tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48517882530320299632024-03-12T20:03:00.637-04:00Through the Looking GlassReflections -- Welcome to the crazy mind of LuluAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-66767774761205089602016-02-08T15:07:00.000-05:002016-02-08T15:07:07.933-05:00Happy Chinese New Year!Happy Year of the Monkey!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvib8bXWBHgmiOBetPcavvfZlo7NjwxzuNIbB7ENixK4D1_ygq2WvCtkYDy9-if-8ZZzfGe9qfuCC2cBeWCJ-yXCaODF8F4TldrXfG4-Tp17qspOAZ3c0-OpcRe9nmwxWbSl4k6S-lGFiz/s1600/IMG_8764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvib8bXWBHgmiOBetPcavvfZlo7NjwxzuNIbB7ENixK4D1_ygq2WvCtkYDy9-if-8ZZzfGe9qfuCC2cBeWCJ-yXCaODF8F4TldrXfG4-Tp17qspOAZ3c0-OpcRe9nmwxWbSl4k6S-lGFiz/s640/IMG_8764.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papercutting - originally designed by me in 2015, but created this year in larger quantities using Cricut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I started doing more Chinese New Year papercutting last year for David's family, and ever since having the Cricut, have been trying to use it more with my custom designs. It's a slow process so far, but getting better! You can see where the cricut snipped off one of the flower petals on the large flower :'(<br />
<br />
This year I thought I'd also try my hand at making some more traditional CNY goodies:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxZdr9dYV7s9DMQpZ_bsbXLDnbHRY9-wdCl23oSpwS2he9J-v9Y77fg9CfPz8pH77bPB9XWtDEyzza4HB-WkBo2xyZRieDTXTnc3Ae6qapbFd7_YCnZFdZok9qu9agxZSD1lQe_OuTVBD/s1600/IMG_8841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxZdr9dYV7s9DMQpZ_bsbXLDnbHRY9-wdCl23oSpwS2he9J-v9Y77fg9CfPz8pH77bPB9XWtDEyzza4HB-WkBo2xyZRieDTXTnc3Ae6qapbFd7_YCnZFdZok9qu9agxZSD1lQe_OuTVBD/s640/IMG_8841.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">粘</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;">糕</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px; text-align: start;"> </span>Mama Hu style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXza89dd2Lev-bCWDx0NQgnLHsopgncpYRc8GiwvR-7VaZlhL4ysUH7Ns4hI1IQpULQgLWNbq49xjYO8f6RWKtzgZDOzOv_P-NuC648uyaw1ecrrifBAPUDHgEC8n77c7oHc-j017L20IN/s1600/IMG_8846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXza89dd2Lev-bCWDx0NQgnLHsopgncpYRc8GiwvR-7VaZlhL4ysUH7Ns4hI1IQpULQgLWNbq49xjYO8f6RWKtzgZDOzOv_P-NuC648uyaw1ecrrifBAPUDHgEC8n77c7oHc-j017L20IN/s640/IMG_8846.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of 3 that I made! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02s0UV0BG65alCcjVywAMMI6vAF9wVlpBicHuKpnR_XtL060yVPGLuHNOt1OgNs0EusedZHN-bWSMDkNgETzqjzoHGIJUnijONsU6P-DHKZlwp2xVnEsXdMZE8TWmDhjW0T07-ODoLZq-/s1600/IMG_8858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02s0UV0BG65alCcjVywAMMI6vAF9wVlpBicHuKpnR_XtL060yVPGLuHNOt1OgNs0EusedZHN-bWSMDkNgETzqjzoHGIJUnijONsU6P-DHKZlwp2xVnEsXdMZE8TWmDhjW0T07-ODoLZq-/s640/IMG_8858.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', times, serif; line-height: 27px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">八寶飯 </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">with some nontraditional fillings - banana, almonds, golden raisins, and of course red bean paste</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg-OZmU3jJj3jwUwVca2vm40mGB90aOrsHW2T811b5i8epUi7QV1WDKPIwAtBLciQ_YVDHzd3UJokk5D3XI1FzGEouhvDcsKw3dr64YD-s1j-N7QOv5maJGyBrRUoZNPK8CElKyp4xtb6/s1600/IMG_8857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg-OZmU3jJj3jwUwVca2vm40mGB90aOrsHW2T811b5i8epUi7QV1WDKPIwAtBLciQ_YVDHzd3UJokk5D3XI1FzGEouhvDcsKw3dr64YD-s1j-N7QOv5maJGyBrRUoZNPK8CElKyp4xtb6/s640/IMG_8857.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normally this would have things like dates, gogi, lotus seeds, etc. But this combination is tasty too! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I didn't have time to make <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.4px;">汤圆 </span>this year, but I'm happy enough with the frozen variety :)<br />
<br />
Next time, I'll work on more of the savories!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-81382754573834004552015-08-01T09:33:00.000-04:002015-08-01T09:33:14.876-04:00Life is like a Teacup<i>...To be filled to the brim and enjoyed with friends. </i><br />
<br />
And, I might add, paired with tasty munchies like stroop waffles.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPnut37cJN8SaUYxtbd_M-Shp94L4poNVeJkoFqxgXSZxdTjAUjIWrMYWbMhiYlYUQSrlpCi6KUSC-21pKTWKOu_N3rDP4TPXol4IWDcPKduh9ZOknS85pkvYtf3GGDYKrJ1TrTAz3adV/s1600/teacup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPnut37cJN8SaUYxtbd_M-Shp94L4poNVeJkoFqxgXSZxdTjAUjIWrMYWbMhiYlYUQSrlpCi6KUSC-21pKTWKOu_N3rDP4TPXol4IWDcPKduh9ZOknS85pkvYtf3GGDYKrJ1TrTAz3adV/s640/teacup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stroop waffles and one of my favorite Anthro mugs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(This is a picture-heavy post)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
One of my all-time favorite things is afternoon tea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I first had afternoon tea while I was studying abroad in London. Ever since, I've loved trying out different places, but going out for it can be expensive. I knew that I wanted to have a tea party for my birthday this year so I figured that maybe instead of going out, I could just hold one of my own.<br />
<br />
Well, this idea circled around in my mind until it burst, and instead of just one, I ended up having two tea parties.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPIkO9Z3NtD5eu1vUZ3ePtI5EgNM5fGgICsGMLSiZYUsnk10MolU9XSP4Gk0K_vpQRzpRKQXmex6kJad56IJ6-84ankreXy97_02wVJNfalWIWFCW_2pbqsNxjHMgrHdzMcpmDjXXDkbE/s1600/tea+table+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPIkO9Z3NtD5eu1vUZ3ePtI5EgNM5fGgICsGMLSiZYUsnk10MolU9XSP4Gk0K_vpQRzpRKQXmex6kJad56IJ6-84ankreXy97_02wVJNfalWIWFCW_2pbqsNxjHMgrHdzMcpmDjXXDkbE/s640/tea+table+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tea and teacup collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U4a-F4eUwxkZnWvlXYB1ejtKDu5ZjSUsanGBVTIBEMd3Q-AFCp5YWxv8Z5tF2BiMfT_6MU91E-4UyaqIBI0UcbU4HepdV27fJrZNRIgDyb32Qwga67Y0mFiPA_5oATdc0qllELYsE5Yl/s1600/table+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U4a-F4eUwxkZnWvlXYB1ejtKDu5ZjSUsanGBVTIBEMd3Q-AFCp5YWxv8Z5tF2BiMfT_6MU91E-4UyaqIBI0UcbU4HepdV27fJrZNRIgDyb32Qwga67Y0mFiPA_5oATdc0qllELYsE5Yl/s640/table+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spread, Day 1: Zucchini bread, finger sandwiches, Irish Tea Cake, cookies and stroop waffles, apple rose tarts, cinnamon scones by my roommate Leigh. Not pictured: cheese platter, fruits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXT3XRhMe2beGY2WoPr4MEyPWpiW1GaAVG7mJ6pv1bwRPCojytGP2WAT7bc6NBeJC9EPbPpuV3BGr6XHd1pt96qhzDdJ90IM_D9q0rvJZTPG-lbJAeGYCJ2iORduJa1coHA0J3vFAMSOd/s1600/table+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlXT3XRhMe2beGY2WoPr4MEyPWpiW1GaAVG7mJ6pv1bwRPCojytGP2WAT7bc6NBeJC9EPbPpuV3BGr6XHd1pt96qhzDdJ90IM_D9q0rvJZTPG-lbJAeGYCJ2iORduJa1coHA0J3vFAMSOd/s640/table+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Spread, Day 2: Zucchini bread, finger sandwiches, cookies and stroop waffles, fruit, apple rose tarts, cinnamon scones by my roommate Leigh. Not pictured: cheese platter with more than 10 pounds of cheese that friends brought, crepe cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqw8yrQbfr3BlVXxKoUPvn2nyAVhrjjeZUcgzQspL5lYzg7SQJC8uKLeLLKna_QrcxKANSdNxP6iGAMCKbT3laZ6ZYNFKWxb3jt4b3vHZf39aCyd4_zsBT6tfkt_3jXY_SYcUJcML3S1V/s1600/sandwiches.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlqw8yrQbfr3BlVXxKoUPvn2nyAVhrjjeZUcgzQspL5lYzg7SQJC8uKLeLLKna_QrcxKANSdNxP6iGAMCKbT3laZ6ZYNFKWxb3jt4b3vHZf39aCyd4_zsBT6tfkt_3jXY_SYcUJcML3S1V/s640/sandwiches.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finger sandwiches: tuna salad and cucumber, egg salad, salmon and cucumber, and cucumber sandwiches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPNUA6RuzzqNxl25huxeuiOqMysx86S2-V8zKgNt30j8Ci1LcVAadpq_N90uRuHZGu29E_pkMmNXxdhvY_kAzK6r-MhOXgusXoGdDN-Mjg0aykyTdizkMJOYYQeO7vd3QdHucpWYcNHoD/s1600/cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPNUA6RuzzqNxl25huxeuiOqMysx86S2-V8zKgNt30j8Ci1LcVAadpq_N90uRuHZGu29E_pkMmNXxdhvY_kAzK6r-MhOXgusXoGdDN-Mjg0aykyTdizkMJOYYQeO7vd3QdHucpWYcNHoD/s640/cookies.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stroop waffles and LU milk chocolate cookies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There was definitely a lot of preparation that went into both, but I think it was a lot of fun and totally worth it! During my Clinton Crib days, I had the chance to help host several festivities with my housemates including a Mad Hatter Tea Party, an Election-themed Party, and more. I think those helped prepare me for hosting on my own. I also enjoy planning and putting things together, so figuring when and how to make everything was a logistical jigsaw puzzle that I had fun solving.<br />
<br />
Other fun things - this also gave me a chance to try out some things that I've been wanting to do for a long time, like making a crepe cake, apple rose tarts, and giant paper flowers. And I got to use the Cricut to make a bunch of goodies!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59kVV87eZfk8s5BR-wtj7lISbYmbObKpcLXL1wvk4LRqsiBx4VwcvC4Rx6claAF6hiuctan69k8qqdWFQLLYUhlJcl93mUWcJ-BolqDb0mUJIIrg7Ghksrfg3AwipTh9VETaVk4UG1IbF/s1600/irish+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59kVV87eZfk8s5BR-wtj7lISbYmbObKpcLXL1wvk4LRqsiBx4VwcvC4Rx6claAF6hiuctan69k8qqdWFQLLYUhlJcl93mUWcJ-BolqDb0mUJIIrg7Ghksrfg3AwipTh9VETaVk4UG1IbF/s640/irish+cake.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake 1, Irish Tea Cake </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M0Tei81_W53m7JjrELR8wVjipy_r8x3NWrhLkBoOUNcTiGLEz7lrRZHn0s1OUSnPO-GAMPUmTkOGlqgxXjxiE6EFGNDIkHyn7u6nFf3LCh1jJfwv8J9XGJdxc9sexcbuFDF0-in_a-oQ/s1600/crepe+cake+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M0Tei81_W53m7JjrELR8wVjipy_r8x3NWrhLkBoOUNcTiGLEz7lrRZHn0s1OUSnPO-GAMPUmTkOGlqgxXjxiE6EFGNDIkHyn7u6nFf3LCh1jJfwv8J9XGJdxc9sexcbuFDF0-in_a-oQ/s640/crepe+cake+1.JPG" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake 2, 26-layer vanilla crepe cake </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4302b4c6Xs5hxbUuD1mIgrvLjJiPG68-A5STXXdksYZsLbYoU0OUHI0dGgD-8DynfBVwRLKH4_LBa8CBJemj3CQj7ATItopqCDmjbllGJc1BmqaPcWQOUvzhYiC77JMaR5tZfDW4OIHtx/s1600/apple+tarts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4302b4c6Xs5hxbUuD1mIgrvLjJiPG68-A5STXXdksYZsLbYoU0OUHI0dGgD-8DynfBVwRLKH4_LBa8CBJemj3CQj7ATItopqCDmjbllGJc1BmqaPcWQOUvzhYiC77JMaR5tZfDW4OIHtx/s640/apple+tarts.