life less ordinary

If It Is Right, It Happens...Nothing Good Gets Away

2012-02-14T06:03:00.000-05:00

In honour of Valentine's Day, I wanted to post a beautiful letter that was brought up in conversation with some friends. It's written by John Steinbeck to his son Thom, and I think it's marvelous.

New York
November 10, 1958

Dear Thom:

We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.

First—if you are in love—that’s a good thing—that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you.

Second—There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you—of kindness and consideration and respect—not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.

You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply—of course it isn’t puppy love.

But I don’t think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it—and that I can tell you.

Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.

The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.

If you love someone—there is no possible harm in saying so—only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.

Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.

It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another—but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.

Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I’m glad you have it.

We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.

And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens—The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.

Love,

Fa

NEON

2012-02-13T09:29:00.000-05:00

Caitlin's NEON birthday party was on Friday! It was so bright and so awesome! Last time I was at Caitlin's, I was sick so I couldn't participate in JustDance3; thankfully I was good and healthy this time so I jumped up for the first song! Thank you to Yandary for organising it, and Happy Birthday to Caitlin!!

[and now I have the John Mayer song stuck in my head]

Saturday

2012-02-12T15:55:00.001-05:00

I love the days that get me up early and keep me up late. Which is another way of saying that I loved yesterday!

I woke up before the birds, picked up some pain au chocolat {during which I think I may have gotten my first speeding ticket?}, and then met my parents in the temple parking lot for a very quick breakfast. My dad was a total rockstar and brought me a valentine! Yay! Thank you papa!

The rest of the morning and early afternoon was spent cleaning the church building and then reading somma my books. All good and fun, but it really got exciting when Jennifer and I went to see The Vow! So I love chick flicks, whatever, I'm a chick. It totally ruled.

The night ended at a party that involved pysanky, Sherlock, and food! It was a quality time, even the parts where I almost CRASHED on the way home because of the weird snow/ice. At least my feet were warm, thanks to the socks that I was gifted! {my current books are included in the last picture!}

Sign & Seal It

2012-02-10T18:18:00.002-05:00

Once upon a time, my lovely friend Jourdan {you know, the one who is now in Paris...audible sigh} came to visit me in Philadelphia. During our week-long adventures, she told me about her German {or was it Austrian?} friend Philipp, and how members of his family each had seal rings with their family crest on it. As in, the kind of ring you use with wax-seal letters. As in, he had stationary and wax to seal such letters. I immediately said that that was basically the coolest thing ever, and asked if she could have him write me a letter just so that I could say I got a family-crest-wax-sealed letter.

FAST FORWARD TO YESTERDAY {6 months later}, and what did I receive in the mail but said letter! It was the most cordial little note ever, but still so cool! Thank you, Philipp! One of these days I'll get some stationary worthy of a response letter and write him back.

Wednesday

2012-02-09T09:19:00.003-05:00

Best way to spend a Wednesday night.

Thanks to the Spanish group for letting me tag along!

Little Letters

2012-02-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

Dear Guy Working At Panera,

Thanks for the free piece of bread. It was both unexpected and extremely welcome!

Sincerely,

A Carb-inore

Dear Soriya,

Thanks for cutting my hair today. I liked that you are from Iran and we could talk about our experiences with different cultures. I also liked that you both pronounced and spelled my name "Cmily." "Emily" was always meant to be spelled with a "C" anyway.

Gratefully,

Cmily

Dear Food,

Thanks for once again being so delicious. Thanks, Ciara, for making it together with me tonight! And thanks for jamming along with us, Alicia!

Fully,

Camille

On Why This Is The Worst Week For Me To Have Decided To Give Up Sweets

2012-02-06T17:56:00.002-05:00

So last week, I ate a lot of desserts, right? Too busy to grocery shop, I subsisted mostly on the baked goods my roommates would leave out as a communal offering. Friday night, I began my resolution to not eat any more sweets until the following Friday {10Feb} at my friend's birthday party.

What.Was.I.Thinking?

- I really like sweets.

- I have been having majorly awful cramps. I just want chocolate to make it betterrrrr.

- I really really like sweets.

- My roommates have been baking more than ever.

- Still love sweets.

- The candy basket {yes, basket, not some sort of petit dish} sits at my desk at work. Staring at and teasing me all day long. And we just got a new shipment of candy. Meaning that we have the good stuff.

- If I could, sweets I would marry.

- CRAMPS.

- Now I can't tell if I'm moody because of the above point, or if I'm suffering withdrawal, or if I have genuine reason to be upset.

Luckily, there are a few things that don't count. For example, chocolate chip oatmeal, hot chocolate, or chocolate chip granola bars.

So basically, if you want to hang out with me this week {or for me to even think kindly of you this week}, I suggest you bring any of those three examples to me.

{Wish me luck!}

5 Museums In 1 Day, And Other Adventures

2012-02-06T07:14:00.000-05:00

Man alive, Saturday was a day of the most splendid variety.

First off, I met up with my friend Jordan {we've known each other for 13 or 14 years now}, his girlfriend {now fiancee!!!} Fan, and Jordan's cousin Jeff, since they were all in town. Unfortunately, most of the pictures from our time at the Air & Space Museum and the Hirshhorn are on Jordan's camera, so the exciting ones will have to wait for another time. Oh! I also got a cool tour of the Castle whilst I was waiting to meet up with them.

After spending a few hours with them, I had 10 or 15 minutes before I had to catch a metro for my next trip. So I went to the Freer and checked out the Peacock Room!!! I was soo excited!!

My next trip was to Eastern Market with Michele! I got a fantastic pair of new earrings, yay! Capitol Hill Books is right next door, so we went there, too. I think I may have now hit up all the cool and famous bookstores in the area! There were a bunch of funny signs strewn throughout the store. Oh, and all art nerds, they had a really big selection of art books for a second hand store!

My final museum{s} of the day was{were} the American Art Museum/National Gallery of Art for the new Annie Leibovitz exhibit!!! I first went with Michele, and ran into my beautiful cousin Jessie and her husband Steve. Michele had to leave after a while, so I spent a few hours exploring by myself {and maybe catching a cat nap or two} until Ciara was able to meet up at the museum{s}. I didn't mind seeing the exhibit again at all :)

The night ended the best way possible- by watching a foreign film with Ciara!

Sunday was the tops, too. Delicious food, I always want you.

Fiddler On The Roof

2012-02-05T20:36:00.000-05:00

This was one of those weekends that kept me crazy busy {and it's not even over}. Those are definitely the best kind! Sally & I went to Fiddler on the Roof on Friday night. We made it just in the nick of time, and we had a blast! I was dancing in my seat, which is always the sign of a good time. The main actor had been in over 3,000 performances of the show! That's CRAZY!!

Assurance

2012-02-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

I have lots of adventures to post about, but I've been so busy that I haven't had time to/I really need to clean my room/I FINALLY WENT GROCERY SHOPPING!!!!!

Better post forthcoming.

This Is What Happens When I Don't Have Time To Grocery Shop

2012-02-03T13:10:00.001-05:00

I had cookies for breakfast! Don't worry, I balanced it out with some oatmeal.

Is cookies for lunch also not normal? Good thing I balanced it out with pizza...

*also, I just set up a hair appointment for Tuesday. So my bangs will no longer be disastrously long!!

Good Things

2012-02-02T08:04:00.000-05:00

1. That it is FEBRUARY! February is a month of festivities in my family, so get ready to party!

2. That the last few mornings have been spent jamming to some Billy Joel as I get ready for the day.

3. Baking cookies/ painting nails/ chatting through the Audrey Hepburn movie with Yandary last night. So great! And I may or may not still be thinking about those delicious cookies....

4. That I have an awesome Friday {that's tomorrow} planned! Hello Fiddler. You are on a Roof.

Madam Librarian

2012-01-31T17:44:00.002-05:00

Outfits like today's make me realise why so many people tell me, "Camille, you dress like a librarian."

