slow motion fast train

HEY hey May Giveaway Day!

2010-05-17T03:42:00.005-06:00

As I mentioned before Sew Mama Sew is hosting May Giveaway Day.
A day for creatives to meet through these crazy webs and give away work!
(Check out the link in the post below to view a list of all the blogs involved waiting to give away for the small price of a comment)

For giveaway day I will be illustrating, designing, printing and shipping 3 greeting cards. The specific card depends on you. I enjoy designing with the recipient in mind. The illustration and message should be intentional and about them.

After the winners are chosen I will ask for a funny story or some characteristics that you love about the person you would like to send some care to. I will take your help and illustrate and compose a card according to the theme you choose, send it your way and you have some love to pass in the form of nice looking card stock.

Here is an example of a thoughtful card from a husband to his wife. He complained of not being good with words, "It just doesn't come out right" But he later discovered, his honest words were the best kind to hear.

I'm so excited to tailor some cards for you. To qualify for the giveaway, simply post a comment below telling me why you want to give this card to whomever you want to give it to!

Happy giveaway day and better weather day!

may showers

2010-05-12T19:46:00.008-06:00

It's green around here.
Not in the pockets and not in the conserving our earth manner in which I didn't clean out my car today. My friend Claire encouraged me to just purge today and then start a nice system in my trunk for the future. One that doesn't involve 4 cans at my feet and two coffee cups in the cup holders.
But it's green in the fields and grass thanks to the rain. It's also raining pressure. Pressure to get everything in line to be ready to continue my certification this coming summer and pressure to end this first year of teaching in the best fashion. Today the pressure was a good sort of swift kick.

I mostly want to tell you that I will be transitioning my writings to include more design work and eventually switch to a functioning personal site. I have had a factory of ideas and inspiration working and swirling in my odd head the past few years and it is time. God has blessed me with a great job during the day and my nights are free to well, prepare for work, love, experiment and create.

While it will take some time to get a system down I will begin with a small fun peek. Sew Mama Sew, a great creative resource I learned about from my friends Whitney and Elizabeth, is supporting an event, May Giveaway Day!

Clicking the link will provide a better explanation but basically, on the morning of May 17th, Sew Mama Sew will list a number of blogs and creative sites all offering giveaways that day. Most giveaways simply require a comment to be entered to win and even better we get to see sew many artists' brains and hands at work! Inspiration & sharing? I say yes.

So on May 17th, my contribution to giveaway day will be three personalized greeting cards, designed and illustrated by yours truly, with the recipient of the card in mind while created. I will post examples of what I am explaining but what I find exciting is the 3 winners of the giveaway will be able to tell me about their friend/co-worker/spouse/love/pet/stranger they wish to give the card to and the card will be drawn to capture the details learned about the recipient.
...So if your roommate loves her squeaking, non-purring cat more than anything and when not knitting could be found crooning the sweetest melodies, preferably in a karaoke bar- you could anticipate seeing an illustration including hints of this description in my slightly skewed perspective. (With an endearing message you will help me create, of course.)

I am excited to get this exchange going! I will focus my future site around giving special words and images to those you love.

On the exciting day, the 17th of May, also look for a new title and design of this here resurrected blog. Slow motion fast train was a nice ride but it's time to switch lines.

And here are some images of late to leave you with.

chalk time with the beautiful Archuleta girls...in February when spring thought it would pass a tease.

spring break 4-square in kc!

Did I mention this is how I keep a smile?

Melissa and I always have the best antiquing luck in the greater kansas city area. look at that coral!

a happy Easter!

a gorgeous birthday celebration in the Bryans' back yard.

My grandparents came to hear the band, and stayed out so late and didn't even skip a beat beating me to our Saturday coffee date. Thank you!

I wish you a happy May!

Save me some daylight

2010-03-14T01:21:00.001-06:00

I am a little excited about dlst (day light savings time) I figure if I explain abbreviations or acronyms, (so many are like hard word problems these days) ((but I love a good word problem)) I will save you time trying to figure out my meaningless thought.

The reason I am excited about dlst is, in my recently very diligent efforts to be at work at least an hour before I start teaching, any hint of darkness left in the sky makes me feel like I've indeed made it early! So for the next couple of weeks (because no we are not breaking for spring yet) I will feel very early. Parking in darkness.

Before it gets warm remember to enjoy that process of the car heater gradually warming you into a content driving state, especially with latte in hand. I mean cup holder.

2010-01-14T02:08:00.001-06:00

On a day when sleeping seemed like the only way to put an end to perpetual mistake making, I read this from my friend Jolleen:

"And now I sleep to wake up to eyes open in expectation of His loving mercy and grace."

In disbelief of such an undeserving promise, I look forward to tomorrow.

I'm also thankful for the small/big things today. A morning greeting text to check in across time zones, an understanding yet challenging boss who expects the best, students who try, students who ask questions, new sheets from grandma barbara for Christmas (which happen to be gold), a bed, a check in call, friends to watch play basketball, Tori to paint my right hand while watching said basketball game (purple, but not two coats because it was pointed out to me in the past that it looked black like the high schoolers), cheap taco bell, tylonel to aid the mistake of wearing a headband, and the let down of Risky Business- but a roommate to laugh about it with. And the hope to wake up extra early!

The merriest of times in Olathe

2010-01-11T01:01:00.001-06:00

I am the luckiest in the world when I get to spend time with the five fryes.

And that is what I did! I flew out after work on the first day of the blessing of a break (school starts again tomorrow). I never forget that part of my heart is in kansas, but I forget the details of daily living and being able to run to the store and get half & half and loved every second of being back.

Donna came over for our second annual Christmas baking day. Entire day! With a B team and A team according to skill level and the ammount of errors made, with generous room for improvement or decline.

I had to make the favorite of last year, rosemary pinenut cookies, which are close to the consistency of shortbread but with a not too sweet, great combination taste. These will be a staple each year. I also made peppermint bark and my favorite that I grew up with, soda cracker candy.

Melissa made incredible Ginger cookies to go with our tea and her famous peanut butter balls, people chow, and a popcorn white chocolate mix. Donna tried a new chocolate walnut log which was excellent and peanut butter balls and left the caramel at home to ensure B team status and no less:)

Baking war paint.

The day was a success!

Here is mister comedy, Logan, enjoying the Christmas goodies.

And his brother Brennan in overwhelming anticipation!

And his other brother, Landen able to hold it in slighty more.

Until now,

Landen loved games just as much as I, which is so fun. And competitive. Let me say I did beat him in a bsu vs tcu (we were in fiesta bowl anticipation) NCAA playstation game. I know! 27 to 21. He was begging for a re-match.

Todd and melissa,

So cute

Some last minute shopping with kim!

And my morning ritual of pg tips.

The best way I could think to start Christmas.

If I could prevent my sister from 5 things.

2010-01-09T20:46:00.001-06:00

Here's one. I wish that she would not see procrastination as an option. Sure brainstorming under pressure is exciting. Not leaving enough hours to do the best you could do- horrible. Stressful. Not worth it.

My acquaintance with procrastination explains why this is my first break today to eat.

I hope I can produce a nice finished cookbook for my grandma by the close of this evening. Because she deserves the best!

Beat it

2010-01-08T00:41:00.001-06:00

My friend/roommate turned 26! But we like to call it 21. We karaoked. Good thing because she is the best at karaoking that I've ever witnessed. In fact I'm missing her do just that right now for a date with my sketch book.

Rachael's pretty.

Kaysha and I decorated with one of her favorite hobbys.

And I leave you with a game called Where's Liesel? (Rachael's best friend. Hint: lots of hair)

Spoiled and known

2010-01-07T12:56:00.001-06:00

While I am experiencing difficulty posting the longer posts of pictures from my vacations- i will fill the space with treats I received for Christmas. Because I can't keep from smiling when entering my kitchen.

Look at this kind runner Melissa found for me! I love the simple geometric birds which remind me some of Charlie Harper and also how well the trim oddly matches the wall!

Lindsey found me a smashing set of these world landmark glasses!

The cutest pinecone plates serving some tarte came from kc as well.

Okay and just have to show the gift of these perfect cream shoes!

(photo taken when on vacation in giddy land)

What generous friends I thank.

My new years eve.

2009-12-31T22:46:00.001-06:00

We (spondee) are playing at an lds young singles party at bsu tonight.

Right now a third eye blindish band is loving the waa (sp.?) pedal.
And I am looking over my notes.

Accuracy first right?

It snowed so much today and yesterday!

Here is my glass raised to a better next year!

I would like endless file cabinets

2009-12-31T03:14:00.001-06:00

I am cleaning my room. So that I may enjoy my room. And so that if my roommate happens to leave beautiful handmade Christmas gifts on my pillow while I am out of town, the gifts will feel safe and like they may belong in such a room and there will be space for them besides on my pillow.

I secretly enjoy cleaning my room once I give in to the daunting task. The pile atop my nightstand is the "really important must deal with soon or find a special spot for or don't bend!" pile. As you can see it keeps growing and it is becoming scarier and scarier to place items upon nightstand. This is the time of night where I lose momentum and get tired and want to quit but there are organized piles all over my bed.

I want shelves hanging from the ceiling and the most careful card and important paper saver and endless file cabinets.

Many will call this hints of pack rat syndrome but there are grey potential projects covering the floor! And I know I just happen to be blessed with really nice memories and most of these objects help me to not forget.

Here's to round 2!

A merry Christmas update continued

2009-12-25T23:47:00.001-06:00

Christ is born!

As I was previously recalling the last few months,
Carly was a beautiful bride

We dressed up in the decade of our origin for her bachelorette party!

I had the privilege of continuing our project runway tradition by viewing an episode weekly with these ladies!

I painted a couple nurseries!

On thanksgiving my dad and sister wanted to share a congratulations to our cousin Delaney on her tenth year anniversary of being a vegetarian!

My uncle Larry and aunt Aarlie cane to town, so we had to have dessert by candle light at grandma Barbara's.

I gave finals for the first time.

We pulled out test dividers, borrowed from 5th grade.

I guess it really took a lot out of them.

Through a crazy few months, I remain blessed by the life I have been given. Merry Christmas!

I wish you a merry Christmas

2009-12-18T19:05:00.001-06:00

Greetings,
I hope you friends are well as the holiday is sneaking. I am on an airplane sitting next to nice non-talkers and close to a frustrated baby. This break to celebrate Christmas will be appreciated, but this bored feeling is so new, as just an hour ago I was running back and forth to the gate, forgetting my phone at security and giving a (genuine) sad face to the attendants telling me I would be bumped (they eventually let me board). I wouldn't have made it without loving Lindsey and kaysha helping me pack, make take/leave decisions and reminding me why I love nampa. And I am very thankful to co-worker Marilyn who I maybe talk to once every other month who took me to get gas when I ran out a mile away from work this morning.

As it feels as though I was dropped into confined boredness aboard the plane, (vastly different from my last few weeks)- I will show you some highlights from the last few months.

I was of course sad to move out of the home of these dears,

And this dude,

And this fella

And even this lady,

And Justin who declines most photos.

But look at my new place!

I'm so lucky to have the roommates I do.

(Kaysha)

(Rachael)

( Liesel- Kit)

We painted!

Noah helped! He's skilled at cutting in. The day we finished, and that does not include touch-up, we had friends over to enjoy some music.

With Child (below), Two Girls and Spondee (the band in which I play keyboard) filled the small space for the night! And only one neighbor complained.

Beautiful Carly married Mike!

lately

2009-09-27T20:37:00.005-06:00

It is funny that we try to make sense of this life. I have learned that this understanding might not ever be possible.

(This summer I decided I will continue to live in Idaho. For... a while. I don't know how long. I was given the great gift of attempting to teach art at Liberty Charter School, my alma mater. We will go on a nice autumn break in three days following conferences, having completed 8.5 weeks. I feel challenged but overwhelmingly blessed to be learning in the environment I am, with the support I have.)

Most importantly, my life changed August 2 when my dear friend, Kris Jensen passed in a car accident. There is no way to explain loss as I am learning, but what I can explain are the reasons why I easily, without trying, love this beautiful friend.

Kris loves unconditionally.
From conversations with her and from watching her daily service of - running over at the last minute, loaning her precious vaccuum, stopping to split a meal, cleaning others' messes, listening to a long story, defending a student, or always putting herself last - I know she learned how to be this selfless by following our God. I also know that He gave Kris the natural ability and desire to live for others, it was just in her small, long bones.

Kris serves in this way with a contagious laugh, with beautiful eyes that laughed just as much, and the famous "crow" that would sneak out every know and then out of shock.

Kris enjoys every small joy. She and her family often say "It's good to be Kris" Boy is it. A cold Pepsi with the perfect ammount of ice, chocolate covered cinnamon bears, pollo rey and chapalas, and a routine Sunday dinner does Kris' soul good, but especially because she enjoys these treats with people she loves around the table. A dirty house excites Kris, all the more fun to clean well!

A couple years ago, Kris asked me to join her at 4:45am to drive to Boise to sit outside of the Record Exchange to buy Modest Mouse tickets that went on sale at 10am. Why wouldn't we?! Only seven people were able to buy tickets at this location and we were first in line. Kris is smart and more than willing to work for things she wants.

When I was in early high school Kris invited me to be her friend and a part of her family. What a gift! This gift will continue to influence who I am and the way I attempt to live. From Kris and her husband and five kids and extended family I learned the possibilities of how a family can choose to love daily. Kris doesn't sugar coat anything. Family and living isn't easy, but it's simple. Kris loves her family with all of her and her life was lived for them. I decided those first months of spending time with Kris and her family that I wanted to have a large family. Sure more to deal with, but more character, more love. Her love is so clear.

Kris was dancing with me on my first night of really dancing. She invited me to a house show at her son Jeremy's house, where he and also his brother Elijah and sister Rachael would be playing. Honestly dancing held a different definiton after that night. It is free. and funny. and free. and so much fun. Every show after this, at some point Kris would ask me, or sometimes just have to look over with her smile, or sometimes pull me out of my seat, to go dance. Even if there wasn't a floor. We were loving and feeling the music and wanted to express that and join the band in the fun. This dancing and experiencing joy with Kris while dancing will forever influence my happiness in a moment. Because of her I try to be present and just do what I am itching to do or say what I need to say.

This summer I would get a couple calls a week, sometimes at 9 or 10 saying, "Elijah is playing at the VAC, let's go!" or "Spondee (Noah's band) is playing at Flying M, you have to come!" or "I know I ask too much, but Jer is playing tomorrow night, will you come?" Kris supports her children and anyone she loves and wants to share that with everyone.

Oh I love her.

I am so blessed to see her most loved family almost every day, she would absolutely love the way her family has come together even more. She is missing out on her favorite kind of parties.

I have learned over and over just how far Kris' love and influence reached. So very far. What I know is that I didn't deserve her love, belief in me, trust, companionship, laughs, the splitting of enchiladas - but I received it. The honest gift of Kris I felt over and over and feel today. I can feel it. Which makes me not want to accept that my memories stop here. But I am also sure that a few weeks ago now, Kris would say, "Kylee, quit your boobin'. You have to enjoy all of this for me now!" She would not stand for me stopping. So that's what we are all trying to do.

I can't believe that I get to carry parts of Kris with me and am able to choose daily to deal with situations like she would.

My boss likes to say, "It will take at least a year to figure out all that Kris really did" She went completely beyond her job description and enabled our school to run. So on community service day with the high school last week I started walking with dread and complaining in my head that I was in charge of scrubbing the bottom of the dumpsters with a few pleased students. Before I could finish my really good, justified complaining to myself, I thought of the smile and honest excitement with which Kris would clean those dumpsters. Thank you Kris.

I don't get any of this.
But I thank God for my friend and her love and her life.

1 year and 1 day ago

2009-04-10T11:37:00.031-06:00

Was the reception of my installation show "Home blank Home".I wanted to create a piece my senior year of undergrad to invite viewers to think about what home is or should be. Two contrasting doors stood at the entrance of the gallery, inviting viewers inside the idea of a home. Half of the walls were unfinished, raw pieces of plywood, the other half were clean and polished. Both held common household objects drawn in 2D on the walls. The only physical pieces inside the installed walls were a chandelier composed of friends' definitions of home, a designed and constructed table and borrowed chairs around that table, all in the center of the room.

