lindsey's blog

Moving...

2010-02-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hey friends! This is going to be my last post here on blogger. My new site is here!! Come check it out!

A Very Merry {un}Birthday

2010-02-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

For my 25th Birthday, I really wanted to do something special, different, and fun with some of my close friends. A Wonderland Tea Party. In the park. With lots of tea and goodies. And the new movie by Tim Burton! Here's a sneak peak at the invitations I designed for the event. (Notice the 'hot' envelope lining...) These really make me smile. Printed by Czar Press, I think they turned out fabulous!

"Nice and Easy does it..."

2010-01-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

*smile*

Lisa Ramsland Grad Announcement

2009-11-19T16:55:00.000-08:00

Here's the digital version of some graduation announcements I designed for my friend, Lisa. She doesn't care for red too much, so we made it a burgundy color and chose a teal blue to accent a cream cardstock (when printed, of course). Congrats, Lisa! It was a pleasure to design these for you!

Seattle for the Weekend

2009-09-24T13:27:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago, Amy and I flew up to Seattle, Washington for the weekend. Amy's brother, his girlfriend, and their two boston terriers let us stay with them for a few days. With cameras in hand and desire for a change of scenery at heart, we prepared for some serious sight-seeing and unplanned adventure.

James Turrell's skyspace at the University of Washington was brilliant!

The view from the Cascades National Forest was beautiful!

(The waterfront near the aquarium.)

Pike's Place Market was seriously one of the coolest places ever!

...and we HAD to visit the 1st ever Starbucks.

(I just really liked this drain pipe.)

We met up with Terese while we were there!

...and went to the Space Needle and the EMP by Frank Gehry.

...and saw a piece of the Berlin wall... no joke!

...and basked in the rosy light of that marvelous structure...

a beautiful view of the city.

A fabulous last-minute adventure in one of the prettiest cities I've seen yet. Aims, thanks so much for your company and friendship! You made it so much more fun. :)

Temecula Wine Country

2009-09-23T20:25:00.001-07:00

A little while back, my friend, Angelina, and I got to visit the Temecula Wine Country for a day and had a wonderful time wine tasting and enjoying some good quality time together... in the summer desert heat. ha ha.

Ang and I stopped for some wine and cheese at Thornton before the first tasting.

The vineyards at Callaway were BEAUTIFUL!

...and the chocolate truffles weren't bad either! : )

we had a bunch of fun at South Coast and their spectacular grounds

Then on to Ponte for some great food, lovely outdoor patio, and Angelina's Cabernet Cream Gelato! Yum!

All in all, a lovely day in the southern California wine country.

City Church meeting at Chain Reaction

2009-09-10T10:45:00.001-07:00

Alice in Wonderland

2009-09-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

Anxiously awaiting Tim Burton's rendition of "Alice in Wonderland," I came across a fashion line by Disney inspired by the new film. It's absolutely stunning! And check out these photos of the cast by Mary Ellen Mark::

I can hardly wait!!

City Church Website Banners

2009-09-04T13:33:00.001-07:00

Here's 3 new banners I designed for City Church's website on upcoming events and series::

Check 'em out at lovehopecity.com!

Polaroid!

2009-09-01T14:41:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my friend, Allicia, I am now the proud owner of a polaroid camera! I've been wanting one for quite some time now and she found this one cleaning out her closet and decided I'd use it more than she would. :) whoo hoo!!

When Life Hands you Lemons...

2009-08-28T13:32:00.000-07:00

(or whenever the Grandparents send some.) ...I try to make lemonade.

PINK lemonade, to be exact. I like to keep it interesting. And pink things make me happy. :)

Recently, both physically and metaphorically, I feel I've been thrown bushels full of lemons. Leaning on the strength of God and squeezing the heck out those lemons really helps make the lemonade taste that much better. Victory really is sweet.

:::Portfolio for Anthropologie:::

2009-08-19T03:21:00.001-07:00

I have an interview for the Anthropologie store at the Irvine, Spectrum this upcoming Thursday and am really excited for it! I tried to get a little creative with my portfolio, so i decided to make a little book...

Here's hoping I have a new job... SOON!

Designer Things

2009-07-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

So I went on a shopping spree last week that included a couple chic items from Ted Baker as well as these FABULOUS sunglasses by Kate Spade. The inside of the case made me smile... and the glasses are definitely my new faves.

My Favorite Corner...

2009-07-15T10:53:00.001-07:00

...in my new room so far includes my newly reupholstered wingback chair! I LOVE it! Reupholstered by my friend Paul and his team at La Habra Foam and Fabrics, this chair is now sturdy, fluffy, and decked in crushed velvet and elegance. It's accented by an antique window Chad and I found at an antique shop in San Juan Capistrano, a bargain vintage vase, and an Urban Outfitters tear drop chandelier.

(don't you just want to sit there!?)

The City Church Vision Night... Everyone's Welcome!

2009-07-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Jimenez Family Portraits

2009-07-07T00:30:00.000-07:00

My roommate, Lucia, spent a lot of time with her family when they came to visit these last couple weeks. During their stay, I had the pleasure of taking some family portraits for them! Here's one little preview of their Disneyland photoshoot...

