Lazy Sunday

 

I would love to build a house like this is the woods behind our house.  I can't imagine having this kind of place to retreat to and and enjoy.  This house is definitely dream worthy.  I would love to fill the walls with art and I can't imagine a floral couch and a vintage bed frame in the space.  I love that this is in West Virginia too...part of me hopes that this is close to where we live, their backyard is as dreamy as their cabin.  

Creative Jealousy

I have been thinking quite a bit about creative jealousy.  When I say creative jealousy, I am talking about how my creativity, and I'm assuming some of your's as well, is affected by the creative output or ideas of others.  This is especially troublesome when it comes to the internet and blogs.  So many times I have been feeling creative and then I get online only to be discouraged because people are creating work that I find more creative or higher quality than what I am creating.  Or thinking that I will never be as creative as so and so, so why even try. It was only lately that I even realized that I was doing this.  I mean even when writing this post I found myself comparing it in size, quality, and content...and I'm writing about comparisons.  I would sit and look at all these projects that people created, and instead of using their creativity and being inspired by their creativity, I just don't even try.  It's an attitude that can be deadly to personal creativity and your creative output.  It was only when I realized how good I feel when I am creating something and how it makes me feel that I decided that I need to figure out how to push through my own feelings of jealousy.  I have trying to make a real effort to push though and actually create something even when I don't feel like it.  I had been thinking over this post for a few days, but then today I read a post on The Dainty Squid and she was essentially thinking the same things as I was.  She was talking about how a great way to push through these feelings is to just create anyways, just create anythings.  As long as you are putting brush to canvas, pen to paper, or whatever other creative outlet you choose.  As long as you do it, that's what really matters.  Comparing yourself to other people in any area of your life is rarely a good thing. I am learning it too, but I know that it is so important to be who you really are and to do what you love.  Fill your life with beautiful things, whether you think you can or not, and whether you feel like it or not.  

Am I A Theater

We are currently experiencing this ridiculous snowstorm that is affecting a good bit of the country, with about a foot of snow around here.  I even got a snow day from work, which is something that I never thought I would get as an adult.  I haven't left my house in three days, which means I have gotten a lot done, but I also have been doing quite a bit of loafing and thinking.  I have been reading a lot, which tends to make me very introspective, I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing.

I have been thinking about how quick we are to put on an act.  One book that I have been reading is Scary Close by Donald Miller.  I haven't finished the book yet, but he discusses how the deepest craving of the human spirit is to be fully known and to be accepted anyways.  However, we can't be fully known and fully accepted because most of us are not fully known, it is for this reason that many of us do not feel fully accepted.  We are all so quick to act out a theater.  We are all actors in a play and we all think that we are the only ones that are acting in our play, when we aren't really the main actor.  All of this has me thinking, how much of who I think I am and pretend to be is actually me, and what is just a theater that I am putting on.  What parts of me are real and what parts of me are parts I pretend are real, to get some fake acceptance from others. I think that we who spend more time online are especially guilty of this, putting out only the sparkly clean bits of our lives. Most of us pretend to be interesting, when really there are real parts of us that are actually interesting.  It's some deep stuff to think about. That's what snow days do to me I suppose, make me get all introspective and deep.

Thanks for putting up with my crazy deep thoughts for today.

Walking In The Woods

 I got a new camera for Christmas, and I am still trying to figure it all of the bells and whistles of it, so I thought what better way to figure it out than a walk in the woods after a fresh fallen snow.  I love the way the photos came out, but that probably has more to do with the fact that I love the way the woods look in the snow.  It wasn't an extensive hike, I basically walked around the edge, but it was still so serene and peaceful.  Something about the woods make me crave adventure but also poetry and deep thoughts.  I am always in a good mood after I spend time outside.  I also messed around with my new instax mini and had so much fun with it as well, but I didn't take many photos since I am super stingy with my film.  I'm way to cheap to take photos that I don't plan out, but I am trying to work harder on that since sometimes the best photos are spontaneous.  It was a great time and I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I can't wait to mess around with my camera more.

Welcome To Possibilities

             Welcome to a new year. Welcome to possibilities. Welcome to a second chance.

It has been a rough year for me, without going into too many details.  Let's just say I am not where I thought I would be if you had asked me one year ago. I am back here because I am ready for a fresh start.  I know that today is just another day, and it isn't any different from yesterday, however, it feels like a good a time as any to decide to make a fresh start.  I am not sure how this is going to work, but we can figure it out together.  I have missed this outlet in my life.  Things are going to be different, but I am still me.  I am looking forward to what 2015 has to offer, or maybe I am more looking forward to what I can do with 2015.  I am ready to live a better story. Here is to living a better story together.

DIY Valentines Placemats

I present to you a quick and easy tutorial to add a little holiday spirit to your table. It is so easy that you can easily complete it tonight and still have plenty of time to make plans for tomorrow. These would be perfect for a table for two, a small gathering, or an evening to treat yourself. No matter what your relationship status or your holiday plans, these placemats are a perfect way to celebrate the holiday with a little bit of fun and happiness. All you need to complete these are placemats, I used two, some fabric paint, and a stamp. You can make your stamp or purchase it, it's totally up to you. Simply stamp the placemat with your desired pattern and leave to dry. I can imagine stamping these with other patterns as well, the possibilities are endless. This project could not be easier and will really add a special touch to your table.

Rose Milkshake

This milkshake is officially my new favorite dessert. It's not so much of a recipe that I am leaving here, but more of a recommendation. As in, I recommend that you go make you one of these right now. I posted this photo on my instagram awhile ago, but I forgot to post it on here until today. It is so super easy, and if you have ever made a milkshake before it should be about the same thing. You will need: Vanilla ice cream, Milk, Rose Syrup ,Blender Optional: whipped cream and sprinkles How to: Put the ice cream, milk, and rose syrup in a blender. For about one person I used 3 scoops of ice cream, about half a cup of milk, and a tablespoon of rose syrup. I included a link to buy the rose syrup that I used online, but if you have a specialty grocery store they should have it as well. I got mine at Jungle Jims in Ohio. After you blend them all together, transfer to a fancy glass and add the whipped cream and sprinkles. Top it all off with a straw and you are ready to enjoy. I would love to try this with homemade ice cream and whipped cream, if anyone tries that I would love to hear about it! Let me know what you think! Enjoy!