The Boxes We Put Ourselves In

I have been thinking a good bit the past couple of days about the boxes that we put ourselves.  Some would say that it is society that puts us in those boxes, trying to categorize us, but we allow it.  When did we become content to be placed in these boxes? Always wary of making a decision that is outside of what box you are in.  I have found that so often, I feel like I have to be a certain person, and make certain decisions, because that is the decision that I am expected to make.  I was thinking about this when I heard about filing paperwork at Rebuild, there is no box to check off on paperwork for what we are doing, so whoever is filing the paperwork always has to explain what we do.  It reminds of myself, so many times, I think I have to do something that allows me to check off that box, rather than having to explain my decision.  

I think that all of this thinking is a part of me coming into the second half of twenties and trying to really figure out who I am and what I believe. I also think that these thoughts are really coming from a place where I am trying to form my creative eye, like what is the vibe I want to create.  What materials do I want to use, and what story do I want to create with my work.  It is really about deciding on a creative vision, but also being careful not to get stuck in a creative rut and really box myself into a specific practice.  

I am not sure that there is a specific answer to how to not box ourselves in, but I will keep working on myself...and I'll let you know what I come up with....

I Woke Up Early For Once

I actually woke up early and put real clothes on today.  Working from home has it's advantages, but I find that I am dressing up a lot less.  I am pretty new to the leggings game, so most days I find myself in leggings and tunics, maybe a button up if I'm leaving the house.  It's a real problem.  I am loving working on Made New stuff all throughout the day,  I literally can't think of anything that I could rather be doing.  I wore this outfit today, but I also wore this outfit Sunday to speak at a church about Rebuild, which was a huge thing for me.  I am not now nor have I ever been a friend of public speaking, but somehow God helped me gather up the courage to speak which is crazy.

Mountain Calling

                 

                 

                 

                

   

I feel like lately all of the clothes that I have been making are super nature and exploring centric.  I am not sure why, but I am certainly not complaining.  I made this skirt last weekend for a trip to Charlotte.  I wanted it to be a pinafore, but I didn't quite get it done in time...so  I decided to improvise and just wear it as a skirt.  I picked this fabric up at Hobby Lobby if you want to get your hands on it.  Hopefully sometime this week I can get the rest of it made.  I went to Charlotte this past weekend to help a friend move.  We spent a good bit of time just shopping and eating, but we did some moving.  I only picked up a few things at the mall, I was trying to be good.  I got a bath bomb at Lush which I am looking forward to trying, and a cup at Anthropologie that I had before but broke.   I also went to church with them at Elevation.  It was my first experience at a mega church.  I also had a great time hanging out downtown.  I was able to get some macaroons at a bakery there at like midnight, so I was pumped.  We got macaroons and gelato and just sat people watching on the street, and the people watching was amazing.  It was so great getting to see my friend.    

 

*side note...I should have ironed my skirt...but I am neither a classy lady all the time nor am I perfect....so it is what it is.  I was going out to lunch and I was in a hurry...ironing will always come second fiddle to time with people! :)

Socality

This is My Community from Socality on Vimeo.

I only recently found out about Socality, but I am super pumped about what they are about and what they are doing, you should totally check it out!

Wanderlust

I have a mad case of wanderlust right now.  I don't know what it is...perhaps it's the changing leaves and changing seasons.  I always get excited for new things and new adventures when the seasons change.  Related to this desire for adventure, I have been working on putting together a bucket list. On that list, is to visit every national park in the country.  I am so very excited to start marking some off of my list, there are so many parks that I have wanted to visit for so long.  I am hoping to hit up as many state and historical parks as I can along the way as well.  I got this travel journal for a dollar online, it was used but only had one page filled out.  It's previous owners were from Portland and recorded a trip to New Orleans.  I also picked up one of the national park passports so I can begin collection stamps and cancellations from all the visitor centers.

I am also working on my line of fall products to be released soon, and my wanderlust has definitely played a part in that.  Long live the adventure!

Hope At The Heart

Hello friends! I just wanted to shoot you a quick update and tell you about a new blog that I am writing on.  At the non-profit I work with, I was just named women's growth and development director...which is basically the coolest sounding title ever. Anyways, at a meeting this weekend, we decided to start a blog to update the community about what is going on.  It is also a great place to talk about what we are learning through the process.  I had to take a photo for the team bio page, and this were a couple of the outtakes.  You can head to the blog yourself if you want to see which one I went with.  It is a faith based non-profit, and there will be plenty more of my deep thoughts over there if you want to check it out.  You can find us at this link.  You can also just google Hope At The Heart and that should get you there.  I haven't written anything other than my bio yet, but I would love for you to check it out.  The other women are so much wiser than I am and they have so many good things already written.  You can keep an eye out for my posts coming soon.  

I'm Freezing In These Photos

             

             

         

I woke up this morning, walked outside, and there was fall.  Where did it come from?  I swear it wasn't even close to being this cold yesterday.  I didn't do much today.  This morning, I went and picked up some craft supplies for some things I am working on my next festival.  After that, I went to Panera and got a pumpkin pie bagel. Have you had one of these things? I am thoroughly obsessed.  I dare you to try one with hazelnut cream cheese and not be as well. Then, this evening, I went to the corn maze and got good and lost.  It was a great fall day full of fall activities, and it was made better with fall weather. 

 I am wearing another dress that I made today.  It would have been better with tights, but I still love it.  I have worn it so many times since I made it.  If you were wondering, I did not wear this to the corn maze, I actually wore pants.  I can't remember that last time I wore pants, it took me forever to find them.