Granted, that awkward pause you just felt is usually followed by, "But, you know, like, a sexy librarian." Don't know about that, but the thought is nice.

What Does It Say About Yourself...

2012-01-30T17:42:00.001-05:00

...when most of the pictures on your cell phone are of food?

Sometimes It Gets Real Over Here

2012-01-30T06:24:00.000-05:00

I'm sure I've mentioned before that I generally try to keep my blog pretty light-hearted and fun. I tend to save my more serious/real/mature thoughts/ponderings/musings for conversations with people with whom I am close/my prayers/my journal. However, sometimes I do carry it over to here.

I have felt so close to the Spirit this weekend. I'm grateful to have a father who is a willing and worthy holder of the Priesthood. What an absolute blessing.

Yesterday was ward conference, and man was it ever powerful. We had an amazing lesson in Relief Society, and Sacrament meeting was on fire! The speakers spoke such beautiful words, and my testimony was strengthened beyond measure. The choir sang "Come Thou Fount", which may or may not have made me shed a few {good/happy} tears.

I have also had some really unreal scripture study lately. I am constantly reminded of how aware the Lord is of my needs through personal scripture study.

I spend much of my time contemplating and trying to understand many different things. There is so much that I don't understand. While that is often frustrating, I have learned to be grateful for it. It is my weaknesses which bring me closer to the Lord.

I don't have the eloquence to express just how I'm feeling. If I were with someone in person, I would be left with having to resort to emphatically moving my hands in ever growing circles in the air as I make a face looking for words. In fact, I may or may not be making that face right now.

Happy Monday :)

Whirlwind Media Adven

2012-01-29T11:23:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, I really felt like hanging out with my fam, but knew that my weekend was pretty full. However, I decided to skip out on a few goings-on and spend Friday night and Saturday morning at home! Jennifer came with me {especially grateful for that, since my radio didn't work for the whole drive up}, and we had a fun & relaxing time in Media.

Things we did:

We did not eat the GIANT pickle that Paige bought {well, that's a lie. We did, but only with her permission.}

We did eat at the Country Deli, a local hotspot where everyone likes to breakfast. Mmmmmm.

I did take Jennifer to my favourite place, Ridley Creek State Park. Oh my heavens people, it is beautiful there. I can't adequately express how much I love it there.

We even carved our names in the moss! {hers is in cursive. Oh, and the LOVE one was already there.}

All in all, it was a fantastique quick trip home!

Jessica Durrant Illustration

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited about this post!

Last week, some prints I ordered from Jessica Durrant, an extremely talented artist who is garnering all sorts of attention world-wide, came in the mail! I was literally shaking {ask my roommate Ciara} when I opened them, I was so excited! This week, I got frames and hung them! They are beautiful and I love them!!

They're a little crooked in the second picture, but don't worry, I've taken care of that.

Also, I want to rescind any and all comments I have ever made about not needing math because I studied art history. Yes, I measured and calculated spacings of artworks during my internship, but I never really had to hang anything like this, and it's been a while, so my math muscles were a little out of practice. But I also secretly loved it.

Norwegian Recycling

2012-01-26T10:16:00.002-05:00

No Taylor, No Scar. Fantastic mashup.

Free downloads available [HERE]

So That My Other Siblings Don't Think I Hate Them Or Something

2012-01-25T09:03:00.000-05:00

I've had lots of pictures of my little sister Paige lately. So this is me PUBLICLY DECLARING/SHOWING that I love allllll of my sibs! U RULE!!

Thanks for all being the beeesssstttt!!

xx
C

Caige Flashback

2012-01-24T14:17:00.001-05:00

Love my sister.

Sorry for the grainy quality, peeps.

Always Groovin'

2012-01-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

I had a really good weekend. Good conversation, quality time with roommates & friends, and I even gave a talk at church on Sunday about Art & the Gospel. Normally I do really well in the spotlight, but because it's a subject that is so near and dear to me, I was really nervous {I was having nightmares a la Winter 2010, the semester I was working on my senior thesis}. Like most people, it can be hard for me to open up/trust someone enough to talk about things of the heart one-on-one, so doing it in front of 200 intimidatingly impressive people was a big deal. I worry that I didn't do it justice. I do know that I felt guided as I pondered the topic and wrote the talk, so I hope that what I said had an impact on someone.

A great place to start contemplating about Art & the Gospel is right [here].

What does any of this have to do with groovin? Nothing really. Did I mention that I ended Sunday with a sisterly Skype sesh? Because I did. Love Paigey. Love our friend Kate. Love dancin' several states apart to the ever lovely Colbie Caillat.

Politics & Prose

2012-01-21T10:06:00.002-05:00

There's a book store here in D.C. that I've been wanting to go to since I moved here called Politics & Prose {I can tell you all about the history if you're curious. I read up on it.}

Last night, Sarah organised a trip for us Cambridge kids, and we had a lot of fun picking out books we were interested in and discussing why it interested us. Sarah said how it's one of her favourite dates- it's not something that I would have thought to do on my own, but I do think it's a cool idea!

And I got some sweet books at even sweeter prices!

AND there was live music in the coffeeshop downstairs, and a lecture by Thomas Caplan going on, too!

#ThatAwkwardMomentWhen

2012-01-20T07:19:00.000-05:00

Last night, Jennifer & I went to The Phillips Collection to watch a screening of the 1956 film Lust for Life, a movie about Vincent Van Gogh based off of the novel by Irving Stone. I enjoyed it, seeing as how it was all about one of my favourite home boyz, but at the same time... there were a lot of really awkward moments that the other people in attendance didn't seem to find as funny. Just go watch it (it's only 2 hours long), and I'm pretty sure you'll understand what I'm a-talking about.

Knot Your Average Pony

2012-01-18T10:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, so mine didn't end up looking exactly the same as the one from TBD {I can't get the picture to show up over here for whatever reason}. But I didn't use mousse, so let's blame it on that, and not the fact that I had to think very seriously about how to knot my hair {I had just woken up...}

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

My Life Has Been Delicious Lately

2012-01-17T21:50:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my sweet roommates!

Alicia went to my home town of Philadelphia yesterday, and was kind enough to bring back some TASTYKAKES!!!! I gobbled some of them down right away!

Ciara brought back some amaaaaazing sorbet today! This is awesome for a few reasons: Blood Orange & Coconut, what's not to love? Also, they are dairy-free, which means I can eat as much as I want without any of the consequences!

A Weekend Of Dancing, Family, Art, & Music

2012-01-16T09:41:00.000-05:00

AKA, A Weekend Of Awesome.

On Friday, I went to a Pink Party...man, they were not kidding when they said PINK party! Loved all the effort that went into it, and how everyone really got into it and showed up in pink! I danced the night away, of course!

The highlight of Saturday was getting up early to help clean the church building. That and a spontaneous run to Dunkin. Which probably goes to show just how uneventful it was, which was sad.

SUNDAY, though, was fantastic! My mom & sister {both are fantastique} drove down for the morning! I LOVED seeing them! And I love that we live so close that they can drive down for the morning!

The National Gallery of Art has free concerts on Sundays. Art+Classical Music=MYFAVOURITETHIIIIINGS!! Ciara and I went, and had a great time!

Only Watch These Videos If You Like Cool Stuff

2012-01-14T22:35:00.000-05:00

Like good music and amazing dancing! [Thanks Hannabeth]

And 5 people on 1 guitar!

Happy Friday!

2012-01-13T16:49:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone has a most enjoyable weekend!

I'm looking forward to the adventures I have planned!

{OK, so my adventures won't take me to Italy, but wouldn't it be nice?}

Zero editing, people.

Funny Things, Lately

2012-01-12T10:21:00.000-05:00

That time when Jennifer and I were wondering if absinthe was legal in the US, hurridly Googled it, and then realised that that was something neither of us had ever expected to look up. {Answer, it is.}

That time when I was tagging faces in iPhoto and it suggested that I was a boy. That just got a whole lotta awkward.