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple rose tarts with cherry preserves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I4E3U4b_k85I7orSdclc7NiTBk-IXTtZsi2L2rNoTDKy_CArfQX947mBH34xf1qVLYhf70n599X6_bj2isn3ffX6CiFOwirgt-3ISjVPW71WlMGSs6At5GIo9qqy063Ilw5mOgyisIvu/s1600/tea+table+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1I4E3U4b_k85I7orSdclc7NiTBk-IXTtZsi2L2rNoTDKy_CArfQX947mBH34xf1qVLYhf70n599X6_bj2isn3ffX6CiFOwirgt-3ISjVPW71WlMGSs6At5GIo9qqy063Ilw5mOgyisIvu/s640/tea+table+1.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant tissue paper flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm26wYZA45SyCUH1rEw935A_SBZkhwfaoh9Z732QW5m3YT17dLQoffvFFEbhMpx8ZKJW4wtMPakXWcH_kWxntZ1rJHBp8IX_ZA1_eIf24nzrUD7j94DfMlMJEpjiNZ-uCMxYhEuFsvBiyI/s1600/teacups+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm26wYZA45SyCUH1rEw935A_SBZkhwfaoh9Z732QW5m3YT17dLQoffvFFEbhMpx8ZKJW4wtMPakXWcH_kWxntZ1rJHBp8IX_ZA1_eIf24nzrUD7j94DfMlMJEpjiNZ-uCMxYhEuFsvBiyI/s640/teacups+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper teacup favor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGAnrnrdtJRvikKMmy0u9UrzSUSrv7S4BdGb0r4xvrimqkG2eVazPunVLtCBrSPVtsai9J8wy1fRNJ4OJfjDMbI8dVtcCdtuutmEyJzm9hE5p_29lEv50U4SZGYpj38p_5NDuIIZPbn8B/s1600/teacups+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTGAnrnrdtJRvikKMmy0u9UrzSUSrv7S4BdGb0r4xvrimqkG2eVazPunVLtCBrSPVtsai9J8wy1fRNJ4OJfjDMbI8dVtcCdtuutmEyJzm9hE5p_29lEv50U4SZGYpj38p_5NDuIIZPbn8B/s640/teacups+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper teacup favors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bjosm0tY_mh1XevDQecYTMZkzGwwPqnJt1p1f3gQOIdY9EqWn_NA4YaAGYtnDY4Q_2HnJjbFvABma_QCiBkKf7euEgWm-Zq7gMbUUpoAvnOz7y4xmMJs_ispuYMRPuDWd_2nPGcsGgAf/s1600/teacups+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bjosm0tY_mh1XevDQecYTMZkzGwwPqnJt1p1f3gQOIdY9EqWn_NA4YaAGYtnDY4Q_2HnJjbFvABma_QCiBkKf7euEgWm-Zq7gMbUUpoAvnOz7y4xmMJs_ispuYMRPuDWd_2nPGcsGgAf/s640/teacups+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design a teacup-nametag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I think the best part, though, was being able to celebrate with so many friends in such a personal way. I've thought for a while about how strange birthdays can be. Isn't it so strange that we usually celebrate by having others treat us? When really our birthdays are a remembrance of how blessed we already are and of how much others have given to us, whether that's family or mentors or friends? And perhaps another natural response, then, would be to give out to others in return as celebration? I definitely enjoy receiving gifts and getting treated to nice things, and I also understand and love that someone's birthday is a time to appreciate and celebrate how much they mean to you - but for me this year, it became a challenge to give rather than to just receive.<br />
<br />
As much fun as it can be to go out to fancy places together, it was so precious to me that I was able to serve my friends in doing some of the things that I enjoy most.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO3JIdjLUR11IlnVeWG0CrO8nzpWdr05cuzKWCRp8-cltbR5emUgTNuBNUfEJjdjlToq_eQdQ591j7kO1TraHydJILKANgspgfXfjYDhLnajqsE1WYZu2SKunTIDnmMyS2SDNAoH14C7m/s1600/friends+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigO3JIdjLUR11IlnVeWG0CrO8nzpWdr05cuzKWCRp8-cltbR5emUgTNuBNUfEJjdjlToq_eQdQ591j7kO1TraHydJILKANgspgfXfjYDhLnajqsE1WYZu2SKunTIDnmMyS2SDNAoH14C7m/s640/friends+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dearly beloved friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDm6QcfOAPx114FjnjlR6VZDt_9_rAC7v_OtY_A_1OG-7gxd6lqRMbxG8I6RB198rFvUpj7MxWEhMYq1q-QlIqfftcgBO0wuHfx_vqu-v7mvoB32pSBRtkZTaO_cSPmAcSeMbwr3m1yz3/s1600/friends+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDm6QcfOAPx114FjnjlR6VZDt_9_rAC7v_OtY_A_1OG-7gxd6lqRMbxG8I6RB198rFvUpj7MxWEhMYq1q-QlIqfftcgBO0wuHfx_vqu-v7mvoB32pSBRtkZTaO_cSPmAcSeMbwr3m1yz3/s640/friends+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Far and near, old and new</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQc9-8l2YdRdqksQd6-KJiTB2y3kM8iyS9umwGAD2xVm2TxePf6V4-Ry9veVLttBVdCNqLjU7Lw-iw0NvP63_LLYoBTfmXBefqZ2dD90bqczDBAN3DBRTjtz7ue92GvH3KJ2XIQbgtTUB/s1600/friends+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQc9-8l2YdRdqksQd6-KJiTB2y3kM8iyS9umwGAD2xVm2TxePf6V4-Ry9veVLttBVdCNqLjU7Lw-iw0NvP63_LLYoBTfmXBefqZ2dD90bqczDBAN3DBRTjtz7ue92GvH3KJ2XIQbgtTUB/s640/friends+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They're too cute! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Some time ago, I wrote about how <a href="http://bluluhu.blogspot.com/2009/01/dumplings.html" target="_blank">my family's house reminded me of dumplings</a> - filled with love and joy. I can't help but think of it again. I hope that this house has been a dumpling house, and I hope that I can learn to grow more and more in helping to make one so.<br />
<br />
Thank you, friends who could make it and friends who could not but celebrated with me nonetheless!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijEpIKkiziNJchmu6uqDzIG1kTIllAR8uDRrBdulIUKtOWYtJBuK-y3ucZs0C5E-LTjLSBpoijlQLg68DecMeSbWWefNOSiwUrTRiqLdmWo6uMO1dWev_EF1Leiqnx4OC_3xXwFOpCYAq/s1600/lulu+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijEpIKkiziNJchmu6uqDzIG1kTIllAR8uDRrBdulIUKtOWYtJBuK-y3ucZs0C5E-LTjLSBpoijlQLg68DecMeSbWWefNOSiwUrTRiqLdmWo6uMO1dWev_EF1Leiqnx4OC_3xXwFOpCYAq/s640/lulu+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9T9DwdRgZKvrMW90YvhfCht0P620Hlow1nanR6IqPOJd_doKVED6_5FuPjtwZN1Yn4VCLM1FL-QMxoXvv_x6p5yM7j-hNNikPOvGzbcOlJAtkBYwWRQdhyphenhyphenEnW98zg_cj9Fob30YI-2Cc8/s1600/lulu+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9T9DwdRgZKvrMW90YvhfCht0P620Hlow1nanR6IqPOJd_doKVED6_5FuPjtwZN1Yn4VCLM1FL-QMxoXvv_x6p5yM7j-hNNikPOvGzbcOlJAtkBYwWRQdhyphenhyphenEnW98zg_cj9Fob30YI-2Cc8/s640/lulu+2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIfPXiSdT5jrxQTgr2KD7SJIekDV_FSE7VBUx-GqmiG4YzB1bSX8d0WBkPgAQxLhaSFjjrV4lbtF_Wf2GW1Qe_6neENX7TOWo993ndxNNixAqYaHgyvW-If7vUSrspFR5E3_sQJ2EedQc/s200/lulu.png" width="200" />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-37493174985795500762015-06-02T17:43:00.000-04:002015-06-02T17:43:17.949-04:00Minimalism May - A Recap<h1>
A month ago, <a href="http://bluluhu.blogspot.com/2015/04/minimalism-may.html" target="_blank">I started on a journey</a>. </h1>
<br />
For me, there were two main reasons:<br />
Personal, stemming from a conviction of materialism and poor stewardship,<br />
and Practical, since I just have so many things and really don't need them all.<br />
<br />
Basically, for each day of May, I tried to identify the same number of things to give, sell, or throw away that corresponded with the date of the month -- 1 item on May 1, 2 on May 2, and so on -- preferably things that can reused by others.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b>Well... 31 days later, it's complete!</b> </h2>
<br />
I've gathered a total of 496 things (technically, more than that since I grouped several of those together) for giving, donating, selling, and throwing. Of those, 44 were thrown away, and the remaining 452 I've either already sold or given away, or am preparing to do so very soon.<br />
<br />
There were some days when it was really easy to find things, and even days that I charged ahead and set aside things that would hold me over for multiple days into the future. On the other hand, there were definitely days that I didn't think I would finish because I couldn't bear the thought of breaking into my stores of carefully collected of <i>stuff</i>... In fact, even though I <i>did </i>break into those hoards, I was still not able to part with many of those crafting materials that I originally mentioned!! Definitely a defeat in that respect...<br />
<br />
Also I originally tried commit to not buying anything new in the month of May, but I need to confess: I acquired a used window AC unit and some clothing from a Memorial Day sale and swap, and I adopted some yarn from my roommate who moved out... To be fair though, I subtracted that number from my count and made sure to make it up by giving away extra! :X<br />
<br />
<h2>
Details aside... how do I feel now? </h2>
<br />
I definitely feel a lot lighter. My closet is more organized. I actually know where everything is (since I've torn through and rearranged everything like a madwoman). I finally vacuumed the deep recesses of my room that I thought I would never get to. And, I actually feel like I could keep going!!<br />
<br />
As much as I feel all cleaned out, I also know there is more that I could find if I were to have another go... After doing this exercise of literally unpacking everything from every storage space I have onto the floor or table or bed and meticulously going through them piece of piece, I can so easily see how much I have, and I so appreciate the overflowing abundance that God has blessed me with. It was very easy to acquire all these things since I'm such a packrat, but it was also surprisingly easy to admit and embrace the facts that, No, I really don't need to hold onto them, and Yes, I really would be happy for someone else to enjoy them.<br />
<br />
I wish I could show you a picture of my pristine and meticulous house now, but in reality most of the stuff is still stored in large bags awaiting their final destination, wherever that will be. So basically it still looks messy. But I think that's part of the journey! To get somewhere, we may have to trudge through a whole bunch of chaos along the way. I think it was worth it.<br />
<br />
<h2>
So, what's next? </h2>
<br />
I'd love for friends to come and take those things! There's lots of clothing, jewelry, barely worn shoes, accessories, office supplies, trinkets, etc etc etc. I'm hoping to host a get-together for just that!<br />
<br />
Also, in the process of cleaning out the masses, I identified several pieces of clothing that I really like but wished were just a <i>little</i> bit different. So, I'm hereby starting a new project that I am calling:<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Alterations June </b></h3>
<br />
