elly

lucky?

2010-02-28T15:46:00.000-08:00

I've never thought of myself as a lucky person, but how did I get so lucky?

it's a boy

2009-04-28T20:50:00.001-07:00

this is a quick centerpiece i did for a friend's baby shower.

Success means

2009-01-20T19:06:00.000-08:00

Having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you
believe you were meant to be.
George Sheehan

In recognition of today's events

2009-01-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

Every ceiling, when reached, becomes a floor
Aldous Huxley

I'm

2009-01-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

a happy girl these days, that's all.

why?

2009-01-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

Why does the glass have to be half full or half empty? Isn't just half enough? Neither optimistic or pessimistic but content.

an excerpt from eat, love, pray

2008-12-22T18:57:00.000-08:00

"The Yogic sages say that all the pain of a human life is caused by words, as is all the joy. We create words to define our experience and those words bring attendant emotions that jerk us around like dogs on a leash. We get seduced by our own mantras and we become monuments to them. To stop talking for a while, then, is to attempt to strip away the power of words, to stop choking ourselves with words, to liberate ourselves from our suffocating mantras."

cookies

2008-12-19T21:02:00.001-08:00

I think I impressed myself with the turnout of this year's cookies. A simple gingerbread cookie with butter cream icing and sprinkled with sparkly sugar.

rufus

2008-12-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

I have a dog his name is rufus. People are always telling me I need a dog. When I ask them why, they say because it's always there for you when you get home and it loves you unconditionally. I don't know if a soul-less animal is capable of love, but rufus is always there for me when I get home and I don't have to clean up his poop.

wrap it up

2008-12-14T18:20:00.001-08:00

I like to buy presents and even more, I like to wrap them. Here is a couple of presents I just wrapped for a happy couple of people who are about to get married.

update

2008-12-11T20:38:00.001-08:00

I've been away from the blog. And because I love lists so much I'll make one of what I've been doing in no chronological order what so ever.

1. Attended a Great Uncle's Funeral
2. Held a sleeping baby and then held a screaming baby
3. Got new retainer
4. Christmas shopping
5. Christmas parties
6. Eyebrows waxed
7. Thanksgiving
8. Hung a wreath
9. drove home in the snow
10. crocheted 10 washcloths and 5 scarves

I'm a busy girl.

right of passage

2008-11-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

There is one right of passage i have never experienced: digging through the lunch room trash to find my retainer. I'm afraid I'm stuck in a third grader's nightmare because I can't seem to find mine.

what if...

2008-11-11T19:08:00.000-08:00

the skeletons in the closet are just empty hangers?

isn't it refreshing

2008-10-30T21:05:00.001-07:00

to realize that the savior of the world doesn't live in the white house.

on friday

2008-10-28T20:44:00.001-07:00

I chased the sun to the middle of Arkansas and the only interruptions where the silhouettes of the trees against the painted sky.

a quote on glittering

2008-10-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Roald Dahl

nerds

2008-10-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

I love nerds...the people kind and the candy kind.

let's be friends

2008-10-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

I've noticed lately that I share my drive into town with the same people every morning. Sometimes I wonder if they look at my car and think, oh good, she finally washed it or maybe, oh look the girl that drives the Saturn got a hair cut this weekend. I just wish that we could all meet for coffee on the corner each morning before our journey to the music city begins and become friends. Wouldn't that be a good morning?

quote of the weekend

2008-10-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

The Geeks Shall Inherit the Turf
Congrats, Vandy!

clutch

2008-10-01T16:18:00.001-07:00

I just bought a new clutch, my favorite member of the handbag family. It's "ivy red", shiny and has a faux buckle embellishment. It's a nice size, you know, large enough to hold all of my keys, and a camera. The only thing wrong with it is that it smells like pine tree scratch and sniff stickers. Which, is better than bean curd ones, I suppose.

patience and persistence

2008-09-23T20:35:00.000-07:00

These two virtues are necessary when trying to buy gas in Nashville these days.

Jo March

2008-09-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Recently, I found out that my late grandmother and I shared the same favorite fictional character. She, an English and Speech teacher, had her pick, but the independant, spunky and adventuresome spirit matched that of Jo March best. I like to think I've got a little of that too.

bigger than me

2008-09-14T13:21:00.000-07:00

I've always aspired to be part of something that is bigger than me. I've always been on the lookout of what that thing was. To be part of something that is truly great.

