Honorable Mention in Jessica Claire's contest!! Wahoo!

Guess what? The beautiful and talented Jessica Claire held a photo contest yesterday on her blog and we were supposed to capture the thing we were most thankful for this year. I didn't win...but I got an honorable mention!!! How exciting is that? Jessica Claire is probably my favorite photographer. She is so inspiring and I respect her so much. Check it out here! My photo is the first on the left in the Family section! Yay! Here's the photo: it's my brother and his wife (married just a few days over a year!) in the super stellar snow that fell yesterday!

Thanksgiving/First Snowfall of the Year 2007!!

This Thanksgiving was the best Thanksgiving ever! You know how sometimes Thanksgivings are kind of a let down because you just sit around all day and watch your older brothers play video games? Well, this year was definitely NOT like that! It rocked!



First of all, I woke up early to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (which I really get into :)). Then it started freaking SNOWING!! It didn't stop until way later that night too! We probably got about 4 inches! Just so you know, this kind of thing NEVER happens in Texas. So it was a blast. Then my brother and his wife came over and we had a blast taking pictures with our amazing cameras. Snow makes for really fun pictures. We also had a yum-a-licious Thanksgiving dinner consisting of Fajitas! It's an old family tradition that is a lot of fun :) And finally, we all went to go see Enchanted at the theatres! So cute...definitely go see it! Way later, my dad built a fire in the fireplace and my parents and I watched White Christmas...such a classic.



It was just a happy day and I love my family and my life. So much to be thankful for. As cheesy as it is, I love that we have a day set aside to be grateful. How often do we take these wonderful things for granted? I'm okay with a day to renew my spirit of thankfulness. :)



Hope you all had wonderful days!

Happy New Blog-Look Day and Thanksgiving!

Looky! Things are different around the blog! I spiced it up a bit for Christmas time--my favorite time of the year! A few small changes were made to: the banner at the bottom of the page, my friend's blog list, my About Me, and maybe a few other things. Obviously the big top banner is new...yay!

Hope you all have absolutely wonderful Thanksgivings!

Finding Encouragement in Strange Places

Confession: I read InStyle magazine.

Now, this is a big deal because I was that girl growing up that was highly opposed to fashion magazines because of the whole body image thing. I think it was a good choice for me while I was struggling through all those teenage girl insecurity issues. It also made it easier for me to keep my mind on things of God. Nowadays I like to flip through the pages of a magazine every once in a while to get some inspirations for photography and things. But I think it's crazy the way I've been encouraged spiritually by reading the occasional InStyle magazine.

If your any bit like me, you probably get kinda frustrated and disgusted with the whole celebrity/Hollywood scene. The extravagance, the selfish attitudes, the stupid scandal things, the focus on one-upping everyone else, the obsession with external things, I could go on. BUT I suppose it's not fair to completely overgeneralize all celebrities. Recently, I've found a couple of things that have encouraged me: people (and I'm talking about non-Christians here) really do love and serve others.

So here's my two favorite encouraging things I've found in InStyle magazine:

(1) In the December 2007 issue, Natalie Portman was interviewed for the cover story. She's apparently "living green" and one of her favorite ways to show it was by donating her old shoes to people in Kenya through a website called Shoe 4 Africa. She says, "Each pair that's worn [in Africa] will cut down the spread of disease...If you're going to buy $200 Nikes, then spend $7 to send your old shoes to Africa." I freakin' LOVE IT!! And I'm definitely donating my shoes! Check out the website!!

(2) You know how InStyle always has the "Parties!" section all about who came to so-and-so's party and what they wore? I guess so that we can feel like we were invited? Yeah, it makes me laugh too :) But something caught my eye in the October 2007 issue: a photo of an actress showing off her Invisible Children bracelet! I got excited and read about how Kristen Bell had a little party in honor of Invisible Children! How cool is that? The little caption read, "'Action' took on a whole new meaning for this crowd." I like it.

And as cynical as people can get about Hollywood and all, I'm okay with getting excited about these two things. Even if it is just for publicity or whatever. In Philippians, Paul writes that some preach Christ out of selfish ambition, just trying to stir up trouble, "...but what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." (Phil 1:17-18) Well said, Paul!

And go donate your shoes to Africa!

Holiday Decorating Inspirations!

Here's my special Holiday Inspirations post, as promised!! Enjoy!

