Divine Imperfections

Five Minute Friday: In Between

I like to think of life as these big moments, these bookmark events.

 

Pre and post college. 

Before and after the wedding.

 

 

It’s easy to remember the big stuff, the dates circled on calendars.

We don’t soon forget the events planned for months in advance.

 

 

Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, births… those are the things we’re taught to remember. The dates we celebrate, honor, with cards and cake.

 

But life is so much more than the holidays, what Hallmark tells us.

There is so much more to be celebrated, if we stop and see with fresh eyes.

 

 

Like a husband learning to make his wife a latte, ‘cause she loves them and could use a pick-me-up.

Or a daughter taking her dad by the hand to lead him into The Coolest Part of Legoland.

 

A mom making her son laugh.

Or a son making his mom smile.

 

 

A wife washing her groom’s stinky, dirty clothes.

A friend checking in, after a few weeks of quiet.

 

 

There aren’t Hallmark cards for those things. Or special candle toppers.

 

They’re just tiny fragments, but also chances to recognize that the stuff truly worth celebrating happens in between a lot of those big events.

 

Like the quiet of the evening before the Fourth of July fireworks start.

And all those incredible, unexpected moments that come after the “I do’s” have been said.

 

 

The in-betweens matter more than we might think, I think.

Though I’m not knocking any excuses to eat cake.

 

 

But it’s the in between where we find the real story.

The juicy details.

The stuff we really want to know.

 

 

The heart.

The depth.

The struggle and triumph.

 

 

The in between is everything.

Everything but the bookmarks.

 

The in between is where real life happens.

Messy, beautiful life.

 - 30 - 

 

This post is a response to Lisa Jo Baker's weekly blog linkup, a chance to free write for five minutes flat, about a new prompt each week.

It's a wonderful chance to revive atrophied creative muscles. 

 

And the photo above seemed fitting, as it is both proof of my husband's first barista(o) efforts, and a shot of my "Craft Room" in its own in between.

I've been working off and on for weeks to transform the spare bedroom that was once stuffed to the brim with boxes, into a usable space for scrapbooking and other nerdy creative pursuits.

And it's come a long way from the air-conditioned storage space it was. Still I'm quick to dismiss projects/ideas/rooms as not ready to share, when I feel like they're trapped in limbo between start and finish.

But this prompt reminded me to celebrate my works in progress, like this space, and me.

And I'm thankful for that. And the latte. And the creative escape.

And, a lot of things (when I stop and take a second to realize it).

 

I'm thankful for a lot.

Now, Happy Almost Monday.

Thoughts From Thursday: Bad Breath Edition

I kinda sorta accidentally started a diet. It's a beef jerky diet. Basically I'm too busy to stop and eat, so I chomp on teriyaki-flavored beef that comes in a bag. I don't know if I've lost any weight, but let me tell you, my breath smells fantastic.

 

 

Summer makes me feel alive again, like I've finally dethawed after a long, depressing winter. I don't think my body was made for the cold. I should probably move to Florida pronto. Or Hawaii if I'm dreaming big.

 

 

If you read Stephen King, it doesn't matter where you are. You can be in the safety of your own home, surrounded by family members, and/or weapons, in broad daylight. You will still be terrified, and looking over your shoulder.

You'll also be thankful that your parents never bought you one of those stuffed monkeys with clanging cymbals. Or Stephen King books as a kid.

 

 

I've been worried lately how much I love Code Red, a drink I mostly associate with rappers and 14-year-old boys. But today, while visiting my parents, I discovered a half-drunk bottle of the stuff on the counter. It turns out my dad is a big fan.

And even if that just means we both have horrible habits and will probably lose our teeth at a young age, it felt nice to feel a little less alone. 

It always feels nice to know you're not alone. Even if it is in something really silly.

 

 

I can listen to a song over and over without getting tired of it. I'm sorry in advance to anyone that has the pleasure of riding with me since I've made my most recent mix CD. It has 16 songs total, but you will probably only hear two of them, 1,000 times.

And me singing obnoxiously along 'til my throat gives out.

 

 

My two-year-old computer's disc is full. My one-year-old iPhone is also at capacity. Camera card, same story. (And that's not counting the fact that my laundry contents are spilling out from my two baskets onto every inch of floor space in our bedroom.) 

Apparently I skipped right over spring cleaning, to dear goodness it's summer and there's no space in my life for one single more thing. 