It doesn't really have a ring to it like Minimalism May... Any suggestions for a better name?? This is also an open invitation to join! In fact, Connie has already signed up to join me! Anybody else interested?? :)<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-7997666971614676862015-04-29T17:47:00.002-04:002015-04-29T17:47:35.665-04:00Minimalism May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Annie and I are starting something new this May! Want to join us?? (Yes, of course you do!) </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOI-tEWHqUS71EbRkOtex3pNvjR7NzbYm3gEcbR_gH6PyV9AO_NT7INTz2rD3izeX2Fm6hDQ5ldrK8so1JE2jkIilpYpeXmfpmNXWcQZ8PGppnoR4Dw92cuFalS9147iLI_SWKNHyEpMo/s1600/min1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYOI-tEWHqUS71EbRkOtex3pNvjR7NzbYm3gEcbR_gH6PyV9AO_NT7INTz2rD3izeX2Fm6hDQ5ldrK8so1JE2jkIilpYpeXmfpmNXWcQZ8PGppnoR4Dw92cuFalS9147iLI_SWKNHyEpMo/s1600/min1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An actual corner of my closet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.bcec.net/" target="_blank">Our church</a> is going through a series on generosity, and between that, recent conversations about living with less and giving away more, and the latest trends around minimalism and <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/23/garden/home-organization-advice-from-marie-kondo.html?_r=0" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a>, Annie and I thought it was timely to welcome Spring in (because in Boston, Spring is only just beginning!) with a little challenge of our own. Starting May 1st, we will try to give or throw something away each day of the month -- 1 item on May 1, 2 on May 2, and so on -- preferably things that can reused by others.<br />
<br />
<b>The original challenge that inspired us</b>: <a href="http://www.theminimalists.com/game/">www.theminimalists.com/game/</a><br />
Annie found this call-to-action, and we changed the rules a bit to better match our goals and circumstances. We wanted to put some of what we're learning through our sermon series into practice, so we'll try to focus on how we can be more generous with our resources rather than just throwing things away for the sake of pruning (although I'm sure that will happen too!). We also thought that the "out by midnight" rule may be unrealistic for us at this time, so we'll be tracking our progress on Google Spreadsheets to keep accountable and arrange what to do with the things later.<br />
<br />
<b>BTW {disclaimer}, </b>I'm not pursuing or advocating asceticism by any means - just following a personal conviction to hold onto less stuff. Very difficult for someone like me who just <b><i>loves </i></b>to have tubs (literally) of stuff "just in case", for "sentimental reasons", or "artistic inspiration", or that "someday-i'll-get-to-it-craft" (confession: I held onto a "someday-craft" gallon-size bag of PS/2 keyboard keys for YEARS - which of course never happened!)... I've actually been thinking for a long time about how easily I hoard and get tight-fisted over things, and especially over my time. One of my long-term goals is to learn to be more generous and more content with less. So as much as I'm NOT looking forward to parting with those precious "someday-crafts"and the like, I AM eager to take this challenge as part of my bigger goal, and hopefully in the process, learn to be more generous in other areas of my life as well.<br />
<br />
<b>Your turn! </b>This is an open invitation for you to join us! You don't have to do exactly the same thing, but if you want to join, we can encourage each other to stay on track and even add you to our spreadsheet (if you want). Don't feel pressured to make up your mind right now either - you can think about it and start at any time. :) Whatever your personal convictions are, this can be a fun and challenging exercise to live with less, not to mention get a great kick off on that Spring cleaning if you haven't started already!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-48668445543876770862015-04-19T23:30:00.001-04:002015-04-20T20:51:11.137-04:00New BeginningsThis past week was a whirlwind!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I had quit my job, traveled by plane and road-tripping to three different states, saw all of my family and some dear friends in the course of one week, and now am in Maine to begin orientation at my new work. I can't believe how fast it all went by! It has been a very sweet, full, and admittedly tiring week away, and although I am plumb tuckered out from the road tripping and jam-packed days from before, I am also eager and excited to begin a new chapter. </div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNrWiSPRXELJQpuaa9tyufprVVTu4jiPXHeksPdTtFLQ5b7sCHAxHc6MpRre3yAD97lDkdrL4Umt79EsR-eGtQaFfZjJLQN1YVzUgh3gh9pXarfJzlrt_QoU4xNo_IacPRFrviYS7QF2J/s1600/blogger-image-638728474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKNrWiSPRXELJQpuaa9tyufprVVTu4jiPXHeksPdTtFLQ5b7sCHAxHc6MpRre3yAD97lDkdrL4Umt79EsR-eGtQaFfZjJLQN1YVzUgh3gh9pXarfJzlrt_QoU4xNo_IacPRFrviYS7QF2J/s1600/blogger-image-638728474.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet goodbyes from coworkers!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4Ji7vZhrq6dq2o_qkZbHmAyeIa8-JbqLa7pbyWRbvg87-ZOHMa6mImPyxvmVJOJynSpwO0WFTPktgjYzV6W47jgfccHpMAwOOMFNmWleKIUX-EoTzW2sxH3HofOKH60A7zjohr6FTW7K/s1600/blogger-image-897757796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4Ji7vZhrq6dq2o_qkZbHmAyeIa8-JbqLa7pbyWRbvg87-ZOHMa6mImPyxvmVJOJynSpwO0WFTPktgjYzV6W47jgfccHpMAwOOMFNmWleKIUX-EoTzW2sxH3HofOKH60A7zjohr6FTW7K/s1600/blogger-image-897757796.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lobsters for the family!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir94EzZVuZBhyphenhyphenBZhgNnsfu86C1pQhdvZlWr81OlqnPSUac1koFbsKdOiecocs7GJBnG-s4uHRcY_7DMwU8hsZTMcS15P22YoPmxzS2AfPkkJMzmtuCwYM4-72AkHXsJvi9QT6yGuZJ_x3T/s1600/blogger-image--635751523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir94EzZVuZBhyphenhyphenBZhgNnsfu86C1pQhdvZlWr81OlqnPSUac1koFbsKdOiecocs7GJBnG-s4uHRcY_7DMwU8hsZTMcS15P22YoPmxzS2AfPkkJMzmtuCwYM4-72AkHXsJvi9QT6yGuZJ_x3T/s1600/blogger-image--635751523.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday to dad!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXms7r6tM1Al6N4XsI9Vo6fUgGNkFT5FCoIQRSp3aJl0kYSM8kSOdF7hT36h786SKQ4deq5XdWuyV7bw5Iul_BDd79MbaexRqKuRy5bB5pXkgqIQj7-bLdC7lUhtD8eADOwOPzSoNUC4Kg/s1600/blogger-image-496985222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXms7r6tM1Al6N4XsI9Vo6fUgGNkFT5FCoIQRSp3aJl0kYSM8kSOdF7hT36h786SKQ4deq5XdWuyV7bw5Iul_BDd79MbaexRqKuRy5bB5pXkgqIQj7-bLdC7lUhtD8eADOwOPzSoNUC4Kg/s1600/blogger-image-496985222.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skipos Reunion! Photo by Cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPDk9AzZCtHkxo1YCmmZj9ZTN1GJrUDIAltUVE1ZylBUBu_pD6wLOOlrpWZv_Vm5coS4ARB9JUxVACjNJKlSF4io8s-P5KpX7hs_FW6YrOCHnRdGZMlVmGDqzsBcUDnEULOfLadbaT4ev/s1600/blogger-image--940712172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLPDk9AzZCtHkxo1YCmmZj9ZTN1GJrUDIAltUVE1ZylBUBu_pD6wLOOlrpWZv_Vm5coS4ARB9JUxVACjNJKlSF4io8s-P5KpX7hs_FW6YrOCHnRdGZMlVmGDqzsBcUDnEULOfLadbaT4ev/s1600/blogger-image--940712172.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skipos! Photo by Cat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoVOhI6bBoLMHj2FU6YEb1i93uSWWR3sWYxQeHnukCaWS1MBM1qckadz9S85rJS3d9QJL566iDkeR_6TNjY-YAnAR7f2_lIe0Nmd7cdOe3gEg8vlG87QLLFPMZ8XdSHHZR8r11YuE82Si/s1600/blogger-image-1964842194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoVOhI6bBoLMHj2FU6YEb1i93uSWWR3sWYxQeHnukCaWS1MBM1qckadz9S85rJS3d9QJL566iDkeR_6TNjY-YAnAR7f2_lIe0Nmd7cdOe3gEg8vlG87QLLFPMZ8XdSHHZR8r11YuE82Si/s1600/blogger-image-1964842194.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Aquarium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEnveZSe2voZcAkO6YGhhnZkhHis6BsJbndj7T1fI_8t46we_4luusQu5X-WOUV2JSEx6g3EoLRLJKqkptVgKjE_El74kg6x0cG8YMAy6H56-v_OqzP-DoQEiEETQSforP106t-sBo8s2/s1600/blogger-image-1613075685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEnveZSe2voZcAkO6YGhhnZkhHis6BsJbndj7T1fI_8t46we_4luusQu5X-WOUV2JSEx6g3EoLRLJKqkptVgKjE_El74kg6x0cG8YMAy6H56-v_OqzP-DoQEiEETQSforP106t-sBo8s2/s1600/blogger-image-1613075685.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making new friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-CGxNMH6oikjPvh5wXIRKKKNl-4Y836NP7SkuK_5mcUhieOb8jRIdoaH1zSvypVfGjtYTfhyphenhyphenG4kFIf8V1dR79tpKQtjwcK71G5GdSWiMos6wyjQlawqeSV8wN_Kv91q4OmS6kx5RcMGn/s1600/blogger-image-1905295068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-CGxNMH6oikjPvh5wXIRKKKNl-4Y836NP7SkuK_5mcUhieOb8jRIdoaH1zSvypVfGjtYTfhyphenhyphenG4kFIf8V1dR79tpKQtjwcK71G5GdSWiMos6wyjQlawqeSV8wN_Kv91q4OmS6kx5RcMGn/s1600/blogger-image-1905295068.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jellyfishing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8YY3c-KelhmD_f9tui7Y_9jSuHGFKoAaFoVBWmpSNKoLnTduIjHS9XqSTxLCLwQ666pG3OUTzSsQikOfjs8q91pJ9QVuIFqDd3f6aNDH5SFQQUW0QIaGej7XfAnjUeZX96tgns_q-qcv/s1600/blogger-image--141345142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8YY3c-KelhmD_f9tui7Y_9jSuHGFKoAaFoVBWmpSNKoLnTduIjHS9XqSTxLCLwQ666pG3OUTzSsQikOfjs8q91pJ9QVuIFqDd3f6aNDH5SFQQUW0QIaGej7XfAnjUeZX96tgns_q-qcv/s1600/blogger-image--141345142.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday celebrations in Baltimore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
This is probably the earliest that I will be going to sleep since last week! And surprisingly I think that tonight has been the most restful and reflective night that I've had since starting my roadtrips. (Ok, I guess it's not that surprising if I had really thought about it...) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking forward to new beginnings! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8RHKv5RxaITGxZNzYLQgXe9sqzszRCoBE6Caqyj2sPpxFiY3yUO3zOTAMr8RNLNG5o7_9A4tGIBTVxcVKRSFCGPjjPsd39tJmW-O-fd0LweM_mPfACB0GIb18EIuyybVCru_akkF-H81/s1600/blogger-image--1319044892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg8RHKv5RxaITGxZNzYLQgXe9sqzszRCoBE6Caqyj2sPpxFiY3yUO3zOTAMr8RNLNG5o7_9A4tGIBTVxcVKRSFCGPjjPsd39tJmW-O-fd0LweM_mPfACB0GIb18EIuyybVCru_akkF-H81/s1600/blogger-image--1319044892.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good night from Maine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-91246542562683648912015-03-26T17:30:00.000-04:002015-03-26T17:30:35.808-04:00There is 3 in tres leches!(but there are no tres leches in this post, sorry)<br />
<br />
