Update Numero Uno

First of all - a VERY Happy Mother's Day to each and every single woman that has lived their lives as a wholehearted servant dedicated to their children. I am so thankful for my mom and everything that she means to me. I could never ask for a more beautiful woman to follow in the footsteps of one day. Sure, we've had our ups and downs and bickerings here and there - but she is, by far, the closest and dearest best friend I have in my life. To be even a morsel like her as a mother will speak words to my children AND my husband - and they will be deeply blessed. I wasn't able to spend this day in honor of her WITH her because of work / the distance barrier, but I took off work this upcoming Wednesday through Sunday so I can spend it with her (and the rest of my family, of course) and play with all of the new things we've learned in the world of art! I will put up pictures of our Mother's Day celebration in a few days. I can't wait! 

In the meantime, I must deeply apologize for neglecting my blogsite this semester. It's been pretty rough with classes and, well, life, so thanks for your patience. With that being said, I am so thankful for this semester - even though it entailed the most intense growth period I've ever encountered in my life. Some of you are thinking... "Right, 21 years... you've got A LOT more to grow and encounter." This, my friends, is so true. And as tough as it's been on my heart and even mental state, it's been sooo good. The Lord has been faithful in refining me and showing me His truth. Therefore, this has turned out to be the most beautiful season of my life. My roommate, Hannah, encouraged me to read 1 Peter because she saw my heart in it as she read it. In chapter 5, verse 11, Peter says, "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." Please don't jump to assumptions that my sufferings entailed that of physical suffering or ridicule or loss of someone that I hold dear - rather, it was suffering from a mental state, a disease - the disease of doubt and of heartache. That - that - is a disease I would never wish upon anyone. The Lord is still in the process of healing it - but as Peter said, He has been and will continue to be faithful in restoring, confirming, strengthening and establishing me. What a beautiful promise! Through this restoration, He has brought people into my life that have been deeply encouraging - people that I have no clue how I've even lived without until this point - people who I joke around about, but truly believe that they are my soul mates - not the "man-husband-like" soul mates, but the soul mates who know your heart just by looking at your face and know to sit and listen rather than try to solve the problems. For each of you, I am eternally grateful for the confidante and safe place you have been for me. 

Now that the semester is over, I need to share with you my "adventures" since final exams. I wish I could say I travelled to great lands and stood under the most extravagant waterfalls, in awe of the One who created them. Rather, I've travelled into the depths of my imagination - which is always pretty adventurous - and delved into the interior of the right-side of my brain. First, I finished the book "Noah's Ark" by Judy Baer. Know, that if you start to get into the Chick Lit genre, you will most likely be criticized because it's a romance novel. Sure, there is a handsome hunk involved that sweeps the girl off her feet - but normally, the girl is too busy with her focus on the Savior that she barely even realizes the guy's around. If you're into the sappy retreats from reality, here's a little teaser from the end of the book - but I won't give away any names.... "I don't know how God manages these things but He knew _____ and I needed to be together and He let nothing stand in the way. It took a while, of course, and it wasn't without trauma, but the results are definitely worth the wait." I'm not much for receiving Truth from fictional books, but I sincerely believe that statement. If God intends for it to happen, He'll make it happen - there will be tough times, refining times, but when it's in His plans, it will happen. There are the cheesy statements too. The statements that classify it as those "that will probably never happen, and if it did... well, I might think the guy was joking" statements: "Norah, if I'm going to be set adrift at sea on an ark, there's no one I'd rather travel with than you." Regardless, it's an incredible book and I had a pretty difficult time putting it down - but then again, I go weak for books like this. 

I decided to do a small series of paintings called "transition" because there are so many people in my life going through... well, transitions. Some are taking it well, and others are having a terribly tough time with it. College draws in way too many opportunities for people to journey in and out of your life and I'm sad to say that there are a few special people that are - or will be - doing that within the next few months. Some are moving to near cities like Birmingham or Atlanta... and then others will be moving to the other side of the world - Hong Kong. To each of you - I will miss you terribly. I cherish you but am so proud of the steps you are pursuing in your lives. May the transitions in your life bring you joy and an abundant life in our Savior. 