I think that thing that's bigger, that I've been searching for, is grace.

What if...

2008-08-25T18:50:00.000-07:00

What if I fall off this branch I'm climbing out on?
even acorns have to fall off the tree to grow.

walk a mile

2008-08-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's not the picture that is worth a thousand words but the shoe.

lunch hour

2008-08-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

August is usually very hot in Nashville. This week we have had the most delightful weather. School started today for most students and everyone is ready for fall to be right around the corner. Of course, everyone forgets that Indian Summer is actually approaching our screen doors and we will have hot weather again.

Knowing that tomato season is in full force, I headed to the Farmer's Market to create the best lunch I've had in a long time. I picked up the most perfectly ripe tomato and peach. I knew that the tomato would be an excellent addition to a piece of cornbread and slow cooked green beans that I was going to purchase from a small BBQ vendor. I bought a tall glass of sweet iced tea, gathered up my vittles and sat down at a small picnic table out side. With each bite of the juicy tomato slices, and each sip of the warm tea on cold ice, I wondered if life ever got better than this. I bit into the plump peach to the surprise of the tangy juice rolling down my chin, and decided that it just had.

city mouse vs. country mouse

2008-08-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

Growing up in Nashville is unique in that it is a city but it's surrounded by some of America's best farm country. In minutes I can go from eating at a four star restaurant and viewing a Picasso to eating a grilled bologna sandwich in the middle of a cow pasture. So, you shouldn't be surprised when I didn't think twice about jumping a hot barbwire fence to pick apples at my aunt's farm in 3 inch heels this afternoon.

impulse buy

2008-08-07T18:07:00.000-07:00

Some people buy gum on an impulse, I buy shoes.

free design

2008-08-04T20:49:00.000-07:00

people always want good design but don't always want to pay for it. if you are someone who fits that description, you might enjoy the following link.

http://designfreebies.blogspot.com

fog

2008-08-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

The fog crept up to my mountain home and covered me like grace on a Sunday morning.

B is for...

2008-07-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

This is a little card I did for a friend. Boaz is the last name. It's a boy!

another trip to the lake

2008-07-22T19:25:00.001-07:00

Walters on Wataga-WOW!

i just love making lists!

2008-07-22T18:53:00.000-07:00

1. What are the last 3 things you purchased?
• gas
• lunch: greenbeans, cornbread, and a sliced tomato
• cherry red pedicure

2. What are the last 3 songs you listened to?
• Kathleen- Josh Ritter
• Over the Rainbow- Eva Cassidy
• When I Dream of Michelangelo - Counting Crows

3. Where were the last 3 places you visited?
• Boone, NC
• Waverly,TN
• Seaside, FL

4. What are your 3 favorite movies?
• Steel Magnolias
• Little Women
• Amalie

5. What are your 3 favorite possessions?
• my diamond necklace-it's one of the diamonds from my late grandmother's wedding ring.
• my spirit
• my red antique sofa-just the perfect length for an afternoon nap.

6. What 3 things can you not live without?
• sun block spf 55
• a smile on your face
• my imagination

7. What would be your 3 wishes?
• make art
• make love
• make dinner

8. What are 3 things you have not done yet?
• shot a gun
• owned a pet
• flown a plane

9. What are your 3 favorite dishes?
• Lenox Christmas Holly pattern
• Nappa Salad
• Javaneese Chicken

10. What 3 famous people would you want to hang out with the most?
• Dolly Parton
• Willie Nelson
• Georgia O'Keefe

11. Name 3 things that freak you out.
• 1 mouse
• 2 mice
• 3 mice

12. If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
• loyal
• patient
• creative

13. Name 3 unusual things you are good at.
• packing a lot of stuff in a small space
• doing a lot with very little
• reciting the 50 states in under 20 seconds

Procrastination

2008-07-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Procrastination gets a bad wrap. It's always paired sitting next to negativity at the dinner party. At my dining table, Procrastination flirts with positivity all night long.

In my life, last minute thinking provokes spontaneity and resourcefulness in solving problems. Creativity paired with procrastination can blossom into a thousand colorful ideas and solutions.

