The Beat Will Steal You

Enero Update

2012-01-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

today is one of those days where i feel like, i don't do anything nearly as awesome anymore like when i lived in the city... but then i look at other friends blogs and remember.

i love roller derby. i've been to games in manhattan and slc and had a great time.

but the oc roller girls need to work on their game i'm sorry to say.

and look at all these cool things i found with naomi in pasadena. i'm kinda super jealous that she gets to live in such a great city. i would totally live there if i didn't have to work so far away.

and the lumineers. so good. so very very good.

and what did i do last weekend?

looked at some good and not so good condos saw extremely loud and incredibly close alone and was reminded of my past life in the city....

and this weekend...well i haven't planned that far ahead yet! but i know i'll be celebrating some birthdays for some special people. i think it's time to do a little surfing, dont you think? january and 80 degrees. all kinds of awesome.

i think i might try to go see twinsister in a few weeks. anyone want to join me. : )

Vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

Great things happen when Art night happens. I actually blog with photos! Amazing!!!

Life has been pretty busy but I got a week's vacation between Christmas and New Years....

so let me report:

Did you know that the Ritz Carlton had a Candy exhibit, and it smelled awesome.

Groupon had a membership to the SJC Mission for 1/2 off and I went with Jules

and heard about the different ghost stories and saw this darling nativity.

I really love going here and now I can go as often as I want.

Late Christmas with the squishes, he was super excited about his Toy Story mini squishes

I spent a morning with Meg's Miley, she was super good and sat with me while I finished Tamara's Book. Megan was kind enough to let me crash with her, hubby and pup last minute.

Aren't friends amazing!

Did you know that Utah had an aquarium? It is in Sandy and is actually pretty cool too.

The octopus was my favorite

Kathryn got married to Nick.... I know I should have a photo of them together but I wanted to post a photo with her cause she was a lifesaver friend when I lived in NYC. I heart her! And I wanted to show you my bangs...do you like?

Their first dance as husband and wife. She got her dress at BHLDN.

And yes, this is a total New York thing to do... but look! Delicious arugula salad at Cetabello. Arugula, Goat Cheese, wrapped with prosciutto, topped with a slice of parmesan and drizzled with balsam reduction something.

Oh yes, and did I mention how I went out on New Years Eve with 3 cute guys that I didn't even know very well? We passed by the awesome Nellie Gail Crazy Christmas Light House that's been on TV!

And did you know that I am pretty awesome at arcade games? I won over 1300 tickets in one evening, that is equivalent to 2 big bouncing balls that light up, 3 chinese finger traps, 1 stretching octopus and

1 pack of grape and cherry nerds.

and she said

2011-12-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

Judy Garland once said, “Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of somebody else.”
Yes Please!

christmas link

2011-12-13T22:35:00.000-08:00

this christmas mix is really great.

12 days of Christmas

2011-12-12T22:37:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for more info on the 12 days of Christmas lately. A few sundays back we had a lesson on the Savior and it got me thinking about this Holiday and traditions etc... Sometimes I have a hard time during this season focusing on Christ and not the fun of buying gifts for friends, family and strangers.

And so here is what i've found thus far.

The song 12 days of Christmas is probably about the following...

* The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
* Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments
* Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
* The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
* The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
* The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
* Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
* The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
* Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
* The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
* The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
* The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

something that struck me

2011-12-01T22:46:00.001-08:00

All is Love

2011-11-24T21:24:00.001-08:00

I feel really blessed right now. I am so very very very blessed to have the family, friends, job and life that I lead. Words can't really express how much I love my family, especially my squishy nephews. Nor how much I love all the friends in my life who have been my family when I lived much too far away and didn't have the money to even make a decent meal. My life has had and continues to have its roller coaster rides but without them I wouldn't have learned to love so much! Thank you for the sweet people who are near and far who have shared your love with me.
I love you!

track 5

2011-11-12T23:11:00.001-08:00

so i'm an album girl. i love love love listening to an entire album the entire way through. if an entire album is great to me, that means the band is great and really has something special. there is one entire album that i'm really liking right now~the year of hibernation by youth lagoon.
i'd like to see them one of these days...months....years!
sheesh, i really miss nyc tonight, i miss having music friends and i really miss going to concerts with friends or alone weekly. live music is my drug and the venues here are too far away to go to alone. in time i'll find "my people".....
ok, so why track 5? well, i was driving home from san diego tonight and I noticed that it was track 5 that I was repeating tonight, over and over again. so i thought i'd check in my itunes for more track 5's and look at what i found....all are favs too! enjoy.

youth lagoon-montana

the civil wars- poison and wine

ramona falls- going once, going twice

coldplay-us against the world

calexico with iron & wine-16 maybe less

she & him-me and you
if you have any favs feel free to let me know!!!

happy halloween

2011-10-31T21:52:00.001-07:00

i'm so sorry little blog

2011-10-11T22:28:00.000-07:00

i haven't been posting. i'm so so so very sorry. i don't mean to neglect you! so many wonderful things have been happening to me and my loved ones.
let me share.....
my baby sis made a great decision in her life and is happier than ever. i'm so proud of her courage.
my parentals gave a car away to a family in need.
i went to a football game with my little-est bro and had a great time.
i got treated to lunch and a movie by a cutie!
planted a garden with a super sweet lady friend.
and
i got a real full time gig! in my field!
i get to see photos like this everyday now.....

it's been crazy and so very busy. i feel completely exhausted and can't stay up past 11 any more but, i feel very very lucky and blessed and pray that i can keep learning and growing and remember that God loves you and me!

carmen costume

2011-09-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a better image but right now this is it. Hopefully I'll get a good photo once this little number is on the child that will wear it.... inspired by the Opera Carmen.
Hopefully their is enough show-biz appeal?!

soooooo

2011-09-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

I will be posting photos of creative photography stuff I've been doing here until my website is finished.
Also, I'm working on an ice skating costume, turning along quite well... hopefully I'll have some photos of that shortly.
Other than that, life just moves along a little too quietly.