And finally... these are a few sketches from my sketchbook I've been working on. Nothing too big - just a few starting steps and inspiration for the future pieces I'll actually have time to work on this summer!! Yay! 

I'm a terrible blogger...

Hi Everyone! 

I'm sorry I'm such a terrible blogger and can't seem to write more often! School has been keeping me incredibly busy but I've definitely had some fun too!! Last weekend, Chris Freeze came to Auburn. It's been 4 years since the last time we've physically seen each other. We met at a journalism convention in South Carolina and have kept in touch ever since... through phone and video chat. He lives in Myrtle Beach and just decided to come down Valentine's Day weekend! Luckily, I had a Crush Party social the night he came into town so it was a pleasure having him as my date. It made me so happy - he wore the matching felt heart pin I made him! When I say he wore it, I mean he wore it with pride. He then wore it on Valentine's Day and made sure to take it home with him back to SC. Of course, Laura came too!! 

  

I'm not sure if you can tell from the pictures, but Chris absolutely spoiled me the entire weekend. It's weird, you know - to experience how a guy should treat you and know that it's right. We joked around and said he was my boyfriend for 3 days. He even bought me a birthday present but left it at home (I can't help but believe him)... so he insisted on buying me this rockin' awesome umbrella I saw at Target. I fell in love with it. I went to buy it but he wouldn't let me. 

  

so we took pictures in the Winn-Dixie parking lot with the clear umbrella and our fantastic sunglasses.... at night. :)

These are a few snapshots from our photo booth session. 

One of the best parts? He serenaded me practically all weekend! He's a great guitarist! He even took me to the guitar shop to get mine repaired, cleaned up, and got new guitar strings. Elixirs. He learned a couple of my favorite songs that I sing and we jammed together for a while. Unfortunately, I was sick; therefore the voice was struggling. We still had fun. 

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So my friend, Kevin, who I call "Texas" to everyone but him sent me a pair of Vans... It's kind of been a 2-year process so I was pumped when he sent them!! The deal was if he finally got me the Vans, then I would paint him a picture... This was it. It was pretty big. Also expensive to ship - but I think it was worth it. It portrays one of his favorite songs - Deathbed by Relient K - which is a story of redemption. I put a picture of Texas on there ... I'm not sure if he's down with that, but I thought it was cool. Currently, it's hanging in his apartment I think. 

  

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This is one of my great friends/co-workers, John. He's awesome. We took these pictures one night when business was slow so I thought I'd share them with you. He's such a model.

 

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Finally, this is Laura and me. She's the coolest. Her and Courtney are my two closest friends in Auburn and I don't know how I would make it without them. When I was going through my rough time, Laura called me and took me to go get my nails done (it's great being a girl) - and she made me a "Whitney's Be OK cd." She's so cool and I'm so thankful for her. 

So this is the New Year... and I don't feel any different.

Wise words from Death Cab for Cutie (a favorite band of mine). Happy New Year to all of my wonderful readers! Sorry I haven't written sooner! I'm back at school, all settled in - making coffee, taking extremely interesting classes, and even treading water during the intense game of water polo. That's right. I'm taking a water aerobics class this semester and we play either sharks and minnows or water polo on Fridays. Mondays and Wednesdays are extremely exhausting in the class though... it's not ALL fun and games. The main thing is - it is now the year 2009. The year that I didn't even write a resolution for myself, but rather a couple of lifelong goals:

1. Live healthier. (Stop eating pasta every single day. I got a gym membership and I swim every other day in class too. Swimming has become a great challenge for me. I want to be faster and more skilled.) 

2. Find understanding. (This past year, I found myself in conversations with others saying, "I just don't know." No, I haven't stopped saying it. I still don't know or understand a lot of things that are going on in my life right now. That's OK with me. Yet, I desire to understand with steadfast faith rather than just having to know - if that makes sense. If it doesn't, then you're are the same place as me - you just don't understand. Kidding. Maybe my thoughts just don't make sense to some people, but I want to regain the childlike faith - that everything will work out. No sweat. In His timing. That's all the understanding I need. Now I just have to know that... and believe it.)

