Frankly Friday...v1

Welcome to the first time ever for Frankly Friday! 

WootWOOT. 

{Grab the button for your post on the right side of my blog}

Months ago i wrote a post about being honest. 

Honesty is something that i believe (and wish) all people should practice. 

Let's define Frankly shall we...

frankly |ˈfra ng klē|adverbin an open, honest, and direct manner

. . .

I want this to be a way for all of us to be open, raw, and transparent with not only each other...but with ourselves. I think we put a lot of stock into the "fear" of what others may think of us...into the "fear" of really putting what's on your heart out there in case someone decides to tear you down.
I'm over the fear & you should be too.
So let's write...whether it's about a situation you're struggling through, a victory you've made, a memory that you can't let go of...anything as long as it's honest.
. . .
I'll start. 

here.

It's true. Currently my mind and my heart feel like they are falling down the tunnel into Wonderland. 

Anyone else know what i'm talking about.

You see, most of it has to do with the past. 

I don't let go of it, i know...such a healthy habit to have. 

I think it stems from loosing my parents when i was younger and the past...the pain i feel from the past allows me to still hold on, to still remember. Let me explain it a little easier. Even though it's painful...it reminds me that it was real, that they (my parents) were once alive, that it (any situation) was authentic...that i'm not just making it up. 

I think it's good, healthy even, to remind yourself of the good AND bad times that you've walked through in your life. I think it helps to keep us grounded, and continues to push us into a better tomorrow. The problem with that is when you hold on/live in the past; you miss out in the present. It's the same as someone who lives in the future...they (I am) are missing out on the current blessings of today. It seems pretty straight-forward: don't live in the past. 

Unfortunately it's easier said than done, at least for me. 

here.

I can have a hard time controlling which waves i choose to surf. Most of the time...i surf the wrong wave and end up crashing and burning into the sand getting scraped up, burned, and feeling dejected. 

It all starts off innocently...and then i'm stuck in the land of "what ifs" and "why nots" and i just tack on more time during the healing process.
FRANKLY I'm sick of it.
I don't enjoy conjuring up old feelings, old memories, old romances
...but in the same breathe it makes me feel whole again.
That's the point isn't it:
When we go through a trying time, when we invest in someone romantically, when we put forth effort
We're giving a piece of ourselves away...
A piece that will never really come back once it's gone.
So, living within those memories helps us to feel whole again.
but...
I've found an out, if you want/care to know.
Yes, those pieces of ourselves are forever gone, they are tangled up in the 'what was' of our pasts, but that doesn't mean that we (I) have to live there in order to feel whole. Praise God.
No, we can become whole even with those pieces missing.
God can restore us.
He can restore my heart, He can fill me with the love i have lost, and repair the damage i've allowed to happen. He can make me into a better, more wise, woman if i would only allow Him to do it.
I really could kick myself.
I'm making this so much more difficult than it should be...because i.want.to.be.in.control.
Can i get an AMEN?
Who is with me?
. . .

 

It's going to take effort and time and patience for me to really let go of the past to embrace the present. This isn't a habit i picked up over night; it won't be a habit i'll change over night.

This will be a work in progress.
. . .
What about you?
What are you having to be frank with yourself about?
Link up so i can read your stories. 

Thursday thoughts...v2

Linking up with Sarah from Life of Love for Thursday Thoughts. 

You can see volume one here. 

 . . . 

{1}

I finished Enshadowed. 

Not sure what Enshadowed is?!
Well, let me help you out. It is the second book in the Nevermore series...which i LOVE (see i even talked about it on my hype love page). I can not begin to express how much i get sucked into this series. For instance, i re-read nevermore right before reading Enshadowed (in like two days), and then read Enshadowed in one day. Yup, they are that good. However i was completely distraught over the ending in Enshadowed that i had to write Kelly Creagh. Oh yes, i wrote her an email praising her work as an author but also confessing that i was completely unraveled with the way the book ended, and i basically begged to know if there would be a book three...
Guess what, she responded THE NEXT DAY...what?! 

