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: designboom.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: None via Bjorn on Pinterest

Source: fastmac.com via Patricia on Pinterest

Source: dreamfarm.com.au via Heather on Pinterest

Source: design-milk.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Isn't it amazing that God gave people minds to come up with such creative ideas?

Beauty in the Breakdown.

2011-05-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Inspired by this post by the adorable, talented, and real Emily Henderson, the words of Frou Frou, and the desire for this blog to be about not just the pretty parts of life, but the messy parts as well, here are the thoughts that are really swimming in my head a majority of days.

Moving is stressful, emotional, and tiring. If you have moved across the country you know this, heck if you have moved down the street you know that. It is stressful because there are so many moving pieces that have to fit together like the perfect jigsaw puzzle (and all cost money). If one doesn't fit, it makes all the other pieces unusable. Also adding to the stress, in the months of prep for moving there is still normal life going on, and for me that means school, work, friends, and sleep (or lack thereof). It is emotional because if you are anything like me and you are already an emotional being from the start, then add saying goodbye to people you love, leaving a life that is very comfortable, and a city that feels like home into the mix and you are asking for emotional wreckage. Stress plus emotion equals tired, in my life.

This trifecta typically plays itself out (daily) on the phone with my mother one of two ways, crying or cussing. The topic of conversation with my sweet, patient, and loving mother is usually finances (98% of the time), how tired I am (75%), what if I never make it as a Set Decorator and move all the way to California for nothing which inevitably leads back into finances (60%), grades and school (55%), how much I am not looking forward to packing up my house (30%), the fact that I am organizing all of the pieces of my move and packing by myself (29%), what to do if I can't transfer with Anthropologie (22%), how I would love to change my major to Art History instead of Interior Design (10%), how God has continued to show me that He is a God that is good, provides, and is for me, and that this move and my desire to work in film and television come as no surprise to Him and actually He is the one who put them there, and that this right now, this stressful, emotional, and tiring place in life is exactly where God has me so that I will know Him best and that His glory will be revealed to other people (5%).

I feel like if I could take the 5% and put a 10 in front of it all of the other percentages would flip flop. I would start really looking at how the Lord has crafted my heart with a desire for Art History and see what that looks like for the future, my heart would trust that God is going to provide a job for me whether it is at Anthropologie or somewhere else and if it isn't Anthro it is because He wants me elsewhere, I would realize that God is there in every aspect of this move so I am not alone, the daunting task of cleaning out my house would be an opportunity to recognize that every moment no matter how ordinary is a holy moment in life where God has me, my value would come in knowing Christ and his love for me and not in a grade on a sheet of paper, I would remember that the Lord is the one would gives jobs and all I have to do is love God, know He loves me, and go for it, I would ask the Lord to give me strength from Him when I am exhausted, and instead of worrying about money to the point of tears I would hold money loosely, knowing that security in finances is not where real security is found, it is in Christ alone.

I have been camping out in Psalm 131 this week. The Lord has used the words tenderly in my heart...

¹God, I'm not trying to rule the roost, I don't want to be king of the mountain.
I haven't meddled where I have no business

or fantasized grandiose plans.

² I've kept my feet on the ground,

I've cultivated a quiet heart.

Like a baby content in its mother's arms,

my soul is a baby content.

³ Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope.

Hope now; hope always!

-Psalm 131
The Message

Prolific.

2011-05-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Adjective. Producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring.

This week my Photoshop project was to take a word from the list my teacher gave us and bring it to life in a way that represents what the word means. Have you ever thought that much about the word prolific? I hadn't.

Bird's Nest.

2011-05-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

So next time you don't have time to fix your hair and someone says, "your hair looks like a bird's nest" you can take it as a compliment and reply, "why thank you!"

Source: put-a-bird-on-it.tumblr.com via Anette on Pinterest

The Romantics.

