Truly an amazing concept taking pictures of... 

By: Eric Holubow

 rundown buildings that still show their beauty. 

Check out the story on Yahoo!

 

Enjoying my first day of Christmas Break!

Random Thought for the Day

You never know which doors may open,

unless you try! ~ ME

Admiration

Admiration - as I have said before I have been very busy with many different events happening in my life. One that has taken me awhile to talk about is that of a good friend of mine had to head back over to Afghanistan for his second tour of duty. He left close to the end of September and had to say goodbye to his wife of one year. She is one of my best, dear friends and all I can say about her is how I admire her strength. We went with them and their families to see him off at the airport... it was one of those life changing moments to see all the families, loved ones saying good bye to their soldiers for the year.

I am truly grateful for both of their friendships and know that this will get better... each day leads to one more closer to him coming home. One thing that has stuck with me is that her and his family all asked me to take care of her... I am at lost to how I can help. I try to find ways to keep her busy, but I know that nothing could make this situation better. The only answer I have is prayers lots of prayers. They are both truly an inspiration and a great example of how we should not take our relationships for granted!

I also caught this article and this story is truly inspiring... I admire this woman's strength to forgive and to let go. She has taken something that most people can't imagine and let it bring her strength instead of letting the pain consume her. I hope these two stories give you hope through out your day...

Remember what your thankful for even when it is not Thanksgiving season : )

Making it a Habit

One thing that had been keeping me busy was training for my first 5k race : ) From Sept. to Oct. I was trying to "love" running, but let me just tell you there is NOthing to love about running... ha! I was running mostly on the treadmill and I was really trying to stick with it this time. I have not been able get into a running routine before, I just prefer the e-machine. However, I was challenged to do a 5k and I CANNOT turn down a challenge ; )

During the month of training I continued to become frustrated b/c I could never find a passion for it, but I finally accepted the idea that NO one "loves" running, but it becomes a habit. You learn to use that time to think over the day, de-stress, for me talk with the LORD and be at peace. I am proud to say I over came my hatred for running and had an AMAZING time running my first 5k on 10-10-10. I really like the idea of accomplishing something that most people have never even consider doing. I AM A 5ker ; )

P.S. I was REALLY inspired by the half and full marathon runners, but I NEVER plan on doing that! If you ever want to be inspired to run just go watch the ending of their races and cheer them on to the finish line... it is AMAZING! Now I just have to keep up with my running and I definitely plan on doing another 5k run!

I Challenge YOU to take on a Challenge for yourself! 
What have you been putting off lately?

Too Long - Still Inspired

It has been way tooo long since my last post... During summer it was easy to keep up with this and to keep up with my photography. Now with school I get so busy grading papers, preparing lessons, attending small town functions, and READING so many amazing books I never seem to be able to sit down to post. (Currently reading The Host, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda ; ) and The Five Love Languages.)

I will post more updates of what has been keeping me so busy lately... first I would like to share this awe inspiring artist that is working on 50 State Dresses, amazing work and photography. The Willow Creek Dress in Wyoming is AMAZING!

Current Dilemma - What to be for Halloween?

Awe Inspired by New Dress a Day

Check out this amazing journey...
New Dress a Day: 365 Days. 365 New Outfits. 365 Dollars
Inspiring and SO CREATIVE...
I really wish I knew how to sew like that!

BEFORE

AFTER

 

I also love that she loves EAT, PRAY, LOVE which I have 

ALMOST finished!

I hope you are finding things each day that 

inspire your creativity!

It may come in unusual ways ; )

Secret Obsessions

Okay, they may not be obsessions but here are a few things that I just love! I LOVE coffee mugs/travel mugs/water bottles/cups! 

Example my newest addition on the right:

This blue lovely cup comes with an attached lid and straw... I seem to have an obsession for straws as well! The pink one on the the left is my trusty water bottle that I keep filled for school! Tip for consuming more water - add a packet of Splenda to it! I love the hint of sweetness in my water that the Splenda gives it and it keeps me coming back for more WATER! By the way I ALWAYS find these cups on sale like the blue one I found today at Ross for 2 bucks and the pink one I found at Walmart for a dollar last summer when they put all their plastic things on clearance! My hubby did not understand how I could get so excited about a cup : )

Next new found obsession is COUPONS! :) Yes, I am that crazy woman that holds up the line with 10 different coupons, but hey if it saves me a little here and there then I can splurge a little on something else!

