Borderless

Oh weekend.

2012-02-26T19:08:00.000-06:00

This weekend has been really great. From friday on, I knew it was going to be a laid back sort of weekend. I went to the coffeehouse and met with one of my friends and the older sis. We took a trip to the library. I wore a sweatshirt and comfy jeans all day long. My "quick" journal entry turned into being six pages long. (Inspired by Hannah, I've been adding sketches to my journal.) And a happy postcard from a friend in Costa Rica arrived in the mail. I stayed up until two watching Downton Abbey with Marissa. And reading books, of course.

I feel like I've been reading all weekend long. My assignment for Composition class is to read a book, then write a reflection of 400 words. I'm reading a historical fiction novel for that. I don't complain about these sort of writing assignments. I stole my sister's I am Number Four copy on wednesday. I speed to the end on Saturday, finishing it by 12 am on on Sunday. I have to say: It was definitely a good book. I'll be stealing my brother's copy of the second one later this week, I'm sure.

INSTAGRAM: 1) at the library (by @jeffmadison). 2) Lunch at Wendy's (by @jeffmadison). 3) to the library. 4) sisters. 5) Mer's confused. [3-5 by me, @shesmegan]

Today, we followed our sunday routine:

•The second church is out, we're snapping pictures of our family and each other, waiting for mom to finish talking.

•Our preacher and other members of the church ask us about our cameras, how many pictures we've taken that week, and comment on our taking pictures of each other taking pictures.

•We head to lunch: this week it's Wendy's.

•By this time, we've started instagramming.

•Soon, we're back in the car (still posting photographs on instagram, having stolen mom's iPhone), on our way to the library.

•We hope for a parking space before the crosswalk, but we always end up inside the parking garage -- apparently downtown is popular on sundays. (Who knew?)

•Books, books, and more books.

•Instagramming still.

•We're snapping photos and whispering.

•It's now checkout time.

•Then the car again.

•We're on our way home.

•I run in side, jump on my bed, upload photos, and edit them.

looking at the ducks below.

My camera's on my bed. My writing bag has been spilled out and dug through. It's nearly time for dinner, but I don't feel hungry at all. Marissa's working tonight and most likely reading The Hunger Games, because she just got to the good part. My brother's in his room across the hall, strumming his guitar. Everyone else is downstairs doing who knows what. I have reading to do, but instead I'm posting. I'll read later -- I promise.

Oh weekend, you've been good to me. See you in five days.

How was your weekend?
xo. Megan

What feels right.

2012-02-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I like to play in the footsteps of others. I do things because those greater than me did them. I do things because I saw someone else do it and I liked it. I do things not because I feel that it's right inside or because it's part of my personality. I do it because it was done before and it worked. I do it hoping maybe it will work for me.

I don't develop my own methods or my own styles. No. That won't do. They didn't do that. It might fail. It might not work. Mostly, I don't go my own way because of fear. I'm afraid to do it differently.

If I could tell you how many drafts I've written for the first nine paragraphs for my novel, you'd stare at me like I was completely crazy. But honestly I don't know how many I've been through. Five? Sixteen? Twenty? Too many to count. Over and over, I just keep trying to make it perfect. I don't want to do it wrong. I don't want to plan too little or plan too much. I don't want to give too much away but I don't want it to be hard to understand. I want it perfect.

one day I'm wearing flip-flops, the next there's two inches of snow...crazy iowa weather.

I try manipulating the novels written by my favorite authors. How did they start? What do they give away at the beginning? I try doing what they did. But it doesn't feel right. I doesn't work. Nothing is going the way I want it to. I can't get past chapter one. I'll never get past chapter one.

I delete what little I've written of chapter one and two and file them away in my drafts. It's time to start somewhere new. I need to look at this from different eyes. I dig through my writing bag. Notebooks. Pens. Loose papers. I pull out Spilling Ink. It's my favorite writing book because it doesn't give me rules I have to follow. It gives me choices.

I flip through the pages. They're marked on and sticky notes are poking out from the edges. I turn to the section about narrative voices. I can't stop thinking about first person. After reading The Hunger Games, I've been in love with the first person narrative voice. I've always written in third. But as much as I love first, I'm afraid to use it.

"How do you know when you've hit on the right narrative voice? You'll feel it...All of a sudden your story will start to fall into place, and you'll know how to tell it." -Ellen Potter, Spilling Ink, pg. 76.

All at once I know what to do. I forget about THG narrative, HP narrative, Percy Jackson narrative, and I am Number Four narrative. I just do what feels right.

Chapter two is slowly coming together exactly how I want it to. I'm writing how I write. Not how anyone else writes. How I do. This is why I've been stuck for so long, afraid of making any tiny mistake. Because I wasn't doing what I do. I was a shadow of my favorite writers. And after so long, I finally find my voice. I finally stop doing what I've labeled as the "way to do it" and I just do what feels right.

I think we all sometimes get stuck in trying to shadow what we've always seen as "the right way." In blog posts, in photography, in writing. But sometimes we have to form our own style and our own methods. We have to do what we feel is right. Because otherwise, we'll never be happy with what we do. Because there's a voice inside trying to tell you how you as a unique and amazing person should do things. When you don't listen, nothing works. When you do? Everything does.

xo. Megan

Sisters.

2012-02-20T17:07:00.002-06:00

I have three sisters. Marissa is 18 and the photographer-blogger-violinist. (and currently my roommate until she goes off to college in the fall.) Mallory is almost 11 and the animal expert/funny face maker. Meredith is 8 and likes to read, draw, and go out and take pictures with me. In short: We're all kind of crazy.

(picture by meredith)

We like to take pictures of each other while taking pictures of each other.

Meredith writes me notes and draws me pictures. We also have on-paper chats with each other because we're a techie family but believe in paper, too.

Mallory is...well...always making goofy faces and never likes to cooperate for pictures.

Marissa and I like Coldplay.

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost." -Marion C. Garretty

The littles come into our room when we're not awake before 9:30, yelling at us to get up because they've been watching tv since 7. Sometimes Meredith and I snuggle in the warm blankets before we get up to scout out some breakfast on saturday mornings. We like laughing and telling stories. When we're bored, it's usually the camera we go to. Marissa is always there to talk to. Mallory always has a story to share. We like dancing in the kitchen. We like saying silly things. But most of all, we just like being crazy together.
Sisters: i like you.

Do you have sisters?
xo. Megan

Celebrate.

2012-02-16T18:20:00.000-06:00

I love pretty, ordinary things. (as I'm sure you know by now.) Today, when I found a quote, I did a mental happy dance because I suddenly had discovered what my most favorite thing it the world was.

"My favorite thing to do at home is celebrate...even if it's just a monday!" -unknown (via this photograph)

My tendency to attend and host oddly-themed parties/celebrations explains a bit why I love this quote so very much. Picture taking parties, "hey i got a new camera" parties, and sometimes just "it's friday" parties. These and many more are things I have and love to celebrate.

More and more, the word 'celebrate' is creeping into my stream of thoughts. I could come up with countless things to celebrate. Just little, happy things. Even big things. Celebrations can be so wonderful, and usually, they are.

Holidays are annual and fun, but sometimes I like to just choose one thing to celebrate. For no reason at all. Just because.

(^my most recent photography related thoughts)

My new goal for this week is to think of one thing to celebrate everyday, and celebrate it. Making lists, doing something fun and special everyday, and just remembering that there's at least one good thing in every bad day. Because, frankly, celebrations are kind of my favorite.

What are you celebrating today?
xo.
megan

a few things I love.

2012-02-14T13:09:00.001-06:00

I'm really not one to go crazy over valentine's day. Honestly, I'm not really into the romance things. So instead of rambling about how much I love/dislike valentine's day, what I did for valentine's day, or my thoughts on the day, I found it a fun idea to share just a few things I love.

1. Jesus. Because without him, I am nothing.

2. Family. Because we're all just a little crazy.

3. Friends. Because you're my favorite.

+ Becca and Nicole who aren't picture. ;)

4. Our trio. Because by now, everyone knows we're awesome.

5. Books. Because I stay up late every night reading you.

6. Music. Because you're kind of pretty amazing.

7. Writing. Because it's pretty much what I do all day.

8. My Camera. Because you capture everything I love, wonderfully.

10. My Readers. Because you're one of my favorites. All 300 of you.

What do you love?
xo. megan

February Skies.

2012-02-12T18:30:00.001-06:00

These past few days have been carefree and relaxed, which I must say I needed. Most of the photos I've taken lately have been from my spot on the dining room table. That just goes to say if I haven't been doing school, I've been blogging, and if I haven't been blogging, I've been writing. And really, I haven't been doing much.

I took a few moments today to shoot a few photographs outside. When I took them, it was just a few moments before golden hour, and now I wish I had waited about half an hour to go out and take them. It was still nice to get out, though. And golden hour has long since been missed.

Some photos from lately:

in which my family hides from the camera.

friday at the coffeehouse

taking a walk to the chocolate "factory."

I take pictures of my sister and her friends in church because I can.

mallory makes funny faces.

you see, short people have to roll up their pants.

Lately under the february skies?

Downton Abbey with my sister

Reading your lovely blogs

Finishing up the writing of my first chapter (the 7 billionth revision) and sending it off to a friend escapading in Costa Rica

Google hanging out with friends

School

Chatting with Jocee

Reading.

What have you been up to?

xo.

megan

p.s. looking up update my f.a.q. page. Any questions for me?

p.p.s. my photobucket bandwidth was exceeded a few days ago. I switched to flickr (since I like that better) and went pro, but until the 22nd none of my past photos will be able to be seen. Bear with me?

Remember When, v.i

2012-02-10T14:09:00.000-06:00

"Remember when?" we say these words often. Over and over. It's something my sister and I ask each other. Pulling tiny memories from our childhoods; working out all the details; stepping back for a moment. And for a little while, we've returned to our younger selves.

Just last Sunday, my older brother and sister and I were reminiscing about our childhoods again. We brought up our favorite memories and tried to decide which house we lived in when it happened. Often, these are my favorite talks. It reminds me of how much we've been through together. And what crazy and interesting children we were.

get a load of our extreme dorkiness. [marissa on left, me on right]

When Marissa and I were talking about blog posts ideas (something we generally do a lot), it turned out we both had the same idea of posting these childhood memories on our blogs. So, why not do it together?

I found the old video camera filled with our screams and laughter and our odd attempts at making movies. We pulled out the old photos, gasping from the laughter too hard to force out. Photographs of our tongues hanging out and our matching outfits. Our funny faces and our sad ones. These photos are just another, more vivid addition to the memories already locked away in our minds.

Marissa and I are both extremely excited about this series we'll be doing together. We have many stories to share. So come, and take a step back in time with us as we relive our favorite memories.

. . .

me, when I was 6 - in Michigan.

Remember when we lived in Michigan?

Remember when winter was our favorite?

Remember when we were so little, the snow came up to our knees?

mallory - 2

Remember when I wore a little white hat, and you a pink one?

Remember when we're dart outside, shorts and tanktops, barefooted in twelve inch snow to the side of the road to check the mail?

Remember when we wore our snow pants in the winter more than anything else?

marissa -10

Remember when hot chocolate was our favorite drink?