Procrastination...extend him an invitation to your life just don't expect a prompt rsvp.

i wore...

2008-07-16T20:57:00.000-07:00

I wore sequins to work today. I understand and am a firm believer that sequins are a after work hours garment embellishment, however this morning I decided I needed a little sparkle in my life.

erg...

2008-07-14T20:05:00.000-07:00

I hate when I don't think about it,
because it makes me sad.
and then I don't do anything about it,
because then I have to think about it.

Mrs.Malibu and Mr.P.E.

2008-07-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

So, I did this little illustration for an invitation to a going away party for two of my very good friends. And a little reflective poem:

lives move
horizontal and vertical
very fast and very slow
toward and away
of each other.

dolly says

2008-07-07T21:16:00.000-07:00

her style is a blend of Mother Goose, Cinderella, and the local hooker.

the elly basics

2008-07-04T10:50:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is:
not elly

but you can call me:
elly

Never in my life have I:
walked across the Niagra Falls on a type rope holding a parrasol while wearing a tutu

My high school is:
next door to Tammy Wynett's home and across the street from Dolly Parton's

When I’m nervous:
I talk a lot and fast.

The last song I listened to was:
Wait for Love- Josh Ritter

My hair is:
versitile

When I was 4:
I went to Disney World

Last Christmas:
I got in a car wreck

When I look down I see:
that I need a pedicure.

The happiest recent event was:
Knowing Katy was ok and that her surgery worked!

If I were a character on ‘Friends':
I would cut Pheobe's hair

By this time next year:
America will be 233 years old

If I won an award, the first person I would tell would be:
your mom.

Where do you plan to visit:
Honduras and Guatamala this year. but this month Boone, NC

In the morning I:
brush my teeth

Last night I was:
sleeping on a cot at the hospital. I am such a good sister.

There’s this guy I know who:
makes lunch boxes

If I was an animal I’d be a:
I am an animal

A better name for me would be:
is there a better name than mine? I've already named myself.

Tomorrow I am:
dipping my toes in the lake

Tonight I am:
driving to the lake

My birthday is:
the most important day of the year.

i do

2008-06-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

This has been a month of weddings. Every weekend I have spent some part of the Saturday witnessing two people become man and wife.

For one of those weddings I was the wedding coordinator. Something I've never done officially, however I do have a long resume of saving a wedding or two. Yes, I have climbed into florist's coolers to art direct the bouquet when the one they offered on the day of was beyond non satisfactory. I've fixed numerous hair styles that had no style. I've reminded bridesmaids that the day is not about them and separated crazy stressed mothers and brides. but this is the first ceremony I wasn't just volunteering my bobby pin expertise. So, I created this little logo for myself. I think this is something I would love to do on the side. With every I do it's done because I do it all.

SOLD!

2008-06-24T19:05:00.001-07:00

Well, the yard sale went great. I sold $85 worth of junk and gave the rest to charity. I didn't sell the Christmas tree. Did you know that you can not give a Christmas tree to Salvation Army unless you give it to them in a taped up box? I delivered mine in giant trash bag and they would not accept it. I guess the ones that brought us the bell ringers don't know how to ring in the season.

Yard Sale

2008-06-19T19:22:00.001-07:00

I think I'm going to have a yard sale Saturday morning. So, if you want some used stuff, come on over.

The following will be for sell:
•1 5ft. Christmas Tree-Even I'm taller than the tree
•Some Christmas Decorations- country snowmen. Never been used.
•A mini Food Chopper-My mom bought it for me, it's just like the one she gave me last year. Maybe I won't sell it but use it as a wedding gift instead. Hmm.
•Picture frames- I'm tiered of people staring at me in my home.
•A Printer- the magenta is clogged but it still works.
•Curtain Rods- they are the wrong size for my windows.
•Random Computer cords- who knows. I'll sell them as a grab bag.
•Containers- all types mostly plastic
•Candles-not used
•Boom Box-that's right a boom box.
•Candle Holders- from when I was in charge of pledging.
•Napkin Rings-really?

and other various things my mom thought I needed when I moved but I don't.

The Know-It-All

2008-06-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

I'm reading, The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs

I'm beginning to realize that this is the perfect book for those self professed nerds and those who find that all of their friends from birth are nerds.