1. Here's the sweetest stocking you'll ever find: The Dot Stocking from Ballard Design! How can it get any cuter? Complete with mini pom-pom trim, free monogramming, and the signature Ballard leopard, these stockings just scream happiness and cheer! Who thinks to put leopard in the Christmas mix? I love it! (I saw a wedding reception site the other day where the bride had chosen green, brown, and LEOPARD as her colors and it was totally classy! I'll try to post some photos.)

2. Take a gander at these Christmas postcards from Anthropologie! These Joyeux Noel cards are perfect for those of you that just love international flair. Vintage Paris art, silver trim, $12 for 12 (but hey, if that's your thing, then go for it!).

3. Here's something that won't break the bank! Holiday table decor is one of my favorite things. I just love having cute table settings out with a fun table runner and centerpiece. These red square dishes from Target are under $2 a piece AND they come in white too! Did someone say Mix and Match?

4. Ok, so this one is pricey. But glass based lamps are my new favorite thing. They are so retro, yet graceful and organic. This particular one is from Pottery Barn, and I'm pretty sure it's around $129 (or more), but I've seen some cute ones at everybody's favorite Target too.

5. Check out these powdered coated steel wall sculptures from Wingard! How sweet is that wreath for an alternatively mod Christmas!? Head to their site for all sorts of stellar wall art. Bit pricey, but I love to be inspired by the expensive stuff and then find my own spin off version (I know, I'm in college.)

Deck the Halls!

Hello friends! Well, Megan and I got the Christmas decorating bug! Our house looks so beautiful! Christmas is my favorite. Break out the Elf DVDs! We are definitely having some sort of wildly fun Christmas party soon. :) So, I bet you are just dying to see our decorations! Here you go...

Try this! I saw it in a magazine and it looks REALLY COOL and trendy! Tie jingle bell clusters to your dining room chandelier or light fixture! Put some sort of cool holly berry/candle centerpiece underneath it on the table and you've got it going on!!
Our poor crooked tree star. Megan wanted to be like the star. :)

Stockings hung by the fireplace with care...Look! You can see the reflection of our living room in the lovely silver orb!!This is definitely my favorite picture. The Christmas light glow makes for killer photos.We finally got the star straight!If you're looking for a beautiful Christmas tree for not much $$ head on over to Wal-Mart. Our tree was $35 and is as beautiful as any! Six and a half feet tall, full and pretty branches...very niiiice. It's not pre-lit, but putting the lights on was fun. Don't step down to the $29 tree even though it's pre lit...it's scraggly and sad looking. No one wants a sad looking Christmas tree.

Stay tuned for a special holiday "Inspirations" post, including inspirations AND things to keep on your radar! I'm gathering the best stuff ever (that's economical too!) to share with you!

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What a beautiful day!! I got to teach 6th grade for the first time ever today! Just one lesson, but still...it was a landmark. Not that I want to teach 6th grade. I was thinking more along the lines of 3rd. But it was still fun! Then I got to have a bit of time in the Word at Tuscany's. And I also got to eat lunch with my brother and he encouraged me alot about church! And finally, I went to take some pictures for Chase's recital (that's tomorrow now, don't forget!) and we ended up at Starbucks where I got some free coffee!

Oh and, remember how my purse got stolen? Well, I magically got it back today!! It wasn't stolen at all! Somehow (even though I asked and called several times), Starbucks had it the whole time! Wow. Too bad I already replaced everything.

It's pre-registration time again. I want to quit school. And be a vagrant photographer. Okay, maybe not the vagrant part.

That huge photo post I promised is coming up...probably around midnight or something. Keep watching!!

Much love,
Caroline

Your to-do list for the day

Okay, I've had this blog since June and I've made 80 posts. Not too shabby. But here's my goal: I want to have 100 posts by January 1, 2008! Can I do it? Watch and see...

And here is your to-do list for the day:

1. Eat a candy cane. I'm eating my first candy cane of the year as we speak, and it's just making me feel all toasty warm inside! The holidays are here!!

2. Check into your city events and see if the Nutcracker ballet will be happening anytime soon in your area. No better way to enjoy the season than a little fine arts. I LOVE the Nutcracker! I LOVE ballet! I should have been a ballerina...

3. Check back here tomorrow evening for a massive photo post including a salsa dancing party and Emily's quest for a wedding dress! Here's a teaser...

Yesterday since the band and I never took real pictures, we played around instead...and here's a few of the results.

