The Little Things

I came across a magazine article over Christmas break called "One Small Thing." It asked, "what is the one small thing that makes you happy?"  The article listed things like umbrellas, puppies, hitting numerous green lights in a row, finding a stash of cash or finding post it notes that say "i love you".  Lately I've realized that you can't let all the little things in life that make you unhappy pile up and get to you.  Instead, we should look at all the little things that make us joyful.  I'd like to list a few of the tiny things that make me happy. 

1. Watching my mom make lists. She constantly gets onto me for making thousands of lists...but she does it herself! I blame her for my list-making.

2.  Finding candy in my backpack or purse that I forgot I put in there a few days ago.

3.  Seeing a beautiful sunrise in the morning on my way to class.  

4.  A smiling stranger. 

5.  Putting my iPod on shuffle and hearing a song that I love that I can sing loudly to that most other people would find embarrassing for you, or hate the song. 

6.  Unexpected letters. 

7.  The smell of rain. 

8. Crunching leaves and splashing in puddles. 

9.  Overhearing a funny conversation. 

10.  Hearing my dad laugh really hard at the scene in Dennis the Menace of Mr. Wilson slipping and flying around in the bathroom. 

11. Watching people laugh, smile, or sing to themselves. 

12. Knowing that a new holiday brings goodies I don't get all year long. Valentines day: candy hearts.  Halloween: candy corn. 

13.  Waking up to a good song. 

14.  Cuddling with my dog Jake. 

What small things make you happy?

Wardrobe Wishes

I wish that I was talented enough to make all of my own clothes... or really just have enough time in the day to do so.  It would save me a lot of money if I could just duplicate some of the designs I see others wearing without the designer price. But that's beside the point, here are some photographs of outfits that I adore this week. (No I don't want to dress like the guy, but I thought he had great style.) I wonder if I can pull of some of these styles...

I have a skirt similar to this that I haven't worn in years, but now that I see this, maybe I can find something in my closet to go with it. 

First of all, I love this girls' hair.  And her style is just adorable. 

Can I please have this dress?

Scarves as headwraps are "in" right now.  I would like to get a few in different patterns.  Also, her minidress is fantastic. 

Another beautifully dyed headwrap. 

Love: hair, scarf, blouse, handbag, shoes. 

I don't believe I've ever seen tights like this, but she makes it work. The combination of the blouse tucked into the skirt with a belt is super fun! 

This guy just knows what's going on in the style department. End of story.

Those are just a few peeks at what I'm loving at the moment!

The Weeping Willow Does Not Cry

For whatever reason, I'm not really sure why, I love weeping willow trees.  I always have.  Trees in general are a huge source of inspiration.  The way the breeze carries away the leaves, sending the branches back and forth.  With each season's change, a tree becomes a new sight--a new adventure.  When the sunlight shines on it and the wind blows its branches carelessly, it's almost as if it is human, telling it's own unique story.  The colors of the leaves are breathtaking.  There are so many kinds of awesome trees. I sound like a crazy person going on and on about them, but I really do find them magnificent.  

Someone once told me they found it depressing that the weeping willow is my favorite tree. Then I thought to myself, have you ever looked at a willow tree? I mean, really just stopped and taken in the way the branches dance in the wind. When I have a home of my own someday, I hope there is a willow tree.  Growing up, I can remember this particular weeping willow in a yard that I drove past on the way to school almost every day.  Now when I pass, I see that it is growing older and producing less leaves year after year.  While this may be sad for some, it is hopeful for me.  It gave me a sense of joy, peace and humbleness over the years. That's something I can't explain. 

The tree that sits at the corner of my front yard is a tree I have always adored. I love to sit on the rock underneath it and watch the cars go by. I found a new delight in the tree about a block from where I live in Stillwater now.  I'm not sure what kind it is, but it overlooks a pond, and the way the sunlight hits it is just pure perfection! I enjoy relaxing underneath these trees, thinking, praying, humming to myself, wondering at the people passing by, reading, or just enjoying nature at its finest. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is, sometimes it's the small things in life that make you smile.  That awful day you had is turned around completely with familiarity and a glimmer of hope and promise. For me, weeping willows and the gracefulness and architecture of trees are a special and matchless gift. Do you have something that you can relate to this? Maybe it just all started with Lion King and Rafik's tree!

Take a look at the snow-covered trees now, spring weather is on its way in about a week! :)

Inspiration: Movement. Art. Power. A Story.