Remember when we'd take the blanket to the middle of the room, laying it over the heater vent. And as the air filled the blanket, raising the middle above the floor, we'd warm our tiny feet?

Remember when measuring the snow was daily and checking the temperature was hourly?

jordan- 8

Remember our coats and gloves and boots and snow pants dripping puddles of snowy water all over the floors?

Remember out snow angels and snowmen?

Remember our snow ball fights which I hated more than anything?

mallory, gamma, and half of jordan.

Remember when the most exciting day was when the parking lot next door was plowed?
Remember the snow mounds beside the line of trees?
Remember walking up on the tops, rolling down the side, screaming in delight?

mallory, jordan, gamma, marissa, me.

me+mallory

Yes, I remember. The snow was pure white; the sky a bright faded blue. I remember my snow outfit and my purple gloves. I remember our red noses and our chilled fingers. I remember licking icicles and eating snow. I remember curling up in our blankets after we came inside. I remember our hat collection and our boots passed down from the older children to the younger ones. I remember when snow days were our favorite.

read marissa's remember when post.

what are your favorite memories?
xo.
megan

p.s. all these photos are from mom's old film camera. Aren't they they just lovely?

at our house

2012-02-07T10:11:00.002-06:00

At our house there are four girls and one boy, mom and dad, and Gamma. At our house we make the smallest of spaces our club houses. At our house we like apple products and animal fur. We like hugs and smiles and The Brady Bunch. We like books and pencils. We like shoes and windows. At our house, we like each other.

There isn't a day at our house when there isn't childish screams or the fierce hushing of loud voices. The yelling of the little girls as they do their morning chores is quite funny. Their humming and bouncing. Their stomping and their screams. They have little tempers and do silly things. They're adorable.
Just last night, apparently my eight year old sister 'stomped too hard,' and hurt her foot. When they wake up in the morning, they jump into dad's chair and watch their favorite shows. (Dr. Quinn, Arthur, Dinosaur train, Little House on the Prairie.) Every morning they feed the pets together. And when I'm done putting together videos and they're about to watch them, it's like the midnight premiere of the most awaited movie of the year.

At our house we have two old barns and a four car garage filled with the things that don't fit in the attic, two cars that don't operate correctly, dad's tools, and a great number of unrideable bikes. At our house, sometimes our rooms get so messy we can't walk in them. At our house we ask "what's for dinner," far too many times. And our house? It's my favorite not because what's inside of it, but who. I love you, family.

what goes on at your house?
xo.
megan

We like life // an ordinary utopia launch

2012-02-05T09:40:00.000-06:00

I scroll through the page. "life is wonderful. Life is lovely." It screams out at me. Sometimes I don't feel this way though. Sometimes, I look at these posts and desperately wish for a life like theirs. I don't always have perfect days. I don't always do the right thing. I don't always take the perfect picture. My life will never measure up to that. My life looks into the mirror and I convince myself that I'm doing something wrong. They're better than me. They are perfect. I can never have that. I can never be as good as they are.

When I started to get the idea for a collab blog around four months ago, I really had no ideas. But then, I received an email from Miss Jocee. We had vague ideas for a collaboration blog with four other girls. It took a lot of brainstorming and a lot of work, but eventually we pulled it all together. One of the biggest things that all six of us had realized was the cloak of perfectness everyone seemed to put on life. We all found ourselves in a pit of dissatisfaction when we read posts on popular blogs. We just wanted to have a perfect life, too. And that's when the fire started.

What if we took the cloak away? What if we stopped taking only the perfect and started being honest? What if we started posting about real life? What if we could show people how wonderful ordinary life is? What if we could do this together? And this was when An Ordinary Utopia began.

After a bit of work, we pulled together a fabulous team (abby, hayley, lindsey, gracie, jocee, and myself). From excited screams via email and hasty last minute preparations, the project we had been working on for over a month is finally ready to be revealed. An Ordinary Utopia isn't just a place to show off our wonderful lives. AOU is a place to show the beauty of Ordinary; to discover ordinary in our own lives, but also help others discover it in theirs. And honestly? I don't know if we've ever been this excited.

Care for a visit? // VISIT AN ORDINARY UTOPIA //

xo.

megan

p.s. the February design is up. Thoughts?

The Anonymous Traveler

2012-02-03T17:13:00.000-06:00

I walk through these streets and I wonder -- who walked them yesterday, last year, a century before me? What did they look like? Who were they with? What were their thoughts? The idea of someone being in the same place as I am years before, fascinates me. Their invisible footprints left behind, ones which no one can see; only to imagine. Their voices hang in clouds, never to be heard. Their finger prints hidden on bench rails and brick walls. The thoughts concealed, but never voiced.

These people long ago, who walked the same streets as I do, felt the same city air, saw the same iowa grounds, they left nothing of their journey but a thought. A thought that they had once traveled these streets. Only a thought of the anonymous face and the anonymous life. My feet walk along these streets on this day at this time, and maybe in years to come, I will be that person. The anonymous traveler who walked the streets. With nothing left behind but a thought.

Where did you journey today?
xo.
megan

p.s. remember the project I mentioned? here's a sneak peek:

My Freeing Place

2012-02-01T10:28:00.000-06:00

We walk down the path; leave the road in the distance. We left technology at home; adventure before us. We leave a little time for freeing; forget our worries for a little while.

The ground in blanketed in leaves, dotted with spots of snow. Colors pop from their branches. Pools of shallow water find their way into the dips in the path. The sun slowly descends, spilling waterfalls of light through the branches. The trees make a refuge from life. And for a moment, it's just me. Only me. Sorting out my thoughts.

All too often I find myself stuck in the never ending loop of routine. Over and over, it's the same, week after week. And sometimes, it's those trips out in nature, away from everything, that remind me what being at peace is like. Life seems to always feel like a continuous rush. When something unexpected or out of the ordinary happens, we start thinking; realizing things we'd never thought of before. Sometimes it's those spur of the moment happenings that remind us of things thought to be forgotten. And sometimes, that's all we need to keep going.

We all just need a place to go a free everything trying to hold onto us a pull us down. My freeing place? The nature trail.

what's your freeing place?
xo.
megan

p.s. exciting project announcement later this week? keep an eye out! Be excited. This is going to be great.
p.p.s. have a question? http://www.formspring.me/shesmegan

journal vs. diary

2012-01-30T19:08:00.001-06:00

JOURNALS / DIARIES. The two are often confused. They've been merged together until they seem merely to be two different names for the same object. However, they are far from the same.

I've kept a diary/journal since I was seven years old. My loyalty to the lined pages has never been very strong. My longest time writing daily was two summers ago when I wrote a whole month straight. Usually I'm lucky if I write even once every month. Lately my goal has been to write at least one entry each week; sometimes I have many thoughts and find myself writing three times each day, though. (In which I have no complaints for!) In the past couple of months, I have really begun to notice the difference between a journal vs. a diary. Would you like to know, too?

DIARY |ˈdīərē|
noun ( pl. -ries)
a book in which one keeps a daily record of events and experiences.

Writing diary entries is the most common among girls. Diaries are where you document daily happenings. Whenever I think of diaries, images of schoolgirl entries enter my mind and, frankly, I am not a fan. Even so, I've kept many. (see image above.) These entries cut short to the point, are rarely written from deep within the mind, and are sometimes impersonal.

EXAMPLE: "Today I'm writing a post about journals vs. diaries. I love journaling. I hope my readers like the post. I'm not going to lie -- I love blogging."

Diary entries aren't all bad, though. They are an easy way to document quick thoughts and happenings in life. I do them when I'm short on time. (okay...or lazy.) My diaries from a year ago and before are full of these. Most of them were selfish entries about what I wish I owned, updates on my latest school subjects, and little blips about going to the store. But my childhood is basically written within the pages and I am amused every time I take a peek at those old thoughts.

(far left journal in my current one.)

JOURNAL |ˈjərnl|

noun

a daily record of news and events of a personal nature.

Journaling is my absolute favorite. These are the entries which come from the deepest parts of your thoughts. In all, journaling is your thoughts. Journaling is all about writing down what you're thinking, not just what you did that day. From reflecting on daily happenings to writing details about the taste of water. Almost every blog post could easily be classified as a journal entry.

EXAMPLE: "A lot of people see journals and diaries as the same, but I don't think they realize how different they really are. Diaries are a whole lot less meaningful than journal entries. Journal entries are full of thoughts and are often they only way to get things off your chest."

My past two have been mostly journal entries with the occasional quick diary entry. Something about journaling seems more meaningful to me. These journal entries are often what spark posts and grant ideas.

What about you, friend, do you write diary entries or do you journal?
xo. megan

january thoughts

2012-01-27T15:11:00.001-06:00

dear january:
I've never liked you much. You're snowy and cold and you often fall into the pattern of dullness. But this year I've found room for you on my like list. Because you are full of wonderful things. You aren't my favorite, but I've finally learned to appreciate you. Maybe it's your soft skies, your snowy blanket, or the happy things you always hold. Or maybe it's just because you're there, year after year, and you never go away; never change. I guess that's why I like you, january, because you know who you are and you never let anything change you. Because that's something we all need to be reminded of sometimes. To never try to be something we're not.

xo.
megan

embrace.

2012-01-24T12:41:00.001-06:00

Two of my best friends and I had recently expressed our growing want to travel outside of the country. With our friend Krista off experiencing life in Costa Rica, and the simply gorgeous travel posts over at Fernweh, it's hard not to want to travel.
My family has never traveled much. We went to St. Louis once in the spring. Apart from that it's just been visiting family or going to the christian convention in Oklahoma. And nothing recent.

Lately I've found myself hopelessly charmed by the thought of venturing through new streets, seeing strange things, tasting new foods, and hearing the chatter of a language I'll never understand. My happy imagination dawdles on the thought. Could anything ever be more lovely?

The dissatisfaction of Iowa scenes causes me to wish for something new. Something more beautiful. Something more inspiring. I find myself so entangled with the thoughts of new places, and soon, I loose appreciation for my own home.

Slowly, the realization that I've even allowed myself to become ungrateful for everything I've been given is truly heart breaking. I quickly discover that what was once new is now old. What was once exciting is now dull. What I once called beautiful has been demoted, and newer, more exciting places take its place. It seems as if Iowa has lost it's thrilling vibe.

I take a moment and rethink life here in Iowa.
When we first moved here three years ago, I was sure it held a hopeless future. I had a sinking feeling that everything I ever had was left in Michigan, and what little of it I had gained back in the short time we lived in Indiana was left behind, too. I couldn't imagine rebuilding happiness in Iowa. Before I knew it, though, a turn of events happened upon me. A new strong friendship held me through the thick and thin which lay ahead. What I had previously claimed a land of lost cause, I had grown to love.

Again, my adoration for ordinary life is renewed. The giggles shared with little sisters. The scribbled reminders. The chats with friends. A glass of water. The crazy socks which appear on my feet each day. Curling up with a good book. The constant purr of a kitty. It is these things which make every place -- every home -- lovely.