So basically, do yourself a favor and go purchase and READ the books. You won't regret it, especially if you're an Edgar Allen Poe fan like myself...he is all up and OVER this series! :)
. . .
{2}
Death.
A lot of it has been happening around town and two young girls (18, 22) were just found murdered in the woods in the area where i volunteer at youth group. Last night at church the amount of brokeness, tears, and frustration coming from these kids completely shattered my heart [much like it did here as well]. So many students were affected by this, they had so many questions, so much pain...i just wanted to take it all way from them. Honestly, i've been there. I've dealt with the pain of loosing someone you love and cherish...and no words can really make it better. The best advice i can give to someone when they are going through a hard time...lean on Jesus. As cliche as it sounds, it is absolute truth. Without Him there is no hope, there is no thought of a brighter tomorrow, there is no relief from the pain.
I know because i've been there, i've done it without Jesus.
PLEASE be praying for these students. Pray for the family and friends of the two young girls who lost their lives this past week; pray for comfort and peace and rest.
. . .
{3}

here.
I'm learning to become more humble. To become a woman who not only recognizes her blessings, but is willing to bless others. I read this blog the yesterday and it wrecked me, as it should you.
What am i doing with my life? Am i living it for the Glory of God? Or for myself?
Lots of thoughts, lots of conviction, and little action...that is what my life has been lately.
It's time to change that.
. . .
{4}
TOMORROW.
It will be the first ever Frankly Friday.

I mentioned a few months back about starting something where people are honest. Frankly Honest with themselves, their readers, and life.
I'm thinking of doing this on the last friday of every month, unless people would like to do it weekly.
SO, if you don't have a post for tomorrow...consider joining up with me for Frankly Friday.
Take an entry to be open and honest with your readers and with yourself.
Whether it's about a situation your'e struggling through, a victory you've made, a memory that you can't let go of...anything as long as it's honest.
I'll have a link up all ready to go...let's start a revolution.
Let's just be honest. 

Flood

Hello Peeps! 

Did you like that? I called you a peep, because we're so close and all :)

I just wanted to pop and say that my city flooded SO MUCH yesterday, especially downtown...which is where i work. I HEARD (not a fact) that we got more rain than the people who were being hit by Isaac at the time...crazy right?

So i just thought i would share with you some pictures, that of course i stole randomly off of facebook...so enjoy: 

Don't know what a Charleston Sweet Grass Basket is? Well find out here. 

. . .

Also, if you haven't already, check out my latest PROJECT. 

. . .

Did anyone else get any flooding?

Does your town have a special "item" that people like to buy?

Spill.

Oh Deer...

I finished! 

With the super secretive project i've been working on...ok so it wasn't that secret, i just didn't want to share it until it was finished.

But OH did i finish it last night! 

. . .

Before my brother left for school this semester he wanted me to paint him something. I told him to get me all of the supplies and i would do it. Here is a little bit of advice...most 19 year olds don't really care to go get "materials" so their sister can do a painting for them. 

So, being the amazingly awesome and yet still humble sister that i am, i picked up all of the materials and with the help of Maria glueing it together the project was completed...MUAHAHA.

. . .

I got the idea for using wood from this image {found here}:

I followed some of her instructions, but then i just started going a little crazy...ha. 

I'll let the pictures do the talking.

I placed a long strip of glue on the boards and then stacked them on top of each other and applied pressure for a minute or two and then let them finish drying while sitting like this. We then glued them all together (this glue is awesome by the way) and pressed the sides in. 

{Learn from my mistakes, don't use OOKOOS of glue...it will just drip out of the cracks and onto the floor, which was ok since i loath very much dislike the kitchen floors}

I then glued these strips onto the back, flipped it over and applied pressure using a chair. :) Hey, when you've got to improvise, you find the closest heavy thing. 

