Owl You Need is Love

Its been a while

2011-01-15T12:20:00.000-08:00

I got a job that now takes up 40+ hours of my life each week and it cuts into my blog time, hence why I haven't posted since september. This semester of school I'm just trying to survive until I can move out of my current situation into a place where I get my own room....its time...

ok so photo update:

My cousin got married on new years eve, I was the maid of honor! this is from the bachelorette party

The wedding party

The little man got his first skateboard! and turned 3 last week!!!!!

Day 13 Someone you wish could forgive you

2010-09-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Dear All I've caused pain or hurt,

I know in all situations of my life I've felt sorry for ever causing someone pain or hurt or even inconvenience. I would hope that everyone out there would be able to forgive me even if it takes time. I have been through a good amount of hurt caused by others and have been able to forgive them and I hope the same would go for you, I love and care about you whoever you are and whatever walk of life you are in.

Love, Amarie

harumph

2010-09-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

Secrets secrets everywhere
and not an eye to see
I'll hold your hand you hold the mirror
to see what this will be.

Catch 22.

Picture of the Day

2010-09-01T13:53:00.001-07:00

My computer crashed a couple months ago and I lost all progress with my pictures a day, and then my camera broke so I guess I just gave up on it. A few days ago I realized how much I enjoyed doing it and started up again. here are all the ones I have so far:
8/27/2010

8/28/2010

8/29/2010

8/30/2010

8/31/2010

9/1/2010

Day 12 The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain

2010-09-01T13:49:00.000-07:00

you,

I don't hate you, despite all the pain you've caused me, and the stumbling blocks you've presented in my life. I know I've overcome them now, and have positively moved past all that happened. I don't hold any animosity towards you so you don't have that power over me anymore. I forgive you for it all, as angry as you still are. You need to move on to be happy and I wish you could see that but you always were obstinate.....
Stop trying to sabotage all your opportunities for happiness and a good life, you know you deserve better then how you treat yourself. I hope you grow up and figure your world out in the process. I wish you all the best in any endeavors that come your way, whether self-created or otherwise.

Amarie

Day 11 A deceased person you wish you could talk to

2010-09-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Bud,

I really miss you more and differently as time goes on. There are so many moments I experience where I stop and think how much fun you'd have or how excited I would be to tell you about it. There are so many issues that come up in my life both academically and spiritually that I wish I had you to council me on, you were always the wisest most well read person I knew. It makes me sad that I cant introduce you to all these wonderful new people in my life, but I know you really are in a better place. Yo and Ben miss you more then anyone else, and its good to have people to reminisce with. I just have to keep thinking and believing that you can see everything from where you are now, and that you're continuing to watch me grow. I miss you and I love you.

Love, Amarie

Day 10 Your Ex-boyfriend

2010-08-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

Panda,

I think that no matter what has happened between us you still know me better then anyone else. You really do know all my dirty little secrets, mostly because you've been a part of a good chunk of them, and I trust you more then most people. I will always care about you, even when I try to come off as apathetic, know that its a lie. I know our lives would be very different and probably still intertwined if I had made different choices and if our decisions hadn't drifted us apart like they did, even if the drift was only enough to cause us to not date.....I still think of you as one of my closest friends, and I'm glad we can still not only be civil with each other but continue to have a mutual friendship and understanding. I feel so scatterbrained writing this letter but you know I've always been this way. Certain things still remind me of you, and cause me to miss you and all our fun times together. We really were two peas in a pod, and I'm happy that we're both still peas even if the pod is bigger then it used to be....ha. It never takes me long to come back to you, even in friendship or whatever you want to label it as. You're the one person who I've always felt the most comfortable around and that still hasn't changed, I love never having to explain myself to you because you just get it and you always have. I love talking to you now because you remind me that I'm still the same Ames and you still know me. I know I say it too much but I really am sorry for some of the fucked up things we went through because of me, even though we never really fought, I know my choices have hurt you and it means a lot to me that you've forgiven me and still care about me. You're incredible, always have been always will be, and I always love it when we do cross paths. I can't predict the future but I can tell you that I will always think of you fondly and I hope you're never truly out of my life for good. You have one of the best hearts I know and I will always be proud to have dated you and to know you better then most everyone else. I hope you continue to be the happy guy I know you are, you really do deserve the best.

Love, Peanut
P.s. try touching your pinky to your thumb and then stopping. just try. :)

Day 9 Someone you wish you could meet

2010-08-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

I can't for the life of me think of someone who I wish I could meet, I know who my friends are and they're awesome. I know I will meet more awesome people in the future, and that is just great with me.

<3

Day 8 Your favorite internet friend

2010-08-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

I don't have any individuals that I actually consider friends that I only know from the internet, or only have contact to online. But there are people who's blogs I follow so this letter will be to one of those.

Dear Elsie Flannigan,

Your blog and life story continues to inspire me, in my opinion you are living the dream, with craft fairs, online classes, your own store in Missouri. I admire your courage and how you know what you want and then just go for it, because you know it means more to do what you love then something mediocre. So thank you for being awesome and I will continue to read your blog and be inspired to follow my dreams as well.

