Orchestra and Opera

Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking one of my favorite people to the United States Air Force Concert Band and the Singing Sergeants. They performed at my old high school last night and it was just wonderful. My Grampa Jim enjoys classical and orchestra music so I called him up and asked if he wanted to accompany me to it and I am so glad I did. They did such a great job and even surprised me with some opera! The place was pretty packed too. Towards the end of their performance they did a tribute to all of the vets and I wanted to cry. I always get emotional at those things, and I feel completely ridiculous, but when they all stood up it reminded me that they are real people giving up their time and often their lives. America, we are so spoiled. We are free. We complain about so much but what it boils down to is there are generations and generations of people that have fought and died so we could live. Sitting next to my Grampa also reminded me of how far people have come. The inventions that have gotten us where we are today just blow my mind. This man that has so much wisdom was sitting next to me. I have to stop and wonder if my generation will carry this wisdom with us or if we are going to ride on the back of technological advances. It makes me want to learn about as much as I can and just gain as much knowledge and put it all to use. I was in a roomful of people that learned so they could help people. That is what I want to do. I want to learn so I can help as many people as I can.



(sorry about the glowing- their podium had blue lights)

I love days when God just works on your heart all day long. Today He has been doing that and He just leaves me in awe.
Isaiah 40: 26-31

²⁶ Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing.
²⁷ O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
²⁸ Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
²⁹ He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
³⁰ Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
³¹ But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

He absolutely amazes me. Lately I have been learning what it means to put my trust in Him. And as I do this more and more I am finding new strength. Can I be honest? A lot of times I am scared to death of how people see me and this often ends up in me struggling to know how to witness to people. I am almost afraid to pray for God to bring me to people to witness. It is so incredibly selfish and naive but it is something that I don't want to feel trapped in anymore. I want to know the right things to say. I want to be an example of God's love to everyone I come in contact with. I want what Paul writes about in Colossians 4:5-6

⁵ Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

⁶ Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

That is what I am wanting today.

You don't know Jack ;)

This weekend was a busy one. Between visiting family, cooking and pumpkin carving- it kept me pretty busy. Saturday our house smelled like BBQ and beer thanks to the yummy recipe that I tried out.


The beer made the chicken completely fall apart and it was just flat out amazing.
I am going to use it to make nachos tonite too. Yumm!

On Sunday a couple of my friends and I met up and carved pumpkins :) I do believe this has become an annual tradition. Last year my friend Kayla and myself collaborated and made a hand turkey pumpkin :)


This year tho I do believe I topped it...


Pre carving :)


First side :) Go sox! And then came jack...






We all had fun carving and then settled in to watch Nightmare Before Christmas :) it was a perfect fall day

Our little works of art :)


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Weekend favorites

Color scheme love

Absolute need read

What I'm cooking tomorrow.

What my pumpkin will look like on Sunday at our little Halloween party/Nightmare before Christmas movie day :)

Don't abandon me for you made me

Today I was reading from ps 138 and these verses brought me to tears. They are my prayer for the day, especially verse 8.
"3 As soon as I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me strength.
6 Though the LORD is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.
8 The LORD will work out his plans for my life—
for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.
Don’t abandon me, for you made me." (Psalm 138:3, 6, 8 NLT)

Freaking out Friday

Holy Moses.
Today has already been so weird that I would like a do over and I've only been up for 2 hours!
But the good news is:
1-it's Friday
2-one week from today will be my last day at this job :)
3-I am having a fabulous hair day
4-I get to spend some time with a good friend tonite and not worry about waking up early for work tomorrow








Some of the things that make today kinda weird/rough:
1-while I was inside at the coffee shop this morning someone left one of those witnessing tracks under my windshield wiper. I really don't mind if people do that, except when it's pouring rain. Like it is today. I made me want to swear. Not be saved from eternal damnation.
2- tonite I am going to the nursing home to see my great grandma who has suffered from Alzheimer's. The last time I went to see her I left bawling my eyes out, and that was a year ago. They think she doesn't have much time left. She has wanted to go "home" for a long time now, something like 7 years now. It is so hard to know how confused she is and how much she just wants to be in heaven with her husband and son. I love her and I can't imagine what tonite will feel like. Prayers would be greatly appreciated.

