White Wednesday

After a year in Colorado, snow hasn't lost its magic. I hope it never does.

Country's in Style, Ya'll

You've probably noticed it. Burlap is everywhere right now. Pottery Barn's got it on pillows, curtains ... even lampshades. Best of all, the country fabric looks chic and is great for the holidays.

This weekend I stumbled upon my new favorite store with a friend. If you're in the Denver/Colorado Springs area, you must go. Soon. In addition to an antique window, I walked away from The Barn in Castle Rock with a lot of ideas of how to implement burlap. 

A quick trip to Goodwill provided the glass items I needed to execute the look. My favorites are the old milk jars. Why anyone gets rid of those is beyond me. Wal-Mart happened to have a great selection of ribbon, including a thick burlap with red accents and a vintage-looking rose ribbon.

Scissors and fabric glue completed the supplies.

And I ended up with these. Can anyone say Christmas presents?? Add a candle inside the cylinder-shaped jars, and you're in business.

Oh, and I HIGHLY recommend the James Morrison station on Pandora while crafting. It's a lovely mix of Jon McLaughlin, Paolo Nutini, Colbie Caillat, Matt Kearney, John Mayer and Coldplay. Need I say more?

Adventures in Hollywood

Those of you who know me are aware of the more than two years I spent living in Los Angeles. You also know those two years were not my favorite. BUT, some interesting things did happen along the way.

Sometimes I'm asked if I saw famous people when I lived there. Why yes I did. They were moments of pure bliss for a celebrity junkie such as myself.

The following tales are based on actual events. Most of them I have no proof of. You'll just have to take my word. 

1. First encounter with a celebrity occurred when I almost hit Jerry O'Connell with my car while he was running with his dog. Most embarrassing moment in life narrowly avoided.

2. One time I went to the Oscars. It was fun up until a lady kicked me off the red carpet because I wasn't doing "work." I'm sorry people, but staring at celebrities and drooling requires a lot of effort.

3. Then there was the time I saw Jermaine Jackson at a Starbucks. Weird.

4. Getting gas one Sunday afternoon turned into stalking Jay Leno, who had a broken down million-dollar car. I actually DO have proof of this.

I had to drive away before my mother followed through with a threat to offer him a ride. I wish I was kidding about that.

5. Brad Garrett came and sat less than six feet away from a friend and I at the beach. Guy sounds just like he does on "Everybody Loves Raymond." And it gets obnoxious after a while.

6. Ever have one of those days when you receive a three-hours-before invitation to the Grammys? Well I did. Which left about one hour to get ready. The mission: momentarily ponder my great fortune. Grab first dress I see from roommate's closet. Shave legs in two minutes. Salvage hair. Gather thoughts. Pick up tickets. Arrive on time. Chuckle inside when lady approaches me at the ceremony and says, "I just looooove your dress." If only she knew.

7. My spur-of-the-moment invitation luck also came into play with the Emmys. Except this time, I had 16 hours to prepare. But in between those 16 hours, I had to work AND sleep. Leaving about a one-hour window for finding a dress and a store that is open at 7 a.m. With little time and little options, I settled on a black dress and matching flats ... from TARGET. For the Emmys. Oy.

8. Big girls don't cry ... but I almost did when I interviewed Fergie. Yes, Fergaliciousssss herself, at a movie premiere. I was totally taken aback when she complimented my purple knockoff Ray-Bans. I always knew I liked that girl. My sister is now the proud owner of said sunglasses.

9. I also talked to Ben Stiller and David Schwimmer at the same premiere. They're not so hilarious in person. Sad.

And thus concludes my adventures in Hollywood. Praise the Lord.

There's Beauty in the Storm

Sit and Shred

Sometimes I feel like the shredding of credit card offers is the story of my life.

Rainy Season

Guatemala has two seasons. Rainy and dry.

Guess which season I was there for.

Which got me thinking a lot about seasons of rain. We've all been through them. They happen on a regular basis, and they serve a purpose. Seasons of rain, according to scripture, are:

*Part of life. "In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

*Necessary. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Ecclesiastes 3:1

*Beneficial. "Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish." Isaiah 38:17

*Precursors to seasons of sun. "Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126: 5-6

Rest assured, the rain WILL fall. But when it does, don't grab a poncho. Seek shelter.

"You are my hiding place;
   you will protect me from trouble
   and surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 32:7

The Friday Thought for August 12

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."

John 15:13