Love, Amarie

Day 7 Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to

2010-08-27T00:40:00.000-07:00

My Dearest Anonymous Darling,

I have considered you one of my best friends since that first magical night when we talked forever, despite the depressing topic and incidence that brought us together. Our lives seem to rarely cross paths anymore, and it makes even phone calls difficult to accomplish. I miss you more then you know, I miss the days when I saw you daily, walked with you daily, and ate with you daily. It was so simple then, being so close took almost no effort, as if we were meant to always be there for each other. I am trying and I know you are too, to never loose what we have, even when outside factors try to tear us apart. We are stronger than them, what we have is more powerful and lasting. If I could I'd see you everyday and be content, and maybe someday we'll be back to that place. We've been through so many other tough times before and availed and this is no different. I love you deeply and dearly and I always will, no matter what and you know that with all your heart.
May your life continue to bring you happiness and I hope you continue to surround yourself with happy smiley infectious people (you once referred to me as one of those)
I miss you and will never forget all you've done for me.

with all the love I posses,
Your Forever Best Friend

Day 6 A Stranger

2010-08-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

Dear You,

Take your time, don't make hasty decisions. Decide now who you want to rule your world, your heart or your mind, because, baby, it makes all the difference. Escapism only helps in the short run of things, your problems can always seem to run as fast or faster then you and they're masters at hide and go seek. Look to the people left and right, we shouldn't look for a change in the sky. It's a life we share, we must dispel that illusion here. The biggest step and the hardest stretch is to find the peace within ourselves... Sometimes, loving a person isn't enough to make a relationship work, trust me, I've lived a few examples. If you get to know me I promise I'm not that terrible of a person, no matter how I look on paper, but don't fall in love with me. Loving a free thing is pointless and will only end in heartbreak. I wish I could give you more advice but I'm so exhausted right now I can't see straight.

Love, Amarie

Day 5 My dreams

2010-08-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

Dear Dreams,

I know you, I know what I want; and I make it my goal to achieve you. My bucket list will be completed eventually, I plan to accomplish that. I promise to follow and fulfill you as best I can. I know the big one of Med school is the hardest for me to follow, and I bounce around with whether or not I'll go, but I believe it will mean more to me to accomplish that then whatever else I'd choose to do instead and therefore I will try my best to make that my ultimate goal right now. I constantly decide I can't accomplish you because there's so many of you and they're all complicated, as are my ambitions and I need to have more self confidence with that, I hope to someday lean back in my rocking chair and be able to say: "welp my dreams all came true, I did everything I wanted to, went everywhere I wanted to go and met all the people I could and yes it was hard work but its worth it now". I have the drive, I know I can do it, I'm more motivated then ever right now in my life.
In regards to my daydreams, I let my mind drift to all those scary and elusive "what ifs" my life could hold. I know you're in my head and shouldn't convince myself of false realities even when it seems easier. You're not real, and I need to face reality and not lie to myself about who I am, how I process things, or what I feel. I think you help me create false emotions and mess with my heart and my head. You cause me to over think most everything in life and I will choose to ignore you as best I can.

Love, Amarie

Day 4 My Sibling

2010-08-24T00:02:00.001-07:00

Dear Andy,

You were my best friend growing up, I want to be you so badly, I thought you were the coolest thing ever. I always looked up to you and I will continue to do so. You've always set a good example for me and even when you mess up and make mistakes I learn from them. Brother, you're a great guy, with many talents, and I'm so proud of you, for graduating, for pursuing a career that I know you'll love, and following your heart. I am so sorry we don't cross paths as much anymore and that our lives are so busy we have trouble finding time to even talk, I miss you so much but I know we will see each other soon. Don't get into too much trouble, and try not to break too many hearts even though we both know that Grindstaff charm makes us irresistible.

Love, Ames

Day 3 My Parents

2010-08-23T23:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Mom and Dad,

Ive always appreciated you guys being so honest with me about the realities of human personality and nature, as well as relationships. You've watched me make many mistakes and just let me go as the free thing I am and when I'm caught like a deer in headlights you help me find my way. As hard as its been on you, you've always done whats best for me even when it hurt you and I'm grateful. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye but I'll always love you.

Love, Amarie

Day 2 My Crush

2010-08-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

Dear My Crush,

With your head pounding harder than your heart, and you feel that you're stuck where you are. With your lungs filled with smoke, and you know that you're heading towards the dark. When it seems like this scene never ends, then the least you can do is pretend that the life you've been living is leading you out of the dark. We have so little time, let's not spend it in anger. I'm stuck in between two worlds in a maze of dreams and thoughts. What a bittersweet symphony life is but I wouldn't have it any other way. Our stories have since been written, but what I question is, at who's decision? It's hidden in the mystery of our adjusted history. Where we only find misery. But I know it doesn't stop what we can be. Our hope is exponential if we can reach our full potential.

why stop dreaming when you wake up?

Time flies by....

2010-08-21T11:45:00.001-07:00

I found this picture on my computer and couldn't believe how fast time flies by, my munchkins grow up so fast, its hard to stop and savor each moment and stage they go through.

Molly, Natalie and I in 2006

This is us last weekend.....all the sudden they're so grown up

Day 1 My Best Friend

2010-08-21T09:57:00.000-07:00

My darling Erin,

You can not possibly have any idea how much you mean to me, and how much I value you being in my life despite all the things we've been through. I will never understand how you can continue to be my best friend in spite of the fact that you've seen me in my lowest moments, watched me make some of the worst choices and royally mess up my life, to the point where I pushed you away. And yet you always welcomed me back with open arms, making me feel like the prodigal son, this just makes it so evident to me how big and generous your heart is, how incredible and caring of a person you are. Even though I've screwed up time and time again, and you've watched me destroy myself you've never left me, you're always supportive. There are many moments we've shared that I'll never forget, me trying to convince you to tell me who you liked in 6th grade by using your sleep talking as a weapon, hanging out at FMT concerts, random church events, and how distant we were in high school. And then college came, I grew up and started acting (a little) more responsible and you welcomed me back not only into your life but into your home, and now we're roommates. This past year has been the best of my life, and I attribute a good huge chunk of that to you, how goofy and creative you are, how much fun we can have doing absolutely nothing and yet laughing our butts off at 3am for no reason. You're the kindest person I know, you always put others before yourself and I commend you for that because sometimes I can be selfish, you try so hard to be the best person you can be and in my book you're the top, the bee's knees. I am so sorry for all I've ever done that's hurt you or made you angry, I am trying so hard from this point on in our lives to be the best friend I can possibly be for you, because you deserve the best. I have to thank you profusely for the times when you've held my hand when I needed you to, and helped me take steps in my life that I don't think I could have done alone, I know that the place I'm in right now with my relationship with God and with myself is because of how you've helped me and been a shining example throughout my life, you've done more for me then anyone else I know and I am so blessed to have you in my life and I will never loose you again, no matter where we are or what we go through, be it living in different countries, or marriage, or hardships, because we've proven time and time again that our friendship will last no matter what hits us. You truly are my sister and my best friend, through thick and thin. I love you Erin, don't you ever forget that you wonderful wonderful girl.