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Lovin Me Some Friday :)

Holy Moses! Have you seen this sofa on Design Sponge?? I would like to say that THIS is a piece of furniture I want. I need it. I'm pretty sure of that fact. What is about upcylced items that catch my eye? Whatever it is- this needs to be mine! (PS I absolutely LOVE Design Sponge, they definitely make me want to redecorate every other day :)


Love Love Love it!

Do you know what else I love about Fridays? A while back I established Michael Jackson Friday in my office. It makes my workday go by quicker and there is very little music that brings me as much joy as the King of Pop did (RIP). Sooo here is my Friday Playlist :)

This is going to be a pretty busy (but fun) weekend for me. I'm going to get together with some friends of mine tonite and then spend the day with my best friend and some family friends out at Shepherd's homecoming tomorrow. I love small town celebrations, it should be a blast. I haven't decided if I'm bringing my camera yet but I might take it and try snapping some shots of the action. They do a pancake breakfast, a parade and of course the football game. It should be a blast. Sunday is just as promising. I am getting together with one of my long lost friends (another one that I've been close with since we were babies) and catching up. Then it's adventure time with another set of friends. I'm so looking forward to it all. I hope your weekend is just as promising! I will be catching up on my 31 Days Project before girls night tonite too, sorry it keeps getting delayed. But not for much longer :)

Oh and here is a little "P.S" that is probably ridiculous but makes my heart happy.
Dear One Tree Hill, I am so glad I found Season 1 last night. I am sorry for losing you among all of my old DVDs I haven't watched in ages. Thank you for reminding me how much I loved you :)
Love,
Bri :)

bows and arrows

So one more day on the favorite outfit post, instead I decided put some pictures up of some of my favorite jewelry (which will be in tomorrows picture)...

First the ring from yesterday's post. I will be adding some studs and bracelet I bought from American Eagle about a year or so ago. And one new addition to my jewelry addiction :) An arrow necklace that came today. I also bought this on etsy and think it goes great with the other accessories...

I really love the brass/copper color these pieces all have. And the pop of turquoise just makes my heart happy.

I'm just in love with all these arrows.

And here is the next post in my 31 Days Project...

Day 5 (but really 6). Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Ha has it ever jaded me? The world's definition of beauty made for a very self conscious little girl for my (almost) entire childhood and young adult life. Starting in about 4th grade I was the chubby girl. I'm not asking for a pity party, I am responsible for the way I treated my body, but I never was comfortable in my own skin. I have always been embarrassed of how I looked and I think growing up and seeing everyone idolize beautiful people and look down on ones that don't match their expectations didn't help me shake that thinking. Because I wasn't sure of where to find my identity I always felt like I wasn't worth much because of the fact I didn't fit into the "pretty girl" description.
But you see I know better now. I find my identity in my savior, and He calls me beautiful. That doesn't mean that I don't still try to measure myself on the world's scale of beauty every now and again. But I find myself praising God for how he made me and now more than ever I am focused on getting myself healthy not just thin.

Proverbs 31:30 (NLT) "Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."



Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.Day 6. Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?Day 7. Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.
Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. Describe your personality.
Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Day 24. What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me." (Pics are great!)
Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31. Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

Music and Another Day

So it turns out that 23 feels just like 22 :) Not too shabby though. I had a really fun time hanging out with my friends and family- and it is being continued on throughout the week. I am really blessed to have all of them. I got something in the mail yesterday from Etsy and I am considering it a Birthday present to myself...

This Awesome Ring. I bought it last week and received it yesterday. It's so fun and I'm really getting into the arrow trend.

I have my eye on this necklace to go with it...


