Search The Sand & Climb The Trees

SO EXCITING!

2010-01-12T13:55:00.001-07:00

So the other day I was feeling a little crafty so I was looking at some different blogs on line. I've always been a big fan of Elsie's mom Elizabeth. I thought to myself "Just email her and see what she says" So I did. Less then 2 hours later she emailed me back!! And not just some little "thanks for checking out my blog" No a huge long email. I was a little shocked. I'm not one of those people who gets googly eyed about someone famous. I really could care less how many times you've been publish. But the email she sent me was just so amazing and encouraging. She gave me ideas of how she started painting, exercises to try and a lot of encouragement. Anyways here'd a little piece of what she wrote. I guess there might be some art showing up on this blog soon!

"Think of it as playtime....it goes much like the previous exercise. One line, shape or color will lead to the idea for the next. Sometimes a great design happens from the start, sometimes it's a struggle and a matter of continuing to work and trying new approaches until it happens. You will know when it does!! Again, BELIEVE in yourself."

melizabethchapman.blogspot.com

Bring On 2010

2010-01-02T12:21:00.006-07:00

2009 was quite the year. Let me tell you why:

1. I started off the year deciding that 2009 was going to be my year. After going through some crap in 2008 I learned that I really didn’t know who I was. So it was time for me to take control . I wanted learn new things, grow into a better person and maybe be a little selfish and do things I wanted to do. It turned out great. I started taking yoga and joined an awesome hip hop class with Chantel. I dyed my hair a bunch of different colors and took a trip to California on my own.

2. My sister got married! What a perfect addition Kris is to our family.

3. Did a little traveling. I went to Mexico for my sister Jenn’s wedding and took a trip to California in October.

4. I finally graduated from school. Now I have a big girl job. The boredom of 9-5 can be excruciating at times but I know I’m lucky to even have a job. And the flow of money is a nice addition to life.

5. I did wedding flowers for four weddings this year and already have 5 booked for 2010. 3 of them aren’t even friends which is awesome because I know I’m doing my job well when people recommend me.

(thanks Lisa for the pictures)

6. There have been babies babies BABIES everywhere. I thought it was strange when all my friends where getting married but now there all having babies. Really it’s so much fun to watch. The whole having a baby thing is really an amazing miracle. Every time I see these little ones I’m wowed.

7. Just three weeks ago I bought my self one of these. Its a 2010 Mazda 3. Mines black. The commitment to buying a new car was surprisingly overwhelming for me. The girls at work would tease me about how if the commitment of buying a new car was so nerve-racking how am I ever going to get married. There probably right, who ever decides to marry me might have to just show up with the papers because I don’t know that I can go through all that craziness. (Credit mazda3forums.com)

So here are my resolutions for 2010:
1. Plan another trip. Somewhere anywhere
2. Learn the world of business better. I’ve learned that people will take advantage of you either on purpose or subconsciously if you allow it so contracts are going to be written and policies will be made.
3. Learning to say no … I have a horrible habit of say yes to everyone. Sometimes in business and sometimes it’s in my personal life and I need I learn to stop. If I don’t want to say yes I’m not going to. This is going to be a hard on because I think its built into me. I don’t even realize what I’m saying until I’ve committed myself.
4. Take better care of myself. Exercise more, eat better and take care of myself mentally. I was reading Lisa’s blog about style and I too would like to refine my style. I’m not going to be stuff because it’s on sale. Quality and level of love will be my focus. It use to be all about price to me but then I had a closet fun of crap that I got on sale but I don’t wear.
5. Blogging more. I don’t much now because I forget about it and don’t feel like people actually read it. So if you do let me know and if you notice weeks and months have past and no post give me a little crap.

I hope you all have a wonderful new year! May you learn more, have more adventures, see more happiness and feel more love.

2009-12-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

2009-11-05T09:42:00.003-07:00

Fun song. My friends sister and bother in law are in this band. And the video was shot in edmonton. how fun!

HOPE!

2009-08-20T12:52:00.002-06:00

So I know I know I haven't posted something in a really long time. I could give all the excuses like my laptop has been getting fix and I'm so very busy with all my jobs but really I'm lazy and lately coming home and turning on a computer after staring at one all day is not what I want to do!

But today I am posting because I'm hoping to get some pledges. I'm taking part in the Winners Walk of Hope to End Ovarian Cancer. I'm hoping to raise $300. It's not a huge goal but like they say every penny counts.

Ovarian cancer is a cancer that is very difficult to recognize and often diagnosed late. Because this symptoms of ovarian cancer that symptoms many women experience they are often over looked. Unfortunately that means about 70% of those diagnosed loss their battle. That’s HUGE!

