I love 2 Peas in a Palette.

I'm not just saying that because I am Pea #1 and it would be unloyal of me not to. I'm not just saying that because that is the business I am associated with and I feel it is my duty to make such proclamations. I'm not just saying that because it flows good together.

I'm saying it because I DO! I sent Kristi, my trusty business partner (Pea #2) a text this weekend that said, "I love our business." She was baffled and confused at my statement... I'm not quite sure why, because isn't it good that I love it?

I love what I do. I love designing and creating... some days, it's a real pain, and it takes huge amounts of patience, time, and ideas, as well as requiring an open mind, but it is fun. Not only do I love "graphic" designing, but I love multimedia design. My favorite is to put music with pictures and video. Have you ever tried watching a movie on mute? The music adds such an emotional impact and emphasis. I love the effect it has when you find the perfect music to go with a certain set of pictures and video... it is amazing and exciting at the same time.

I also love photography. What inspires me the most is human emotion- particularly in children. I count my neices and nephews a blessing (for many reasons but also) in that they have been a real great source of this "human emotion" that I am trying to capture in photographs. Currently, my favorite subject is Ollie. He is the easiest to work with, and is willing to let me take endless shots of him being a little boy.

Ever since I have found myself pursuing these interests, I see my life in terms of pictures and movies. (Kristi- you were telling me about this in church today and I wanted to expound but never did). Kristi, as a photographer, does this too, but you start to see every event in life in terms of "the perfect shot." A certain view or perspective or person becomes an excitement, because you can see how it would make a great picture if only you had a camera nearby. Or... a certain experience or song or conversation becomes the perfect material for a video... every time I hear a song, it automatically gets translated to video in my head. Weird, huh?

Anyway... my only other passion in life is writing, and PLEASE don't get me started on that. Writing to me is like therapy. It always stems from inspiration but is often inspiration in itself. Many of life's experiences and stories get the wheels turning in my brain, and they somehow formulate a story that pour out of my fingers onto a keyboard without any former plans. Seriously. Some days, if the inspiration is there and I have even just a topic of what I want to write about, a story will magically evolve when I sit and type... a scene will be set, characters will come to life, and a story will be told. How this happens, I have no clue. I just know it's a God-given talent that I hope to use in the most effective ways possible to keep building His kingdom and not my own!

I am very thankful that I really enjoy what I do... and that I know what it is that I WANT to do. It never ceases to amaze me how much God has blessed me with this knowledge... now I just need to make sure and use it for His glory!

This weekend was a good "business" weekend, hence my initial topic being one of appreciation towards the word in quotes. Kristi and I both (Kristi especially) got a lot of Christmas cards and other business-related design done, as I always try to take advantage of being in town to show my client's the work I've done for them.

Well, Kristi just left about a half hour ago... she misses me terribly ever since I've moved away and since she hasn't come to visit me in over 2 weeks, it looks like the only time we get to be together is when I'm in Morton. Sad. Ha... I'm just giving her a hard time... she's coming to visit me this Thurs. night, so that should be fun. We actually both worked on homework projects tonight and had fun hanging out.

Well, it's 12:30, so my computer just announced to me (yes, it talks, I have this little voice activation that tell me what time it is every half hour) so that means time for bed so I can get my 7 hours in tonight.

I love you all!

T

My dad sent this website to me this morning. Check it out!

"We don't always see what we think we see." Follow the directions at the top. Get ready to be amazed.

http://www.patmedia.net/marklevinson/cool/cool_illusion.html

Of course, I love you all.

T

"I know, O Lord, that a man's life is not his own;
it is not for man to direct his steps.
Correct me, Lord, but only with justice-
not in your anger,
lest you reduce me to nothing."

Jeremiah 10:23-24

Oops... I guess I thought my life was mine. This says something different.

Alright, so maybe I know that my life isn't my own- it belongs to God. However, how often do I live that way? It's a challenge, really. Life is all about self these days. Most of my thoughts are about self.

-Stressing? I'm thinking about myself- and probably throwing a pity-party, too.
-Worried? I'm being self-centered. If I wasn't so worried about myself, most of what I "worry" about wouldn't matter. Also, it's important to check to make sure that self-worth is in its correct place- Christ.
-Angry? Is it because of a misfortune that happened to... my SELF?
-Doubtful? Something may not go MY way... instead of trusting that no matter what happens, God is faithful.
-Jealous? Stop comparing my SELF with others and judging them and start imitating Christ, instead.

I could go on, but you get the point. The brutal truth of the matter is that we all spend a great deal of time focusing on our self and our life. We feel as though we have ownership to it and how it should unfold.

What did Jeremiah's prayer say? "It is not for man to direct his steps."