One of my favorite lines in this book and I'm only on page 14, is when he is talking about Isaac Asimov and he says,"I was aware that Asimov was a major figure in American literature...I didn't know just how many books: about five hundred. The man wrote five hundred books. I don't even think I've written five hundred Post-it-notes."

Funny, huh? Wow, maybe I'm a nerd too.

comma not coma

2008-06-02T21:44:00.000-07:00

You Are a Comma

You are open minded and extremely optimistic.

You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything.

You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests.

You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time.

Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to.

(But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.)

You excel in: Inspiring people

You get along best with: The Question Mark

What Punctuation Mark Are You?

I'm pretty sure the comma looks like this: , not like the illustration. Dumb illustrator.

another shared secret

2008-06-02T21:34:00.001-07:00

I found this secret on Post Secret.

i love...

2008-05-30T22:54:00.000-07:00

violets

Handwritten letters.

Fine tip Sharpie markers. All colors.

Ripe, red tomatoes

The radio. Especially singing along to it.

loafers with out socks. The true sign that summer is here.

Sear Sucker.

men in bow ties.

The smell of turpentine.

Matisse, the window series.

Real mashed potatoes. Boxed ingredients not accepted.

Chairs. Like a good friend, they are inviting and provide a place to rest the soul.

flying kites.

65 south. It takes me home.

Dots. pink, orange and red=yum, yellow and green=yuck

Creme Brulee

America

Classic Clothing Staples

"Your mom" jokes.

pedicured feet on a manicured lawn.

*all pictures are found on the internet.

i heart

2008-05-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

a perfectly clean house. Almost as if you just moved in and everything is unpacked and in it's place for the very first time. The baseboards are even clean. And every room smells like the spring air minus the pollen. All the whites are white and every stitch of clothing you own is clean, hung or folded.

I'm hoping this will happen by Sunday.

welcome summer

2008-05-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Temperatures are rising and arms are bare. Today I had my own welcome summer celebration with the consumption of the first ice cream cone of the season. While in my car with the windows down, a care free Dave Matthews song started on the radio. I thought back to all of the out door concerts I had shared with this time of year. Dave, Jimmy, Adam and Lynryd. Good times. My attention shifted as I quickly raced to catch the melting creamy goodness before it slid onto my equally creamy complexion. As I licked, I thought, when I return to the office, I just might dig out an old Dave Cd or maybe I won't. Maybe I'll just keep driving and never make it back from lunch...

welcome summer and all you have to offer!

Enlightened

2008-05-20T21:09:00.000-07:00

No one should know you better than yourself. God bless the spirits that are in your life who share their perspective of how they understand you to be. They enlighten the light that lives within you.

Special Olympics

2008-05-17T11:35:00.000-07:00

I went to the Special Olympics opening ceremonies last night. The have a creed that I might just adopt as my own.

Please help me win, but if I can not, let me be brave in the attempt.

BFF

2008-05-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Anna and I after Heather's wedding.

one day at a time adds up

2008-04-30T20:42:00.001-07:00

25 years ago..
Is when my memory starts. I was 2. My first memory is standing on a table watching my grandmother give her retirement speech. I had been told not to talk so I didn't tell anyone that I had to use the restroom and I peed in my pants while I was standing on the table in her classroom. My second memory is Katy (my sister) being born. She came home from the hospital three months after she was born. I knew she had been sick. Before I was going to hold her for the first time, I insisted that I take off all of my clothes so she wouldn't throw up on them. That was the only sick i knew of at the time. I also remember one visit to the hospital before she came home. My dad snuck me in to see her, I wanted to make sure to count all of her toes and fingers because I was worried that she might not have them all.

20 years ago...
I was 7. I was in first grade. Mrs. Gallager was my teacher and we transformed our portable classroom into a haunted house. I was the witch that greeted everyone at the door. My dad borrowed a casket from his friend who was a funeral planner. He jumped up out of it and scared all of the kids.

15 years ago...
I was 12. This was the summer that I met my best friend Jennifer. We met at camp. She fell in the creek and I helped her sneak in the kitchen to get soap to clean her clothes. I curled my hair with heat curlers every morning. I also won the "best all around girl" award at school.