2011-05-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

My Art History classes (all 4 of them) have been my favorite courses that I have taken since going back to school. I love learning about the details like brushwork, lighting, form, and composition, as well as the culture at the time and how that formed the artist's or architect's piece of work. This quarter I am in a class that studies Art History from Baroque until 20th century.
We are at the Romantics right now and it is probably my favorite time period to study so far. The Romantics wanted to evoke emotion via art since the church was going through the counter-reformation and trying to bring people back to a place of deep inner spiritual life. I think I would have fit in perfectly art wise during the Romantics movement. They were brooding, looked deep behind the meanings of things, loved poetry, nature, and imagination, and believed that talent as an artist was a God given gift. (Politically I don't so much think I would have fit in with them.)
This past Thursday we were looking at Winter Landscape with Church by Friedrich and it brought tears to my eyes. As a class we were discussing what the painting represented in a life with Christ and I could not help but be overcome with emotion at the beauty of Jesus. That he gives broken (hearted) people (the little boy sitting in the snow against the rock) the chance to sit at the feet of the cross (notice the cross in the tree) and be healed (in their hearts) and have hope in life beyond this one (the gate with the church in the background). Absolutely beautiful.

Sweet Home Alabama.

2011-05-07T08:48:00.001-07:00

Some of you readers may or may not know that I used to live in Alabama. Auburn to be exact. Unless you have been living under a rock the past few weeks you know that Tuscaloosa was hit hard by the tornadoes that ripped through the southeast. You can support the people of the great state of Alabama by purchasing one of Maggie Crisler's awesome t-shirts. A portion of the money goes to Red Cross of Alabama. And, don't worry the shirts come in beautiful War Eagle navy and orange as well as Roll Tide crimson and gray.

Toes in the Sand.

2011-05-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I bought Essie's Sand Tropez nail polish,

and it makes me want to be in Santa Monica,

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Wendys on Pinterest

or Malibu,

Source: google.com via Jess on Pinterest

or Venice Beach, with my bike of course.

Source: flickr.com via Eva on Pinterest

Oh wait, I will be. Living there! In less than 2 months.

Ahhhhhhh! That is me internally freaking out, with both excitement and fear.

Awake My Soul.

2011-05-02T18:11:00.003-07:00

Friday afternoon my roommate, Melissa, and I loaded up the car, filled up on Chick-fil-A and hit the road for Memphis. About twenty minutes outside Dallas I told Melissa I could finally breathe, obviously my soul needed to be refreshed. Awake my soul...

My sweet Mimi hosted us all weekend...

I got to see these college bffs at breakfast Saturday morning...

Visited the ducks at The Peabody Hotel with Nashville friends...

Ate at an iconic Memphis spot (and the first restaurant I went to as a baby)...

Took my place in royalty, just like Kate did this weekend...

Got to see Mumford and Sons at Memphis in May...

And heard them sing this (thank you to the tall guy who videoed for me)...

Then finished off the weekend with my last RUF Bible study...

"Where you invest your love, you invest your life,

Awake my soul"

-Mumford and Sons

Impressionism is the Newspaper of the Soul.

2011-04-27T21:47:00.001-07:00

Another week, another Photoshop project.

The assignment was to create a photomontage representing an era in art history (I chose an Impressionism painting) out of textures found around the house.

I loved the process of creating this project and the final outcome.

In His Blue Gardens...

2011-04-26T06:12:00.001-07:00

"In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths amongs the whisperings and champagne and the stars." -F. Scott Fitzgerald

Such graceful and beautiful words.

All images found at weheartit.com search "garden party".

He is Risen!

2011-04-24T18:13:00.000-07:00

He is risen, indeed!

Growing.

2011-04-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

For my Photoshop class I had to take photographs with the theme of a color. Naturally, since my favorite color is green I chose the color of envy, summer leaves, and Kermit the frog. After taking the pictures I had to compose them into a grid that my teacher designed. I tried to come up with a concept for my project outside green just being a color and build off of what the color represents. The first thought that came to mind was that green represents growing, new life, and healing.

So here is what I came up with...

The idea was that the pictures making up the middle quadrant are pictures of things cracked, broken, dead, or at the very beginning of life. Then in the top left quadrant mental growth, and for me that means Interior Design. The bottom left is physical growth. Then moving right is emotional growth and how it is usually prickly and hurts. Then rounding out the square is spiritual growth. I loved designing and composing this project and just might frame it in my room.

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but God who gives the growth."

-1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Drink the Wild Air.

2011-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

I am loooving the citrus orange, aqua blue, bright yellow, lime green color palate these days. It definitely makes me want to drink in the wild air! Agreed? Agreed!