Thank goodness for that. Although we sometimes wish we had the reigns, it is so nice to know that Someone more powerful and mighty and awesome is directing the way. I believe that God gives us choices in our life that are beyond our capability to handle so that we learn how to fully rely on His grace and guidance. If everything were easy to figure out, why would we ever come running to the throne of grace? Why would we ever fall on our face before Him? Why would we ever plead for guidance and wisdom? That is the point. God wants our hearts, and sometimes the only way to get them fully commited to Him is to give us challenges. As we continue to seek His face, He delivers us- and in the end, we are so much more stronger because of it.

"Correct me, Lord, but only with justice- not in your anger, lest you reduce me to nothing."

Correction is a bittersweet feeling. I have learned to love the taste of chastisement because it means that the Holy Spirit is alive and working in my life. What does the Holy Spirit do? He comforts, guides, and corrects. The Lord corrects those He loves... so when you feel the sting of correction, remember that you are loved!

The Lord is powerful and mighty, and is capable of "reducing us to nothing." Sometimes, I feel as though I have a sugar-coated vision of God. He is just, but He also judges, and His power is not to be underestimated. It's important to respect and revere God in His awesomeness, and not take for granted our many blessings.

I came across this prayer of Jeremiah tonight and wanted to share it, because it struck me in its reality.

Love you all!

T

Don't worry... I only have 18% battery left on my laptop so my post can't be THAT long because I'm too lazy to go find the power cord. Although, my post material is going to be pretty rich, so I don't know... I may just have to go find it.

This post is dedicated to one of my lifelong best friends. Her name is Heather.



I always knew Heather existed, but we weren't close friends until a couple of years ago. Do you ever just happen upon a person in life who seems to share the same values, beliefs, ideals, and opinions as yourself? You have a conversation with the person, and you're like, "YEAH!" because you are seemingly always on the same page?

That's how I first got to know Heather. We would sit in my driveway after she was dropping me off from something or at a young group event and just talk for hours, sharing our views on life and our stories (because we've always had the same close group of friends). It started there, and has continued to grow into a great frinedship ever since.

God has really blessed me with her, because she has been there in the past couple of years through thick and thin, dark and light, cloudy and sun, tears and laughter, fruit and chocolate. She's been there through it all, and I think I probably owe her some money by now if we ever counted the many hours she has sat and listened to me ramble on about my life and what I think or what I do. I love the quote, "A true friend is someone who knows everything about you... and still loves you." Other than Laura Braker, I think she is the only other friend who fits that quote perfectly. She knows all of my flaws and imperfections, but instead of loving me in spite of them, she learns to love me for them.

If I want it straight-up, honest, and real, I go to Heather. If I need to know if ths skirt on sale at Gap is ugly and that is why no one has bought it, I go to Heather (although even if she said it was ugly, I'd probably still buy it if I liked it enough. I've been told I can I can get away with a lot because my taste is.... well, unique). If I want to sit around some night and do nothing other than talk and eat junk food until 2 a.m., I go to Heather. If I want to have e-mail marathons and 2 hour long phone conversations, I go to Heather. If I want to laugh my head off or bawl my eyes out, I go to Heather. If I want to share a really rich chocolate dessert and expect for there to be enough for the both of us to be satisified... I order 2 desserts (like tonight at Applebee's :-)

Anyway, the bottom line is that Heather is an excellent friend, and I thank God that she is in my life! If you're not convinced, here are 10 reasons how I know she is a quality friend:

1. She sleeps in the same bed as me... and ENJOYS it! (now... THAT is a feat)
2. She has chauffeured me around many years with a happy heart (even though I have never ceased to spill food in her car)
3. She is capable of being the lead role in my future dramatic novel
4. She is willing to try anything with me- like golfing, fishing, and climbing mountains (*wink wink*)
5. She understands the importance of stopping the car immediately if there is a gorgeous sky or awesome view, because a picture must be taken
6. She's a great date at a fancy steak restaurant (another *wink wink*... H, remember my Uncle Ducky?)
7. She buys me random food items, such as giant peanut butter cups loaded with tons of candy on them
8. She can always manage to make me smile for some reason or another
9. Her wit is unmistakable and indispensable
10. She is a woman of God who shines Jesus everywhere she goes
10. She has beautiful blue eyes
10. She is my friend (which says a lot with how much she is willing to put up with :-)

The joy of Jesus is reflected in her life by what she does, and the sparkle in her eyes speaks of the love she has for Christ.

Vote for Heather!

Ok, that was random but I felt like this post was a campaign for her or something.

2% battery left. Sorry, H. Time has run out...

I love you all, and H too!

T

My sister-in-law, Melissa, and my brother, Tate, went into the hospital at 11 p.m. last night.

My mom has been spazzing out for days about Melissa having her baby, and so I'm glad the time finally came. Plus, I was super-excited to meet this little baby.

My parents, 2 sisters, and I all faithfully stayed at the hospital until the child was born... until 4 a.m.!!! Needless to say, I slept in the lounge on this couch that is around 1/3 the length of my body while my dad watched some TV show about "Concept Cars," and while my mom sat in with Tate and Melissa and my sisters were back and forth, being nosey and trying to gather every specific bit of information that they could about the current situation.