...what a beautiful family! Lucia, it was so much fun getting to meet all of your family! Thanks so much again for lunch and for being such a fabulous roommate. Love you, girl! The photos are looking great!

Disneyland Canoe Races 2009

2009-07-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

This morning, at 6am, I got out of bed and headed off to Disneyland in sweatpants and flip flops ready to paddle...

A Cast Member tradition dating back to 1963, the Disneyland Canoe Races include one month of intense training early Monday mornings with a team of 8-12 people, with the hope of qualifying for the following month of competitive racing around the Rivers of America!

I never thought I'd actually be doing this, but here I am on a canoe team of friends from the Golden Vine Trattoria: Melynda, Chad, Pedro, Heather, Carlos, Rocio, Ernie, Magda, and Kao. The ten of are hoping for a win for sure, but it nothing else, some fun, fitness, and fantastic memories. :)

All I have to say is, "one... two... three... ROW!!!!" let's do this, guys!!

The City Church

2009-07-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Recently, I got an email from Kyle, a Biola/Starbucks friend of mine. He's been heading up some contemporary worship at the Crystal Cathedral in Orange for a while and had this vision to start a new young hip church devoted to our immediate community and servitude. I was asked to be a part of the church team as a visual/creative leader and would really love some prayer concerning this request. I think it would be a GREAT opportunity to be a part of something like this, a project for the Lord using the gifts and passion He's given me! God is moving, and this could be where He wants me to jump in!

With a potential launch date in September, there's MUCH to be done! May He lead the way!

Angelina's Gelateria Website to Come

2009-06-24T23:08:00.001-07:00

So a good friend of mine asked me just recently if I'd be interested in creating the website for her family's Gelateria and Panini Grill, "Angelina's." I'm really stoked to be able to help out with this project, and the colors i'll be working with are fabulous!

If your in Hemet, look it up! The website is underway. I'll post more when it's complete! If you're craving authentic Italian Gelato and freshly pressed paninis, you've got to visit Angelina's!

Murphy-Goode Lifestyle Correspondent Application Video

2009-06-18T01:49:00.000-07:00

Alright... well it's been a long time coming, but here it is! My video application for the Murphy-Goode Lifestyle Correspondent::

What do you think?? Head on over to the Murphy-Goode website and let the winery know!

Thanks so much to Evan for helping out majorly!

Kari

2009-04-13T23:56:00.001-07:00

Portrait session number 3 for the Biola girls was Kari. We drove out to Newport Beach, shot up and down a few blocks in the square, took a few more by the pier, and ended with a bagel, cappuccino and some chit chat. It was a gorgeous day as well! Here's a few from the shoot:

Kari, it was a blast taking these photos for you! You are so flexible to work with and you carefree spirit is refreshing... not to mention your eyes are simply stunning against the blue! :) Good luck these last couple months. I look forward to more fun-filled memories in the future!

Our First Place

2009-04-09T23:57:00.000-07:00

Apartment N101 was my very first place, and Hayley has been a fabulous roommate. She's gotta head back up North for school soon, though, so we decided to take some photos to remember the place before the big move. Here's a few:

It's truly been a blast! It'll be tough to leave, but there will be bigger things and more memories to come, I just know it! Hay, I know you'll be down often! What a sweet first place, right!?

Gabi

2009-04-06T02:38:00.000-07:00

Another one of my Biola friends, Gabi, requested senior portraits as well! Here are a few of my favorites from her photoshoot. You can see more in the portrait section of my website. (Doesn't she look like Vanessa Hudgens!?)

Gabi, thank you so much for the lovely card and tea! You were fantastic to work with, my dear. Congrats on making it through four years of Biola!

Angelina

2009-04-01T23:18:00.000-07:00

I've had the recent privilege of shooting some senior portraits for some friends, the first of which was my dear friend, Angelina. Here are some of my faves:

Angelina! It was a pleasure doing this photoshoot for you! Thank you for your love, friendship, and support in art and in life, always. May the Lord bless your future and all that He has in store for you! Congrats!

A Much Needed Facelift...

2009-03-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

Lindsey Brooke Dot Com gets a serious overhaul and is now the home of Brooke Photography & Design (in progress)... but don't worry, the address is still the same. :)

The Walt Disney Concert Hall

2009-03-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

In 1987, Walt's wife, Lillian Disney, donated the initial $50 million it would take to begin work on the new and improved Los Angeles Philharmonic. She wanted the building to be a tribute to Walt Disney's love for the arts, so it's no surprise that renowned architect, Frank Gehry, was chosen for the job. His design was unveiled in 1991 and completed in 1996, and what a masterpiece it was!

Originally, the artist constructed the building leaving the steel exterior super high-gloss shiny, but after city officials claimed the huge reflector was heating up Los Angeles, Gehry gave the order to sand the whole thing down to more of a brushed metal look, keeping only one section the original mirror-like vision. The result is truly unique and unmistakeable! I got to visit for a little while just yesterday...