This past weekend marked three years for David and me. I can't believe how quickly three years have already gone by! He had planned a really lovely day-trip, but unfortunately we got snowed out that morning (and right after the Spring Equinox too).. Nevertheless, we got to celebrate! A few highlights - we made it to brunch at <a href="http://www.zaftigs.com/" target="_blank">Zaftigs</a> after a recently failed attempt (they are just too popular) and finally watched Despicable Me (him for the first time). We also got some tasty plates at <a href="http://thebutchershopboston.com/" target="_blank">The Butcher Shop</a> for dinner, including The Most Delicious Steak (that we've ever had???) and a surprisingly delicious steak tartare (which I initially thought looked like Ragu...oops). By dinner time, the skies had cleared up and we were able to walk around to get some much-needed exercise (and froyo, of course). Hooray!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_QXYZhCMRYSKYN6Rk5VhmZvBkQp-aJD0dQaOjiSs89yfLCq_7TR5TQEWnyKyPV7V1A5f_2Zn4V7_Df0lAr3DSzJ9cDET2LevKpBlGaVOWKSFXSYUrSdBav5QzLH5QNs2M6GOlD9Spv8v/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+5+44+58+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_QXYZhCMRYSKYN6Rk5VhmZvBkQp-aJD0dQaOjiSs89yfLCq_7TR5TQEWnyKyPV7V1A5f_2Zn4V7_Df0lAr3DSzJ9cDET2LevKpBlGaVOWKSFXSYUrSdBav5QzLH5QNs2M6GOlD9Spv8v/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+5+44+58+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before heading to dinner from the garage - it was finally clear!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAckr-Hkol90XTnS3-0lKLSmSwMYRv90TwzE5A1pW6O03m9G3G61m9vzv9ltipE2g_l03dJOnHnug0ElkT8Er79RExyjTRrJBhASJCnx1eDz_ihYVE7XLDSIwaWrJPByABQrdQwSH-uFB/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+6+35+11+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAckr-Hkol90XTnS3-0lKLSmSwMYRv90TwzE5A1pW6O03m9G3G61m9vzv9ltipE2g_l03dJOnHnug0ElkT8Er79RExyjTRrJBhASJCnx1eDz_ihYVE7XLDSIwaWrJPByABQrdQwSH-uFB/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+6+35+11+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petite charcuterie. Can't remember what each thing was.. but they were tasty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWql-auV_Y-6CC6ZftlMfP5BsWc9H25mylvnWzGF_5_X94kTa00FJ0EC-Cefm4BuctjiKDO8_Squo2nAM1NTUOoEWSwsA9aFKxQQz1Zq1buslXYCNzHHEsmUxhuJd9PPl3_nYRJTEXrzKn/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+6+35+15+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWql-auV_Y-6CC6ZftlMfP5BsWc9H25mylvnWzGF_5_X94kTa00FJ0EC-Cefm4BuctjiKDO8_Squo2nAM1NTUOoEWSwsA9aFKxQQz1Zq1buslXYCNzHHEsmUxhuJd9PPl3_nYRJTEXrzKn/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+6+35+15+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak tartare, pickled onions, and super buttery toast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8Uq-EDZ4tReHD3mkpmPLyciWiMKkn33PSiqnqLwJ49SLOaDB4UrY4ZpLR4fh0ia0tVplzVgRSCk0zPwCfdnOknk_cGDHpLAtFff5GU4CfQCrrr6a8ThCE52cRdb0KBP_wqVaxfln8C_d/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+7+04+25+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP8Uq-EDZ4tReHD3mkpmPLyciWiMKkn33PSiqnqLwJ49SLOaDB4UrY4ZpLR4fh0ia0tVplzVgRSCk0zPwCfdnOknk_cGDHpLAtFff5GU4CfQCrrr6a8ThCE52cRdb0KBP_wqVaxfln8C_d/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+7+04+25+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best steak we've ever had! I think it was "Wagyu"?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<br />
David also prepared another surprise for me - a <a href="http://us.cricut.com/home/learn/machines/explore-family" target="_blank">Cricut Explore</a>! I seriously couldn't believe it when he brought it in!! The Cricut is a super cool printer-type machine that can automatically cut out custom designs (and can draw them too)! I first learned about Cricut several years ago while designing wedding invitations for some friends. Since then, I'd entertained the thought of getting one several times but ultimately decided it was too much of a splurge. I even tried entering contests to win one, but to no avail (little did I know...)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf_NLXoYe0xHTViHx8-4wG2iGcBTJoLnotDOre92-_sPAwqyBLepGru3XXzuC53-vJlupvZz0-iDwTeP9ND_mY767dtMTz5OhArheCkIpPIYXdwhQUPz4qlacH-C7eUVy1GMySqqaRI2y/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+12+29+03+PM+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPf_NLXoYe0xHTViHx8-4wG2iGcBTJoLnotDOre92-_sPAwqyBLepGru3XXzuC53-vJlupvZz0-iDwTeP9ND_mY767dtMTz5OhArheCkIpPIYXdwhQUPz4qlacH-C7eUVy1GMySqqaRI2y/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+12+29+03+PM+(1).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a lot bigger than I imagined!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTKItGjWwAGwuU9NoLA5EbDZqAzao6Kcefe_vWETgdnsKQxgmMlUaPbvfzS4W5_m-eV-VNzkhb2CDGQI_iAV1N4DjzkGGc0rE_CANEiDfDGGY3ZVhQFitju-q26NBpIWU8roHfGK1JHct/s1600/lulu-opening-gift.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTKItGjWwAGwuU9NoLA5EbDZqAzao6Kcefe_vWETgdnsKQxgmMlUaPbvfzS4W5_m-eV-VNzkhb2CDGQI_iAV1N4DjzkGGc0rE_CANEiDfDGGY3ZVhQFitju-q26NBpIWU8roHfGK1JHct/s1600/lulu-opening-gift.gif" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He took almost 80 pictures of me unboxing it, so of course I had to make a movie<br />
(this does not include all 80 photos)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
I've done papercutting for a while, starting around middle/high school. I took a little hiatus during college, resurfacing for little projects here and there, but I recently started doing more for fun and for friends/family. I've also been doing more wedding designs for friends, and (this is a secret, shh!!) have been contemplating opening up a store sometime in the future. David has always encouraged me to keep pursuing my dreams despite my own doubts and misgivings, and this gift pointed me again to exactly that. Thank you, David, for your patient and steady love, support, and mutual chiseling through these years -- Happy three years!!!<br />
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfV0Z5ZJ_WgIn2Ny6cSN7apCLQJWx4fxsR8d-YzqAWBL9B6vh5g9Iebzf6-6D0lw3iX5kyN6kceLqr1l5Vmj7f2GTPdwU-Ac9tMKtds4J2aLyU8yMm3sa0ByGHMn-CCGzQgXrDSgpPwh3/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+5+45+07+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfV0Z5ZJ_WgIn2Ny6cSN7apCLQJWx4fxsR8d-YzqAWBL9B6vh5g9Iebzf6-6D0lw3iX5kyN6kceLqr1l5Vmj7f2GTPdwU-Ac9tMKtds4J2aLyU8yMm3sa0ByGHMn-CCGzQgXrDSgpPwh3/s1600/Photo+Mar+21,+5+45+07+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">:D :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-36551360412360783832015-03-15T23:08:00.000-04:002015-03-15T23:22:26.259-04:00Knitting season and projects talkWe're finally getting to see some sidewalk (as well as leftover doggy poo from before-the-snow-storms) and snow-meltage here! We had a couple very warm deceptively hopeful days that caused this change, but Spring is not meant to be just yet... Even so, I take the recent rain and sidewalk reveal to mean that knitting season is almost over (ok, it's never over!! It's just harder to wear the things that I knit during the warmer months).<br />
<br />
I finished a few more projects recently!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/luluhu/nalu-mitts" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/luluhu/289911107/Photo_Mar_07__2_08_23_PM_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/luluhu/nalu-mitts" target="_blank">A pair of handwarmers for my roommate's birthday (one is slightly longer than the other... oops!)</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/luluhu/thermos-cozy" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://images4-d.ravelrycache.com/uploads/luluhu/291583648/Photo_Mar_15__10_10_05_PM_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/luluhu/thermos-cozy" target="_blank">Yet another cozy for my thermos to keep it super extra warm</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I still have two more on my list, one already started and the other still in the sketchbooks, but I'm hoping to finish them before the Spring sets in so that maaaybe I can get one wear out of them before storing them away! One is a scarf, and the other is a Norwegian-star patterned earflap hat - probably one of the more ambitious projects for me right now since I haven't done much fair isle before. Ok, so that one might not be done before Spring begins...<br />
<br />
<br />
In other making-things news since my last post:<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1539164875"></span><span id="goog_1539164876"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH24ACsCKK07-w_OmWkMeImPYoy9TLhpngh8QqvyN_scJi-dhnUNjtelkBIsZuwyoxeoCABSOpRhTce-_xdcZTkbgvATrwoQsDv554wvopJimwK_H81JK7NRxziPRWSR0sJVCj1dC76pkc/s1600/Photo+Feb+21,+7+02+44+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH24ACsCKK07-w_OmWkMeImPYoy9TLhpngh8QqvyN_scJi-dhnUNjtelkBIsZuwyoxeoCABSOpRhTce-_xdcZTkbgvATrwoQsDv554wvopJimwK_H81JK7NRxziPRWSR0sJVCj1dC76pkc/s1600/Photo+Feb+21,+7+02+44+PM.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">blueberry mini cheesecakes (a little squished)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsodWjqzT88nYpZSkakvWz5lrwbITDHZMHbclpKdgkQ_r_bAGQXui60wHaCACCGXrrR1qE4ElFNQTQ7_JotKl_eNfgIZ9i-L1qKWeohyNfGx_UWMXtsHCDE69cUM41Jpk7I9Te9QZeLYF/s1600/Photo+Mar+07,+11+13+31+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsodWjqzT88nYpZSkakvWz5lrwbITDHZMHbclpKdgkQ_r_bAGQXui60wHaCACCGXrrR1qE4ElFNQTQ7_JotKl_eNfgIZ9i-L1qKWeohyNfGx_UWMXtsHCDE69cUM41Jpk7I9Te9QZeLYF/s1600/Photo+Mar+07,+11+13+31+PM.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">juggling </span>pompoms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8E-iF9I-bn1B-WX3xnm58IMHJzvd1Inl4QmcK4wOrCd-wJiXNjQZn0hv0JSadZy4TjQ934B_lP3dPTzePJkHi7UVno9Zr13B9Gt5X3-Il9GyYl8odtjkNj1bLtHz1U2-E_6_V7Gd8HIu/s1600/Photo+Mar+10,+8+03+38+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8E-iF9I-bn1B-WX3xnm58IMHJzvd1Inl4QmcK4wOrCd-wJiXNjQZn0hv0JSadZy4TjQ934B_lP3dPTzePJkHi7UVno9Zr13B9Gt5X3-Il9GyYl8odtjkNj1bLtHz1U2-E_6_V7Gd8HIu/s1600/Photo+Mar+10,+8+03+38+AM.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">card</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMs9FjUg_2Z5DoAoC7b2lKDqhoPBod0h9T9BGd_44HRUu8nCRW_f3MO5EiJzMC87VrsGBEZ-70f7tsImslk6SLqLXw09lApvyul_slPrBEP2Lz7qgbb3aBrSy7Ugar9v8zpURA24EJRjTC/s1600/Photo+Mar+10,+8+04+16+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMs9FjUg_2Z5DoAoC7b2lKDqhoPBod0h9T9BGd_44HRUu8nCRW_f3MO5EiJzMC87VrsGBEZ-70f7tsImslk6SLqLXw09lApvyul_slPrBEP2Lz7qgbb3aBrSy7Ugar9v8zpURA24EJRjTC/s1600/Photo+Mar+10,+8+04+16+AM.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">with 3d lettering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/luluhu/brioche-infinity-scarf" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelrycache.com/uploads/luluhu/290797013/Photo_Mar_11__1_10_44_PM_medium2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/luluhu/brioche-infinity-scarf" target="_blank">brioche scarf, a la Kei!</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The brioche scarf was directly copied from Kei's scarf :) It took me so long to finally finish! I think Kei's scarf is a lovelier shade of maroon, but I like this all the same! The brioche stitch makes it SO soft, plushy, stretchy, and warm.<br />