About 3, Tonya came into the lounge and told us, "She's born!"

I sat up, rubbing my eyes and wondering why I was sitting in a hospital.

We all got to see her and hold her... she's beautiful! Her name is Lola Mae- how cute is that? I'm so proud of their name-picking skills. She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and was born on her due date! That figures. She is quite filled out, has chubby cheeks, light skin, big, darkish eyes, and reddish-blonde hair! RED! I'll post pictures soon.

I love being able to be a part of a baby's birth... it reminds me of God's everyday miracles. Babies are born all the time, so it's hard to imagine it as fascinating, but it really is. A new life arrived less than 24 hours ago and is now breathing and present in this world with us.

Psalm 139:14
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

Lola Mae... between Lola, Domniq, Sophia, Noah, Oliver, and Naomi you would think my family was going for an "old-fashioned" naming theme.

Love you all!

T

Note: H, I know I'm "copying" your recent idea for a blog post, but I'm sitting here at work really bored and this struck my fancy.

1. Jesus
2. playing the piano
3. the color pink
4. chocolate
5. Reese's Peanubutter Cup flavored chap stick
6. my dad
7. Belle, my cat
8. Ollie's mischeivous looks
9. watching Roseanne with Kristi
10. sharing Toll House chocolate chip pie with Laura at ICC
11. talking to Heather on IM when we're both in the same room
12. playing ping pong with doubles
13. Tuesday night volley ball
14. shopping with my mom
15. girls' night outs
16. James 1, Psalm 37:4, 1 Cor. 10:13 and Rom. 1:16
17. singing "Once Again" while Timmy S. is playing the guitar AND "God's gonna move this pla-a-a-ace"
18. Tracy's dance moves
19. Tricia's "funny stories"
20. Tammy's cooking
21. classical music
22. CHRISTMAS MUSIC!!! (until I'm sick of it mid-December because they overplay it on the radio)
23. arm wrestling (even if I lose... it's good arm exercise)
24. taking pictures of flowers
25. complimenting someone else
26. eating (especially if it has been over 2 hours)
27. answered prayer
28. a newborn baby
29. taking a bubble bath (like, once a year)
30. roller blading with Laura
31. long, dramatic talks with H
32. running (some days)
33. making charts for Kelso
34. the sun shine (bright blue-sky days with the sun shining and every color radiated in its brightness is SURE to make my smile)
35. Tasha's beautiful singing voice
36. playing Mario Kart with Jordan (and beating him in Koopa Troopa...sometimes)
37. 24/7 with Taryn and Kelly, Taykell Productions, Francium and Germania, Kadesh and Peterson...
38. my mom's good advice
39. my dad's wisdom and knowledge (about pretty much everything), and his unexpected with and humor
40. Tonya's artistic abilities
41. Tate's retardedness (and his genuis ability with PC's... even though I use a Mac)
42. Tom's unpredictability
43. Brad's sarcasm
44. my Powerbook
45. debating about why Macs are better than Pcs
46. talking Macs with Joel
47. Melissa's energy
48. if you smile at me
49. if you make fun of me
50. Starbucks mocha frappucino
51. playing Nerds (card game) with my mom, Kris, and Emma
52. throwing a football
53. smoking the Harbinger (don't ask)
54. inspirational movies, as well as chick flicks
55. Coco-Chanel and Bailey
56. Cereal- depends on my obsession at the time but it is currently Cocoa Krispies
57. Orville Reindenbacher's TENDER WHITE popcorn (if you have never tried this, you must) and of course, my dad's amazing popcorn
58. my family
59. Naomi's agility (and her obvious perception that I am the best aunt ever because I always feed her)
60. writing (Some day, I will publish a novel. I know it.)

So... last night was one of the funnest nights I've had in awhile (before the grammar police correct me (wait, I'M the grammar police :-), I realize "funnest" is not a word). I came home from a semi-long day of school... after presenting my silent movie in my last class that actually went pretty well. I wish I would have been more creative and had more time to work on it, but I'm just glad it's done. I'll post it soon so you can see it if you want. Anyway, Tammy made supper, and then Eric had called because we were going to get some people together to go to Starbucks. Well, I went to two apartments full of girls at the Crossings and called the dorm girls, and NO ONE could come! One girl said she would, but she didn't end up showing up until later... so consequently, it was me and 5 guys at Starbucks, but it was super-fun! I love Starbucks frappucinos. I then got home and Tracy, Tammy and I had an "exercise session" in the kitchen. It was great! I then practiced my piano (on Trisha's little keyboard) and then Katelyn came over and we went to the Big Blue House and played ping pong doubles. Yes. I forgot how much I love ping pong. I could play it for hours.

Anyway. Now you all know what makes me smile... I've given you 60 options to work with, so if you've ever made me REALLY mad, you know how to cheer me up.

Love you all!

T