{further prooving that iPhoto has no idea who I am.}

Photobooth Self Portraiture, September2011-January2012

2012-01-11T18:49:00.000-05:00

September

October

November

December

January

Currently listening to:

Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto

I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz

Guy Travels The World And Shoots One Second Of Footage In Each Location

2012-01-11T11:26:00.000-05:00

...seems like this video isn't working now, but I promise it was yesterday when my friend sent it to me/when I wrote this post. So try googling it because you will love it.

NifMath

2012-01-10T10:23:00.000-05:00

(Cooking dinner+watching HIMYM+jamming to the Biebs+photobooth)*Jennifer = Totallysuperawesome&fun!

Super Samedi

2012-01-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

Saturday was full of all sorts of small adventures!

Ciara and I stumbled upon a farmer's market in Silver Spring while out running errands. It's January, so the market was pretty little. But also, it's January and note how we are not wearing coats!!! I'm going to ignore the fact that it's snowing as I write this and think about how two days ago, I did not have to wear a coat!

One of the things we bought at the market was chorizo. So, after an afternoon of painting/music videoing/chatting/Le Petit Prince-ing, Ciara made a delicious dinner for us! Whilst we were cooking, we were jamming to the song Arms. Julie and I were so overcome with emotion that we started to interpretive dance, and ended like this:

The plan was to end the night by going to West End Cinema to see Le Havre, but it sold out! While part of me is all "Zut alors! How could that happen?" there is an even bigger part of me that is exlaiming, "Yay! An independent French film sold out! How hip is DC?!" Instead, Ciara, Michele, and I walked around the Mall, which is one of my absolute favourite things to do at night. Of course we stopped for gelato, because when we saw that it was still open at 10:30, we just had to support that kind of business.

Outdoor Ice Skating!

2012-01-09T10:11:00.004-05:00

Friday night, I went ice skating at the rink by the National Gallery of Art and the National Archives with a big group of church friends. It was so fun! Now, I am far from being the best ice skater, but there were so many kind people who would just come up to me and hold on to me to make sure I was making it around the rink! Thank you!

And the sweater I'm wearing {mostly hidden by my coat}? It's my Kate Middleton sweater {more like, it's her Camille sweater, since I had this one first} since they are very nearly identical.

Also, this time was definitely much better than the last time I went skating at an outdoor rink {in Heber/Midway... and I will leave it at that.}

B

2012-01-08T23:05:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't blogged much this month! Now that I am feeling 100% healthy {or 98%, but we're rounding}, I've been having adventures! I'll post about those tomorrow. For now, some screen shots from my Skype date with Annabelle today! We inversed our holidays this year {I was in Philly when she was in D.C. and vice versa}, so we had to make time to see each other this way :) Luh herrrr.

Going on 12 years of being friendsies in June! AKA She can't hate me for posting these.

Lunch Dates Are Great

2012-01-06T18:11:00.001-05:00

Jennifer got back from California last night!! We met up for steamers and hot chocolate at Starbucks today on my lunch break. I'm so glad that she's back!

/photo c. Oct. 2011 since I failed to get one todayyy/

Good Things

2012-01-05T23:16:00.001-05:00

While at work, my roommate Ciara and I sent a few texts to each other of lists of simple things that make us happy. I tell you, it really works and helps to shift your focus and attitude.

Here is some of our combined good things list
{I'll leave it up to you to try to guess who said each one}:

Macarons

Picasso paintings

{was blue too obvious of a colour choice to use on that one?}

Golden retrievers

Sunshine

Pumpkins

Sparkle eyeshadow

Falling asleep

Green grass

Coke

Good hair days

Slippers

Hardcover books

The smell of pine

Nail polish

Spanish

Sailboats

Jeeps

Dancing (including Car Dancing)

Any song by Bruno Mars

Perfume/Cologne

What are you happy for? What are good things to you?

Pretty Pictures

2012-01-04T09:06:00.002-05:00

I ~~think~~ know that I'm finally starting to kick this nasty cold. I'm sad to say my life has been a little bit boring the past few days as a result {with the exception of watching The Help with my roommates last night (it was totes fantastic)}.

As a peace offering for my currently adventure-free life {don't worry, it's killing me, too}, I highly suggest that you click {HERE} and take a gander at Justin Hackworth's best pictures of 2011. Personally, I think it's his best stuff yet.

A Sick Start To 2012

2012-01-02T11:12:00.001-05:00

And not the kind of sick that means awesome.

So I've been sick the past few days {funny story: I got carded when I bought medicine at the store. I know I look young and all, but c'mon, that is just ridiculous!}. All I really want to do is curl up and watch a movie while someone plays with my hair, but for some strange reason that is totally beyond me, my roommates don't want to do that...so instead I spent the morning using my new hot curlers!

I hope everyone's new year is off to a healthier start!

And don't worry, whatever it is that I have didn't keep me from dancin' in the new year! I may have needed to take more breaks, but I mos' certainly got my groove on.

2011

2011-12-31T07:27:00.000-05:00

I am sooo ready for 2012.

Not that 2011 hasn't been great to me, because it has:

I've said awkward things.

I went to some concerts with Natalie.

I got an awesome camera and took neat photos.

I haven't stopped "temporarily relocating" stuff.

I attended a bridal tea party for some beautiful women.

I got all glammed up for shoots with Stephanie.
I saw/swam in Spiral Jetty.

I left Utah in style.

I moved back home for a month.

My little brother got back from his mission.

My older brother got married to a winner.

I showed Jourdan around Philly.

I moved to D.C. and have been having lots of adventures.

I've really had lots of adventures in D.C.

I visited Boston, the city where I was born.

I took a trip to Annapolis, too.

I moved into a house with awesome roommates.

I've been really happy.

But mostly, I want it to be 2012 because then it will be next week.

The last 2 have been pretty long.

So I'd really like the new year to get here.

Everything's Cuter When It's Little

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:00

INCLUDING THESE TINY LITTLE PRESENTS!!! I happened upon them at my friend Laura Jayne's last night, and I was/am obsessed. I mean, c'mon! How cute are these???

2AMYS

2011-12-29T09:13:00.000-05:00

In case you haven't picked up on it by now, I'll just come out and say it: I like good food!

Last night was no exception. Ciara told me about this delicious pizza place called 2AMYS. I feel like calling it a "pizza place" doesn't do it justice, but it'll have to suffice for now. The restaurant was packed, and for good reason. I loved it! I ate the whole thing, even after a super large lunch earlier in the day.

Thanks, Ciara, for keeping me busy and for telling me about delicious food! And for jamming to Justin Timberlake in the car with me! Oh, and for accidentally coordinating with me. Just realised that we did that when I looked at these pictures side by side. Winning!

The Time My Brother Came To Visit For A Night

2011-12-28T08:10:00.000-05:00

I drove back to D.C. on Monday afternoon. Luckily my brother decided to come, too, since my radio chose to not work for the entire drive.

We got back just in time for dinner, and went out to eat some amaaaaaazzzinggg curry. Trust me, I've eaten a lot of curry. This stuff was glorious.

Of course we had to take the metro and hit up some monuments.

However, the one I was most excited to show Sam was the Einstein statue!

He was so giddy, it was hysterical! Chemical engineer much?

Mad About Plaid

2011-12-27T07:51:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, my mom called me and asked me what my "thoughts on plaid were." Of course I immediately went off on how much I love plaid {I had just bought 2 new plaid shirts earlier that same weekend} and extolled the virtues of the pattern.

I somehow forgot about that conversation until Christmas morning, when all of the kids who were at home opened up PLAID SHIRTS!!!! I was a-jumping with joy!

The family that plaids together, stays together. True story.

That last one is funny because I was testing the self-timer and the frame, and obviously failed.