A Week at Home and Wine Country

2009-03-04T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hay and I got to spend a wonderful week at home with the family just hangin' out, and for our birthdays, the parents took us to Napa to do some tasting and relaxing! It was so much fun! I was amazed at how many winery names I recognized and which ones I now have a new appreciation for. Hopefully I can remember what I learned for my beverage class! *smile* Here's just a few photos from the trip::

Nickle & Nickle Winery

V. Sattui Winery

Castillo di Amorosa Winery (An Authentic Italian Castle)

A beautiful sky!

Mom and Hay with our Wine Train Tickets

Our Birthday Mousse

mom and dad on the Napa Valley Wine Train

sister face!

Imagery's newest label design for their Rose

Beringer Estate Winery

Thanks Mom and Dad... we had a blast! Love you both loads and loads!

Opportunities Abound!

2009-02-12T23:03:00.000-08:00

God is so good!

Some wonderful and unexpected opportunities have recently presented themselves and God is totally behind them! There is so much to be thankful for!

First off, I recently got the chance to meet an awesome Christian photographer in Irvine who specializes in photorealistic photographs, both portraits and advertising. I was able to get some good feedback from John of One Image Photography on my photographic style as well as an awesome contact... and perhaps some future studio work??

Second, in a moment of desperation, I was looking for work in all sorts of places and contacted Paul of La Habra Foam and Fabric to see if there was any work available. After a few emails back and forth, I was offered the job of a layout designer for a personal furniture line the owner wants start up! Here's a couple sample pages from the 2009 Catalogue, still in progress:

Then there's this thing the end of March called Disney 'Inspire Days' where artists from neighboring art schools get to meet with Disney art professionals and have their portfolios looked at, go to workshops, and network! It happens every year apparently and there are limited slots to go. This year, the Disney College Program is getting involved and one of my Disney professors and friends called and said he got me a slot to go both days if I'd like! SO RAD! So now I'm workin' like mad to get a portfolio ready and update my resume... we'll see what happens! (My Disney photobook is DEFINITELY going to be included.)

On top of all that, I have the chance to be in another art gallery show sometime later in the year which I NEVER thought I'd get to do again, and I've finally started to come up with some pricing lists for my photo and design services! Crazy. But awesome! I'm completely blown away by the Lord's blessings!

Personal Branding

2009-01-23T01:01:00.000-08:00

Been thinking lately about how badly I need a personal brand and finally decided to act... today.

These last few days I've spent a good amount of time (actually... almost ALL of my time) redesigning the colors, look, and feel of my personal website. It's still desperately under construction, but with all this time off work and some luck I just might make some serious progress!

Here are a few designs I'm playing with::

Santa Monica for the Day

2009-01-07T23:45:00.000-08:00

So today, Bre and I took the day and drove out to Santa Monica! We checked out the Bergamont Station Art Galleries (excepting the Functional Art Gallery, which, regretfully, was under construction... lame.) and then walked up and down the 3rd street prom. Such a lovely day! Although we didn't buy anything, it was still a very successful day! Besides some fabulous food and excellent conversation, we also managed to squeeze in a few photos... love you, bff! *smile*

Afternoon in Hollywood

2009-01-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hayley and I have had the pleasure of having two of our closest liverpuddlian friends stay with us this last week! My Best Friend, Sarah, and her BF, Stu, met up with us and on Monday we all took an afternoon to see Hollywood! Not quite all of it or everything, but we drove up Mulholland Drive to the Hollywood sign and then back down to see the El Capitan Theater and Grauman's Chinese Theater... along with the walk of stars and the famous hand and footprints! It was my first time, and although it wasn't long, it was a blast!

the girls

the boys

closest you can get to the sign without being arrested

our favorite

INSPI(RED)

2008-12-24T00:43:00.001-08:00

So this year, Starbucks has decided to partner with the (RED) campaign and donate 5 cents to the movement from every special holiday drink sold worldwide! So drop by any Starbucks and try a Gingersnap Latte, Peppermint Mocha Twist, or Espresso Truffle and make a difference! Go (RED)!

The Best Christmas Present...

2008-12-24T00:37:00.000-08:00

...has almost arrived! Mom and Dad are driving all the way from home to spend the holidays (and their 25th anniversary) with us since we couldn't get work off. They should be here any time! We're both super excited to have them stay with us. Now all we have to do is pray for rain the next 2 days so I can stay home with them and enjoy it! Hope all is well with all of you!

Merry Christmas!!

Ask and You Will Recieve

2008-12-15T19:52:00.000-08:00

Philippians 4:6-7 "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Matthew 7:7 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks the door will be opened."

Encouraging to know that we can ask anything... ANYTHING is Christ and he will answer us. It may or may not be the answer we're looking for, but he answers nonetheless.

Praise the Lord O my soul!

"Joy to the World... it's JOHN STAMOS!!!!"

2008-12-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

This year Disneyland celebrated the 50th anniversary of the annual Candlelight Program with celebrity guest speaker (and Disney enthusiast) John Stamos. It was incredible! Being a part of the Disneyland Cast Choir is definitely one of the top best things I've been blessed to be a part of in my life thus far! wow. Words really cannot describe. I nearly cried walking through the Small World gate with thousands of people and dimmed lights on either side of us as we processed down the parade route with lit candles in hand. It was beautiful!