Here are some images of the project's progression.

the beginning. My generous, generous friends the Renschlers helped tremendously. I set up shop in their shop for a couple months. Brad, a skilled framer, contributed his skills in the building of the walls that were to be installed in the gallery. I chose to work on seperate walls to allow for time and trial and error. The turn around in the galleries is quite fast, I would have only been given 2 days to paint the gallery, so instead I am thankful I had months to work on the walls before transporting them into the gallery.

only at the minor, intial stage of confusion and exhaustion. Here you see my friend the jumpsuit that accompanied me for around 2 months. It was helpful in the cooler months. And honestly, this jumpsuit became meaningful to me, once putting it on in the morning, I was instantly ready to work. And then I didn't want to take it off until the show was completely finished.

Kind souls Dave, Brad, dad, papa, Reed, Peter and Chris met at 7am Saturday morning to transport the walls from the Renschler shop to the Friesen gallery at NNU. (there were donuts)

There are awkward stairs in the Brandt center that made the walls very scary/difficult to carry, but the determined men did excellent. (I felt bad, but I really couldn't help, besides maybe the opening of doors, so I chose to document)

This shows proportions pretty well.

This is the entrance to the gallery before the temporary doors were installed. You can see that upon entering, you could only see plywood against the glass walls with the exception of two square windows providing a sneak of a peak inside. (and I must clarify, the wood wasn't leaning against the glass once fully installed)

situating walls in gallery

This is the only shot I have of the living room (plywood walls to the right).

Look at that generous work!

The walls were transported and mostly in place by 9am. I think these three went back to bed. The next couple of days I had a lot of work to do that I couldn't perform before installation. I learned a lot about stress management. I hope. I don't think the jumpsuit was taken off until the day before the reception.

Hero framer Brad, doing what he does best!

There are things I would change about the show looking back, but I wouldn't trade what I learned through the process. This show was a needed step in me understanding different aspects of being an artist. And we had a nice party in the end too. Thank you friends who came, it was wonderful having you be a part of the installation!
Here are some photos, courtesy of my friend, Reed Reeder.

(sorry it took a year to post these Bethany!)

Here is the dirty retired jumpsuit. This photo was taken for an advertisement I was designing but I wanted to show you why we will never see or wear this treasured garmet again.

little chicklet teeth

2009-04-07T13:34:00.004-06:00

On our first day back, 4 first graders smiled widely to display their new hole and tell me of their recently missing tooth. They were so excited, this is what they had been waiting for. Some would smile and not say a word, expecting me to of course know what they were communicating, weren't we all waiting for this accomplishment? I am honored to be one to whom they can show their holes in their mouth. I realized this event in their lives is similar to the equivalent of me finding a job (soon?!) or my uncle's first day of fishing season or my friends buying a house or my other friends sending their final little one to school or my grandpa's welcoming of his first lavendar patch of the year. It's nice to enjoy eachother's "firsts" What are yours this spring?

In a completely unrelated manner please enjoy this dialogue between my mother and thirteen year old sister last night.

mom: (passionately) "Kadyn, with your body weight if you were to take three drinks you would have alcohol poisoning!"

kadyn:(pause) " Did you learn that from 'ER'?"

mom: (longer pause) "yes"

ER lives on, I guess those 15 years really impacted her.

back to it

2009-04-05T22:18:00.006-06:00

After a wonderful (and the most appreciated in my 10 years of charter school experience) two and a half week spring break, I will go back to work tomorrow. But enough about that, it's still Sunday!

I was reminded on Friday that a clear sign of a good friend is one who chooses to spend an hour or two in target instead of the necessary twenty minutes.

My male co-worker at Anthropologie educated me a bit on how you can tell where someone is from. I will share with you. I guess all you have to do is look at a girl's ponytail. He said "a girl is totally from the west coast if her ponytail is set high on her head. And she is definitely from the east if the ponytail rests at her neck."
Okay. I guess I've seen evidence of this but was not aware of the standard. I then asked him where I am from if I like to wear my ponytail (bad name) pulled back, I guess aligned with my ears.
Without taking more than a second, Brian told me I must be from the midwest.
Niiiice. I like the midwest and you can tell from my ponytail.

After a week of clouds, wind, rain and snow I spent my Saturday outside at my dear friend's second birthday party. It was perfect out. Perfect for chalk and bubbles, the constant grazing of good snacks, a lime in my sparkling water, sitting and closing my eyes in yes, a tank top and actually feeling that sweet sun, and perfect for my friend's favorite activity of the day, twirling and falling down so many times. Ah, yes.

Tonight I heard a beautiful piano recital by a friend who has spent months preparing. Superb. Then my dad bought me peanut butter n' chocolate ice cream at the only acceptable place to eat such a flavor. satisfied and blessed I will head to bed.

yes

2009-04-02T12:26:00.002-06:00

I don't know of much better than a toddler you love finding the perfect hammock on your lap. Their relaxed head makes you feel the same and not care about the pull of your shirt or the squirms that come every thirty seconds. It makes you want to read Madeleine or Curious George a whole lot slower.

feeling it

2009-03-31T23:50:00.003-06:00

tonight, sitting in what was I guess the front row, but instead front couch, listening to a nice band visiting from florida, I enjoyed dancing. But not the usual show dance or happy dance or group of friends who can't really but really love to dance.

Only my feet were moving, but man were they feeling it.

It was as if all of the energy that could be worn off by a full body dance (?) was directed to my feet. And I could watch from above like a puppeteer. This dancing was so satisfying. There were different movements for syncopation, felt mostly in my knees, a sort of steady unplanned "kick, ball, change" for keeping time and the toe to heel scatterings across the floor mirroring the mood and tempo.

It was too loud to really say much but I could look to my left and my right at Caleb and Kaysha, exchange a nod, maybe a point and know that they were dancing too.

2:40-2:50 pm

2009-02-24T23:40:00.004-06:00

While winter was as cold as I try to forget, bus duty, my last ten minutes of my work day, has become a nice part of my daily routine. It is a harsh but appreciated transition of space. After hours of hushed reading and writing of students with wavering moods, I walk out the door, take two sharp turns and lead the first graders to the bus. These nice, forming creatures are just as happy as I to be filled with the fresh air- so much so that I am forced to politely yet sternly say, "Stop running please".

Then come the big kids. Or bigger kids. These ones are so excited and are somewhat preoccupied with getting the best seat on the bus, so I am forced to be a bit more forceful. "Stop running please, the rules have not changed!" (The most confusing run-in with the running rule is the dilemma of whether or not I should let them run if they are running late. If they are in jeopardy of missing the bus I of course do not stop them, yet I am letting up on my one and very important rule) There are a few who try me at least twice a week, hoping I will become bored of being the annoying bus duty girl. I am closer than ever before to understanding the eyes in the back of the head phenomena.
And then there are the days that I actually am bored, there are no children to stop from running, and I find it fun to sometimes join in on the conversations that are vital to get out before parting ways for a few hours, though most are so confused as to why I would contribute and forget what they were saying all together.
I have realized in the last couple weeks, now that sun has flown back north, that these ten minutes are one of the best parts of my day. I find myself smiling, laughing or singing without apparent reason. And then recognize it is the air, the beautiful sun, the kids laughing and yesterday even the wind that messed up my freshly salon-ed hair, that can at once make me thankful to be alive standing on the concrete at the charter school in the middle of some fields.

driving

2009-02-21T13:00:00.005-06:00

I was at the four-way stop by the glass shop, in between flying m and NNU and I saw the most interesting site.

A man in jeans and a flannel dragging a large cross over his shoulder.
I wanted to stop driving and watch and try to experience every possible contemporary vs. historical connection possible. But I continued to drive. Maybe he was trying to semi-experience the weight of the cross his Savior willingly carried.
I assume he was simply transporting the cross somewhere from one of the seven churches in the mile radius. But for me, I chose to let myself read deeper, I chose to begin my meditation on this upcoming season of Lent. Not only did Christ have to carry an awkward heavy cross while being beaten and ridiculed- he was the one nailed to it and killed. And willingly? And for me?
I pray to forget my laziness, my Grey's Anatomy, my list making, my worrying, my coffee, to attempt to experience each part of Lent, to come a little closer to understanding the sacrifice made for us.

As if that site wasn't enough to stop for, thirty seconds later I passed a large Budweiser semi pulling out of NNU. Ah irony.
(is that an appropriate use of the word irony, Chris?)

It's snowing while I feel like I'm living in spring

2009-02-09T15:04:00.004-06:00

This weekend I had the privilege of attending the Wesley conference. I was definitely a lay-woman in a room full of theologians, philosophers, psychologists and pastors but what a treat to be around such dialogue again. This year's theme was Christian Love: Theory and Practice and discussed the possibilities of altruism and God's intent for the necessary action. I appreciate that it was not all theory but also focused on the rich yet difficult experiential practice.
You can listen to part of the conference here
My journal is chalk full after the nice three days, also I was able to enjoy the company of five good friends who flew in for the conference. Oh happy days

my 1.75 year old friend points and says "there's Bobama. Bobama's nose"

2009-01-19T03:30:00.004-06:00

In a youtube address president-elect Obama recognized the country's concern, worry and tired minds.

One of the statements he made was, (memory quote/unofficial) "Parents are worried that their children will not receive the same kind of opportunity they did"

While I will trust and hope and contribute what I can and while I'm not giving up yet, this was scary to hear. Growing up I remember hearing many stories of children fulfilling dreams their parents couldn't have considered, from education to professional equal opportunities.

This was just the first time I had heard it backwards. I hope we will do all that we can to turn it around before we say to our kids "When I was your age, it was expected to go to college".

I much prefer hearing my grandparents' and now parents' stories or their treacherous marching through a mile of snow to the bus stop, oh wait there were no buses, it was horse and buggy, or no transportation at all, and did I say one mile? I meant eight.

Thank you Martin Luther King Jr. for progression of necessary things. May we try to follow.

please come visit the new living room arrangement! and if you would like, read a completely different focused post below

2009-01-12T14:58:00.004-06:00

a friend told me he realized one of the major differences between us.
He said I hold on and he doesn't and that maybe I hold on too much.

We got started on this topic by discussing long distance communication
and its benefits and joys
( my opinion )
and its unnecessary frusteration
( his opinion )

I have enjoyed thinking about this the past week. I have landed where I started. Whether I hold on too much or just enough or too little, I will continue with my habit. I count it a blessing to meet and then choose to share life with loving people I have had the chance to come in contact with.
thank you for letting me hold on. I am blessed.

should old acquaintance be forgot

2009-01-01T02:20:00.002-06:00

my friend is kind of slow with pictures from kansas so those will come later... but for now a list.
a loose list, but full of thought and hope.

a movie with my brother every two weeks

five letters written and sent each week. not just thought and agreed upon but licked, stamped and dropped.

work out. I know, long shot. but I am not treating my body how it should be treated. and after looking at the J. Crew catalog with Kaysha tonight (as unimportant as it may sound) I want to be able to tuck a shirt into trousers how I used to.

cook 2-3 meals a week.

keep up with my planner that I already inserted birthdays into.

put some medium of art from one of my many scattered inspirations onto paper each week.

apply and follow up contact at least five design jobs before march.

help my grandma create a cookbook

become more comfortable with the habit of prayer. because I am so blessed when I let myself. and even if I don't feel like it, God asked me to talk with him.

here's the thing, I want to be a disciplined person, I think about it all the time. I could keep listing all the things that if accomplished would qualify me as such, but I am going to take one thing at a time. And the purpose can't be "to be disciplined" but because I believe in the act I am participating in. So I'll read a book because I want to become informed about that subject. Or I'll write Bethany because I want to remind her I love her.

I'm going to add the action to the always present thought.

A cup of new years' kindness to you. what do you hope for now?

i hadn't seen the other half of my heart for a while

2008-12-17T12:56:00.004-06:00

I just had the best Christmas in Kansas. Really really. I have life to arrange back in Nampa today, but once I get pictures and time I will tell you all about it.
About ribs, baking for 7 hours, theatre, lights, shopping, food again, catching up, games, letting guards down and love.
I am blessed.

happy thanksgiving

2008-11-27T12:44:00.005-06:00

I am in Portland relaxing. Relaxing? Yes. I am thankful this is a part of the requirement on this day.

I have tried to make it a practice to live, without planning or hoping for the next month, but living in the current. And it has been a blessed, simply fun time. There of course are still responsiblities to prepare for and take care of but a whole lot of enjoying is possible too.

I am weighing options of later in the back of my head...here or there, do I commit to re-entering the ever-changing design world or take a break to simply create work or prepare for more school? I don't know. Probably all, but the order of events is unknown.

What I do know is that my fun, support, encouragement and people to enjoy the present with are God sent. Really, I don't know anyone more blessed. I am thankful, thankful, thankful.

Yesterday I was able to catch up with some wonderful friends from Boise who moved to Washington. I visited their new place with beautiful modern lighting seen before even entering the home, played some legos, star wars and dancing with Nels and Willem, had a great time catching up with Gypsy over tea, listened to some smashing new tunes provided by Shaun, sure to take me into the new year well, and enjoyed some goat cheese and olive pizza and ginger coconut ice cream. What a nice day.

But that wasn't even the whole day! I then made my way to the Rose Garden to catch a Trailblazers game with my family. While I claim football as my game and basketball is my brothers, it was neat to watch a good game in the large venue. Thanks Uncle Steve!

I will now enjoy a rare Pearson Thanksgiving upstairs. My childhood Thanksgiving of 60+ Collins/Hull family members in a church with similar stories and the same great tastes each year, is now traded for a summer gathering but what a great introduction to Thanksgiving I was given. I am thankful for those days and now, these. Ah yes.

how did you all decide what you were to be, now that you're grown up?

2008-10-16T02:21:00.007-06:00

The first occupational aspiration I can recall is wanting to be a flight attendant. They at one time had cuter outfits, they looked so put together, prepared, they were always more awake than I and definitely knew more about what we were doing that day - with all those hand motions and pacing the aisles concerned with every one's safety. At the age of 4 I started flying solo from Boise to Portland to visit my grandparents. Because I was so young, there was always one flight attendant who had special eyes for me, who would give me extra peanuts and a blanket and hold my hand to walk me in and out. These kind red and blue skirt suits probably influenced my desire to be someone in their position. I think a couple years later I learned they also received free flights, which prolonged the goal a couple more years.

Until I knew I was going to be a famous singer. famous was half of the goal, to be singing was the other. My friend Melissa likes to remind me that I am a dreamer and not as much of a realist. I am completely content being a dreamer unless I am predicting my arrival time to some destination. I think my days as a dreamer started the day my mind was set on the foresight of lunch with the Spice Girls being a normal occasion. Or how I justified not being called to missions at summer camp when half of the campers were. I prayed that I would simply give my first paycheck from record sales to the church and when I accepted my Grammy or Oscar (yes we're acting now too) that I would thank God in my acceptance speech and that would be the adequate extent of my missions work. It was that simple. If I had true desire and a goal (check) and an ability that could be trained and constantly improved upon (check) then why couldn't I be one of the ones to make it? I know! Maybe I watched too many motivational children's programs. This was my career goal for years. I hadn't necessarily thought about how I would get to the successful stage and the years of work and connections it would take. Wouldn't someone walk into Nampa, telling me I was exactly what they were looking for, whisking me off to Hollywood? I can't remember a day when this fame was no longer the goal. I think it was that I became passionate and interested and invested in other disciplines that happened to whisk me away themselves.
(I do about once a week dream about being the female secondhand man vocalist in a band, but smoky bars would be venue enough if the music was beautiful and fun for all to dance along to)

I studied the last four years to be a graphic designer. Not once did I waver. I fell into an outstanding learning environment and what I was learning to do with my head and hands just clicked. When designing with creative freedom, (not every detail dictated by the client) I feel like I am using God's gifting, in mind and trained hand. But what has changed, now being separated from the academic art making setting, is that I am not only soaking up every word from teachers and classmates, but instead I am expected to perform these skills to pay to be able to live. I still enjoy being stretched to think of creative solutions, I just don't know if I can even depend on enough design jobs to call that my career. And I haven't even done all the looking that I could. I guess I am re-evaluating, still in love with the idea and the process but I guess the dreamer is trying to be okay with the dream not panning out the exact way she expected- even though the desire is still true.