Love, your Ames
P.S. WE GET TO LIVE TOGETHER

M.I.A.

2010-08-21T09:50:00.000-07:00

I've been M.I.A. recently and no, I don't mean the singer. I started this blog wanting to have a place to document my pictures and thoughts, a place where I could just be me and not care (isn't thats what the internet is for? anonymity?) So I decided to do one of those 30 days of blogging challenges despite the fact that my next 30 days are incredibly busy, I need this challenge to force myself to spend time with me which I have trouble with. I had a friend who did a 30 days of letters challenge and I thought that one sounded the most fun, I plan to include pictures as best I can, despite the fact that I've also been lacking on taking them recently (again, a needed challenge)

Day 1 — Your Best Friend
Day 2 — Your Crush
Day 3 — Your Parents
Day 4 -- Your Sibling (or close relative)
Day 5 — Your dreams
Day 6 — A stranger
Day 7 — Someone you don’t talk to as much as you’d like to
Day 8 — Your favorite internet friend
Day 9 — Someone you wish you could meet
Day 10 — Your Ex-boyfriend
Day 11 — A deceased person you wish you could talk to
Day 12 — The person you hate most/caused you a lot of pain
Day 13 — Someone you wish could forgive you
Day 14 — Someone you’ve drifted away from
Day 15 — The person you miss the most
Day 16 — Someone that’s not in your state/country
Day 17 — Someone from your childhood
Day 18 — The person that you wish you could be
Day 19 — Someone that pesters your mind—good or bad
Day 20 — The one that broke your heart the hardest
Day 21 — Someone you judged by their first impression
Day 22 — Someone you want to give a second chance to
Day 23 — The last person you kissed
Day 24 — The person that gave you your favorite memory
Day 25 — The person you know that is going through the worst of times
Day 26 — The last person you made a pinky promise to
Day 27 — The friendliest person you knew for only one day
Day 28 — Someone that changed your life
Day 29 — The person that you want tell everything to, but too afraid to
Day 30 — Your reflection in the mirror

so here goes, I'll do my best!

Vacation!

2010-07-23T09:43:00.001-07:00

Matt and I went on vacation! we flew in to Kansas city, stayed with his parents for a week and then drove to Monogahala, Penn. and on the way we stopped to visit various family members, fun antique stores and the occasional bathroom :) it was good bonding time and we had lots of goofy moments.
This is Matt's grandparents house in Pennsylvania, its gorgeous there

fun antique store

Matt played some piano

this place was HUUUGE I kid you not, biggest antique mall I've ever set foot in

I love porch swings

ok I almost wept when matt dragged me away from this section of an antique store in Ohio....so many pretty owls needing homes!

We went to German Village near Columbus Ohio, everything was made of brick it was so beautiful!

My Uncle and Matt played some awesome music together

:) my favorite state

My cousins room in Omaha, this is maaaaybe 1/10 of his collection

my cousin lives in this super cute 1950s apartment building, her place is so adorable and clean

my favorite place to eat back east besides Culvers

Life is busier then ever

Update

2010-06-16T11:33:00.001-07:00

I haven't blogged in what feels like forever. I'm sorry Ive been so MIA, and lots has happened since my last post!
here's a quick fill in:

My darling brother graduated from CSULB and we took him out for some BBQ, I'm so proud of him!

He's a goof! and now has an internship at ktla!

There he is!

We went through the linen closet and found lots of cute forgotten things :)

Went on adventures with these 2 guys, Caleb and my Hermano. I adore these guys :)

continued helping Alex out with his youth ministry, its rewarding and fun, even during the difficult moments

we get to play a lot!

Adventures in bookstores!

Matt hung out with my kids. Molly became pretty attached

He wrote her a song and she loved it!

Matt and I got some boba and some cigars and enjoyed dates in parks!

MyMatt got me a disneyland pass and we've had some awesome times there

We went to a bunch of antique stores looking at (rings)! tehe!!

:)

My Best Friend

2010-05-15T08:04:00.000-07:00

Another introduction: this is Alex. He's my brother, and my best friend, definitely besides MyMatt he is my best guy friend. I love him! He's graduating today with a BA in youth ministry and I'm so proud! He's such a creative guy with such a huge capacity for love

This is Alex and his buddy Billy, one of the kids in our youth group

Alex and Caleb :)

woooo tricycle!

I think we look drunk in this picture but thats Perrier!

I love this book.