Broomallers

2011-12-26T10:47:00.001-05:00

I love the kids that I grew up with.

Some love each other a little more than the rest...

The above photo really actually was 100% totally candid. No joke.

Joyeux Noel!

2011-12-25T16:33:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't get what you were hoping for, here's a little gem for your viewing pleasure to make your holidays brighter! :

I am so incredibly blessed for the people that I have in my life. I am even more blessed that my Saviour Jesus Christ was born.

Aaaand, one more of some models, crossing all kinds of barriers by switching coats:

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T16:29:00.002-05:00

I hope that everyone's Christmas Eve is as nostalgic as Sam's!!

{Yes, that is an old math book he's looking at...no joke, I think he got a little teary eyed as he thought of his freshman year of high school, all those many years ago.}

Looks About Right

2011-12-23T09:48:00.002-05:00

I must be home:

Attempting splits on the island {by a basket full of Korean treats, no less}...

...and Paige asleep with her dog.

Good Things

2011-12-21T19:04:00.004-05:00

1. Modern technology. Internet. Email.

2. People who use tons of tape on their Christmas wrapping {like my boss}. There's something endearing about it.

3. When my boss told me, "I thought you might be a Jane Austen fan."

4. That apparently red lips are my signature look {a member of the bishopric said that he didn't recognize me without them at the Christmas party}

5. Free food at Taylor in Bethesda yesterday {thanks to my roommate Alicia for telling me about it!}

6. Girls' night to a performance of Pride & Prejudice at Round House Theatre

7. Dirty Dancing

8. This video by the ever fantastic photographer Matt Clayton

State Side European Christmas

2011-12-21T11:09:00.000-05:00

Even though I'm celebrating Christmas in America, it doesn't mean that I'm not being as Euro as possible for the season.

Monday night, I went to the Emabssy of Romania with my roommate and her coworker for a brass quartet Christmas carol concert. We even got to sing two carols in Romanian! I was one of a handful of attendees who didn't speak Romanian, and I can't get over just how nice the people at the concert were. They were all so friendly and welcoming, and made me feel right at home.

A few weeks ago, I went to a Santa Lucia service, hosted in part by the Swedish Embassy. The one Swedish phrase I know {"I would like a candy"} didn't come up, but the service was absolutely beautiful. I knew my Swedish Senior Prom date would have been proud of me, as I was able to pronounce {if not understand completely} the words on the page as we sang hymns and carols.

Joyeux Noel!
{Do you see what I did there? I used a Euro language to say Merry Christmas! Totes impressive, right?}

Waiting Upon The Lord: Thy Will Be Done

2011-12-20T16:04:00.000-05:00

Powerful stuff. Watch it. Read it. Remember it.

Monochroming

2011-12-20T07:16:00.000-05:00

You're doing it right.

I used to accidentally monochrome, but lately I sometimes do it on purpose.

Photoshoot anyone?

Skype & Cocoa All Of The Time

2011-12-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

I feel like lots of my blog posts of late have been screen shots taken while Skyping with people. Here's one more for your viewing pleasure:

So happy that I got to Skype with Beth this weekend {finally}!! She is so funny, and literally one of my favourite people in the whole wide world. I am a little bit obsessed with her, sorry Jonathan.

I also still like to drink hot chocolate with Ciara. I was feeling a bit sick during/after church yesterday, but I find that hot cocoa tends to make everything better :)

Deliciously Tacky

2011-12-18T15:30:00.000-05:00

Last night, guys, was both delicious and tacky. I know, I didn't know that you could do both in the same night, but turns out that it is possible. We went on a quadruple date, and it was super fun! We adventured to Baltimore, which apparently is America's Greatest City {but not the world's}.

The Delicious Part:

The Desert Cafe! 64 types of hummus!! Panda, mango ciurry {not to be confused with curry}, and even candy cane! While the belly dancers didn't show {lame}, I think the fact that I laughed until my abs hurt made up for it.

The Tacky Part:

34th Street Christmas Lights. Someone {still can't remember who} told me about them a week or two ago, and I knew I had to see them. So I was crazy excited when I realised that they were the lights we were going to see! There was an insane number of lights- so many that I should have brought some sunglasses! Not only did all of the reindeer move {yes, they did, no lie}, but some of the inflatables were pretty unique... The spectacle was totally worth {almost} freezing my feet off!!

Basically, I love Christmastime :)

We Party Across The Country

2011-12-17T11:14:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Jen sent around invites for the 2nd Annual Cambridge Christmas Party. However, Jen and most of the rest of our crew are still in Utah. Not wanting to be left out, Michele and I decided to throw a party out here in D.C. for the same night and time so we could all be unified in spirit! We even skyped the parties together for about an hour...it was so great to see so many friends! Girl Alex took photos, so I'll post them once I get them. For now, here's a screen shot!

NifChats

2011-12-14T20:20:00.003-05:00

I wanted to let everyone know that you do not need to worry: even though Jennifer and I no longer live together, we still talk! IloveSkypedates!

And we see each other in real life, too! In fact, I am picking her up from the Metro once I finish this post! Yay!

Little Letters

2011-12-13T18:02:00.001-05:00

Dear Traffic Stopper Copper nailpolish by OPI for Sephora,

I love you. Thanks for making me feel like I'm 6 again, but in like a cool way. Don't know how you managed to do that, but you did. Snaps.

xx,

A [not so] Secret Glitter Lover

Dear Crab Cakes,

Thanks for being sooo delicious. I guess I should thank my boss for making them the hors d'oeuvres and an option for the main course for today's Christmas lunch.

xx,

Can't Get Enough Seafood Lately

Dear Richard Edgley,

Good talk on faith. Loved it.

xx,

Thankful That I Have Roommates Who Will Let Me Stream Audio

Dear Self,

Glad the instances of you half-passing out were kept to a minimum today. Way to be a champ!

Weekend Update

2011-12-11T23:34:00.000-05:00

My whole weekend was pretty awesome. I was too busy having fun on Saturday to take any pictures, so you'll have to take my word for it that it ruled. And that I'm basically a human GPS.

Yesterday was fantastic for many reasons:

1- The ward choir Christmas concert. UNREAL! I had chills many times. The solos and small groups were especially amazing.

2- My cute roommate Alicia made a bomb-diggity dinner, and some of my favourite people came over! I mean, who doesn't love delicious food and watching videos about groove walking in Africa?

3- Ciara and I ended the weekend by making some delicious hot cocoa and watching Bride & Prejudice! 3 things I love at the same time :)

The Ninth Before Christmas

2011-12-10T09:19:00.000-05:00

Last night was our congregation's Christmas party! Guys, I am so impressed. The decorations were lovely, the food and drinks were irresistibly delicious, and the company was the tops. So much fun!

Yes, that is shrimp dipped in chocolate fondue...you wouldn't be able to tell by Jaren's face that he was just bragging about all of the insects he's eaten and how this was NBD...

LONG LOST DISTANT COUSINS!!!

Thanks to my fabulous sister-in-law Carolyn for picking a bridesmaids dress that I really can {and just did} wear again!

Yandary's Murder Mystery Birthday Party

2011-12-09T07:19:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was Yandary's birthday party. She decided to have a murder mystery, and I was invited to be one of the actresses! Now, as an east coast girl, I'm not much of a Western fan, but since I got to play an east coast debutante, I was on board! It was a lot of fun trying to make people think that my character committed the murder, and then being able to guess the real answer correctly myself.

Happy Birthday, Yandary!

Thanks to Jennifer for taking these photos throughout the night. And thanks to Michele for letting me borrow her hat!

Happy

2011-12-08T19:41:00.001-05:00

I'm happy. Car-commercial-set-to-good music-with-nighttime-driving happy. And that's one of the best kinds of happy.

This weekend is going to rule. Next weekend is going to rule. I'm betting that the in-between weekend days are going to rule, too.