10 years ago...
I was 17. I drove a Suberu Justy and worked at Montessori Acadamy. I caught my car on fire when I plugged up the jumper cables incorrectly. I went to Honduras on a mission trip and gave free haircuts. My dad had a heart attack on the Riverwalk in San Antonio on Christmas Break.

5 years ago...
I was 22. I was supposed to have been in Italy studding abroad for a semester. Due to 9/11, my parents canceled my trip. I bought a black Saturn coupe with part of the money I had saved up for my trip. One of my good friends, Kristin, died that year too. That was the year that I became friends with Stephanie. I also pranked my friend Dan, for a whole semester without him finding out it was me. It was a pretty elaborate politically incorrect story line revolving around, Rebecca Smith.

1 year ago...
i was 26. I had my dental braces removed and the 1/8 inch gap between my two front teeth was closed. I joined the Junior League and my grandmother passed away.

1 month ago...
I went spelunking for the first time in my life.

1 week ago...
I went to Agusta Arkansas to see my friend, Heather get married.

yesterday...
I worked late.

today...
I went to the gynocologyst. Yea! for women's health!

tomorrow...
I have no idea what I will do.

made my day

2008-04-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

maple seeds

2008-04-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

outside the window
twirling round and round
a descending dancer falling to the ground

Where is her partner?
Is it the wind?
the same silent partner that makes rock bend?

American Girl

2008-04-19T20:58:00.000-07:00

create your own personalized map of the USA
or check out ourCalifornia travel guide

Welcome to the Rock

2008-04-16T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is the t-shirt design I did for the youth group spring retreat. It ended up on a black t-shirt with metallic silver ink.

enjoy the view

2008-04-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture from the terrace at best friend, Stephanie's new condo in Chicago! Isn't she the luckiest girl in the world? Not just because she has an amazing view, but an amazing friend to share it with.

*please note the previous night was a late one!

down and dirty

2008-04-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am going repelling and caving. I've been looking forward to this trip for some time. I dusting off my hiking boots and digging out my best old t-shirts.

If I don't get dirty, I'm going to be very disapointed.

t-shirt anyone?

2008-04-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

I googled my name just now and this showed up. I encourage everyone to buy one even though the used the worst font known to man and neon green looks horrible on everyone.

shhh...elly is sleeping

2008-04-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

My nurse friend gave me some pills last night to help with my sleeping or better yet, not sleeping. She says they can help calm my racing mind that keeps me up half the night. I usually don't like to take a lot of medication, but I am still so excited!

a goal of mine

2008-03-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

The new Counting Crows album came out recently. I bought it today. Adam did not disappoint. Somehow his passionate and honest lyrics twist in and around the piano strings and among the hollows of the guitar to reveal a story that takes you to another place. Locations are a consistent motif of his work.

Which is a goal of mine, I want to visit every location Adam sings about. In this album, Nashville is mentioned. Check. Spain and Omaha (Somewhere in the middle of America) are yet to be checked off my list. Maybe that's how I will organize my ultimate road trip across America.

til then, good night elizabeth.

A quote on dinner parties:

2008-03-19T21:23:00.001-07:00

I've learned if each guest is special and amazing to me, by desert, they'll find each other amazing.

I can cry if I want to.

2008-03-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

I don't cry a lot... but show me a good hallmark, diamond, or these days, Publix ad and you better have the tissues handy. I guess nothing tugs on my heartstrings like a well written card, diamonds and a good casserole.

don't forget the ladies

2008-03-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

I designed this program recently for the lady's day at church. It turned out to be a delightful day enjoyed by all.

#90

2008-03-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

I think that ole garth had something right when he said... "Thank God for unanswered prayers". (Even though I believe that all prayers are answered... you know what I mean.)

last minute

2008-03-09T20:30:00.001-07:00

I'm going to Chi town this weekend. Kind of last minute. (my favorite kind of trip) I'm on a mission to pamper and love on one of my bestest friends. I can't wait to have the ultimate girls weekend out. There will be presents there will be spirits, which will lead to ultimate prank calls. There will be shopping and shoes. There will be dancing and there will be enough laughter and giggling to fill the famous Bean. I really can't wait.

on another last minute note, I got a haircut on Friday. This is a picture of what I showed the hairdresser that I did not want.