The picture below shows how I saved 6 dollars on make-up/toiletry items today... just something small that makes me smile! I love to leave coupons on items at the store when I don't use them/need them right now and the the coupon is about to expire! 

And one more random obsession EMINEM... yes I know, but I have always had a secret love for his music and maybe a little for his "bad boy" image. Do you have any secret/fun obsessions that most people don't know about you?  Also, anyone know of any good coupon websites that are worth my time and effort?

Montego's View

Just something that makes me smile!

Picture from behind Montego towards his Daddy wakeboarding.

Another thing that makes me smile is that last night my husband and I 

went to Dairy Queen and got our own mini blizzards... 

maybe that wasn't such a good find ; ) Means more time in the gym... haha! 

It was the perfect sized treat and we both like different blizzards so it works out where we can get our own and not waste any!

Hope you find the small things to smile about today! : )

August Already

Well, I realized it has been over a month since my last post! Sorry for being a slow blogger! I guess my summer goal of blogging once a week is WAY out of the picture! O Well! I included pics from our Cancun trip... which was AMAZING! We had the opportunity to go with another couple and stay at The Royal in Cancun (HIGHLY recommended). I realized after looking at these pics I must have an obsession with taking pics of my feet, but then it hit me its just My View : )

Enjoying the last bit of my summer since August means the start of a new school year, but a plus this year it means my 1st anniversary with my hubby AND my 25th b-day! The Cancun trip was our anniversary celebration since the couple that went with us will also celebrate their first ann. this Sept., but he will be in Afghanistan by then : ( For my b-day present I got a heart rate monitor watch/chest band to keep me motivated with my exercising!

I guess that is enough for now, but what keeps you motivated to exercise? Are there any really fun workouts that just keep you going?

Sweet Treat

Another rave goes out to a new peanut butter I have tried from Peanut Butter & Co. I first tried their Dark Chocolate Dream and used it with bananas in my Green Monster for a sweet twist! After trying this flavor out in their sample/individual sized squeeze pack I decided to invest in the White Chocolate Wonderful in the full size. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! At 180 calories for 2 tablespoons it is similar if not better than normal peanut butter. I have chosen to use this on my Bagel Thins in the morning and it is a nice change to regular peanut butter. So, if you are looking for something to tame that sweet tooth or you are one that likes fluff-a-nutter sandwiches check this out!

I promise my next post will be about something other than food and I will include better photographs ; ) Hope you are enjoying the "sweet" life!

Trying New Things - Food Rants and Raves

Came home today to find my flaxseed in the mail! Super excited about trying to use it in my Green Monsters! I am just trying to find small ways to become a healthier eater and trying to see food more as fuel for my body than just something I consume!

Well, that inspired me to post about some of the  new foods I have tried this week... Bagel Thins, Sandwich Thins, and Greek Yogurt. I love, love, love the bagel thins... everyone tells you to stay away from bagels b/c of high calories, however now I can enjoy one at 110 calories (BOTH SIDES) and consume some whole grains. I even found Philadelphia Low-fat Strawberry Cream Cheese at 2tbl./40 cals. Really hit the spot for my craving of bagels. Also, been eating 1/2 of a bagel with PB for breakfast along side a small green monster, great way to start the day!

A lot like the bagel thins is Sandwich Thins which I enjoyed with avocado and turkey for lunch the other day. It was yummy and another way to get in some whole grains! However, there are many breads out there that are low in cal like Nature's Own Honey Wheat Light 2 slices/80 cals. So, its a toss up on the healthy side, but a good way to change up the sandwiches!

One last new food item Greek Yogurt... I have heard SO much about this product and how great the protein is in them, but I was hesitant to test it out. I just was afraid of the taste and texture. However, I was surprised by the texture was not strange at all... the yogurt just tastes very plain. Thought I had the plain flavor, but I actually picked up the honey vanilla and did not find it to taste anything like its name. I just added some fresh raspberries to the mix and enjoyed this high protein snack after working out. Don't think I will pick this one up again at $1 6 oz/130 cal. I'll probably just stick to my light regular yogurt.

