These Roots Run Deep

My great-great Aunt Wilda passed away a couple of weeks ago. She was my great grandmother's sister. She was a hoot. In memory of this wonderful woman, her daughter's child sang a lovely rendition of Amazing Grace accompanied by the Native American flute. The video is below.

Amazing Grace

Did I mention that the child is a dog named Tasha? Yes, they referred to the dog as Aunt Wilda's grandchild. So glad that these family roots run real deep.

Completing a Life Goal: Check

Every summer from the time I was 14-17 years old I attended Especially For Youth at different college campuses along the northern east coast. I learned some important lessons, made some great friends, and thought my counselors were the coolest people ever and I wanted to be them.

And now I get to be one.

2011 EFY Theme

Consider that life goal checked off.

Long Live

Here's to happiness 

{taken by me in athens greece july o7}

10 Things that make me ridiculously happy

1. people who can make me laugh until I ache.
2. long epic movies on a rainy day with people I can't get sick of.
3. Burberry London For Men cologne... delish. 
4. a full 8 hours of sleep
5. fresh flowers
6. sudden bursts of creativity... Like the one I had yesterday afternoon.
7. listening to live orchestras and string quartets
8. bike rides in the sun
9. the satisfaction of reading the last page of an excellent book
10. the end of missing someone

All That Glitters

Yes, the blog got a glittered out mini face-lift. Lookin' fly.

Yes, I did just get back from the east coast. 

Yes, I did see Aaron Tveit on Broadway in Catch Me if You Can. Swoon.

Yes, I still wonder why on earth I'm living in Utah (but I stand by the fact that I know that I'm supposed to be here.)

Yes, spending time with the one teacher that has had the greatest influence on not only what, but who I want to be has re-motivated me towards the end of my time in college.

Yes, I discovered Pinterest. WHERE have you been all my life!!! Seriously.

Yes, I've been getting my craft on lately.

Yes, I'm going to be an EFY counselor. Stoked. 

Yes, I am blessed.

A real live update.

So here is a sparknotes version (and not Grout's short history of opera version-which is ANYTHING but...)

School:
    I love Utah State! Just finished my fourth year and on to my last year of classes and then student teaching. I could not be more excited. I did some cool things this year. Here are the highlights:

*Living in a house across the street from the Logan Temple. LOVE it.

* Four of the sweetest roommates. 

*A KILLER birthday party which included a stylin' $10 dress from the DI.

* Hosted Mr. USU- the theme was "Diamond in the Rough" I was Jasmine and Keenan was Jafar

* So many great Chamber Singers performances. We had a great year. I met Elder L. Tome Perry at the Capitol Building when we went to sing for the opening of the Senate.

*Audra McDonald came for a visit. She is lovely. 

* Aggie Basketball Games. Love my Aggies. 

* My Evening in Brazil Concert. Always a good time.

* LDV-final year. Great while it lasted and extremely anti-climatic at the end. Which was the biggest surprise of all. 

Family:

   I spent a lot of time with my cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents this year. Which I loved! I can't get enough of them. I had 3 cousins that all had babies within 3 months of each other which added a fun twist to things. And this year I decided to spend Christmas in Star Valley with all of them instead of going to one of my parents. BEST Christmas I have had in a long time. We made taffy, and caramels, and great food. On Christmas Eve we went to my uncles house to read the christmas story, sing some carols. eat great food, and exchange some gifts. Then christmas day we just spent some time together showing what Santa brought us.

Love:

Before 10:30 AM...

So here I am at the salt lake city airport going through security with about 20 missionaries all headed to Italy when here comes Elder Holland and his cute wife. Pretty good day so far.

Once Upon a Time...

Finally watched the Royal Wedding. 

Now, I'm not a believer in fairytales, but Kate Middleton's story sure comes close. How much do I love that the "girl-next-door" just became a princess? SO much. But it didn't come easy, which makes this love story even better. I love seeing happy things happen to other people. No that was not sarcasm. For once.

I had already seen pictures of the dress before I sat down to watch the wedding, but seriously, I died when I saw it. This is one of the most beautiful gowns I have ever seen.

And not only is she drop dead gorgeous, but her sense of style is spot on. 

LOVE the girl that can dress casual and still keep it classy. 

Just some of the things my summer will be filled with.

~ Camping
~ Gorgeous sundresses.
~ Color combos to DIE for. 
~ Reading. Lots of reading.
~ Music.
~ Adele. Her latest album=Soundtrack to my LIFE.

              ~ 

           

Just Testing...

Hey all. I'm going to be better at sharing my adventures, and trust me there are some good ones, and letting you (all 2 of you maybe?) what I am up to.