Sean at 3 Months

2011-09-22T14:47:00.001-07:00

Maternity photos of Mandy

2011-09-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

great song

2011-09-19T10:36:00.001-07:00

First Rate People, Someone Else Can Make A Work Of Art

i feel a little boring right now....

2011-09-16T22:28:00.000-07:00

but i did just dye my sister's hair. and earlier this week I pretended to be 23 for an evening of fun at wild rivers.... but my back paid for it for 2 days and reminded me of my 33 years of life.....
and
this week i've made some progress with website stuff.
my friend is still working on putting it together and I need to make pages and my logo is still in the works, BUT i did do this and made www.jesswhitecreative.com a valid deal.
Yippee for progress!!!!

I heart New York

2011-09-11T14:21:00.001-07:00

It's so great to have Friends!

2011-09-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

micky, megs and caroline-sheesh i love these ladies!

megs got hitched a few weeks ago in hawaii and we all got to celebrate with her in sugarhouse park.

little miss awesome miny booth, i got to have some slumber parties with this hot number not too long ago!

my friends kiddos

2011-09-07T12:13:00.000-07:00

this is ender, he belongs to elisa dawn and eric

(he loves to scoot everywhere)

annabelle and liam belong to emily and ryan

(these kids are super active and very musically inclined)

andrea and one of her son's scott

(i hope to see him on sytycd someday)

andrea and i have been friends for a very very very long time and seriously, one of the sweetest and kindest people i've ever met and been able to call friend~

Princess Macy

2011-09-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

Isn't she a doll?

Thank you Nicole and Andy for letting me pass by and spend time with your sweet family!

early stages of illustrator

2011-08-31T13:15:00.001-07:00

Most days I feel extremely computer illiterate. Like when photography turned digital, yikes! And now this... Illustrator. Shessh, can you be any harder for me to compute in my brain?

I have a long way to go but I definitely know more than I did a month ago.

Thank you Beth, Caroline and Julie for being willing to help me!!!!

my royal affair

2011-08-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't been blogging and I actually like too! I've just been in the process of traveling/nesting/cleaning/unpacking/taking a lot of photos/ and barely editing them. I tried to use google plus too, not a fan friends. Maybe i just need a quick lesson on it?

Here are a few images when I went on my little search for some of the sites where The Royal Tenn........ was filmed. Yup, I'm a total dork but it was a lot of fun to do some exploring in Manhattan before I moved. Shessh I miss that place! Even with family around and the beautiful weather here it's just not New York!

One of my final Sunday's on the East Coast

2011-08-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

These ladies are all dear to my heart.

We thoroughly enjoyed traditional french crepes and homegrown veggies from the garden in Harlem.

Here is a photo of the ladies with their garden! Their tomatoes are the best, if you are lucky and loved maybe you'll get one.

check this out

2011-08-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

Etta Jane Iterations

My super cute and super smart friend Liz is starting her own Applique business and I'm trying to help! Please check out her blog and let me know what you think! Are there any shapes or colors you would like to see? How much would you want to spend on them? We just made another example of using the appliques on the bib portion of a skirt and it turned out really cute and I kinda want one for myself. She is making all sorts of shapes that are great to iron on and sew on anything to create whatever look you want. Seriously, the possibilities are endless! And it's such an easy and fun way to add an embellishment.

i did it

2011-08-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

I made it back to California. I've now been here 24 hours. It has been an emotional 24 hours. It's hard to say if it's the move, missing nyc, being with family nonstop for 7 days straight, organizing my old and super old crap or just getting my period or all of these above why it's been such an emotional 24 hours.... but alas, it has been.

Nearly everyone has been asking me what I'm gonna miss most about nyc so here's my top 5 things I'll miss and/or am missing right now.

5. Great Eats with really cute servers.

4. Great entertainment of all kinds, Concerts and Exhibits.

3. Central Park

2. Seeing Hot People (Meaning good looking guys and gals) on an hourly basis

and my top thing I'll miss most about living in nyc....

1. My friends, your friends become your family and I've been blessed to have friends of all ages and nationalities while living in Manhattan. How I miss you all! You will never know how much I do miss you and you'll forever hold a place in my heart. I can't wait to see you really really really soon. And please feel free to come visit Orange County if you wish!

new york i love your kids cause seriously

2011-07-18T08:31:00.000-07:00

does it get any better than this.

some of my favorite minis being polar bears at central park zoo.

cleo, gabe, otto, aubrey, milo and yours truly.

am i ever gonna grow up?

do you ever feel

2011-07-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

like everything is just good?

i do, especially a lot lately. and it's funny because looking at all the instability in my life and my failed attempts at nearly everything, it seems like i should be feeling the opposite. but i don't. i feel like i'm right where i need to be. doing what i should be doing. and loving those i should be loving. and i'm glad.

and another great show is finished

2011-07-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

Friday Night Lights.

Yup, I'm a lover, believer, follower, fan.

Did I watch the final episode last night? yes. Did I watch it again this afternoon? oh yes.

It's that good.

I really will miss the soundtrack, the characters, their stories, the rawness, and even the drama of this show. Once you start watching this show you just can't stop. Seriously, those dimples.

Behind the scenes of FNL on NPR is right here.

bathing beauties

2011-07-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

i need to design swim suits next. without all the frills. i love love love these images i found at the moma this week.

mr chris

the ladies, with the bday girl in the very middle

leo

2011-07-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

is soooooo cute. i will miss this little face.

thanks for the reminders

2011-07-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

and this

just listen and watch both.