Well, again I would like to just point out I am NOT a healthy nut nor workout junkie, but I know its the small things that can turn into bigger things and maybe just maybe become a habit! I hope I did not bore you and instead inspired you to think about what you are eating and why you are eating it.

Finding Joy in the Simple Things

Okay this post maybe random, but I warned you ; )

So I am starting to find joy in the simple things for example working out. I know this sounds crazy, trust me I am not the workout type. However, I have begun to enjoy it b/c this time I am doing it for ME! I am a short person with a short torso and there is only one place for fat to go... well I have tried many times over the years to get into working out and I believe I just haven't done it for the right reason... its been for weddings, my wedding included, beach body, being single, looking good for a boyfriend, etc. Now, I am doing just for me! Simple thing turned from hatred to joy in each step!

While I was at the gym today the World Cup was on, I am not one to get into this, but I noticed something... when a player makes a goal there is pure joy on their faces after wards. It was amazing to just watch the joy take over the team, the coaches, the fans when someone scored a goal! May I also add that those soccer boys look good doing what they find joy in. I just wonder how do they keep their hair looking that good while playing!?!?!

Tonight the husband is away so I am going find joy in the Chipmunks Squeakquel ; ) I know sounds childish, but when I was little I ALWAYS thought there should be a Chipmunks movie and now there is two!!

Find joy in the little things, happiness doesn't "just happen" you have to make it happen. A pessimistic person can make anything a chore, but an optimistic person finds joy all around them!

~Picture of a salt/pepper shaker set that I HAD to buy b/c I thought it was cute, but now I just see pure joy!~

Trying to become a Crafty DIYer!

I have been dying to find a cheap/creative way to organize my jewelry and the one type I have a lot of is earrings... not much of a girlie girl, but trying to learn : ) Anyways, I was "antiquing" with my mother in-law Friday and found this screen for $3

Expandable and all... Well as with many things I knew a can of spray paint could fix this right up!

The perfect little earring holder and now I realized I don't have that many earrings... hum!

Next project... turn this 5 dollar find:

Into... idea/pic borrowed from another blog

a planter for around the tool shed!

Again, I am in no way a DIYer, but with small projects I am trying to learn to be crafty everyday!

Another Blog I am Addicted to!

Check out the blog "The Fit Collegiate" 

Wow, I wish I could have eaten like her my freshman year of college! Ha! 

Spent way too much time looking at all her meals and then researching different food items. During my freshman year of college it was all Chick-Fil-A and Freebirds' burritos! Oh well trying to eat good now! Does anyone have suggestions for good "healthy eating" type blogs?

 

College picture - Aggie Rings on Kyle Field - Taken By Me - Senior Yr.

Rants and Raves

First the Raves, I have completed one of my summer goals to finish reading Catching Fire and boy am I glad I did. I completed the book in four days and now I am left waiting until after summer to finish the series when Mockingjay comes out! This series starting with Hunger Games has a very strange concept, but is worth the time! Again, being a middle school teacher I enjoy books from their library ; )

Now for the rants... UGH I looked at our flight schedule for Cancun and noticed that I could pick seats for the four of us however when I completed selection for both departing and returning flights I noticed it wanted me to check-out... turns out they will allow you to pick your seats for an extra 8 dollars a person per flight!!! This on top of having to pay 20 bucks (one way) for our first bag, and let me remind you this is an INTERNATIONAL flight,is just plain rediculous!!!

Okay, rant over!Hopefully more Raves to come!

~ Pictures of waves from Canyon Lake, By ME, Inspiration the thought of sitting on the beach in Cancun Finally!~

Random Thoughts Tuesday

Okay, just some random thoughts on some random food combos I like...

- Peanut Butter on Pancakes
- Mayo and Ketchup Mixed for French Fries
- Cottage Cheese and Apple Sauce
- Real Mayo and Banana Slices
- Peas and Mashed Potatoes (from when I was a kid)

I know some people like Frostys and French Fries or Mayo on their Hot Dogs, but I can't seem to care for those. What are some other random food combos that you like?