All images found via Pinterest

Honeysuckle.

2011-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

This morning on my bike ride I smelled the sweet scent of honeysuckle for the first time this spring season. About 8 years ago when I was on Young Life staff in Knoxville one of my co-workers shared that the aroma of honeysuckle reminded him of the sweetness of love Jesus has for him. For some reason that reminder has stuck with me. And, this morning was no exception. As I passed the recognizable bouquet of honeysuckle my heart couldn't help but be filled with the beautiful reminder of the sweet love Jesus has for me.

Baby Joel DoDoDoDoDoDo, Baby Joel!

2011-04-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

In case you have ever wondered what my voice sounds like and how absolutely precious my baby nephew is at about 6 months...

After watching that some of you are probably glad you don't have to listen to my singing or southern accent in real life and just get to read my thoughts via the internet. And, doesn't it kind of look like Baby Joel is hanging on a wall? Goodness, I just love him so much!

L.A. Home Idea.

2011-04-06T07:37:00.001-07:00

I want to recreate this photo in my new home in Los Angeles. One, because I am drooling over the way the over the bed poofs (I don't know what to call them. Any suggestions?) create an unexpected canopy over part of the bed. Two, my headboard is a similar shape. Three, I think it would be inexpensive to DIY. And last but not least, the over the bed poofs would be soft if they fell on me in the middle of the night in an earthquake. Oh the design challenges I must think about now.

Today I start my last quarter (11 weeks) at The Art Institute of Dallas, which means the reality of L.A. as home is quickly approaching. And, I might have found a possible place to live. (Why do I ever spend energy not trusting God?) Oh, I am starting to get giddy with excitement! Californiaaaaa here I come!

Treasure Hunt.

2011-04-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

X marks the spot where this dress is still available in my size (for only $49.99!)...

A Day at Monticello.

2011-04-04T19:28:00.002-07:00

My brother, sister-in-law, nephew, mom and I spent this past Saturday afternoon at Charlottesville's most notable (besides The McCabes) resident's home.

"But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine."

-Thomas Jefferson, Monticello architect and resident

Where The Heart Is.

2011-03-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

I found this post in the archives of the blog Garance Dore. It tells the story of a man whose wife sewed a heart on the inside of the pocket of his chambray shirt so that her heart was always close to his. Ohhh, melt my little heart. I am very much a romantic. Not a cheesy romantic who likes flowers and chocolates and cliches. But, a life romantic. I believe in love and telling people you love them, places like Italy that bring out a sense of romance, handwritten letters and homemade cards, poetry, and bike riding. Do you see the difference? I am definitely going to sew a little heart on the inside of at least one shirt pocket of my one day future husband.

Also, Blair Waldorf sewed a little heart charm onto the sleeve of Nate's sweater, so that he always had her heart on his sleeve. I find that equally as romantic and something I want to do one day. I couldn't find a clip of the scene, but isn't Nate too cute in his cashmere green sweater? (And, it's even cuter knowing there is a little gold heart charm sewed in the sleeve.)

Prodigal Sons.

2011-03-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

“The story of Jesus tells us that our root problem is not just failing in our obediance to God [not being good enough...] but in RELYING on our obedience [being really, really good] to save us. Therefore, the gospel is a ‘third way’– neither religion NOR irreligion. The religious person may say, “I am doing the right things that God commands” and the irreligious person may say, “I decide what is right and wrong for myself.” But both ways reject Jesus as Savior [though they may revere Him as ‘Example’ or ‘Helper’]. Both ways are strategies for self-salvation– both actually keep control of their own lives.”

-Tim Keller, The Prodigal God

Rembrandt, The Return of the Prodigal Son

Happy St. Patty's Day!

2011-03-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is kind of my holiday, considering my name is Erin McCabe and green is my fave color.

{all images found at Pinterest search "green"}

I Will Never Love You More...

2011-03-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

Oh Kate, how I love thee. I have recently been introduced to all of Kate's affordable and precious jewelry. And, I am a student, which equals poor, and I still think it is affordable. Here are some of my faves...