2010-05-11T01:24:00.001-07:00

"I Like You"
By Sandol Stoddard warburg

I like you because you are a good person to like.
I like you because when I tell you something special,
you know it’s special.
And you remember it a long, long time.
You say, Remember when you told me something special
And both of us remember?
When I think something is important
you think it’s important too.
We have good ideas.
When I say something funny,
you laugh. I think I’m funny
and you think I’m funny too. Hah-hah!
I like you because you know where I’m ticklish.
And you don’t tickle me there,
except just a little tiny bit sometimes.
But if you do, then I know where to tickle you too.
You know how to be silly
That’s why I like you.
Boy are you ever silly.
I never met anybody sillier than me
till I met you. I like you because
you know when it’s time to stop being silly.
Maybe day after tomorrow.
Maybe never.
Too late, it’s a quarter past silly.
Sometimes we don’t say a word.
We snurkle under fences.
We spy secret places.
If I am a goofus on the roofus hollering my head off,
You are one too.
If I pretend I am drowning,
you pretend you are saving me.
If I am getting ready to pop a paper bag,
then you are getting ready to jump.
HOORAY!
That’s because you really like me.
You really like me, don’t you?
And I really like you back.
And you like me back and I like you back.
And that’s the way we keep on going every day.
If you go away, then I go away too;
or if I stay home, you send me a postcard.
You don’t just say,
Well see you around sometime, bye!
I like you a lot because of that.
If I go away, I send you a postcard too.
And I like you because
if we go away together,
And if we are in Grand Central Station,
And if I get lost
Then you are the one that is yelling for me.
And I like you because
when I am feeling sad
You don’t always cheer me up right away.
Sometimes it is better to be sad.
You can’t stand the others
being so googly and gaggly every single minute.
You want to think about things.
It takes time.
I like you because if I am mad at you,
Then you are mad at me too.
It’s awful when the other person isn’t.
They are so nice and hoo-hoo
you could just about punch them in the nose.
I like you because if I think I
am going to throw up,
then you are really sorry.
You don’t just pretend you are busy
looking at the birdies and all that.
You say, maybe it was something you ate.
You say, the same thing happened to me one time.
And the same thing did.
If you find two four-leaf clovers,you give me one.
If I find four, I give you two.
If we only find three, we keep on looking.
Sometimes we have good luck,
and sometimes we don’t. If I break my arm,
and if you break your arm too,
Then it’s fun to have a broken arm.
I tell you about mine, you tell me about yours.
We are both sorry.
We write our names and draw pictures.
We show everybody
and they wish they had a broken arm too.
I like you because
I don’t know why
but Everything that happens is nicer with you.
I can’t remember when I didn’t like you.
It must have been lonesome then.
I like you because because because
I forget why I like you, but I do.
So many reasons.
On the 4th of July
I like you because it’s the 4th of July. On the fifth of July,
I like you too. If you and I had some drums
and some horns and some horses,
If we had some hats and some flags
and some fire engines,
We could be a HOLIDAY.
We could be a CELEBRATION.
We could be a WHOLE PARADE.
See what I mean?
Even if it was the 999th of July,
Even if it was August,
Even if it was way down at the bottom of November,
Even if it was no place particular in January,
I would go on choosing you.
And you would go on choosing me.
Over and over again.
That’s how it would happen every time.
I don’t know why.
I guess I don’t know why I really like you.
Why do I like you.
I guess I just like you.
I guess I just like you.
because I like you.
I like you and I know why.

Wonderful

2010-05-09T23:06:00.001-07:00

I finally got a new camera, so I can snap pictures like crazy

Just some fun pictures of all the pretty things I saw this weekend. :) pretty inspiring things are my favorite reason to snap pictures other then love :)

Things I love: A list

2010-05-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

This is a list of various things that I love RIGHT THIS SECOND!

Holding hands! I think its so special and it makes me feel loved :)

Liberty of london prints!

France! and anything French!

Folk music

L. Frank Baum, his writing, and the illustrations from the original books

Birds. I'd never keep one in a cage but I just love them

Very decorated walls, I'm visual, I like to have lots to look at and I really don't like white space...

Dancing, where ever, whenever, all the time. its fun and you can't help but smile :)

Passion! and passion that comes from a deep love

Tea! Oh man I love a hot cup of tea, and also because of this picture, a hot cup of tea and some vogue

Jason Robert Brown. incredible.

James Stewart!

Inspiring, original artwork. This is a piece done by Elsie Flannigan.

Beautiful vintage dresses. (I collect them, this is actually one from my personal collection)

Color me Katie.

Cigarettes. oh so delicious and oh so bad for me.....vices

Boats, mainly just models of them, I love things with lots of detail.

Old books, I love the character of them, the smell, the feel, and emotion they exude.

very elegant, well done tattoos.

Buttons!

Yarn!

there's so much more to things I love, because I love so much and see so much beauty in everything.

Things I love: Bubble Tea

2010-05-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

Its called Boba by most people in California (because thats the actual name) and Bubble tea by most other states. But either way i adore it, I love how you can have so many choices of flavors and gummies, I love love love Lollicup, and the classic boba with snow (which is like a slushie) my favorite flavor is a mix between tangerine and mango. I love how pretty they look, the feeling in my mouth, how I can launch them from my straw and they stick to things! Everything about this drink is happy happy happy and I adore it!

Things I love: Maps

2010-04-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

I love maps, I love how elegant they look, and how many creative things they can be used for, globes as well. They inspire me, to create beautiful things and to travel. More then most other things in my life I long to travel the world, meet all the people, and see all the different culture. I love the lines and the ability to see humanity's work in civilizing the world, how simple a map seems and yet how complex it is, how they can make us feel so tiny and so found, American's fear the unknown, and thus we created maps, so we always know where we are headed and how we should get there.

My Bathing Suit

2010-04-27T20:41:00.001-07:00

So I have an appointment on May 15th to get my first hip tattoo! (I have 7 other tattoos, and I will do a tattoo post soon) But I didnt want to wear my underwear for it because of the size it would be so much easier to get a tie bottom bikini, and I have never really bought a bikini before due to self consciousness, I also don't swim enough to really need a bathing suit, but I wanted to develop that confidence in my physical appearance. So I set out on the hunt for a two piece bathing suit that really suited me, and fit my style and budget, and I finally found this one, its so brightly colored, I like the cut, it works for its purpose, and it was in my price range!

and even better then that, its reversible!!!!!!! twice as nice! I got it at Target!

I plan to use this purchase as an excuse to actually show off my tattoos, and maybe even go to the beach this summer!