This must be fixed pronto. 'Cause I don't want to miss an opportunity to capture another beautiful summer sunset, or patch of wildflowers... or my catfish basket. 

 

 

One of my very best friends is getting married this weekend. And I'm super excited for her. I'm also really thankful that marriage isn't at all what I expected (based mostly on sitcoms).

It's a lot more fun, and a lot less predictable. And... the greatest adventure I've embarked on yet.

Hard to believe we're almost a year and a half in. Seems like yesterday I was stressing over our centerpieces. :)

 

 

So yea, that's the randomness happening in my head today.

 

Hope you have a great almost weekend.

Greetings from our slightly younger, way more summery selves.

On The Road Again

My days have been dragging by slowly as I’ve tried to survive ‘til “summer break.” 

Even though the online college I work for offers self-paced classes, the majority of our students like to procrastinate until May, then bombard us with a year’s worth of assignments.

 

It makes May super fun.

 

But, the upside to the chaos also makes June and July feel extra special.

Kinda like a breath of salty sea air. Or unbuttoning your jeans after getting your money’s worth at a buffet.

 

And now that we’re so close to that light at the end of a tunnel (or office space filled with paperwork and overflowing inboxes) I’m anxious to get summer started right.

Luckily one of my best friends is getting married soon. And a bunch of her friends (who’ve kept their heads above water this past month) have planned out a great girls’ weekend in one of Texas’ funnest (yes, Funnest!) cities.

 

So this weekend I’m Austin bound for bachelorette fun, bathing suit time, and a much-needed break.

 

Wherever your weekend is taking you I hope it feels like a vacation, a break from the ordinary, and most of all, an opportunity to breathe.

 

See you soon, hopefully with a healthy tan, and far less stress. :)

Life Lately: A Few Thousand Words

 

Life is busy. Life is good. 

 

I've been brainstorming, and tackling to-do lists, and getting older.

I've been enjoying time at home, and traveling to places near and not-so-far.

 

I've been planting plants.

And drinking copious amounts of coffee.

And falling in love with my camera all over again (and one cute puppy face too).

 

 

I've been wearing dresses, all my dresses. (And maybe adding a few more to the closet thanks to Target's pretty clearance section.)

 

And I've been doodling. And staying up late.

And gearing up for an upcoming wedding.

And seeing family. And appreciating Skype.

And spring.

 And I've been wondering where to go from here.

What to do from here.

 

I've reached a crossroads of sort. (Insert Bone Thugs-N-Harmony joke here.)

 

 

I still don't know the answers, only that lately, here feels like a fresh start.

A chance to start anew.

An opportunity, a challenge, to make this year the best year yet.

 

 

 

Here's to hoping, and dreaming, and wishing and praying and...

Happy thoughts about another wonderful weekend that's so close I can almost taste it.

 

#ThoughtsfromThursday: For Parents, Store Clerks & Pizza Chains

 

You can’t help but reevaluate your life when staring at a stack of drive thru napkins on the bathroom counter and an empty toilet paper roll holder. #Yea

 

I get that your kid doesn’t like that part of Star Wars, which he’s watching on your iPhone with the sound turned up to max volume. I don’t blame him; it seemed distressing. But I do blame you for not even attempting to quiet him down from a full-out, bloodcurdling scream. Really? Not even a passive attempt? #Humormeplease

 

Thank you cashier at the Dollar General for carding me while I was purchasing Tic Tacs. It made my day hearing you read the prompt, “Does customer look clearly over the age of 30?” And then, your glorious response, “No.”

 

Yea, it’s only one lousy year off from my actual age, but still. It counts, and was a highlight of my day for sure. #Thankspal

 

I think it was the spray adhesive that cued the age check, not the Tic Tacs, or the gigantic package of toilet paper. #Youneverknowthough

 

The young family that beat me to the door at the pizza place and held it open for me, then let me cut in line while they made a decision helped restore my faith in humanity. They also made me think parenting can be accomplished with grace. #Ladyatthecraftstoreignoringyourscreamingsontakenote

 

Why yes, I will give you my phone number, Papa Murphy, if free cookie dough is on the line. Heck, I’d have given you my social and bank account numbers if you’d have thrown in cheesesticks. #Thethingswedoforlove

 

Apparently I take Twitter challenges I’m not even actively participating in very seriously. So thanks Dress a Day in May for inspiring my costume change before leaving the house. I really did feel better running errands in a dress than I would have in my jean shorts. #Thatsprobablycausethoseshortsgivememombutt

 

So yea; that’s my Thursday for ya. Toilet paper shopping. Prepping for a date night in (pizza and Hithcock). #Completelyignoringthelawsofhashtagging 

 

Ya know, #Goodtimes

 

Anyone else got some #Randomthoughts to share?