Today this is what I want to be now that I am supposedly grown up:
- A designer for people who let her think not only "place that shadow-dropped lion exactly, right...there". ( I understand I might have to do more of the latter in order to receive the former)
- An artist. I want to make work because I am given an inspired view that can contribute to those who might see it. And it's so fun! And it wouldn't seem like work. My specific hope with this would be to create greeting cards containing thoughtful, clever messages with nice drawings to compliment.
- A counselor. Being a recipient of counseling myself, I would be honored to receive the training to be able to help people grow in this way.
- A mother. Someday. What a gift that would be.
- A thinker.
- A contributer.
- A person who seeks, who wants to grow, who prays for help and guidance with that, and from that has more to give.

And in a few hours I will be a test taker, a paper writer, a coffee drinker, a talker, a listener, a reader, an Office watcher, an aspiring politically educated person discussing with others (this is getting a little old), and a sleeper (especially after this late night).

How did you decide what/who you were to be, now that you're grown up?

one benefit of high gas prices

2008-10-13T14:43:00.005-06:00

is that I don't have to stand outside in the bitter cold dancing, to feel the slightest bit better, as long as I used to when putting $20 into my tank!

Winter decided to break its record this year, snowing last Friday as I drove home from Boise. The snow was pretty to look at in shock through the windshield, but I will never in my life welcome that wind.

The Nampa police force has tried to be sneaky. For the last two weeks they have parked at least 4 unattended vehicles to look as though they are occupied and about to pull out to catch the speeders. Spotting a police car, as trained, makes one slow down- which I guess with enough parked, will reduce some in town speeding. This stops working however, after the second time I pass the empty car, knowing it is there to scare but not punish me. Maybe the cars should change locations daily. Maybe on the 31st they will throw out their tricks and actually have officers behind the wheel, catching me and 60 others.

All that to say, I'm not falling for it and I am not getting another ticket this year. To help this habit I sometimes run into, I have tried the old 'set your car clock ten minutes fast', so that I won't actually have to speed to be on time, I still end up barely making it but I have been thankful for this aid since June, I see no stop in the near future. I have tried leaving places earlier. I have also chosen to believe my psychology teacher who said the speeding, tailgating and passing on the freeway really only gets you there 2 to 3 minutes faster, but makes your whole ride tense and stressful.

I am off to design a map
enjoy breaking in your coats

& there are 3 parked cop cars on 2nd which turns into the boulevard and 1 on iowa avenue headed east after Idaho Pizza. Let me know if you know of any others. thanks!

sure, let's blog

2008-09-22T22:51:00.004-06:00

After an incredible summer in the Kansas City area I wouldn't trade for the world, I am back in Idaho. I think it is temporary but am open to opportunity and what prayer leads. I am taking three classes at NNU where I am very blessed to have free education. These classes will better my chances at getting into some masters programs which I hope will be some of my next steps. I am continuing to learn. I want to be taught by our Lord and those around me.

These boys continuously teach me about honesty and growth and trust and love. It was one of the hardest things to leave them and their wonderful parents in Kansas. A long trip away is what I prefer to call it. They gave me a beautiful a summer.

I also joined a genuine, loving community at church and found a home for 40 hours each week at work with my dear friends.

I am now excited to be here at my other home, with other people I love. I am very blessed.
Thanks for giving me time to process everything.

these days

2008-08-21T22:02:00.002-06:00

I know so little.
I realize this is the stage one usually finds themselves in after college, but really, I know so very little.
I didn't see this one coming, with all of my effort to know at least some of all.

As you can draw from these words, I do not have much to write about.
I have been praying for God to make some decisions for me.
I am living a blessed life with little direction, but indeed blessed.

I saw 5 red leaves today. Where did the time go?

an aerial view

2008-08-13T22:57:00.003-06:00

after being on the airplane for hours today, I wish to make some art about the neat way land is ploted. Even in what seems like the middle of no-where, there are clean lines dividing property and different kinds of growth. It just seems funny to me that the land below from west to mid-west looks consistenly planed and organized,as if one person charted it. The jagged mountains here and there are a nice break. In addition to this tour of land I looked at differently today, I noticed the magnificence of clouds. I remember years ago I was disappointed when the plane could pass through them effortlessly, I had wanted them to be full enough to jump on, but today this became incredible to witness. These cotton candy forms hold this unique shape while also moving. And we can pass through these water droplets without feeling anything! And the angle at which I saw some clouds today was very interesting. I think the side view was my favorite, I could see the almost flat bottom floating with bellowing mashed poatoes atop. I will post the art when it is produced. It was the neatest roller coaster (of love). And I will need a new Riddlers' Revenge anyway now that Magic Mountain is closing.

I was on the airplane today because I went home! I first flew into Seattle and met Tori at the airport. We flew in a couple days early to help and thoroughly enjoy spending time with Claire before her wedding to Nate on Saturday. I was on a healthy-eating break. All the food was fantastic, and more local, well-roasted coffee than you could ask for. We ran wedding errands, visted roommate Kristy selling berries at the Olympia farmers' market, enjoyed the fresh air smelling of pine, loved visiting with the love birds' families, had such a fun bachelorette night on the town including so much dancing the night away, ending at a diner called the Reef. We don't really know why the Reef is called the Reef besides the one fish tank on the back wall, but the twelve of us entered, really wanting pancakes and bacon. After we ordered the chef informed us that from 2-3 breakfast was no longer served, but lunch was. hmmm, fries and a shake it was. The wedding was perfect. really. I will let those two tell you more. I now understand why we have receptions. The people gathered, who all love the bride and groom, want to spend more time together to celebrate the nice engagement that took place, the party can't be over. Well we felt this way even after the reception and spent the last night in Olympia well. I brushed up my new dancing skills once more and finally received my pancakes and bacon from the Reef.

Caleb drove a van full of us drove down to Portland the next day. We visted some friends at a church Chad works at, called Adsideo. On this Sunday there just happened to 25 friends from different times and places who were attending. I was reminded of what a blessing it is to know and be known and to run into people who when you spend time with them, you leave thinking "why can't I be with them more often?"

My mom, sister and I then enjoyed a drive to Nampa, along the Columbia most of the time. At the McDonalds in Baker City, I ran into two people I knew, man was I getting closer to home.

My next two days in Nampa/Boise were wonderful. Truly. Because I have already written a lot, don't have pictures yet and am anxious to get back to a sleeping pattern that consits of more than 2-4 hours, this will be all of my reporting of the trip for tonight.

As you might have guessed after a visit I am confused about what my new home should look like. But while confused I enjoyed a dinner with the beautiful family I have here in Kansas, my other home. And for today felt at peace.

okay okay

2008-08-01T21:08:00.002-06:00

(in reference to the previous post)
4 days later and 4 shifts later, I really enjoy my temporary job. And that is probably good, realizing it may have to be more than temporary. I am thankful. The qualities I praised the Boise store for, still stand, but I appreciate the Kansas City store for new reasons. I enjoy many of the people I work with, I now have a grasp on how they run things and this seems small, but I was trained at the cash register! I have practiced scanning items since I was 4 with my fisher price shopping cart, it is my favorite zone to work. I left Nampa and Boise where I routinely interacted with around 10 groups of people, and these ladies at Anthropologie have become a new group, sort of a community- I see them 4-5 times a week. And I am thankful for the familiarity.

I am now at a LatteLand. A local coffee shop around the corner from work. I have had maybe 5 espresso drinks in a whole month, but when lifestyle permits, this will be more regular, now that I found a new flying m. The aesthetics are not the same, I cannot call 5 baristas close friends, and this is not called Jesus-Land, as the Nampa Flying M was sometimes referred to as Jesus-M. I think this nickname came from the heavy protestant/Nazarene/LDS crowd who frequent flying M. I loved this because this meant catching up with a few friends each visit and often times sharing biscotti with my grandparents, but I don't mind the non-Jesus LatteLand one bit. I was actually taught a lesson. Upon my first visit, it looked like the girl making my drink would take a while to warm up to me. I assumed. I was corrected. She was very friendly and asked all about Boise. I assumed someone would be judging me, and really I was the only one judging. The next time I came in, one of the baristas asked "So why did you move here from Utah?" I did correct him, not wanting to be from Utah, but close enough.

Design firms are not really hiring, but I will follow up with all of them this week. I am trying my hardest to be okay with the unknown. And I have the truest blessing of friends I will continue living with until September.

I enjoy hearing from all of you and hope we may all enjoy the end of summer.

you know that dumb song.

2008-07-28T00:27:00.002-06:00

the one that fourteen people have covered, "don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got till it's gone..." (shoo, bop, bop, bop) comes later in Amy Grant's version.

I dislike what this song says because it's implying that we don't appreciate anything while we have it...which I have been guilty of at times. so, for a few years I have tried as much as possible to enjoy every thing in the moment, because as we all know paradise could one day be paved into a parking lot.

And I have no regrets for the soaking up of the treasure valley that took place before I left. But there was one thing I didn't know to prepare myself for. The Boise Anthropologie is run so much better than the Kansas City store! Which, if I was shopping, I could deal with, but I am working, and right now, this is my only work, so the awareness is heightened. I won't complain much longer, but I do want to congratulate the Boise store for the way they run things, the kind, efficient people who work there, the incredible "up to code" status, the cleanliness, the organization & layout, the duties divided, the art team, the relaxed atmosphere that still gets things accomplished, etc... They have got it going on.

And a small portion of that fond memory could be that the store is in fact in Boise, and I keep waiting for my friend and her lovely daughter to walk in, or I think I see my grandma perusing the homewares, then I realize I am in a different place.

Not to worry, I have had some fun at this new store, I just wanted to give Amy Grant, and the actual writer of that song, and the slew of other coverers a tally on their side. This time I didn't know what I had until it was gone.

welp

2008-07-23T22:13:00.003-06:00

I finished my portfolio. It is now in the hands (digitally speaking) of some trusty critiquers and tomorrow, will be in the hands of strangers, from who I am, in a way, begging for a life. I have slowly been getting over this odd transition- going from a small, known, safe, motivating, encouraging art department who knows what you are capable of and asks you to participate, to a new city full of design, but no one making sure I am one of the ones contributing or giving me a job. That last sentence was not supposed to be full of gloom! Well, we shall see what happens after the true pursuit. It has been good for me to become aware of how important the motivation behind creating something is. I still enjoy design, and right now that is enough.

Part of me, well a lot of me was worried about how I would continue learning, now being out of school. I am planning on graduate school, but I was told to get some experience and decide what narrow part of creating I love, before I go spend money and time. But the idea of being removed from a learning environment where you are stimulated by the knowledge and minds around you is frightening to me. My entire life, through school or with people I met through school, I have gradually been stepping deeper and deeper into different disciplines, exposed to new ideas and old ideas and the discussion of those things. And now, do I have to stop? I won't have assigned reading or discussion boards or questioning in class.

BUT! What I am offered is a choice to continue that on my own. Taking the advice of a friend, I want to take a liberal arts approach to living and learning. Without homework in the evenings, I can use that time to read books of contemporary art and the creation of a pretty typeface. But not just that! Just as I could take a theology class and a welfare policy class amidst my art classes during my undergrad, I can read other things I know little about, but that will inform me and challenge me in a different way! After this non-fiction I am currently reading, I could read books about food, maybe Ron Paul's book about the constitution and how that can shape our today, or the background on Orthodoxy, or that book on the origin and meaning of Haikus that my friend read.

And not only will I attempt for my reading to follow a liberal arts way of thinking, but I hope in meeting new people (a fitting time for this), I will try to learn about the passions and pursuits of others, because there is probably something to learn from the reasons they have chosen to live and that makes them who they are.

As I was thinking about this, I realized I am surrounded by so many thinkers and learners. I am so grateful for you, and I am excited to hear about what you think as you read and experience and live.

less of a good thing etc...

2008-07-15T08:56:00.003-06:00

This was yesterday's lunch. Smaaaaall portions. Melissa and I, as of Monday, are counting calories. woo-hoo. I absolutely love my food. A perfect day to me is great food with great talk, so this counting and awareness is quite the change. But now knowing that a heath blizzard (which I would gladly run and get once one of my roommates was also craving one last year) is 1/2 of the calories we are supposed to have in a whole day (!), I now know how unhealthy I am and this discipline will be a good thing. I think I will eat carefully throughout the day, saving room for dinner, the great reward. I now understand the concept and people's attachment to diet soda. I was looking on the lable last night after I had filled the daily quota,and diet coke is zero everything! I have no idea what the 12 ounces do consist of, but I don't really want to know for another week or so. (oh and if I do well for 6 days, Sunday will be a day of rest, seconds, blizzard and all.)

I am reading the New Kings of Non Fiction, compiled and introduced by Ira Glass. It is wonderful. If you have listened to Glass' radio show, This American Life, then you are familiar with his tone and what he finds important in a story or report. It is so enjoyable and informative to read these short stories or excerpts from essays from some of Glass' favorite contemporary authors who interview the true person behind some commonly known and some uncommon stories. In the introduction, Glass celebrates,

"There's a cheerful embracing of life in this kind of journalism, and a curiosity about the world... It's the pleasure of discovery, the pleasure of trying to make sense of the world."

My good friend Todd spoke at a church in a nearby suburb this last Sunday evening. I tagged along and was surprised and impressed to be a part of such a genuine, seeking church for the evening. Although numbers of a congregation do not tell the value of a church, I was simply surprised that 600+ young adults kept walking into the sanctuary on a summer Sunday evening in the middle of a residential area. They wanted to be there. It was a joy to be a part of the worship and meet some very kind people. I have become so skeptical of the drive of post-modern churches, but it was evident they were there to serve the Creator.

Brennan, my 4-year old friend I am living with and am so thankful to be re-united with told me yesterday when he was frusterated that no one would play the game he wanted, in a very sure, confident voice that "Kylee, I have all my fault, all your fault, and my mom's fault, and Landen's fault, and everybody in the world's fault!" I said "That is so nice of you to take that for me!" and we played something else. This is another cute stage, when they know all words, but not exactly all the common phrases or how to pair them together.

I finally get my first shift at the Kansas City Anthropologie tomorrow, I am babysitting for some church people Friday morning, working on freelance projects and working on my portfolio....and enjoying summer. Although I technically don't get those ever again.

happy July!

Karla, hi! Please take Kadyn to visit Chris at Spicer Bros. while she is in Portland this week! and enjoy a nectarine for me, on the house...and speaking of produce, I now know how to properly cut a pineapple

oh the heat is so heavy

2008-07-10T00:11:00.003-06:00

but I'll take it over that 7 month cold wind.

Well it's almost been two weeks. It went by fast. I feel a lot of pressure as a designer, just realizing how persistent and impressive I need to be in a quiet non-hiring season. But I also have new inspiration to be good now, to give them great work now- not just enough to get a job. I am so grateful that art and design still inspires me to create, not only to make a living. Although, I very much dislike that I need a job in a competitive field in order to survive. I would love to go back to school. Anyway, I thought I should catch you up on that since that is what we do after college. I made a large graph on butcher paper of all of the places I would like to work and the details concerning them. Butcher paper always helps relieve some stress.

The 4th, though a while ago was one of the nicest of days. It began with a scooter ride on a coolER day, with Kristin to retrieve some of the best hummus I have had at Jerusalem Cafe. We were almost smashed, but I did not scream. I then headed to a day-long barbecue at the Frye's in Olathe, filled with Rook, great food, croquet, strawberry shortcake on the porch, and wonderful, stimulating conversation from a unique mix of friends, and friends of friends, and acquaintances. I am continually encouraged when I meet people who consistently seek to grow in knowledge and in a quality of living. The table was filled with artists of all kind, passionate about their field and excited to hear about another's. A pleasant and peaceful holiday.
(Though I heard I missed even my grandparents climbing to the roof of Student Development for the viewing of fireworks- darn.)