Favorite movies part 4

2010-04-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

An American in Paris.
I lovelovelove this musical. the lyrics, the composition of the music, and visual aspects of it. Not to mention my adoration of Gene Kelly and his choreographing abilities. The acting is flawless and its just such a romantic movie, but really, its about a painter in Paris who falls in love, how could I NOT fall in love with this movie.....

I'm in an visually emotional place today

2010-04-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

A Night to Remember

2010-04-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

these two pictures sum up my night almost perfectly.

pile of books, world's smartest man who procrastinated, my awesome new mint muckaluck from Joshua Tree, and a very strong sense of devotion.

His face says it all "I've been up for like...30 hours...and my mind has had to work its hardest during all of them, I;m exhausted." But I'm still so proud of him! and I've had my own Amarie fun throughout the night and morning, involving watching An American in Paris, blogging more then I ever have, listening to some amazingly inspiring music, drawing, dancing in denny's parking lots etc.

yay go my Matty!

Things I love: Rainbows

2010-04-26T09:32:00.000-07:00

its no secret that I love colors, so much so that I find it hard to pick a favorite color at any given point in time, I love them all for the different emotions they evoke and the different memories they force into my mind. So I love rainbows, because I can see many beautiful and drastically different colors, but they flow so well and connect with such harmony that it works. They're significant and inspiring.

Words for Thought

2010-04-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have been awake since 6 am April 25th, it is now about 9am April 26th. I will most likely continue to be awake as I am sitting with my Matteo helping him write this massive paper for one of his theology courses (he goes to Hope international university) I'm oh so proud of him for sticking through it and getting done what needs to be done, we're learning to not leave things to the last minute right now.... ha

so here are some quotes I find inspiring, right this moment, in the here and now.

"Everything that needs to happen, will happen, in the time that it takes to happen, the way it was meant to happen. You need to trust in that."

"Unless it is mad, passionate, extraordinary love, it’s a waste of time. There are too many mediocre things in life—love should not be one of them."

"If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. i’ll always be with you"
— winnie the pooh

"I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affect this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. I don’t know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves."

— Tenzin Gyatso; The Fourteenth Dalai Lama

"whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect."
–mark twain

"When the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something’s suffered damage and has a history, it becomes more beautiful."
Barbara Bloom

"I thought growing up was something that happened automatically as you got older. But it turns out it’s something you have to choose to do."
–scrubs

"I’d rather regret the things I have done than the things I have not."
–lucelle ball

"If you think you’re too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito."

—Bette Reese

"Silly is you in a natural state, and serious is something you have to do until you can get silly again."
–mike myers

"remember this: No one is looking at your imperfections; they’re all too busy worrying about their own."
—Isaac Mizrahi

"children will not remember you for the material things you provided but for the feeling that you cherished them."
—Richard L. Evans

"logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere."

—Albert Einstein

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Corinthians 13:13

Things I love: Lighthouses

2010-04-26T03:35:00.001-07:00

My mom and I share a love for lighthouses, I like the symbolism and how aesthetically pleasing they are. They've made it onto my ever-growing list of things that are visually inspiring to me.

Favorite movies part 3

2010-04-26T02:53:00.000-07:00

ooohhh singing in the rain! its one of my favorite and most cherished musicals, I absolutely love everything about it visually and musically, the composition speaks to me, which has been less obvious previously in my life and is now becoming more prominent in the way I view music

and I love the costuming and being able to sing along, Erin and I want to learn the Moses dance and perform it

Favorite movies part 2

2010-04-26T02:41:00.000-07:00

Casablanca, and for a lover of old films, I hadn't seen this one until last week, but I like to say that I knew I would love it so much that I was saving my first time watching it for someone very dear to me who loved it as much as I knew I would. And luckily for me, its one of My MattWinston's favorite films :)

I loved how romantic it was, and the way it was shot, its so breathtaking, every scene captured the needed emotion flawlessly.

and the music was incredible as well, I loved the songs they picked for most parts.

This has entered my list of favorites. officially.

My Dream Wedding

2010-04-26T01:38:00.001-07:00

Like any die-hard romantic (though it be a new thing for me) I like to day dream about my future wedding, and all the little things I want it to incorporate, I have the vision in my head, and the people I want to surround myself with, and luckily some visual inspiration to aid that dream.

The first part being the groom (of course) a man I will love forever and completely devote myself to, my best friend and my soulmate.

Fun photography, I wish there were two of me on my wedding day, I would love to take my own photographs, so I'll need to find someone with an equally happy eye to take some fun, silly, and loving pictures.

Beautiful place settings

I love this fun wooden sign, and the outdoorsyness of it, I'm pretty 100% sure I want an outdoors wedding, or at least most of if to be outside...

I want a super simple vintage inspired ring, I however, do not like diamonds, my dream ring has a sapphire as the main stone.

I love this tree, this particular setting is much too formal for me, I want a more laid back atmosphere

like an amazingly elegant table that still feels very welcoming to all guests

I love the vintage bride look
and who says my wedding dress can't be Princess Leia inspired?

I know for a fact I want my bridesmaids to each pick their own vintage dress, they don't have to match, and I love this picture for that, because then each dress symbolizes that person's individualism, and thats what I value in them in my life

however, I love the idea of matching clutches, maybe it will be my gift to them :)

Maps as wrapping paper, I know its not super wedding specific, but it was too beautiful to not share.

I think they have such a romantic story, and this picture is amazing :)

I LOVE this dress

BUT, this is more accurately my dream dress (I'll probably end up with something slightly less formal feeling, and definitely no heels)

ohhhh funny face.....

mmm this table is magical, it feels as if it's in the middle of nowhere, but with all the right people surrounding it, it would be perfection.

If you know me, you know how much I love putting giant hairpieces in my hair, so of course my wedding day outfit will reflect that

this cake is just flawlessly awesome, top two for sure.