Then came time to use the stain! 

Oh my gosh, this color is amazing! 

I was SO EXCITED to start staining that i was an idiot and stained inside without the windows open. Yup, i killed a few of my (apparently non-existing) brain cells and my roommates, and my cats. 

I learned quickly to open the windows, crank the fans, and then once it was decently dry i took it outside. Yup, idiot mistake #47 ha. {so in the future, always stain outside}

Do you see the glue marks that dried and wouldn't come off with sanding (on the right)? Meh, i actually kind of like them; i think it gives it a little extra umphf and character, at least that is what i'm telling myself. 

Now onto what i was putting onto this beast. 

My brother liked the idea of a deer silhouette, and i figured it would be easy enough. I would just print the image onto four pages and then trace it and take the easy road out of it....

FAIL.

The deer head was TOO SMALL, way too small. 

UGH.

SO then i ripped apart a page protector, printed out the image on one piece of paper and traced it and put it on my projector, crossed my fingers and....

ANOTHER FAIL. 

It was now too big, at this point i was a little frustrated because i realized i would have to actually use my art skills on this project, i know i was just being lazy! 

So i freehanded the image while looking at the printout...and i think it turned out pretty decent. 

I'll let you be the judge of it. 

 . . .
to make this easier on myself, i traced the image in white chalk so that way i could paint without the projector beaming down on me.
Can i just say, that tracing an image with chalk on wood using a projector is not the easiest thing. You have to sometimes guess where the line is and hope for the best.

 

. . .

I then grabbed my acrylic paint and went to town...

FINISHED.

I think it turned out to be an overall easy, and nice looking piece. 

My brother thought so too...

{Sorry in advance for the crappy photo, i can't take a screenshot on my phone and i had to use my computer camera...lame}

. . .

He's excited to pick it up i'm sure. 

yay!

. . .

Have you tried any projects recently? 

Have you ever used too much wood glue? 

Spill.

From Tables to Windows

Well, since my top secret project hasn't been completed (it is taking a little bit longer than i expected) i thought i would share with you a little update that has happened in my bedroom. 

No, i haven't gotten married and added a man so you can calm down now. =)

Let's talk about curtains shall we? 

Remember these little gems i have had hanging up in my room for, oh i don't know almost two years: 

[YUP. When looking for a "before" picture i could only find the picture from when i showed you how big of a mess my room had become. Joy...]

Yes...hideous and way too short (which i just realized you can't see in the picture, but TRUST ME, they were way too short). My friend Josh actually rehung my curtain rod a year or so ago and once i rehung the curtains...they were a solid foot too short. Not to mention that the color scheme i had picked out for my room isn't working for me at. all. {shudder} So, i decided it was time for some new curtains. 

The problem?

99% of stores don't sell over 84' length curtains, and if they do it will cost you an arm and a leg. 

Maybe i'm just cheap but paying $30+ for ONE panel just seems a bit extreme. {am i the only one who thinks so?}

So, i was walking through ross and decided to check out the table cloths. 

TABLE CLOTHS? Why yes friends, hear me out! 

Table cloths are already hemmed, they are easily washable, and they can come in some pretty sweet designs/colors, and they are CHEAP. :)

So i took them home, ripped them out of the packaging, threw them in the dryer and waited. 

Once i hung one of them (using curtain ring clips that i'm going to have to spray paint) i was like OH MY GOSH THEY ARE AWESOME, once i hung the second one i was like, uh...wait a minute...this one is way to short. 

That's right ladies and gents, i bought ONE table cloth that was 102' long and the OTHER was 86' long. 

I'm a genius i know. 

womp womp.

I'm sure you're brain is now doing what mine did, "oh crap, Ross rarely EVER carries the same thing twice, let alone THREE times"...so i scurried back on over to Ross and sure enough they didn't have any more. UGH. SO then i thought i would scour the internet knowing that for sure this would be easy to find. NOPE, no luck. The company didn't have a website AND when i did find some of their table cloths on other websites this pattern was no where to be found. 

