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Friday, February 25, 2011

almost taken



Remember that movie Taken with Liam Neeson??  His daughter goes to Paris and befriends a stranger at the airport.  He ends up arranging for her and her best friend to be taken into a human trafficking thing.  Well that's how our day almost went down.  Aren't you just dying to know what happened??




Well it all started with my only request...to ride a ferry.  I've always wanted to and last year it just didn't work out, so sweet Lissa made it happen.  We drove downtown and hitched a ride to Bainbridge Island.





It was probably kind of boring for her.  Isn't it funny how hometown stuff just doesn't excite.  I was loving it though.  Only problem is we had a creepy stalker guy.  It started while we were taking pictures out on the deck.  He casually flirted and said that we were really beautiful and he'd love to have a copy of that picture.  We laughed and walked away. 



We went all the way to other side of the ferry.  Next thing you know there he is.  Then we go inside and find a place to sit and low and behold he sits down with us.  Starts asking us questions...like what we're going to do in Bainbridge...where are we from??  Did I mention he's got a slight accent?  He mentions that we're beautiful again and then Lissa and I both get up and practically hightail it to her car locking ourselves in!  None of this would be that exciting or scary except she had just mentioned that Seattle is rated #3 for human trafficking.  You're probably thinking who would want a pair of almost 40 year old mom's, but ya just never know.  We were spooked.





This was the view from the ferry.  Almost worth the crazy guy.



Once we got to the island we stayed pretty much in the little downtown area.  We did some shopping.




Visited a little bakery.  It was nice.  I even talked Lissa into letting me look in some consignment shops for belts to make my cuffs.  Not her favorite thing, but she indulged me:)






Okay so here's where it gets really creepy.  We just get off the ferry and decide to go down to Pikes Place Market.  I thought great photo op, but I'm not even kidding another weird guy approaches us.  He offers to take our picture.  Tells us over and over again how beautiful we are.  Oh and did I mention he had an accent??  I had a check in my spirit right away, but I handed him my camera anyway.  Not smart.  We're supposed to pay attention when God speaks to us right??  As soon as I gave it to him he put the strap around his neck and I thought OH NO he's gonna run off with my camera.  I just know it.  AND I WILL have to chase him down and kick his *$#!! 



Lissa had the same check.  Do we look freaked out in that picture?  Because we were both praying for God to protect us and pleading the blood of Jesus over us while he was taking it.  Once I got my camera back we booked it, never looking back.  He was asking us to come back.  He wanted to ask us something.  He was talking to dust, we were soooo outta there.  Twice in one day!  She says that has never happened to her before. 









How's that for some color?:)  These were of the market.  You have to love all the freshness around. 




Since I'm talking about things being taken I have to mention one last thing.  A different day we went to Green Lake, which has a beautiful running trail.  There are lots of people...it was during the day.  When we got back to Lissa's car her rear passenger window had been broken and the girls ds's and ipod had been stolen from the back seat.  I immediately thought of my wallet that Lissa made me put under the front seat.  Panic gripped my heart.  I just knew it was going to be gone and I'd never make it home.  I put my hand way under and at first didn't feel anything.  Then I found it!  THANK GOD almighty they didn't check under the seat.  God had his hands full keeping us safe this week.  These were obvious moments.  I wonder on a normal every day  how often things go on around us and we aren't even aware of his covering. 




Have a blessed day.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

finally home



Good morning friends!  I am officially HOME:)  My plane got in late last night and I have to admit it's a little surreal to be sitting back in my familiar surroundings.  There's nothing like getting away that makes you appreciate your home more.  And by home I really mean my people.  Wherever they are IS home!  My girls RAN across baggage claim and about knocked me over.  There were lots of tears.  Everyone who saw us probably thought I was a released hostage from Korea or something.  It was quite the spectacle, but pretty fabulous:)  Nothing quite like being missed.




I went to Seattle to find color and friendship and that's exactly what I got.  There were so many fun days with Lissa and Sasha.  I took a TON of pictures and I have to admit ALL of them were amazing.  Can I just say I love my camera!!!  So since I'm back to a winter wonderland I promise to share most of them with you.  Hope you don't get bored:)  It will give us a little taste of what's to come.




Spending a week with someone really gives you a taste of their life.  I feel like I know Lissa like a sister.  I got to meet her ENTIRE family, go to her church...be in her space.  It was unexpected and very special. 





I got to know her honey and her kids better.




And this furry little creature...who I think didn't really want me to go EVER;) 



I think God was trying to work some things out of me while I was gone. My phone completely stopped working, my flight got canceled twice...things just weren't in my control. That's an icky feeling. I really struggled with worry and anxiety. I have this big "first time" show just around the corner and panic started setting in that it wasn't going to be exactly how I wanted it. My honey told me to "chill out man" and talked me off the ledge. He said it's a learning experience and you can't fail. For some reason those words erased my worry. And then I found in Proverbs 16 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. And for some reason that was like a shot to the heart. Maybe I'm not giving this to God. I'm trying to be in control! So Lord help me to give it to you 100%. I need your help. I can't do this by myself. This show is now yours. I ask you to help me get done what needs to get done and whatever the outcome is I just trust YOU!