Hay got to come and see it and took some fabulous photos throughout the evening, one of which is shown here!... along with a personal quote from my silly sister featured as the title of this blog. *rolls eyes* ...have mercy.

(if you're wondering where I am in the above photo, I'm in the "Living Tree" third row up from the bottom in the dead center of the tree wearing a white headband.) *smile*

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! JOY TO THE WORLD, HE IS BORN!

Expect Nothing Less

2008-12-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

...than amazingness from God. Seriously! If we pray in earnest, he really does answer! If we ask in faith, he really will provide! God is so good!

I got to spend some good quality time with a friend of mine this morning over some amazing pumpkin pancakes at Mimi's Cafe. What a blessing! Fresh coffee, good conversation, and an early start to the day. *smile* Philosophy, Literature, Art, Politics, Memories, and Life... Life is so funny, so interesting. I'm so thankful I'm not in control of it.

Home for the Holiday

2008-12-02T23:08:00.000-08:00

Hayley and I got to spend Thanksgiving back up in NorCal with the family this last week. It was SO great being at home for a few days.

our living room up north

roof shot

side view

location of our home

1100 Kensington

Seeing Mom and Dad, and the cats, and our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins was such a breath of fresh air! And we actually had a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal and all sat down together which NEVER happens! It was lovely! Here are some shots from the day...

dad found a wish bone

stuffed mushrooms were amazing!

all of us girls

all of us girls, plus trevor = "the cousins"

uncle paul, mom, and grandpa fred

our crazy parents

probably the only good photo i have of the 3 of us!

our family

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and found plenty of things to be thankful for this holiday season! Much love!

Understanding the Market

2008-11-20T13:48:00.001-08:00

...the Stock Market, that is.

Something I've never been too concerned about is stocks. Before my senior year in high school, I couldn't tell you what a stock was. Before a year ago, I couldn't tell you anything about how the market works or what to look for. Before a week ago, I really couldn't have cared less, but an informative call from the Grandparents changed all that in a matter of days.

A while ago I found out they had put some of their stocks into my name. Since I hadn't the slightest clue about stocks or the market or trading or buying or anything, I didn't do much about it but take the monthly statements mailed to me and stuff them away into a drawer. To me, stocks were cool if you made money off them, but I'm not much into gambling so I didn't do anything with them... not even so much as look at what I had in my portfolio!

Recently, however, I've come to understand the idea or investing through stocks and risks involved and have a little bit (a very little bit) more knowledge about how this whole buying and trading thing works and why our recent stock market crash was such a big deal. I also know that now is a pretty good time to buy some stocks with portfolio dividends and that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Currently, I have some shares of:

With any luck, by stock market opening tomorrow morning, I should have some new investments in shares of:

...we'll see how it goes!

Tonight is the Night!

2008-11-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

The "Twilight" film officially opens tonight at midnight and I can hardly contain myself! Hayley and I are going to the Gardenwalk Theater around the corner with a group of friends in the area sometime just after Candlelight rehearsal ends at 9pm. I hope it stands up to the expectation set by the book... oh man. The suspense is killing me!

shiver

2008-11-17T00:46:00.000-08:00

you may think this little guy is pretty cute on the big screen...

yeh... not so much when he's in your BEDROOM!?! Still makes that little clicking noise when it scurries, still nearly indestructible when attacked... not quite as cute.

Thank goodness Eli was here.

The Fires are Back

2008-11-15T15:14:00.001-08:00

...and just as brutal as ever. Ash has been falling sporadically like tiny snowflakes and it smells terribly of smoke as soon as you step outside. The sky has gone from a brilliant blue to a hazy, brownish-grey and the air is thicker than usual. The Santa Ana winds certainly aren't helping either. But the result is frighteningly beautiful. I captured these photos today just around our apartment:

we need rain! bad! a bit of a drizzle last week overnight can't be all southern california will get before thanksgiving, is it?! Pray the firefighters will stay safe and can control the fires sooner than later. Until they can, stay inside whenever possible!

Some Talk Over Tea

2008-11-10T09:19:00.000-08:00

I left the English tea I'd made last night on the counter without drinking it. (of course I would do that.) But I discovered that 8-hour-old tea isn't actually that bad once microwaved!

I've been listening to Christmas music the last few days as well! I LOOOOOOVE Christmas! Hopefully with a trip home over Thanksgiving Hayley and I can get all of our decorations down here to be prepared for when the parents come down for Christmas. We've got a LOT to do!

In other things, my website is taking on a slightly different look. Not a complete overhaul, but different enough to finally be more effective and organized. It's refreshing! Also, Twilight comes out in less than 2 weeks! AAHHHH! I'm freaking out! Hayley and I have started attending Rock Harbor Church and we love it! What a great place to come together and worship and learn with other Christians our age. God is working in amazing ways! I owe EVERYTHING to him!