Crystal Trellis Stud Earrings, $27

All Wrapped Up Studs, $45

Lever Back Earrings, $55

Love Notes Pendant Necklace, $75

All Wrapped Up Bow Pendant, $95

Earn Your Stripes Idiom Bangle, $48

Love Notes Bow Ring, $38

(not available online)

Happy Friday!

2011-03-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

I have spent most of my day designing a commercial office for my Space Planning class.

But, tonight I am going to see this movie,

which happens to be the starring, written by, and the directorial debut of this guy,

a.k.a Ted Mosby, architect, from one of the greatest television shows, ever.

And, in more exciting news, my sweet friend Caroline, who guest blogged on Oh, and the World Spins Madly On last summer, has joined the blogging world! You should all check out her site, Little Loves of Mine. And, you should probably follow her too. It is sure to be a journey of humility, hilarity, style, and sass, just like her!

Dream Come True...

2011-03-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

Anthropologie is opening a Decorator Concept in 12 of their stores! With this feature shoppers can browse textiles, rugs, curtains, wallpapers, and more, in person. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice about decorating and furnishings.

I think this might be a possible career for me (if the whole Set Decorating thing doesn't work out, or in the meantime, or in addition to). I mean have you seen my house? It looks like it threw up Anthropologie, and most of this was before I started Interior Design school. Haha, we don't actually study decorating in school though, but I would like to say my design eye in general has improved.

I mean my own home could totally be my portfolio, right? Riiight.

All images and info about Anthro found via Decor8.

Art History.

2011-03-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

This quarter I am taking Art History I, the study of art from Ancient Egyptian through, well, I am not sure where we are going to end up, but at least through the Renaissance. History has always been my favorite subject, so Art History is right up my alley. The thing I love most is that my instructor goes deep into the whys behind each building, painting, or sculpture. Each week he informs us about the culture, politics, religion, etc., of the time period and geography and how it impacted the artists' work.
A majority of the works of art we have studied are of Christ, Biblical stories, or Biblical figures. I love how you can look at the line, chiaroscuro (light and dark), composition, form, color, brushwork, and medium and see deep into the artist's view of the subject matter. Here are some of my favorites I have studied thus far...

Masaccio, Tribute Money

Raphael, Madonna of the Meadow

Michelangelo, Pieta

Saint Matthew

Giotto, Kiss at the Golden Gate

Donatello, David

This class has expanded my view of how I see Jesus and made me think about what my "pictures" of him would look like. Would the line of his brow be furrowed in confusion and worry over his people or would he have a smile on his face? Would the crucifixion be filled with dark shadows or with light? Would my madonna and child painting be flat or full of volume? All I know is that when I study the images of Jesus and other figures from the Bible I want to love Jesus more and be loved by him more and more.

Bieber Fever.

2011-03-07T09:14:00.002-08:00

It is true. I have Bieber Fever. Saturday afternoon my friend and I went to see Never Say Never and goodness that little 17 year old boy is endearing. It was actually pretty interesting to see the journey of how he became a pop music sensation, how talented he was even as a little kid, how cute his manager Scooter is, and of course how he gets the perfect hair swoosh.
I mean how can you not think Justin is adorably precious...

And hilarious...

All images found via weheartit search "Justin Bieber"

Vegetable Car, Diesel Mercedes, Green Two Door...

2011-03-03T19:57:00.001-08:00

Joshua Radin's take on L.A. makes me laugh. It's probably more true than I would like to believe. Good thing I am not looking to be famous.

Maybe some boy in L.A. will just be looking for a sweet Southern girl with a brunette bob, no glasses, and drives a Japanese car, automatic, navy Accord 4 door.

Circles.

2011-03-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

All images found HERE.

Emily Henderson, Please Be My BFF. Or My Boss.

2011-02-28T12:34:00.001-08:00

This may come as a surprise to anyone who knows me, but, I have never watched Design Star. I know, I know, shocking! Well, this past week the blogs were all the Twitter (Did anyone get that Glee reference? I really hope so.) about the past Design Star winner, Emily Henderson's new HGTV television show Secrets From a Stylist, which premiered Saturday night.

Let's backtrack to about a year ago. When I started Interior Design school exactly 10 months ago I thought I wanted to be an interiors stylist or be a part of a retail visual team. That is because I didn't even know Set Decorating existed. Styling is definitely what I would like to do while trying to make it as a Set Decorator and on the side while hopefully being an actual Set Decorator.