<br />
All in all, it's been a pretty crazy month in general and I'm pretty shocked at how quickly it's already gone by! To be fair, February is a short month. Right now, if I were a student again, it would be Spring break! Too bad we don't get those anymore though... I guess that is what vacations are for?<br />
<br />
For now, I'll keep jotting down some hopes and dreams for warmer weather, and madly try to finish the last of these on-hold projects in the meantime!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-68878285601672625712015-02-16T23:48:00.002-05:002015-02-16T23:48:22.931-05:00Crafty and snowy daysThere have been a lot of snow days in Boston recently, and as a result, a lot of crafting as I've holed up in my cozy room with mug after mug of piping hot water (and sometimes hot cocoa and string cheese, but not together, of course).<br />
<br />
Fair warning - this post has a LOT of pictures! Sorry, I didn't realize it until I'd finish writing. Well, read on below, you can scroll right down if you'd rather not be overloaded with jpg-blast!<br />
<br />
First, a lovely view of Boston from recent days (from CNN iReport):<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://instagram.com/p/zK5Lv7F86g/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_top">A photo posted by CNN iReport (@cnnireport)</a> on <time datetime="2015-02-16T17:20:12+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Feb 16, 2015 at 9:20am PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
As much as I love snow and even enjoy shoveling to a certain degree (haha, <i>degree</i>, get it), I concur with the many around me who cry, <i>we've had enough!</i> Very thankfully though, we've only had a few casualties in mostly broken shovels and frozen toes, and my neighborhood still has wonderful heat, plumbing, and electricity.<br />
<br />
With all the being-stuck-inside days recently, I have surprisingly not developed any sort of cabin fever! That's mostly because I've been finally getting a move on the many projects on my list. I'm planning quite a few big projects in the next few months, but here are a couple of smaller ones that I've finished in the first weeks of 2015 so far!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6WdRxMztF7fpR9kIxmEvUrAg6va5L6F__nnEr0u3-n1CXxINaBezpexpys87KIr-yyufl11pfqQuD31Mi7XGCCB1wNywkK8nenMgJv84OEVq0_QIW1BNAkjj4r4tzSAR_8jdKI_05paR/s1600/Photo+Jan+27,+12+13+37+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6WdRxMztF7fpR9kIxmEvUrAg6va5L6F__nnEr0u3-n1CXxINaBezpexpys87KIr-yyufl11pfqQuD31Mi7XGCCB1wNywkK8nenMgJv84OEVq0_QIW1BNAkjj4r4tzSAR_8jdKI_05paR/s1600/Photo+Jan+27,+12+13+37+PM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A scarf, aptly titled "Procragratification scarf", which I made while procrastinating on all the other projects I was supposed to finish up<br />
<br />
<b>Sidenote</b> - I have a bunch more Ravelry projects! Come and connect with me if you're also on it! :) <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/luluhu">http://www.ravelry.com/people/luluhu</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgy7hw8XSSur9_NVebPovR9kyHdN1S3HSorlW7I-mijzpISSYBV88iCdOqDyH-ULKytjwx6C10IlfcY_Q85qEPiwIXbT8aXZvVCGY9FUmNiVgk3cSHU8-Csd78oZBna6lC_R8tc78E4pw/s1600/Photo+Feb+13,+12+36+17+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHgy7hw8XSSur9_NVebPovR9kyHdN1S3HSorlW7I-mijzpISSYBV88iCdOqDyH-ULKytjwx6C10IlfcY_Q85qEPiwIXbT8aXZvVCGY9FUmNiVgk3cSHU8-Csd78oZBna6lC_R8tc78E4pw/s1600/Photo+Feb+13,+12+36+17+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A penguin I made for David this Valentine's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwrCaDItzyR-E31sRyAHmuU1OyalFg8JZmaapERp24DtLVfSv2k_J68k1A9o1Y-HfdP9JjKTKpyvNLHW4xfe9obvWXmq5rp3E7W2kR0jrPRmNH2oWtYlDBsne3W3w720RYxjFKBWxtu8m/s1600/Photo+Feb+13,+12+36+52+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXwrCaDItzyR-E31sRyAHmuU1OyalFg8JZmaapERp24DtLVfSv2k_J68k1A9o1Y-HfdP9JjKTKpyvNLHW4xfe9obvWXmq5rp3E7W2kR0jrPRmNH2oWtYlDBsne3W3w720RYxjFKBWxtu8m/s1600/Photo+Feb+13,+12+36+52+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With interchangeable accessories! I started off with one set only but then I got really into it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdItT8BHBw2EcrfgiaUu_bA_7yhvc3KxXVkFXkvULyagJ1z2dqx575oh0wbZiM1lc06XbbRgjE5r2TfeIoor8UcijuQxGUVog7EKXYPzMrnWgXpwUZaxnC9q7HBxYoTkdAdD6bMSfqbNi/s1600/Photo+Feb+14,+1+29+02+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdItT8BHBw2EcrfgiaUu_bA_7yhvc3KxXVkFXkvULyagJ1z2dqx575oh0wbZiM1lc06XbbRgjE5r2TfeIoor8UcijuQxGUVog7EKXYPzMrnWgXpwUZaxnC9q7HBxYoTkdAdD6bMSfqbNi/s1600/Photo+Feb+14,+1+29+02+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little note to go with the penguin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvvBbA0k1ZAUV93CcbUZ4oGnNtuW1u2Arp2PI3-HMggiJge8QvRceCtA739K_cr6NrBMwmU6Dmzo82O7J4LsoO4XCDHI2Defvi_yLbHB9t-VO2tgnbJbxCUg4vWgoJEBuI9QoICUVd-KD/s1600/Photo+Feb+14,+1+25+26+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvvBbA0k1ZAUV93CcbUZ4oGnNtuW1u2Arp2PI3-HMggiJge8QvRceCtA739K_cr6NrBMwmU6Dmzo82O7J4LsoO4XCDHI2Defvi_yLbHB9t-VO2tgnbJbxCUg4vWgoJEBuI9QoICUVd-KD/s1600/Photo+Feb+14,+1+25+26+AM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside: Reuse-reduce-recycle the cut out heart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxSU92EgoXA2T_h7jhPlVaQqqKknDnxsVAMe1DZyUeTVZX_FfDdcXaIl-gtDX-WeFWZ-irnGoIv5ErOSXHv-0tODVVu0Sb_Vov7L8UFt23JqHtRrwt-gYsJ9r1a45xIATGatwfgj8jkgl/s1600/Photo+Feb+13,+2+44+00+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxSU92EgoXA2T_h7jhPlVaQqqKknDnxsVAMe1DZyUeTVZX_FfDdcXaIl-gtDX-WeFWZ-irnGoIv5ErOSXHv-0tODVVu0Sb_Vov7L8UFt23JqHtRrwt-gYsJ9r1a45xIATGatwfgj8jkgl/s1600/Photo+Feb+13,+2+44+00+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chinese New Year cards for Year of the Sheep</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId1fiWpmv12jOO4pBjPeBqrDU3UD9iBaEHSYWTj1CGwSWXrv4UGr7t3z6zBeAJP5X3uDcuUpWmtLj-qEfJQ1Ddqj8f0h9yGLdE52XrYY2oyuX6dV4klsKv8OM_LNbBG5xMT8YY4w8LzN5/s1600/Photo+Jan+06,+12+13+42+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId1fiWpmv12jOO4pBjPeBqrDU3UD9iBaEHSYWTj1CGwSWXrv4UGr7t3z6zBeAJP5X3uDcuUpWmtLj-qEfJQ1Ddqj8f0h9yGLdE52XrYY2oyuX6dV4klsKv8OM_LNbBG5xMT8YY4w8LzN5/s1600/Photo+Jan+06,+12+13+42+AM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding card for the new Mr. and Mrs. Chin - Congrats!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvL4PccoI7KifpRu43pGb7E9pLktU9xGDSoB8O4f2bEpg-_e5eRxr1_qSZkSUmT1T5lPsjg36v3xY2Pttx227Xis-Fxf34PLBkEboBw3uG3R0hr4XX-z1iODIDIkiet_hCquY8odHOrYI/s1600/Photo+Oct+25,+8+21+45+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvL4PccoI7KifpRu43pGb7E9pLktU9xGDSoB8O4f2bEpg-_e5eRxr1_qSZkSUmT1T5lPsjg36v3xY2Pttx227Xis-Fxf34PLBkEboBw3uG3R0hr4XX-z1iODIDIkiet_hCquY8odHOrYI/s1600/Photo+Oct+25,+8+21+45+PM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some "gratitude journals" for my Sunday School class! I kept one for myself too :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5Pf4TN-1CrSfUZYkJKH8uw_qVz-rKNSLCe6yWllpE764mGdV3mj2BIBnQ0PznSnfOjSyRPr7KaYSqPY2hqqCF5jCBLUUcpUJD9FhvBjF2rOOH4OwtEPxvjKpo52V44rBKeV7BvBMWanh/s1600/Photo+Jan+31,+7+44+10+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5Pf4TN-1CrSfUZYkJKH8uw_qVz-rKNSLCe6yWllpE764mGdV3mj2BIBnQ0PznSnfOjSyRPr7KaYSqPY2hqqCF5jCBLUUcpUJD9FhvBjF2rOOH4OwtEPxvjKpo52V44rBKeV7BvBMWanh/s1600/Photo+Jan+31,+7+44+10+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learned to patch some holes in my nice wool sweaters (handed down from mom!) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxybYVU7VDUwAyaD0yyCeBVJjWoBYxBkbHsIOHZmCWjV83-Jr8gsXNY-G3BJPBR34rcX5deIOxG3ezeW85g-bT0eKdIh7vVUCtOfFs-ESiHfT9l243OGg8HbVpytErG9prngmMGTdiZiV/s1600/Photo+Jan+31,+7+55+16+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxybYVU7VDUwAyaD0yyCeBVJjWoBYxBkbHsIOHZmCWjV83-Jr8gsXNY-G3BJPBR34rcX5deIOxG3ezeW85g-bT0eKdIh7vVUCtOfFs-ESiHfT9l243OGg8HbVpytErG9prngmMGTdiZiV/s1600/Photo+Jan+31,+7+55+16+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not QUITE there yet, but this was the closest one</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEziGuPJD2axtVotX4Gi8TR9lTcr5apEynHgCjmlVcHUS-piXmArfpa14CxTC2IbjsW1x6veszklPmlpf3UoVpI1sta3evBTc8U2cC2R27thD8SKlLHtiWlNmgwpOuk3WTozGDvntG20aP/s1600/Photo+Feb+15,+5+45+34+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEziGuPJD2axtVotX4Gi8TR9lTcr5apEynHgCjmlVcHUS-piXmArfpa14CxTC2IbjsW1x6veszklPmlpf3UoVpI1sta3evBTc8U2cC2R27thD8SKlLHtiWlNmgwpOuk3WTozGDvntG20aP/s1600/Photo+Feb+15,+5+45+34+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through inspiration from Tiffany, I impoved this old knitting needles holder that I made a while back... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiZ84eSMZrKUzaFjjBgX0jAnmW_SY7ZgRzsEOJkLVfNZ2fH65I0vlmK9WXAPbP-f6AZAujZZq2s8fB9kf_eakxhlGO_ux1-IWsMgCuGdUDvLxcXe9q9R1a9Vn45sTI_sB7vpjS_WY2KgA/s1600/Photo+Feb+15,+5+45+47+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiZ84eSMZrKUzaFjjBgX0jAnmW_SY7ZgRzsEOJkLVfNZ2fH65I0vlmK9WXAPbP-f6AZAujZZq2s8fB9kf_eakxhlGO_ux1-IWsMgCuGdUDvLxcXe9q9R1a9Vn45sTI_sB7vpjS_WY2KgA/s1600/Photo+Feb+15,+5+45+47+PM.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and finally stitched the top flap into place so that the needles and crochet hooks don't run away so easily! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMDbFs18jwHrAvsRr4JXiePpk1ObtBUN96WPdQExogPpgWLAl87wv76TfeWdJg5eJjuCQwV4wdckbDGVfMW6Bphk7ylmu856v-EKcvOaGTs7mm_VY8bXGaGd0CUYRZTU2X7BO-VFuTdGb/s1600/Photo+Feb+15,+5+46+25+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMDbFs18jwHrAvsRr4JXiePpk1ObtBUN96WPdQExogPpgWLAl87wv76TfeWdJg5eJjuCQwV4wdckbDGVfMW6Bphk7ylmu856v-EKcvOaGTs7mm_VY8bXGaGd0CUYRZTU2X7BO-VFuTdGb/s1600/Photo+Feb+15,+5+46+25+PM.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All rolled up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxutL6pQ0sE57ppV3mRDcBu-vs-rL7mwfLAgcrce0B2HNA1HCK6HKrqq4u59bv8BvgtwDzyjxWa14Fgweeja0qcZQNUbsK4tYdmdtoPiQs3JU-TmtR_xFs7mjWpmuim2pniTgUOuLg-EM/s1600/Photo+Feb+15,+10+03+00+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxutL6pQ0sE57ppV3mRDcBu-vs-rL7mwfLAgcrce0B2HNA1HCK6HKrqq4u59bv8BvgtwDzyjxWa14Fgweeja0qcZQNUbsK4tYdmdtoPiQs3JU-TmtR_xFs7mjWpmuim2pniTgUOuLg-EM/s1600/Photo+Feb+15,+10+03+00+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I finally got around to making a mason jar pin cushion (the jar is from Andy and Jenny's wedding last September!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjQovN87JLIu7tOZYuL1fsWYWJUICRoicSMpFrs0u864Qh3_Hc_Vj3u1heEuXFKQ0w8SeUeEjPdZOUdqhcjg7t57GPDQmtGtlfURkIriLwS1CH8rkYE2kWLbVDxcV8O0L2jGGxpwRRGuz/s1600/Photo+Feb+16,+9+51+16+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjQovN87JLIu7tOZYuL1fsWYWJUICRoicSMpFrs0u864Qh3_Hc_Vj3u1heEuXFKQ0w8SeUeEjPdZOUdqhcjg7t57GPDQmtGtlfURkIriLwS1CH8rkYE2kWLbVDxcV8O0L2jGGxpwRRGuz/s1600/Photo+Feb+16,+9+51+16+PM.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got into sketching on my iPad, so I tried my hand at making a fine-point stylus using King Lau's tutorial: <a href="http://tumblr.kinglau.co/post/6442455519/ipadstylusdiy">http://tumblr.kinglau.co/post/6442455519/ipadstylusdiy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AvWxvnPps3jSuPd-Eia7VugSp5CzH8KPz6U6K-pYhmPRN62ykAi_ywss-81tKnbKXCljIhiL1YMTXFJI7Mnt7hdZUxv9HhPHSwyN6XJorg8j892ub8UwWqKbIaCGeRrNeuIYTMqmlAlQ/s1600/Photo+Feb+16,+9+52+05+PM+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AvWxvnPps3jSuPd-Eia7VugSp5CzH8KPz6U6K-pYhmPRN62ykAi_ywss-81tKnbKXCljIhiL1YMTXFJI7Mnt7hdZUxv9HhPHSwyN6XJorg8j892ub8UwWqKbIaCGeRrNeuIYTMqmlAlQ/s1600/Photo+Feb+16,+9+52+05+PM+(1).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is in action! The photo is a bit blurry but the lines are pretty accurate! Now to find the perfect drawing/painting app... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Whew, that was actually a lot more than I had realized! There are even more that I didn't get to take good shots of, and still even more cooking adventures that I had the joy of going on with friends. I've learned so much about Chinese cooking, I tell you!<br />