Only 4 more days...

2008-10-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

...till HSM3 the movie!! (October 24th) I can hardly keep my wildcat spirit intact! check out the Official Trailer on Youtube. It's sure to have you singing and dancing in no time!

Go Wildcats!

Official Twilight Trailer

2008-10-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! So I only yesterday came across the Official Twilight Trailer on You Tube... and let me tell you, I am STOKED! wow, only a month and a half left to go! I can hardly stand it!

Spiders

2008-10-05T09:56:00.001-07:00

Between the two of us, Hayley and I have killed 7 spiders in our apartment in the last 3 days. NOT ok.

Another one will die today.

"Come Visit the Golden Vine"

2008-09-25T18:16:00.001-07:00

To the tune of "Hark the Harold Angels Sing," this song was written while working at the Golden Vine Wine Bar today. And the people I work with on a daily basis definitely inspired this one! Enjoy!

(Verse 1)

Come Vi-sit the Gol-den Vi---ne,

We'll serve you a glass of wine!

Have a plat-ter with some chee---se,

Or a tas-ting if you please!

(CHORUS 1)

We have sev-ral Char-don-nays...

Zin-fan-del and Cab-er-nets!

Come vi-sit the Gol-den Vine,

We'll serve you a glass of wine!

(Verse 2)

Taste some blue cheese and three po---rts,

Reds or whites we're got all sorts!

Spark-ling wine will bring good chee---r,

(Sorry, no... we don't serve beer.)

(CHORUS 2)

Sauv-ign-on Blanc, Mo-sca-to,

Ries-ling, Mal-bec and Merlot.

Come vi-sit the Gol-den Vine,

We'll serve you a glass of wine!

Come vi-sit the Gol-den Vine,

We'll serve you a glass of wine!

Coronado for the Day

2008-09-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today I got to hang out with two of my favorite people, Doug and Ash Wylie! We hung out at the house, had sandwiches, talked about world travel, caught up on life stuff, went shopping in Down Town San Diego, learned some Photoshop techniques, and ate at the best little cafe restaurant EVER! I miss them already.

Ash and Doug... it was a blast getting to see you guys again! Please visit soon! Thanks again for your warm hospitality and friendship... and dinner! love you both! (and this is the pic I was talking about. crazy, huh!?)

"Christmas Blend"

2008-09-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

To the tune of "Jingle Bells," this song was written for my NorCal Starbucks for our annual holiday road show with all of the managers in the district. My song actually won Best Lyrics out of all of the districts in our region... I even got a little trophy out of it!

(Verse 1)
On clou-dy win-ter days, it's cold and wet out-side
You're try-ing hard to stay, all bun-dled warm and dry;
At Star-bucks we will keep, your nose from turn-ing blue,
A hot an tas-ty Christ-mas drink we'll steam up just for you!

(CHORUS)
Oh...
Pep-per-mint... mo-chas with... red sprin-kles for me,
Try some egg-nog or a cup of hol-i-day joy tee-eeeea!
Gin-ger-bread... cups in red... pump-kin-spice lat-tes,
Christ-mas blend is sure to send some warmth and cheer your way!

(Verse 2)
You're run-ning out of time, as Christ-mas day draws near,
So hur-ry up in-side, find all your gifts right here!
Our Star-bucks cards are great, for fam-i-ly and friends,
With "dawn and dusk" and brew-ing sales your op-tions ne-ver end!

"My Favorite Things" {An Ode to Starbucks}

2008-09-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

A song I wrote for my NorCal Starbucks, sung to the tune of "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. I miss you guys!

Four AM mor-nings and loads of es-pres-so,
Iced ven-ti mo-chas and wet cap-pu-cci-nos,
Re-brew-ing coff-ee and stock-ing the sleeves,
These are a few of my fa-vo-rite things...

Sil-ver milk pit-chers and hun-dreds of fla-vors,
Clean-ing the floor drains and sell-ing news-pa-pers,
Sprint-ing to an-swer the phone when it rings,
These are a few of my fa-vo-rite things...

Fill-ing my pass-port with French Roast and House Blend,
Mug a-wards part-ner cards and my green a-pron,
Pump-ing van-il-la to make the whipped creams,
These are a few of my fa-vo-rite things...

(BRIDGE)
When my feet ache...
When ma-chines break...
When the fruit looks sad...
I sim-ply remember my fa-vo-rite things and then I don't feel... sooo bad!

Tara Donovan

2008-09-21T07:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was thinking about some of my favorite artists and Tara Donovan crossed my mind. Her work inspired me while constructing my senior art gallery show at Biola and continues to amaze me. She is an incredible installation artist with a passion for over-looked everyday objects... masses of them...

She creates something new from these thousands of objects, things that end up looking like sea creatures or underwater plant life. Here are some examples of her work:

amazing, isn't she!?

It's Official...

2008-09-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

...I'm an idiot.

Let Go and Let God

2008-09-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

It was a slow day at work today... slower than usual, actually. On any other day I might have been incredibly bored, but today I had an excellent opportunity for an insightful conversation.