This birthday was something different for me in a sense that I sat down last night and evaluated where I am at in my life. I am not where I thought I would be. In a sense I am not doing anything different than when I turned 22. I'm not quite a fan of this feeling of just letting life happen and not be intentional about it. I want to find where I fit in the world and I want to make that part of my everyday life. I want to be DOING something with my life. So starting today- the day after my birthday- I am changing things. I am making my health, my walk with Christ, my future and my heart a priority. I am not going to have other people making my decisions based on what they want me to do with my life instead of what I have been called to do and deserve to do with my life. I am taking better care of myself starting now. I deserve to love myself and need to get better at that. I am getting to the place where I listen to what God wants to say to me instead of just hearing what I want to hear- and there is a big difference. I am applying to a couple schools this week. One for photography. Another for teaching. And as I start this I'm going to be praying and LISTENING to where I am supposed to go. I'm not just throwin my hopes out into the universe waiting for something to happen with them. I am making things happen. It all starts with me doing something about it.


I want to get back to doing my 31 Days Project but because today is going to be pretty crazy and busy once I'm off work I am going to switch up some days. I am going to trade Day 5 for Day 4 (I'll have time to do some pictures tomorrow).

DAY 4(but really 5). Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
To me- this post is about someone that encourages me to live. They encourage and pray for me. Someone that has done that for me (literally my whole life) has been my sweet friend Hannah. We grew up together and have stayed friends throughout the years. Whenever I think about people doing something with their lives- I think of the calling God has placed on Hannah's life. She has SUCH a heart for people. And she is so sensitive to the voice of God. She is a friend that stands true to her convictions and loves on people always. I don't know if she realizes how many times I have felt like a failure and she came in and reminded me that I am a child of God and I am capable of doing things that I couldn't imagine doing otherwise. This amazing friend of mine called me yesterday while I was at work and wasn't able to grab the phone, but I listened to the voicemail she left and my heart missed her so much. But after listening to that I stopped and think about all the things we have been through and how much we still love spending time together. We laugh together, we have cried together, we played barbies together and we played sports together. Hannah you've been there for me and encouraged me. Through that encouragement my heart came alive again., thank you so much friend. I love you lady!

Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?
Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7. Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.
Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. Describe your personality.
Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Day 24. What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me." (Pics are great!)
Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31. Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!

After a Long Weekend and Shuffling Days

Today I came home from a long weekend spent out of town. Friday I went up to our family's cabin with my parents. I love going up to the cabin. It's always so relaxing and such a time of rest. We hung out and just enjoyed some time together. Early Saturday morning we started our trip to the North East entrance of Yellowstone National Park. I had never been up the switchbacks (at least that I could remember) and I wouldn't mind ever being up them again haha. They made me kinda sick. Saturday all day was kinda miss and hit being sick. It made for a long day. But during the good times we saw some amazing stuff!

We had a chance to watch a herd of elk being hunted but a couple of wolves (we were just awe struck!), Old Faithful go off, and we were also able to see mirror like lakes reflecting the gorgeous mountain scenes. We looked all over for bears, but kept missing them. We did see some wild life- lots of bison, elk, a couple wolves and a fox playfully hunting by the roadside.

The drive back was probably the roughest. I was sick the entire time and we were going against the clock. There was construction that was going to be closing us off in the park if we didn't hurry and get through it before the closed the road. We didn't think we would be taking as long as we did in the park but we ended up making it through before they shut the road off. When we made it back to the cabin everyone was pretty spent.

Sunday was the kind of restful day I needed. We got back early afternoon and I went to one of my favorite coffee shops and edited pictures while a friend work on homework. We picked up my dad and went to Moneyball. I LOVED this movie. I had started reading the book, haven't had time to finish it yet but I just loved it. The details they put in it just made my heart happy (saying Youk waddles like a duck- perfect haha) and it was one that made people in the theater clap and cheer during the movie. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

via

And to wrap the day up Jacoby Ellsbury hit a home run in the 14th to win the second game against New York today. Thank you Ellsbury, that is exactly what I wanted for my birthday!

via

And for Project 31... I'm going to postpone that just one more day, I am going to head off and catch up on my sleep... Tomorrow is a big day- no longer 22. Does 23 really feel any different? Guess I will find out.

Let the Celebration Begin & Day 3

Today has been made possible because of this...

Because it's chilly and I stayed up wayy too late watching this...