3. Love people. (I don't mean non-Christians. It is sooo easy for me to love them and not judge them. It's most difficult for me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ. Not because they might screw up but because they call other people 'bad witnesses'. To me, that's a bad witness. But I guess I'm doing the same as them right now too. I just want to love people. Those who love Jesus and those who don't even want to hear about Jesus because they've already been bashed by those who claim to love Him.)

As for the lyrics that entitle my blog tonight, I'm just progressing. I've been working on these goals. Yet right now, I don't feel any different. It's only January 16 though. I have a whole year to feel different. 

So here's a brief overlook at my past couple of weeks....

*Christmas Day. 

It might seem silly, but this is probably my favorite picture taken on Christmas. I love my parents. They're incredible. I can't even begin to describe the love they have for each other. I've never seen two people that have been together as long as they have and still have stars in their eyes. They have a patience for each other that I will never be able to comprehend. They are so giddy when they're together. Sure, they have their times where they must separate themselves from one another before they go crazy... but they love each other. They learn new things together and constantly serve one another. Look how happy they are. 

This was taken at my grandparents' house on the night of one of my cousin's engagement party - Lauren. I met her fiancee on Christmas Day and love him. He has an odd sense of humor, but I like it. They're perfect for each other. And so happy! Lauren asked me to be a bridesmaid so we went shopping the day before. I wish I could put pictures up of how absolutely stunning our dresses are, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for her big day! She will definitely be the center of attention though - her dress is beautiful!! I thoroughly enjoyed shopping, laughing and eating with her and the family!! I got to meet her other first cousin, Nicole, who is also a bridesmaid... we are going to be great friends. I can't believe we've been family this long and haven't met until now! 

This picture cracks me up. Chase now. At 24 years of age. And Chase 6 years ago. Whoa. Major weight change, bro. Haha - we laughed so hard over this picture!!

This day was such a blessing to me! Karis had a birthday party and invited my other two cousins, Faith and Haley, over for a craft session with mom. The girls made Jesus in a manger ornaments... then we had a special surprise. My other little cousin, Jackson, came over to craft with his mom (who I've called NaeNae since I was a kid). I helped with the mangers a little, but I thought it would be neat to make these little bobby pins with the girls. NaeNae made one for her little girl, Reagan. It was so much fun to do this project with the girls! They loved the bright colors and it looks so cute in their hair! These girls are so special to me.
      

New Year celebration! Ted and I brought the New Year in together. My other friends were either in Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, or Texas. So it was just us. And Chase kind of. We watched movies, ate pizza and ice cream, and welcomed the New Year with a toast (of sparkling grape juice of course). 

THIS was one of the greatest moments I had since the last blog I've written. Seeing my wonderful friends again - especially this one! Courtney. One of the 4 other roomies. She's my accountability and stronghold. Her and Laura (I'll get a pic with her soon to add) are two of the best relationships I've had since I've been at Auburn. To explain the friends they have been to me would take an entire blogsite.... So for now, just know they are a huge part of my life and I'm so happy to be around them again. I only talked to each one over the break twice (because I very strongly dislike talking on the phone much) so it's good to spend some quality face-to-face time with them again.

As for the art I did at home after Christmas presents were given accordingly....

I am so thankful for goofy friends that I can share moments like this with. Megan, Laura Beth and I had a headband night my freshman year in college... this is what we did when it was storming outside. Anyways, I thought these would be the perfect three pictures to place in the salt shaker. My mom taught me this cute idea. 

  

And at school....

I went thrift store shopping with Jackie (Chase's girlfriend) and mom during Thanksgiving Break and I found this little gate thing. I should've taken a before/after shot. Before, it was a white-washed gate that said "My Little Bunnies" on top of it. Haha - I changed that up for sure! I love the colors I ended up using. When people paint and craft with me, they get really confused because I don't ever really have a 'plan' set out for a project. I just get a slight idea to begin and go from there. Colors just start mixing and words just start coming out! 