That's where I'm at.  Sorry I missed the Thrive post this week.  It will resume again on Tuesday. 





Have a blessed day.

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Monday, February 21, 2011

life happens

Good Morning sweet friends.  I'm still in Seattle.  Due to the blizzard in Minneapolis my flight has been canceled twice!  Wish I could tell you I'm all sunshine and roses about it, instead I'm stressed and homesick and basically a mess.  I miss my people and I have a MILLION things to do.  So pray for me please!!!  I'm hoping to make it in late tomorrow night.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.  Just wanted to let you know what's going on.





Have a blessed day.

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

love is in the air...over at Tara's



Not sure how I "met" Tara for the first time, but I adore her blog between you and me.  She's doing a whole week of guest bloggers, because she's on a super fun Disney Cruise with her family.  I'm trying not to hate on her right now...just kiddin'!  So jump on over and read about my love story there:)





Have a blessed day.




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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Thrive Project: Color

I'm on my way to Seattle this morning.  I can't believe the day is finally here:)  You know it's called the Emerald City.  That's one of the things I'm looking forward to the most...green!  Oh and seeing Lissa and Sash of course;)  We've got a busy week planned.  Lots of fun little adventures.  I will make sure to take lots of pictures.





You know how when you get ready for a trip you plan out what you're going to wear and if you're like me you try things on.  Well this is my outfit for the day.  I did the thing...you know I fell prey to the Hunter boot trend.  I'm not usually a trendy person, but for some reason these boots were calling my name.  I feel sassy and funky and ready to take on Seattle...YAY!  This has nothing really to do with my Thrive post, except that the boots are full of color and that's what I want to focus on this week.


My camera class assignment was really on movement.  Our teacher does some amazing shots by moving his camera and playing with shutter speed.  Some of the pictures he takes look like paintings.  It's really cool, but since we recently talked about shutter speed I'm going a different way for this post.  If you want more info on movement visit Suzanne, my partner in crime for details.




Farmgirl Paints


I'm going to be a rebel and give you an assignment of my own:)  Show me COLOR.  This is the time of year I crave it more than anything.  We've had 4 months of grey, brown and white and it's still going to be a while before Spring arrives here in tundra land. So bring it!!  Whip out those cameras and give me your best color shot.  Grab my button and link up.  I'll pick two winners each week.  Those two winners will be added to the pot and I'll pick the two final all -time favorite photos for the grand leather cuff prize:)




***********************************************************************************

Now for this week's
simplicity winners:

 

Loved this simple shot.  The cute little feet are the focus.  It follows the rule of thirds.  The floor actually provides great lines and the low angle provides the interest.



lowercase letters

I like the angle of this shot and the whimsy with her fun little hat.  It's cropped in close, so the background doesn't distract.  Very simple and sweet to boot. 





Thanks everyone. 
Hope you have a wonderful week!




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Saturday, February 12, 2011

My Valentine to you



All day long my sweetheart follows me around.  In a desperate attempt for my attention she puts her tiny little paws on my legs.  If I ignore her she jumps up and down begging for me to love on her.  When I indulge her and pick her up, she licks my face and curls up in a furry ball on my lap...content and happy as can be.




Here's to wishing you the same.  May you get jumped on, slobbered all over, loved and cuddled with on this Valentine's Day:)




  Love you bunches.
Have a blessed day.






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Thursday, February 10, 2011

wired



I believe with all my heart that we are wired to be creative.  For as long as I can remember it's been my heart's cry to be used by the Lord.  I wanted more than anything to know what my gifts were, so I wouldn't be guilty of not using them. 





Then once He helped me discover what they were the fear set in.  Was I good enough to share them?  Would anyone else benefit?  Can I just tell ya that sitting on your gifts gets you nowhere.  We are called to use them.  Each one of us has something to offer.  Something that is unique to only you.  I know many of you have the gift of encouragement.  You've encouraged my heart tremendously time and time again.  Others of you make your home a haven for your families and still others create with food etc... Truly feeling full and complete only come when you allow the Lord to use you.






It literally makes me want to weep when I see how far He's brought me in the last few years.  Things that were bottled up in my heart...secret desires and longings that only he knew about...those are coming to pass.  I get to paint and create and write and share my life and make friends.  It's almost too much...this complete feeling of bliss.  How did I get here?  I want to pinch myself.  Sometimes I'm so busy doing and stressing...wondering how I'm supposed to get everything done that I forget to take a minute, pause and let it sink in that I'm doing exactly what I've been called to do.





Are you following your heart's desire?  Are you letting God use your gifts??  If you don't know what they are ask him.  You've got them...start listening.  You'll never be happier.





My favorite house painting so far...can you guess why???






Have a blessed day.