Beginners made me laugh and cry multiple times. I love how love is still found at any age. I love how service is given because of love. And I love how they meet at a party and she has laryngitis!

my 4th of july 2011

2011-07-06T04:41:00.000-07:00

mona and i on the ferry on our way to governors island

the park ranger gal telling us some history

the soldier teaching us how to load the BIG GUNS

a few more of us in our patriotic apparel

jess and ryan enter fort jay

alexis and alicia enjoying the exhibit

peeka boo games

crazy eyed ryan

la esquina tacos, always a treat

ryans day job

mike and lex being models by jayson

jayson by mike on our way to see fireworks

the beautiful ladies, me/jess/alexia/kelley/jendar

lauri and i

jendar and her brother, he was in town from spain

i love this shot.

i love my friends.

and i even love you nyc.

cha cha changes.....

2011-07-05T13:43:00.001-07:00

So, it's already going around and I wish I had a working phone so I could at least send out a text or something but now my phone is totally busted so this is just gonna have to be the way to tell the universe I guess.... Please forgive me!

I'm moving back to California on August 2nd.

And I finally feel really good about it.

I will miss the east coast terribly, I have made a new family here and have met so many amazing and wonderful souls that I feel so lucky to call friends. 3 years have flown by! But it's time to focus on "my roots" as one said to me and finally be a present member of my blood family. Two adorable nephews, caring parents, super star little sis, skating bros, dancing em, old friends, hiking/camping/surfing/some sweet sunshine and being 10 minutes from the beach isn't that bad either.

I'm coming home...

Seriously, if anyone wants to come for a visit they are welcome too! Free beginning surf lessons by yours truly. And... SLC I can FINALLY come and hug/kiss/squeeze the crap out of you and your newbies once again.

my phone has problems

2011-06-30T19:06:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry friends and family! my phone is on it's way to the grave and I don't have the cash to get another one yet. If you can't find me please email me and I will find a way.

Hopefully I will remedy all of this come July/August.

but

these are fun.

(my cute friend Sarah likes this show so I've hulu'd the last few performances)

and this is cheesy cute.

i've been reading

2011-06-30T18:53:00.001-07:00

The immortal life of henrietta lacks

bossypants

breakfast at tiffany's

i thoroughly enjoyed all of them for different reasons and i completely recommend all of them. the last two were really fast reads, the first one took a while so if you are looking for a fast read henrietta is not it.

and next is

outliers

let's see if it's as good as everyone has been saying.

wanna see something kinda fun...

2011-06-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

Go Here!

Look closely at the photo credit too.

For those Chocolate Lovers

2011-06-24T20:48:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to list a chocolate walk that I think all of you would enjoy doing in Soho, New York City that is...

1st, go to Jacques Torres (i liked the spicy chocolate piece, I think it's called wicked? but i am also a sucker for anything with ginger in it.)

2nd walk over to Kee's Chocolates (loved the pink peppercorn chocolate)

3rd mosey to MarieBelle's Sweets (the hot chocolate is amazing! and too many chocolates to mention are worth trying, the entire store is delicious)

and 4th take a gander at Vosges (everything chocolate bacon flavored you could imagine, but i really liked the black pearl)

You will not be sorry if you visit all these places, there are amazing treats to be had and all within walking distance of one another.

Enjoy!

One of my final projects

2011-06-19T08:10:00.000-07:00

these are just taken with my cell phone, hopefully i'll do some better ones with it on later. but yes, i made this from scratch. paper ruler pencils....

sweet california

2011-06-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

i got one of these on friday. he's 5 days old in this photo. little sean. kinda cute. too bad i had to leave him in the best coast.

i also got to play with his big bro too.

he is totally rad. i love having two little people in my family. and i can't get this

out of my head either and the image of rad max shoulder dancing to it with his squishy tummy and cute mini board shorts.

we teach them young.

i wish i had a photo of this. sorry friends.

and another Rachel you may want to know

2011-06-14T09:37:00.001-07:00

go here

scripture study~tithing

2011-06-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

So I did a little scripture studying this morning and found this.

"All of us who have paid a consistent full tithe feel greater confidence in asking God for what we and our families need. He has promised blessings even greater than we can receive when we have been faithful to our covenant to pay our tithes (see Malachi 3:10). So one of the great blessings of tithing is confidence in what the future holds. Whatever our circumstances may be, things will work out for the best. As we keep our promises, He will keep His."

If you want to read the full article it's here.

I have always paid my tithing, not always perfectly but have always tried. Some months it's so meager I am embarrassed at what the church clerk see, but it's my offering to the Lord. Me trying to stay square and available to have His guidance. And I hold Him to the promise of having confidence in my future and knowing all things will work out for the best.

Some of the things I've been asking God lately;

1. Please help me find a job, preferably in patternmaking or technical design. I am willing to move to wherever and whenever because I've learned through my many moves I truly can find happiness anywhere! (But I'd love to be back in the west coast.)

2. Please help my Dad to find happiness in his job or another opportunity.

3. Please help Emily, Jared, Max and Sean to be healthy and happy.

4. Please help me to be a better daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Beach Time on Memorial Day

2011-06-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

no headless horseman sighted

2011-06-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

but all this awesomeness!!!!!

a few of the crew that came along

the inside of one of the larger grave family plots

sleepy hollow, ny - go if you have the chance.

so my latest project

2011-06-06T19:22:00.000-07:00

that felt nearly impossible and it's finally done. Seriously, I'm never making doll clothes that are the size of a quarter ever again unless they are for a future niece or nephew who lays on the hugs and kisses big time.

I've been walking

2011-06-05T07:57:00.001-07:00

and learning stuff

i went on a ghost walk around nyu and west village

walked around the lower east side

checked out graves at sleepy hollow

and went on a sweets chocolate tour

all were awesome and i took photos at some.

here is the ghost walk with our awesome guide.

washington square park was once a potter's field, aka a massive grave site. over 10000o people were buried here who died of yellow fever.