I am now living with the Fryes for the rest of the summer search and it is wonderful! We are catching up, cooking, playing, enjoying...and Brennan (4) comes to wake me in the morning so we may share cereal together.

I haven't been to a coffee shop for a week. I am relieved that my pretty much daily habits were habits of taste and community, not of a caffeine addiction. (I've only had one cup of drip and a couple glasses of tea at home this week.)

AND I won in Nerts tonight.

did i mention

2008-07-03T21:15:00.006-06:00

I have no allergies in kansas/missouri?! sooo nice. come visit me here and I will be able to look you in the eye, not have kleenexes on the floor of my car, and will not sound like kermit. hey, in fact, my car is entirely clean right now, able to fit four others, so come on over.

here are some pics from the cross country craze n' da camry.

Idaho needs some of these. pretty. They are so big, they look like they could come alive and take on the power ranger thing- you know when they all morphed together?

back seat while not driving...letting my mom and her friend,stacy sing abba together.

on the plaza.

here are keys I gave to my mom to deliver to people in Idaho. That was so sad. My key ring went from 13 to 1, and that one (car key) even changed. The day before I left I put 4 keys under the keyboard at the charter school, that was the saddest. (they have been picked up, you can't go steal them) Man, one of the hardest parts of this move, is not the new, bring on the new, that is exciting, not scary. I just can't get over losing the old. I want to need the keys to the school, the art department, my dorm, my friends' houses I house sit. That's the sad part.
Kristin who I am living with right now, who is getting her masters in counseling, came back from taking a test tonight and said that I am in my differentiation or individuation stage. Alright!

Brandon got me a freelance job to work on before I have a full-time design gig. What a blessing.I will be designing a school crest.

Happy fourth, make sure to give in and eat a hot dog or 3 (like me), sing at least one patriotic tune ( like me in the car), and paint your toe-nails red (like me, out of character, but for my country who is in shambles)

peace be with you.

part-time down, full-time to come

2008-07-02T23:41:00.003-06:00

we had the neatest storm here tonight! It sounded like the world was covered in butcher paper and the paper was crumpled up. and the lightning stays in sky for an extended time here. This rain causes the humidity to just weigh down on you, it's incredible the difference in the meaning "hot" in Boise and KC. Other weather news, Chris says Portland has been covered in smoke due to fires down south. Sorry to the smoke and sorry to the fires.

part-time = I walked into Anthropologie on Monday and talked with the manager about transfering from the Boise store. Instead of her having to check to see if they have room or asking my old manager questions, she was appologetic that she hadn't been notified of this before and said I could start next week. Official transfering was done after that, but I am so thankful that it was that simple. She introduced me to the people working at that time, who seemed very friendly and reminded me of the great people in Boise. This is such a blessing. As much as I would enjoy having a summer catching up with friends here, my prospective financial situation is beginning to scare me, thank you part-time. This part-time will allow me to look and interview for design jobs during the week as well. My friend Brandon is a designer who graduated from NNU and has been in the field here for three years, he is giving me the tips of where and where not to go.

Speaking of Brandon, he and his wife Kristin are hosting me this week on the plaza. It is so fun, we have cooked, designed, played dr. mario, and they dragged me to Wanted, which is not my kind of movie, but it is so extreme, some parts were funny. Next week I will move in with the Fryes for the rest of the summer!

There are my plans and events thus far. I ran into another acquaintance at the deli today, I am thankful for the irony.

As much as I prepped myself for this move and tried to grieve my goodbyes while they were happening, this still feels strange and hard. But I can already see what I am beginning to learn.
Full speed ahead!

I saw my first fire-flies! They definately beat sick, regular flies

2008-06-30T00:56:00.005-06:00

we made it!
21 hours of driving takes you many places, one of which being Kansas. It feels surprisingly good and not that humid...yet.

After staying up all night before leaving, (painting at the charter school with the help of my bro and dad & packing) my mom, her friend stacy and I drove out at 7 am, a few errands later, we left Boise around 10. I usually hate those long, drawn out exits, but this one was nice. We stopped in those weird towns for meals. The towns you are sure are fake sets from a movie, the town is there simply for you to eat, but no one really lives there, right? ( I am sure others put Nampa in this pot, but we know what they're missing) We wished we would have had a map a few times instead of the nice GPS lady screaming, "missed turn" 7 times in a row, but thank you technology, for the most part. My companions kindly listened to & appreciated my music. The other half of the trip, was filled with their 80s station. At 11:30 we arrived at our hotel in Wellington, Colorado.

On day 2, we headed out towards the fields, doing more of the same...but around 3 pm, I awoke from a cat nap to two 45 year old women who had just split an Amp energy drink. They were given this drink in a generous cooler full of goods given to us for the trip, but they were not forced to drink it. Yet, they did. Wow. Their topics of conversation, jokes and come-backs especially were exaggerated and calling for a camera. I'm thankful I was in the back seat at that time...We drove into Olathe, Kansas (where I am living with friends for the summer) around 8 this evening. We stopped at Pei Wei (a take out version of PF Changs here) to grab some dinner and as we were walking in, guess what? I ran into an acquaintance. It was so, so nice to run into someone I know and a nice someone, when leaving a place full of those happy run-ins daily. Thank you, God. We then made our way to the Frye's home, they are out of town for a few days, so I don't get to see them yet, but it is wonderful to be in their beautiful love-full home. Kristin and Emily (friends I made last summer), came over and joined us in the viewing of Sense and Sensibility. I almost didn't fall asleep. What a pleasant start to my new home in the mid-west.

As I have been writing the last month or so, it is very hard to leave Idaho and the people who fill it, and will be for a while, but I received new hope and excitement, actually being here. Tomorrow we will go into the city, go to the Nelson-Atkins art museum!, look at apartments, walk around Westport & the Plaza, go to Houstons for those incredible ribs, and my mom wants to see Get Smart. On Tuesday I will take my mom and Stacy to the airport, and I will start preparing for interviews and portfolio reviews. Yes!

I am definately blessed, already knowing a lot about this place, just being able to know how to get somewhere, even if it is Hy-Vee and not Albertsons, is nice.

Thanks be to God.

hours

2008-06-28T01:48:00.004-06:00

i am about to leave for the midwest, indefinately...okay, it's time to stop thinking about it and try it.

yet today, there was no point in wearing mascara.

I will be awake until we leave at 7 am. too much to do. with the lack of sleep, my driving companions (my mom and her friend stacy) do not wish for me to be the first driver in the morning. I have been planing all along to be the first driver, symbolically driving away from my home, with the perfect planed music, with the others forced to sleep so I could cry it out...but the sleep will sound very nice right about then and I will act like east Utah (yuck) is my homeland and i will participate in these things there.

I will update you on leg one of the trip tomorrow (this) evening. We plan to stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where we have the hook up with a hotel- free of charge.

today was really hard and weird, just one good bye after another...but the evening finsihed with a fine wedding with dancing and fine foods, followed by a game of poker with some other pals.

My Idaho Pick of the Post - everything

abra abra cadabra

2008-06-24T01:13:00.006-06:00

(i'm missing me some art depart.)

my grandpa called me today and said "5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 and you're gone"...sheesh thanks for the reminder. I have no idea how I will get all of what I wish to accomplish, accomplished before I go, in a way getting in the car with those planned and spontaneous tunes sounds good. (as long as my company permits the proper volume at which one should symbolically drive away to). I told a friend today that I think I want to skip this week. But really I don't, I will enjoy every instant with my familiarity of this town and these people this week. I, as you are I am sure, am ready to write about other thoughts besides those of leaving but politics and knowledge isn't really on my mind quite yet. Though I did learn more about Ron Paul today (the real Ron Paul, not Ryan Harter Ron Paul) Some of those constitutional ideas sound nice, but sadly I think if the provision of the less fortunate were left up to us and the government pulled all aid, people would fall through the cracks. I would love to see our churches and volunteer groups and individuals step up and provide food and shelter but I don't know if our habits, my habits would be able to handle that responsibility. Who knows. I plan to ask a lot of opinions in the next few months, read what I can and watch not only MSNBC, but a little of Fox too.

My Idaho Pick of the Post is (I've been waiting to write this one)
Running into people.
Now on days when I have tear stains on my glasses, I oversleep, need to get a ton done, and just like being by myself, this running into people can get old
BUT, I hardly ever take that side, I absolutely love running into people I am acquainted with, I know and I care about-so easily. For instance I had a few common run-ins today. In the drive-thru at the bank I rolled down my window to chat with Twila. At the bistro I ran into a lovely co-worker and people from church. At Flying M, I sat down with the Sewards for a bit, hugged Noah and talked with two of my favorite barista friends. While checking out after getting my eyebrows waxed by the lovely Victor, I realized the receptionist is my slumber party friend from Greenhurst elementary, Kandace's little sister. I was behind a fellow NNU student in the (shhh-McDonalds) drive-thru. And passed the Feilds' and Stacey on the road. Okay that sounds somewhat overwhelming, but these daily happenings make me feel at home. That is how we stay connected, other than intentional meetings, we count on seeing eachother and checking in, because that is guaranteed to happen. I feel like I entered this town pre-blessed with connections from my grandparents and parents, before I could even appreciate it, but I am so thankful that I grew up with so much support in a kind of small town. Big enough for 4 subways,4 freeway exits, and an Old Navy (whoa! I know) but small enough to maintain that quality in the Karcher Mall, to have one "boulevard" and know someone everywhere.
And this running into happens in Boise too, I guess 19 years makes sense. I went to Saturday market for the last time, as a previous Idaho Pick, I will miss thee and the shy boy selling me my weekly lettuce dearly.

I'll have to stop my habit of looking around to see who I can say hello to when entering the grocery store, when in Kansas/Missouri.

Okay, some music...
For anyone who hasn't listened to Midlake, you have to, I am continually impressed and pleased and happy when listening. Also, Camera Obscura and Fleet Foxes have been really nice to listen to lately as well.

Tori and I purchasing the Coldplay album at midnight last week.

Okay and a mini Viva la Vida review,
articles talk about this being Coldplay's experimental album, while I wouldn't call it that, it does venture into other genres a bit more than usual. and I LOVE IT. Man, they always time their releases in a way that their fans are desperate for the next installment of the collection. I forgot what it was like to receive this package from a favorite band you've been missing, a package full of ELEVEN new songs for you to enjoy. ELEVEN at one time is overwhelming. I really enjoy how the songs and how you interpret them evolve as you listen more and more. Based on just the song's beauty and how it lead me through a day last week, I will say that "Strawberry Swing" is my favorite. "...and it's such a perfect day..." the happy anticipation built throughout is really nice. Also at the top I think are "Lost", "42" and the the relationship between the intro "Life in Technicolor" and the outro "Lost". The Asain influence is nice, I thought a lot of blending parts sounded more intentional than in the past. Chris, I understand how a couple songs sound radio-friendly, but I wouldn't dub the whole album as that. Okay that's probably enough, but I am very pleased and thankful for the new album, this was nice after X&Y.
What do you think?

Off to watch another film for my last class!

L-I-B-E-R-T-Y & summore summer goodbyes

2008-06-16T22:33:00.006-06:00

Friday was my last day as secretary of Liberty Charter School. I absolutely loved that job. For the last two years, I have enjoyed the pleasant drive at 6:50am (or around that time), watching the sunrise during fall and spring, and enjoying the warmth of coffee in my hands and the perfect song accompanying during winter. It will be a significant change of habit next fall not driving to Lewis Lane, to then grab the bundle of papers, say hello to the boss, turn on the lights & copier, start the coffee and check the messages. What an incredible group of people, so strange and so kind. We could seriously be the subjects of the next Christopher Guest film. From 75 year old Janet, the other secretary, to Debby the cooky lunch lady, Bette the exuberant music teacher and the principal's 80mph walking speed. This is harder than any other job I have quit, because this is also the school I went to starting in 7th grade. It was nice to have another community aside from church or NNU, although everything in Nampa is intertwined anyway. Oh what a blessed season.

The picture(s) above and below are from Friday. On the last day every year, the teachers put on a dance. The students who are silent in the halls every day, on this day let it all out, screaming at the top of their lungs as their loved teachers dance in a way they maybe shouldn't. This year I was honored to join them in a Tina Turner inspired dance to "Nutbush City Limits".
I will always love my pick of the post, L-I-B-E-R-T-Y.

Vicki the choreographer/Spanish teacher. We made eyelashes out of black construction paper and put cover up on our lips. I don't know why, I just did what I was told.

(had to include this priceless shot)

Oh Yeah!

Today Marc, Jeff and I had our LAST meal at Little Kitchen. That was a choice.

I'll add a couple more,
Claire, Tori and I had our last day hanging out together, the three of us, as Claire is in Mexico and Tori and Caleb leave on a cross country road trip Wednesday. We finished our college habits strong, with coffee downtown.

the travelers!

Eli and Shaun learning to sew and livin it up at Brass.

It was so fun to have you back in town Chad!

movie meme

2008-06-14T21:33:00.002-06:00

( I don't know what meme is...I mean I can guess but, I was tagged to answer and pass on this movie list of sorts, so an unconventional post ahead, but will be fun. thanks JR!)

Movie Meme, courtesy of J.R. Caines.

1. One movie that made you laugh
Waiting for Guffman

2. One movie that made you cry
Lars and the Real Girl

3. One movie you loved when you were a child
Wee Sing in Sillyville

4. One movie you’ve seen more than once
Mrs. Doubtfire!

5. One movie you loved, but were embarrassed to admit it
Robots

6. One movie you hated
T-Rex with Whoopi, and I begged my dad to take me the whole weekend. sorry.

7. One movie that scared you
What Lies Beneath

8. One movie that bored you
Do the Right Thing...maybe i was just tired.and a girl

9. One movie that made you happy
Charlotte's Web

10. One movie that made you miserable
Hostel

11. One movie you weren’t brave enough to see
Strangers

12. One movie character you’ve fallen in love with
Michael Cera in Juno

13. The last movie you saw
Junebug

14. The next movie you hope to see
The Happening

15. Your favorite movie
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I am supposed to tag 5 people... Chris, Reed, Shaun, Peter & Travis, go!

(i'll catch up on pick of the posts next time!)

box number 1

2008-06-10T00:44:00.006-06:00

I've packed one box. a physical box, containing 6 categories of newly organized things I will keep- leaving a pile of things I could bear throwing away. It's weird, ideally I want to take every object I wish to keep with me, not leaving anything in my parents' garage, but that means living on a lot less. That's probably good. It's just different letting go of the back up. I forgot about the specific qualities of the boxes' fillings, not needing them these past years, but I knew the boxes were there, just in case.

I've packed my first box of a different kind too. Such a good box. I said good bye to the first set of great friends. It's probably a blessing all of these departures will be happening gradually. This first box is headed to LA and won't return until I am gone, so the last hurrahs were had this last week, including the great outdoors, shoping, sharing of ideas, cooking experiments, the zoo, relaxing & living- and they were deeply enjoyed. One of the greatest things (see how I am being positive?) about this hard move (yes, that I chose) is that I am reminded of how loved I am by our God, because of the love around me. I don't know how I became so fortunate. I love the people here, so it's becoming very difficult to chose one good thing (kansas city) over another (home).

please tell me how you leave beauty like this.

It's been hard to write, but I love reading your blogs, so I will continue! My weird month or so of summer has included:

-the desire to work out to prepare for boating season. nah.
-appreciating
-soaking up
-good sermons
-great new recipes and cooking techniques learned with the hamiltons.
-working at anthropologie- I've met really nice people from a different crowd & I've
been inspired to create.
-the class of walking & jogging for the last time
-graduation parties
-catching up
-belonging to a place
-running into peeps (one of top 5 greatest things about this valley)
-loving & watching Esly learn and grow.
-hanging with my cool siblings.
-winning monopoly against shaun, tori & caleb.
-saturday market with halberts
-new music!
-new friends!
-living with elise & wade & helping prepare for the next fashion show
-kaysha's back!
-watching paul's dogs & now amanda's cats. (still not an animal lover)
-getting scared about our economy.
-wondering about this occupation of mine- to make things look good when our world
needs a lot more than that.

well if you're still reading, i guess you now know my mind is full of gladness, fear, grief, excitement & preparation and I thank you for praying with me.
oh this growing up.
box 2 tomorrow...

