thankful heart (warning: a sentimental post)

Tonight I am thankful for the comfort I find in friends from home. To be honest, I have absolutely no idea how we all met and fell into place together as a group. Sometimes we're absolute opposites that have much to learn from each other and at other times complete kindred spirits bound by our hearts. (It also feels good that they too, have no idea what they're doing after graduation, sometimes it really does feel like you're the only one...) Only a perfect Creator could have put us together and after two weeks, I'm once again, not ready to say good-bye.

I'm off to San Antonio to experience the new year and witness a new beginning for my dear, sweet, beautiful, lovely big, Kristen and her Joey. I can't think of a better way to spend the first days of year than dancing, laughing, eating, and celebrating the new Mr. and Mrs. Aviles.

Blog, I'll see you in 2010!

the space in between

I never quite know what to do with the days in between Christmas and New Years Eve. I usually feel stuck in this liminal space, having come out of the whirl of family and feasts from Christmas I feel like I'm tapping my foot in wait of the new year's arrival. It's weird, because as a life rule, I strive to make the most of every day I live: to love and laugh- much more than just exist.

I also have the tendency while at home to hunker down, usually only going out to see friends or run errands. This becomes especially true as the date to go back to school gets closer- it's like I want to suck in every morsel of home I possibly can. I love being home because I get to see friends that I've known for many many years and that know me so well. I also am with family who are my heart. And I guess that's why I hold on so hard right before I leave to go back to school. I won't see these people for weeks or even months and it's not easy to let them go, but the thing is, Baylor is one of my absolute favorite places in this world and once I get there, it's home. So then, it's the space in between that makes it hard, traveling between my two worlds. I don't know if will get any easier but at least I have some new, sweet kicks to carry me from one to the other. Happy last days of the year!

sweet, new kicks

sweet, kick-a friends

"At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed, it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me as it does for all who truly believe."- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Here's to believing in the Hope, Peace, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Joy, and Love that this season is truly about. Happy Christmas Eve Eve.

All images found {here}

a wednesday thought

Image found {here}

It's unbelievable how easily we believe what the world tells us: "They don't really like you," "You're not that talented," "Why aren't you like ________?"

How is it that we so quickly listen to these lies and accusations? It is because we're weak? or because we are wrapped up in a world that was never meant for us?

Today I'm reminded that it's an everyday battle and that the truth is, you just have to let go and live. And listen to the one true Voice inside you. That's the only voice you should be convinced by and it knows you better than you ever will.

lonny part two: they did it again

Lonny Magazine {http://lonnymag.com}, a completely online style and decor magazine debuted this fall. The staff was floored by the they overwhelming response of praise they received. To put it plainly, they knocked it out of the park with their creative, fresh, inspiring, and one hundred percent paper-free, eco-friendly magazine- producing something that is a delight to read and pour over for ideas. Vanity Fair even did a story on the magazine after ONE issue. Yep, I think that says it all.

The winter issue of Lonny Magazine was unveiled several weeks ago and they've done it again. Michelle Adams, the editor-in-chief of Lonny (which by the way is a combo of London and New York) wrote in her letter, "Our in-boxes have been flooded with enthusiastic reader emails and every day we discover yet another kind and supportive blog post. To say the very least, we were FLOORED, humbled, and most of all, inspired." This inspiration definitely took them somewhere special because the December issue of Lonny is just as fantastic as the magazine's debut; check it out here for yourself.

blog alert

A certain cool dad has officially entered the blogosphere with a blog of his very own. If you know him at all, you won't be shocked to hear that it's titled, "Rule Breakers Rule."

Happy reading!

reflecting lights

All images found {here}.

Everywhere you look during the holiday season, there are lights: lights on the roof, lights on the tree, and lights in the front windows. Every part of the city sparkles with holiday cheer. Sometimes it’s hard not to become a little overwhelmed by the commercialized side of Christmas- it’s everywhere and inescapable. But I believe that the lights we see are so much more: they are the unconscious reflection of the true Light of the world: Jesus Christ.

This Christmas, we remember and celebrate with joy the birth of our Savior. Reveling in the story, remember how the sky was filled with light the night of his birth by a multitude of angles and how three men valiantly followed the light of one star to find Christ. Light is all over the Christmas story. But nothing compares to the light that Christ himself brought into the world.

John describes Jesus and his birth saying, "The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:9)." And Jesus himself told crowds, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12)." His light is the life of men and in His light we are at peace. Just like the lights all around us, we too can be a reflection of the true Light by opening our homes to someone in need, spending time with someone who’s lonely and by showing love to friends and family. Celebrate the Light this season with joy and exuberance and join in on the reflection.

mad about madden

Those who know me understand that I have an absolute admiration for and obsession with beautiful shoes. Flat, sandal, boot, pump-take it from me, the right shoe can be intoxicating. And if you're not in the price market for red-bottomed Louboutins, in my humble opinion, Steve Madden is the next best option.

Steve Madden shoes are young, fun, and always polished. Inspired by a shoe department walk-through today, here are a few of my favorites, and yes, chances are that at least one pair made it onto my Christmas list. Thank goodness elves are also shoe cobblers!


All shoe images found at www.stevemadden.com

if i don't leave waco...