14 west 10th street, google it... a few crazies lived here including mark twain

shirtwaist factory fire, super sad and creepy

blah blah blah

2011-05-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

i spend much too much time alone but i don't really have a choice right now. who really wants to hang out with me while i have to draft, cut, and sew... and then repeat again...

no one and frankly, i don't blame them.

because of all the time alone i think my social skills are suffering. i am getting more and more awkward in conversations... this can not be good. how am i suppose to go on more dates?!

but on a side note a sweet friend called me yesterday to let me know that she is preggo... more babies to love! yay! it's always a treat to hear from old friends. SERIOUSLY!

Brooklyn Botanical Gardens are dreamy right this very moment!

2011-04-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

I went with a few dear friends here tuesday afternoon and it was beautiful and a little bit hot.... as usual i got sunburned, but it was worth it.

the things you'll do for someone you love

2011-04-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

i had a lovely time brushing teeth with this cutie pie this afternoon.

its raining

2011-04-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

and yet there is still some sparkle of sun. oh you nyc, so indecisive. that makes two of us.

so i finally finished not one, but two pairs of pants. they are not perfect and are full of flaws but they are mine and i did them and they have the hardware on them and even one pair has belt loops! i had to sew one pair at school because the denim was just too much for my machine to handle. i posted a few photos on fb, i'll have to take some and post them here too, but not today.

today, i have a runny nose and a headache. annoying. and wanna know something else... i still have two coat muslins and a romper to sew and not to mention the two jackets i've been needing to tailor for clients. yeah, nothing really ever lets up, but at least yesterday afternoon i got to do something grand! i rode a bike from uws to brooklyn by crossing the brooklyn bridge. it didn't really take that long and wasn't all that hard but it was a treat. so far i've biked over two bridges in the city. just a few more to go.

some songs that keep me company

2011-04-09T21:08:00.000-07:00

while i draft and sew.

i just can't get enough of

2011-04-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

this

The Austin 100 SXSW Mix

Because it's that good. So many different musical tastes and styles. There is something for everyone.

I'm still dancing in my dreams....

2011-04-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

So Wednesday night I finished all my suiting hw (after 5 days and nights of doing it constantly) and decided a ME Date was in order and way over due. So I went to see one of my favorite bands play one of their final shows ever at Terminal 5.

Talk about amazing and such a great journey with LCD! They played so many songs from every album, all the favs! Daft Punk is playing at my house, Tribulations, Dance yourself Clean, Pow Pow, Us vs Them, All my friends...the list could go on. It was soooooooo AWESOME!

The show was sold out, but as usual they were selling a few tickets at the door. This place is rarely totally absolutely sold out. I got their around 9pm and stayed until 11:30pm and they were still playing strong!

It was the best cash I've spent in a really long time. I'm still smiling about it!

And Bill Said...

2011-03-26T20:22:00.001-07:00

‎”Fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life. I don’t think you could do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization.”

Go see Bill Cunningham New York, it'll make you happy.

Music is my Boyfriend

2011-03-22T16:59:00.001-07:00

you can't help but like this song. especially when you are sewing a pair of jeans from scratch from a pattern that you made the night before. i can't wait to be caught up... oh but that wont happen until i sew a pair of stretchy pants, a stretch top, a tank top, and a pair of motorcycle pants, and a half muslin of another jacket. and can't forget to mention all the patterns for all said pieces.

so for now, music is my boyfriend and my imaginary friend.

still no photos, but good things just the same

2011-03-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

sorry, my photo card is full on my camera with patterning videos from school. stuff that i doubt any of you would really like to see. but, i must report on a few fun things.

this weekend i did cool stuff! i know, you are surprised because i rarely do cool things on the weekend because i'm in school and trying to finish hw and i'm broke but i did! i did some cool and really fun and 1st ever for me things!

let me begin.....

i went to the whitney! i've been dying to go and i'm so glad i went. it was great, especially because it only cost us $5 for two. go friday nights because it's pay as you wish. i would have only paid $2 but my friend was more generous than i. initially, i wanted to see the edward hopper exhibit but it was a tiny bit of a let down...sorry whitney! but the glenn ligon: america exhibit was awesome. all around awesome. i loved the kids coloring book prints, the books he illustrated about himself, I AM MAN, recycled images he printed and added his own stories to. it was great. and their is also an entire wall of male nudes with plenty of penis for all the world to see! no one can say i didn't warn them...

i rode a bike across the williamsburg bridge. first off, i've only been on the williamsburg bridge once, in a car, coming back from a concert. so to be on the bridge up above was so so so very cool for me. second, to be on a bike was ever better. i love to ride bikes, i'm not super great at it, i tend to ride crooked but i love it just the same. and to be doing so over the bridge, at night, with great company was a special treat.

i went to the movies! and i saw jane eyre and loved it. you may be thinking of course you loved it because you are you.... but it was really beautiful in feeling and quiet if that makes any sense. i loved it.

so yeah, there's my list o fun

i also went running in the park for 45 minutes, here's to moving these bones around finally!

and you know that little goal of 2011....well on #4 now, only 7 more to go.

Success

2011-03-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

The dogs did not die! I did not accidentally kill them!!!!

I know you are all laughing but I had some serious anxiety about something happening and me not being able to help. Anyway, fortunately their mom, the sweetest gal ever, got them new leashes so I knew I wouldn't loose them.

I did feel like Paris Hilton one night.... around Midnight..... taking the dogs out in my party dress, super high heels and hat.....trying to get them to do their business! And instead there's me, holding a dog under either arm trying to get through the double doors without squishing anyone because they would refuse to walk or go to the bathroom because they were either a) too cold b) upset that I wasn't their mom c) scared or d) all three.

This actually happened on multiple evenings.