After I coached her through it, I finally approved the finished project. I love it!

Project Runway

2008-03-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

he won! he won! he really won! I LOVED HIS COLLECTION! it included all of my favorite design elements.
black+ruffels+chifon+hats+feathers=love

sharing secrets

2008-03-04T00:21:00.000-08:00

I grabbed this image from a great site called: http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com if you are a nosy person like me you will love it!

I was so relieved to see that someone shares this secret with me. I wonder if he incorperates an impression of Julia Child in his production. I find that it adds so much.

27

2008-02-28T18:34:00.001-08:00

Happy 27 to me.

I prayed

2008-02-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

I prayed for her to survive.
I prayed for her to make it through the night.
I prayed that God would put her broken body together.
I prayed that there would be devine intervention.
I prayed for a miracle.
The miracle I wanted did not come.

I prayed that she would find peace.
I prayed that an angel would find her and take her home.
I prayed for her to stop the struggle.
I prayed for God to take her.
I prayed for a miracle.
The miracle came.

It came through grace.
It came gently.
It came in love.
It came in peace.
It comes for all.

2 days

2008-02-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm taking two days off of work. I have nothing planned. Except that today my sister is off work and we are taking on the monster pile of laundry.

I think I will putt some overtime in on my life instead of work. It's feeling neglected.

mag

2008-02-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

I love magazines. I don't think anything could ever replace them. No, internet, don't do it!

I was reading the March issue of InStyle. (This has been an annual gift from my grandmother for many years and apparently she had already signed me up for this year before she died. I cried when I received the January issue.)

Anyways, I secretly love the horoscope section and the special blurb on Pisces fits me to a tea!

"...High heels may be your first and one true love. You adore heels in all styles, even if you don't wear them that often..." That is so true. I am the girl that kicks off her shoes as soon as I get home (I have a giant mound by the door to prove it.) and always has them kicked off under her desk. And when I work late, I have slippers that I wear after official work hours are over. It's still my time, I should at least be able to wear the shoe of my choice.

FYI: Sharon Stone (aka black gap turtleneck girl) is turning 50 this year! Happy Birthday!

logo

2008-02-12T20:48:00.001-08:00

I've been playing with my new computer and have revamped my personal logo. I have to say...I love it.

I left

2008-02-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

I left the office today, dressed in black, wrapped in my favorite cashmere pashmina, 3 inch heels, Coach bag tucked under arm. My eyelashes where curled and my hair was pulled back not one out of place.

I'm leaving in the morning in my favorite worn jeans, vintage tee and my best messenger bag across my chest. I'll be wearing flats and my hair will be down. A smakering of lip balm will be all I need. Because tomorrow, I'm leaving town and going to another music capitol, another world...at least for the weekend.

Count the Crows

2008-01-23T20:37:00.000-08:00

They are coming out with a new CD. I just found out about this about 6 minutes ago.

It's called Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings. I think I'm going to love it based on the title alone.

Austin

2008-01-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

I'm going there to have some fun times... on a segway.

late

2008-01-22T20:41:00.001-08:00

Sometimes working late causes... I don't know what.

PBS

2008-01-22T20:37:00.000-08:00

I am in love with Public Television. Tonight I learned all about the human brain and how studying flies' brains can help us learn more about ourselves. Amazing design from The Creator.

Maybe next time they have a membership drive I'll think about joining again. Antique Roadshow, can't beat it.

Paste

2008-01-21T20:46:00.000-08:00

one of my favorite Christmas presents. It's not sticky or gooey or holds things together. It's a magazine subscription that my dear friend anna gave me. I'm listening to some tunes that came with it. I think I get a free cd in each issue. Exciting huh? This month's favorites from the cd are:

Carousel-Sydney Wayser
When did your heart go missing?-Rooney
I'm standing in the light-Dr. Dog
Free at last-The Blind Boys of Alabama
To Beam- Hank Vegas
Go Easy-David McMillin (I think I had a chance to see him recently and passed it up...IDIOT!)
Gamblin' House-Malcolm Holcombe (interesting name, first and last names have silent letters. hum.)

China

2008-01-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

It's beautiful.
Lenox in fact.
It sits in a box on my living room floor,
Right where I put it,
Right next to the door.

