a message

Life is so busy. Sometimes it seems I don't have time to even think about what I'm doing. I'm just on autopilot.

But this week, I have continuously been interrupted with the message of Easter.

And what a message it is.

What He did for us is unimaginable. He bears the burden of my sin. I am forgiven and my sins are forgotten. In God's eyes I am His perfect child.

The sorrow of today leads to victory.




If you're interested, here are a few of my favorite "Easter" songs. (warning: the videos are possibly {definitely} a little awkward...but it's the easiest way to find and link them)

what next?

Life rolls out in pieces. For 18 years I lived a life neatly divided by summer vacation. Every 10 months I got a 2 month break and then an exciting new adventure. Even before I started school, I celebrated summer with my mother who got to be home from work.

Then I went to college. From my first day in this new adventure, I knew when it would end. I had four years to live it up in the "best time of my life". And I did.

Then on to graduate school. Two years. A set amount of time to learn it all and become a real life adult.

And as I got my first job, John started divinity school. In three years it would be time for another change. At the very least, a move, maybe a new job.

Now, here we are in Alabama. Both working with no end in sight. No predetermined amount of time to be in this piece. Our life stretches before us. Like we were on the yellow brick road that lead to a clear destination. But now someone has painted over it with chalkboard paint ('cause it's trendy) and we have to write our own story.

What will be the catalyst? Will we just know when it's time to make a change? Will we be able to resist making change for the sake of change?

Now is the time when you hope to God (I'm not using His name in vain...I truly hope and pray to God) that you know who you are. That all those years of self-reflection and the trials of life taught you something. That you trust (without wavering) the person you are making decisions with.

What next?

Who knows?

ruffles

I get so excited when I start new projects. My hope is always that I can keep that excitement up until they are finished....

So, here is what I'm working on now...

some felt ruffly wall art for our bedroom (you're welcome John...).

Inspired by this tutorial...


and the colors of this dress (my favorite of the Oscar's)


I found 3 great shades of purple felt this weekend and am only looking for one more lighter shade. I spent a good bit of time yesterday cutting circles but have many more to cut! Instead of a wreath, I am doing a giant rectangle - so one big block of purple felt ruffles!

I'll keep you posted!

spring break

The weather is beautiful in Auburn today. It actually really feels like spring!

This is the last day of what is usually one of my most productive weeks of the year. The students are gone, parking is so easy and it's time for me to get some work done!

However, this year, I got sick. So, I was productive at home on Monday and Tuesday sleeping the day away. I also watched several movies - including Whit It and Up in the Air. Both great!

My 3-day work week didn't come along with quite as much productivity as I would normally like in a spring break. I did get some projects started and a couple finished. And I made major progress in my inbox.

The most important thing I got done was finally hanging some stuff on my office walls. The lovely hubby came today to help me hang - which is actually one of his favorite things to do :).

The close-up is a scarf I bought super-cheap on ebay then threw in a frame. Love it. And there on the bottom right are the 21 people I spent one of the best summers of my life with as an Orientation Leader at the University of Tennessee. One look at that picture and I am back in Clement Hall, the Beacon Drive-In, Target or the Big Orange Bash. Good times...


This weekend I'm on the hunt for bedside lamps, something to wear for Easter, black flats and a new spring purse.

st. patrick

I don't really wear green - so I am definitely in danger of getting pinched today. Luckily, only one person as called me out on it and she was nice enough to only threaten!

So instead of my wardrobe - I decided to post some green inspiration here - I think it counts.

a calendar version of this print from Yee-Haw is currently hanging in my newly painted green kitchen now!

Lea Michele in Malandrino at the SAG Awards - My favorite red carpet look of the season!

from dazeychic on Etsy

emerald & aquamarine inspiration board from snippet & ink

georgeous clutch from redrubyrose

blue and orange

So, this is old news. But I was thinking today about the Project Runway episode a few weeks ago in which Tory Burch blasted Amy (my favorite) for her cute outfit.

First, I think this look is cute. If only the pants were a skirt.

Second, the biggest critique from Ms. Burch was that blue and orange aren't complimentary colors. What?!?

via Elements of Style from Boston Magazine

home design

my favorite Paper Source colors: Papaya and Pool

And this post from Houzz has many more pictures.

Oh Tory.....

29

I think you're going to be a good year.

I celebrated you yesterday by going to work. And then to dinner. Where I officially disasterated my healthy eating. But it was all for you. And worth it. It's only one day.

The husband gave me this....

so pretty. And so useful in making some macarons.

Which, coincidentally, I had some of this weekend. From a new source. Old City Java, where my sister-in-law works in Knoxville. Baked by this person, who though I've never met, I hear is wonderful. She can definitely bake.

anyway

My parents gave me these...


I'm collecting. This was my great-aunt's pattern. Her name was Ella.

In addition, my mom gave me life. Something I greatly appreciate. And on her birthday no less. She once called me the gift that keeps on taking.

I'm a fan. Of her that is.

oh, canada

What a great Olympics!

It started out with some technical glitches - but I liked the way you made fun of yourself at the Closing Ceremonies.

I love the Olympics. I love the stories. And the looks on the athlete's faces when they realize they won! Or that that they did better than expected!

Here are some great images (see more).

best outfit of the games!



heart and soul


my new favorite event - snowboard cross - so exciting!

and here's a great Olympics commercial!



Best part about the Olympics? I still have hours and hours of unwatched competition left on my dvr. Even though I already know who won - I will definitely be watching!