<br />
I'm glad to see that I've been pretty productive in the crafty realm these days. With the encouragement of Steph and Dominique, I recently started keeping a "projects journal" (as well as a normal journal, a prayer journal, and a sketchbook). In it, I wrote down all the things that I want to do within the next year, and it's helped me with my focus a lot!<br />
<br />
I've always been a pretty idealistic person and haven't been the best at setting concrete goals or executing action plans. Truth be told, I am usually a "fly really fast by the seat of my pants because I sure have a lot of undirected energy!!!!!!!!!" sort of person or an "I'm totally going to fail at this if I try so I can't be bothered to get up" sort of person. Conversely, I also love planning things and putting lists together and being organized, so it's no surprise that for YEARS, many people have thought that I'm a super-organized and put-together, motivated, and reflective individual. Actually quite the opposite of me, since it's typically very difficult for me to carry things through, and I find it very difficult to sit down and just reflect! Even my past blog posts about self-reflection and discovery Just these few weeks in 2015 of putting a list together and setting in some times to do them has been so eye-opening: You can really do stuff if you put a plan to it! Hah! Who woulda thunk!<br />
<br />
There are a lot more things in my journals that I am actively praying for, hoping for, and hopefully, planning and preparing for. May He lead me to not only grow in personal diligence, but also active trust and obedience through these!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-89282526109581334112015-01-21T00:03:00.001-05:002015-01-21T00:03:40.224-05:00Happy new year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
I thought it only appropriate to celebrate the new year (and break the almost 1-year hiatus on this blog) with an appreciation post about orchids.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
ORCHIDS!!! They're so interesting! There are so many types! I'm sure there are many many other plants out there that are MUCH more diverse and interesting, but recently this has taken the forefront of my attention for two reasons: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15JzwC_Xc3vNLzIp6oNLK_hS3_kqUBpe47IDiuAgkQaiVS4xO21h4nA-N3WnplSJxE9fA-nYpgn6Ghyphenhyphen6mKYYSHeO23snJKtkcafInUqQ_i62ovQ2qLjLSqWHQTl9lG8F1-KH6oHjtPpre/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15JzwC_Xc3vNLzIp6oNLK_hS3_kqUBpe47IDiuAgkQaiVS4xO21h4nA-N3WnplSJxE9fA-nYpgn6Ghyphenhyphen6mKYYSHeO23snJKtkcafInUqQ_i62ovQ2qLjLSqWHQTl9lG8F1-KH6oHjtPpre/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />David got me an orchid sometime ago in 2013(?), and it bloomed beautifully for the whole summer. In the fall, it went to sleep and then hibernated for the whole year. Over the course of time, it lost a few leaves and roots, though at some point I think it grew an entire new leaf (which I then probably killed...). A few days ago he got me the mini orchid, the double stemmed one in the front. I still kept the original orchid all this time because I've heard that they sometimes regrow. Although I had almost given up on it (and admittedly kind of forgot to water it after I left it in the living room), I saw this after putting the two together: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfURzVTdrrvKjcvzgpZ0zzGBMxMnXgv4bbUnj8mTzCYy8UfLNhKHdCNp-b6LgkduZWKvVDRPFuKCPZ0uK3lgvNsRxpKYSm7QXqIKAhpvzHYKlto-pHnzRIXmYdY5pojGdrT0YQGBdfzDR/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfURzVTdrrvKjcvzgpZ0zzGBMxMnXgv4bbUnj8mTzCYy8UfLNhKHdCNp-b6LgkduZWKvVDRPFuKCPZ0uK3lgvNsRxpKYSm7QXqIKAhpvzHYKlto-pHnzRIXmYdY5pojGdrT0YQGBdfzDR/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby stem!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The leaves aren't looking so great, and the roots aren't all super happy, but Momma orchid has begun to sprout again! Here you can see a new little stem coming out for air. Not only that but it's sprouting more roots as well! Here's another angle: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEcCsLwi9JfyeE6tbE2Ygfxyl-oUsZu_EA4Qjv7Qyp4WGu6Ynpz1VMkdYR2Vgi1SoRYHf6A8zmoFiGoKmp4obUcpMTsTy-_NLR2qpBKDxRndPz2g-rNejWX_bFJIbHS6PwlDA5_lxtRex/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEcCsLwi9JfyeE6tbE2Ygfxyl-oUsZu_EA4Qjv7Qyp4WGu6Ynpz1VMkdYR2Vgi1SoRYHf6A8zmoFiGoKmp4obUcpMTsTy-_NLR2qpBKDxRndPz2g-rNejWX_bFJIbHS6PwlDA5_lxtRex/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the tiny root on the bottom of the picture?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Plants are so cool. I just realized my previous post from last year was also about plants, somewhat. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the spirit of orchid-appreciation, here are some other cool orchids from around the world and internets!! (So some of them may not be correctly labeled, sorry)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://funmozar.com/white-egret-orchid/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://funmozar.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/White-Egret-Orchid-04.jpg" height="223" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://funmozar.com/white-egret-orchid/" target="_blank">White egret orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.captaincynic.com/mediapush/weird-orchis-italica-aka-naked-man-orchid_xcx_frmimg_1342944648-3979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.captaincynic.com/mediapush/weird-orchis-italica-aka-naked-man-orchid_xcx_frmimg_1342944648-3979.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.captaincynic.com/thread/93887/weird-orchis-italica-aka-naked-man-orchid.htm" target="_blank">Orchis Italica</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.earthporm.com/17-flowers-look-like-something-else/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.earthporm.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Orchid-That-Looks-Like-A-Ballerina-17-Flowers-That-Look-Like-Something-Else.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.earthporm.com/17-flowers-look-like-something-else/" target="_blank">Ballerina orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mesosyn.com/orchh-18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://mesosyn.com/orchh-18.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mesosyn.com/orchh.html" target="_blank">Another set of dancing ladies orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://garak.wimp.com/images/sthumbs/2014/09/410c52566b8f5323b2f6b2522660580b_story.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank">Laughing bumblebee orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://garak.wimp.com/images/sthumbs/2014/09/592aa6f3eb881775f93a37c921433103_story.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank">Flying duck orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://garak.wimp.com/images/sthumbs/2014/09/581a02522323e04b5e9761a4051e0671_story.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank">Dove orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://garak.wimp.com/images/sthumbs/2014/09/31a9fda2aa8c107d9e28d58f7ec238e3_story.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank">Another bird orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://eyeonlifemag.com/a-lovely-garden/black-bat-plant-how-to-grow-a-devil-flower" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/500af2aac4aa3053c4fc5ae1/t/507ad7a7e4b066c1cdd6ea21/1350227899622/black+bat+plant.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eyeonlifemag.com/a-lovely-garden/black-bat-plant-how-to-grow-a-devil-flower" target="_blank">Bat orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://megalawlz.com/?p=2592" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://megalawlz.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/funny-monkey-orchid-pictures-lol.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://megalawlz.com/?p=2592" target="_blank">A collection of monkey orchids</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/geoff-e/2938247623/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3007/2938247623_b8358b9562.jpg" width="254" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/geoff-e/2938247623/" target="_blank">Tiger/Lion orchid</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/104/257658742_e9d53acd39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/104/257658742_e9d53acd39.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This looks like the same one flipped upside down - cheetah orchid?? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And here are some impatiens that I thought were orchids... maybe I'll do an impatiens appreciation post another day! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://garak.wimp.com/images/sthumbs/2014/09/482c305263f9c92c77108bf2b1462b9d_story.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wimp.com/weirdflowers/" target="_blank">Parrot impatiens</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://greenbuzzz.com/nature/dancing-lady-orchi-oncidium-orchid-care-tips/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://greenbuzzz.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/ork.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://greenbuzzz.com/nature/dancing-lady-orchi-oncidium-orchid-care-tips/" target="_blank">Dancing lady impatiens</a><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-6707121915312849702014-02-23T23:19:00.000-05:002014-02-23T23:19:13.179-05:00Linhfish and Oddish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