A friend and I were talking about experiences past and I was semi-venting about present struggles. Some recent events have had me a bit confused and on a bit of an emotional roller coaster. She encouraged me to remember to try everyday to "let go and let God"... to give up on what I want or think I want and all of my selfish desires and everyday give them over to the Lord.

The great thing is, I know this is true. The frustrating thing is that I know this is true. If I know I should let God have complete control over my life, then how can I continually stand in His way over something that seems so trivial? At least, it seems trivial when I take myself outside myself and see the bigger picture. But in my own little bubble, it's the biggest deal in the world! God, grant me peace and patience...

I want to know and understand what God is doing and why He puts certain people and experiences in my life... why He takes some away... and why He brings some back again. Is this a second chance to do what I didn't do or neglected to do or couldn't do before? Can I somehow redeem a situation? I know God can use me to impact people, but what will it take for me to ask it of Him, hear what He wants me to do, and then do it!?

Lord, please help me to let go and let You take control of this situation and of every facet of my life. I fully trust You, please help me to show you by giving this part of my life to You along with the rest. I love You. Please show me how to love the way You want me to love... purely and compassionately without improper jealousy.

Wall Mural

2008-09-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

My sister wants to have a wall mural silhouette painted into one of our bedroom walls. And since she's the one designing our bedroom decor (for the most part), she's commissioned me to paint it. She wants some sort of twig-like branch thing. Here's a few I found:

It's either going to be a negative image, where the white wall makes the design coming through the coat of colored paint, or the image will be painted in a mocha brown color. Our walls will be painted a tangerine/cantaloupe/peach sorbet color. Right now I'm leaning toward the one with the green background and the bird. What do you think?

"So many thoughts runnin' through my head..."

2008-09-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

I hung out with a friend today and a flood of memories came rushing over me... one of which includes this song:

You're making a choice to live like this,
And all of the noise, I am silence.
We already know how it ends tonight,
You run in the dark through a firefight.
And I would explode just to save your life,
Yeah I would explode.

Let me light up the sky,
Light it up for you.
Let me tell you why,
I would die for you.
Let me light up the sky.

I can't find a wall to pin this to,
They're all coming down since I've found you.
I just wanna be where you are tonight.
I run in the dark looking for some light,
And how will we know if we just don't try,
We won't ever know.

Let me light up the sky,
Light it up for you.
Let me tell you why,
I would die for you.

Let me light up the sky,
Light it up for you.
Let me make this mine,
I'll ignite for you.

Let me light up the sky,
Just for you tonight.
Let me help you fly,
Cause you won't have time.
To cover your eyes,
And get your disguise,
They won't ask you why,
They just watch you die.

And it's still so hard to be who you are,
So you play this part, And the show goes on.
But you're come this far with a broken heart,
Yeah you've come this far,
And you're broken...

Let me light up the sky,
Light it up for you.
Let me tell you why,
I would die for you.
Let me light up the sky,
Light it up for you.
Let me make this mine,
I'll ignite for you,

Let me light up the sky,
Light if up for you.
Let me tell you why,
I would die for you.

And it's still so hard to be who you are,
But you've come this far with a broken heart.
And it's still so hard to be who you are,
But you've come this far and you're broken...

Let me light up the sky,
Let me light up the sky.

Lord, show me what you want me to do. All these different thoughts and emotions I haven't dealt with before. Help me to be patient, help me to pray, help me to be intentional and help me not to give up. Help me see Your reasons behind all this. Hold me together. Help me...

My Little Sis Moves in Tonight!

2008-08-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

I'm soooo excited because my favorite (and only) little sister and I are going to be roommates for the first time in our lives! (well... if you don't count a month in South Africa...) She should be here with Mom any minute from an all-day drive from NorCal...

...and she just called! They're almost here!!

Annie Leibovitz - Vogue Fashion Series "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"

2008-08-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

The December 2003 issue of Vogue Magazine held one of Annie Leibovitz's first fashion series based off of a fictional story. In this set of photographs portraying Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the role of Alice is played by the lovely model Natalia Vadianova...

Drink Me

Curiouser and Curiouser

Down the Rabbit Hole

Advice from a Caterpillar

Pig and Pepper

The Cheshire Cat

Tweedledum and Tweedledee

The Mad Tea Party

Who Stole the Tarts?

The Mock Turtle's Story

Through the Looking Glass

An incredible demonstration of story-telling through fashion and photography.

Annie Leibovitz - Vogue Fashion Series "Beauty and the Beast"

2008-08-29T00:29:00.000-07:00

In another fashion series for Vogue Magazine dated April of 2005, Actress Drew Barrymore takes center stage as the fairy tale princess in Beauty and the Beast...

A Thorny Problem

A Feast for the Eyes

A Haunting Melody

Through the Looking Glass

A Dark Horse

Midnight in the Garden

The color palate in this series stays soft and antiqued while her imagery remains characteristically bold... beautiful.

Annie Leibovitz - Vogue Fashion Series "The Wizard of Oz"

2008-08-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

This most recent series for Vogue Magazine was published in December of 2005, realizing The Wizard of Oz with Actress Kiera Knightly dressed in high-end designer wear accompanied by a slew of contemporary artists...