What The H

2011-12-07T19:17:00.001-05:00

So I went to watch Hulu while making rice. I typed "H" into the url bar, and hit enter without looking. Turns out that the first result based off of my history is the Hermitage. You know you graduated in art history when...

The One Where My Sister Laughs At Me

2011-12-07T07:49:00.001-05:00

It only took having my hair up in a high bun yesterday and lots of rain today to get this much volume in my hair. Can't wait for Paige to comment, "Yeah, that's what my hair looks like when it's flat." Listen, sistasista, we can't all have your awesome hair. This is kind of a big deal. Pun intended.

Romanian Christmas

2011-12-06T08:58:00.001-05:00

Imagine my joy when I woke up this morning and opened my door {still very blurry eyed} to find this waiting for me:

How sweet is my roommate Alicia?? She spent 18 months in Romania serving a mission for our church, and left these for us as part of their holiday traditions. As an extra bonus, I am sooo out of food {again...}, so now I have something to eat today! Thanks, Alicia!

3Peat

2011-12-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

3 {non-Christmas songs} I've had on repeat of late.

Loose Ends

2011-12-05T06:42:00.000-05:00

There are so many things I've done recently that I haven't had a chance to blog about yet. Because I'm so busy being adventurous.

Some of the photos I still need to get from my friends, some I still need to upload, but I'm taking advantage of the 20 free minutes that I have to post about whatever I've already uploaded. Stay tuned for the rest later!

While I was home for Thanksgiving, we went to visit Paige at Front Street Fountain. She's still the best waitress ever, and Media is still the coolest place ever. I mean, check out that fly pink car.

Thursday was the official lighting of the National Christmas Tree. Apparently you had to get tickets to go, but since I'm such an Ellie Goulding fan {and because Jennifer is such a good friend}, we watched from the sidewalk 150 yards away. We didn't get there until a few minutes before the finale, but we did get to hear Ellie in the last song a bit! Also, we ate the most delicious Peruvian food after.

I love my life; I'm so blessed to live in such a great city with even greater people.

Pysanky Eggs

2011-12-03T16:56:00.001-05:00

I still have to type that into Google to make sure that I've spelled it right.

Last night, Jaren & I made pysanky eggs! It was really fun, and it made me think of the fabergé eggs I saw that one time at the Hermitage. We had 19 different colours including GOLD! Don't tell Jaren that I said this, but his were totally better than mine. But for a noob, mine did turn out pretty well! I mean, I made one that looked like bricks, people! It's safe to say that it was totally awesome.

RedFurn

2011-12-02T18:16:00.001-05:00

Watch the video below to see why the title of this post is not a misspelling of the book whose title also includes "Where the __ Grows"

It's Officially December

2011-12-01T09:37:00.001-05:00

Which means that no one has any excuse to not listen to Christmas music! What have I been listening to this year?

She & Him's Christmas album. Because I'm a hipster like that.

What do you listen to?

Today Was A Day

2011-11-29T18:47:00.001-05:00

Ok, more like this afternoon was an afternoon. A wee bit stressful at work.

FORTUNATELY I have the greatest friends and family.

I mean, whose friends serendipitously send them flowers on Sunday, knowing that they would need them on Tuesday? {And all the way from Texas! Thank you, Kayla!!}

And who has a sister who uses her hair to turn herself into Santa?

I guess the answer to both questions is "I do."

I am blessedblessed!

9-December-2011

2011-11-29T13:59:00.001-05:00

Look for my appearance at around :12. I'M FAMOUS!

Let's also talk about how rocking this will be! Can't wait!

Appreciated!

2011-11-27T16:49:00.001-05:00

Guys, don't know how I forgot to blog about last Saturday! I'll have to do that before I do yesterday. It was awesome! Don't believe me? Here is photographic proof:

INDIAN FOOD! I LOVE INDIAN FOOD!!! No joke.

{Authentic D.C.} CUPCAKES!! Even better, this one was FREE!!!

The Elders' Quorum hosted a Relief Society Appreciation dinner. Oh my darling, I can not get over how amazing the night was! And it's been over a week. Most especially, the music was incredible {hello, Sibelius}. And some of the guys got up and said the sweetest things about their appreciation of women. How lucky am I to know such men?

An Open House & A Reunion

2011-11-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

Remember that time that Parker&Carolyn got married? And how it was in Utah? And how we're from PA? WELL we were able to bring Christmas cheer a little early this year for all of those who have been sitting around the Philadelphia area in devastation at being unable to attend the Utah nuptials and ensuing festivities, as we hosted an open house last night! It was really fun, and Carolyn got to meet some of our favourite people in the area. A shout out to my poor neighbor who got his wisdom teeth out the day before Thanksgiving...poor kid!

I also had a high school reunion last night. I only got one picture all night, and it was with my good friend JWalk {that's his street name--in a few years it'll be Dr. JWalk}. We're neighbors, but we've seen each other maybe once since graduation {although we have talked on the phone a bit--whenever I walk down to his place to see if he's home, his mom seems to be on the phone with him}, so it's just funny that it took a high school reunion to get us in the same place at the same time. I got to see some other friends, too, which was great! Let me just say though, that the event was the most expensive glass of water I've ever had. An open bar doesn't mean much to a girl who don't drink.

OK, Now Eyes Open

2011-11-25T11:36:00.001-05:00

I hope you all enjoyed the guest posts this week! I mos def did...virtual snaps!

Now back to talking about me. That's why we're all here anyway, right? Home has been grand--family, food, relaxing. A few shots from the big day yesterday:

Paige, like Belle, can't not blink in photos. Further proof that dogs and their owners are alike.

The world's BEST apple pie.

StyleMint Video Quiz

2011-11-25T09:53:00.001-05:00

Love this fun MK&A interactive video style quiz.

The Heart Of Life Is Good- Camille (That's Me!)

2011-11-24T08:15:00.000-05:00

I spend a lot of time thinking about what it is that makes the heart of life good. Ultimately, that's the whole aim of this blog. Posting about my adventures, thoughts, and interests, no matter how big or small, is really nothing more than documenting my own process to understand this. What makes the heart of life good? Why do I desire to have a good life? What are the benefits of leading a good life? What have I done to deserve having a good life?

I still haven't answered any or all of these questions fully. As I sat and thought about the many people who are Good influences in my life, I made a list of traits and attributes that these people possess:

Selflessness

Self-fulfillment

LOVE

Good humouredness

Honesty

Dependability

Seeks after Beauty

Peace

Joy

Compassion

Complimentary

Sureness of eternal perspective and eternal nature

Service

Willingness

Self-worth

To me, all of these traits {and so many more unlisted ones} can be summed up in one word: CHARITY. For the past few years, it seems to me that everything really does come back to this one little word. I sit and think about various problems in the world, both macro- and microscopic, and as I ponder and discuss with friends and family, the conclusion that I come to over and over and over is that Charity really never faileth. I believe that we would all be so much happier, that we would all recognize that the heart of life really is good, if we strove to be just the slightest bit more charitable everyday.

This year, I'm thankful for fears. For challenges that help me to develop and to grow these traits and to help me progress towards who I aim to become. I am especially thankful for friends and family who expemplify these characteristics, and who teach me through their actions. I'm thankful that I know that I have a Saviour who possesses all of these traits perfectly, and who still loves me for my imperfections and strivings to be like Him.

I'm thankful that I know that the heart of life is good.

On a lighter note, I am thankful for: cool door knobs, adventures, good haircuts, sales, museums, yoga, my amazing friends and family, crunchy leaves, waterice, anything that sparkles {except vampires}, good looking men, film cameras, and dry shampoo.

The Heart Of Life Is Good- Paige

2011-11-23T20:30:00.000-05:00

What I’m thankful for.