(note to reed & chris- we haven't said goodbye yet, you weren't my first box because I'll see you in August. May didn't count.)

Yes, we can.

2008-05-27T02:23:00.002-06:00

Here are some words from Barack Obama's commencement speech at Wesleyan University.
Exciting.
And for my friends who have already chosen McCain, may you enjoy this as meaningful, important words spoken at a graduation ceremony.

"Each of you will have the chance to make your own discovery in the years to come. And I say “chance” because you won’t have to take it. There’s no community service requirement in the real world; no one forcing you to care. You can take your diploma, walk off this stage, and chase only after the big house and the nice suits and all the other things that our money culture says you should by. You can choose to narrow your concerns and live your life in a way that tries to keep your story separate from America’s.

But I hope you don’t. Not because you have an obligation to those who are less fortunate, though you do have that obligation. Not because you have a debt to all those who helped you get here, though you do have that debt.

It’s because you have an obligation to yourself. Because our individual salvation depends on collective salvation. Because thinking only about yourself, fulfilling your immediate wants and needs, betrays a poverty of ambition. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential and discover the role you’ll play in writing the next great chapter in America’s story.

At a time when a child in Boston must compete with children in Beijing and Bangalore, we need an army of you to become teachers and principals in schools that this nation cannot afford to give up on. I will pay our educators what they deserve, and give them more support, but I will also ask more of them to be mentors to other teachers, and serve in high-need schools and high-need subject areas like math and science.

At a time when there are children in the city of New Orleans who still spend each night in a lonely trailer, we need more of you to take a weekend or a week off from work, and head down South, and help rebuild. If you can’t get the time, volunteer at the local homeless shelter or soup kitchen in your own community. Find an organization that’s fighting poverty, or a candidate who promotes policies you believe in, and find a way to help them.

At a time of war, we need you to work for peace. At a time of inequality, we need you to work for opportunity. At a time of so much cynicism and so much doubt, we need you to make us believe again.

Now understand this - believing that change is possible is not the same as being naïve. Go into service with your eyes wide open, for change will not come easily. On the big issues that our nation faces, difficult choices await. We’ll have to face some hard truths, and some sacrifice will be required – not only from you individually, but from the nation as a whole."

fashion show

2008-05-27T01:29:00.004-06:00

fashion show
fashion show at lunch.

(thank you Kelly)

there was indeed a fashion show. Studio D and a local bank (sorry bank about the no plug, I can't remember your name. Probably because there are 58 banks in Nampa) put on a fashion show to raise money for a local women's abuse shelter. The event was a great idea, successful and it was nice to have such an event in Nampa- our little boy/girl is sure growing up. The bistro catered some nice appetizers, (I only was able to sneak the lamb) and although your every day women modeled for the show, fortunately no one fell down.

Claire and I had fun modeling some of Elise's fabulous clothes from Brass Razoo and enjoyed a full day at the salon getting ready.
(I didn't know how or attempt to take off my fake eyelashes for a couple days)

My Idaho Pick of the Post must be Studio D. I have gone to this fabulous salon since I was in 7th grade. Danae is so talented, I don't let anyone else cut my hair and Victor is the ultimate perfectionist for my eyebrows. I know I COULD go without all these things, but why, when it's so good?! This is a Pick of the Post, because I will probably cry when I go to a new salon in Kansas City.

Thanks for sticking with me on my more shallow of days.

and the rain was beautiful today.

and my dad turned 46 today! I got him some cute low-rise brown pants but he keeps pulling them up. we'll see if they last.

ohoohoh

2008-05-25T12:05:00.005-06:00

those summer nights.

i'm lovin them.

yesterday I took my 1 year old friend (who now says a version of my name!) to the market and the zoo. She is really smart and funny and beautiful, I thought the day couldn't get better.

But my Idaho Pick of the Post is those summer nights. the day got even better. on a summer night like last night, the weather here in southern Idaho reminds you of everything good, like e.e. cummings said, "everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes."
The weather last night was the rare in between and perfect.

I had splendid company, learned how to create a new delish dish accompanied with the correct dessert, sat outside in the beauty, watched a funny, trying party next door, and only fell asleep during five mintues of interesting, Style Wars. A nicely put together, early 80s documentary, covering the origin of graffiti and hip hop.

ohoohoh, what a fine summer night.

Pastor Conrad preached a fantastic sermon this morning on Matthew 6:24-34 about trusting God's provision and from that provision, the actions we should be take in helping provide for the world. We don't have podcasts set up yet, but you could just read the passage.

I'm going to go clean out another box from my life and throw more away this time.

wednesday

2008-05-21T22:01:00.006-06:00

I have grown to really like my new sunglasses. I feel like I can kind of hide behind them, welcome warm weather, bring together an ensemble that isn't already working, and here is my favorite thing about my shades. They change the colors of what I see. I know that the beauty I see every day is already pretty because of what it is, but the rosy, yellow tint my sunglasses adds makes the green grass pop and the day looks warmer all around.

But tonight I got in my car and preferred viewing the sights without the shades.Dusk made 2nd street look good too.

Jimmy Kimmel just said, "Hilary Clinton called David Archuleta to tell him not to give up, stay in the race!" He's pretty funny.

my Idaho Pick of the Post is definitely my Wednesday night meetings at church. We meet to plan the logistics of the upcoming Sunday, go over pastor's sermon notes, and discuss needs and hopes for the future. For the three years that I have been blessed to be a part of this meeting, the group of dear people has formed a community, where we try to always be growing and seeking.

Tonight we were discussing a Matthew passage about greed for wealth. Our pastor spoke of a time he was forced to give up his wealth. He and his wife resigned from a church position, not knowing where they would settle next. While they were looking for a basement to rent, a friend called them offering a place to stay until they needed. This place was a beautiful 9500 square foot house on a hill. They gave up their wealth, trusting, and God provided.

I loved hearing this story from my leader, who I have watched genuinely believe...and I couldn't help but thinking of the greatness I am leaving and how God has already provided. While I am scared of the many unknowns of my new life in Kansas City, the first step was already provided! My 9500 square feet was given to me in the form of being offered to live with my best friends while I find a job and adjust. What an incredible blessing to go to such a safe place in such an unsure time. I feel like by leaving, I am giving up tremendous wealth here, and God has already provided and will probably continue to amaze. That may sound like a stretch, but I am trying to give God more credit. Thanks God.

i forgot!

2008-05-21T10:00:00.000-06:00

I forgot my idaho pick of the post! I committed to one a post (hence the name) and there are too many great things I wish to include before I leave. So my pick of the post for the pollen post below is-

(it's funny I'm thinking of things I don't really like about Idaho - the radio, roads, the lemon tree ...but this is not the time or place!)

reader boards. whether they are absolutely inappropriate, too cheesy, or make you think "ohhhh!" in a hallmark kind of sigh, they are a staple to the treasure valley and we have plenty to watch for. And maybe I will miss that entertainment so freely flowing here.

pollen is making "friends" with every one of my five senses

2008-05-20T11:40:00.004-06:00

i work at a school. while in college, this was a great morning job before i started my schooling during the day. while I have a month or so left as secretary, I want to give the fine people there more attention. Now that I am not swamped with other priorities, I can afford to stay late some days or make Accelerated Reader certificates. There is one thing that I want to give them, that I have not yet mastered. I would like to arrive at work 5-10 minutes early. I say this to myself every evening, and talk myself out of it every morning before getting out of bed. To the point where not all makeup is applied, hair may be wet, and I am either just on time or 5 minutes late. I am never scolded, but knowing that my boss has been there since 5 am, pours on the guilt.

Recently I have new motivation. There is a sophomore girl, who looks nice enough, who used to always sit in the car with her grandpa around 6:45. (I am supposed to be at work at 7) Well a couple weeks ago, this student came in before I did and my boss asked her if she would sit and watch the phones until I arrived. How nice. How willing.
She has now been sitting in that chair every single morning. Earlier. and earlier.
She loves this new helpful position.
But I know that I could be and should be doing this 5 or 10 minutes earlier and show my boss that I care. I'm hired to do so. When I walk in, coming in second, I feel like a lazy slacker. So, I will look at my new sophomore friend who leaves confusing notes as,
a pleasant motivation, to get to work earlier and earlier. and once I conquer that,she will probably come earlier and the healthy race will continue.

on other notes,
weather = awesome
boise = awesome
hey and nampa = awesome
barbecues = awesome
new treats = awesome
catching up on little people big world
= awesome
sun still up at 10 = awesome

oh and this,

= not awesome at all.

"all this beauty.you might have to close your eyes and slowly open wide"

2008-05-12T11:34:00.004-06:00

my idaho pick of the post is- 8th street between bannock and idaho. this lush green tree lined street, downtown boise is a place I can sit and feel very much at home. I frequent this place during all seasons but after enjoying a meal on the corner at pollo rey with friends this last Saturday, I easily remembered that summer is it's prime. With walkers and bicyclists lining the sidewalks, almost everyone passing is thoroughly enjoying their day, which encourages me to relax and soak up the beauty around. I probably enjoy this street because it is filled with opportunity to relish in my favorite activity. Being with great people, in a nice setting, with GOOD FOOD and pleasant conversation. In addition to the wonderful restaurants, the saturday market resumed a few weeks ago, making for great Saturdays to enjoy a few times more. Most of you probably know of this happy lane but this destination needs to be included in the discussion of things that I love about home that I will miss.

I graduated a week and day ago. Well, I wore a robe, received a diploma holder, shook Dr. Hagood's hand, walked across a stage, took the appropriate pictures, and felt too little to be at this stage- but I will be official after completing a walking/jogging course & a classic cinema course. I think I would have been a better student taking only 2 classes at a time.

I miss the art department, where I realize is where I spent the majority of my time. A friend who graduated last year and I were realizing the blessing in most of our professors, over-qualified, under-paid, invested in us as artists and growing people, interesting, educated, talented people who for some reason chose to care about our small liberal arts program. I am forever in debt to these dear people.
Now I must go use what I've learned! I wish I knew what that looked like and that I could take my old art community with me, but alas I guess I'll grow up. My mom and her friend Stacy will drive with me to Kansas City on the 29th of June and fly back. My mom informed me she purchased the plane tickets, so that means we're going! and for sure by a specific time! i'm so excited I just really like it here too.

I'm working at my friend's boutique and better hang up some clothes!
enjoy summer friends.

i'm feeling more fast train than slow motion

2008-04-29T01:30:00.004-06:00

I'm so tired.
physically. mentally. emotionally
but blogs aren't meant for complaining
and the thing is, i will miss this so much.
with 6 days to go, i sit in the mac lab with an extension from security. I have bothered those guys so much over the past 4 years, today I called and asked them if for my last late night I could stay late. thank you

one thing I won't miss = survey classes. I enjoy being informed and learning of other disciplines, but when as much information is crammed as possible into a short ammount of time, the purpose seems wrong. I feel tested over cramming ability instead of interest, investment or knowledge. So one post-grad challenge that I am excited about will be to read something like de Toqueville's Democracy of America, to grasp content and perspective instead of an American History textbook.
(tonight I was compiling Modern Europe notes, can you tell?)

Melissa sent me a copy of The Shack! I was anxious to read, hearing so much about this book. I thought I would be able to wait until school was out to read it, but what perfect timing for the content! I am half way through. And I really appreciate how the novel is written, it is a blessing to read about our God portrayed like He is in the book.

While I am preparing for the move out east (at least further east), I am appreciating the little and big things about our gem, the treasure valley. I think in each post until I move, I will conclude with "a piece of the treasure". nah. we'll just call it. "Idaho Pick of the Post". yes.

today's Idaho Pick of the Post will be...wow there are so many great things.

the acceptable dance party.

I was exposed to the dance party I am speaking of, my last year of high school. Chad, Marc and I were invited to join in the dancing at a house show given by the wonderful Jensens. This untrained but whatever you feel dancing intimidated me at first, especially in a living room. But the great music made me move and once you start it feels completely natural. It is one of the happiest times. A couple New Years Eves ago this dancing went on for an hour and a half, led by Diana, and was the best ringing in of a new year. I don't know if I will have new friends in my new place who also love this kind of expression and love the kind of music that goes along so well- so I think fondly of these experiences as a unique part of home. This last Saturday was one of my favorite times of this activity, the Very Most, led by Jeremy Jensen held their cd release party in a grand hall fit for the kicking off of shows and the dancing was perfect.
thanks idaho.

ps- my brother asked a nice girl to prom! this is crazy and the first for my house of origin. we are all probably too proud, but that will not stop us from taking pictures, sorry cody.

God is good.

2008-04-24T00:37:00.003-06:00

all the time. really.
and i want to be better at proclaiming this, more on the normal days.

but today wasn't normal. or maybe it was full of things that are normal, but that are also great, and maybe that's what made it special.

with not much sleep I awoke and made my way home (art building) to work on the portfolio. The seniors then had investiture (or harry potter chapel as we like to call it because of the march with the mase, the sometimes velvet robes and Ponsford looking like Dumbledore). This was the first time this graduating thing seemed real, and somewhat sad. but nice. Wow those caps are sure awkward.
THEN we set off to the art lounge where professor Bouw was waiting, in town from Indiana! You forget how much you care about someone, well not really but sometimes you're reminded why you indeed care about someone, when you are with them. and it was so great to gather in the lounge and be with our professor and friend who belongs here and has been such a grand part of our career here.

Later Mike, Bodo, Bouw and I left for Boise to go to the Invasion show. First, we stopped at flying m and met some friends who graduated last year from the art department. What a nice time to feel at home in yet another setting and conversation. I was encouraged with talk about work and grad school and the after school life from friends who have gone through the exact same stages and who understand.

The show was wonderful! The Invasion is very intentional and energized with tight transitions and syncopation. Aaron Brown led with great vocals better than some girls in range and Nate Hanson had some great solos. Dancing was necessary. With loving people all around the room and a needed break I was smiling thanking God for today.

I am assured of my chosen practice in a time when it is being tested and reminded of a hobby that I love that brings people together and makes one dance.

oh this stressfulll feeling that i'll eventually miss

2008-04-22T23:32:00.009-06:00

tonight I will attempt an all-nighter.
i have had this problem, with not being okay with my portfolio, thinking about all of the things that could be different. the thing I am realizing, is that most things are that way and always could be improved, especially in art. In most areas, I am better at being content with the present, but not with the portfolio. The success is up to me!
I will be done, settled, whatever you may call it, by tomorrow morning, so here we go.

Thank you Katie for asking about that darned compass math proficiency test I needed to be able to graduate.
Well tomorrow, I am participating in Investiture chapel, cap and gown and all!
I finally passed! 5 tries later, but the wait granted me hugs from all of the registrar ladies waiting for me to pass the thing!

Tomorrow one of my favorite professors who moved last summer, is coming to visit! He is coming to view the senior designers' portfolio show. We are excited, as he was the primary educator in the skills we now hold to make a career out of, and is such a great person.

I still look forward to posting show pictures, and will after this madness!

Speaking of madness, my friends The Invasion, will play at the Big Easy tomorrow night, releasing,How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Madness. They are very good, compared to the sounds of Radiohead, Rufus Wainwright and Queen, but that's not the only reason to like it.
AND this will be my first show to receive Xs on my hands instead of a wristband! though my new age will only be granting me Xs and nothing else tomorrow.

today is thursday. tomorrow is math day.