If I were to travel to someplace new -- someplace strange and exciting -- it, too, would become ordinary after awhile. I wouldn't get to keep switching. Newness would never insure happiness. Because truly lovely life is dependent on the little things. The things everyone would look past while in search of extravagant.
These little things, I have been learning to embrace. Instead of letting my thoughts wander off to what I deem exciting, I take a moment to embrace the sweet little things. Soon, I discover, these things are the ones which prove to be more exciting and beautiful than anything else. I'm not saying I've lost my want to travel. I am merely saying: even if I never do, this will always be enough. These things you can hold in your memory, hardly needing to think to recall them. These are the things I appreciate.

I'm learning to embrace the little things.

what are your little things?
xo. megan

p.s. Iowa, you're still beautiful.

out and about

2012-01-21T22:24:00.002-06:00

The constant vibration and the thick yellow lines of the highway and city streets have become commonplace in daily life lately. I've grown familiar with viewing the snowy iowan landscape as the trees and buildings rush by from outside the car windows. Headlights stain my memory of the brief road travels we've taken so often; their yellow glow raging toward us, with their red sinking into the distance. Sitting in the seat of the car is no longer a rarity. In truth, I doubt it ever was.

The continual rush of life has caused me to wish to linger in one still moment -- to catch my breath; to merely breathe for awhile. It seems like every moment I'm on a time crunch, rushing to finish work. My heart has a yearn for those days when sunlight poured in through the windows and I could write for days on end. Sometimes I wish I could have summer's freedom everyday.

I honestly would not be living if it weren't for weekends. Although these final days of the week, drifting into the beginning of the next, hardly cause a lapse of busyness, the feeling of another week completed settles my restlessness. A fresh new week ahead of me, I somehow will myself to work harder, sigh of boredom less, and get more things done. Newness is my strongest motivation.

has life been busy for you? what is your motivation?
xo.
megan

p.s. you readers are amazing. 293 of you lovelies? I could never thank you enough.

stories, and why I love them

2012-01-20T11:39:00.000-06:00

The pages are thick with the black letters. Corners folded; creases torn. They hold a story. A story written by an author far away, or one who no longer lingers on the ground of earth. Their heart poured into it, their mind stripped of ideas. All for one thing: the completion of a story.

The fond memories of being read to, those few moments before the covers were pulled up and the lights turn, out always come with a smile. Those times when, curled up in a blanket, I read deep into the night until my eyes could no longer stay open. And times when sneaking a few words before a shower was only to hold me off until I was out again, engulfed in the story.

Something about words fascinates me. Although words can often be a bother -- trying to remember the correct ones for a test or an essay -- I find them much more than that, though, but as a comfort. When those words are strung together in a story, those words hold so much more meaning. Seeing through the eyes of another person; meeting new people; seeing new things. Words reveal so much with so little.

And this is the reason I love stories so much. Because, for a moment, you are given the chance to be anyone and do anything, and it's like a rare magic only discovered by those who seek it.

what is your favorite book?
xo.
megan

cloaked in darkness

2012-01-17T09:21:00.000-06:00

The sun is shining as we climb into the car. Sunlight pours out from above, melting most of what snow we have left. The sky is a pure blue, spotted with the occasional cloud. Our chilled bodies quickly warm in the heat of the car. School books in hand, we make the trek from the parking ramp to the hospital waiting room. It's another day at the hospital.

We enter all smiles, happy to see our aunts and grandma. We each get a short trip to see grandpa (who is doing much better; still resting). We enjoy the cupcakes leftover from grandma's birthday on sunday and I write a few paragraphs of my paper. Laughing and smiling inside, I don't notice the setting of the sun behind the walls.

When it comes time to leave, I know it will be dark outside. The common fact hardly crosses my mind. As the doors push open, releasing winter air into what before had been a warm room, I realize it has been awhile since I last noticed the beauty of nighttime. And it washes over me again -- the lights, the darkness, the beauty.

The puddles covering the dark streets spray in all directions as the tires roll over them. An array of lights shine in the distance; the heart of the city isn't far off. Reflections of headlights can be seen in the wet streets. The outlines of buildings can just barely be seen, yet we all know they are there. Everything is cloaked in darkness.

Not many notice the unique beauty of darkness. Too afraid of what lies ahead. Too afraid of the unknown. But I notice because, sometimes, nighttime is my favorite not because it comes with the ending of the day, but because of it's mysterious beauty.

xo.
megan

wishing for forever

2012-01-13T18:15:00.000-06:00

The flakes fell in small clumps, so delicate and precise you could see each one's unique shape. Remembering how amazed I was when I discovered every snowflake was different at about six years old always makes me smile. And as the snow continued to fall, I experienced it from inside the car doors. I love the magical feeling of watching snow drift from the sky; covering the earth. It's as if nothing could ever be more beautiful.

As the car wheels traveled down the highway in destination of the hospital (grandpa's doing much better -- just needs rest), I find my eyes wandering toward the window. Iowan landscapes greet my peeking gaze. White blankets cover hills and rooftops. Colors standout against the snowy background. And it's finally winter.

With a day so full of smiles and laughter, sometimes I find myself wishing it could last forever.

have you gotten snow?
xo. megan

it's still autumn here

2012-01-11T10:38:00.002-06:00

Things should be done,

yet we choose to adventure.

And sometimes that's alright,

to just breathe and be free.

It's january eleventh,

but we?

We still go outside without our jackets

because it's still autumn here.

xo, megan.

trusting in him

2012-01-10T11:21:00.000-06:00

Vehicles rushing down the highway can be heard through the tightly shut windows. Papers and pencils scatter my workspace as I try to find my thoughts; attempt to write them down. These past few days have been a whirlwind of emotions, and quite frankly it's a bit hard to sort them all out.
I've been doing everything like normal. Writing and blogging, and somehow managing -- by a rare miracle -- to complete my entire list of school this week (new year's goals work like magic). Activity around her has be relatively normal, yet it feels so very different.

When mom walked in through the door on friday and explained to me what was going on, I honestly didn't know what to think. Grandpa was in the hospital. She didn't know much but that he was having trouble breathing and that he would soon be taken to the university hospital. Explaining how I was feeling at that moment is pretty near impossible. I didn't want to think about it, honestly. The one thing kept me calm, though, -- something I often remind myself of in times of anticipation: Whatever happens, God has a plan. So I tried to keep my mind off the subject.

I had a friend over, went to a party, wrote, and did schoolwork. Things didn't seem different. But mom was away. Mom is always home. When I go downstairs, she's there. She comes up to see how I'm doing on schoolwork. She's getting meals ready. But since Friday, she's been up at the hospital. It doesn't feel right at home without mom.

And then sunday came. Both aunts were already at the hospital, with mom, dad, grandma, and the Uncle. Climbing into the car, we drove along the paved highways to meet them there. Walking through the parking ramp and riding in the elevators, soon entering the hospital was a queer feeling. Being in that building with everyone else who had loved ones injured or ill was incredibly surreal. I had never experienced something like that before.

dad. watching harry potter in the waiting room. eating a bagel.

It was odd, being in the hospital. It was like anticipation so strong, it wasn't even able to be felt. Grandpa was scheduled for bypass surgery that morning. By the time we arrived there, the surgery was already underway. The teen (teen meaning my brother, older sister, another boy, and I) bible class teacher brought bagels for the family, and visitors fluctuated in and out of the waiting room. I sat in the corner, writing, reading, using my mother's iphone -- just trying to occupy myself.

The surgery went fine -- better than the surgeons had expected. And although recovery and healing is still going slow for Grandpa and things are still at risk, there is hope. Through this time, I have learned a few things, but the most important is a bit about trust. I've always been assured in the fact that God has his hand in everything. Yet nothing has happen since this realization that has caused me to really need to lean on Jesus. But now, that's the only thing I can do. So through this time, I've just got to keep trusting him.

xo.
megan

lover of doodles and words

2012-01-08T09:11:00.001-06:00

I can easily say that my words board on pinterest is my biggest. Words are my favorite. Something about them, either things people said or things they thought -- just makes me happy to read. My sister is the same way. We're quote fanatics, truly. When faced with the question of what to give my sister for christmas, I wanted it to be different than the normal store bought gift. However, I had but one night + morning to complete the project swirling in my head. Pinterest boards as my guide, I set off on a creative adventure.

what I used:

-blank brown soft cover moleskine lined book

-black papermate felt tipped pen

-4 8.5''x11'' pages of images via pinterest

and since showing you my drawings are long since due, here are a few from my own moleskine and sketchbook.

do you have any favorite quotes?
xo, megan

a day in my life

2012-01-05T17:57:00.000-06:00

My alarm sounds into the quiet bedroom, echoing my sister's which has been going off for over an hour. After pressing the relieving five minute snooze, I doze on and off until it cries again. Unwilling, I crawl out of bed. The honest truth? I never want to get up in the morning. Cold air cloaks my bedroom like a thick fog and I don't want to fully wake from slumber. But once my feet settle on the hardwood floor, the smile which takes over my mood is inevitable.

The schedule I drew up yesterday hangs on my dry erase board -- exactly where I left it. My fingers tap the keys in a volume so quiet that it's almost a silence. The day has started like any other, but the happenings which lie ahead beg to make it stand out from the ordinary. I don't realize that everyday is unique in it's own. I don't stop to think that today has but once chance and may never be relived or repeated. This day, these moments, are but one and fully their own.

Cereal pours into the small glass bowl, soon to be crunching in my mouth. Hot chocolate dances from the cup and onto the counter as the peppermint candy sinks to the bottom, melting in the heat. The liquid warms my chilled body as I open my math book. School, again.

My scribbles soon clutter lined pages and endless pieces of notebook paper. Inky letters spring out from the pages of the textbooks, wildly filling the pure thin sheets.

By mid-afternoon I find myself seated in the van again. (Is there ever a day when I don't?) To all us iowan's disbelief, the january air ranks 61 degrees. Impossible to what we're sure is a record high. The wheels of the car roll along the downtown streets to a place I don't go often, yet know so well.

Afternoons are one of my favorites.

Hours later, the city lights begin to flicker on. The sun is setting into a glorious display of blues, oranges, and pinks. The rays of light scan the walls of buildings with a fiery light only caught by someone looking. It's the thursday sunset and this time I don't experience it with my back turned, enclosed in our warm home. Or behind the windows of the car. This time, I'm there in the open, noticing and feeling it with all of nature.

As the sky darkens to a rich blue, earth and I? We settle down in complete peace, for thursday has come to a close. And tomorrow holds an entirely new realm of possibility.

-megan

p.s. as partial to change as I am, the new design is up. thoughts?

life

2012-01-02T17:31:00.000-06:00

These are the days I dread the most. The final lapse before winter break comes to an end. The last moments before schedules must be made, leisure time is limited, and class begins again.
I spent these past few days on a myriad of things.

[1] read the first Hunger Games book in two days
[2] switched desks with the older sister
[3] my inspiration string holds only blank cards as I haven't printed any pictures
[4] spending time with friends
[5] gorgeous sunset on sunday night after assisting my sister on a photo shoot
[6] hot cocoa. love.
[7] writing
[8] designing

what have you been up to?
xo, megan

farewell to 2011

2011-12-31T12:17:00.000-06:00

Twenty Eleven has reached the coming of it's final breath. I think we're all waiting in joined anticipation to take that final breath, remembering dearly the year we'll be leaving behind; to then let it all out, now ready to face the new year with open arms, fearless of what is to come.
Thinking about 2011 engulfs me in a myriad of emotions. It was a difficult year in which I learned oh so much. But it was an unmistakably fantastic one, too.