I can not open it.
not just yet.
It's what I've always wanted
but to have it already
would mean she's dead.

If I put it in the attic
am I pushing her away?
The china isn't the thing,
I'm afraid It's my feelings
I can't display.

the new year

2008-01-15T19:52:00.001-08:00

In the past few years I haven't made resolutions, but themes for the year. Last year's theme was potential. It was a little much to discover and act on in one year but, I did meet small goals that I made to help me meet my unknown potential in various areas of my life. Working on them all at one time became a little overwhelming and my inner transcendentalist at times got the best of me. However, I think the meditation on the potential of who I can become and thinking about the bigger picture of my life and what that can look like was the biggest achievement of this year's experiment.

So this year, I've been going back and forth with a couple of things and I think the theme for this year will be consistency. It could be contributed to be a variety of things, finances, beliefs, health, or art. I haven't thought it all the way through of what this means, but that's what January and February are all about. I actually start my new year's goals on my birthday. (February 25)

So here's to a new year of building my potential through consistency.

It's been a long December

2007-12-28T20:30:00.000-08:00

and there is reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last.

Is this an optimistic statement? I seem to say it every year.

I'm so sorry

2007-12-28T20:25:00.000-08:00

When I talk to someone who has lost a loved one, it always seems so cliche to say "I'm so sorry". But since my grandma died, it's the only thing I want to hear.

never

2007-12-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

underestimate a girl who wears pearls and drives a truck.

these are a few of my favorite things

2007-12-12T20:29:00.000-08:00

about Christmas...

1. twinkle lights
2. cousin Lauren reading the nativity story on Christmas Eve (Luke's account)
3. My sister and I wearing matching pajamas on Christmas morning. (even now as adults)
4. Lenox holly china pattern
5. getting out in the Christmas shopping rush just to watch the hustle and bustle.
6. Living in the south and still secretly wishing for a white Christmas.
7. The poinsettia tree at Opryland Hotel
8. opening presents real slow one person at a time so it lasts all day.
9. Christmas brunch (grits, sausage pinwheels, chocolate milk-a once a year thing)
10. leaving the price tags on the presents so everyone would know what a good deal you got.
11. never having to lie about liking something because you where blessed with a mother who has excellent taste.
12. Making and enjoying fruitcake.
13. Christmas Carols-with exception of the "Little Drummer Boy". This is the only genre of music where I know almost all of the correct words. I am horrible at memorizing lyrics.
14. My mother asking me sincerely every Christmas if I believed in" Santi" Clause. And my most sincere reply, "yes, mother."
15. Taking the long way home from an errand with my dad to see the twinkle lights.

if I sent Christmas cards...

2007-12-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

I have only really sent Christmas cards out to friends and family once in my life. It was the year after I graduated college and I thought it would be a nice, adult thing to do. I think there might be a reason I haven't done it since.

I get lovely cards from friends. they include pictures of kids and dogs. They even pose with their dog like it is actually a member of the family. The worst is when they write about their pet in the family news letter. And even worse still is when they write the dumb newsletter from the pet's point of view. Crazy people.

So, today I thought... If I where to spend what is it, 40 cents now? on each card I sent, what would I say? Here is what I came up with:

Merry Christmas.

oh i wish

2007-12-07T22:49:00.001-08:00

i had a river I could skate away on.

1:26

2007-11-24T21:41:00.000-08:00

My grandma died on Friday at 1:26. I held her hand and stroked her hair as she took her final peaceful breaths.

Almost 700 people came to visitation. Past students, bridesmaids, and childhood friends flew and drove in from all over the country. Just to pay their respects. And I shook every one of their hands. I smiled when they told me about how they used to play bridge together. I got a lump in my throat when they told me about how she encouraged them to get their masters or how she took them under her wing. I cried when they said what a special lady she was.

She was a special lady who has a special place in my heart.

a daughter

2007-11-16T22:52:00.000-08:00

A daughter said to her mother,
Are we rich?
Her mother replied,
Why yes, can't you see the diamonds glittering in your eyes?
Can't you see the sun shining gold in your hair?
Can't you feel the love in your heart?
We are rich for we know we have each other.

toad and hare

2007-11-05T15:20:00.001-08:00

Two good friends drove down the road.
It’s a windows down day, said the toad.