I have never been a big live cut flower girl, they make me so sad when they die, I prefer my flowers in the ground where they belong, so my girls are going to carry some sort of handmade bouquets that will last forever

This right here is my number ONE dream cake, its beautiful, inspired by one of my favorite paintings, and art means so much to me in life that this cake is instantly perfect

My groomsmen should be vintage inspired as well I believe! and same story as with my bridesmaid bouquets, I want them to last

This is my dream bouquet, and I've already got a head start on the vintage pins

A Beatrice Post.

2010-04-26T01:12:00.000-07:00

Oh my Bumble, my Beat-rice, my Bumbletrix, my best friend and Seeeester. this post is for all the things that remind me of her, I love her and her quirky-ness, she holds a special place in my heart.

you are an incredible wonderful human being who I'm so grateful to be able to know and love as much as I can and do. My heart bursts with compassion and love for you and your heart my darling sister.

I love you!!!!!

love, Amy

An Erin Post

2010-04-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

I dedicate this post to my Erin, my best friend, my Wifey, my Sister.
things that remind me of her :) and make me smile!

Erin: I love you more then you can comprehend, and I will continue to do so. be smiley and joyous in all things. You are beautiful inside and out.

Love,
Your Amy

Picture a Day

2010-04-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've done an update on my picture a day project. I'm currently on hiatus from them until I can get a working camera again, but here are some of my latest :)

My mood in visual form

2010-04-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

I'm visual

2010-04-17T00:05:00.000-07:00

Ive had such a long and emotionally exhausting week, that not a lot of words are going to come from me, but pictures I can do.

and on a sad note, my camera finally died on me...and it broke my heart.

Pretty

2010-04-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

These pictures are so pretty to me.
we<3it.

Color me Katie

2010-04-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

If you haven't read her blog or see her work you need to! Color me Katie has been an inspiration to me since I first found her blog, I love to see the world through her eyes, and to see the amazing little happy things she creates for the world to enjoy. Shes so inspiring and so is her work!

and recently, and she posted about it to, Modcloth, who always has the cutest clothes, designed a shoe for her, and its the cutest shoe I've ever seen, I am definitely pining over this shoe...

Presenting, the Color me Katie flat!

Happy Easter part 2!

2010-04-04T10:23:00.000-07:00

These pictures are actually from good Friday, the kids and I dyed Easter eggs!

The eyeball egg!
Her hand seemed to work better then the egg dipper

The thinking face

all the eggs we filled!
Spring flowers on the walk way

Happy Easter!

Love it!

2010-04-04T10:20:00.001-07:00

This nifty mural was found whilst on a delightful walk with a dear friend :)
and yes my bag has humping pandas!!!!!!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday! (so far, I still have two family events to go to)

Erin(roommate/bestfriend) Her brother Prescott, My brother Andy, and me! fun fact: Andy and Prescott also live together, we're siblings living with siblings, they're family at this point :)

My darling brother and I. we decided that we matched enough to look like Vogue.

So we took a "Vogue" picture!

I'll be back later with another Easter post

I want to move to France

2010-04-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

I love Europe, I have yet to visit, but I'm dying to go. I long to see the art, meet the people, eat the food, experience the culture, everything!
and more then any other place I want to go to France, I love everything french! I'm so jealous of anyone who has had the opportunity to visit or live in France and someday I'll make my dream come true, and pack my bags and grab my Darling and head out

For the pretty fashion!

Hot Air balloons!

The scenery!

The sweets!
The amazing films!
cute boys, te he!
They had Bridgette Bardot! and I adore her!
French toast :)

Many places to visit!

A place to find amazing books

and the world's best cigarettes!

I think I'd do alright in France, I hear the people can be rude, but I think I'm chipper enough for it to even out! and as for he language, well.... I took 5 years of french but that was like a decade ago, so I'd need some brushing up before we go, maybe Jessalyn can help....

I love mint

2010-04-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to discover that mint is a big color this season! Its always had a place in my heart, especially when its paired with dusty rose. magical.

minty minty mint. the color is beautiful and the flavor is delicious.

Favorite movies part 1

2010-03-22T17:23:00.000-07:00

I've decided to start sharing some of my favorite movies, starting with a classic:
Funny Face!
I love everything about this movie, the actors, Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire. The costumes are wonderful and best of all its set in Paris. oh Paris, how I long to go to Paris...
but I digress, I adore this movie :)

Munchkin update!

2010-03-22T16:52:00.001-07:00

This week we started a club! It was called the fashion club, we held a meeting and talked about what is fashionable and read some Fancy Nancy books.

This is her Dinosaur face
Laundry!
Meet the masters, Kandinsky inspired drawing.
Picnic time!
Dinosaur hoodie!

I love my munchkins a lot, and we had a lot of fun this week, and many many easter crafts planned for the next two weeks!

Pretty Things

2010-03-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Random pictures I took from this past week :)

Kepp calm and post cute things

2010-03-22T16:41:00.000-07:00

The Keep calm and carry on poster has been everywhere recently, so I thought I'd post some of the pretty versions I found online.

Enjoy:

Birdcages!

2010-03-08T17:03:00.001-08:00

I love em. debating getting a birdcage tattoo, or several vintage birdcages to decorate my house with, maybe turn one into a lamp. They're pretty.

Enjoy

Celebrity Crush!

2010-03-07T19:06:00.000-08:00

Mike Fuentes is definitely my celebrity crush, hes just so talented and cute!!!! He is the drummer for pierce the veil, who I love! currently he is a member of the superband Isles and Glaciers, who's cd I'm listening to right now, and I must say, with all the talent in this band, it STILL surpasses what I thought it would be, magical to say the least!
But I digress, He's very cute :)

My Dream Bedroom

2010-03-06T10:35:00.000-08:00

I've been dreaming of the day when I can move away with my sweetheart to my own little place, finaly, a home! and My mind always wanders to how I'd decorate our bedroom, keeping in mind we have an extensive star wars collection, there are so many inspiring pictures out there, especially on we heart it. Here are my findings:

I know our bedroom will probably look nothing like these but a girl can dream.