Well, Emily is a stylist, hence the name of her show, and I want to be her bestie and her employee. I love her design eye, she seems to have an excellent work ethic, and I would just love to learn from her. Plus, we have the same clothing style. In her first episode she wore a sweater I own (hers was in navy), boat shoes (not sure if they were actual Sperry's, but looked just like them), and a couple shirt dresses...hello, that is me. The girl obviously loves Anthro, and I work there! Emily's About Me on her website says, "I believe strongly there is always a time and place for fresh flowers, and nothing is more important than simply being nice to every person, every day." To top it all off, she lives in Los Angeles, my future home come this summer. Meant to be? I think so!

You can watch this past Saturday's episode where Emily styled Glee writer, Ian Brennan's Hollywood Hills bungalow. Here are Ian and Emily (in my sweater) in Ian's fabulous new living room...

And, here are a few pics of the final product for ya...

Again, the Living Room

Guest Room Niche

Television Room

All images found via Google search "Ian Brennan Emily Henderson"

Oscars 2011.

2011-02-27T21:10:00.001-08:00

"You're considered frivolous and silly if you are interested in fashion, but I think you can be substantial and still be interested in frivolity." -Sophia Coppola

There were perfect purples...

and a magnificent metallic (which kind of resembled Oscar standing behind her)...

and beautiful blacks (with a cute, but overtanned boy)...

and the reds were ravishing...

and The King's Speech boys were darling and dapper...

and the neutrals were very nice...

and Justin surely was justified (and hot).

And, did you see this? Hilarious!!!

Oh, yesterday...

2011-02-25T07:51:00.000-08:00

Now that may be a little dramatic but, yesterday was one of those days. Just an all around bad day. I think I cried around oh say 50% of the day. About 8% of the tears came due to the tenderness in the last 15 minutes of watching Voyage of the Dawn Treader at the dollar theater, by myself, in the middle of the afternoon. But, a majority of the crying was out of frustration, anxiety, and self pity. Also known as, lack of trusting God, feeling like my life is completely out of my control (which it is), and believing the lie that my value comes in my life performance.
This morning I was searching Pinterest and came across some pretty little performance driven lies that I typically unintentionally let myself believe...

I would prefer to live my life by these beautiful truths (also found on Pinterest)...

Bridges.

2011-02-24T08:44:00.002-08:00

Growing up my family went to the beach often. Living in North Carolina we had an endless supply of sand and surf a mere 4 hours away. Each summer we went to Hilton Head Island with two other families. It was my favorite week (sometimes two, if I was lucky) of the entire year. I loved having two sisters and four brothers for the week, being able to ride my bike to South Beach and Harbor Town sans parents, boogie boarding, building sandcastles in the sand (anyone get the Robin Sparkles reference?), and apparently eating chicken wings.

But, before you could get onto Hilton Head Island, then to the Sea Pines Circle, and finally to 19 Grey Widgeon, you had to cross a major bridge. And, the thing is I have no idea if that bridge really was huge or if I just remember it being really long. But, in any case that bridge terrified me. All I could think about was what if this bridge cracks, we go sinking into the ocean, and are trapped inside the car. To ease my fears, I convinced everyone in the car we needed to roll down the windows and unlock the doors. Typically my mother did not meet my request (because she does not roll down windows because the wind would mess up her hair), but others typically would oblige. Now that I am older I can think more rationally about bridges and honestly I think they are an engineering and architectural amazement. My brain has a hard time getting behind the physics it must take to know how to build a structure in the water that will hold millions of pounds of weight. Ground shifts, but the structure must stay supportive. I also love the design differences in bridges. There is such an opportunity to be creative and give a bridge beauty and a personality while also serving a function.

All bridge images found via Pinterest search "bridge".

Procrastination.

2011-02-22T15:45:00.001-08:00

My day...