Over the Rainbow

(Kiera Knightly as Dorothy Gail)

It's a Twister

(with Actress Alba Clemente as Auntie Em and her husband, Painter Francesco Clemente, as Uncle Henry)

Munchkinland

(with Artist Kara Walker as Glinda the Good Witch... and the Penn State Marching Band)

If I Only Had a Brain

(with Painter Brice Marden as the Scarecrow)

Oil Me, Please

(with Painter John Currin as the Tin Man)

Oh, My!

(with Sculptor Jasper Johns as the Cowardly Lion)

Emerald City

(The Lion, Dorothy, The Tin Man, and The Scarecrow)

The Wonderful Things He Does

(with Painter and Photographer Chuck Close as the Wizard)

I'll Get You My Pretty

(with Artist Jeff Koons as the Winged Monkey)

Ding Dong!

(with Artist Kiki Smith as The Wicked Witch of the West)

Troubles Melt Like Lemon Drops

(Dorothy, Auntie Em, Uncle Henry)

A truly exquisite series with richer, more vibrant colors and vivid details.

Annie Leibovitz - Disney Series

2008-08-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

Annie Leibovitz's most recent series of digital photographs completely amaze me. The first of these images were published in 2007 for Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" celebration advertising the Disneyland Resort and will continue through the end of this year. In this series, Annie portrays celebrities as classic Disney characters in fantastical dream-like settings. So far these include:

Where Imagination Saves the Day

(English Footballer David Beckham as the dashing Prince Phillip)

Where Every Cinderella Story Comes True

(Actress Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella)

Where Wonderland is Your Destiny

(Musician Lyle Lovett as the March Hare, Actor Olivier Platt as the Mad Hatter, and Singer Beyonce Knowles as Alice)

Where the Magic Begins

(Actress and Singer Julie Andrews as the Blue Fairy and Actress Abigail Breslin as Fira from Disney Fairies)

Where You're Always the King

of the Court

(Tennis star Roger Federer as King Arthur)

Where Your Every Wish is Our Command

(Actress Whoopi Goldberg as the Genie)

Where a Whole New World Awaits

(Singer and Actress Jennifer Lopez as Jasmine and Actor Marc Anthony as Aladdin)

Where You Never Have to Grow Up

(Brazilian Model Gisele Bundchen as Wendy, Dancer and Choreographer Mikhail Baryshnikov as Peter Pan, and Actress Tina Fey as Tinkerbell)

Where Dreams Run Free

(Actress Jessica Biel as Pocahontas)

Where You're the Fairest of Them All

(Actress Rachel Weisz as Snow White)

and her newest addition:

Where Another World is Just a Wish Away

(Actress Julianne Moore as Ariel and Champion Swimmer Michael Phelps as a Merman)

Greg...

2008-08-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

...came to visit after work today! We grabbed a bite to eat and hit up the new Toy Story Midway Mania ride... and we both won a beaver.

oh Gregory.

Some Thoughts...

2008-08-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

I am constantly amazed at how God reveals himself and where His truth is made manifest.

Today I was remembering where I was and how I thought and what I was doing last year at this same time. I was reminded of how blessed I was through a relationship, regardless of the fact that I knew at the time it was not right. I learned that people are not always what they present themselves to be to everyone around them. Once you take the time to know a person better, many times they put off a certain look or vibe because of insecurities or their past... and they are really much more the opposite of their facade, perhaps more so than even they realize. And the people you think are "just like you" from their initial impression can turn out to be less than what you imagined they would be. crazy!

I have been trying lately to see a person for who they are and for what God has given them to work with, as well as their potential, and to pray for them. "If only Jesus really got a hold of their heart," I often tell myself, "they would be so GREAT!" But I am also learning patience and that it doesn't always work that way or that change may not happen as quickly as I might hope it would... if at all.

And why and how is it that some people can just move on and not go back and get over someone completely while others can be over a person, then back into them just months later!? Just because I forgive and begin to forget the things that hurt so long ago, doesn't mean that I can just go back and make the same mistakes all over again. I can't... I won't. But it's hard when I start remembering all the good things... the good times.

...but what if they do change?

I am trying also to come back to reality. Being realistic and still maintaining higher standards appears less and less reasonable as time goes by. But God is always faithful. He has my life completely in His capable hands and I need to remember that His plan and will for my life is so much greater than I can picture now or ever!... I just need to let go of myself and the past and the people I cling to and let Him take full control.

Lord, open the doors you want me to pass through. Close and lock the ones I need to stay away from. Help me to fully trust and depend on you rather than my unreliable self and fickle people I encounter. Keep me always in prayer, always seeking your will, always hoping, always persevering, always dying to my childish and selfish desires. Always.

Lunch today...

2008-08-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

...was amazing. (Organic Macaroni and Alfredo Sauce with Herbs)

Encyclopedia

2008-08-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

Last semester, I was introduced to this amazingly simple, yet hilarious book "Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life" by a friend of mine from an art class. Since I've started reading it, I've decided it would be fun (and perhaps even interesting) if I did something similar with my memories and word associations. I'm not sure which letter I'll start with, but eventually I'm gonna try to get through the entire alphabet!...