Women I Admire

2010-03-04T15:45:00.000-08:00

When I was a little girl, the majority of the people I looked up to were male, for no particular reason, I was a bit of a tomboy, but over the years I think I have found some healthy females to look up to. This is my current list:

#1: Carrie

I know you don't know her, but this is the woman whose kids I help take care of, she is absolutely one of the women I look up to. She met her husband in college, and they dated for 6 years(like Jordan and I) They didn't rush, they took their time and loved every minute of it. She graduated and went out and got her CPA (admirable to me because I'm awful with numbers) She worked very hard, and is still brilliant with accounting. Over the last 8 years they had 4 kids, and she quit her job to take full time care of them, but my word the woman works so much more now then she did when it was for a paycheck, she runs everyone's lives and still has time to plan amazing tea parties, keep her house beautifully styled, her kids are the best dressed ones in the area, and she still seems to have time to breathe and be happy.

#2 Beatrice

I love B, I've only known her for about a year and a half now but I definitely look up to her. She follows her heart where ever she goes but still has the ability to set everything down and look at it logically in order to make decisions. She is one of the most mature and well rounded people I've ever met, and she still has the ability to be very silly, which I love. She loves the Lord with all her heart and with that and anything else she puts her heart into she isn't ashamed or afraid to tell anyone about it. She has so much passion I wish I could just borrow some of it! She is also the one who inspired me to start a craft box at school, and is very creative!

#3 Elsie Flannigan

I don't remember exactly how I came across her blog, but I was instantly in love with how creative she was, all her photos were so inspiring and of course I love her paintings, its amazing to see such wonderful original artwork. Then after reading up on her a bit I discovered that she had quit her day job in order to sell handmade goodies and artwork, well my goodness this girl just gets better and better.

#4 Kat Von D

I admire Kat because she is a beautiful, and tattooed woman. Being such a fan of tattoos myself its nice to see someone so covered and so proud of their body art, and on top of that she did her first tattoo at the age of 14?? Shes also an incredible artist. Another talented woman.

Things I love: Cupcakes.

2010-03-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

Yummy beauty that fits in my hand

They're delicious and beautiful. Visually inspiring and soso yummy. Cupcakes make me happy.

Interior love

2010-02-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

some pretty pretty interior pictures:

Munchkins for life

2010-02-26T19:23:00.000-08:00

Today munchkins #3 and 4 and I went to the park, we decided to walk, and by that I mean, I walked and they rode in the stroller, so I got some good much needed exercise. :)

The pool is also officially finished, so we had a celebratory dip in the hot tub (the big pool party extravaganza is on Sunday)

we also made a really cool fort this week

and Emmy continues to do well in her horseback riding lessons

I leave you with this awesome picture of a baby with a mustache.

The essentials

2010-02-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

I consider very few articles of clothing timeless, but I do believe there are certain things all women should have in their wardrobes. Here are a few:

#1 A good classic pain of jeans. because jeans will never go out of style and all tops and jackets go well with them.

#2 Cardigans. Because Its a classic sweater that can be worn successfully with jeans and a T-shirt, a pretty dress, or a skirt and top.

#3. Camis. They work well under T-shirts, tops that are too low cut, on their own...with a favorite sweater...they're versatile and wonderful.

#4 The little black dress. ahhh my favorite, dress it up, dress it down, I personally own quite a few, they work for all occasions.

#5 A good, comfy pair of black heels. I would say black flats, but a good pair of black heels is essential as well

maybe Ill come back with some more essentials :) any suggestions?

Picture of the day

2010-02-16T08:58:00.001-08:00

Some of my recent photos of the day :)

February 15th

February 14th

February 11th

2010-02-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love getting vogue, its so visually inspiring and oozes with elegance and romance. Of course I adore Annie Leibovitz. What vogue-addicted girl doesn't?

Here are some of my favorites:

Movie night

2010-02-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

Chellsbells and I watched one of my favorite movies tonight, Some like it hot! the original cross-dressing film with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.

I love the music and the style of clothing. My favorite character is one of spats' henchmen, there just aren't faces like his anymore. sadly I couldn't find a picture of him :(

More Introductions

2010-01-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

Silly Amarie, I forgot some of the most IMPORTANT introductions in my life, my munchkins!

This is my Emmy, head of my munchkins, She's a very grown-up 8 year old who is a book worm and loves tea parties (ahh a girl after my own heart) She is trying to grow up to fast sometimes, so I like to bring her back with silly stories, dance parties, and just general silliness. She is always choreographing dance moves and theater productions for her little siblings, and makes me so proud!

This is my Natty, oh my what a character she is, her imagination soars and she loves to make friends with everyone she meets, we get very into our make-believe stories, and at 6 years old she is constantly surprising me with how creative she is, she would much rather take a story from the cockles of her mind then read a book (unlike Emmy) Her silliness makes her a handful but she always makes up for it :)

(her dinosaur face)

Oh my my my, this little girl has me by the heartstrings and she more then knows it. Miss Molly loves to be the center of my attention and gets to quite often actually, when her older sisters are at school and her brother is napping. She is a very creative 3 year old, shes always asking me if we can, and I quote, "craft something pretty" she is my little artist, always drawing me pictures and wanting me to show her how to make things, she is a crafty little girl with such a bright future. She knows how to mix all sorts of colors and her drawing skills and ability to craft impress me daily, I love her so much she can do no wrong in my eyes, but being 3 years old does come with difficult moments and she is going through all of them, she has taught me so much about patience and unconditional love!

The final Munchkin, Tyty. hes 2 and loves to tell you that. This is by far the most rough-and-tumble little boy I've ever met, but what can you expect, he has three older sisters! He LOVES trains, can tell you all about them, and always wants a book on trains read to him. I've loved watching his personality develop over the last two years and I'm excited to see who he becomes later on in life. He speaks like a little old man, its so sweet!