January:
I learned to let my thoughts and mind wander on new subjects; new ideas //. the blog turned one year old //. I got the novel idea of a life time.

February:
I learned to give everything I did to God //. I got my MacBook Air //. I fell in love with writing.

March:
realized the need to spend less time on the internet/technology //. cut my unmanageably long hair to my shoulders //. learned oh so much about writing //. learned to write the real me on the blog+stop following all the trends //. remembered how simple life was as a child.

April:
met abby //. discovered I wasn't good at keeping plants alive //. realized that beauty is everywhere //. learned not to be afraid in standing out in my faith //. 300 posts on the blog //. did my first fashion/outfit post //. became the HTML geek I now am //. opened my etsy shop.

May:
decided to stop trying to be perfect and just be myself //. reached 180 followers //. made an act to post real life on the blog //. put up the summer room arrangement //. the world didn't end //. survived the dance recital //. played photographer at my friend's graduation //. remembered my cowgirl childhood.

June:
reached 200 followers //. went to camp for three weeks while lovely bloggers entertained you //. learned to trust God's plan //. got the proof copy of my book //. fell in love with summer.

July:
remembered life by the beach + longed to return //. changed the blog's name //. went to the harry potter 7 part 2 premiere //. chosen for state fair in photography //. discovered how much I loved rain.

August:
started dreaming actual dreams about dslr's //. discovered pinterest //. explained to you about flight //. reflected on summer 2011 //. made school year goals //. began first year of high school //. grew to love rain even more.

September:
realized bible quotes are better than any other kind //. remembered the things I always wanted to do //. got inspired by autumn //. remembered my childhood forest adventures //. explained to you my three things (1, 2, ,3) //. evaluation week.

October:
told you about my crazy socks //. fell in love with autumn //. learned to overlook imperfections //. turned fourteen //. wrote to you about writing //. learned to love the little things //. learned to notice beauty //. got the camera of my dreams.

November:
rediscovered thanks //. won nanowrimo year two //. sister got glasses //. grew to love my church //. fell in love with city lights at night.

December:
welcomed the new month //. inspired by winter //. taken back to the olden days //. experienced a lovely morning //. remembered my ballerina childhood dream //. updated you on my three things //. we talked about fear //. I had the best day this season.

Usually I make a list of things I want to improve on or goals I have for the next year. Of course I always have a few things I want to improve at or do more of, but much more than that this year, I have just one aspiration for 2012 (it feels so strange to be writing that number): live.

I love how my blog supplies me with memories for years behind me, or even of just months left behind in the past. The feedback I receive from readers and the friendships that are formed. But my blog is not all I have in life. I love reading your lovely posts and meeting new people and being inspired by all your wonderful blogs. However, blogger is not everything. There is so much more to life than the internet and technology. Oh so much.

Things like handwritten notes or letters //. printed words bound in inviting and intriguing covers //. walks in the field or the forest //. cuddling with little sisters and reading together //. sketching a fence or a feather //. helping with the household chores //. excelling in school and learning //. trying new things //. learning how to cook a new meal //. spending hours with friends just talking and having a good time //. listening to the rain or the nearby passing of a train //. writing thoughts in a worn journal.

Things like this that make life truly wonderful. So for 2012, no more endless hours spent scrolling through pinterest or looking through the twitter feed or meandering around waiting for a new post to appear. May 2012 be the year I turn off the computer and live a little. Blogging won't just be life anymore for me, it will merely be a part of it.

via /// I saw this awhile back and never really understood it. I'm beginning to.

what are your new year's resolutions?

happy new year, friends.

-megan

Jordan + Meredith + Mallory

2011-12-30T11:21:00.000-06:00

It happens every year: school portraits. They came later this year than usual, in the sudden rush to finish our annual photo-presents for the adults. We decided to search out a different location for our 2011 portraits. Taking them around the yard gets dull after so many different times taking photographs there. With the discovery of the tunnel outside our church in the desperate searching for a location out of the sun, it was perfect.

Now, friends, meet all but one of my siblings.

Jordan (16)

Meredith (7)

Mallory (10)

she's a goof.

behind the scenes:
Through cold fingers and chapped lips, Marissa came along for the ride, snapping a few pictures behind the scenes. (and of the siblings as well.) After this amazing picture she took, I now know what I look like when doing a photoshoot.

photo credit: marissa

which is your favorite? where do you like to do photoshots?
-megan

happenings from today

2011-12-28T22:24:00.001-06:00

1. sherlock holmes two // mall trip
------------------------------
I promise you, I have seen more movies in theaters in the past year than I have in my entire life. Of course, today we (meaning marissa, becca, krista, melissa, kaylee, whitney, my brother, and I) went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie. We laughed at it. Quite a bit actually. It was great. Except for the unneeded mention that I somehow got confused mid-way and had no idea why they bad guy was bad. Thankfully Kaylee was there to be confused with me. And thankfully I have smart friends like Krista to explain things.

Being girls, we obviously had to make a trip to the mall/Kohls afterwards, which was fun, too.

2. great aunt elizabeth and uncle bill

------------------------------

Apparently my grandma's sister+her husband like taking drives from missouri to iowa in their new car. Naturally they came over for supper. They are probably one of the cutest old couples I know. They shared stories about old times (you probably already know how much I love these) and it was just nice to see them again.

3. and so we play

------------------------------

Elizabeth and Bill know we all play music so of course they had us all play for them. My brother showed off his new christmas present and played a skillet song. Meredith played yankee doodle on the piano (which was adorable). Mallory played a classical song from her lesson book. I, of course, chose a Haydn piece that I hadn't played since the summer. Perhaps not the best choice on my part.

4. sunset.

------------------------------

I'm one to stare in awe at the beauty of sunsets. On the drive home from the movie, a beautiful one grazed the sky. Naturally, being me, I snapped a few shots from my seat in the back of the car. Sunsets somehow hold happiness and sadness all at the same time. Happiness of beauty, sadness of a day's end.

5. yes I read half a novel in two days.

------------------------------

Part of my crazy life is doing things like this. You probably know that I've been reading the Heros of Olympus book two -- Son of Neptune. I stayed up until 12:40 last night with the common 'just one more chapter turns into twenty.' Showing our completely different personalities: tonight, the adults were talking, Jordan, Mallory, and Meredith playing music, and I, of course, am curled up in a chair reading. Naturally, I finish the book.

how was your wednesday?
-megan

over all too quickly

2011-12-26T22:45:00.000-06:00

It's monday. But not an ordinary monday. The memories from the past weekend are all happy and cheerful, but the knowledge that it's now over is unbelievable. The arrival of Christmas seemed to happen all too quickly, and the end to it came just as fast.

When one of my best friends, Melissa, called mid-morning, she was ecstatic. Having gotten a new camera for christmas, of course she called me up to go on a shoot with her. Our plans were for one o'clock. Downtown. No end time decided. An adventure awaited.

picture credit my sister, who came along. I'm the short one with messy hair, yes.

camera+glasses buddies.

We were together until seven.

Today was probably one of my favorite days this month. Laughter, stories, hot cocoa, and melted marshmallows. Cookie baking, monopoly playing, picture taking, and smile making. It isn't just the holidays that pass too quickly. It's days like this as well. The ones you don't want to see end. The days that you don't want to say goodbye.

Without worries over schoolwork or things to be done. It is these simple days where things happen unexpectedly that make life truly beautiful.

how was your monday?

-megan

on the eve of christmas

2011-12-24T20:08:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas eve, blog friends! The ground is still green, but christmas cheer is oh so strong. We're spending the night at our grandparent's, as we do every year. We're already having such a lovely time.

/// so many christmas secrets

/// dipping pretzels in chocolate

/// baking messes, of course

/// brown paper packages tied up in strings

/// warm houses

/// breakfast, lunch, and dinner

/// mint m&m's (which are my favorite)

/// knitting

/// writing

/// photographs

/// christmas lights

/// laughter

/// packing for the night at grandma's

/// the fact that my little sister brought a lantern so she could see her way to the bathroom

/// christmas cookies

/// shouting "it's a christmas miracle" after everything new/odd/unusual happens

/// opening secret santa presents on christmas eve

/// the stack of gifts in the corner

/// playing games

/// watching it's a wonderful life

/// listening to christmas music

what are you doing this christmas eve?

-megan

p.s. sidebar facelift. like?

p.p.s. follow up from last post: I love what some of you said about going to Jesus to be free of fear. So true. You are all so wise.

fly free

2011-12-23T16:21:00.001-06:00

"I always wonder why birds stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth. Then I ask myself the same question." -Harun Yahya

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

"What would you do if you were not afraid?"

It seems to me that fear always has a hold on us. We fail to realize that practically everything we do not do is because of fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of what might happen. But then I ask myself: What would I do if I had no fear? Suddenly, I realize that fear is a choice. If I were to choose adventure, choose happiness, choose hope -- fear would disappear. Chances are that if I merely tried, I would be happier with an "oh well" than a "what if."

The way I see it, there are two ways to look at everything: the good, or the bad. Think about it. Can you think of one thing that couldn't have two sides -- for yourself or any other person? I can't. Life without fear seems like a lovely one, no? So why not choose to recognize the good in everything instead of the bad? Instead of imagining all the horrible things that could go wrong, think of the good that could come. Fear could vanish if you choose.

What are your thoughts on fear? Is it a choice or inescapable?

-megan

winter solstice

2011-12-22T19:25:00.002-06:00

The shortest day of the year. The first day of winter.

The winter solstice always makes me think of little bear. You know, the tv show with the animated amimals? And the books, too? And how Mr. Face at the beginning of the show was always my favorite. Please tell me I'm not the only one who remembers that.

One of my favorite episodes of Little Bear was when they celebrated the winter solstice. They were snowed in and made many yummy goodies. There was something about it that made by wholly happy. Maybe it was the fire in the corner. Or how everyone always smiled. Or maybe it was because I was five years old. But it was always one of my favorites.

My winter solstice, however, wasn't anything extravagant. We didn't celebrate or host a party. But it was equally as lovely. Beginning with the christmas flute performance, then working on a design, and then lounging with the little sis. And watching four episodes of Dr. Quinn, of course.

My friend Kaylee and I have agreed that we've never wanted a break more than this one. I'm on chapter twelve of Son of Neptune and with plans for writing tonight, I could never be happier. Christmas rests a mere three days away, as Abby kindly reminded me. Gifts are wrapped and lights have been hung. Christmas is in the air.