I think Tino was trying to make Jordan feel awkward. Play, Tino, play. And watch out for trains.Somebody stole my camera at one point and got a shot of me half playing the djimbe, half looking at something on Russell's computer. Hello Andy! Jordan hung himself...on a coat hook. How desperately sad. They all have such a "band" look about them...I think it's the hair.

Anybody want to take a guess as to what's going on here? I didn't think so...

Yay for friends who are okay with taking silly pictures all afternoon! :)

Much love,

Caroline

P.S. I got to go to the Shane and Shane concert on Wednesday and it was beyond wonderful! Afterwards was great too because Megan, Davey, and I went to eat at Bueno which turned into sitting there for two hours talking and laughing. YAY!

Another post for November 7th!

Ok, yes, I do have another post today! (I'm really procrastinating the homework.) But I just had to share a couple of things with you!

First of all: If you need a little "Life is beautiful" moment, I've found one for you! Head over to the Lyon's photography blog and check out their brand new baby boy! You'll have to scroll down a couple of posts I think, but man...you need to go look. You'll laugh, you'll smile, you'll feel better about your life. :) Here's a picture to entice you. I'll say no more :)

Second up, real quick (and then I've got to get on the homework!): Everybody who is a bottled water drinker should start drinking Ethos water. Why? Because it is their mission to get clean water to children around the world and to raise awareness about the world water crisis (which my roommate Megan has been telling me all about recently too). 4,500 kids die every day because of a lack of clean water. Only 8 billion US dollars would make this problem non-existent (to put this in perspective, about 17 billion dollars are spent annually on overdraft charges from the bank in America). But not much seems to be happening. So support those who are making things happen!

Can't we just live?

Before I even jump into everything I feel I could write, I just want to marvel at how God created our minds and emotions and everything that makes us "us." It is mindblowingly complex. It's cool to look at the big picture and know that God is the God who created mountains and galaxies, but I think it's even more incredible to see His attention to detail. Each breath. Syllables. Shadows. The color red. Such tiny things that he gives His attention, all while keeping the big things in order. We serve a God who is everything.



Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Rom 11:33



These past few days, my mind has not been on the things of God. I've wanted God's leading, but my heart has not put forth the effort to seek Him with all my heart. It's a lesson I've learned a million times, but all my frazzled-ness is calmed when I am in the Word. I finally let down and just read and thought out loud to God a little bit ago...the peace makes it seem like I was never freaked out. And my heart is absoluteley welling up with the love that God must have for His children to offer such peace again and again. So good. So beautiful. And so sweet.



Since my mind hasn't been on God these past few days, my mind has been on myself. Selfishness was the name of the game (and IS the name of the game alot of the time). I do not want it. I want to wake up every morning and ask myself why I am so selfish when I've been given so much. Father please help me get it in perspective.



I was talking to Kassie last night at the NSO paramount movie showing and we were talking about how worrying and selfish thoughts can get us stuck and we miss life. She was telling me that Chase (her boyfriend) always asks her, "Kassie, can't we just live?"



If you've read this blog for any amount of time, you are probably thinking, "Is this an entry from last month. Because it sounds the same." :) You would be right. I get selfish, then realize how dumb and dangerous that is, then come back to the Lord with such joy that He is yet again taking me back. I wish I was a perfect person so that I could give God a great rap on earth...but did anyone catch something wrong with that sentence?



God can make His own great rap. Sorry Caroline.



I don't really understand the mastermind plan of God :) but this I know-- 1. I can't understand it fully (Isaiah 55:9 go look it up), and 2. God is good anyway (Psalm 84:11, go read it. And notice it says "Blameless" which means forgiven...not perfect).



Anyway, I hope you are all having wonderful days and I hope that somehow the Lord uses this to inspire you to Him. As always, I'm greatful to you for reading. :)







Seriously, go look up those verses.

What are you doing?

Here's a post that will be changing alot. It's kind of more for me than you readers...but that's okay sometimes :) These are just some of my goals for the time being. I'm really doing them!!



1. Ride a real horse.

2. Get a bludomain website by January.

3. Go to Six Flags with people I love (I haven't been in years...I used to go every year!).

4. Find a church and use my gifts there (hopefully with music and youth).

5. Give 5% of my photography earnings to the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation and give another 5% to a ministry that either combats AIDS in Africa or gets clean water to children in Africa.