I had neighbors walking by saying, "I remember you!" "Your dogs are so cute!" etc. And all I can think is yeah.... I'm the idiot who is always taking these puppies out and they don't listen to a word I say. But of course I'd just smile and say "Hi, hope you are having a nice evening!" or "Nice to see you again!"

I keep trying to be a dog person, I really do! I think it just comes to this. I just don't like to touch them....Their hair and smell kinda grosses me out.

I'm sorry animal loving people!

what's been going on

2011-03-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

business and busyness.

sheer craziness.

but things are coming back to normal, meaning i have a moment to blog. ha. i just finished patching a pair of pants and before that i did two pretty crazy alterations on very complicated skirts. This client literally went down 3 or 4 sizes, good work hottie! I did manage to go to the American Museum of Natural History and see the Brain Exhibit for an hour with some friends, walk 4 miles in Central Park, attend institute for an hour and hang out with one of the cutest little 4 month olds ever this morning! all in a days work. and i wonder why i'm exhausted all the time?

and what's next you may ask, i'm gonna try to go to bed early cause come Thursday i'll be apt/dog sitting for my friend for a week....

also, i'm trying to make a bunch of aprons and boy bow-ties this weekend....or at least cut them out, with all this spare time i have.

but that's what life is, a bunch of changes; monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly in my case.

very few things in my life are actually routine. just two years ago my current life would have literally killed me. the anxiety and stress of it all would have done me in, but now i've learned to deal and just have faith that everything will move along for the best. it always moves along whether or not i feel like i'm ready and so i've taken on the philosophy of "just enjoy it cause it's better than the other!" but boy am i tired.

i'm really trying to have faith that my life will work out for the best and there is a point to this madness.

also

i fasted last sunday to help me make some decisions about my life. i really need another plan. FIT is coming to a close. i need to decide if i'm moving or staying put. when do you stop working on finding your future family and just go home and focus on the family you already have? and you feel that you've been neglecting? it's been a great 13 year journey but what to do next?

guess who i saw today on 70th..

2011-03-02T18:55:00.001-08:00

Stefon

He was just walking down the street on his phone running errands..... makes me wonder if he was visiting Kenneth who lives oh so very close to that exact spot...

nyc celebrity sightings, got to love them!

Brooklyn Bridge with Mama

2011-03-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

monday tuesday

2011-02-26T17:04:00.000-08:00

art in all forms

2011-02-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

we shopped and ate...

2011-02-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

in the fashion district

and at max's

yum

We went to the Stardust

2011-02-26T16:37:00.000-08:00

and had some awesome nachos. so if you get anything, get those.

thoughts

2011-02-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

so today ended up being a great day.

the weather was beautiful when i woke up except that they are doing construction on the blg next to me so the sound of jackhammers isn't really my fav....

but let me continue to share.

i got my laundry done (including sheets) and cleaned my bathroom... basically tried to prepare for when my mom arrives on Saturday. Great, but at the same time i was also avoiding doing some needed hw, not so great....

then i babysat for my friend for a few hours and got some hw done while her sweeties slept, Awesome!

and then i went to class and actually got the hw done assigned for next week done.... so i won't have to do any suiting hw while my mom is here! awesome awesome

things are making sense more and more and i'm really getting so much more work with tailoring and becoming a great seamstress and patternmaker.

it feels good.

its feels right.

and

i was feeling pretty great.

Then i got this invite and debated on going out but decided it would be better to walk and thinkfor a while and so i plugged myself into my ipod shuffle (ps it's hot pink) and walked 7th starting at 27th all the way to 50th.... the first song was LCD Soundsystem, time to get away..... and it totally confirmed in that moment that i made the right decision for the evening to walk and i smiled the entire walk home. (even with all the tourists waiting at the lights and walking slow.)

LCD Soundsystem is one of my Happy Music peeps.

it's this weather and accomplishments like tonight and many others that really make me love nyc.

My Cupid

2011-02-15T05:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Week Everyone!

I got this in the mail yesterday, talk about a cutie!

yup, home

2011-02-11T10:58:00.000-08:00

i discovered this song a while back but then i saw this on tv one day and it just brought more love of the song to my heart. so cute.

i guess ellen saw this one and invited them on the show to sing it.

and here's the real one

be good or be gone

2011-02-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

wanna play copycat?

2011-02-09T13:26:00.001-08:00

or best interpretation of ...

well we did. at the best museum ever, you know, the one where they filmed that movie.

lets see if you can guess. (g-rated thanks!)

what are we with our chubby cheeks???

below is a clue.

can you see?

we also did the following, which turned out to be more like interpretive dance....but still we had a great time. His superwoman mom took the following two photos.

we are polar bears about to scare strangers. my mini friend taught me that these bears have black skin to help them stay warm in the artic.

i'm the squid and he's the whale, just in case you were confused.

later that night we got to draw a zoo with his sister and it was seriously the highlight of my week. i really really really love this family.

i wanna be a super model

2011-02-08T20:05:00.000-08:00

actually, that couldn't be farther from the truth.

i had a friday "me day" last week and it was so awesome. i got to go eat at clinton st baking company which i've been hearing about for 3 years but have never gone to. dumb and cheap me. but i did. i saw, i ordered, i ate, and i felt more love. cee kay, you must go and eat here!

twas a magical afternoon with a darling friend.

and i got my photo taken a few times in a row. i swear i'm queen of looking odd in photos.

please excuse my bad bangs friends. i'm trying to grow them out and it's so hard. should i just cut them again instead? thoughts? anyone anyone anyone?

practicing my ruffles

2011-02-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

this is a fleece scarf with ruffles made from a tshirt, ribbon and flowers made with some left over satin. kinda cute? or kinda weird? i can't tell. i just folded it so you could see both ends.

i went to boston to be loved

2011-02-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

a treasure found in the mit bathroom. check out the cartoon's gloves.