How was your winter solstice?
-megan

p.s. tomorrow is christmas eve eve. I love eloise's christmas -- one of our favorite christmas movies.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

2011-12-19T19:34:00.001-06:00

instagram lovelies. sometimes I sneak a few photos with my mother's iphone (username: shesmegan, same as twitter)
Admittedly, christmas break has become my favorite. Knowing me, you are most likely aware that I've wanted to get back to three things ever since this summer. 1) getting up earlier. 2) journaling. 3) reading.
waking early. Since it's break time, I've basically thrown out the idea of waking early for the time being. However, a week ago, I was doing a good job of getting up before eight. I love the idea of having a whole day to live. I wouldn't be surprised if I started getting up at seven during break, too, though.
journaling. I was doing a superb job of journaling before it came to midterm tests. Now that it's break time, I'm having time to do it again, which is rather exciting. Journaling is a way -- for me at least -- to get the thoughts swarming my head out into the open. Surprisingly enough, it's nice to have an emptied mind; although I know only too well it will be full come a few nights later. (would anyone like a post on journaling? I'd love to write one.)
reading. Ah, reading. I saved this one for last because it is the one I am most excited about. The two books I had checked out from the library were due yesterday. My hunger games book is still on hold (I'm number 5 of 30 holds on 15 copies). This left me with one option: my brother's Son of Neptune book. I read the Percy Jackson books as well as the Lost Hero during last school year. Honestly, they were good books. Possibly around to top of my favorites list. I would like to let you know that I haven't actually finished a whole chapter in any book for over one month. But yesterday, lets just say I was excited. The book started out suspensful. And I had nothing else to do. So I read six chapters. And yes, I plan to finish it before christmas. (any book recommendations for when I'm finished?)
Also, anyone else have mixed feelings about the end of december? I'm sided with Haley. I've not had enough of 2011 yet.-megan
p.s. with it being break and all, I've had time to design and install the new borderless look. thoughts?

fourteen happy things

2011-12-18T17:46:00.000-06:00

I'm sitting here writing with horrible news: us iowans will most likely not have a white christmas. It's beyond horrible, I know. However, since christmas is only seven incredibly short days away and I am ever so excited as it is -- I suppose I could live without the wintery blanket of snowy goodness.

I am in complete disbelief that december 2011 is more than halfway lived already. With the midterm history test finished, only one comp paper remaining, and holiday goodies hidden in my room to keep from little eyes, christmas is approaching all too fast. I find myself wondering where the time has gone. I await the times when life will slow down, but the truth is: I'm always going to be busy. Honestly that's okay, though. Because the things I do, the activities which consume my time are what make life wonderful.

This weekend has been a busy (surprised?) and lovely one, despite the un-snowy news. I have found many happy things.

001. winter sunsets

002. christmas shopping trips to the mall

003. holiday parties (more on this soon!)

004. christmas present to my sister (pictured in last photo)

005. finally christmas break

006. blog ideas

007. doodles

008. family photos

009. christmas in seven days

010. reading

011. writing letters

012. photographs

013. inspiration

014. crocheting

The list could go on. But I find fourteen a good stopping point.

what are your happy things?
-megan

photographer interview: Jamie Delaine

2011-12-16T14:22:00.000-06:00

I discovered Jamie's blog a couple of weeks ago and instantly fell in love with her photography. After emailing her and switching emails between each other, we've compiled this little post for you to get to know her. Let's get started, shall we?

here's a video about Jamie Delaine to get started:

jamie delaine || photographer from Hello Tomorrow on Vimeo.

When did you first become interested in photography?
when I was sixteen years old, my dad bought a rebel xt digital camera -- you can read a little version of the first two years of my business here: http://jamiedelaineblog.com/post/245/the-beginning/

click to see source

What camera+lens do you shoot with?
I shoot with the canon 5d mark 2 and a variety of prime lenses [pretty much every one in the canon collection] from 24mm to 135mm, though the 35mm is my favourite.

What is your favorite photography subject?
couples! weddings or engagements.

click to view source

click photo to see shoot

What are four of your favorite photographs that you've taken?
ah, that's so hard to choose… can i tell you my four favourite weddings?

joanna + alex
erin + maclean
alison + ryan (part i + part ii)
heidi + bryce (part i + part ii)

Where is your favorite location to shoot?
I don't have one--I love choosing a location that means something to the couple!

click to see source

click to view source

Any tips for aspiring photographers?
read anything you can find: specifically business books and online forums. my favourite biz book is e-myth revisited, but googling "top business books of 2011" or whatever year is a great way to find some good reads!

Who are your top favorite bloggers/photographers?
ooh, too hard to choose but these come to mind right away.

favourite photographers:
the image is found
the parsons
sean flanigan

favourite bloggers:
http://www.promisetangemanblog.com/
http://www.robyn-thompson.com/
donald miller
pastor steven furtick

click to view source

She's amazing, no? Not only is Jamie's blog full of gorgeous photography, she often posts inspiring thoughts and quotes. It is definitely worth the follow.

Visit Jamie:
photography website /// blog /// twitter /// pinterest /// facebook

Thank you Jamie!

again

2011-12-14T09:37:00.000-06:00

Again, (yesterday) the rain pours down, dripping from the sides of the roof. It always seems to be tuesdays when I discover or notice something beautiful. It is alway tuesday, the day I find myself so terribly caught up in life and schoolwork, that these beauties are revealed. It is always the times when I most need it that I find them.

Again, half of christmas break has begun. I have many plans for this break. The previous year, I spent the final two days of break writing like there was no tomorrow. Perhaps the same will come again; however my plans tell me otherwise. Knowing me, there will obviously be writing involved, yes. I have other plans, though. Among these (which, come to think of it, I quite need to write down) are

-a new design job (yes, please, and thank you, $40)

-2012 list of aspirations/goals (what? 2012? wasn't it just 2010?)

-reading. (this one is at the top)

-photography (well, that is clearly a given)

Again, time has come for the Gamma visit. Since the past couple years, our dad's mom has come to visit us extensively, usually during the winter/spring. Today she will be arriving again. We are delighted that she is back in our home again. And while the few months that she's staying seems like a long while, we know it will be all too soon before she leaves again. We love Gamma. (and so do all my friends.)

Again, the dance recital has come. It's sad to know that this will be our last time dancing together, as our teacher is going to Costa Rica for three months. However, we had a great time, too. We acted like dorks, laughed like idiots, and did many crazy things together. Dance class has probably been one of the best parts of my week.

Again, the time has come for our annual buddies/gang christmas party (becca, Marissa, Krista, Kaylee, Whitney,
Melissa, and myself). Would you like to know a secret? I still don't have my secret santa's christmas present yet and the party is on friday. oh dear.

Again, the christmas tree has been set up. It's branches twinkling with an arrangement of colorful lights; an assortment of different ornaments accompany them. Usually, we get one ornament each christmas. Each of us have our own box where these ornaments are kept. I have ones from choir concerts, ballet recitals, and from christmas parties. Our ornaments tell many different stories.

what happenings are coming around again this season for you?
-megan

life as of late

2011-12-09T22:50:00.001-06:00

love this kid. And his jokes. And how he tells them to us while sitting on a table.

My alarm begins to ring, and my eyes blink open. Taking a glance out the window, I am instantly filled with happiness. A thin sheet of snow has been laid overnight. Finally, winter had come. No longer waiting. No longer wishing. Finally, the arrival of the first snow.

Two days passed. That night, as we walked out the front door of our grandparent's house, tiny snowflakes were softly falling. The blanket quickly thickened to all of our delights. Life has been full of happy, interesting, and busy things lately. However, the sudden snowfall has brightened the craziness and has made them wonderful.

Life as of late:

- - - designing three of my friends' blogs and explaining to them that, yes, I do understand HTML. (see: a melodious song, gathering dreams, living bold) - - -

- - - speaking of HTML, hello, my name is Megan. I'm a short, home schooled, and a nerd who is asked to write HTML in front of technology class, on the chalkboard, at the top, where I can barely reach, because someone told the teacher I read, write, and understand it. (I love my friends.) - - -

- - - watching cheesy hallmark christmas movies because we can - - -

- - - having blog design parties with my friends - - -

- - - writing 'read' on my todo list every day when I still haven't done it in more than a month - - -

- - - planning to set up the christmas tree every night this week and we still haven't done it - - -

- - - having to remind myself to turn on/off the christmas lights on my headboard - - -

- - - school, of course, because half of christmas break starts on tuesday, and the other the wednesday after next - - -

- - - taking pictures. Because, really, when am I not? - - -

what has life been like for you lately? has it snowed where you live?

-megan

the dreaming ballerina

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Tap, tap, tap. Satin covered dancer's feet patter across the stage. The movements play out the story of the Nutcracker. And I am taken back to then I was younger. A hazy memory of a six year old girl slips into my mind's eye. Carrying her pink ballet bag, the studio doors opened. She walks into an empty stall to change into her pink leotard, or perhaps she had chosen to wear her purple one. Tights go on; pink ballet slippers afterward. She hangs her bag on one of the many hooks, along with the other ballerina's. It was time for class.

Mirrors reflect her happy smile as she skips across the room. Galloping and leaping, echoing the moves of her teacher. Music playing, the barre in her grasp, she owned the happiness of the world.

Class soon ended, to the little girl's despair. She changes into everyday clothes and tugs on her mother's sleeve, who is deep into conversation with another mother, for a few moments. Silently, the little girl moves to the showcase window. Inside, rests a pale pink pair of pointe shoes. The girl wonders -- would they fit me? And then resolves, they will fit me, someday. I shall wear them.

She gazes into the window for a long while, imagining the shoes on her feet as she glided across the stage. The Angelina books she read day and night encouraged her to dance. And for a long moment, that dream of being a ballerina was so real, so close. She wished for the ballet slippers in the window so dearly.

Week after week, she would gaze at the slippers. And yet, she grew older -- life went on. Things changed. She changed. Ballet lessons were stopped because of moves to other states; ballet at a different studio seemed so wrong and so different. Music lessons were taken instead. Slowly, ballet slipped out of practice.

This ballet dream still holds a place in my memory. I never got the shoes, but sometimes my childhood being wishes I did. I've changed quite a bit since then. My goals are different, and so are my dreams. I still do a bit of dance now, but not ballet. Perhaps it wasn't in God's plan for me to be a dancer, but it was part of my beginning. It was my childhood dream.

what was your childhood dream?

-megan

p.s. break from moments+memories for december, I'm quite busy this time of year. (after all, who isn't?)

good morning.

2011-12-05T15:50:00.001-06:00

me + doodles on my page of church notes

I wake to the subtle silence of every room cloaked in a thin darkness. The sun is nearly finished rising. My nose is cold; my fingers frozen. Papers lay on my nightstand and floors. I force myself to get out of bed -- out into the cool air from under the warmth of my blankets. Good morning, monday.

Later, I find myself braving the cold yet another time as my feet -- dressed in pink socks -- venture out the door. December air greets me. My legs carry me down the driveway with one destination in mind: the mailbox. Four letters tucked under my arm, rocks crunch under my shoes. My numb fingers slide the letters into the mailbox, pushing the little red plastic flag up before practically running back to the door. Before I leave, though, I take a moment to breathe in the beauty of the morning landscape. I realize we both have a thing in common: we're bracing ourselves for the snowy winter storms soon to come.

How was your morning, dear reader?
-megan

taking us back

2011-12-02T15:20:00.001-06:00

Sometimes, my family decides to make short trips to the little grocery store on the way home. The store is the kind of place that takes you back to the days before you were born -- the ones you have only read about or heard old folks speak of. It is the sort of store that causes the world outside of its door to vanish, and suddenly, we're in a different year; a different world -- back to the old times.

Rows of brightly colored candies line the shelves as my younger sisters debate on the perfect sweet snack to choose. Excitement rises as the different flavors and tastes play out in our minds. The sweet or the sour, the hard or the soft, the sticks or the rounds, the small or the large. So many different kinds, so many different choices.