-My family

I absolutely love my family. My parents are my heroes and my siblings are my inspirations. My parents have taught me everything that I know. I wouldn’t be able to do anything without them. I don’t give them enough credit for that. I guess this is my big shout out of “thank you” towards them. My brother Parker was like my IDOL when I was little. I was so intrigued by him and how he interacted with my parents. I always loved how even though I was the youngest and much younger than him, I always knew that he cared about me and wanted to talk with me. He still always checks up on me even though he hasn’t lived in the same house as me since 5^th grade and I truly appreciate that. Then there's my sister. Let’s just say that my sister Camille is the beautiful one. I envy her (of course in a good way). She just rocks my world. She has taught me to listen to my hopes and dreams, not listen to idiots, and pray that it all works out. Although I will admit that I don’t have fond memories sharing a room with her, since the day she moved away I haven’t stop missing her. Samuel is my best geek friend known to mankind. He has taught me how to be nice to the smart kids that make you so aggravated because they excel so well in school. He’s taught me about compassion, serving others, and not making someone feel less about themselves. I know I can count on him for anything and that he’s always just a phone call away. And Carolyn, although I barely know you, I love you because you bring happiness to my brother…which makes me happy. I love my family.

-Megs

Although we live 3,000 plus miles away, I love our relationship. I like how even with the distance and many years lacking in communication, we’re there for each other. We’re going through the same things and it’s nice knowing there’s someone out there in the world who’s similar to you. I love how every memory with you we’re laughing. I’m thankful that you were there for me when grandma died. I’m forever grateful for that.

-Jenna

You don’t know what a best friend is like till you know Jenna. We have basically been raised to have completely opposite views on life and religion yet that doesn’t come between us. I love how she’s never once judged or thought of me different because I’m LDS. I cherish our friendship and our time spent together because I know that our time spent together is slowly melting away as we grow older.

-Piano

This has strangely impacted my life. I find that the best way for me to communicate through music, is the piano. I always feel God’s love for me whenever I play it, even if it’s “Stairway to Heaven”….I never want to lose this talent.

-Art

“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time” –Thomas Merton. I have learned a lot through art. Although I let it get to me sometimes when people say “it’s stupid” that I want to pursue art, I shouldn’t. I love art, I love creating, and I love learning! You can find art in anything, just try!

-Church

I can’t put into words my gratitude for church. I guess you’ll just have to try it out for yourself to understand. Let’s just say that I without a doubt believe it and that’s just spiffy for me.

-Food

Well, seeing how it is Thanksgiving and how I can’t go an hour without thinking about food….how could I not mention this? I LOVE creating food. I think it’s great. I love how food brings comfort and all kinds of emotions. Food is definitely a beautiful thing. Hah!

Happy Thanksgiving!! Gobble. Heh. (:

Paigey is an artist, a musician, and the world's best sister. She has the most bodacious head of hair ever, which this author somehow didn't get the gene for...go figure. Paige is in the midst of receiving a neverending stream of college acceptance letters, and now has to decide which university she is going to grace with her presence.

The Heart Of Life Is Good- Ashley

2011-11-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

Hi my name is Ashley and I am thankful!!!

I am thankful for those moments in life where you are so very happy because you are surrounded by the most wonderful people and doing something sweet! I saw a movie tonight (The Big Year, best movie ever, see it ASAP it will inspire you to either go bird watching or just do something fulfilling and extraordinary) as I laughed and cried and laughed again and just smiled from ear to ear, I looked over at my mom and my smile grew even bigger because I was hanging with one of the coolest people ever, besides the whole giving birth to me thing she is the sweetest person I know and a great friend. The theme of the movie was, you have to do the things that you love and do them with the people you love. I met dear Camille at the Springville Art Museum. Our instant friendship lead to laughter and giddy skips down the halls and the best times of my life.

I am also thankful for sequins and faux fur vests. Clouds, stars, mountains, brownies, bubbles and glitter.

I am thankful for the music that has accompanied me through my life thus far. Whether it be N’SYNC, COLDPLAY, DEATH CAB, HILARY DUFF or even that time I was way into soundtracks. I listen to a song and it takes me back to that awkward 7^th grade dance where I was terrified to slow dance. Or when I toured Europe only listening to the Backstreet Boy’s comeback album. Some songs make me think of the boys who made mixed CDs for me to profess their love through song, or the songs that helped me get over boys (oh Lifehouse). Music makes going on drives through the mountains incredible as you sing with your friends at the top of your lungs, hoping that the moment will never end and that time will just stand still. I think music is here so we can always remember the good times. Might I suggest the new Coldplay CD or the latest mashup on glee featuring songs by Adele… you won’t regret it.

Thanks Camille for allowing me to be thankful on your blog. I am really really really thankful for our friendship. I wish we didn’t live so far away but at least I can read your blog and pretend I am visiting museums with you or being on luxurious boat rides with you. You are one of the great people who have come into my life and made me so happy!!!!! Love you!!!

Ashley is amazingly awesome- if I could pick an older sister, I would pick her. She is funny, stylish, well-travelled, and often busts out an awkward hand in photos {look for it, it's going to be big, I promise}. She has a talent for making people laugh, which makes my life that much better. Ashley enjoys awkward moments in museums and joking around with old museum directors.

The Heart Of Life Is Good- Jennifer

2011-11-22T10:20:00.000-05:00

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."

— E.B. White

Once, on a rainy day early in spring, I had to take two suitcases on the Washington, D.C. metro by myself. I was dealing with the stress of moving, running late for an event I didn't really want to attend, feeling overwhelmed, and just generally having trouble being happy. We all have our days (right?). I rushed down the crowded sidewalk, my suitcases trundling precariously along the curb as I tried my best to weave in and out of the crowd. When I reached the metro station, I was out of breath and the escalator was out of order. I realized I wasn't sure where the elevator entrance was located. As I stood in the rain, bedraggled and exhausted, a man in a tuxedo walked up to me and smiled, said, "Let me help you," and picked up the larger of my suitcases. As he walked down the broken escalator, I noticed that he was accompanied by a woman in a wedding dress and a photographer. They had just gotten married and were taking some wedding photos downtown. I gave them a heartfelt thank you and congratulated them on their incredibly recent nuptials, then went on my way feeling decidedly more optimistic. I smiled at the other metro riders. I counted my blessings. I passed on the joy that had been passed to me.

I'm still amazed that this couple took time out of their wedding day, one of those few days in their life when no one would think less of them for forgetting all about improving the world and focusing simply on enjoying themselves, to help a complete stranger. But it was clear to me that they were happy to help. They multiplied their joy by sharing it with me. It turns out that you don't have to choose whether to improve the world or enjoy it; in fact, the very greatest enjoyment of the world is found in improving it.

Pain throws your heart to the ground - We all have our days.

Love turns the whole thing around - "Let me help you."

No, it won't all go the way it should - They were taking wedding photos downtown.

But I know the heart of life is good. - I passed on the joy that had been passed on to me.

Jennifer is a swimmer, macaron-lover, and French speaker. She has a real gift for seeing the excellence in every person she meets, and makes sure that she tells people what she sees. She is the kind of girl who does not shy away from things she doesn't understand, but instead puts forth all the energy she possesses to figure things out. Jennifer and I enjoy doing yoga together and baking things without recipes at all hours of the night.

The Heart of Life Is Good- Charlotte

2011-11-21T10:20:00.000-05:00

I met Camille in our freshman year at BYU in French 201, and since graduation we've stayed in touch via blogging. She's tres chic, non? (Pretty much she's the one of the most popular people I know. So the fact she asked me to guest post was a big deal over in my blogging corner.) When Camille told me what she wanted me to write about I mulled for a long time. A long time. What makes the heart of my life good? I'm certainly thankful for many things. Things like Netflix, Diet Pepsi, Pinterest, mint chocolate truffles, new TV episodes, hot chocolate, and blog comments. Seriously, though. What makes the heart of my life good? What defends my silver lining?

