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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Deer and Independence

We made it safely to Kentucky last night with just one little bump in the road. No, literally we hit a deer on the highway last night. Worst experience of my life. It came out of NO WHERE and was on my side. Thankfully I wasn't driving or who knows where the car would have ended up. Things turned out quite unfortunate for the deer :( but we were safe and the car has only a tiny bit of damage. We are so lucky because deer can really mess up a car and cause awful accidents.

Adams whole family came along for the trip. Grandma and Grandpa, Dad and two brothers, and Mom and step dad. His oldest little brother will be going to college in June about 45 minutes away from where we are staying this weekend. They decided to take a little trip and visit the college and go to Nashville for the day while they are near by. They left early this morning and I really wanted to sleep in, so I did.

Sleep. I missed you.

 I have my own hotel room for the weekend (HOORAY)!!! I've never slept in a hotel room by myself until last night and much to my surprise, I loved it. So this morning when I woke up all alone I realized that it was just me, in this town that I have never even seen in daylight, all by myself today. That was weird to realize. I like to think that going to college made me independent and it did, but I am still so close to home, and I have friends there that are now like family so it isn't as independent as it once sounded. I have most of the day to myself. I get to decide what to do. No one knows me here. I can go anywhere I want. So I rolled out of bed and walked over to McDonald's this morning 10 minutes before breakfast ended. I ordered honey for my biscuit and the sweet boy at the counter looked at me like I was crazy. I guess they don't have honey at McDonald's in Kentucky... I settled for strawberry jelly. I walked over to fill up my water and when I turned around, sweet boy from the counter was standing behind me and handed over my bag and said, "here is your biscuit." How presh is that? I was pleasantly surprised at the generosity that Kentucky had already shown me only ten minutes into being outside of my room.

Having this "freedom" really made me realize what it could* be like to move somewhere that no one knows me. Part of me has always wanted to do this. Start over completely. Be who I want to be with no one standing there to remind me of my past. Today I really understood that that is completely possible. It was nice to know that if I ever need to do something like that, I could.

I think I am going to search for a starbucks and a park. Two things that always make me feel at home. I have loads of homework to finish today before Adam's flight gets in early in the morning. I'm off to explore this unknown city.

xoxo,
Shelby

Friday, January 28, 2011

Kentucky

Today I am leaving this tiny place to go to Kentucky. I've never been to KY except for just a few minutes in the very corner on my way to Nashville. I get to see Adam this weekend. He is flying home from Afghanistan. It has been a long and hard three months. I am thrilled beyond words to be going on this little road trip. I'll take lots and lots of pictures. 


Adam and his little brother Corry


Oh, P.S. He doesn't know I'm coming. SURPRISE!

Thursday, January 27, 2011

You Inspire Beauty

Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?


When I first read this question I wasn't sure exactly who to write about. I looked to the left of my computer at a picture of some of my dearest friends and I saw Melissa Goodchild (soon to be Howerton!!!) smiling and I knew that this post had to be for her.


 I met Melissa my first semester at CofO and I have grown to love her more and more ever since. Not only is she one of THE most beautiful women that I have seen but she radiates a love of God. She literally lights up a room with her smile. Her spirit is so contagious! Her words are always encouraging and uplifting. She speaks truth and never compromises her beliefs even in the case of feeling rejected. I really can't say enough about her. She is just one of those people that you crave to be around because she is such a great example of a godly woman and you want to be more like her. Melly recently got engaged and will be marrying the love of her life Andrew. I can't wait to see Mel as a wife and learn from her. I am so blessed to have her in my life. God is so good. 




Melissa in Florida being her natural, happy spirited self.

Mel and Andrew, little love birds.


He liked it so he put a ring on it. 

This group of girls is magnificent.


Bethy, Morgan, Mollie, Addie, me, Chlo, Ash, and Mel at Mel's house in Tulsa a year and a half ago. 

Mel, Elly, and me this past summer in Tulas!






THE LIST:


Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.  
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

Monday, January 24, 2011

Day 2 (a little late)



What makes you uniquely you?


I feel like there are countless things that make me unique. 



I love to sew and in the real world that is an odd trait for a 21 year old.


I have a style all my own. 




My taste in music is one that no one could match. 


I was made by God to be my own person.




My collection of items is unlike any other. 





My friends! Only I have these friends!





My tattoos are all me!





The desires of my heart are only truly known by me and my God. 