The rows of shelves no only hold candies and sweets, but also popcorns, spices, and a variety of different noodles. The children select their candy, as our mother selects her spices. Standing in line, our items are bought. And then, time comes for us to leave. The door is opened as we walk out.

For a moment, the feeling lingers, but the spell is soon broken. We are back to our time again. The cars are rushing down the street in a similar fashion as the worries rushing back into our heads. Schoolwork, performances, cleaning, todo lists. But for the time it was gone -- the worries, the thoughts -- was a lovely time indeed. Perhaps there will be another time when we are taken back to the memories of the olden days. Perhaps it will be soon.

What is a place that takes you back to the old times?
-megan

winter inspiration

2011-12-02T13:00:00.000-06:00

Winter -- or just merely december -- is a wonderful time to have a bout of inspiration, no?

This lovely season is full of reds, whites, and lights. I love it.

via: this etsy shop on this pinterest page from my holiday board

via: this site on this pinterest page from my holiday board

via: Carlotta at Pastor's Girl's Ponderings on this post

via: this site on this pinterest page from my holiday board

via: Carlotta at Pastor's Girl's Ponderings on this (old) post

via: this site on this pinterest page from my holiday board

via: this site on this pinterest page from this pinterest board

via: this site on this pinterest page from this board

via: this site on this page

I have recently discovered that the best way to become inspired is to surround yourself with inspiration. With pictures on the wall, the background of my computer, and even doodles on the sides of my pages. Inspiration is a peculiar thing. It fluctuates between being there and being gone. I often find myself searching for inspiration in many different places. And suddenly, I realize -- inspiration is right in front of me; all I need do is stop looking, and notice.

I have noticed that those who go searching for inspiration are the ones who never find it. Usually, we are either searching in the wrong place, or we already have what we are looking for.

What are your thoughts on inspiration? Where do you find it most?
-megan

happy december.

2011-12-01T14:32:00.001-06:00

Hello, december, it's nice to see you again.

December is a delightful month; one of my favorites. Reds, greens, whites, and lights. Presents, decorations, and photographs. I have been awaiting the welcomeing of December for awhile now; however, it doesn't seem right for it to be happening so soon. Honestly, it still seems like November just started.

It's a funny thing, December is. During nanowrimo, a bit of writers+bloggers block settles in, making an attempt to find a home. December waves it out, though, telling it to find someone else to pick on. And something much more wonderful happens: inspiration comes for a visit. I now find my mind swirling with more than five post ideas. I have many decoration ideas for my room. And my novel is just waiting to be written and planned for.

December holds many lovely things as well. Things I am thankful for and things I cannot wait for to arrive. I have compiled a list of the things I am looking forward to this december and am now ever so excited.

»the nutcracker ballet«

»christmas cookies«

»journaling«

»photographs«

»working on my novel«

»christmas eve+christmas day«

»christmas break«

»baking christmas goodies«

»reading«

»December posts«

What are you looking forward to this december?

-megan

p.s. thank you all for the sweet comments on my last post. I may look into self publishing, but my novel will take quite a bit of work before it is ready to publish. I will let you know what I decide, though.

moments+memories

2011-11-30T10:41:00.000-06:00

Here's another week of sharing moments+memories!
in one photo, poem, paragraph, artwork, video, or anything else you can think of--show us your favorite moment/memory for this past week. It can be silly, serious, or just plain sweet.
_________________________________________________________________________________

my favorite moment from this week:
Darkness had fallen outside the windows as the lamps and lights were switched on. Sitting in the corner, curled up in the large green chair, was a girl. Her fingers tapped lightly along as a story flowed from her fingers. At the peak of happiness, she typed out the final words of her and her character's month long journey. It had been a hard one -- the journey. Doubt had lurked at all corners as words were neglected. But now the past was behind them; the present so lively and dear. And the story came to a close. The last words were written.

Sunday night, I experienced the writing of the final words to my NaNoWriMo novel. Those last words hold sentimental feelings for me. Looking back at nanowrimo always brings back memories. Of hardships. Of happiness. And of long hours. But nanowrimo was worth it. Oh so worth it.

My life is sure to hold many more writing adventures, but may this one be remembered as one of the first.

_________________________________________________________________________________

city lights

2011-11-29T10:32:00.000-06:00

In the darkness of night, there is one particular thing which delights me: the lights. Something about the way they glow and twinkle when all else is pure inky darkness is beautiful to the point of speechlessness. After the beautiful display of the sunset, the stage is shut down and all the people leave. But only a few stay for the final show.

Life has been quite rushed and busy lately. Remarkably busy. Yet, with the sentimental final words of my nanowrimo novel (more on this tomorrow), a portion of the pressure and stress is released. With christmas music playing in the background and schoolwork to be done, life has been a whirlwind these past few days. But it has been beautiful. Truly beautiful.

what has life been like for you?
-megan

loving at the moment

2011-11-26T16:42:00.002-06:00

1. moccasins. my friends and I went black friday shopping together. It wasn't half as bad as any of us expected. It was fun although we were sore and tired by the end. I hadn't been shopping in the longest time and getting back to actually allowing myself to want things seems so odd. After getting my camera last month, I don't have to save all my money anymore. I had twenty dollars to spend. After our third trip into target, my friend Kaylee and I decided to both get moccasins together. They are warm. And lovely. And wonderful.

shoes: $12 at Target

2. sunsets. I love the sky. Especially in the afternoon, during it's descent.

3. card games. when aunt and uncle come -- we love them. The endless hours of claims to victory and the screams of excitement supply us with laughter. Card games are our favorite.

4. christmas cards. we received one from our friends who live in our old town in indiana a few nights ago. It was lovely. I'm excited that I can now use my winter stationary.

5. winter. I'm in the mood for snow. Unfortunately, the ground is covered with green grass and crunchy brown leaves. please come soon, winter.

6. hallmark christmas movies. every one has the same plot, but we love them. We watch them over and over during the holidays and squeal with delight when our favorites come on. We are crazy girls, yes.

7. little sisters. mine are goofy, but how can you not love them? So adorable and smiley; willing to cuddle up with you and eat pumpkin pie.

what are you loving?
-megan

thankful

2011-11-24T10:34:00.000-06:00

I awake to the chirping of birds outside my window. They are chattering away at each other, resting on the highest most branch of the tallest tree. The trees have long since been bare and as they sway to and fro in the wind, their empty branches shudder. The sky is a sweet grey-blue. The rolls baking in the kitchen let off a satisfying aroma which drifts up the stairs and into our warm rooms full of sleeping children.

Walking down the stairs, I hear the Thanksgiving Day Parade playing in the living room as the laughter of my little sisters echos through the house, ringing on for a few beautiful moments.

It is Thanksgiving and I have much to be thankful for.

I have much to look forward this lovely day. seeing aunts, uncles, and grandparents. the lofty smells of food baking. the smiles and laughter of family. the warm fire my grandmother insists on having every year. and lots and lots of wonderful food, piling high on tables and countertops.

happy thanksgiving, lovelies.
-megan

p.s. new december design installed. thoughts?

moments+memories

2011-11-23T09:47:00.001-06:00

Here's another week of sharing moments+memories!

in one photo, poem, paragraph, artwork, video, or anything else you can think of--show us your favorite moment/memory for this past week. It can be silly, serious, or just plain sweet.

these girls.

__________________________________________________________________________________

assorted thoughts+ramblings

2011-11-22T12:55:00.001-06:00

1. thanksgiving.

Did I ever mention how much I love thanksgiving? Seeing the friendly faces of family, some I haven't seen in months, others just days. The wonderful aromas of foods sparkling with goodness. And the happiness which glows in every smile.

2. sickness.

Currently, I am deemed sick. It is true, a sickness is going around in our family this past week and it has finally reached me. Hoping to be well by thursday.

3. nanowrimo.

I am two days behind on nanowrimo. I've never been this far behind before, and the thought scares me a bit. However, since I'm sick, I have much more time for writing today and am crossing my fingers that I can get caught up.

4. downtown.

The two times when I haven't brought my camera with me, I have deeply regretted it. Yesterday was one of those times. I had a dentist appointment in Iowa City and afterwards we made a quick stop at the library. The library is located in he downtown area. We've only ever been there in the early afternoon. Yesterday, we were there just as the sun was setting. The snowflake lights on the posts and the christmas lights wrapped around the trees were beautiful. I was in love an unable to capture any of it. I have learned my lesson.

this one is from saturday with my dance group.

5. speaking of the dentist...

My wisdom teeth have both come in on the bottom. Yes, I am fourteen. I will also most likely be getting braces this spring. I'm not excited or upset about this. Sort of unsure at the moment to tell you the truth.

6. pretty color.

I attempted to capture this tree last year, but it was a failed attempt. However, taking a walk on saturday in Kalona presented the perfect opportunity. What a beauty.

7. flickr.

I have officially used up my flickr account for this month. My blogger uploader was filled up ages ago. I have now been forced to move to photobucket. I have a slight obsession with photography, yes.

8. JJ Heller.

A couple of nights ago, I finally decided to get a pandora account. This resulted in my discovery of JJ Heller. Her music is so pretty. I listen to the JJ Heller radio all the time now. Who is your favorite singer/musician?

8. Snow.

If I could have a white thanksgiving, that would be lovely. Now that all the leaves have fallen and the weather is dreary and cold, I am ready for snow. If it is going to be cold, it ought to snow as well.

have a lovely afternoon.
-megan

thoughts on november

2011-11-17T19:58:00.002-06:00

Sleep for me hasn't come before eleven o' clock this entire prolonged month. Schoolwork has been lacking drastically and homework is just scarcely getting completed. I long, so very oddly, to be reading a nice book, all curled up in a blanket. However, time quickly puts a stop the that forlorn want.

My days have been get-up-and-go days for all of November. With merchandise shoots for the local coffeehouse (my sister works there and her boss asked me to do the pictures for the website) and nanowrimo, school, and flute lessons to keep up with, I've been - to say the least - busy for a long time running.

As I take a moment here to simply relax, refocus, and set myself back on track; the end of November seems much closer. Less than two weeks is all that lingers. And so I ask myself: what will I do with the last of November?

»write 50,000 words - oh yes.

»if time allows: finish the second chapter of the hunger games

»reach thanksgiving break (we don't technically get one, the teachers just give us less work)

»photograph the sibling's autumn photos

»redecorate my inspiration board in my bed room

what do you want to finish by the close of november?

-megan

p.s. winner of the photography print is Jocee. email me.

moments+memories kickoff

2011-11-16T12:17:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the kickoff of my newest and most exciting blog project: moments + memories. I've been thinking on this project for awhile now and am most excited about it!

When I first started working on this project, I had originally planned for it to be only photography, but I wanted to include all of my readers--even the ones who aren't photographers. This project is about finding your favorite memory(s)/moment(s) from each week and sharing them on your blog. It can be a photograph, an artwork, or even just a few words--however you choose to express it. Not only is this your chance to share with readers and others linked up with the project, it is also a way to appreciate and remember these small moments/memories forever.

The project will be aired each week on wednesday. You can link up anytime between wednesday and tuesday.

Sounds lovely, yes?