A few things!!!<br />
<br />
First of all, my <a href="http://linhfish.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">sister Lin's</a> comic has gone viral and I'm super proud. But understandably it is a little scary!! :O<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://linhfish.tumblr.com/post/77516367923/its-still-february-so-its-not-too-late-to-post" target="_blank"><img alt="Chocolate by Lin Alice Hu webcomic" border="0" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/73acfc40b334727439682a323bcb6af4/tumblr_n1f3k1b91y1r1636lo2_500.png" height="320" title="Chocolate, by Lin Alice Hu" width="247" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://linhfish.tumblr.com/post/77516367923/its-still-february-so-its-not-too-late-to-post" target="_blank">Chocolate</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Click to read it!<br />
<br />
Secondly, MANGOSTEENS<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_mangosteen" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://www.engineeredlifestyles.org/image-files/mangosteen-250x181.png" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_mangosteen" target="_blank">Mangosteen</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So ever since I saw my first mangosteen, I've been trying to figure out what they reminded me of for AGES. It finally dawned on me a few days ago that it looks just GLOOM!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Gloom_(Pok%C3%A9mon)" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/thumb/2/2a/044Gloom.png/250px-044Gloom.png" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Gloom_(Pok%C3%A9mon)" target="_blank">Gloom</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then, I realized I have a slight obsession with seeing pokemon in random places. Like Oddish, which I discovered in my coworker <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/" target="_blank">Kristen's</a> cube.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8s5u5OCpiwtNrqK7RRutCxlSyQGJfpMceZy9RTMsfl03Gju5Be7baVwQX6fdCwb9sTfmAONmPDmZXwBBUj_qa0HA-VU7c1KbKSLK8OV3UN0nM35DYz5GCmdGN7rmtWwwVX3AkgjJnQJV/s1600/1969745_10104265921206640_126903125_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8s5u5OCpiwtNrqK7RRutCxlSyQGJfpMceZy9RTMsfl03Gju5Be7baVwQX6fdCwb9sTfmAONmPDmZXwBBUj_qa0HA-VU7c1KbKSLK8OV3UN0nM35DYz5GCmdGN7rmtWwwVX3AkgjJnQJV/s1600/1969745_10104265921206640_126903125_o.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added the face and picture after my realization</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Oddish_(Pok%C3%A9mon)" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://img.pokemondb.net/artwork/oddish.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Oddish_(Pok%C3%A9mon)" target="_blank">Oddish</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's probably because many Pokemon were designed based on real life things to begin with?<br />
<br />
What other real life Pokemon are there!!??<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-9586224334766361122014-02-20T07:08:00.000-05:002014-02-20T07:08:22.664-05:00Creativity motivatesRecently I've discovered a new thing about myself.<br />
<br />
(Actually it's probably not that new - but I've never really thought about it before!)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I need to do something creative, on a regular basis.</blockquote>
I'm not actually sure what a "regular basis" means, but I've noticed that during spans of time when I don't make anything or design anything, my brain gets flustered and tired, I'm not easily distracted and bored, and I can't seem to do anything else productively.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, when I <i>am</i> able to do something creative, I find that during work, or house-keeping, or even cooking, I have a much better line of focus and I seem to be able to do things faster! Maybe that's just a matter of psychology.<br />
<br />
Anyhow - that led me to think, <i>What does creativity entail?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
For me, lately, it's included flower arranging, web design and developing, tailoring old clothes, trying out new dishes, building a lightbox, gift-making and card-writing...<br />
<br />
Oddly enough, it doesn't include knitting or crocheting! Those are the first two things that I initially thought about.<br />
<br />
Maybe it's because I haven't tried anything new in knitting or crocheting in a while. Perhaps, then, it's not so much about the craftiness of it, but about how much it is a new sort challenge?<br />
<br />
Hopefully the next challenge I'll be able to take is responsive web design...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Some recent projects: </blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.bingjiehu.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUFFqKTsyhj3gUBLswcI1LSS8Hi0TGGr-5zGzUYJLeHbDt5HKx-XiDcEqK9sgTjd6uusSXXw2QwV9UGN18YLgYpEazA9qJNZoc529eA3rtIV8CjCj4bjG4IL0BneppDBeFDEYQF1T7FKu/s1600/website.png" height="187" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bingjiehu.com/" target="_blank">Website is now up and running: www.bingjiehu.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQKLrkVnEXO0sSC0uyBu3X9kRXuDP6smYrWljNTgEILd2biJm0p7BIgAQsGzRjPSyhKkpDm9Ck7QqBT3Hjjid64z0RqPIVwlwAIAlEyIswo5-PSImYFZv0h8BTmYmXV1kKCgXp1xoN6kM/s1600/macarons2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQKLrkVnEXO0sSC0uyBu3X9kRXuDP6smYrWljNTgEILd2biJm0p7BIgAQsGzRjPSyhKkpDm9Ck7QqBT3Hjjid64z0RqPIVwlwAIAlEyIswo5-PSImYFZv0h8BTmYmXV1kKCgXp1xoN6kM/s1600/macarons2.jpeg" height="200" width="149" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwTyBVLs5rJVRbEYu8ioKNNPj-WFMoWAnnEFre7Eck0jh0s-idn2ZEYTm9qN1GSc4BkylI-oPvKsZyE_6HKFK9tvs6u2DBfVOnZr-AqZbPNfwCihAi1ByNfvBomchw-UdwFjfl5Mm-y8H/s1600/cakeballs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwTyBVLs5rJVRbEYu8ioKNNPj-WFMoWAnnEFre7Eck0jh0s-idn2ZEYTm9qN1GSc4BkylI-oPvKsZyE_6HKFK9tvs6u2DBfVOnZr-AqZbPNfwCihAi1ByNfvBomchw-UdwFjfl5Mm-y8H/s1600/cakeballs.jpeg" height="200" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macarons and cake pops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-IudRpNJoZpMBvkZhu6QX85Hy8BxhBLHxl_IMBQk2PjXV7rVxAstmg1Oe4siHR-PZd8PPb6vOOD5kphqevm3DUyYdL6FjbCbEf8VRkzlAlH1v09JWKSDlDAkAL-SA8COzjG78AMFUWXH/s1600/card3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-IudRpNJoZpMBvkZhu6QX85Hy8BxhBLHxl_IMBQk2PjXV7rVxAstmg1Oe4siHR-PZd8PPb6vOOD5kphqevm3DUyYdL6FjbCbEf8VRkzlAlH1v09JWKSDlDAkAL-SA8COzjG78AMFUWXH/s1600/card3.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm79Odrv9WdIh7Qc46JZFZ3pa1wAlbewjRztdwg9rCpb_SZ52SDrEbRZynEPv7fij4nbKI4wyOdSQ4s7lGx0LatbnzjELf1Tk2Mx9i4xeULawXtGglmbVzMjYxS1xC3S9ic-oDFjcw3gyM/s1600/snowflake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm79Odrv9WdIh7Qc46JZFZ3pa1wAlbewjRztdwg9rCpb_SZ52SDrEbRZynEPv7fij4nbKI4wyOdSQ4s7lGx0LatbnzjELf1Tk2Mx9i4xeULawXtGglmbVzMjYxS1xC3S9ic-oDFjcw3gyM/s1600/snowflake.jpg" height="193" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper cutting (horse pattern from<br />
http://fxpapercut.com/year-of-the-horse-2014-pop-up-card/)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9_OCalh0iNwF4MSw3rsg3sQQBvazMTk-7n9tusc2RawYYPm3RJOw0BMNxg-y1R-0Xdz9Z_Xn4JSOiCd19BK4elx2Kt4rXanrahUg5w0xx54uvSNvZReDq_aOLy9YSEHn38mNF5yYxiKf/s1600/earrings.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9_OCalh0iNwF4MSw3rsg3sQQBvazMTk-7n9tusc2RawYYPm3RJOw0BMNxg-y1R-0Xdz9Z_Xn4JSOiCd19BK4elx2Kt4rXanrahUg5w0xx54uvSNvZReDq_aOLy9YSEHn38mNF5yYxiKf/s1600/earrings.jpeg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXu-YEpXGEjKArvcs5t60QXgXwltLqSD7q8ZVHnd2E6v5kkiQA04PA2uW042FTMh2T8SPaiM1n8r6sBQmNL2JsxlsWyE7lSQyj5kldTGK3Y9x_HK6c_D5t-TQGozsiaEvzrnGko3TbLOO/s1600/jewelry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXu-YEpXGEjKArvcs5t60QXgXwltLqSD7q8ZVHnd2E6v5kkiQA04PA2uW042FTMh2T8SPaiM1n8r6sBQmNL2JsxlsWyE7lSQyj5kldTGK3Y9x_HK6c_D5t-TQGozsiaEvzrnGko3TbLOO/s1600/jewelry.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NgXgxNmH3mL5Zxz30RHTW6Y4joiNrQYnAm3vR8eyIjBhHnfXGBY1Z3z3nYJT66iDfNRM4ho7vptiEp3Lh9xafBlJFlIzXzxG4W1EV-K7DtBxVvtW_K2BIONY6sKbt4-BiArCDYO6Ez8g/s1600/pendant.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5NgXgxNmH3mL5Zxz30RHTW6Y4joiNrQYnAm3vR8eyIjBhHnfXGBY1Z3z3nYJT66iDfNRM4ho7vptiEp3Lh9xafBlJFlIzXzxG4W1EV-K7DtBxVvtW_K2BIONY6sKbt4-BiArCDYO6Ez8g/s1600/pendant.jpeg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some jewelry </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g2LCjfjKsntIgEXsq6gz4tQoYBnqS7AlI9XtO7py5vWXDK7l80_dna3NLRU3ywLOsk4BuUS27GKr41CtThaUT4QtuSBdsQ9CnYBLEjeHk6F4f83KzC_iBezz8dSwRhCSHwhn99GnN29p/s1600/orange+juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7g2LCjfjKsntIgEXsq6gz4tQoYBnqS7AlI9XtO7py5vWXDK7l80_dna3NLRU3ywLOsk4BuUS27GKr41CtThaUT4QtuSBdsQ9CnYBLEjeHk6F4f83KzC_iBezz8dSwRhCSHwhn99GnN29p/s1600/orange+juice.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making orange juice. Ok, not very exciting but very delicious!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27mw-KnEAYtwvvn3WiBEz5n1BkcR34quHXNQE_i4CPKXR_GtYb8Fv4vNgyshTRJnpzDXMkASM_N_e3hboKY4Fz7SGVC4M4aH6XPfgiU0lwoyLnOFEVrHdK5Hp6tg0Ub4JMgTCFQEWNEuI/s1600/roses+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27mw-KnEAYtwvvn3WiBEz5n1BkcR34quHXNQE_i4CPKXR_GtYb8Fv4vNgyshTRJnpzDXMkASM_N_e3hboKY4Fz7SGVC4M4aH6XPfgiU0lwoyLnOFEVrHdK5Hp6tg0Ub4JMgTCFQEWNEuI/s1600/roses+1.JPG" height="228" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomEOPybIZs23w72TOCn4rEYf5iOTXacU9PBQVxZFc5655Wzcf3d9pMTzc-jpJQGk2N-5vwW8zTnrO_-W9znWeLVOLkmbdbLjGEyKsCtebxN6ihzZBEAuwYreaN55ivmRNqlmKBwiYSCsi/s1600/roses+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjomEOPybIZs23w72TOCn4rEYf5iOTXacU9PBQVxZFc5655Wzcf3d9pMTzc-jpJQGk2N-5vwW8zTnrO_-W9znWeLVOLkmbdbLjGEyKsCtebxN6ihzZBEAuwYreaN55ivmRNqlmKBwiYSCsi/s1600/roses+3.JPG" height="228" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHHq9ICFiT4mjioA4PK1D01xxa_sot1pTi5lC_P6Ln2D5smcTIP24LhyRBhrOw9AYDaNDmcCTPB-Sqja-0meZvip9-DH7scPe7qlFCM8bPcgHKvDjKySXfsrbzivmJjQejjyH6_1qXe2K/s1600/roses+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHHq9ICFiT4mjioA4PK1D01xxa_sot1pTi5lC_P6Ln2D5smcTIP24LhyRBhrOw9AYDaNDmcCTPB-Sqja-0meZvip9-DH7scPe7qlFCM8bPcgHKvDjKySXfsrbzivmJjQejjyH6_1qXe2K/s1600/roses+6.JPG" height="228" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDQsYJLIylbxZw0v0YMi4iWgwlWyp5TfC5d_y_yyUDtL74sbTbUNHHsua4SnC41oTGzfYWVU0Om6x_mXB-leQw_uaLr_WsYz4WrLBVK59d9opcUgXAiJqPdqURLspHiX1YmrUOIyColy_/s1600/roses+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDQsYJLIylbxZw0v0YMi4iWgwlWyp5TfC5d_y_yyUDtL74sbTbUNHHsua4SnC41oTGzfYWVU0Om6x_mXB-leQw_uaLr_WsYz4WrLBVK59d9opcUgXAiJqPdqURLspHiX1YmrUOIyColy_/s1600/roses+7.JPG" height="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower arrangements</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Here's to more creative times! :)<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-55303557260482384432013-05-24T10:28:00.001-04:002014-02-20T07:08:16.292-05:00Minimizing SinIt's easy to minimize sin, trying to convince ourselves and others (and unfortunately, often successfully, despite whatever cognitive dissonance) that sin is not really that bad.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"It's just once", "I'm not really hurting anybody", "Everybody does this", "Nobody has to know", "It's not a big deal", so on and so forth...</blockquote>
