The Life in My Years

I MOVED! Again

Melissa — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:45:40 +0000

http://mymisinterpretations.blogspot.com/

Change your links and start visiting me over at Blogspot.

Thanks!

break, shmake

Melissa — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:53:28 +0000

I told you I’d be back!

Since declaring my haitus I have found multiple things to write about. And I just have to share them with someone!

So to help, I am writing about the things I want to write about and how those things are inspiring.

Here it goes

I am inspired to be inspired daily by inspiring things.

Such things include: inspiring things.

Hopefully that gets it out of my system until I get this blog beautification thing figured out.

Fall break

Melissa — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:03:19 +0000

I am going to take a hiatus from my blog.

I don’t know how long it will last. But I’m bored with it. I am insanely inspired but find my blog altogether lacking.

Perhaps WordPress ticks me off because it is difficult to use.

I don’t like looking at my blog. Esthetically it’s not pleasing to my eye.

So I WILL be back but need a fall break.

My inspirations are not being stifled. I feel I have more to be inspired about than ever before. I journal and art journal so this is my outlet for now. I may include posts about my art journals upon my return.

Until then…

This sweet little picture inspired me to rest, to keep writing, and enjoy the things I love most.

I’ll be back.

Joy like a child

Melissa — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:20:48 +0000

If I ever have a bad day or think that the joy has been sapped from my soul, I look at this picture and remember that when I look at the world like a child would- full of hope, excitement and expecting to see endless possibilities, I rediscover my joy.

.with joy like a child i sing unashamedly at your grace.

.with the eyes of innocence i take in your creation.

.with the pureness of heart i love all that you are.

.in my weakness, you give me strength and i grow into the woman you designed me to be.

.still tiny compared to your vastness, i am amazed by you.

.more grown up than I’ve ever been, I will always be your child.

What a compliment!

Melissa — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:54:40 +0000

courtesy of Kelly Finlaw

Gladly remembering!

Melissa — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:02:01 +0000

I have been asked to give an account tonight at church. of my Haiti tripthat I took this past June. As I prepare and look through my pictures and past blogs and journals I am astounded again at the blessings I continue to get by this life changing trip. The memories flood my mind, joy fills my heart and tears flood my eyes as I take in these snapshots. What an abundant life-changing dose of God I got during that trip. I gladly remember this and hope to never forget.

It’s the thought that counts

Melissa — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:11:33 +0000

I celebrated my 28th birthday 5 days ago. I am still getting presents in the mail! How fun is that? John planned lots of fun things for us to do the day before and our friends Derek and Rebecca planned and executed birthday plans deluxe on the day of my actual birthday. I am not old yet but I do realize the older I get how time with family and friends are what is most important about the life in my years. Not so much what I got, how it was gifted, what someone did for me, or how grandiose the whole shebang was. It’s the relationship you have with those people who may give gifts, do something excellent (like planning a fun filled city day with wonderful cuisine) and throw a fabulous party in your honor. It really is the thought that counts. And that’s NOT a cop-out. You couldn’t have paid me enough to believe that in previous years. But this is a concept that I really am grasping. God is good to me. Being away from family on my birthday has always been a struggle but they all remembered even all the way in California. My nephew Aidan’s birthday wish was my favorite. A close second was the whole congregation of my dad’s church in Indiana singing happy birthday to me over his cell phone at church. My friend Marianna stopped by with present in hand late in the envening claiming “it’s just not the same when you don’t get it on your birthday”. Precious. I got artistic gifts and kind words from everywhere: California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Florida, Indiana and Illinois. What a blessing to be celebrated thoughtfully!

I will continue to love my birthday second only to Christmas. I will continue to expect royal treatment for the entire month of September. I will continue to get giggly when I see birthday presents. I will always love to hear “..happy birthday dear, Missy”. Birthdays are meant to be celebrated. I am so glad that this year was a hit. Thank you Jesus for friends and family who make the thought count!

Vintage Birthday Fiesta. AMEN!

John’s bag o’ presents with neverending tissue. He made me work for it!