Let's get started.

in one photo, poem, paragraph, artwork, video, or anything else you can think of--show us your favorite moment/memory for this past week. It can be silly, serious, or just plain sweet.

My favorite memory from this week was a little morning photoshoot I did with my two younger sisters. It was 9:30 in the morning, relatively cold, with two crazy girls. I learned quickly never to attempt morning photoshoots with children; they are far too crazy. They are adorable, though. Far too adorable.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

-megan

the presence of love

2011-11-13T17:57:00.001-06:00

Our sunday routine: get up. dress. breakfast. church. lunch. library. home. It is the same, week after week. For three years.

My family moved to iowa just over three years ago. Naturally, we go to the same church as our grandparents. Our old church in Indiana was hands down the best one we've ever gone to. We did a handful of community outreach projects and there were a great many kids my age there. We had such close friendships.

When we moved, all of us were disappointed to leave this church. Our new one was so incredibly different from the old that, honestly, it has probably taken me these three whole years to adjust. There are a lot of old folks and a lot of little ones, and the only teenagers are my two older siblings and I. In Indiana, we sang mostly new songs with the occasional few old ones. Here, we sing pretty much only old ones, and all the verses. Since our church is mostly old and little people, we can't exactly do very much get-out-into-the-community-and-do-something-drastic projects, although we do occasionally have donation collections (i.e. food, school supplies...), which are great.

A lot of times, I think that when something isn't what you expected or what you are used to, only the bad things are visible. But recently, God has been showing me the true beauty of my church. Singing the old songs gives you a connection with the feelings of people who aren't living anymore; you feel their feelings and think their thoughts. The stories told by the older folks beats anything I could ever hear from people my age. Just taking a peek into their lives gives me a shear happiness inside. This church is different, yes, but just as wonderfully good.

From the first step into church each sunday, there is always someone there, asking how we're doing or just saying hello. A mere moment around these people sets you in the very presence of love. The people here have an unbreakable faith. Every smile warms my heart. Every voice is of caring tone; of joy and peacefulness.

this my friends is Michael; father to some of the cutest kids ever.

Just as the stories told by the older folks are wonderful, the children are delightful in the same. Watching them grown in happiness and love defeats any unhappiness I might ever have. Their smiles of friendship; their screams of joy--all give an inevitable thrill to the onlookers.

And so, I now realize (even though it has taken me 3 years) that my church is wonderful. I have grown to love it and everyone who appears each week. I have learned that although we do things differently and not all the same people arrive as in Indiana, it is the fellowship and joy, the peace and the love which matter the most. We do what we can with what we have, and that is the most important. May I never cease to stop thanking the Lord for this wonderful church which I have been given. And thanks to him, I now realize how wonderful it truly is.

how about you and your church?
--megan

A little note for you lovelies

2011-11-12T16:47:00.001-06:00

my blog design site /// vote for me /// krista's blog

sorry, this font looks a lot like my handwriting and I realize that it is a bit hard to read. Here is the note in plain text:

busy is an accurate description of my life at the moment. I'm, just this moment, taking a short little break form homework to leave you this little note. I hope you all are having a lovely weekend full of peaceful quiet and time with friends/family. My nanowrimo novel currently rests at 16,950 words with my goal as of tonight set at 20,000. My design site has a new look so be sure to check it out! Another exciting announcement is one which I tell you about my discovery over at the Homeschooler Blog Awards--I've been nominated as Best Encourager Blog. If you would take a moment and vote for me, that would be lovely. Apart from school and nanowrimo, I helped my friend, Krista, with her blog design this weekend. Take a moment and tell her what a great job she did.

Continue having your amazing weekend, lovelies!

--megan

11/10/11 giveaway

2011-11-10T08:37:00.001-06:00

Goodness, it has been awhile since a giveaway here, hasn't it?

Today, the giveaway prize is a 5x7 photography print of the winner's choice from Essence of Eve. Below is just one of many photographs you could choose.

How to enter:

in a comment answer this question: what are you most looking forward to this winter?

extras:

+ follow borderless via google friend connect (see sidebar)

+ follow me on twitter (@memegankristine)

+ blog/tweet/fb about the giveaway

+ follow essence of eve

Please leave one comment for each separate entry.

Giveaway will end on November 16 and the winner will be announced shortly after that date.

Good luck!

-megan

p.s. sponsor willing to ship to both canada or the us.

see the world

2011-11-09T18:35:00.001-06:00

This morning at nine thirty, after hastily getting dressed, I stepped out into the brisk morning air. Tiny white flakes sleeted from the cloudy skies above: the first snow. My heart leapt as I saw the snowy beauties. Not a single flake is still resting on iowa's green floor, but the mere knowledge that we've finally had our first snow makes my heart wholly happy.

As I climbed into our van, gazing out the windows at the two sided autumn-winter landscape, we drove peacefully to the eye doctor's. The long awaited day had arrived for my younger sister--they day she was getting her glasses. The eye doctor's had ordered a pair of blue and black frames for her to try on, but she wasn't quite sure they were the ones she wanted.

Naturally, I was there, paired with my camera. I snapped a few photos while helping her decide which ones to choose. She, smiling, chose a black pair with flowers on the side. She couldn't possibly be cuter.

she opposes my picture taking.

She is really liking them, and the fact that she can now see clearly. What a cutie.

--megan

Monday

2011-11-07T11:07:00.001-06:00

Mondays always seem to be a drag. Getting back into the daily school routine is a struggle for me. From catching up on those literature chapters I didn't read over the weekend, to getting backing to my math lessons. However, this monday is a bit of an exception. This monday it a bit more exciting than most.

books. We went to the library yesterday; as it is our sunday tradition. I willed myself not to check out any more books. I'm already reading one and have three waiting on my nightstand. I endured a deep want to read this entire week because I had many other things which took up my hours. School, nanowrimo, practicing (I've started christmas music). But today, I will get my work done. I will finish nanowrimo and practicing early. And I will enjoy the words dotting the many pages once more.

view from the parking ramp

nanowrimo. Of course nanowrimo is on my agenda for today. My overall goal for today is 11,666 collective words. I reached 10,000 last night. 20% done. In addition to my at home nanowrimo writing, we're having our fist group meet with the 11 other kinds in our class group. You don't even need to ask if I'm excited.

road beside our church building

photographs. I've already used up 51 percent on my flickr account for this month. And it's only the seventh of this month. I've been taking way too many pictures. Major obsession with my camera, I know.

art. I suppose not many of you know this about me, but I an artist of sorts. I keep a nature journal where I make sketches at least twice each week. I also do an assortment of projects aside from the journal. I have a small pile of leaves, which I just now collected, that I am preparing to draw. I never thought about it before, but would you all like to occasionally see some drawings?

christmas music. As mentioned before, I started playing christmas flute music last tuesday. I'm in love with christmas music. I'm playing this piece which is in a more minor key and it is so beautiful.

what are you doing this monday?
--megan kristine

miscellaneous thoughts+ramblings

2011-11-05T16:04:00.002-05:00

plays. we're going to a play this afternoon with friends (as we did last weekend). The play--Tom Sawyer--is being put on by a highschool which is one town away. We're also having supper together. This will be a fun weekend.

outfit. it's been awhile since I posted outfit pictures, hasn't it? My outfit today was literally pieces of clothing found in my nearly empty closet and the floor. we need to do laundry.

boots: hand-me-dows » jeans: no boundaries » shirt+scarf: faded glory » jacket: old navy

feathers. I've always loved feathers. Yesterday, I discovered our old vase of feathers which my parents have had since forever. I took a few and, setting them in a glass jar, placed them on my nightstand. feathers are so whimsical, no?

sisters. My little sisters are so adorable. Meredith has developed a new love for telling us stories about giants and people walking down streets. She is also excited by mine and my sister's new dslr's, and especially likes to pretend to be famous, acting like we're the paparazzi. Her sweet little smile and the ring of her laughter makes my heart happy.

photography. I'm loving my new Nikon, y'all. I haven't failed to take less than 150 pictures each day since I first got it. The click of the shutter and the manual focus gets be excited every moment of the day. It's the first thing I grab in the morning and the last thing I touch before I fall asleep. It's a pure beauty.

nanowrimo. the incredible truth is that I haven't gone to bed before 12 since tuesday. I haven't started writing until 9 pm each night since tuesday. And I've somehow managed to keep up my word count. I love nanowrimo.

weather chills. Outside is so cold. my fingers almost froze this morning as I went out to snap a few pictures. A cloud of fog covered the landscape this morning. And I'm still waiting for that first snow.

what have you been up to?

xoxo, megan.

rediscovering thanks

2011-11-04T10:39:00.004-05:00

Last night, my great aunt was in town and was staying with our grandparents. We all climbed into the van to drive the eight or so minutes to their home, where we were having supper together. As we drove, the sky was darkening and a black haze covered the town. We had a wonderful night together but soon were required to return home. As we drove, we all noticed the halloween decorations still put up by the houses around our grandparent's. And then my mother said something which really got me thinking:

"Why doesn't anyone put out thanksgiving decorations? Thanksgiving is such a neglected holiday."

The truth of that statement is so incredibly surreal. Thanksgiving is a neglected holiday. We don't dress up and we don't get toys or candy, so what is the point? Is getting things really the only reason to appreciate and enjoy a holiday? I think for some people, they unknowingly answer yes. And this world needs so desperately needs to rediscover thanksgiving.

The Lord has blessed us with so many things, yet I often still find myself asking for more. In our society today, if you don't own a tv, car, computer, and cell phone, you are degraded to the grouping of poor. Poor is not about how much of the new technology you have. Poor is being on the streets without food, without a family, surrounded by people who don't care. We are not poor. We have things to be thankful for. Even still, people who truly are poor have things to be thankful for. They have a life; they have a future; they have hope; and they are never alone.

This month, I challenge you. This month, let's stop asking the Lord for things and let's thank him for them instead. Today, let's make list of all the beautiful things we have been given. Sometimes we forget all the wonderful things in life. Let today be the day that changes. Today, let's rediscover thanks together.

So what will you do to be thankful this month?

--megan

»other blogs doing thankfulness blog projects: the little red house /// aspire«

p.s. rewrote about me page and added why i blog page.

hello november.

2011-11-02T19:45:00.001-05:00

Monday was full to the brim with laughter and joy. Three of my friends and I went trick-or-treating (we go together every year) as Harry Potter characters. The majority of people thought that we were a choir, which was hysterical. We even sang for one woman. Then we all went to Melissa's to have pizza and watch the village. Sleepovers on school days always make me feel mischievous.

whitney, melissa, kaylee, and me. we got old graduation robes from goodwill to use as hogwarts ones. We even wore name tags.

Tuesday was relatively hectic. From finishing homework, history class, flute lesson, dance class, and cranking out 1,667 words, I was exhausted by the end of the night.

However, there were lovely, peaceful moments throughout tuesday as well. I went on an hour walk with whit and melissa. The autumn shades glistened in the corners of downtown. And in a search for beauty, November revealed itself in all its glory.

Today it rained. All you readers know about my love for rain. The glossy puddles covering the sidewalks and streets. The quiet pattering of raindrops, slowly raising their voices. It all gives the warmness of our home a happy feeling.