2008-04-17T22:17:00.002-06:00

That's right, we do see that dreaded math outside of Mrs. Decloss' high school classroom. She told me with that confident smirk that it would happen. "Math is needed and it is everywhere!" Well, here it is six years later. I have to pass the compass test tomorrow in order to graduate in a couple of weeks. Today a kind, other-brained student tutored me in college algebra and I think by being reminded of those long ago formulas, it will be possible to pass tomorrow.
Eww, enough space given to math. (sorry if it's your love, reader. But if math is your love I am curious to hear, why? really)

Pictures of the show are being comprised from 3 different cameras and the next post will hold them, promise.

I am stressed. I posted last December about procrastination and how it would never happen again. Well we all knew that would be hard. It has hit, but a different kind of procrastination. I was indeed working the entire semester, it's just that the last month was only show work and no general education work. These next two weeks will be hard, but possible.

Since living in Kansas last summer, I have planned to move there after graduation. With that time rapidly approaching I am getting anxious. I am excited to move and at the same time sad but thankful to leave the great things that make this Idaho home. I do not yet have a job and can't focus on that as much as I want until I get this college thing finished. I will work thoroughly to complete my portfolio, start sending it out in a couple of weeks and head for Kansas in the beginning of July. I will live with my precious friends for a month and every day go searching for that job. After, I will hopefully have a place and can settle down. I am open to alternatives if the search is sour in this present market, and I am praying that I will be sensitive to God while planing and moving, but being the dreamer I am, I am planing on a sweet not sour search and finding.

There is an update on plans and worries and hopes. But for tonight I choose to clean, study and get a good night's rest to wake up as secretary, student and friend tomorrow.

and happy birthday to the wonderful charles waters bryan the third.

thanks be to God for the sunshine and beauty today.
(even if tomorrow we drop 20 again.)

for shaun

2008-04-14T23:11:00.000-06:00

thank you

2008-04-10T21:52:00.007-06:00

I wasn't going to post until I had pictures ready to accompany, but I just needed to write to say thank you to you my friends for supporting me & the things I care about. From afar with messages and calls and from all of you who attended the show reception, I received your love and I was spoiled to be able to be surrounded by such great people all night. I am glad everyone mingled, ate and talked for some time.

It was ironic and nice to hear footsteps and laughter and greeting inside the "house". My friend said initially she wanted to shh people for talking loudly while observing art, but then thought, well they're comfortable in the home and that's a good thing!

I didn't know what to expect for a critique of the work, and was honestly nervous because I had been around the work so long, I had no idea what fresh eyes would see. I was thankful to hear different interpretations of the installation. Although I made the work with reason and specific symbolism in mind, the purpose of creating the home was to invite the viewer to think of home, whatever that is for them.

I learned so much from the entire process and needed to create something that could reflect my experience in the fine art classes I have taken in the last four years. Crazy how fast it all is going by.

One of my best friends, Melissa came from kansas for the show and I am so thankful she will be here for a great de-stressing weekend.

It was also very nice of my grandma suzy, pop and aunt karla to come from portland.

thank you all.

move in day

2008-04-07T22:49:00.006-06:00

on saturday we installed the show! I had six generous friends join me for donuts at 6 am to load walls into Brad's trailor and caravan to NNU.
Brad is the fabulous framer who built the walls I designed to be the structure for the show. Without his skills I don't know if this would all be possible. Thank you Brad!
The other fine gents who used their muscles this day were dave w.,dad, papa Jerry, peter j., chris & reed. I felt so helpless holding the camera while these guys were honestly flipping walls over the awkward Brandt Center staircase. The structure was installed faster than expected because of the mighty strength and I have spent all following hours in the gallery piecing the home together. (until tonight)

I am pleased with the progress but I think I have been thinking about this and looking at it too long to fairly judge.

Last night Shaun, Reed and Tori kept me company and were wonderful puppeteers.
I am off to sleep. Oh how I've missed it so. I hope to see you who are able, Wednesday!

6-9, Wednesday 4.9.08
Freisen Galleries
Brandt Center
NNU

i've been looking like i'm working on the railroad

2008-04-02T09:24:00.005-06:00

I have been working. Learning of a lot of potential problems. Trying to solve them. Trying to stay warm in the shop. Trying to be positive at 2am. Thankful for helpful friends who hold up boards while I draw & make brownies. and very excited for a few days from now!

(thanks tori!)

My time is very limited but I wanted to update with progress but not too much information to spoil.
I am headed back to the shop...happy wednesday

a good break

2008-03-28T00:02:00.002-06:00

the usual speedy walk/gallop/tip toe to the bathroom after holding it during a movie took place this evening. two other ladies galloped even faster and I had to wait a minute or two. but while I was waiting, I was greeted with such a nice encounter. A new friend in line behind me smiled kindly. We then discussed that is was refreshing to see such a happy movie. The first word to describe the movies I usually enjoy watching, is 9 times out of 10, not "happy". But tonight it was, and that is what my neighbor and I appreciated. Kind of funny how the coming together to take a break from our lives to watch someone else's fictional one, can join strangers, and remind us that we're all okay.

Though, after this break I took tonight, I will go back to the painting jumpsuit and be perfectly content talking to myself about happy movies and other such things.

Oh and tomorrow the art department is suiting up to defeat the music department in the 1st annual kickball tournament! Yee-haw.

i am out of shape.

2008-03-25T13:46:00.006-06:00

shock. i know.
i have been painting like mad and the entire right side of my body aches when taking just a step. nice. i'm okay with my body's response to work that i enjoy. & i got a jumpsuit to paint in every day to get in the zone immediately. it reminds me of a mexico missions trip our youth group took so long ago. Remember the jumpsuits in TJ travis?

Yesterday I was blessed with the opportunity to hang out with my friends' beautiful daughter who is almost 1. It is incredible to watch her think, process and communicate. With some cute dancing and head bobbing we shopped, had some gelato and saw the gibbons at the zoo. It was such a nice day.

While I was painting yesterday I stuck in the Shins most recent album, Wincing the Night Away.
I know I am a little late on this, but as it is sometimes hard to improve, grow and change, yet maintain the sound one is good at, when continuing to make albums, I do not believe the Shins struggled with this in this album. It is very pleasant album as a whole, the vocals were consistent with their old work, but I heard more variety and improvements with more of a full band, and it is simply nice to listen to.

Tonight we graduating designers will be critiqued by some Boise designers, black table cloths and all. So off to cut foam core! Pictures are coming soon

i need your help please.

2008-03-21T11:08:00.004-06:00

If this sounds fun to you at all, I would be very thankful for your help as I am preparing for my art show.

What is your definition of home?
It can be as short or long, as simple or complex as you wish. These definitions will then be transfered onto paper that will eventually,when put all together, make a chandelier. Your names will not be attached, so do not be worried about that. You could post them or email them to me.
(thank you Beth for your great contribution)

With definitions from people around me, it makes the creating process more significant.
thank you!

This is a late picture of the supplies ready to be built into art. I am now further along, but I wrote that I would show you each step.

step 1 (minus countless sketches that are actually considered step 1)

the commercial part of me

2008-03-17T17:08:00.004-06:00

is thankful for my year's turn at the robin's eggs.
and soon to come reeses eggs.
but no thank you, i'll pass on any sort of jelly bean.

Today I am able to work at my friend's boutique while she is on a buying trip. It is motivating to be in such a creative environment...but I am looking forward to tomorrow when I can get comfortable in the jumpsuit and paint until and after my arm is tired.

I am hearing of good adventures from canada, florida, portland & vegas from spring breaking friends, and just to let you know, Nampa is full of them too. We are doing just fine on this overcast day.

I hope all of you, my friends are having a good holy week, preparing ourselves for best part of Sunday.

i would like some patience

2008-03-16T03:26:00.000-06:00

please.

where i've been.

2008-03-14T00:20:00.004-06:00

on my couch. though today i got up, went to screen printing and feel 60%.

i've been sick and i'm worried i've passed it on. i apologize if anyone must receive this dreadful influenza a. my friend kristin in kansas had the same thing at the same time, it's that bad. but who wants to read blogs about being sick. no one, just letting my recent fellow bloggers know where I have been.

I have decided instead of going to olympia with my dear roommates for spring break that I will stay in Nampa and work on my show the entire week. It will really pay off to be responsible on this one.

This afternoon, all senior design majors stood in the gallery, planning the details of our portfolio show. I'm already getting sad! I am so thankful for the time I have had in the always changing, always giving art department.
I am praying for discipline and sanity as I try to balance the completion of important tasks and the savoring of people.

i bought real meat!

2008-03-09T22:14:00.006-06:00

that would be two slabs (are they called slabs?) of top sirloin from the co op. (they care about quality)!

Steak is one of my very favorite foods.(if not THE favorite) and I really would love to be chef, so that whatever sounds good, I can make with healthy (most of the time) ingredients. I also look forward to being able to host company who also appreciate good food, and I will love the opportunity to make plates pretty.

This new role will not be fully realized until may, when I have more than 20 minutes in a meal time. But I will soon at least prepare some sirloin, and I will report back with the chosen glaze or topped reduction.

glaze? reduction? I have so much to learn.

2 weekend highlights:
-papa Jerry and I read some Kafka and Woolf, followed by grandma Barbara's waffles and bacon!
-a great time of taboo with reed, nate and i taking on chris and kristy. (they did okay)

full speed ahead on a very productive week!

welcome spring.

2008-03-07T13:39:00.003-06:00

Although it has seemed long, I am thankful today and every day that winter isn't endless. or any season for that matter.
but especially winter.

and happy birthday to carlsbad!

go put on a short sleeved shirt

papa Jerry says,

2008-02-26T22:49:00.005-06:00

"The way to eat a large elephant is one bite at a time."

I am sure someone else said this before my grandpa, and he more insightful thoughts of wisdom of social and Christian living, but for me, this week, I wanted to hear about the feat of eating an elephant.

So thank you to my grandpa.

How is that meal coming? I am progressing, only putting it in the fridge to sleep, eat, and work.

The good thing about this next month is, the work that is required of me is also exciting and the kind of challenge that pushes me to work, not ignore.

I am also learning that performing tasks that seem small, do infact help the result, or at least me in the process of achieving that result. Today I made a mini model of the construction for my art show and although by sight it serves as evidence as to why I am not a builder, it was very helpful for me to see dimension and the entire space. Making this model will better my work when I get to the permanent materials.

IF I knew where my camera battery was I would post a picture of the first real wall being made, but just imagine!

I am thankful for school. I am thankful for educated, passionate teachers. I am thankful that different people have different strengths and that mine is not science or math. I am thankful that some people are technical, like my friend Brad who is building part of the structure of the house for my show.
I am thankful that God made our bodies to require sleep.
I am thankful for the abundant meal of the elephant that will last me the next month or so, whether I grow tired of the taste or not.

(this is always the chair I want to sit in, while I am uncomfortable in my pretty wooden one, I thought I would share the dream)

this will be short

2008-02-21T01:31:00.002-06:00

due to the plug of my laptop which will only charge if my hand is holding it in place.

i just spent hour 20 on this week's screen printing project. after many learnings and mistakes i was just kicked out of the art building at midnight. the potential outcome for this process is endless and desirable, but apparently hard to get to.
here goes hope for the final day of tries tomorrow!

i was half relieved to be kicked out = sleep!

today i will write

2008-02-19T21:51:00.004-06:00

for beth. for kathy. for stacey. for karla. for cindy. for travis. and that is probably all who read.
but i have been craving writing to you again.
I plan to post updates and progress on the creating of my art show
(april 9)
(( i post the date, mostly as a constant ticking clock for added pressure))
(((and to invite you my friends)))

It's actually really nice, I don't feel forced to work on the show at all. I want to. I guess it pays to end by working with materials in a way that feels natural.

I am working on balance. An attempted healthy ammount of excitement for the future and enjoyment of every second of the closing now. An attempted healthy ammount of working on the portfolio until I fall over and being okay with imperfections.

and! the sun does still exist and is "brightening" more days.

off to modern european history textbook. yes, i saved classes like these for my last semester! I will be posting photos of work on the show soon.

May we all be filled with hunger as we continue through the lenten season.

finals

2007-12-11T19:23:00.000-06:00

As this current finals week is about to close, with the anticipation of one long night ahead, i am going to make a pretty big statement. Here it goes. I choose to never acedemically procrastinate ever again.
(I will write more when I am done)
((hopefully about happy holidays and such))

sweet potato chowder

2007-11-22T02:47:00.000-06:00

(that is my contribution to the meal today, we shall see how it goes!)

Last night at dinner, two of my friends from Scotland reminded me that Thanksgiving isn't celebrated everywhere. If I had looked back on my elementary education, I would have remembered the Native Americans kindly sharing with the new pilgrims.
So is Thanksgiving a day we are supposed to be thankful for our country? I am thankful for the US and most of it's intentions, but I think this year I will focus a little more on the many reasons to be thankful for every thing.

Since there are countless things for which I am grateful, I will focus on some recent:
heaters
a friend teaching me how to paint with oils
new music (beirut,midlake,band of horses, and the rediscovered white album)
a break from work to regroup
preparation for the Advent season of anticipation
grandma & co.'s cooking
friends to miss and love
candied walnuts
having options

-these are things I am thankful for today-
thank you Lord for blessings each day, even the first pilgrims.

Alive and Well

2007-11-09T00:22:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year. The time of stress in the semester. Except why has the majority of the semester, if not all, felt like this? I guess I am attempting to take this semester as seriously as I am able to, everything I do or don't do right now will affect my portfolio and my portfolio affects my future. No pressure.
So I am living one task at a time and when I weigh my tasks, I couldn't put blog writing at the top, (not that I don't enjoy writing to my friends).

We are sure blessed with a pretty November here in Idaho. And a fun "Night of the Arts" is coming up next Monday, 8-10, hosted by the Communications, Music and Art departments at NNU. Readers Theatre, Jazz, Art, oh and food!

Friends who have been through this stage of deciding and praying about what is next, I would love to hear your stories.
I'm back to photoshop.
good night

peacock for a night

2007-10-09T10:01:00.000-06:00

This weekend, NNU had their annual TWIRP (The Woman Is Required to Pay) date weekend. (Although I didn't have to pay because my friend Peter, who I asked, is on leadership, thanks peter)
The theme this year was Noah's Ark, and as tradition holds, the first evening of the two night date adventure, you are supposed to dress up in that theme. So, we were peacocks. Getting out of class an hour before the event started, we ran (figuratively)to walmart, the thrift store and to my parent's house to get some overgrown plants that were then assembled into feathers. I don't know if the blue eye-shadowed faces were worth it, but we needed to become the part!

Peter and I hung out with our friends Mike and Carly during the weekend, who were chameleons. Throughout the two nights we went to the Ringling Bros. Circus, parks, the corn maze, ice skating, dinner, coffee shops and to a rented out movie theatre, where I fell asleep. It was a fun way to delay homework. Here Carly and I are in Julia Davis Park.

Off to that delayed homework.

today,

2007-10-09T00:15:00.000-06:00

thank you God for being God.

the coat is officially out of the closet

2007-10-01T22:59:00.000-06:00

I had been avoiding my new lovely gray coat. Because putting it on means I am entering the 7 month season that in my mind should last only 2.

In one of my design classes last week we watched Cesky Sen, a Czech documentary that two film students created about the power of advertising. In the film they trick thousands into going to a new hypermarket that actually doesn't exist, through smart advertising. It is very interesting, you should see it. After viewing the film our class discussed designing adverstising. Our teacher asked, "Is there anything you wouldn't design for?"

Is there anything I wouldn't design for? I was surprised I hadn't thought about this before, but when I started thinking about a list of items or ideas I wouldn't want to support as a designer, the count was short. There are two camps. One says "If someone is going to design for Camel cigarettes, it might as well be me, as a Christian designer I could make the decision to put no bikinis in an ad and could be a positive influence on that industry." The other opinion is that you simply don't work to promote something you don't agree with. For example, formatting layouts for a cigarette company could be furthering someone's addiction, and whether or not you agree with smoking, by designing, you are behind what that company promotes.

Then there is the question of how much and what kind of involvement is enough or too much. I haven't had this conflict come up in my little design experience, but it's another question I wish could be answered simply for me. I'm not going to design for Camel but how many companies are really integrity full? What do you think?