I wish this was a scratch and sniff picture. The fragrance was amazing!

No birthday is complete with a party hat

There has to be a more comfortable option than elastic

that chops off your facial circulation

My favorite person to spend my birthday with

Awkard family photo nominee of the year.

Atleast we had a good time celebrating

So many hats and only one head!

Melissa — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:22:40 +0000

Just more things to add to my list of wants. Tell me, how precious are these?:

I will not be purchasing this hat but I admit that I would like an excuse to wear something like this and it be considered normal. I have been known to randomly wear my wedding tiara to bake in for the added touch of inspiration or to clean in high heels so maybe this hat would be appropraite for a dinner date??

Hats in the Belfrey= clever= check it out!

Embracing the art of difference

Melissa — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:45:39 +0000

Embracing the differences other’s have from you rather than criticizing them at first glance is often hard. I have found that my most intimate friendships and relationships have been with people who are not like me. Yes, we have similar interests and some common goals but overall our upbringings, our habits, our styles and our talents are contrasting. What good is a piece of art without contrast?

He who is different from me does not impoverish me – he enriches me. Our unity is constituted in something higher than ourselves …. For no man seeks to hear his own echo, or to find his reflection in the glass.

Most people take glory in only having ONE really good friend or kindred spirit to connect with. I don’t get that. I think it may be an excuse to not try for that deeper more meaningful relationship. It gives you something to hide behind. It isn’t impossible at all to have a basketful of close, kindred, wealthy friendships. Yes, it takes work. But the art you experience in the difference of those friendships is something so vibrant and rich; it gives dimension to your own soul and personality.

I have been blessed to have many quality friendships lately. People who invest in me, who ask questions, spend time with me, call me for no reason, don’t pretend to be something they aren’t, love me during my bad days, come to me in theirs, brave the awkwardness and embrace our differences. Isn’t it an honor to have people like this in our lives? The more the better, I’d say. I do have a couple of friends who are the diamonds among the rubies. The missing puzzle pieces in my 1,000 piece mess. And what a perfect fit they are!

Embrace the differences around you and experience the contrast that makes the art of friendship!

Showering

Melissa — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:25:41 +0000

I recently helped throw a baby shower for one of my best friends, Rebecca and her soon to be here son, Ogden.

I threw a shower back in February as well for my Karis and her son, Malakai. Back 2 and a half years ago I planned and threw my BFF, Tricia’s shower for her twins.

This is what I have found- I love showering! Making, planning, baking, decorating, organizing,buying, partying- I love it all! (even if the gluten-free cakes explode in my oven and almost burn my house down.)

I homemade a lot of Rebecca’s shower decor. Some would say I have too much time on my hands but I love designing and creating on my free time! What a creative outlet! It was supposed to be an outdoor event since everyday that week had started with glorious sun-filled, cool mornings but on the morn of the shower I awoke to crazy downpouring rain. We had the shower at one of our pastor’s houses and they keep their garage in better shape than I keep my home on a good day. We relocated to the garage and had a wonderful time. It was so soothing to hear the rain falling while we were eating and celebrating. Rebecca is the most easy going appreciative person I know so she really enjoyed the gathering and even kept some of the decorations for Ogden’s room! There was food galore and sweets everywhere. Delish!

The point- I love throwing parties. Especially when they are for someone I love. I’m pretty sure I would love them even more if I had an unlimited budget and did this for a part- time living.

This was Rebecca’s mommy corsage..it said, “Ogden’s Mom”

And here she is, Ogden’s Mom

Baby Bennett Bath Salts that I made. Jasmine and Honeysuckle scented!

Centerpieces- they had river rocks and floating/sinking flowers in them

Some of the luxurious yummies we had!

The gift table. The flags were super easy to make! She kept them and we hung them in his room!

Sweet little guy..

My gluten-free adventure

Karis’ yummy Baby Bennett cupcakes

What a joy to throw a shower for such a wonderful friend!

Showing off Ogden under the “Ogden” sign