6. Call a friend I haven't talked to in a while each month.

7. Babysit baby Justus for my friend Cherith!

8. Attend a photography workshop (preferably with The Image is Found).

9. Encourage people around me instead of fearing what they think of me.

10. Convince my parents to get a puppy :)

11. Read the rest of Don Miller's books.

12. Get stamina- not just in shape, but freakin' able to snowboard down a mountain without getting tired! So I guess that means work out.

13. GRADUATE SOON (obviously)

14. Second shoot for a top photographer that I admire.

15. Start a monthly gathering of local photographers to shoot for fun, encourage eachother, and share ideas etc.

16. Go to a Vienna Boys Chior performance (or some other awesomely prestegious chior).

17. Train to run a marathon.

18. Play music at a local venue.

19. Work a Summer Camp.

Life is sweet

Just wanted to share this quick picture of one of my best friends, her hubby, and their almost 3 month old baby! So beautiful! The Lord makes wonderful things. :)

November's Top 5!

Am I seriously already writing another Top 5? This month flew!! Okay, well here's the Top 5 for November (Top 5 is made up anything that catches my eye if you were wondering.)

1. Raise your hand if you were looking for a PLAID coat this winter! Look no further than American Eagle! They even come in different colors and have a detachable hood. You can bet your bottom dollar that I asked my parents for this one for Christmas. :)

2. Chilly? Go buy some really cute thick tube socks (or knee socks), pour in a few cups of long grain rice, sew the end shut and you've got yourself a new best friend: a heatsock! Once you make yours, put it in the microwave (NOT the oven) for 1 or 2 minutes. The things stay warm forever! I use mine (or, um...actually my roommate's) when I go to bed to keep my feet warm. They also feel great on your neck (or anywhere else). You'll have your own little heating pad- no plugs required!

3. I love free stuff. And I love Mars Hill Church in Seattle. So it stands to reason that I love their free podcast on iTunes! Rob Bell is an amazing teacher, and I'm so excited about his sermon lineup for Christmas! Make sure you subscribe by December- it will be a four week Advent series (sermons by week will be: Do Not Be Afraid, Joy, Glory, and the Peace of God). What a way to get ready for the glorious celebration of Christmas!

4. Looking for a sweet gift or something to make stellar invitations? Look no further than Angela Adams! These stationary designs are simple and balanced, but retro-fun and colorful! Totally mix and match-- anything goes! I especially appreciate her little slogan, "Shouldn't you be inspired by the thing that you use everyday?" :)

5. Ready for some ultra-lounge Christmas music? Grab a copy of Christmas Cocktails-- some of the jazzy-est and most classic Christmas songs ever. The best part? It's on iTunes! More good news? There are three (maybe more) volumes, so you won't get tired of the same ol' songs. Another Christmas music recommendation: Michael Buble's 5 song EP "Let it Snow!"

There ya go!

On a more heartfelt note, it's been a rough past couple of weeks for me dealing with stress and school, and I'm sure it's been that way for lots of other people out there. It's just that time of the semester when everyone seems exhausted. I was flipping through my Bible the other night and came across these few verses that spoke peace to me, and reminded me that we have a heavenly home that we will soon see. This is a truth that cannot dim: I will see God!

Behold I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered...but be glad and rejoice in what I will create. For I will take delight in my people. The sound of weeping will be heard no more. Never again will there be an infant who lives but a few days or an old man who does not live out his years. Isaiah 65:17-20 (a bit paraphrased)

Much love,

Caroline

Week Review

What a week! Two projects, Two tests, One research paper...and on top of all that I had a stomach virus and sinus infection! SICK! I know...but it's ok because I'm finally feeling better.


Life is beautiful despite everything crazy that happens. Tonight was Emily and Josh's engagement party and it was so wonderful! I got to spend time with plenty of dear friends I've known forever, and meet lots of new people. It was awesome to see people, especially after being couped up all week.

My mom blessed me yesterday! She took me shopping to buy a really nice outfit for the party. It was incredible! It may seem small or silly, but it was so nice to be able to get really nice clothes. I can't remember the last time I got to buy really nice clothes. One word: college. So I never get to do that kind of stuff. THANKS MOM!!!! :)

Oh yeah...now this is exciting! My dad hired someone out at the store which means that I get to move up to the "penthouse office." Okay, so all that really means is that I get the upstairs office with the windows overlooking the showroom. But it's exciting! I moved all my stuff in there today and I'm feeling pretty good about it! It's so cool to have an office instead of a cubicle. Wahoo!

It's NOVEMBER! How did that happen? Break out the Christmas music :)