THE LIST:


Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.  
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

31 day challenge

Sweet Mandy over at She Breathes Deeply came up with this wonderful Project 31. I'm not usually one for doing blog challenges basically because I know I won't have the time to do it everyday. I feel like this one is so much more than a simple challenge. This is ENCOURAGING. This will help ME and others. I have always had problems with self-image and things of that nature so to dig deep and really see the beauty that God created in me and around me is so wonderful. I would love to see who else joins in on this project!

Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?
Beauty means many, many things. Beauty is nature. Beauty is children. Beauty is kind hearts. Beauty is following the Lord. Beauty is struggling. Beauty is connecting with others. Beauty is music. Beauty is coming out of a hard season of life and being a stronger person than when you entered into it. Beauty is misunderstood. Beauty is living freely.  Beauty is anything that the Lord has made. 

I love to search for beauty in the world around me. I love to surround myself by beautiful souls. 





THE LIST:


Day 1.  What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2.  What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3.  Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4.  Style 31.  Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5.  Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6.  Jaded beauty.  Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7.  Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8.  Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)?  Share, please!
Day 9.  What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10.  What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11.  Post a recipe.  Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12.  Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13.  Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14.  Style 31.  Post an outfit pic!
Day 15.  Write to encourage a friend.  Inspire her beauty.
Day 16.  Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life.  Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17.  Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18.  Describe your personality.
Day 19.  Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20.  Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.  
Day 21.  Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22.  What are some needs that need to be met in your community?  Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23.  What are your strengths?  What are your weaknesses?
Day 24.  What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25.  Style 31.  Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26.  What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27.  Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28.  Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29.  Write about "a day in the life of me."  (Pics are great!)
Day 30.  Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31.  Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

Monday, January 17, 2011

I am so behind.

I have so much that has been going on lately. And I want to blog about it all! But where is the time? Really?
I made this little bracelet for my dear Chloe. It was her birthday on Sunday.







And now, at nearly midnight, I begin my homework.
Ouch. When will I learn? Maybe next week...

Friday, January 7, 2011

At Midnight...

Source*



I turn 21. That is weird for me to even think. Much less say and type. When I was younger, 21 seemed like a lifetime away and that I would never really get that old. Now that I am here, all I can think is how young I still am. I'm going out with the girls tonight. We gonna have ourselves a good time. Ill be back tomorrow with lots of posts. I miss blogging. Then end.

Monday, January 3, 2011

(No source)  

So that is exactly what I am going to do. I was reading a fellow bloggers thrifting find entries and I was so jealous. Then I realized, I have nothing on my agenda today. Hellooooooo thrift stores!!!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year!

I spent the last few hours of 2010 with some of my dearest friends. We had a perfect little homemade dinner of fettuccine alfredo with garlic bread. And possibly some not-so-classy adult beverages, but no worries, we classed them up with wine glasses :) We spent the rest of the evening sitting around talking about wedding things with Melissa who just recently got engaged! We had such a fun time together.

I'm never one to make New Year Resolutions, but I feel like giving it a try this year. So here we go, for all of the internet world to see:
1. Complete P90X. I have started the program...twice. But I've yet to complete a week of it. It is only 90 days. I can do anything for 90 days. I WILL complete this. I want to do it for myself, not for anyone else. Of course I want to do it to look better, but also to feel better, and just be all around healthier. I know I am still young, but I think taking care of yourself should start sooner rather than later.
2. Be more intentional about my relationships. I find it easy to not try very hard with all sorts of relationships.  I just kinda go with it, no matter what the situation. I love the people that I have in my life and I want to keep them there. So I think I need to put more of an effort into loving them and showing them I love them. This goes for my relationship with God too. I don't think it's good to just slide by with God. I want to have a deep, beautiful, intimate relationship with my God.
3. Keep creating, and create more often. I am so proud of myself for getting my necklaces into Apricot Lane but I can't quit there. I want to make many more beautiful little things and get them out to people all over the place!
4. Watch my words. EEK. This is a hard one for me. I usually don't think twice about what I say when I am with my friends. But I have felt almost guilty about my choice of words lately. I don't think its always a bad thing to use cuss words, but I also don't think it is a good thing. I know that when I hear it from someone else, I cringe a little. So I don't want people cringing at my words. Also, I want to be an example of Christ. and I don't think that cussing is a good way to do that. So, I'm going to be much more aware of my words at all times.

Those are only four of the many things that I want to do this year. I think keeping my list small will help me accomplish more. If I see a huge list of TO DO's, I tend to freak out and think that I can't do it all so why try any? Ya, that's a bad mindset but that is just what I do! So we're starting small here. Wish me luck!