You're going to be a busy month, November, but I can already tell it will be a good one too.

xoxo,
megan kristine

p.s. notice the new look of borderless? I know the last one was only up for a week, but it looked a tad too professional and the browns were creating a thick sheet over the words and photos. This one I like much better. Thoughts?

Weekend.

2011-10-30T22:37:00.003-05:00

Weekends are always my favorite. A time to relax; to refresh; to merely gaze into the nighttime sky in awe of it's overwhelming beauty. This weekend was full of adventure and pleasure. Partnered with my new beauty, most of it was spent looking through the viewfinder, snapping photographs. However, there were a number of others as well.

saying 'yes' instead of 'no' to playing with my little sister.my little sister is always nagging me to play with her. Usually, I have school to do, or otherwise make up a 'logical' excuse. This weekend? I said yes.

messing around on the piano.from actual good melodies to horrific tunes, I played them all this weekend.

Nostalgia. I finally got around to creating and designing my 365 blog this weekend; naming it nostalgia. read here to see the story behind the name.

car rides to church with family. every sunday morning, we leave our home somewhere between 8:00 to 8:20 am. We make a 45 minute trip to church. And anywhere from 1:00 to 3:00, we leave for home. The sights from outside the windows are lovely.

youth group. every week, my friend melissa calls me up and asks me to come to youth group with her. We should really establish the fact that I will just go every week, but she calls just the same. And this week, I had the pleasure of watching her breakaway play, which was hysterical.

the library. somehow, I convinced myself that I needed to get three books from the library. I plan to finish at least one of them before it is due. We'll see if this plan is a success.

taking and editing photographs. this one is a given.

journaling. I have finally achieved my goal of journaling more often. I haven't missed a day since wednesday!

nanowrimo. I'm getting excited, y'all. I've got one day left to plan, and then, I'm off to the land of nanowrimo.

reading. I cannot explain how much I wanted to read this weekend. Every sunday, I place a book into my bag, hoping to read it on the way to church. This morning, I was itching to read. I said to myself: "Megan--if you want to read, then read!" So I did. I've been away from reading for such a long time, coming back was wonderful. Remind me not to wait so long next time.

how was your weekend, lovelies? I hope it was wonderful.
--megan
p.s. my sister (feathers and dust) was having problems with site feed. we've fixed it now, but you'll have to follow again: marissamadison.com

Oh, hello beautiful. (the announcement)

2011-10-28T20:15:00.001-05:00

(sorry for having to post this three times, comments weren't working before)

This beautiful thing arrived at my door this afternoon. When my aunt told me last wednesday that she was giving me $100 for my camera, I was completely ecstatic. It is completely gorgeous. I've been walking on air all afternoon.

I have taken over two hundred photographs already and could not possibly be happier. The clarity and beauty this camera gives is unbelievable. For those of you who haven't read my obsession posts, I've been saving for a 'new camera' since autumn 2009, and decided I wanted to get the Nikon d3000 in January 2011. I've finally gotten it.

I'll be back with more tomorrow. For now, I'll be taking more photographs.

xoxo,

Megan

earth: beautiful

2011-10-26T21:15:00.000-05:00

(note: sometimes blogger decides to be odd and not let people comment. I have reposted this and the comments are open now!)

My first outdoor sight this morning was a towering tree in our front yard. The tree was one which I hadn't taken a second look at all year. But this morning was a different matter entirely. The tree had become a lofty beauty in, what seemed to be, over night. The colors were a mixture of golden and fading greens, with touches of rich browns. The beauty overcame me and gazing along it's textured surface occupied my excited mind for mere seconds before I returned to my work.

Often, I find myself waking with predetermined expectations of my day. Wednesdays are frequently dull, as they are class days. And sometimes, God decides to surprise me with a little touch of beauty. It is as if he awakes the color of the world, giving me a delight amid the ordinary.

While reflecting on this day in my journal just now, I found myself wishing for these kinds of days more often. In an instant, I realized: Everyday is one of these days. Everyday, God gives me beauty. The sad truth is, though, that sometimes, I'm too busy and rushed to notice. I wish I noticed more often, because these days are wonderful.

what are your surprised beauties?

--megan

Looking Forward: November.

2011-10-25T22:24:00.003-05:00

I mentioned a few things I was looking forward to this November in my last post, but I am so incredibly anxious for the coming of November that I have become determined to elaborate more on my favorite November beauties.

nanowrimo. The most obvious of all; I'm looking forward to nanowrimo this November. The computer keys beneath my fingertips each morning and afternoon; ideas swirling every waking moment; and an unexplainable glory of accomplishment come the november close.

snow. Snow is an absolute delight until mid-January. By then, we all seem to be ready for spring. However, I do have an aunt who lives for snow. Most everyone else in my family? after christmas, we want it gone. Last year, iowa's first snow was october 17th. This year, it is nearly november and we haven't had a snow yet! I await the first iowa snow this november.

christmas spirit. Did I mention I love christmas? The decorations, the warm feelings, the gorgeous photos, I snatch all of it up the first moment I get. Next week, I'm beginning on christmas flute music, and, as already mentioned, my sister and I have already begun listening to christmas playlist. Although, we have limited it to only once per week until after thanksgiving.

thanksgiving. My aunt and uncle from Indiana usually come to spend thanksgiving with us and the entire time is absolutely delightful. Although, we all know everyone eats far too much during this time.

books. I look back to my profile for nanowrimo from last year and my exact words were: "I read a ton, so I have far too many favorites." This statement was completely true. Last year, I read three series (harry potter, series of unfortunate events, percy jackson) along with multiple other books. This year? I've finished maybe 5 books. Writing has become my priority and reading has been pushed far to the back. This november, my quest is to read more books. The mere thought excites me.

my journal. I love journaling. Most of you are aware, I'm sure. I journal at least once every week. The joy of putting down my thoughts into words in pure happiness. This november, I plan to journal more. I cannot possibly wait.

schedules. I'm the list type of person. I like to have my things planned out for me, and if I don't, things go terribly wrong. I don't get things done. I forget what I'm supposed to do. I get behind. Schedules, for some odd reason, excite me. Lists make me happy, too. I make all sorts of schedules, and this November, there will definitely be more to come.

letters. I love postage stamps, envelopes, and playful stationary. Letters this November excite me. I've begun to send a few of my old (and new) penpals more letters. The feeling of receiving a letter in the mailbox is such an unexplainable emotion.

you. You excite me this November. My friends, my followers, my readers. Your faithfulness these past few years is priceless. I could never ask for finer readers. I do not blog for numbers, but the few who care, those are the ones which matter. those are the one which count.

\\\ via ///

how about you, What are you looking forward to this November?
xoxo,
Megan

Fresh >>> New

2011-10-23T22:17:00.001-05:00

With Halloween (going as Harry Potter characters with friends) and NaNoWriMo all in the same weekend, the November design has been installed one week early. I will most likely change the background image of the header later in the middle of November, but for now I'm really loving the new look. Thoughts? I chose the main color to be brown because most of my design color choices are reflected after that month's colors. November is often a dull month with not much going on until the end. I selected my book photo from day eight of my 365 project as the header because I'll be writing one for the month of november and also because the photo turned out surprisingly lovely with nice shades of brown.

I've posted about my fist experience with scrabble tiles before, and couldn't pass up another delightful opportunity. I love these photos simply because I am purely excited for the coming of November. With Christmas music playing and a thunderstorm brewing in the background, this day could not be any more perfect. After journaling, writing, photography, designing, and blogging, it has been a excellent evening.

There are many things I am looking forward to this november. nanowrimo, thanksgiving, the first snow (last year it was in october!), Christmas spirit, my exciting announcement mentioned in this post, journaling, and blogging.

What are you looking forward to this November?

--megan kristine

List of Saturday.

2011-10-22T23:49:00.000-05:00

[one.] taking small little journeys through the field was the perfect beginning to my saturday. Brining a camera along with me allowed the beauty to be captured.

[two.] a nice, clean desk waiting for november 1st. I've been scribbling down plot ideas and descriptions for my novel this year, and november cannot come soon enough!

[three.] spontaneous room rearrangements are always the best. My sister and I both agreed that our summer arrangement was not the best setup for the room. After quickly tidying our things, we moved furniture while planning where we were going to put things. I like my room much better now. We're still planning wall decor, like we have been since this summer.

[four.] mentally screaming since friday night along with outbursts of excitement over a subject which will be revealed to you in a few weeks. *eeep!*

[five.] looking at fellow blogger's posts from december (read: carlotta and olivia). I've come down with the odd want for christmas. This is partially due to number four of this post. I've fallen in love with brown christmas packages, bokeh, and snow. This is also due to the fact that weather here has been cold, and as my family and I say: If it's going to be cold, there might as well be snow. Also because Autumn has lost most of it's gorgeous color and there is nothing left but dull browns.

[six.] going to see my friend Melissa in her play. It was absolutely hysterical because she wore a wig which made her look exactly like Edna from The Incredibles.

What were your favorite parts of the weekend?

-megan kristine

p.s.

back by popular demand: the font used is called Signerica Thin, but don't everyone go using all it at once! ;)

Calm Fridays

2011-10-21T16:22:00.001-05:00

From sunday to thursday life has been a whirlwind of busyness. And somehow, Friday is the day when the work subsides and life, at last, is calm. There is a certain sweetness of peace; a slow, lasting breath; a silent walk above the autumn leaves; a glance toward the clear, untouched sky.

October has flown by in such a rush, I have absolutely no idea where the time has gone. Fond thoughts of my birthday bring me to realize that a full week has already come to pass since that delightful day. Beginning work on my November design--with all do respects to the satisfying excitement--brings the realization that a mere ten days hold ground until the next glorious month sets in. I simultaneously wish for and push away November with everything I have.

Soon, the delight of a new month will set in and the excitement will replay itself. Soon, delicate snowflakes will drift from the chilly skies. Soon, a wonderful digital beauty will be resting in my eager hands ($80 to go. I cannot possibly wait). Soon, christmas break will be upon us and the annual new year's party with friends will come to pass. And soon, my novel plots will be completed and scribbles will morph into a story playing before my eyes.

Somehow, thinking about how close things which before had seemed so far, screams at me in innocent terror. And no matter how close I convince myself they are; I still see them as so far away. The thought of how quickly hours, days, months, and years are drifting past causes deep thought. I often do not take note of time. And now, it is beginning to start up a question inside me. Am I limiting my time of useless things and concentrating on what matters?

Through my thoughts and emotions I have come to notice that, often, the small things are the ones which I remember, the things which I would be lost without. The things hidden underneath every busy moment, are the ones that matter. It is those moment of quiet; the moments of calm, that truly reveal who I am and show us the veiled beauty of life.

I have truly been in a search to learn this week that the small things are the ones which matter. Through everything else in life, theses are the ones which make life openly beautiful. It is the heartwarming hugs of a younger sister. It is the fragments of sentences scribbled on a page to complete the hidden story, waiting to be formed. It is crunch of crimson autumn jewels. It is the taste of translucent, cool water. It is the melody of an untouched silence.

What have you learned this week? What reveals the beauty of life to you?

-megan

p.s. my sister, Marissa, from Outside the Lines has switched back to blogger. Share some love and go follow her amazingly beautiful blog, Feathers & Dust.