Oh no it is not! said the hare.
My long fur will blow everywhere!

The toad and the hare,
They were quite a pair.

Always in trouble, wild and free,
The story of their friendship could be a show on TV.

Everyone looked when they hopped down the road,
No one had ever seen a hare be friends with a toad.

it's a photoshop makeover!

2007-11-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

check out Paula and I as zombies.
Thanks Josh for our makeover!

Happy Haloween!

2007-10-31T13:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some fun pics from Halloween at the office!

new projects

2007-10-31T11:46:00.000-07:00

These are some things that I'm working on in my free time. A birthday invite and a baby shower invite.

sub stalker

2007-10-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

I try not to eat burritos or subway sandwiches with my hands in public. I'm just not neat when it comes to things like that. I have improved with the adjustment of my teeth. It really helps to have those two front teeth working together.

Anyways, the reason I am letting you know all of this is that I have a sub for lunch today it is neatly laying there just waiting to be devoured. The problem is that there is a guy parked outside of my office. He is backed into a space with his headlights on. If I close my shades will that be rude? He is probably asleep any ways; I think he is finally getting out of his car. Oh yeah, he is ok, yes, nice wave and I'm ready for lunch.

working inspriation

2007-10-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite blog:

http://www.designspongeonline.com/

It's inspiring and I recommend it to all who are trying to make their space a home.

I was thinking about inspiration the other day. I am inspired everyday. It is such a driving force in a creative's life. Picasso said, "inspiration does exist, but it must find you working." A friend inspired me to write a piece of creative writing the other day, have I written it yet?

no.

Then there is the working. I can be ready to work and work very hard but if I am not inspired... the work ends up crap. It's the working inspiration, the hand in hand of it all that makes shape take form and color take light.

Crazy in Love

2007-10-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

My mother is the most rational person i know. Except when it comes to love.

Last night my parents had tickets to the theater. Before the show, my mom fell, trying to do something heroic I'm sure. She insited that they go see My Fair Lady and then to the hospital afterwards.

I get a call from dad this morning... at o'dark thrity. Ok, it was only 7:00. He told me that mom had torn cartledge in her knee, that her whole leg was in an imobilizer and she was on pain medication. It was going to be ok he said. they where going to schedule surgery for Christmas.

Oh yeah, I also wanted let you know that we are about to board our flight to Vegas.

Mom gets on the phone. I began to lecture her about horseback riding in the mountians should not be an option this weekend and that she needs to take it easy. She interupts me, and reminds me that the couple massage she has scheduled will be worth the whole trip. Have fun I say. I hang the phone up and go back to sleeping alone.

news to you

2007-10-25T13:59:00.000-07:00

This is a little sketch I did today. The job description said: rolled newspaper. There is a million ways to draw that, I thought. Here are four ways:

only in nashville

2007-10-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

can you look out the window of your office downtown and see a wild turkey roaming around.

I bought a punkin today at the farmer's market. It's the white type. I also bought an apple. It's the green type.

trivia night

2007-10-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

Here is some elly trivia you might need in your back pocket sometime.

1. I am pretty picky about eating utensils. Eating should be a sensorial experience. I really only like to eat ice cream with small, long handled spoons and peanut butter should only be spread with a wide, round tipped knife. I like to eat with salad forks all of the time. (I of course follow the rules when necessary)

2. I was a vegetarian for 8 years. Then one day I wanted a roast beef sandwich.

3. My middle name is Barnett.

4. I don't like to wear fingernail polish. It makes me feel closterfobic. But I love red toe nail polish and occasionally a French pedicure. I love my feet. As a kid I thought I could be a foot model.

5. My first car was a Subaru Justy. It didn't have air or a radio. So I rolled down the windows and drove around town with a battery operated boom box in the passenger seat.

6. My favorite color is Alizarin Crimson.

7. My very first friend's name was Allison.

8. I have never had a pet.

9. One school year I only had one dress. I wore the same dress every Sunday Morning for a year.

10. Growing up, I was only allowed to have one pair of jeans at a time.

Ok, I think 10 is enough... I am really putting myself out there. :)

tick tock

2007-10-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

I hate waiting... and the ironic thing about that is that I'm pretty good at it. maybe that is the true definition of patience.