Anyone else super ready for the weekend?

What to Watch: What Not To Wear

Since I started working from home I have logged a lot of hours of TV watching.

And while a lot of the viewing has been pointless and stupid (do not get me started on last season of Grey’s… a plane crash? Really?)… some of it has actually been – dare I say it – beneficial.

I saw a few episodes of What Not to Wear in college, but I never made it religious viewing.

But since reruns come on right about the time I’m working on the mindless task of sorting emails, I’ve made it a habit to try to catch it.

It’s funny, and a bit cheesy, but it’s also oddly informative.

And yes, the show always starts with an ambush. Some poor sap is singled out for her bad style, usually caught completely off guard and absolutely mortified.

But, and this is what makes me appreciate the show so much, whether they’re teaching a skinny young mom how to look less skanky, or a plus-sized grandmother how to flatter her figure, the hosts (while impeccably stylish and enviably thin themselves) always keep the focus on making the style target feel her best.

 

They don’t tell women the key to happiness is to lose twenty pounds, or to hide all their freckles. 

They don’t tell a vintage-lover to chase every new trend, or a tomboy athlete she should always be in heels. 

They teach her, each individual (who they really seem to get to know and appreciate) to feel her best. To embrace her own beauty. And to reflect who she really is, by dressing in a way that fits with her truest self.

The style remedies aren’t one size fits all.
They’re as unique as the women being made over.

 

Sometimes the focus is on finding great-fitting jeans and sweaters and sometimes it’s cocktail dresses and stilettos.

But whatever the clients take home as part of their $5,000 new wardrobes, it pales in comparison to the real gift the show provides.

 

Confidence.

 

The hosts, Stacy and Clinton (I like to pretend we’re on a first-name basis now) force the women they help to take a deep, long look at themselves. 

And they teach them to focus not on what’s wrong, but on what’s right.

 

When it comes time for haircuts and makeup, even some of the most austere “victims” often lose control. 

And while I’m sure there are impervious women out there, who don’t know why a poor sap would start weeping about side bangs or lip gloss, I’m always glad to see the meltdowns.

 

Not because I'm a sadist, but because I know (from having watched so many episodes of WNTW now) that the other side of that meltdown is wonderful.

 

It’s a woman embracing her inner beauty,
and letting that shine for the world to see.

 

Smart and shy? They’ll teach you to come out of your shell.

Dressed like a hooker ‘cause you’re scared your man will lose interest and leave?

They teach you to dress classy sexy (which I’ve learned does not involve green Spandex as pants, or any amount of side cleavage).

 

Basically, they teach people to play up their best features, and to look past the flaws they can’t change. 

They encourage healing and moving past deep wounds, by putting one’s best foot forward, in a stylish shoe no less.

 

And I know a haircut can’t fix all a girl’s problems.

A new jacket won’t make your career dreams come true.

But I think there is something to be said for a message that encourages you to strive to be your best, while accepting yourself where you’re at.

 

In a culture saturated with skeletal models, and with airbrushed movie stars looking down on us at every grocery store checkout, it’s nice to see real women learning to appreciate their unique beauty. 

It’s nice to see real people accepting themselves, and becoming braver in the process.

 

I've learned a lot about fashion from What Not to Wear, but it's the lessons in bravery that I value the most.

*You can click either photo above to visit its original source.

It turns out Stacy knows a thing or two about learning confidence the hard way.

This story about her past and future is super inspiring. Make sure to check it out!

 

By the way, the initiative to finally publish this post that's been in draft stage far too long came from Anne the Adventurer's blog linkup.

She's encouraging others to write about beauty and body image, their own stories and what's inspiring them.

 

The show and this blog linkup (and maybe my birthday) are just a few of the things inspiring me lately.

What's inspiring you to be more accepting of yourself?

Music Memory: For the In-Between

I'm not proud of it, but the song I sang to fill the silence of the Jeep today...

 

"I'm not a girl, not yet a woman."

 

It could be that the weight of my upcoming last birthday as a 20-something is sinking in.

It could just be I watched Crossroads one too many times as a teen.