Today one of my friends and I are going to get our nails done. It sounds so girly, but I have a gift certificate so I am excited to use it. I'm considering it a Birthday present to myself :) I haven't had a set of nails put on since high school (I think), so it will be fun.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my best friend that finally came home after a long vacation. We went shopping and then let her little girl do our hair. I'm so blessed with such great friendships, the ones that feel like you are actually sisters and their family treats you like a family member. It makes my heart happy. While we were shopping at TJ Maxx I fell in love with a few things...

First was this recliner. It didn't come home with me (although I wish it would have). I just don't have any place to put it right now...





Next was this lunch bag. I've been cutting way back on going out for lunch. It's something that just drains my pocket book and also it can be harder to eat healthy- something that I am trying to do. We keep a pretty healthy stock of food at my house so putting it into this cute little bag will help me get ready in the morning.





The other two things I absolutely loved I didn't take pictures of (or buy- at least not yesterday). I LOVE it when TJ Maxx has Lucky jeans. They are some of my favorite jeans- mainly because they last forever and the sweet and low fit is complementing on me. I would have bought them but I had just gotten a brand new pair earlier that day so I had to pass. Along those I found a cute brown leather jacket. There is a good chance I will venture back over and get this jacket. I already have one brown bomber jacket but its a cropped one and makes it difficult to wear with some outfits. this one came down further and I fell in love. If it's there after our nail appointment today I will definately be getting it :)

And now to continue my 31 Days Project...

DAY 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
These questions are definately making me stop and think... I know a few people that inspire beauty for me, but when this person came to my mind I knew they were the one that I wanted to write about. My Mama. She is a beautiful person inside and out. She has a tender heart and is true to her convictions. If I "grow up" to be half the woman she is I will feel like I have done something right with my life. When I was growing up I gave that woman the hardest time. I was a stubborn hard-headed little girl that thought she knew best. Sometimes I still am. But she kept fighting for me. She kept loving me through every arguement and she kept praying for me. I think that is why her beauty is so apparent. She is a prayer warrior. And she is diligent about it. Now she is a woman that I can talk to about anything. She encourages me with love and makes sure I know how much she loves me. She has love pouring out of her. This woman is always willing to go the extra mile, whether it is for her family or for someone she sees is hurting. She has such a big heart. That is what inspires her beauty.
Lord make my heart sensitive like my mothers, and show me how to give love to everyone just as she does.


Day 1. What does beauty mean to you?

Day 2. What makes you uniquely you?
Day 3. Who is someone you know who inspires beauty?
Day 4. Style 31. Post a pic of you in your favorite outfit.
Day 5. Write a blog thanking someone who has made your heart come alive.
Day 6. Jaded beauty. Has the world's definition of beauty ever jaded you?
Day 7. Write a blog to encourage another beautiful woman.
Day 8. Have a beauty secret (e.g. hair tip, make up tip)? Share, please!
Day 9. What virtues do you value in yourself?
Day 10. What is Jesus teaching you as a wife, mom, or friend? (Or just woman in general?)
Day 11. Post a recipe. Or if you don't cook, try a new recipe and write about how it turned out (pictures please!).
Day 12. Write about what wears you out as a woman.
Day 13. Write about something you would like to change about yourself for the better.
Day 14. Style 31. Post an outfit pic!
Day 15. Write to encourage a friend. Inspire her beauty.
Day 16. Write a letter to your daughter, or a young girl in your life. Tell her what beauty means.
Day 17. Write about 3 things that make you happy.
Day 18. Describe your personality.
Day 19. Write about your favorite comfort food (we are women- we ALL have comfort food!)
Day 20. Write about your job and why you love it or hate it.
Day 21. Write a letter to your husband to encourage him (or if you are single- your future husband.)
Day 22. What are some needs that need to be met in your community? Blog about how to extend your hand to those who need you.
Day 23. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
Day 24. What is Jesus teaching you presently?
Day 25. Style 31. Post a pic of your favorite comfy clothes.
Day 26. What do you hope your grandchildren will say about you someday when you are gone?
Day 27. Write a blog to encourage someone and build their confidence!
Day 28. Write about your insecurities as a woman.
Day 29. Write about "a day in the life of me." (Pics are great!)
Day 30. Who is your role model as a woman?
Day 31. Write about your dreams and goals as a beautiful woman!