(back to my waffle and berries)

a quandry

2007-09-23T22:55:00.000-06:00

Friends,
I am curious.
How do you find time to do things you love? Things that are a part of you? I'm finding that some things get pushed back just because we're focusing on another interest.
I guess it comes back to weighing priorities, but I don't want to stop what I am doing, it's just sad knowing that the things I'm not doing are becoming less familiar.

What do you think?

happy autumn leaves

2007-09-20T23:48:00.000-06:00

Tonight I spent time with a friend I haven't really talked with in 3 years or so. We are completely different people now with nice familliar hints of why we became friends in the first place.

We found out that though we are different and experienced different things, we both have grown in our desire and hopefully in our understanding of who God is. I was reminded to be praying for God's involvment in all of His people, even when I can't see it. I thank my friend for reminding me of all He can do.

We are back in the full swing of routine this fall, nights lasting longer and longer. I am thankful for my drives to work in the morning with the heater slowly warming, and papua new guinea coffee safely in the other hand while watching the sun come up.

it is about time

2007-09-11T19:53:00.000-06:00

Hello friends, I have missed communicating with you while being caught in the whirlwind of moving back to Idaho! I am back.
The first week or so back (it's almost been a month now), I felt as though Nampa was playing a trick on me, it looked the same, smelled the same, but I fit differently. Many of you have moved a few times, but Kansas City for the summer was my first venture, actually settling in somewhere other than Idaho. This was a strange place to come back to. Many friends who made up my "home" before I left Nampa are now living in other places, so I have been attempting to become comfortable with a new routine and place. I am trying to look at this transition as another to add to the list of experiences that help me grow, and people here have been wonderful in making that pretty easy.

It is fun watching nature change with everything else around me. I have managed to go back and forth between AC and heat in my car about 5 times in the past 3 days!
(That is when I'm not riding my bike.)

I am trying some new forms of discipline this fall. Some, if not a lot, of structure is good for me. So I am anticipating better habits of exercise, prayer, learning how to cook and reading all assigned reading before class...hurrah for at least good intentions which have the possibility of being accomplished!

I will now show you a few pieces of my week in NY.
It was so neat to be re-inspired to make art, with great art friends, and more galleries and exhibits than I had time to see.

Waiting for the subway, always one of my favorite parts of traveling in a city. Although, NY doesn't have as organized of a system or as clean as other underground systems I have experienced. Still, very fun to watch so many different kinds of people, squished together for 3 minutes at a time, then to never see each other again.

In SoHo, I just happened to run into one of my FAVORITE furniture stores,
Design Within Reach.
It was a surprise that made me scream and ask permission to sit in and take pictures of beautiful furniture I will only imagine having.

This is part of the magnificent view inside the Guggenheim Museum. Frank Lloyd Wright designed the fabulous structure, obviously intentionally designed for a cohesive space in which one is able to view art and share that experience with other viewers around them. I wish I could give you a video going around and up and down the circular path inside the building, you will just have to go see it for yourself! Being inside this museum was one of the times I felt thankful that I am able to enjoy art and have been exposed to some of it's world.

When in New York, you also at times, are required to be a tourist.
This happened to be the day in the city that the subway flooded and we walked miles in unplanned shoes. It was hotter than any day of my summer in kansas city. mmm mmm.

The first Macy's which takes up an entire block, and every floor is used for retail.
(this is for you, grandma barbara!)

I am so thankful for the art department I get to call home, and for the kind teachers who plan trips like these, trips that remind you why you are doing what you are.

After NY, I was able to spend one more week in KC- to soak up enough humidity for the next year, to be fortunate enough to see my dear friends move into their new home, and say some good byes for now.
My kind father and I then drove west, only making a one hour detour out of the way into Colorado instead of Wyoming, when we were more worried about a policeperson on our side, than we were about taking the correct exit.

Here is the steady Idaho sky I saw an hour away from Nampa. From one desert to another.

live from new york, it is friday night

2007-08-10T22:19:00.000-06:00

I have not been doing my part in our conversation this past week, I am sorry.I want to thank you, my friends and family for reading and responding and keeping in touch through this wonderful thing called the internet.
I guess my tardiness is due to the stressful ending of my internship. Projects that I wanted to completely finish before I left were taking longer and there were a lot of "final duties", but more than that I was feeling sad and overwhelmed that it was all ending. You know, questioning if I had done all that I could have and wondering if I appreciated it enough while in it. I think I lived in the moment and it felt great. I have been out of town the past couple of days and it feels weird not being in kansas and missouri.

but i have been in a great place...new york city! I am here with the art department from NNU on an art history tour. it is wonderful. i have been taking photos of course but forgot my cord, so pictures to come. Similar to how I felt after traveling to Europe last summer, it has been incredible to see that art is not just a hobby that an "artsy" person chooses to take on, but a vital, important part of culture. We have been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (which was incredible, I have to go back to see the rest), the Frick Collection, which is a mansion of a family who accumulated a vast amount of work from 12th century alter pieces to Van Eck, Rembrandt and Whistler. It is rewarding to see pieces in their greatness after seeing them in inches in history books. Also my wonderful art history, drawing and painting teacher Amanda, who is leading the trip had her new york artist friend take us around Chelsea, New York, to lots of independent galleries. That has maybe been the most exciting outing yet, seeing contemporary art as it is happening and having people to discuss it with! I want to get back and make things right now!

We can choose what we do with our evenings and meals and there have been many savory restaurants we have stumbled upon...tonight was sushi!

I don't have much wit or pondered conclusions to write of, but I am having a blessed week and wanted to say hello to you my friends.

ps-I found out minimum wage was raised to $5.85 in Nampa! even if it was forced, we're movin on up.

good night and good wishes

(thanks for your note uncle larry!)

mmm

2007-07-31T15:37:00.000-06:00

The president and vice presidents of the publishing house take the interns out to lunch in shifts. Today was my day, and oh what a day it was! Before ordering they told us not to hold back, so I did not. This was the best restaurant meal I have had all summer.
To start my friend and I split crab and tomatillo-corn cakes, yellow tomato emulsion.
For my entree I ordered grilled beef tenderloin with roasted asparagus in a red wine demi glace and pommes william- which were these incredible potatoes with a fried outside shell in the shape of a pear. When you opened the pear, brie drizzled out! I wish I had a picture.
For dessert I had a lemon custard topped with raspberries.

When first trying meal, the president who I was sitting next to, told the rest of the table, "I think Kylee's getting saved all over again down here"

The art department had an afternoon tea for Adam, the other art intern, and me. My last day here is Friday. I am not looking forward to this ending. I can't believe how easy it was to feel like I belong here. I am thankful.

My friend Mandy was in kansas city on Saturday. Mandy and I had most design classes together at NNU and she and I went to Europe last summer on an art history tour. It felt like no time had passed, except now we were talking about design jobs instead of design homework. It was so fun to walk around town and equally enjoy stops like the paper source (the most incredible stationary store I have ever been inside)
Mandy graduated in the spring, so when we said good bye, it was so strange to think, there is no guaranteed next time to see each other. I have a feeling this will happen with many in the next couple of years. great.

a week of sorts

2007-07-27T17:43:00.000-06:00

Twice this week I tried to water ski. Notice the word "tried". My friends were so patient and encouraging, and I probably tried to get up 50 times between the 2 days. Wow, that sounds ridiculous.
I have never been winter skiing and I dislike roller skating and ice skating because I either end up on the railing like a baby or "friends" take my hand and drag me around on the rink, while I'm praying I don't knock my teeth out. So the fact that I couldn't get up on the skis for more than 2 seconds before falling over wasn't that surprising, but I really wanted to get it. After my second evening of pursuit on the lake, we passed a girl who looked 4 years of age, gliding along effortlessly on her skis- my desire to achieve this awkward task increased.
Surprisingly enough, you are still incredibly sore the next day whether you ski across the entire lake, or fall 50 times. Boy am I feeling that everywhere!
I write to tell you this because, all week I envisioned a post on this blog, exclaiming my accomplishment with a picture to prove it. I can't really do that yet, but I wonder if I needed to admit my weakness before I could flaunt my athletic ability or simply, balance.
I'm going out to try again Monday, we shall see!

Earlier this week, I was called in by the book people. Very nice people, some of my favorite here at nph. They started by saying "now, you did everything we asked you to but, "
then started the running of my nervous thoughts. They continued to explain that they really liked the book cover I did for them, but after further editing of the content and showing the author, they realized the cover was too happy and light. The subtitle is "staying on course through life's changing circumstances" and I learned that the majority of the writing is from the perspective of being in a place you really don't want to be, but trusting God to get you through.
One of the editors saw my first cover (see previous post for image) as the blindfolded bird as being stuck, not knowing where to turn, but they have this internal compass guiding them. That is mostly what it was meant to suggest. The other editors and the author however saw the cover saying "well, I'll just walk blindly by faith and everything will be okay".
They said they needed the new cover in 4 days because stores need images for online sales. I was up for the new challenge but felt rushed in such a short time.
I write all of this, not to complain but explain why you won't be seeing the previous cover after all and to tell how much I learned from this experience of really working for your client.

For those who care to read more, one more story of the week-
Wednesday afternoon I was walking out to my car to head to the lake to attempt to ski. I didn't make it to the lake that day. I realized I left my keys in my friend's car while out on a donut run. (reason #20 not to eat donuts) Five minutes go by and I remember my brilliant dad, who knows my tendencies, put an emergency key in a hidden box underneath my car! After finding that, I went to start my car, and it would start for about three seconds and then quit. Some nice co-workers grabbed their spark plugs to help me, and they didn't work. 3 other nice co-workers wanted to try their spark plugs and they didn't work! 7 o'clock and the tow truck arrived. The past two days the mechanics can not figure out what is wrong. So I'm preparing myself for a huge bill or not having a car. Well, my dad called the mechanics today when I couldn't really understand what they were talking about. After they talked a while, they figured out that the key I was using was the spare key.
The spare key only unlocks the doors to the car, and isn't made to start the car.
and I thought the water skiing inability sounded ridiculous.
Thank you men at work for attempting to help!
Sorry mom and dad about the towing and worrying!
Thank you Todd and Melissa for loaning a vehicle!
Wow.
Well, it won't happen again!

After I have been honest, and you have read, I wish you a happy weekend.
Tomorrow I will work some, my friend Mandy from college will be in town and we will have lunch, then in the evening I will view some MLB! I have tickets to watch the Kansas City Royals lose to the Texas Rangers.

ps-
my friend travis was kind enough to share his opinion and some questions about my previous post. I will respond in the comments section of that post if you wish to read.

magic markers still exist

2007-07-25T12:49:00.001-06:00

There is an assumption that the computer has taken over the art world. While the use of the computer has provided many advances in art and about everything else, I have seen that the old skills of hands and mind are still essential in making art. For this I am glad.
At NNU, the art department views the computer as a wonderful tool but believes that simply knowing the computer and memorizing functions does not make one a graphic artist. Because of this view I have been exposed to many mediums and many ideas. It is so enjoyable to blend a few different techniques into one piece.

I was reminded of the elementary forms of art still being used today at work. Below is a picture of my office neighbor Rick, who yes, is drawing with magic marker and highlighters on paper plates.

the hulls (and all their married names) had a reunion

2007-07-23T08:40:00.000-06:00

wonderful aunt aarlie

For the first time I flew to visit my family, then when vacation was over, I flew back home, to a place that isn't the boise airport. a weird feeling. not a bad feeling, just new.

My great grandparents Lee and Reeda Hull died a few years ago. It's okay, it was time, but while they were on earth, they sure did a great job. Of a lot of things I am sure. One of the greatest contributions I believe they made was instilling love in their children and the understanding of the importance of passing on that love to others.

cousins kylee, kaylee and kallee are named for great grandpa lee, along with about 16 others having lee somewhere in their name.

From my first November to my 16th, Lee and Reeda and her siblings who were still living, and all of Lee and Reeda's children, grandchildren and great grandchildren would meet for a wonderful thanksgiving meal. Every year, every one was responsible to bring their designated dish, so the consistent tastes have become essential to the proper thanksgiving in my mind. Every year my grandpa Jerry or great uncle Larry (great uncle sounds so old, he's not that old), who are twins by sight but not personality, would organize a sharing time, so that at least for that day of the year we could connect as family.

papa jerry and great-uncle larry

This was always one of my favorite days of the year. Because of schedules and I'm sure many reasons, thanksgiving doesn't happen like that anymore. We still have that sharing time, it just looks a little different. It's a lot of sharing in 4 days to last 2 years!
This year the reunion was at Paul and Roxie's in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Beautiful AND has humid-clear Northwest air! Thanks to another very generous great uncle (thank you Norman!) I was able to fly west for the weekend and attend. It was such a gift. I am so glad almost everyone was able to come.

Some highlights of our time include:

-cousin Macalister making up songs for us to dance to on the trampoline, such as "I want to be a pine cone, pine cone"
-wonderful food.especially the thai/indian night with frozen sorbet following, el salvador coffee, and the sandwich gorging after the long bike ride
-did i say bike ride? yes not 14 miles on a one speed, as I was told, but 17 miles! which feels a lots longer when you're expecting 14 and your legs just can't push any faster. But what a beautiful ride!

mom and cousin david
-speaking of bicycles, my cousin David (mostly his wife, cousin Laurie) GAVE me a beautiful original orange schwinn bicycle! Painted on the side is the name, "the collegiate"-so fitting for my last year of undergraduate which is quickly approaching.

-I enjoyed being around cousin Cole very much. In the above picture we are playing a game. he is the only one in the cat lovers line, while everyone else stands with the dogs.

-cousins Sam and Levi taught me how to calmly hold a wild bird. i'm so country now. wyoming roommates would be proud
-playing 'up and down the river' and being reminded of how cousin heather makes me laugh

-successfully making my favorite salad in bulk and for the first time. Melissa's wonderful poppy seed, almond, strawberry, mandarin salad.

cousins beau and bethany
-you know when someone understands you or what you're trying to say and you don't have to explain what you usually would? cousin Beth did that for me. i love her.

-our nightly devotional time followed by game time. i was surrounded by wise, interesting, dedicated people.
-most of all i am very thankful for the conversations I had with the 40 family members present.It was an honor to hear what they have been doing and who they have continue to become.

cousins olivia, kaylee, gentry and sister kadyn around the nightly camp fire.

Feeling close to home made me miss all of my Nampa family.(oregon too!)
I hope all of you, my loved ones are having a fantastic summer.

fish are jumping and the cotton is high

2007-07-18T09:19:00.000-06:00

I am realizing there are two kinds of summers. Well three. Two common types of summers as you are transitioning into adulthood.
There's of course the summer of a child in a pool, with a couple weeks of camp, mosquitos and the constant smell of barbecue. The carefree summer of a child is where the ideal of summer comes from. But headed towards reality I am realizing there were two common kinds of summers.
One that is planned as a dream of relaxation with no responsibility. A summer where you take a job as a part-time barista and clean a couple of classrooms- the bare minimum, because this is your summer, your time, a break. About three weeks into this kind of summer you become disgusted with boredom, daytime television and the walls of your house. You long for things to need to get done, routine, tasks, a role to fill that consists of more than pouring steamed milk over two shots. You tell yourself to soak it up, thinking 'I'll miss this', but really the kiddie pool summer now feels a little cramped.
There's another kind of summer. One where you apply, audition, pay for and hope for that ambitious opportunity. Because that is what it would look like to take advantage of all that this speedy world has to offer. Right? But a couple weeks into the 12 hour a day sports camp, honors classes that cram a year's worth of content into a month and a 1/2 or in my past case, traveling to a different town each day promoting a school you forgot you actually attended and not only sold. These summers seem more draining than rewarding- until the end when you look back. But would you go do it all over again? And you decide to sign up the next year, because why not? Why not stretch yourself? You're supposed to do something. Achieve something. Or maybe you think of the alternative and you feel less guilty choosing the latter.
Is this what summer has become? Is this what rodeo cheering, fair riding, crickets listening, ice cream truck running, lemonade sipping summer has become?
I thought so. I unknowingly narrowed summer down into these two options.
Then there is this other kind of summer. A time when you're not thinking about what would be better. A time you're not thinking about what is over there, someone else's position, or what comes next.
Because you want to be right where you are. A place where you're discovering you really do enjoy and are able to do what you've decided to do. A time when you would be okay with extending the weeks some. A summer with people around you who love so well. A summer when you're learning because you want to. A summer that even includes of couple of evenings of boating, when you can't help but smile because of how beautiful it is. A summer you know won't happen this way again. A summer you want to freeze. A summer I am blessed to call mine, for right now.

i went to st. louis

2007-07-17T09:04:00.000-06:00

It is funny how close cities are to cities when you go further east. So close that you venture out on these things called "day trips" that seem great, easy, doable- until you're on your way home, alone, and really just want to sleep. 4 hours to St. Louis from Kansas City is a lot nicer than the 7 hours from Nampa to Portland, but now after making the drive, I do not recommend making both trips in the same day.