 

Whatever the cause, this is the song I couldn't get out of my head today...

The one I hoped people stuck at lights beside me could not hear.

 

And this is where I hang my head in shame.

 

Now please tell me you rock out to some seriously embarrassing (outdated) tunes while cruising around town.

Please. Anyone?

 

What's your go-to song when the silence is otherwise deafening?

Love Is a Mixtape: Shopping Addition

I was so happy to get my Valentine's mixtape (and to post about it, a little late) that I decided it'd be fun to follow up with a roundup of cute art and accessories inspired by the 80's enduring symbol of young love.

 

Here are a few finds for your inner mix artist, from coffee mugs to plush rugs.

From top left, clockwise:

Cassette Tape Canvas Tote 

Printable Gift Card Holders 

Lumineers' Dead Sea Lyrics Poster

Free Cassette Tape Printable Gift Tags
 
Lumineers' Stubborn Love Poster

Cassette Tape Rug

Mix Tape Coffee Mug

*The doodled borders are an old freebie from creativitybycrystal.blogspot.com.

 

While we're on the subject, anybody got any good mixtape memories they'd like to share?

How 'bout cute cassette-inspired products I need to check out?

 

 

Related articles

Music Memory: Love is a Mix Tape

Music Memory: Church Music

Music Memory: Recollections of a Nerdy Kid

An Earth Day Update: My Plant Babies

Last spring I got this strange, sudden urge to become a gardener. 

Maybe being a newlywed made me feel the need to be domesticated.

(And since I am was terrified of most kitchen appliances planting a windowsill garden seemed like a safer way to start.)

 

 

Whatever the cause, I kept a handful of plants alive for much of the spring. But, they met demise as summer approached.

So I waited out the cold winter months with a nearly empty windowsill (one Ivy is still going strong) and then took advantage of the local market for restocking my herbs/plant companions.

 

That first batch of the year had some serious issues (i.e. I didn't allow them to drain enough and they got all Titanic on me), so I started fresh last week.

This time I hit up an even closer garden supply store for plants, advice, and a weird run-in with a very large turkey. (It was at least fourty pounds and free ranging the greenhouse.) 

 

It's only been a week since I brought these young beauts home, but so far they're looking great and stealing my heart.

I think it's doing them good having them on the patio, where they can get a lot more sun.

It's also doing me good to see so much green, and to have a reason to forego my vampire ways and enter the sunlight at least once a day.

 

I'll keep you posted how well they do/taste, as the season progresses.

But for now, it's nice to have a house (patio) of plant babies to liven the place up.

Happy earth day friends, world.

I'm gonna go have dinner that doesn't come from a styrofoam container tonight. 

Ya know, just doing my part. ;) 

 

 

*Oh, and if you want some gardening tips or creative container ideas from experts (unlike me) you can check out my Pinterest Page: Green Thumb, where I've been hoarding good gardening advice.

Related articles

Weekend Update: Hangin' with our Homies

How to Create a Windowsill Herb Garden

Seedling Take Over

Color Coded: Green!

Sunday Fun-Day - Please Plant Me

Window Sill Gardening

Weekend Update: Paper Chase

Summed up in a word, this weekend came down to...

Paper!!!

(Michael Scott would be so proud.)

 

Friday, we had dinner from a paper bag. (Judge as needed.)

Then I opted to stay home in an attempt to tackle the paper clutter taking over my life lately.

 

It wasn't a complete success (by any means) but it was a start.

Here's the before. (After, there was a bed under there.)

Saturday we killed time waiting for food at a birthday party by doodling and playing hangman. 

Always good fun in my book (pun intended).

Then we got home and continued the paper fun by destroying the kitchen breaking out the craft supplies.

Hello embossing gun; I missed you good fella.

And dinner? It arrived in a paper box, with pepperoni. ;)

 

Sunday we slept in finally (ahhhh!) and then enjoyed lunch (and a Mark Cuban sighting) in uptown.

 

Avocado fries = a revelation!

 
That was followed up by superfluous note taking at evening church. (What can I say, but old habits die hard.)

 

And then... there was more pizza. And cuddling on the couch. And laundry.

All the stuff that goes into mentally preparing for another Monday.

 

Pretty simple, right? As far as weekends go.

It was actually really nice, and exactly what we needed.

 

Low-key. Relaxing. Not plastic.

 

Here's starting the countdown to this Friday.

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