For some reason the 6 floor plan/furniture plan inkings, 2 sets of spec sheets, 5 more floor plan/furniture plan sketches, and paper I had to get done today were not on the top of my how I want to spend my Tuesday afternoon list. But, as of now, 5:30 p.m. all I have left are the spec sheets and paper. And, that sounds very doable. A large task can paralyze me at first. I am very proactive until it comes to something that I try to find my value in, then I freeze up for a bit before becoming proactive. At UT (Tennessee, not Texas) I didn't care about school. I cared much more about what I was wearing, spending time with my friends, making sure people liked me, being a good Young Life leader, going to RUF, being an ADPi, and eating at Sawyers and Silver Spoon. This go round is a totally different story (I have probably mentioned this on the blog before. It is a recurring place God has my heart.) and I tend to be on the other extreme when it comes to school. Last week I got a very good grade on a test and the elation on my face was ridiculous. Especially because while studying my mother had to tell me to breathe because I was freaking out so much about how unprepared I felt. Ridiculous I tell you. All of this is to say that today I had a bout of procrastination and fear of tackling all of the work I had to do out of the fear of what if I don't get a good grade (which in my mind means a 100). Good thing God is a God of grace and the sanctification process really is a beautiful and necessary thing for my soul.

Happy President's Day!

2011-02-21T12:14:00.001-08:00

Presidential Pillow

Presidential Hairstyles

Washington D.C. on a quilt

Letterpress of Presidents

American Flag/Ode to former Texas Presidents Cupcake Toppers

And, of course, everyone's request from our current President.

And, What a View.

2011-02-18T12:21:00.002-08:00

You should all probably come visit me in October to see this in person.

A Room With a View.

2011-02-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

Heart.

2011-02-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day

"I carry your heart with me (I carry it in my heart)."

-E.E. Cummings

Dichotomy.

2011-02-11T08:37:00.005-08:00

Dichotomy:

noun dī-ˈkä-tə-mē also də-\

a division into two especially mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities.

Things I am excited about moving to Los Angeles:
-Living in a big and new city and exploring the city.
-The opportunities for missional living.
-The beach.
-Southern California weather.
-Design opportunities.
-Living in the same city as my cousin.
-Living outside the Bible belt.
-Mountains and hiking.
-Being 31 and pretty mature.
-(Hopefully) seeing movie stars.
-Meeting people from very different walks of life than me.
-New roommates and people to live life with.
-The possibility of continuing to help with RUF.
-The casual style of Southern California.
-Spending good quality time in my car.
-Living in a great vacation spot, so people will come visit me.
-Knowing if I can trust the Lord by trusting the Lord.

Things I am nervous about moving to Los Angeles:
-Living in a big and new city.
-The opportunities for missional living and being too intimidated by people to actually live it out.
-The beach and missing the Carolina beaches so much it hurts.

-Southern California weather and not having seasons.

-Design opportunities but, what if I fail?

-Living in the same city as my cousin but living far away from my immediate family who all live in the eastern time zone.

-Living outside the Bible belt because it is the only culture I have ever known as a Christian. (That is 13 years!)

-Mountains and hiking that isn't the Smoky Mountains and idealizing my life that was there.

-Being 31 and pretty mature, but still in a new city, and the loneliness that comes with living in a new place.

-(Hopefully) seeing movie stars and getting caught up in the entertainment industry.

-Meeting people from very different walks of life than me, them not liking me, and not finding heart friends.

-New roommates and people to live life with, but what if I can't find a roommate?

-The possibility of continuing to help with RUF and relationships not forming or constant comparison to my girls from SMU, Auburn, and UT.

-The casual style of Southern California and losing my preppy style due to my desire to fit in. And, with that, buying into the idol of beauty.

-Spending good quality time in my car, being really late places, and constantly being in a bad mood because of the traffic.

-Living in a great vacation spot, so people will come visit me, and no one ever comes or I see that relationships are not what I thought they were.

-Knowing I can trust the Lord by trusting the Lord.

Gingham.

2011-02-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

My most recent obsession has been gingham.

In fact, I wore this today.

And, I never really thought of using gingham in home decor until I saw these lovely interiors.

Now I am on the hunt for gingham sheets for my bed.

All images found via Pinterest search "gingham".

Pick Up Lines.

2011-02-09T06:33:00.001-08:00

Aren't these the prettiest pick up lines you have ever seen?

They almost seem o.k. when presented like this. Almost. Kate Spade has this one and other really precious (and sometimes humorous) e-valentines for you to send to the ones you looooove for Valentine's Day. Go love!