And then it hit me. The heart of my life is creation. Since leaving school I suddenly found myself with loads of time on my hands. My days weren't filled with classes, and my evenings weren't filled with homework. I started to divert the creativity that I'd previously used to write 10-page papers and balance school and work into felt rosettes, satin headbands, and gingerbread houses. I received a sewing machine for Christmas and have spent this year learning to sew and deriving simple joy in things like finding the perfect wool-spandex blend. I've also studied up on cakes, bread, and pies, determined to learn the art of baking. (Sometimes I throw failed cakes, and sometimes they turn out delicious. I'm definitely still working on it.)

I find creation in words, both in the reading and writing of them. Words create memories, emotion, and growth. I love words. The heart of my life is good because I can use it to create more good. When I give creativity priority--whether through sewing, baking, writing, or reading--I feel fulfilled, purposeful, and powerful. This Thanksgiving I'm giving express thanks for all that I can do, for those things in my life that enable me to create. Sometimes I'm scared to create, to try, even to succeed. But here's the thing: it's worth it. Because really creation in all good forms is a means by which we come closer to our Father and Savior, and what can come closer to the heart of life than that?

Pain throws your heart to the ground;
love turns the whole thing around.
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood,
But I know the heart of life is good.

Happy Thanksgiving, Life Less Ordinary readers!

Charlotte is a lover of big words {what's the word that means big words?}, delicious treats, and Vocal Point. She is smart as can be, and always has a smile on her face. You can't help but to be happy around her, and she has been such a great friend over the years. Charlotte currently resides in Oregon, which totally increased the real estate value of the whole state.

The Heart Of Life Is Good- Megan

2011-11-20T15:30:00.000-05:00

Hello, readers of Camille’s fabulous blog!

Camille was kind enough have me write a guest post on her blog. It’s about Thanksgiving, because it’s almost here! J So, thank you to Camille for letting me write on her blog, and please pardon me if I get too sentimental. And that I don’t have a lot of pretty pictures. I’m more of a word person.

Remember in pre-school when you made the “grateful turkeys”? You’d trace your pudgy, sticky hand, color in a turkey, and then write down five things you were grateful for as the feathers.

Here’s a grateful turkey (sorry it is a plain turkey . . . I am a poor college student and I have no colorful construction paper):

Isn’t he cute?

But when it really comes down to it, there is too much to put on the grateful turkeys. While real turkeys have thousands of feathers, grateful turkeys are only allowed five (or six, depending on your genetics).

I can’t limit myself to only five things I’m grateful for. Because for me, the heart of life is good because of the simple things.

You’d think—as an English major and history minor—that I would be unredeemably sarcastic, cynical, and skeptical. But that’s not the case. And don’t get me wrong, I know enough of the sorrows in the world to make me a cynic. But there is so much potential for good in the world—and more than that, just goodness in the world—that keeps me joyful. The joy in the simple is what makes me an optimist. And every day is filled with more simple things to be grateful for.

So this is what makes the heart of life so incredibly good:

That blazing-red tree you pass every day home from work/school.

That jolt in your stomach when you realize that special someone thinks you’re beautiful.

Those days when your hair just smells good.

Daffodils pricking their way through the dark, cold soil of spring.

Brilliant yellow ginko leaves carpeting the grass.

The musky scent of autumn.

Laughter that fills like a bowl of chowder.

Soul-satisfying conversations with friends that last until four-thirty in the morning.

Waking up on a January morning and realizing you still have two hours to sleep in your warm bed.

The surprise of a shooting star.

That stranger who opens the door for you, and smiles while doing it.

The “aha!” moment of finally remembering a mind-hidden fact on a test.

A sleeping baby holding your pinky.

Ripe August peaches.

Walking into the apartment after a long day and smelling dinner cooking in the oven.

Getting to read for fun.

Cocoa warming your hands.

Opening the mailbox and finding a hand-written letter.

Lights at Christmas time.

Singing in the shower.

Looking at old photographs.

Those “kindred spirit” moments.

. . . the list goes on and on. There are new simple things to enjoy every day. And to remember every day.

For me, these simple things are what make the everyday sublime . . . and so incredibly beautiful and good.

Megan is a reader, writer, and muffin baker. She loves England and the German language, and she might just be the nicest person alive. She deserves a never-ending round of applause for putting up with my crazy self. At the time that this post was written, she was in the processes of putting in her mission papers, and hopes to receive her call in the near future.

The Heart Of Life Is Good

2011-11-20T09:17:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, I alluded to something awesome that I'll be doing this week. Well, this week has finally arrived, and I am excited to announce my first ever guest post series!

I got the idea while I was listening to a John Mayer song and the lyric "I Know the Heart of Life is Good" kept sounding again and again in my head. Thus inspired, I asked some of my favourite bloggers to write about what they're thankful for, and what makes the heart of their own lives good. Guys, the responses have been phenomenal- so well written, and so inspiring. Starting today and through Thanksgiving, I'll be sharing these posts with you.

I'd love to hear what others of you have to say! What makes the heart of your life good? What are you thankful for? Feel free to comment or email me: cmoff519{at}yahoo{dot}com

1/2 for 1/2

2011-11-19T17:41:00.001-05:00

I was really tempted to make that title say "1/2 4 1/2"... all numbers, totally cool right?

Anyways, I would like to thank Madewell for having an additional 50% off of their sale items in honor of today being my half birthday! So many crazy deals! I feel like I stole from them. Go get it while you can, ladies.

Gingerbread, Art, & Pie {And A Hint!}

2011-11-17T23:02:00.001-05:00

Don't you love those weeknights that are so fun it almost feels like the weekend? I sure do, minus the whole actually having to wake up and go to work the next day thing. But that's ok since tomorrow is FRIDAY!

After work, I had a little time to kill, so I hung out at Starbucks. Holy gingerbread soy steamer, you are delicious. I love you so much.

Once I was done killing time {I feel like I should add a tally mark somewhere...}, I met up with Jennifer for one of my favourite things: an art opening! It was at AAAS, and it was really cool to see science and art so integrated. There were some phenomenal photographs by a NatGeo guy, they ruled.

Our next and final destination took some time to get to. {Side note: work smarter, not harder.} But it was well worth it once we arrived! It was a girls' night of pie and a cheesy movie that merited lots of peanut gallery comments {so glad that the characters listened to me and fell in love}. The whole soiree was so funnyyyyy. I like funny.

I'm planning a most excellent weekend, as well as a little treat for all of you next week! It's turning out well, and I'm excited to share it with you :)

Writer's Block...Sorta

2011-11-16T16:29:00.001-05:00

Guys, I seem to be suffering a little bit of writer's block right now. In my defense, I just moved into my new house this weekend {I have my own room! And a closet! No more living out of a laundry hamper in a storage room!}. I want to show you all my new place {so much potential AKA there is like no furniture}, but mostly I want a dresser. A cheap dresser. A very cheap dresser that has potential so that I can refurbish it. I've been doing some research, and who knew that dressers cost so much? I'm guessing everyone else. But in any case, my room is thus a disaster {I know...already}, and in no shape to be shown off. And I'm like insanely busy until this time next week. Oi vay.

I went to Mickey D's last night for the first time in ages. Don't know why I was craving it, seeing as how I tend to avoid fast food like the plague {Frosty's don't count}. I was in there for a matter of minutes before this creepy dirty old guy started trying to hit on me. Let's just say that it will be ages again before I enter a fast food restaurant {drive thru's don't count}.

But I guess if being sans dresser and getting hit on by weirdos as McDonald's are my biggest problems, then lifeain'tsobad.

11-11-11 Activities

2011-11-14T07:46:00.000-05:00

I'm really glad that 11-11-11 ended up being awesome because I totally R.S.V.P.'ed to the worldwide Facebook event for it like 8 months ago. It would have been such a waste otherwise.