So no, these aren't my children, but I've been taking care of them since the day Emmy was born, I can't imagine my life without them, they're my munchkins and I love them as if they were my own, and being there all their lives I get as over protective of them as their real mamma. I'm so proud of them and it still scares me how fast the last 8 years have just flown right on by, I take no moments for granted and if I can teach them anything in life I want it to be that they should be happy just as they are and love themselves dearly.

The first thing I've ever won!

2010-01-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

I love to enter giveaways and contests, but I never win, its still fun to see what people was to give others, I can always tell its the things they are most proud of :) anywho, I digress, I WON SOMETHING! what makes this better is that it was a give away from OzmaOfOdds , I have an affinity for loving her and her blog, I might as well say it, I LOVE the original Oz books, and Ozma is my favorite character, I'm even getting her portrait tattooed on my arm soon :) so the fact that this blog is suuuper duuper cute and her name is from the fairy girl princess of OZ just makes me love her more! but she did a sweet little give away and picked me as the winner!!! I feel so special!!! Thank you my fellow OZ lover!

I won some yuuuuummy looking candies, AND a pretty pretty slip like this one:

yay!

Children

2010-01-27T09:50:00.001-08:00

It's amazing how fast they grow up,

This is how I picture him!

But then one day I blinked...and he grew into this!

Home Decorating

2010-01-27T09:40:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some pretty pictures with you.

Don't have any flowers? sometimes lettuce can be just as pretty on a table :)

I LOVE these pillows, ones embroidered, one is felt

{all pictures are my own}

Picture a day

2010-01-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

I've been doing this picture a day thing for 49 days right now, and I'm thinking I'll post some every now and then, I personally don't think I'm a photogenic person so I rarely took pictures of myself, and I wanted my new years resolution (one of them) to be to change that, so I've been taking a picture of me each day, and I did start a little early (December 8th I believe) so here are a few of ones in the past, just to get caught up to date

December 8th

December 10th

December 12th

December 24th

January 11th

January 16th

January 24th

I encourage everyone to try Picture a day, it kinda forces you to dress up a little bit and try to feel pretty, I think my fashion sense has greatly improved since I started this little project :)

Red Velvet Art's blog party

2010-01-25T15:03:00.000-08:00

Red Velvet Art is hosting a 24 hour blog party in honor of their 1 year anniversary! I respect and admire these women so much, they're truly living the dream! Go over and check it out on Elsie's Blog. Rachel posted a suuuper awesome tutorial, and I used mine for my school notebook! yay!

Artists I Respect and Love

2010-01-24T18:43:00.000-08:00

There are so many artists whose work I admire. And there are even more artists whose work influences me, not only in the style in which I paint, but also in the way I view the world, certain artists inspire me to see things from a different perspective or with a different train of thought, and it makes me happy to be able to learn from them. Here are a handful of my favorites right now:

Laura Berger

Katya Hutchinson-Tiner

David Weidman

Shoe Pictures!

2010-01-24T15:58:00.000-08:00

I love taking pictures of feet and groups of people's shoes! Its fun because it shows a different angle on the world and lets face it, everybody loves shoes, they're functional art :) so I wanted to share some of my favorite shoe pictures!
My best girlfriends and I in a vintage store in Long Beach

My kids I babysit, My little girl loves taking pictures!

Painting painting.

2010-01-18T17:46:00.000-08:00

I started painting when I was 9. My mom took me to a frame shop to get something framed and I was wandering around and noticed there were a bunch of people painting in the back room. This nice man named Ed gave me a tour and I was very taken by this boy who was building a robot out of boxes, so my mom signed me up to be a part of the studio, Ed really took me under his wing and let my creative juices flow, I took apart old computers and old frames and got really into making 3d art and sculptures. One day he asked me if I wanted to try out oil painting and I said sure!

This was my first oil painting I ever did, I was 9 years old and loved it! since then I've done about a hundred paintings, ranging from abstract to pop art to whatever popped into my head.
(I was about 13 when I painted this one)

It relaxes me a lot to just sit down, put on some good music and paint what comes to my brain, but I do have a chronic habit of rarely finishing paintings I start lately,

This is one I just started tonight, I actually kind of like it at this stage so I may declare it finished already.

My favorite art project to this day is a large scale pop art piece I did in High school, based off the simpsons donut, made with old bed sheets, hair curlers, house paint and a LOT of gesso.

With summer comes swimsuits

2010-01-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

These two little beauties from Anthropologie.

This pretty thing from Delias

This ruffly yellow number from Target

And this cutie found here

Of course with the summer season I start to fidget about my weight, and seeing these beauties makes me want to shed 15 lbs more then ever.

Wednesday Wonders

2010-01-13T23:01:00.001-08:00

Lace is a wonder to me, its so simple, elegant, and feminine. It can make a girl feel sexy, fashionable, sophisticated and wonderful.

Some Introductions,

2010-01-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

My life is full of re-occurring characters who mean a lot to me, let me introduce a few,

This is Erin, one of my lovely roommates and best friend of more years then I can count, she sews and crafts more then she knows :)

The beautiful and stylish B, another roomie of mine who has devilish good style, shes from Washington so her cool factor is incredibly high :)

My faithful partner in crime, Chelsbells, we can craft up a storm, and love to do so, shes always down for a good thrift or rummage sale and our adventures are always exciting

Last but not least, my biggest influence for me as an artist was being brought up by my father, who is incredibly creative, and an artist himself, he is my hero and is always an inspiration when I'm feeling lost

Just a few of my favorite people :)

New Blog!

2010-01-13T00:13:00.000-08:00

Hello! my name is Amarie, I'm a starving artist trying to make it through college, I love to make things, everything from pouches to skirts to jewelry. I have many many dreams and am excited to share