~Random Squirrel Picture Taken at Ink's lake by Me~

Blogs I am Addicted to : )

I am truly addicted to these blogs:

Gnome Sweet Gnome
Inspires me to be the crafty mom type one day!

and

Style for Style
Inspires me to start crafty projects around the house!

I have stayed up just looking at their old posts!
You should be following them!

Summer Plans

Well, I thought I would add some "goals" for this summer:

~ Get into card making, using my photos
~ Walk at the Nature Preserve on a WEEKLY basis
~ Make a WEEKLY blog post of my photography
~ Work out AT LEAST 3 times a week
~ Paint all of the frames I have been collecting
~ Be CRAFTY at least ONCE a week
~ Eat less fried foods and less sugar, NO SODAS
~ Jump the wake this summer on the wakeboard
~ Read "Catching Fire" and start the Wimpy Kid series
(I'm a 6th grade reading teacher, this will explain the last goal)
~ Build an area for vines to grow by the tool shed
(include old tool boxes in my design)

On going list... more in the future! Oh and enjoy our vacation in Mexico!! : ) ~Photos by ME - Panoramic shots of shreddin'~

Cheer-up Project

My mother in-law was in a car accident today, she is doing just fine and was released from the hospital. I wanted to make her something that would bring a smile to her face and decided to try my hand at doing an arrangement in a coffee mug. It is obvious it has been awhile since I have done a dome, but I think she won't even see that when I take it to her tomorrow. I hope you have a smile on your face, because I know we could all use a little something to cheer us up!

First ETSY Purchase

Proud to announce my first ETSY purchase today... got to love this CUTE card from Dawn Correspondence!

Let the lake season begin!

In honor of the first two weekends of wakeboarding... I thought I would post one of my fav shredding shots! Still looking for any suggestions of what you would like to see from My View...

What do you see?

So, I want to know, what do you want to see from my view? Now, this question can lead down many paths so let me just clarify EXACTLY what I mean by this. I want suggestions on what to take pictures of... lets say something specific like candy or something more challenging like something green. Then I will go out and through my view I will find something that fits your idea.

Now the only problem... actually getting someone to comment on this!! Well, if you are just flying by surfing blogs or if you are secretly watching this give me something to put in my view! : )

Discovery

One thing I love about teaching is getting the opportunity to see children discover things on their own. Children really do learn best through exploration... I love those "Aha" moments when the light bulb comes on. We got the opportunity to go to the zoo this past Friday and I was blessed to enjoy many moments with my students where I got to see pure joy on their faces. These three pictures captures "discovery" to me through a child's eyes.

Sunny Day

I sat outside to get some sun and enjoyed hanging out in the yard with Montego. While I was laying there I caught some beautiful shots of the sunny, bright, joyous day we were enjoying!

Montego and the Lake

We took our almost 4 month old chocolate lab out to the lake on Saturday. We spend so much of our time out on the lake wakeboarding during the summer and we really want him to love it just as much as we do. He seemed to like swimming, but sure didn't like those waves that came after him ; )

Current Reading

I am currently reading Josh Hamilton's book "Beyond Belief" it is very inspiring. I love his quote "piece by piece." This is a picture from a Ranger's game that I just love to go along with this post!

the weekend

Finally the weekend to enjoy with Montego and Daddy! Montego is almost 3 months and has learned many tricks in the month he has been with us. It is amazing to me how the development of a puppy is a lot like the development of a child. No I am not comparing having a dog to having a baby, but the cognitive development is similar. They both have to figure things out for themselves, for the first time. Enjoying every moment of it!

Jamaica

Last night I had yet another dream about being back in Jamaica. We truly enjoyed our honeymoon at Sandals Montego Bay. I really hope that we can make a trip back sometime soon! Here are some of my many inspirations from Jamaica.

Proud Momma

One thing about me is that I am a proud Momma of an almost 3 month old chocolate lab named Montego. This is like Montego Bay, Jamacia where my husband and I spent our honeymoon last summer. We waited 5 years to get married and it will take awhile before we are ready to add a baby to the mix.

Summer, where is thee?

So around here the weather has been beautiful and then today YUCK... rainy and cold. I love all seasons, but winter it is time to go! Therefore, today I will post pictures I have taken/edited that represent Summertime to me.