I was snowed in... so I thought I'd share some more inspiration! Dance has always been a passion of mine, and an outlet for freedom of expression.  So, of course I watch So You Think You Can Dance. These are a few of my favorite dances that have either inspired me or tell a beautiful story through movement. I know it looks tacky with all these videos... but I feel the need to share... I'll try to categorize. Not all of the videos will work on here, so I put links. Enjoy the beauty. 

Artistic. 

1. Hummingbird and Flower 

2. The Bench Dance

3. The Garden 

Story.

1.  Mad World

2.  Fix You

2. How It Ends

3.  If It Kills Me

4.  Gravity 

5.  The Bitter Earth 

Power. 

1.  Hometown Glory

2. Outta Your Mind

3. Mercy 

Movement.

1.  Time Flies

2.  Cosmic Love

3.  Sundrenched World

4.  Hallelujah

5.  Jar of Hearts 

Feel Good Music.

Here is a mixtape I made upon a request for some of the music that I listen to. I listen to quite the variety of music, and I couldn't put it all on here. So, I pulled a playlist from my iTunes. The playlist is titled "mmmyes" on my iPod because it is compiled of what I like to call "feel good music".  It's that music that just makes you go..."yeah.. I just don't want this song to end." I'll admit, I don't always pay attention to the lyrics because I just like the beat or the melody, but others have really profound words and thoughts. Take a listen and decide for yourself. Maybe you need something to do during the coming "blizzard". :)

I Think I Stare Too Much

The House of Air

People watching is an interesting thing.  I probably do it way too often…actually I do.  I don’t know what it is, but the way some think and react to life’s situations is absolutely intriguing to me.  One of my professors was talking about how in order to trend forecast, these forecasters will sit in coffee shops and restaurants by the window and simply people watch.  At that moment, I was like PERFECT, if all else fails, I know my degree qualifies me to people watch—which I’m already an expert at.  Then I thought to myself, maybe this isn’t good because too often my curiosity gets the best of me and I want to know more about these people that I spend time wondering at—what they do and enjoy doing, what their lifestyle is, why they carry themselves the way they do, why their mannerisms make them who they are, if their faces speak exactly what they’re thinking or feeling, what they believe, and what they want to or think they offer this world. Everyone is unique and I wonder at the reality that we’re all completely different in so many aspects, and yet when you stop and think about it we are so similar in other ways. Just a thought for the day.  …I’m also wondering why the older man who just stopped me in Starbucks to ask me if I was a cheerleader thought I resembled one…

*Fun game: Put your iPod on shuffle as people walk by and change the song every time you watch someone new: click next until you find “that person’s theme song”. It’s rather entertaining. 

School began this week. 7:30 classes and I already do not get along. I guess the plus side I get great parking and I don’t have Friday classes…which will give me time to blog and be all crafty and whatnot. I also have lots of time in between classes, perfect time to read lots of books and people watch.  Is it just me, or when you walk to class do you feel like everyone is staring towards you? And then you stare back because you want to know what they’re looking at. Vicious cycle.

I am currently searching for an internship for the summer.  It is incredible to me how many places are out there that I have never heard of. The task of finding a great internship is so daunting.  I finally happened upon one with a description that read “looking for a creative, organized individual who is fun…and being cute is just a plus”.  I thought to myself… I’m creative. I’m overly organized. I’m fun!… I can be cute!! HIRE ME! Guess I can’t exactly put that on my resume.  However, if you know of any places looking to hire (preferably in the California, Seattle, Portland, or Colorado areas)… let me know.

The Wantsum Hoodners

On another note, I wish it was spring.  This 9 degree weather and I just are not agreeing. Also, spring makes me excited for nectarines.  Yes, you heard me right…I’m craving them already.

Today I am wearing a 70s inspired dress from Forever21, black tights, and vintage-inspired black suede heels courtesy of Franco Sarto. My roommate asked why I was so dressed up just to hang around all day, and I simply explained that I just felt like it. I’m tired of the cold. I suppose you could say I’m in defiance of Oklahoma weather.

Currently inspiring me: These videos... Thank you Gemma Booth.  

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The Soft Parade

Be back sometime soon with some tunes that make me smile.

Missing the Rain

Currently listening to: "Same Changes" by the Weepies

I am fully aware that it is not the season for rain, but for some reason I happened upon these amazing photographs of umbrellas. I love it! Let it be known… I absolutely adore rain!! It’s almost better than a sunny day sometimes…okay it is. Unless I want to play outside, but then that just calls for puddle jumping…which involves cute rainboots! I will say though, I cannot stand when it rains while the sun is out.  It ruins a perfectly good rain! I have always wanted a raincoat. But I suppose lovely umbrellas will do for now.

                

P.S. I hope your New Years was filled with love and friends like mine!