By now i'm thinking i'm going to have to cut and re hem the excess off the other curtain and try to line it up with this one, etc;  I wanted to cry. 

And then the beautiful music started playing, my friend beverly suggested i check out another Ross...DURH. 

AND CHECK MATE!

. . .

Ah, i love them! They are going to look AMAZING once i repaint the walls and switch up a few things. I am so excited. 

Now let's do a side by side comparison shall we?! 

. . .

While i have your attention, let me go on record and say that i do keep my room clean. This just happened to be laundry day and i was washing my comforter, etc. 

Like i've said before, i'm all about keeping it real and my house is most definitely NOT picture perfect ready all of the time, that and i'm impatient and just want to take a picture. 

So there you have it, you can take table cloths and turn them into curtains, take my word for it. :)

. . .

Have you tried to be thrifty in an area before?

How did it work out?

Do you think $30+ for one PANEL is too much like me?

Spill.

Rain Rain...

Overcast:

 adj. |ˈōvərˌkast marked by a covering of gray clouds; dull

I love overcast days. I love rainy days. I LOVE cold/overcast/rainy days. I know, i just need to move to ireland/scotland...well wouldn't that be nice. :) 

Seriously though...almost every time it's cloudy/rainy i take pictures. 

. . .

See, i love them. I dont know why; maybe it's because it makes me want to curl up with a blanket, hot tea and a book? Probably. 

Yes, yes we've already gathered how weird i am! :) 

. . .

This weekend is going to be busy. I've got a baby shower tomorrow, and a birthday party Sunday, and i'm working on little projects in between...whatwhat i'm pumped. 

Here is a sneak peak of one of the things i'm HOPING to complete by this weekend...

You have no idea do you...muahahahah that is the point my friends, to keep you on your toes. 

Speaking of toes, i need to paint mine. 

Random, i know, you're welcome. 

. . .

What are your weekend plans? 

Do you have any crafts you're wanting to accomplish?

Do YOU like overcast days as much as i do?

Spill 

Thursday Thoughts...v1

This will be my first time linking up Thursday Thoughts with Sarah from Life of Love. 

. . .
{1}
Stacy & myself have made a deal.
If either one of us misses another saturday run (without a legitimate excuse) we have to pay $10 towards our fundraising goal. What goal you ask? Oh, i've mentioned it here...and you can read our running blog here. But the truth is, we're participating in a half-marathon in November for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. So if you feel like you'd like to donate, i would greatly appreciate it, even if its $5. :)

. . .
{2}
I've done a little updating on the Share Love & Hype Love pages on my blog.
If you didn't know they existed...now you do. :)
I'm attempting to change them up constantly so keep checking back for latest things. I'm thinking of adding a music section to my hype love...you know since i got some awesome responses from my music post. :)

. . .
{3}
Real life, i make the most awkward faces (no not just in random pictures) but when playing Just Dance. I really should be their product model hahaha.
I'm completely ok with making a fool out of myself.

Good stuff right?

. . .

{4}

I love reusing things i already have. 

For instance...take a look at this beauty i moved from an un-used place to right when you walk in the front door. 

You'll be seeing more of him once i do an updated post on the foyer. 

Are you excited yet? You should be, ha!

. . .

{5}

Prayer. 

I'm working on my prayer life right now...because i've been slack. There are some serious things going on not only in my life, but in the life of others that i need to be in some dedicated prayer over. I've been slack at seeking God out and dedicating time to reading and studying His Word. I've come to know that the minute i step out of communion with the Lord is the minute i start to unravel. Seriously. 

So heres to making a commitment to re-establishing my relationship with the One who never leaves me, who never disappoints me, and who unconditionally loves me. 

pinned here.
. . .

Is it friday yet?

No, hey that's ok...this weekend is going to be slammed full of places to go.