scientist kris

the real lovebirds

the name of m & k's baby girl

bbq ribs and homemade bbq sauce, devoured by entire party (side note- we ate a whole lot more than this, there was another entire tray!)

also
i ate a copious amount of popcorn (did i even use that word right?) both evenings there. twas a lovely trip.

ps, its the month of love too and so i'm trying to use it as much as possible.

one late afternoon

2011-02-06T17:53:00.000-08:00

so sometimes nyc looks like this (sleet/ice/freezing/aka-super nasty)

and then a friend gives you a special treasure

and you are sick of doing homework and don't want to go out side so you test out your treasure

and here are the results

too bad this fabulous hair only lasted for about an hour.

if anyone else wants to test these puppies out come on over!

i said love and i meant it

2011-02-04T21:02:00.000-08:00

i've loved menomena for a long time and now i love ramona falls.

thanks for coming out with more awesome stuff brent.

now please come to nyc so i can love you live.

my last received text message said

2011-02-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

You are one of the raddest ladies ever!

kinda sweet. thanks.

ok ok

2011-02-01T20:27:00.001-08:00

i've been wanting to post some goals/new years resolutions/improvements of my person for 2011 but they all seem kinda silly, at least the ones that i'm doing and willing to post on this interweb..

they consist of

-taking a mulitvitamin pill everyday

-using mouthwash (i've always hated the stuff but now i'm doing it at least 5 days a week, it all really depends on where i'm sleeping that night because i'm not bringing it over to your house, the bottle is too big!)

-blog at least once a week and post a photo or two.

-go on 11 dates this year (i've already gone on 2 and sorry i will not be posting details of either, email me if you really need to know)

-make more jackets and coats! more tricky stuff to show off what i can do.

-but then also start using my etsy shop again, Ladies, I will be making aprons and little cute things and they will be much cheaper than my pillows and great gifts so please check back.

-figure out a new look for me, any ideas are always welcome friends!

and

-find my "home"

i was reminded of this today

2011-02-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

all kinds of awesome.

wanna see some snow?

2011-01-27T13:35:00.001-08:00

images from my apt and from central park.

it's freezing and i totally want a pair of snow boots now big time. my toes are freezing!

Just listen

2011-01-19T19:29:00.001-08:00

Lover's Spit

Hotel

KC Accidental

and this

2011-01-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

some of you might get a kick out of reading about the Mormon Mommy Blog Readers....

ps, Natalie is good people, she's my friend.

you, me, 5 bucks and some good conversation

2011-01-17T16:22:00.000-08:00

that's what happens when you get a few old friends together in this concrete jungle.

a few highlights...

we ventured to the met

we rode the staten island ferry

we went to the bronx and had some more pizza

st thomas cathedral too

and had a dolly parton marathon...

love all these ladies. love love LOVE them.

For all those Train Lovers

2011-01-17T16:05:00.000-08:00

this is brandon and he is a train lover

One Snowy Walk

2011-01-17T15:44:00.001-08:00

Opera with the Nixons

2011-01-17T15:19:00.000-08:00

Just a few photos...I got to go to the Magic Flute at the MET Opera on 1/3. Unfortunately they don't let you take photos of the play itself but it was really really cool. The costumes were beautiful, the music delightful, and the company fabulous~except for the guy sitting on my left who was trying invade my space! got to love the nyc

update

2011-01-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to this a lot this last week.

The Best Is Yet to Be

It's great.

I had a fantastic Saturday too. One of my New Years Resolutions is to do a Me Date once a month, and well it turned into a me day and twas wonderful! I went on a long walk, saw great fashions and great art, had munchies, and saw a chick flick and a few friends along the way.

I'll post photos tomorrow...hopefully!

just gotta share

2011-01-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

how fun and silly my family is.

my dad and my sis playing mj together.

and what happens to my dad afterwards...

Love you Both!

NYE with the Adams

2011-01-02T20:05:00.001-08:00

I had a great NYE this year. It was low key with a great longtime friend and her hubby. We went to din din at Joes Shanghai and up to the MOMA and The TREE. Then to the Midnight run.... And the evening even ended in Fireworks, literally! I felt so lucky to have them come from Beantown! Thanks for the LOVE you two!

Christmas Morning with Max

2011-01-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

This kid is so rad. I don't know if I can say much more. I really do love him and miss him when he leaves or when I do. It was such a treat to have him come for Christmas with his darling Mom (who is always willing to dance MJ with me) and he loveable dad (my bro.)

this was him having to go home to bed.

arcade fire on snl

2010-11-17T10:13:00.000-08:00

i just finally got to see this.

her dress is awesome.

and the song is too!

a churchie talk given by me

2010-11-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

this last sunday.

ps, i hate hate hate hate hate speaking at church. mostly because i a) feel like i'm gonna die b) i normally can't stop crying because of my stage fright and c) i get so sweaty it just disgusting but this time b) did not happen so maybe i'm getting better at this thing?

anywho, i thought maybe some of you would like to read it? ill condense it too...or just humor me and ignore the post. i'll see love you either way.

Hi, I have recently been called as the assistant stake family history director. I wanted to focus on why it is important to know your Family History and how you can learn from your ancestors in the same way that you learn from the scriptures. When we read the scriptures we learn about the lives of the men and women in the Book or Mormon or in the Bible, we learn from their mistakes and their achievements. Family history is so much more than Genealogy. It is learning about your heritage and in some ways, family history is your own personal family scripture.