Image found here

I had a fleeting thought as I drove north on I35 yesterday, "If I don't leave Waco, will the semester have to end?" I've secretly been using the spring semester as a cushion for my future, knowing that even if it was my, ahem, senior year, I still had another semester after the fall. And that's still true today, but saying goodbye to Fall 2009 was hard. And as embarassing as it might be, yes, a few tears were shed in the car on the way home. I can't hide from time or change- just make the most of both. Time marches on, and so must I.

this is where we live

Image found {here)

What if all your favorite characters from books lived in the same world? Harry, Ron and Hermione with Tom and Huck. Jo Marsh and Scout and Boo Radley. Janie Crawford and Ella Enchanted. Romeo and Juliet with Edward and Bella, the Whos in Whoville and the Berenstain Bears.

This video by 4th Estate brings the idea to life. Which of your favorite characters do you picture in this video?

haute for the holidays

Dear J Crew,

Your Christmas campaign is my absolute favorite. And, I think you should know that you have replaced the "On the Street" column of the New York Times Sunday Style Section as my favorite part of the Sunday paper- which is a major deal.

Whole- heartedly,

CR

P.S. Whoever came up for "Haute for Holidays," please tell them an extra thank- you for me.

please excuse the ripping sound coming from my magazine

So I think I may have chosen the wrong major...I've started a new obsession of tearing out of magazines, newspapers etc. my favorite ads. Here are my holiday favorites:

Brilliant baubles, collectible cashmere, perfect presents.

Witty alliteration + Heidi Klum+ Ann Taylor baubles= lovely

If you're not a fan of tights after this Coach ad, I'm so sorry.

An intriguing invitation. A revealing discovery. A promise of adventure. A whispered romance. A question answered. A secret kept.

I've never had any desire for a Tiffany & Co key, but after this ad, I'm begging for one.

Chanel- need I say more?



This Dior dress= from my dreams.


Perhaps as a "professional writer" these companies will hire me to write the next season of witty banter for their ad campaigns...in the meantime, here are my favorite looks from January magazines:

First, Kate Hudson on the cover of the January Harper's Bazar. To me, this cover is so beautiful and fun that it deserves to be framed.

Second, the always fabulous Sarah Jessica Parker in Glamour.

hello, old friend

This is how I feel having completed and submitted my web and print portfolios for final grading this afternoon:

Happy Friday!

end of semester thief

Image found here

I have many thoughts I would like to share but the end of the semester push to finals has stolen time, wit, and brain power, submerging me into a sea of work.

Will come up for air soon,

CR

go ahead, believe.

Go ahead, wish, believe, celebrate.

It's what makes the holidays the holidays.

Make your spirit bright.

It's Christmastime.

for these i am thankful..

Beyond the clear and obvious that I am thankful for this year(my relationship of love, grace and salvation with I Am, my family, friends, and good health) here are a few silly (and not so silly) things for which I too, am thankful for:

coffee, happy hour at Common Grounds, red leaves, scarves, Glee, the possibility of Paris, Lolita's breakfast burritos, hydrangea, Gossip Girl, internships at Fort Worth, Texas Magazine and Catholic Charities, the style section of The New York Times, writing, the power of the written word, a free heart, ads for Tiffany & Co., new friends, $5 movies in Waco, gut packs from Vitek's, swings, blogs, flowers and headbands to wear in my hair, boots and tights, Sonic Happy Hour, weheartit.com, the beauty of nature, that New Moon the movie is way better than Twilight the movie, the budding success of Kate Leverenz Photography, the overflowing talent of Kate Leverenz, sunsets, windows, the feeling that comes from soaking up every moment of the last year of college, the ever fabulous Sarah Jessica Parker and her alter ego Carrie Bradshaw and the inspiration they provide, the bravery of David Crowder's music, days of class that don't start until 11 am, performing front row in Pigskin, shoes, canceled class, and

the fact that no matter how far I might run or hard I might try, God will always be there. No matter what I think I might have done, His grace is greater, His love is more crushing, and His presence is more powerful. That He is willing and wanting to make me more like his Son every day and that He is never willing to give up on me. It's more than I will ever deserve, more than I could ever put into words, and what I will probably spend the rest of my life trying to articulate.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2: 6-7

happy birthday, ddd

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Happy Birthday, Delta Delta Delta

On Thanksgiving Eve 1888, approximately one hundred and twenty-one years ago today, two woman at Boston University decided to form a new organization. "Let us found a society that shall be kind alike to all and think more of a girl's inner self and character than of her personal appearance." And so with it's first four member, the sorority Delta Delta Delta began.

Some people are quick to judge Greek organizations, claiming that they are just ways to buy friends or party through college. While I can't say that Greek groups are perfect, I can say that I have been changed by the last three years I have spent in Tri Delta. In Tri Delt, I have watched two hundred plus girls with one goal in mind, accomplish great things. I've learned about what excellence and what it means to strive for excellence in everything you do. I have seen and experienced examples of steadfast love- the kind of love that is an imitation of Christ. In Tri Delt, I've learned, I've served, I've been changed by the girls around me and by the mission that guides us. And my story is only one among thousands. For one hundred and twenty-one years, Tri Delta has been changing lives. On the eve of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful that I am among those lives changed.

a reflection

It's funny how you talk about certain events for months and months and then suddenly and finally, it's here. And then it's gone.

Matt and Sarah's wedding was a beautiful, lovely, honest, touching, and unforgettable celebration. A celebration of family, friends, and above all, love and the goodness of God. God is the giver of all good gifts and I'm so thankful He has given Matt and Sarah to each other.