I am glad I went. My brother, Cody was in St. Louis for the Nazarene Youth Conference held every four years. It was very fun spending the day with him and seeing he and his friends had grown up. A fun transition to see, which seemed to happen fast.

Here Cody and I are standing next to the foot I designed for the publishing house's exhibit. All of the 16 different feet were this tall. The security was so tight (which is probably a good thing), so people from work had to sneak me in.

For your enjoyment, I will tell you a short story about the drive there.
I had been helping Idaho's reputation all morning by not driving slowly and not cutting people off...until I stopped in Jefferson City to get gas. I chose a gas station having a sale. So did 5 million other drivers. After getting a snack, I quickly ran back to my car and started driving away, so the line of cars behind me could get their chance. I made it about 8 feet, then I felt a forceful pull. What could that be? I turned to look in my mirrors and saw that I had forgotten to put my gas pump back in it's holster. And I had managed to pull the entire hose out of it's place and I now had the pump and hose dragging with my car.
So much for quickly helping out the fellow drivers at the gas station, so much for helping Idaho drivers' reputation, so much for not feeling like a fool.
I then returned the pump (what could I really do with it), apologized and made my way back to the interstate.
thank you, thank you very much

On the drive home that evening, there was lightning to keep me awake and God and I had a great time. All in all a good saturday in st. louis.

true north

2007-07-11T13:36:00.000-06:00

Finally, here is the book cover.
The subtitle is "staying on course through life's changing circumstances".
The last week or so we were going over colors, there were many options. I initially thought these colors were too cold, but with the migrating bird concept, it should look cold over warm, and the author talks about her experience of many changes while being in Alaska, so the editors decided on the blues and this is the final cover. I really enjoyed the whole process and having my client be the author and the editors. The editors I worked with are wonderful and gave me a lot of freedom.

Speaking of book covers, yesterday a few of us were asked to help my friend Chad in a photo shoot for a book he's working on about the growing church. The only instruction I had was to hold my hand out in this position, and he would later do some photoshop work and "it would all make sense". (I was NOT holding the gun, nor will I ever)
This morning when I showed up to work, he thought he was pretty funny. He said the expression called for a weapon.
Thankfully, there is a different version he is working on!

a summer sunday

2007-07-09T09:05:00.000-06:00

a day filled with a fabulous sunday school lesson, barbecue brisket, glow in the dark mini-golf, oreo blizzards, teaching minors poker, and boating at sunset with 80s tunes blaring, makes me wonder what I ever complained about.

Here are some pictures of boating with the Fryes.

Here Logan and I are on the beautiful lake where we go boating. I'm usually working when the real sun is out, so I'm still the pale self everyone is used to, not to worry.

Watching new friend Scott wake board. He is the first I have met that could give my mom a run for her money in knowing 70s and 80s pop/rock.

Brennan is so brave, when we go tubing together he wants to go faster than I

look at that.

Melissa and I singing the parts but maybe not the right words to the music.
What a good summer.

Here is Landen with his two cousins, my new friends, Grace and Ben on this great 3 man couch like tube. Though willing to take part in the adventure, I enjoyed sitting and supporting the daring yesterday. They did awesome.

When Brennan saw my car from across the parking lot, without taking a breath, concerned, he asked, "kylee, your car broken?" So yes, the missing hubcap is enough to cause concern for three year olds.

Tell me about your weekend!

an ode to one of the most influential in my life.

2007-07-06T12:09:00.000-06:00

Today my favorite professor, Jonathan Bouw stopped in Kansas City to have breakfast with Brandon, JR and I. (Brandon and JR work at NPH full time and studied under Jonathan at NNU). He and his family are moving to Indiana where he will change the art department at Taylor University-similar to the wonderful work he did at NNU for 10 years.

What a passionate, truly caring and loving, funny, genuine man of God. I am a designer today because of him and his influence. His teaching was phenomenal and as students we could see the validity in what he was teaching by our changed view of the beauty in the world around us. After the guys and I dropped him off, we were thinking about the gift we were given of knowing him, we don't even know the extent of that blessing.

I wanted to share the great time and hard good bye of today. To a friend and teacher who deserves many thanks.

(the book cover still has changes to be made, I will post it next week)

a good start

2007-07-03T06:54:00.000-06:00

This morning I woke up early thinking I would get an early, efficient start. As I was walking outside, (feeling sore after wrestling with a seven year old stronger than I for two hours last night), I noticed something.

What do you know, my front left hub cap is missing! I checked the others, and they didn't seem to be loose. I don't think anyone would want to steal the shiny rims my dad graciously gave me, but wouldn't I have heard it falling off? It looks bad.

After I treated myself to an uplifting double shot raspberry white mocha (light flavor), I felt embarrassed getting out of my car. But really, should it matter?

Oh let me be humbled with my ugly tire-d car.
(hopefully only for a couple days)

i will be ready to show the book cover tomorrow, I am finalizing the type.

Here are a couple more pictures of some of my intern friends. Unfortunately, they start leaving next week. What great girls.

there is also rain

2007-06-29T08:01:00.000-06:00

Not drastic rain, rain you are still able to be positive about, and say "oh the land really needed this rain" but still the kind of rain that makes you clench your jaw when walking across the street, the rain you plan on having a bad hair day with.

Similar to the weather here the last couple of days, I have for the first time in this internship felt the struggle. How good for me, I know. I hit the kind of wall that I am still able to be positive about and say " in order to produce good work, effort and time is required and sometimes you must conquer something that you before did not know how to handle." But it's still the kind of struggle where I doubt my ability, wonder why it's not turning out as great as it looks like it should in my head, and the kind of doubt that makes me want to listen to a sermon while working more than music.

Some rain that is a good change of pace, but requires shoes other than heels (which I tried yesterday)

The new iPhone comes out this evening. I decided to wait until they're cheaper, but I am going to go join my friend Todd in line and experience the new mac magic.

happy friday

Rahab

2007-06-26T09:48:00.000-06:00

I walked into church last night for a women's bible study. I wish I could say I anticipated the best, but I didn't, I was apprehensive with new people in a semi-new place. I was put in my place, it is the same Bible and same God we are studying! The hour was full of rich scripture and discussion and learning. I was blessed to be able to go and now I won't have to wait to be involved in a study until I go back to Idaho.

We studied Rahab, who is an incredible woman. (The woman who protected the Israelites when spying in Jericho and later she and her family were saved when the rest of the city was destroyed) I used to view her simply as someone who God used, but after studying the scripture more, I learned that part of her story is her incredible faith that surpassed all expectations in her culture. And to then know that she was the great, great grandmother of David, in the lineage of Christ?! God's grace is incredible.
I don't know if you share this in a blog or not but I really enjoyed viewing this story in a new way.

I am feeling the pressure to get these book covers finished, not simply finished but to also know that I did the best work I was able to.

To motivate my walks AWAY from the vending machine at break times I have put up a reminder on my monitor. You may view below. The pink note reads,
" i eat too much " - there's no sugar coating when talking to one self.

summer lovin of sorts

2007-06-24T13:51:00.000-06:00

I want to say thank you all for reading and replying, it's really nice to be able to correspond some with people I love.

The past couple of days at work have been filled with an intern think tank meeting. The directors asked the interns to brainstorm on what we think the church needs. That's a big question, and they left it at that, hoping the freedom of the project would let our creativity run wild. The 16 of us all working in different departments, took the Myers Briggs personality test and then we were split up into groups. We were told to come up with a couple campaigns we were passionate about that NPH could then market and produce. I really enjoy discussions like this, although we had never worked together before, so you have almost strangers discussing a subject they are very passionate about but with differing opinions. We surprisingly came up with a couple ideas that we agreed on.

The proposed project I am most excited about is material that would provide the structure and topic material for inter-generational small groups. I have experienced the wonderful benefits of a class at church at home that had inter-generational groups discussing and learning together, and it was encouraging to know that other college students from different places also see that connection as a true need in church today. We will present to the board of the publishing house Wednesday.

But I am ready to get back to my book cover now!

I once again am so thankful for my summer here. I have gotten to know a few interns pretty well. I am continually surprised at how much has been provided while being here. I was even sad when one of my intern friends, Emily left for the weekend. Already? I thank the Lord, He knows how meaningful connection is to me, and I have had many wonderful people to connect with in only three weeks. And not to forget to mention, my wonderful friends, the Fryes made their move to Kansas this weekend, and how great to be with all of them, I felt like I was at home, swiming and playing games immediately. I have been given much more than I deserve.

I hope summer lovin for all of my friends.

beautiful

2007-06-20T13:05:00.000-06:00

" joy shared is double joy
sorrow shared is half sorrow "

- a swedish proverb a friend has always shared with me and one i wish to share with my friends

here is the foot

2007-06-19T15:08:00.000-06:00

(the white isn't part of the design, this image is too small to see all, but the 3rd toe is paisley and the pinky toe is leopard)

well this specific job was interesting. I am working within Barefoot Ministry's existing logo, which is the black, and they asked me to make it feminine. One problem I have with this is that their logo is a foot print and they wanted me to design the top of a foot in that shape. But I did what they asked right? This 8 ft. foot along with 10 others, will be on display at the Nazarene Youth Conference next month. I'll have my brother go give it a massage while he's there.
I had a great meeting with the editors today and will post the 2 concepts to decide between when they are further developed.

thank you stacey for your experience and help with toe fashion!

the intern

2007-06-18T14:26:00.000-06:00

I am in a carpool with three people who work at the publishing house. They are very nice to invite me to join, so far I have been picked up for work at 6:45 and I have a half hour to chat some and wake up before work.

Well this week is my week to drive. The pressure is on. What must they feel? "Okay, the intern is going to drive us, not in a mini van but in a dodge neon, I hope we make it to work"? I feel fully confident in driving myself through a city with many interstate changes, but taking people who have made this drive themselves for at least ten years and who just met me a week and a half ago? We'll see if they show up back at the car this afternoon! They are very kind to oblige.

Friday afternoon I was given a new task. I am probably most excited about this one. I will be designing a book cover for beacon hill press, the branch of this publishing house that hires authors and sells books on amazon and at barnes and noble. It is so fun to read parts of this book and try to think of all the ways to represent what this author is wanting to share. I recently went to a book store and realized how often I pick a book up because of the design. I am aware of the responsibility I hold, but am also thrilled to work on this. The book is titled- "True North : Staying on Course through Life's Changing Circumstance", (what a fitting subject at this point in my life!)
Tomorrow I meet with the editors to discuss the concepts I have. I will post progress later and maybe we can do a vote.
Thank you for reading.
I miss you all in your different places this summer

oh happy day for fathers

2007-06-17T20:19:00.000-06:00

My dad always played games with me, we had our own version of Clue before my problem solving skills were ready for the real thing. He coached my sports teams even when we knew I wasn't very good.

Papa Jerry is someone I want to be like. He has waited for me to learn things, cheered me on while I'm getting there, and loves me in the mean time. I like how he is a friend to his friends and how he devotes time to growth and prayer.

Pop or Papa Johnny has taken time to be interested in what his grandkids are interested in and has taught me how to achieve a goal, even when starting at the very bottom.

Papa Too, my great grandpa Lee, taught me how to spell M-I-crooked letter-crooked letter-I-crooked letter, crooked letter-I-humpback-humpback-I = mississippi.

thank you to devoted men.

someday

2007-06-15T13:31:00.000-06:00

i envy this room for two reasons.
1) the colors are incredible, the almost gradient that is created with the different shades of each color, organized so well on those great shelves, mmm
2) who has time to read all of these books? maybe they're cardboard. either way, looks good

On my eighth day of work I have now found a comfortable routine, but one that does not get old, I am given new projects daily. I have decided how to explain one of the reasons this internship is so helpful.
I am being given many different kinds of projects. By doing ads, packaging, prep for printing, book covers, and 8 ft canvas feet:), I am being exposed to these different avenues which helps me decide as a student what to focus on, what I might be better or worse at, and I don't think I would ever be bored with this variety. I am fortunate, with the size of NPH, it is big enough to have many different kinds of jobs and always have incoming clients and projects, but small enough that the designers aren't stuck working for one client, but on many projects at one time. This makes in-house design look attractive compared to freelance, all the business and taxes are taken care of, you simply do the art; and there are great people around to collaborate with. I am truly being exposed to what it's like to be a designer, not a "go fetch" girl, I appreciate that. Worried that this is boring to read, I'll be finished with that talk for today...that's what I am thinking about!

Oh but how weekends are still something to look forward to... and in a few days some of my dear friends are moving to the area. what a great summer.

2012 olympics logo released

2007-06-14T19:23:00.000-06:00

80% of the voters who responded to the logo through BBC disapproved of the next olympic's logo. Many say it is hard to read "2012" and it looks like a disintegrated map of London. The designers who were paid $80,000 to create the logo say they were going for a modern influence and at least didn't put a union jack in the logo.

Anyway this is what I find interesting! What do you think? can you believe the ammount of money for this project and then the response from the public? you can read more from the washington post.

p.s. I had steak tonight!

more about my new home

2007-06-13T09:44:00.000-06:00

I am beginning to feel the humidity pain that everyone talks about being part of the mid west. Other than that, I am impressed with every part of kansas city. Last night I tried some custard which I found out was basically spectacular ice cream.

Today I received a project of working on an 8 ft. foot that will be on display at the Nazarene Youth Conference this summer for the publishing house's youth department called "Barefoot Ministry". There are several feet being made and I am designing the "feminine" one. It will be fun to design each toe differently, but a challenge to produce nice looking skin that will be 8FT! I called my friend who gets a weekly pedicure for some advice. I am picturing the holiday decals both of my grandmas used to get on their nails, maybe I won't go as far as the jack-o-lantern or snow man.

One of the hardest parts of being away from Nampa is missing a Wednesday night meeting with my dear friends at church. What a blessing those evenings are with rich prayer, learning and planning. I can still pray, just in a different seat.

Off to think about toes.
Below there are more pictures and one of my projects.

This is a book cover I did that went through final stages to be approved today.
It is a children's musical book. They asked for it to look like kids without an image of a child or a generic praise image. Thinking through the concept of a project is my favorite part and I was surprised they gave me a job where I had complete freedom to that, already.

This is my favorite place at work- the courtyard. Look at that space!
It is so peaceful to sit and listen outside or talk to a friend.

This is the work room when formatting your projects
to send to be proofed. The resources for the artists here are wonderful.

I found a coffee shop! I go about every other day
during the morning break. Yesterday I tried the almond
roca americano with steamed milk on top. They have the
same garage doors as flying m.

My friends Brandon and Kristen who both work
at the publishing house have shown me around the city
and have been so nice to include me in much of their summer fun.

Here are some of my friends on lunch break
at the filling station. I had a great salmon club
and blue cheese walnut salad. The four girls
all go or went to Olivet Nazarene in Chicago.

my first day was the annual NPH picnic. (hard first day I know)
The theme was hoedown to mirror the Vacation Bible School theme
this summer called "tumbleweed gulch". The interns were the chosen
ones to represent different departments in a relay. The art department
came in third.

Brandon, JR and I sent this to our professor
on our first day. (bandannas from the hoedown)