As I have done bits of research, I have learned more about where my ancestors have lived and their lives. Last year I decided to interview my father and uncle to learn more about their childhood and it was fascinating! It was a special treat to learn of their childhood antics, one of which was turning the entire backyard into a huge slip-in-slide with a painting tarp and a hose and sprinkler and 12 neighborhood friends. I’ve also learned that my great grandmother Maude Patterson lived in Mexico in Colonia Juarez with her family and had orchards and farms until they were destroyed by Pancho Villa. I’m also a Brinton, and one of my ancestors was David Brinton who was a wagon maker and he stayed behind in Nauvoo Illinois to make wagons and wagon wheels for the saints on their exodus to Utah. My great-great Grandfather was Benjamin Atkinson who was known as the “popcorn” man of Salt Lake City in the 1950’s. He made candy coated popcorn in his basement in the Sugar House area. Some of my ancestors were artistic and very creative; some were violinists, pianists, quilters, enjoyed sewing, skilled cooks, and organized and wonderful homemakers. I like to think that being involved in the arts runs in the family! I am a seamstress and teach sewing classes to adults and children. I love to make stuff, especially pretty or out there things. There is a wonderful feeling that comes when someone puts on something I’ve created and they feel beautiful. I like to think that it’s through the influence of my ancestors that I have been able to expand upon these talents and gifts. I believe that the spirits of those who have passed on are all around us and are joyous when we take interest in them and talents that they once practiced here in their mortal state. I truly believe that as I’ve cultivated my talents in the arts I’ve had “little helpers” along the path guiding my hands and helping me finish a project that I thought would never end. I’m eager to thank those souls who have spoken to mine in times of trouble and frustration.

I love learning the stories and reading the histories of my ancestors. I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep a personal history. I know, journal keeping is tough and requires time and I’m not 100% either but I wouldn’t know anything about my family if it wasn’t for the stories that people wrote down and shared over the years. I like to think that when Elder Ballard made this comment in conference he was also talking of the importance of family history. “When you are willing to listen and learn, some of life’s most meaningful teaching come from those who have gone before you. They have walked where you are walking and have experienced many of the things you are experiencing. If you listen and respond to their counsel, they can help guide you toward choices that will be for your benefit and blessing and steer you away from decisions that can destroy you. As you look to your parents and others who have gone before you, you will find examples of faith, commitment, hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that you should strive to duplicate.” I remember a time in college where I was struggling with a relationship with a dear friend who helped keep me active in church through high school years but in college decided to disassociate herself with it. It was a difficult time for me. My mom sent me a letter where she had copied some of the pages of her journal from her younger days where she had experienced nearly the exact same thing! Those pages where a huge strength for me. And I hardly think that when she was writing that stuff down she thought that one day her 20 year old daughter will want to read this. But fortunately she did write it down and I am standing here today partially because of those words she shared with me out of her journal.

As my mother and father have done temple work in behalf of my ancestors they have had very many sweet experiences in the temple and have a strong confirmation that the veil is very thin. I too have enjoyed working as an ordinance worker in the temple. I haven’t had the experience of doing temple work for my immediate family but I have been able to participate in sealing’s of friends to their deceased relatives and to feel that special spirit of love and unity that only a temple sealing can promise.

In closing, as I have searched and learned more about my ancestors, I have gained a better appreciation of not only my ancestors but it has helped me see more about who I am and what has led me to make some of my decisions. It’s kinda in the DNA to be who we are. And why not be all we can? Why not learn from the past to ensure a brighter future? The Book of Mormon teaches us in more places than one that it was written for everyone to learn. 2 Nephi 4 we read that Nephi “delighted in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and profit of my children. Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually on the things which I have seen and heard. “ We too can read the teachings of our ancestors and learn from their lives as we learn from the Book of Mormon. And well, what if you don’t’ have this desire you might say? I urge you to pray for it! We learn in 1 Corinthians 14 of spiritual gifts desired and given. I have a testimony that if you want the spirit of Elijah in your heart, if you want to get to know your family tree better, all you have to do is ask God and act and He will help you.

excited to go home....

2010-11-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

um, yes, it's kinda impossible to not be excited to see this face in a week from Monday.

Paper Doll-Halloween 2010

2010-11-12T05:05:00.001-08:00

My last minute Halloween Costume... I know I know, I used something that I made last year but had never been out on the town before and it ended up being a big hit! My old roomie Alina did my hair and make up too which put the entire look together. It was a fun night, even with the super long day at school. I had a few strangers on the train ride home ask me if I was Amy Whinehouse/Lady Gaga and if they could touch my dress and one guy told me I should start making more of them to sell them.... Oh randoms!

And before I forget, yes, it's made out of newspapers and tape and modpodge glue incase you were wondering.

moving

2010-10-26T20:43:00.000-07:00

moving in nyc is so stressful! it's been the most stressful thing i've had to face in a very long time! i can not wait for all of this to just take it's course. good news is if all goes well, i will have my own room that i can sew in and see clients in and have you my friends stay in!

i might have to boycott halloween this year, sorry.

but if i end up going out i'm probably gonna dress up like a dead rock climber...i know, so original.

my hw and this wedding dress i've been making and moving has taken priority over costumes this year.

...

2010-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

lately i've been reminded of what a good friend once told me about her observation of me.... she said "i think you are still single because you are just too useful as a single person." she continued to remind me of how hyper productive i can be and the networking magnet i once was. the last city i lived in, i would make lists like crazy (had a mini notebook actually) and would just cross and cross and cross off things i'd accomplish. this last week i did a lot of service for my church and community and somehow managed to do hw, got a few extra alteration jobs, got paid from old jobs and nearly finish a wedding dress too. how did i do all this stuff? i have absolutely no idea other than God helped me. i prayed really really hard on saturday morning for strength to make it through class and to take good notes so as to not be so far behind and guess what... it worked too! so i guess i also want to say that my prayers are being heard and well, my time isn't really my own but at the same time i've been able to accomplish more than i thought steadily over the past few weeks and it's nothing short of a miracle.

and now i'm ready for bed. lets hope it's a good one!

