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25 February 2011

our grand plans

we have all these ideas about life.
we have precise plans and expectations.


but, what happens when  plans we think are immutable, suddenly aren't so certain.


Of course, this shouldn't be news to me, since many of my best laid plans end up in the gutter because God has something far better. (or at least, just different) But, specifically...I'm talking about relationships and marriage. 


Often, as Christians, we have this handy dandy 'life plan' when it comes to relationships. 
We'll Kiss Dating Goodbye and hold out until the perfect, godly young guy comes around. Once that happens, it's the checklist of getting to know each other's families, the parents start treating this young guy like a son. Everything is wonderful, you start holding hands, then he sweetly proposes, you get married a year later, have your first kiss on your wedding day, and then live happily ever after with 5 kids. 


But, that plan isn't perfect. I think sometimes people are pressured into marrying the first person they date. (or court, or whatever you label it. really people, it's very nearly the same thing)


Now, don't get me wrong...I'm not for dating a gazillion guys, but I also think that life cannot be prescribed into a set mold that works for everybody.  Yes, it *would* be nice and sweet to marry your high school sweetheart, or the first guy you're in a relationship with. Yes, I'm sure it would save a lot of heartache. 


But, sometimes we have people all paired up, and we don't think about the possibility of "maybe they're NOT right for each other." I feel like there's a lot of Christian pressure about this. If your "first relationship" doesn't lead to marriage, then you've done something wrong. This is all said, thought and pressured, without the idea being presented that perhaps it's "God's will" for people to learn from experiences, tough as it might be, and then move on with life. 


Only Christ knows the plans He has for us all, we shouldn't pretend that we do and inflict judgement when "our ideas" don't work out. 


Lol, this is definitely a "random ruthie rant" blog post. ;) 







19 February 2011

wedding shower and found dresses

Today I made probably THE lamest joke I've ever made (and trust me, I've made some pretty awful ones).
So, I was at a wedding shower, and a 9 year old girl asked if the wedding had happened already, and we were explaining that the shower always comes before the wedding. 
and I said,
just like water, the shower comes before the wetting. 
needless to say, I amused myself. 
but, that's about it. ;) 


gingerbread muffins! which, looked great...but, I didn't eat because I'm not a fan of muffins. (gasp, crazy...I know) 

cookies! which, again...I didn't eat. I'm not one for cookies either. heh

failed attempted at tilt shift 

pink lemonade! 

potted plant. (in case you couldn't tell...plus, I just needed a caption)

side remains of a burned building downtown


again, walking around town, I underestimated the wind chill factor. 
BRR, it was freezing.

But! Due to the terribly cold temperatures, I was "forced" into a shop for warmth. (since, I had left my coat in the car since it was 'sunny' out) 

best mistake ever. 

I found a dress!! 
Now, of course...I don't *need* a dress...well, I COULD think of a need. I'm going to a wedding in a month and a few this summer, and although I "have" a dress, I kind of wanted a new one.  

I didn't buy it at the time, since I didn't want to impulse buy, but I think I'm going to go back and get it Monday..

Thoughts? 


the coloring on the close up picture is more realistic....thinking back, I don't know WHY I used the pathetic camera on my phone instead of using my DSLR which was right next to me. 0_o 

18 February 2011

from the west to the east

From the west to the east, I have flown to be near you
I have come all this way to be close, to be here with you
And now, all my heart I will lay down precisely at your feet  
Love Letter to Japan - by The Bird And The Bee 
 I've had that song stuck in my head all day, but also I wanted to share this incredible video! It's "The Twelve Girls Band" performing a cover of Coldplay's "Clocks" using only traditional Chinese instruments.  
It's unlike any cover you've ever heard, and a beautiful mixture of the western and eastern cultures. :) :) 






Also, tonight I went outside and froze just to get this picture.
(for the today being incredibly warm, I was horribly shocked by the coldness of the evening. seriously. heh)

13 February 2011

birds, birds, birds

no, this isn't a tribute to the old Alfred Hitchcock movie, or even a reference to Destiny Child's song Bills, Bills, Bills. -grin-

it's just about birds.



this is the closet thing to a "Valentine's Day" project I'll do this year. :) Bird Love 

aaand, just to balance it out.....angry birds.  =P


lastly, a bird who visited The Wonka Factory and had a bit too much fun tasting the experimental chewing gum. ;-) 

07 February 2011

makeshift studio

so, my photography wish list does not fit my poor college student budget very well. 

it forces me to get creative with resources, before I can get creative with photography.


the planning



my makeshift "studio" in my basement:
 black sheet
two hanging florescent lights, placed precariously on chairs
one high powered flashlight

Not the best setup, but....not too bad for a DIY project.

the results 

(as a disclaimer : I'm sorry all these pictures are of me, but...being an only child, I REALLY don't have anybody else to photograph. I don't mean to be vain, I just don't have anybody else)
(side note : come over and I can practice on you!!) 

 baha, my attempt at a "serious model face"

 vintagey, spaced out look. heh.





I don't usually go for the "horror" look, but this is actually the same picture, flipped and overlayed. so, it's a nifty symmetrical-but-not-type thing. 

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After doing this, it's just reinforced my love of this type of photography. 






01 February 2011

Icepocalypse Now

                                    


 the bundled up photographer