...I know, the suspense is killing you, right!? ha ha. *smile*

Improvs at their finest

2008-08-19T23:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had the urge to do something ridiculous? Have you ever felt like you wanted to be a part of something greater?... a part of something people would talk about for months and years to come? Have you ever had the burning desire to burst into song in a public setting like some scene strait out of "High School Musical" without feeling alone and completely insane?!?

Well these people certainly have... and they're BRILLIANT!! Probably the some of the best large scale improv scenes I've ever seen are coordinated in a very public setting by a group called "ImprovEverywhere." If you haven't seen the Grand Central Station Freeze or the Food Court Musical, you're definitely missing out. I had never seen the musical until my friend, Alexa, had me watch it at work today.

These are way worth your time. Enjoy!

"Twilight" Movie update!

2008-08-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

ok, so many of you already know that I'm kind of a Twilight geek (thanks to my dear sis, Hayley) and that I can easily take my enthusiasm to the extreme...

...but what you may not know is that the movie premier of "Twilight" is now going to open 3 weeks earlier rather than at it's scheduled December date! The new date is November 21st of this year. Due to a recent Warner Brothers decision, the newest Harry Potter film has been moved to next summer and "Twilight" was offered the slot!

Dazzling!?... do you even have to ask!?!?

Brandon and Evie

2008-08-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

On 06.07.08, one of my very best friends from home, Evie Maz, married Brandon Pierce in Evie's family's lovely backyard. I was thrilled to be a part of the bridal party and still believe it was one of the most beautiful weddings I have experienced yet! Maybe that was from knowing them both grow together these last 5 years? Anyhow, I snapped a few shots of the decor, details, and family prayer time at the Bride's request. Here's the result...

we're so silly!

Evie, I cannot tell you how blessed I was to be a part of your wedding and the whole process of yours and Brandon's relationship. Thank you for keeping me updated over the distance and being such a true and genuine person. Your friendship has pulled me through a lot of tough times. Thank you for sparking my love for photography and encouraging me to pursue it. Thank you for being you! I love you guys. All the best! Visit soon!

Shawn and Laura

2008-08-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

This last March and April I had the honor of taking some engagement photos for my Disney enthusiast friend, Laura, and her fire fighting fiancee (now husband) Shawn. I am fairly new to the whole 'wedding photography' thing but am very interested in learning and experimenting with it more. Nervous as I was about the offer, Laura insisted that she wanted me to at least take some photos for them, and she wanted them at...

...Disneyland! (count me in!)

so for my first go at engagement photos, here's a few we came up with...

here's a couple artsy ones we experimented with...

Laura, you both were so much fun to work with and made this a fun experience for me! Thank you for your willingness to take a chance and for your constant and loving friendship. Loooooove you!

Finally...

2008-08-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

today, for my family and friends from far and farther away, I decided I'd try something new...

...blogging!

let's hope I can keep this up for a while. *smile*

lindsey's blog

Moving...

A Very Merry {un}Birthday

"Nice and Easy does it..."

Lisa Ramsland Grad Announcement

Seattle for the Weekend

Temecula Wine Country

City Church meeting at Chain Reaction

Alice in Wonderland

City Church Website Banners

Polaroid!

When Life Hands you Lemons...

:::Portfolio for Anthropologie:::

Designer Things

My Favorite Corner...

The City Church Vision Night... Everyone's Welcome!

Jimenez Family Portraits

Disneyland Canoe Races 2009

The City Church

Angelina's Gelateria Website to Come

Murphy-Goode Lifestyle Correspondent Application Video

Kari

Our First Place

Gabi

Angelina

A Much Needed Facelift...

The Walt Disney Concert Hall

A Week at Home and Wine Country

Opportunities Abound!

Personal Branding

Santa Monica for the Day

Afternoon in Hollywood

INSPI(RED)

The Best Christmas Present...

Ask and You Will Recieve

"Joy to the World... it's JOHN STAMOS!!!!"

Expect Nothing Less

Home for the Holiday

Understanding the Market

Tonight is the Night!

*shiver*

The Fires are Back

Some Talk Over Tea

Only 4 more days...

Official Twilight Trailer

Spiders

"Come Visit the Golden Vine"

Coronado for the Day

"Christmas Blend"

"My Favorite Things" {An Ode to Starbucks}

Tara Donovan

It's Official...

Let Go and Let God

Wall Mural

"So many thoughts runnin' through my head..."

My Little Sis Moves in Tonight!

Annie Leibovitz - Vogue Fashion Series "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"

Annie Leibovitz - Vogue Fashion Series "Beauty and the Beast"

Annie Leibovitz - Vogue Fashion Series "The Wizard of Oz"

Annie Leibovitz - Disney Series

Greg...

Some Thoughts...

Lunch today...

Encyclopedia

Improvs at their finest

"Twilight" Movie update!

Brandon and Evie

Shawn and Laura

Finally...

shiver