This disease has affected my family because one of my mom's co-work/friend has been battling this disease for about 2 years now. She is strong and fighting hard but it’s a battle we all wish she didn’t have to fight. My hope is that one day there will be no need for any of these fundraisers and that the only reason they happen is because we are walking to celebrate our victory!

If you are interested in donating go here:
http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=2302169

I understand that there is lots of opportunities to donate out there and it is impossible to give to them all so please don’t feel as though you have to. The one thing I do ask though is please educate yourself! Go here to learn more:
http://www.ovariancanada.org/index.asp

I promise to post some pictures of the walk and I will also do an update of my summer once I get my laptop back!

-L

Graduation!

2009-05-05T20:26:00.003-06:00

So I am official done school and if all goes as planned I will soon be a NAIT graduate. I cant believe those two crazy years are over but it feels fantastic. I spent most of last week feeling strange that I wasn't work on something and this week I started me new job! Yep its true I have started a career. I get paid and everything.

This is Vanilla Coke that Lisa brought me back from Dallas. I saved it for when I was done school and it was great.

These are beautiful yellow roses that my wonderful friends Laura and Rachelle gave me. They also kidnapped me and took me out for a wonderful dinner!

-L

apparently my picture are being stupid sorry!

Dress Up Like Bubble Gum and I'm Stick To Your Shoe ... Lets Run.

2009-05-05T20:03:00.005-06:00

This weeks song of the week is a fun one... actually a little strange. I don't know how I came across this band but thought it was to weird not to share. Its by an Australian based band call Architecture in Helsinki (fitting with my graduation and all). Anyways have fun with this one.

"That Beep" By Architecture in Helsinki

Watch the video! Its weird but you will love the crazy dancing in the middle.
http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmieVoMeqZM

-L

P.S. I haven't figured out how to put the YouTube video directly on my blog so if any one knows how that's done let me know so I don't have to have lame links anymore!

Another Week

2009-04-19T21:02:00.002-06:00

Well it’s been a long week and soon another will begin. School is crazy right now. I have 5 final projects this week followed by 4 final exams next week. Along with school being busy I was dealing with a lovely chest cold all week. No fun at all. A few weeks ago I was reading over a bunch of blogs at work and I read Nadine’s story about the bruises on her elbows and I thought to myself “how the heck do you get bruises on your elbows?” Well I soon learned how by getting my own elbow bruises. I went walking around the corner at school just after they mopped (there was no wet floor sign) and took a bit of a spill. I have bruises up the right side of my body as well as my elbow bruise. So yep it’s been a long week but it is also time for a song of the week.

This week’s song is probably one of my all time favourite songs. I picked it because I miss Jill. Whenever this song comes on at work I run around after Jill doing an interpretive dance for her. COME HOME JILL! I MISS YOU! For real! No Lie! Real Talk! I MISS YOU!

“Hide and Seek” by Imogen Heap

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cpSv2mNhhc

Fun picture right? I just love it

Here's another Song of the Week!

2009-04-04T19:16:00.003-06:00

This weeks song of the week is one of my fav's right now. This ones a little more rock than the last few songs of the week but I am sure you will love it. Its actually the bonus track on their album which means that you may have to buy the whole album to hear it but thats not such a bad thing because the album is great.

The song is ..... "If I Was From Paris" By Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

This is their website www.gracepotter.com
This is their myspace http://www.myspace.com/gracepotterandthenocturnals
And this is a youtube video of the song. It kinda sucks but its the best I could find http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeyjxUTtFK8&feature=related

Enjoy.

-L

Mould is Bad

2009-04-02T13:18:00.003-06:00

This is what happens when architecture students get bored at school.

SONG OF THE WEEK!!! YA!

2009-03-24T16:04:00.003-06:00

I recently discovered this weeks artist when a friend said "Hey have you heard of this girl I think you'll like her". We've all had those suggestions but they are usually a little hit and miss. This time though it turned out to be a hit. I love her voice and think the song is cute and witty. So here it is this weeks song of the week!

Its "Boys with Girlfriends" By Meiko

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=45185125

P.S. I totally realize that its more like song of the month not song of the week. Sorry. I will try to do better.

A few Creations

2009-03-24T15:06:00.010-06:00

So here is a few new things that I have created in the past little bit. I wish there was more but with the amount of school work I have to do its all i have been able to do. The first is a canvas that I painted. The second I a card I made for a friend in Hungary and the third is a hair thingy I made. nothing to exciting but a little fun.

Everyone Loves An Irish Girl.

2009-03-16T17:26:00.008-06:00

Well in case you didn’t know I’m Irish and very proud of it! Tomorrow happens to be my favourite holiday (please do not try to inform me that it’s not a holiday because all that will get you is an Irish punch in the nose). So to celebrate my heritage I made some Guinness cupcakes for tomorrow’s school bake sale. These are a wonderful little creation. I don’t suggest drinking a can of Guinness while making these as it makes it really hard to follow the recipe. Also eating the batter can cause the same effect. I included the recipe so you can celebrate along with me. Please eat and drink responsibly!