I'm also working on another painting that truly expresses where I am in life. I'll have that one up soon. For now, I'll tell you a little about this one. Proverbs 4:23 is one of my favorite verses! "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." What a beautiful command! The idea of the gate is supposed to be like the gate of my heart. There's a map to it but for now, I must guard it. Otherwise... well, that's what the painting I'm working on will explain. It's tough - especially for an absolute romantic like me. I put my entire heart into every relationship, serving and loving unconditionally. Sometimes I feel like a naive teenager; other times, it just reminds me how much more I must save up for my husband. He is going to be one lucky man. haha - Not because of me, but just because I will wholeheartedly love him and serve him in every way possible. From the little things like leaving sweet notes for him in secret places, but most of all treasuring his heart as he will mine. I am so excited about giving this love that has been building up in my heart for almost 21 years now. It'll probably be a while though - which means I only have more love to store. I can wait for something that great. 

  

I'm also working on a painting for Kevin (Texas)... but he's going to send me a pair of Vans first / I have to ship it to him before I can put pictures up. All I can say is... it's pretty killer. I took ideas from other paintings I've done but never expected it to turn out this way. It's a lot different than any of the other paintings I've done. Can't wait to show you!

I'll be posting up some journal entries I've done a little later. Can I just say how proud I am of my mom because she no longer fears a blank page in a journal anymore?... Super proud. 

Teddy K, SPs and Christmas Wrapping

This is my friend, Ted. In my phone, his name pops up as Teddy K. I'm not sure where that came from or if he even knows that I call him that, but I do. He's one of the coolest guys I know. We met exactly one year ago at the Fellowship of Christian Athlete's Winter Recharge. He played bass guitar in the band. He's one of those friends that you could not talk to for a year and then when you hang out, it's like you try to talk about what happened since the last time you talked - but because you are so similar and so distracted by the little things, it makes it difficult to carry on a conversation. Haha - That's a good thing though! We eventually got around to talking about the past semester (we haven't hung out in a long time). Today, we walked around downtown in Athens, getting blown away by the intense wind and laughing the whole way. We went into a bunch of shops, checking out all of the objects that could possibly act as a back scratcher and checking out the cool hats and such. 

Ted is also a barista and had to work tonight so I followed him to the wonderful Jittery Joe's for his late-night shift. We were able to talk a lot more about life and all of the wonders of it - school, romance (or lack thereof), coffee... we didn't talk much about Jesus but He was definitely present. If you haven't had an intense conversation with me lately, you won't know exactly how rough of a semester this has been for me... but it's been bad. It was so encouraging to talk to Ted - especially when it comes to the dating department. We both have the same issue: we analyze things WAY too much, before anything is physically there to even analyze. I'm thankful for Ted. And I'm thankful for the time we got to hang out tonight. Enjoy the pics! 

The one below is our "family Christmas card" enactment. You can't tell but he's sporting an awesome Santa sweater as well as a duotoned gray cardigan. 

This is Chris, one of Ted's co-workers. He's a pretty cool guy. We tried to take the picture with the sign that says "Jittery Joe's" and on the bottom, it says "running fuel" or something "fuel"... so we were acting like we were running. On fuel. But it doesn't really make sense because you can't read the entire sign. Next, is a picture (taken by Chris) of Ted and I talking about the Naughty List... a list of lattes that hold about 1000 calories in them each. ;o) Just kidding. Ben, on the other hand, is a friend of Chris and Ted. I actually didn't formally meet him, but Ted took a picture of him as he was leaving. And now he will forever be engraved on this blog. 

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These are a pair of my most favorite shoes! I'm not materialistic. At all. But these? I love them more each time I wear them. The pictures below are self-portraits (SPs). Elsie finished up our projects for the class and this one was probably in my top five favorites. I think it's so fun to play with angles and random objects! The shoes would be qualified as an SP... Above is another one of our projects. It's a little bracelet - awesome, huh? I love making these! More to come! 

  

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These are the lovely packages I wrapped. Chase did an awesome job on wrapping mine so I couldn't let him beat me out! The three at the bottom have the reindeer wrapped up in them for my grandparents, aunts and uncles.