Since I live in D.C., and not only was it 11-11-11 but Veterans Day as well, I grabbed my roommates {Literally. Just kidding, they were more than willing and excited for the adventure} and we went to the Washington Monument, the WWII Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. We also saw the Einstein Statue, and cozied up for a physics lesson.

The night ended with witnessing a crazy car crash. It was all sorts of intense, and I would love to tell you about it next time I see you.

Let's Be Honest Here

2011-11-13T21:53:00.001-05:00

This is what I want.

{photos via [here] and [here]. ub-sessed with both.}

I am not ashamed. I am surprised at the number of people who I know should feel the same, but don't. I can not get over the number of people who scoff at it, and the number of women in that group who find it degrading. Because I don't. I don't think it means giving up who I am. I don't think it makes me any less of a person. This is what I individually want and need. And contrary to a seemingly popular belief, it is empowering. I crave that love & service & challenge. But at the slightest whisper or faintest mention of how I feel, the person with whom I express these desires clams up--in that I disagree with you but want to be polite so I won't say anything kind of way. It pains me. Because if everyone feels this way, it leaves me with no one. That's what scares me most.

{[here]}

There's so much more rounded out emotion to how I feel about this, but only so much can be conveyed in a blog.

Blue & Red

2011-11-11T23:25:00.001-05:00

My night has been adventurous to say the least. I'll post sometime this weekend or Monday, but seeing as how I'm finally moving into my own place tomorrow {!}, there's other things I've got to do. Like pack. Or realistically, think about packing and then just throw it into the car when my Mom comes down.

I've also been half-fainting all day since quite literally the moment I woke up. And it's maybe happening right now. So that's fun.

Have a lovely weekend!

A {Short} Film & A Photo

2011-11-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

Gisele's haiiiiirrrrrr. I have a crush on her hair.

Bal d'hiver, Paris, 1955 by Inge Morath

PS- Happy 11.11.11

Bug Eyes

2011-11-10T19:38:00.001-05:00

Has anyone else noticed that there are a lot of people on the Metro with BUG EYES?

It's FREAKY!

I Googled "people with bug eyes" so I could include a picture, but they are all quite terrifying so I won't include any here.

But trust me, it is WEIRD, and it makes me worry that if I spend too much time on the Metro that I will become one of them.

20-Something & Single

2011-11-09T19:13:00.000-05:00

From: Jennifer
To: Camille
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 11:27 AM
Subject: Re: Fwd: AAAS Marine Science + Art - Opening Reception Invite

DANGIT now I have one about engagement rings. thx Camille.

On Wed, Nov 9, 2011 at 11:25 AM, Camille wrote:

Also, let's talk about how ALL OF THE ADVERTS on my Gmail are about engagement rings and weddings. ALL OF THEM. There is nothing in my emails to merit that kind of advertising. FURTHER PROOF THAT GOOGLE PHISHES MY BRAIN!!

Gmail: the internet parent. Tell me something I don't know.

One More

2011-11-09T12:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, Halloween was a week and a half ago. But I just got this photo earlier this week of my costume, and I wanted to share. Thanks as ever to Michele Trichler. {See more of our work together here}

Good Things On The Way Back From Work

2011-11-08T18:56:00.004-05:00

This:

Sounding like this:

Here:

Super Awesome Sundayyyy

2011-11-08T09:38:00.000-05:00

I can't stop thinking about how great Sunday was! My friend Andrea got baptized, and it was an absolutely beautiful service. What a rockstar. She is incredibly smart, talented, and beautiful, and I've loved the friendship we've built.

One of the many things I've loved about being back home on the east coast is remembering how long autumn really lasts. Utah's "fall" only lasts 3 days {in a good year}, whereas it's been 3 months here. LOVE IT.

Sunday night, our apartment hosted a curry dinner for all of us Cambridge kids who are in the area. It was a night of delicious food and interesting conversation. I can't get over how phenomenal my friends are, and how much they really mean to me.

Saturday Advens

2011-11-07T07:10:00.000-05:00

What a great day Saturday was! I went and paid my deposit on the house I'm moving into next week. Giving up all that money wasn't so fun, but the place is basically a blank slate, so I've had loads of design ideas brewing in my head. I'm beyond pumped. It will be good.

After that, I ate lunch at Panera, which is pretty much one of my happy places. And then I bought cute gloves at Anthro. And it was good.

I next went to the Natural History Museum, which never ceases to amaze me! Mammal section anyone? Wondrous! And since the weather has been unreal these last few days, I took some time to read outside on the Mall, right across from the Castle. And it was good.

Last Friday Night

2011-11-06T08:54:00.000-05:00

And afternoon, but that's not a song title, so it's not going in this post title.

Stephanie doesn't have her internship on Fridays, so she came down to Bethesda for lunch! I had been craving Indian earlier in the week, so I was so happy when she suggested that we eat at at Shangri-La. It was delicious :)

After [the most stressful day yet of] work, I went down to Arlington and got what is quite literally the best haircut of my life! Let's be real here people, my bangs were having trouble. They were so sad and neglected. Sorry, bangs! But now they are so great and I love them! Thank you Ashley! Ask me for her information, you won't regret it.

My friend Rachel from my home ward had a housewarming party just a few blocks away from where I got my haircut on Friday, too! Oh my beautiful, let's just talk about how amazing their house is!! I am definitely ~~jealous of~~ happy for her! I plan on making any excuse possible to go visit her.

D.C., Dan, and Food

2011-11-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

Dan, one of my very favourite people from PKP, is in town this weekend from Amherst. Even though he has a full schedule of awesome things, he was kind enough to make time to see me! We met up for dinner at this restaurant called Montmartre- it was so French and so delicious, I just loved it! Dan got duck leg, and I had rabbit for the first time. We had mussels for an appetizer, and they were beyond good.

After dinner, we went right next door to a most delicious gelateria called Pitango. I tell you, cinnamon gelato, you get me every time! The employee gave us a tour of how they make their gelato, which was super cool. All in all, it was a most delicious evening, and it was so great to catch up with a dear friend :)

Pumpkin Smoothie

2011-11-03T12:13:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week, Jourdan {who is moving to Paris next week!} sent me a recipe for pumpkin smoothies from Pioneer Woman. Hier soir, I whipped some up to enjoy with Jennifer. MmmmmMMMmmmm! I love the cinnamon graham crumbles on top, they really round out the flavour. Maybe it sounds pretentious, but it definitely sounds true.

Photobooth Life Lately

2011-11-02T19:22:00.000-04:00

This first one is in honor of Movember {or Applevember for the non facial hair abled}. Jennifer made an apple pie with the apples from apple picking {how many times can you say apple in one sentence?}, so I took advantage of the opportunity to be super hipster stylish.

Below is my attempt at T-Swift hair. Mostly I'm putting this up because my roommate and her date got back last night as I was in the front room, curling my hair, in pajamas, having just painted my toenails, and listening to Celine Dion. Helloooo cliche/romcom. I started laughing at the ridiculousness of it all.

Remember when my parents came to visit and they took me to Vie de France for breakfast? Little did they know that they also fed me for the rest of the day. Hello, entirebaguette&orangina.

This one time I was g-chatting with Geoff and Alex. I told them that I bought green pants for work, and they freaked out. I immediately protested with photographic proof that I was not wearing limes. They approved.

Don't let this last picture {from about an hour ago} fool you. I am actually ECSTATIC! Why? Because today is the day that I learned how to fishtail braid!!! Guys, I've been wanting to learn how to do that since I was, oh I don't know, 7? 8? Check that one off of my bucket list! Also, please disregard my "bangs" below...I'm getting them fixed on Friday, don't worry!

What have you been up to?

Validation!

2011-11-02T13:40:00.001-04:00

Look who made it on the top ten for the Halloween costume contest at Hue & Hum!

[here]

It's super awesome because they are super funny. While you are over there, be sure to check out their dog's costume! And yes, I'm looking at you, Chester and Belle...wimping out every year...