because i need something new to look at. and because he's so dang cute. this was taken last summer, but you get the idea...pj lately
:: just over 4 feet tall
:: 3rd grade grad
:: currently reading the Fablehaven series
:: super helpful older cousin
:: basketball pro
:: lover of all things psp

this little guy is such a charmer. he is constantly impressing me with his ability to make friends wherever he goes, his cheerful attitude and go-with-the-flow personality.
he rocks my socks.

the collection i created for my illustrator class. illustrator rocks.

may came and went. the days blurred into weeks that poured into months and then one day this quarter ended. i'll admit. it beat me up a bit {lot} but here i am. new skills and 3 more months under my belt. here are the pictures i used for my photography portfolio. because a post is always better with pictures. hello, fellow bloggers. i've missed you...

be a{countable} people

this post is alternately titled {just show up}.

this post has been a long time coming. the consumerism that is my existence is starting to weigh heavily on my mind{, body, bank account, closets, soul}.

part 1. sister told me about a documentary she recently watched called No Impact Man {all you netfickers should check it out} about a man, his wife and baby daughter in NYC who decide to try and live a year of their lives without making any negative impact on our planet. they ate locally from farmer's markets, composted, reused, rode bikes, gave away their tv, took the stairs, even gave up electricity half way through.

it has come at the perfect time for me. i recycle and reuse when it's convenient, but still produce my share of useless waste and wasted energy. i have succumb to the cliche notion that my small person's efforts could never mean anything. i know. lame. but while i have no intention of going a year without electricity or toilet paper {this guy is hard. core.}, i have every intention of introducing some nature nurturing practices into my life. i was born on earth day, for crying out loud. if that's not a sign...

so. want to join? because if i did a couple things and you did a couple things then maybe the good could spread?

{some ideas}
:: use those great reusable bags all the grocery stores are selling now.
:: carry an aluminum water bottle around and refill.
:: use cloth instead of paper napkins. if you need some, i elect krista to make you some. she's really good at it.
:: make your own household cleaners - super easy and non toxic. that's a win-win. win.
:: avoid foods with excess packaging and or buy in bulk.
:: opt out of junk mail. tips here.
:: don't leave your oven preheated and turn off immediately after use.
:: buy from local farmer's markets.


Love and good company, the chance to be of service and to matter, connection to something bigger, the use of our most prized talents—these things make most people happier than stuff. -- colin beavan {no impact man}

part 2. having lived in this downtown los angeles city for a year now, i have learned a lot about myself. my desires, my behavior. i am approached at least a dozen times a day for spare change; sometimes just a quarter or nickel. it was overwhelming at first. i didn't know who was most deserving; who i was supposed to help when i knew i couldn't help everyone. so guess what i did? i helped no one. it's disturbing to me. regretful and discouraging.

but.

the bright spot? realizing that in every stage of my life i have always been blessed with excess; even if it's only been a little. that's all it really is, right? if we have what we need, the rest is just gravy. this core of my attitude is starting to break and crumble. the part that tries to convince me that "of course i'll give when i have {enough?}" what does that even mean? how much is enough?

normally i wouldn't be so public about a topic like this, but if these feelings i have now begin to fade tomorrow or next month, they will just be gone and no one would be the wiser. i could retreat to my wantings and go about my days saving my quarters for laundry instead of lightening someone's burden. but then, when will the change come? how will my hours be measured and who will hold me accountable?

this is my pledge :: to find a balance between {wanting, giving, acquiring and sharing}

::because people can change, yes? my 28th year is going to make a difference, dammit!

and then these. my favorite of all. will {hopefully} have a better place.

what keeps you company when your other half is away on business?

a little bit of this one

goes a long way to making a down day look up.

you'd think i was her mama as much as she appears on this blog.
it's only because we're besties.
i already knew it.
but she reminded me several times today.
by crawling over and laying her head down on me.
she told me she's happy to fill in.
until i have a babe of my own.
because that's what best friends do.

enjoying this

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your bodylove what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting — over and over announcing your place in the family of things.

Mary Oliver

i am overdue for a yearly recap and reflection, but today will not be the day for that. just enjoying some nice music to myself, a little blog hopping {would we call that stalking?} and trying to be a less-lame female today. i think my cloud is finally lifting. hope you enjoyed the poem as much as i did.
happy sunday.