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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Thrive Project: Simplicity

Good Morning friends.  And I call you that because you ARE.  Each and every one of you!  Oh how I wish I could meet you all and give ya a big ol' hug!  Thank you so much for loving on me.  I so appreciate all the encouragement about my show and the "you can do it" cheers!  You just blessed my socks off.  I will do it!  I promise.


Okay so back to my Tuesday Thrive Project.  This week in class we spent HOURS looking at pictures about simplicity.  You'd think after looking at them and questioning each one I'd be clear on what's simple or complicated.  For some reason though I left the classroom confused.  So I went home and researched it online and discovered that it's all about setting up the shot with minimal background distraction.  You can do this a number of ways.  You can shoot something all by itself.  Black and white seems to make it more simple.  Cropping in the picture gets rid of background distraction and then just paying attention to position in the shot.  Is it busy or simple?  Try different angles.  Does your shot tell a story?  Are you confused or distracted by what's going on or does it speak for itself?





This weekend was Big Chick's birthday party.  Today is her actual eleventh b-day.  Can't believe my baby is 11!  HOLY COW.  Anyway since we had her party that was my chance for taking pictures this week.  It's been hard making time for my homework with all the other stuff going on.  Taking pictures at a roller skating rink is probably not the best place to find simplicity.  There's a lot going on...flashing lights, horrible lighting conditions...lots of people whizzing by.  So don't expect too much from these okay;)


This shot is pretty self explanatory.  It tells a story.  We are getting ready to sing and blow out candles.  I wish that girl with the white t-shirt wasn't standing behind her, that's the only distraction...oh and the aperture is off.  I wanted her face to be in focus and I couldn't remember how to do that.  Bummer!



Even though people are whizzing by on skates I think it's pretty simple and tells a story.  The skaters actually help tell the story.  The girls are even off center which follows the Rule of Thirds. 





This is probably an example of one that is not simple.  That little kid in the background wiping out, draws my eye and so do the bright overhead lights.  I know this is nit picky, but I guess this exercise helps us learn how to set up a shot better.  In real life situations, especially at a roller skating party, simplicity isn't always possible. 




I like this picture because, well I just do.  Not sure if it falls in the simple category or not, but I don't really care..watch out "edgy Becky's" showing her colors...ha!




This one's pretty simple, except for the stuff in our entertainment center distracting me slightly.  If I was taking the shot I probably would have noticed it and closed the doors.  Little Chick took it, thus the slight blur, but not too bad considering:)  Maybe if I cropped it in a bit, cutting off the top of my head, it would have been better.  I don't know which is worse, a cut off head or clutter behind your head.  **For some extra simplicity explanation visit my friend and classmate Suzanne.  I'm sure her pictures turned out fabulous!





Farmgirl Paints




Okay so this has turned into a "what not to do" lesson.  Which is a good learning tool too.  So I'm excited to see what YOU come up with.  Show me simplicity.  Remember to crop in, tell a story, use interesting angles, and keep distraction to a minimum.  Grab my button and share please!!  I'll pick two winners each week.  Those two winners will be added to the pot and I'll pick the two final all -time favorite photos for the grand leather cuff prize:)


*********************************************************************************

Now for this week's winners:
Thanks everyone for participating. It was really hard to decide. You were ALL great.




LOVED this picture.  See how the line of the fence draws your eye right to the woman.  So pretty.


The Amazing and Incredible Invisible Blog

 Loved this shot too.  Great horizontal lines with the girl in mid-step.  You can just feel her movement.







Have a blessed day.











 
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Saturday, February 5, 2011

Vendor...who ME!!!

I've been in "edgy Becky" mode as my friend Lissa calls me.  I don't handle stress or deadlines well.  Oh how I wish I could change that about myself.  I would love to be one of those people who never get ruffled, who stays calm and serene even in the midst of trials and craziness.  It's all good.  God knew that when he made me.  I'm definitely a work in progress.  I just shared about my cocooning dreams.  Oh how I can't wait for that...but it's going to have to wait.  I just had an awesome opportunity come my way and I can't say no:)

 





I'm going to sell at a show.  A REAL SHOW.  I will be a vendor...ME!  Little ol' me at an amazing local show.  It's in less than a month and I have a whole LOT to do.  I'm terrified.  It's always been one of those things I've been really afraid to do.  Talk about putting yourself out there.  Geesh!  I'm much more comfortable hiding behind my computer screen and Etsy store.  But alas the day has come and I'm goin' for it. 







I know a few things about myself...I can be a self sabotager.  I do it with my weight and lots of things.  I strive and work hard and then when the time comes to see results sometimes I fizzle.  I choke.  I become overwhelmed and paralyzed.  So pray for me.  Pray that I can pull this off and get all my stuff made...oh and the big kicker is I leave for Seattle to visit Lissa and Sasha in the midst of my push.  So yeehaw.  I better get off here and get to crackin'.  Hopefully not literally...HA!  Oh and girl's watch out...when you're not looking your dreams WILL come true!  God has a way of sneaking them up on you:)








Have a blessed day.






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