Saturday School

2010-10-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

I go to Saturday School. I leave at 9am and I return to my apt usually at 7:30pm unless I lug all my tools and paper to a home or an outing or whatever! Its a long day and It's a little hard because we only have a 30 minute break in between the two classes. I'm learning stuff that I don't know how to do and don't have time to do it right away after it's taught to jog my memory, which makes doing it later even rougher. Instead I either do it that night (like I did last Saturday night until 11pm) or a following day. I'm beginning to feel a little lost in class and I don't like it. I've been asking questions and it's still not clicking. This week I need to draw a pants draft twice, I've done it 3 times already and all of which have been wrong. I kinda want to scream a little but what can I do? I just need to do it right and that's that. And the only way I'm gonna do it right is by practicing and doing it again and again. Did I mention I also have a jacket to complete for Thursday night's class (33 pieces) and I'm working on a wedding dress for a client... Fortunately the wedding dress doesn't have to be done until Nov, but I still need to do a fitting with her this week and somehow finish all the other wonderful things I need to do.

Do I sound a little stressed out, yup, I am. I think I'm gonna go for a run...right now!

Cash Cab 4 REAL!!!!

2010-09-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

So my brother loves to remind me when we chat that he still hasn't seen me on cash cab. For those of you who don't know what this is it's a tv show where you can win money by answering questions correctly while riding in a nyc yellow cab. I was this close to getting on the show though last monday night! I walked right in front of the van to see the host of cash cab sitting in the drivers side with his passengers in the back answering questions. As we crossed the street I snapped this photo. Just minutes after, the host walked out of the cab towards one of the film crew and took a smoking break. The host is crazy tall! Like a real basketball player tall. I now know if you see a yellow nyc van cab and a silver large passenger van close behind at around 11:30 pm it's probably a very good idea to get in that cab.
and this is my friend eric who was visiting who saw the cab too but had no idea what I was talking about...cash cab!

It's Conference Time!

2010-09-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

In the church I belong to, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, twice a year we have General Conference where we hear from our leaders special messages that God has inspired them to share. When I was a kid I was less than excited, but as I've gotten older I've really started to look forward to hearing what is shared. We had our General Relief Society Meeting last Sunday and these are some of the things that I wrote down.

Sis Beck:

-your faithfulness is critical

-your home needs to be a spirit filled refuge

-be watchful, prayerful and inspired

-don't believe the myths more than the truth

-We study history because it helps us change.

Sis Allred:

-We can choose the path of everlasting happiness

-You don't have to be married to keep the commandments of God

-Missing blessings will come to the faithful

-Being Faithful includes prayer, scripture study, obedience and service

Sis Thompson:

-Having compassion makes a difference

-Pray for one another, serve with love

Pres. Monson:

-How do we view each other?

-What judgements are we making?

-None of us is perfect, judge not!

-Do we judge by appearance?

-Appearances can be deceiving

-Do our differences tempt us to judge?

-If you judge people you have no time to love them.

-Charity is also being tolerant, sympathetic, merciful, forgiving, and compassionate

-true charity is love in action

-Life is perfect for none of us!

There are so many things that I am trying to be better at and figure out right now. Life is hard but I'm making it work. I've been struggling with being lonely, out of the social loop, no steady income, school hw sucking all my time away, and self doubt. But I do know, more now than I have before, that I'm where I need to be and I am doing good in the little things I'm able to do for others. And, I feel so blessed to have a wedding dress job starting this week. Now lets hope I can find a good place to live come Jan 5th...

Last Minute Summer Fun

2010-09-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

I went to Boston with my dear friend Jane and had a really great time.

It was a completely last minute trip with no specific plans other than her going to check out a school and a hospital and I just wanted to get out of the city and go to the Isabella Gardner Museum. Fortunately it's only a 4 hour bus ride and it's very inexpensive, and when you have a friend to ride with the time really does fly by. I wish I had photos from the Isabella museum but I don't, they don't allow photography, cell phones or pens inside. I was a bit annoyed by their rules but if you are ever in the area and want a beautiful building with some fabulous Gothic art to view go here! We ate at Giacomos (which I found via memory from my last trip to Boston), explored a few cemeteries, pretended to be students at Harvard, went on a night run, and had soup in a semi fancy place in the middle of it all. Overall, it was an A plus trip. I am very lucky to have Jane G. in my life! Here are a few photos of our fun!

a little bit of awesome happened to me this afternoon

2010-09-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

it's late but i had to post a few of these photos taken by me while i was sitting at an actual seat at the christian show at fashion week this afternoon in nyc. it was sooooo cool! i've been smiling all day because of it. the gowns were beautiful and the people too. thank you tara for making this possible for me!!!!

I love museums

2010-09-07T20:07:00.000-07:00

Over the last few months I've been able to view the following crazy and awesome wonders in our wonderful USA.

PS1-one room the floor was wooden bats where you could walk on top of them

Coney Island Museum-amazing vintage artifacts of signage and the most beautiful collection of antique postcards ever.

American Museum of Natural History-African Animals Dioramas and the entire Ocean Room is a treat.

Guggenheim-The Haunting Exhibit was truly haunting and fascinating

Orange County Fair Arts and Crafts Exhibit-not very fine art but very FUN art!

The Institute of Chicago-Sorry but I must say Ferris

Museum of Contemporary Photography-Some very interesting Andy Warhol inspired Collages

Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and other homes in Oak Park-brilliant and so ahead of his time!

I have some lovely photos from these places but I'm too lazy to post them. So Sorry! One of these days!

the girls are camping

2010-09-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

i think i failed to mention that i was a 4th year leader at girls camp in nyc over august. it was a great experience. these girls are a lot tougher than i was at 15 to say the least! i learned that if a pocket knife blade is larger than the palm of your hand you aren't allowed to carry it around in nyc. i wish they didn't have to know that.