Chocolate Stout Cupcakes
Yields 16 cupcakes1 cup stout (such as Guinness)
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-process)
2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup sour cream1 cup whipping cream
1/2 pound bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cupcake pans with paper cups. Bring stout and butter to simmer in saucepan over medium heat. Add cocoa powder and whisk until mixture is smooth. Cool slightly.
Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Using electric mixer, beat eggs and sour cream in another large bowl to blend.
Add stout-chocolate mixture to egg mixture and beat just to combine. Add flour mixture and beat briefly on slow speed. Using rubber spatula, fold batter until completely combined.
Divide batter equally among cupcakes cups. Bake until tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
Transfer cakes to rack; cool 10 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack and cool completely.
Meanwhile, make icing. Bring cream to simmer in heavy medium saucepan. Remove from heat. Add chopped chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Refrigerate until icing is spreadable, stirring frequently, about 2 hours. Drizzle over cupcakes and enjoy.

This is also the shirt that I will be wearing tomorrow!

This Irish girl loves you!

Starbucks can do it. Why can't I?

2009-01-30T19:17:00.003-07:00

Ok so I decided that I am going to start doing a "Song of the Week". I figure it's fun and it again is something to make me post stuff. I got this idea from Starbucks. They have these cards on the counter that you can take and you can get a free download on iTunes of their song of the week. I've been picking them up weekly for myself as well as mailing them to Hungary for a friend. I can't give you a free download but I can introduce or remind you of rad songs. And make sure you pick up your card the next time your getting that "Tall, extra hot, no water, Chai" ... actually get two and share.

This weeks song is....
"Lucky" By Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat
I predict that this song will be played at every wedding this summer. I have to admit that if I was getting married this summer it would be played at some point. Its a lovely song.

Go here to watch the video!
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=49776296

2009-01-30T18:46:00.001-07:00

If the smell of Ikea had a taste it would be guacamole.
-Michelle Lem

P.S. The link to her blog is to your left. Go to it!

A Little More Paint.

2009-01-25T16:53:00.006-07:00

Here's another painting that I did this weekend. This one I made for my best friend Carolynn.

The quote is from A Fine Frenzy song called Think of You. A Fine Frenzy is one of my favs and you might just be listen to one of her rad songs on my blog now.

I'm Still Learning

2009-01-22T17:59:00.007-07:00

So as a few of you may know last year I went through a little bit of a bad time that lead to some self discovery. It really was a crappy time but I learned a lot about myself. I am happy to report that I am on my way out of that dark place but I’m still learning. I have realized that this won’t happen with the snap of my fingers but that it will be my life long journey. This year my new year’s resolution is to focus on my self. I kind of feel like that might seem a little selfish but I think this is a good time in my life to do this (I’m not married and don’t have kids) and I am starting to see that if I don’t focus on myself and do things that make me happy, no one will. This resolution is talking different forms. Its everything from taking hip hop classes with Chantel, to standing up for myself (which is something I have never done before). I want to be happy and free and I think this is my way of getting there.

My new year’s resolution inspired me to paint this painting. I think that sometimes it’s good to put it on paper or in my case canvas to make it more of a commitment or more permanent. So here it is and I will include the lyrics from the song that’s on it so you can read those too!

Let Me Fall - Bethany Joy Lenz

It's October again
Leaves are coming down

One more year's come and gone

And nothing's changed at all

Wasn't I supposed to be someone

Who can face the things that I've been running from...

Let me feel, I don't care if I breakdown

Let me fall, even if I hit the ground

And if I...Cry a little Die a little

At least I know I lived, just a little...

I've become much too good at being invincible

I'm an expert at play it safe, and keep it cool

But I swear this isn't who I'm meant to be

I refuse to let my life roll all over me...

Let me feel, I don't care if I breakdown

Let me fall, even if I hit the ground

And if I...Cry a little Die a little

At least I know I lived, just a little...

I wanna be somebody

I, I wanna be somebody who can face the things that I've been running from

Let me feel, I don't care if I breakdown

Let me fall, even if I hit the ground

And if ICry a little Die a little

At least I know I lived...

It's October again

Leaves are coming down

One more year's come and gone

And nothing's changed at all ...

-L

A New Blog!

2009-01-03T13:55:00.001-07:00

So here we are with a brand spankin' new blog. I promise to try my very best to keep it up dated! You have my permission to give me heck if i don't! Some times I need a little encouragement to get motivated! My first couple of post are going to be a little history of the past few months but then we'll get to the good stuff. So welcome and enjoy!

-L