I think as Christians, we know it's not right to minimize sin. I think we know that everything we do and think and say is not just "to ourselves and won't harm anyone", but rather a capital (literally) offense against the most supreme God, who knows all our inner thoughts and motives and has the ultimate right and authority to judge.<br />
<br />
<i>As if that's no big deal. </i><br />
<br />
We also know that our own sin will affect others - whether it is to turn someone else away from Christ because of our actions, to directly harm someone else even if we didn't realize it, basically to damage the relationship between us and others or others and God. <br />
<br />
<i>As if that's no big deal. </i><br />
<br />
People are fickle though - we often sway too far to one side or to the other. Either sin is no big deal or sin is so debilitatingly great that we can't function. So to the other extreme then - is it possible to maximize/make too great a deal of sin? <br />
<br />
I don't know if this is the right answer... But I don't think so. Sin is sin is sin, and no sin is so small that it doesn't grieve God. I think that part of what it means to really grow in Christ is to understand the weight and depth and despicableness and destructiveness and horror of sin, no matter what it looks like.<br />
<br />
I think there is no problem with "maximizing" sin, because of Who it is ultimately against. It <i>is</i> maximum. But instead, the problem on this side is that we minimize the power of God. We think our sin is too great for God to bear, we think that His grace is not sufficient, that His sacrifice does not suffice, that His Words do not heal and His power does not overcome. <br />
<br />
This can lead to despair and bitterness, and to giving up - which consequently, funny enough (haha, not), can lead to the complete other side of the pendulum. "It's too hard to deal with this", so therefore, sin is not that bad after all. Isn't it funny how cognitive dissonance works?<br />
<br />
Oh, how completely hopeless and futile our ways are when we're left to our own devices.. it brings to mind the passage in Romans 1, where God gives up the people to their own ways because though they knew Him, they did not glorify or give thanks to Him.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-54350473386363296082013-01-07T11:06:00.001-05:002013-01-07T11:06:15.279-05:00Endeavour to increase spiritual appetites by meditating on spiritual objects.<blockquote class="tr_bq">
“<i>Endeavour to increase spiritual appetites by meditating on spiritual objects. </i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
We are to restrain lustful appetites all that we can by casting away and avoiding thoughts and meditations on their objects. We are not allowed by any means to give a lease to our thoughts concerning those things, because that tends to increase lustful desires after them. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>But ‘tis our duty to be much in meditation on the objects of spiritual desire: we should often be thinking upon the glory and grace of God, the excellency and wonderful love of Christ the beauty of holiness...endeavour to promote spiritual appetites, by laying yourself in the way of allurement.</i>” </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
- Jonathan Edwards</blockquote>
<br />Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.<br />- Psalm 1:1-2<br /><br />This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.<br />- Joshua 1:8<br /><br />Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.<br />- Psalm 19:13-14<br /><br />I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.<div>
- Psalm 77:12<br /><br />I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.</div>
<div>
- Psalm 119:14-16<br /><br />You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.</div>
<div>
- Isaiah 26:3</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.</div>
<div>
- Colossians 3:16</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.</div>
<div>
- Psalm 37:4</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-84245213495599308462012-09-28T06:13:00.006-04:002012-09-28T06:13:42.185-04:00At the end of the dayWhat matters?<br />
<br />
God's glory.<br />
<br />
What does that mean in my life?<br />
<br />
Obedience, delighting in God, dedication to His truth.<br />
Which overflows into relationships with others.<br />
Which ultimately brings Him glory.<br />
<br />
What are the things that don't matter so much then, in light of that?<br />
Probably a lot of the things that I care so much about.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-28371310128183432162012-09-25T05:32:00.003-04:002012-09-26T06:16:37.665-04:00Purpose of Studying the BibleTo know God better.<br />
To sharpen our swords for the battle.<br />
To guard ourselves with truth against lies.<br />
To learn how to live in obedience.<br />
To store it in our hearts<br />
And share it with others<br />
And pass it to our children.<br />
To meditate on it day and night.<br />
To keep our ways pure.<br />
To delight in God.<br />
To wash ourselves each day.<br />
To appreciate the depth of the Gospel.<br />
To eat daily.<br />
To renew our minds and revive our hearts.<br />
<br />
To renew and deepen our dependence on God.<br />
To always be able to give an answer to those who ask us to give reason for our faith.<br />
To become more like the One we spend time with.<br />
So that God shows us how he searches our hearts.<br />
To be sharpened.<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
The Word is SO GOOD<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-86148492659595086542012-07-31T17:45:00.000-04:002012-07-31T17:45:39.438-04:00HUMMUSWHY YOU SO TASTY<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
YOU CANNOT WIN</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-85240567780261186362012-07-27T06:56:00.001-04:002012-07-27T06:56:25.955-04:00What are you doing?Where are you going? What are you doing? Why are you going? Why aren't you going?<br />
<br />
"I can't go if I don't know where I'm going."<br />
<br />
But what if you do already, but it's been buried under piles and piles of stuff? What if you don't know, does that mean you stay where you are?<br />
<br />
"I don't know how to get there."<br />
<br />
Do you always have to know how to get somewhere in order to take your first steps? Do you have to know how to take steps?<br />
<br />
Yes and no?<br />
<br />
<br />
It will be well with my soul. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-12357977052226896332012-07-20T12:21:00.005-04:002012-07-20T12:25:29.589-04:00Pop PsychologyOne interesting tidbit of pop psychology that I've learned recently is this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
If you're feeling bad about yourself or like you are a failure, <i>make a list of all the things that you fail at</i>. Then you'll feel better.</blockquote>
And here's the reasoning behind it: <u>if you try to make a list of things you fail at, you'll inevitably fail at doing that</u>. And then lo and behold, <i>You've failed at trying to make yourself fail.</i> Instant win!!!! Right???<br />
<br />
I admit I've gone before to the trove of pop psychology, I've tried using and have even recommended some of the tips and tricks found there... but I am now becoming more and more aware of how much I've come to depend on them, and perhaps unconsciously, but nonetheless, to begin viewing them with a spirit of awe and reverence that <i>really does not belong</i>... They're interesting, and often times yes, helpful. But I'm seeing now that at their root, perhaps they are not so good after all...<br />
<br />
Just a few things about this one:<br />
<ol>
<li>Some people are really good at making lists, especially lists like that (aka me - I admit I tried this once and my list rambled on and on and on and on...), and doing that just leads to the clear opposite effect. One might think, "oh man, I fail at so many things, nooooo", or if in a really self-deprecating mood, even "I fail at making a fail list, I'm such a failure!!!" </li>
<li>The way that several proponents of this method have described it, this also encourages you to write lists of things you don't like about yourself, and then ignore it completely. Because hey! You're not so bad after all. Then again I guess there's then more pop psychology to suggest other ways to help yourself help yourself.</li>
<li>I've found that ultimately, the heart of this message (and many other pop psych messages) is this: <b>Focus on yourself, because within yourself is the power to make yourself happy and complete. </b></li>
</ol>
It sounds lovely right? That inside the depths of our souls lie an inherent power for us to fill in our own gaps, to find our true satisfaction and happiness, to unlock all that we can do and discover who we were meant to be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>You have the power. You have the truth. It's all there inside yourself.</i><br />
<br />
It's the battle cry of post-modernism, the flying banner of humanism and the victory flag of feminism. It's empowering, encouraging, gives you a pat on the back and a nice shot of adrenaline on those inevitable days.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
And isn't that exactly what Satan would love for us to think?</blockquote>
That we are capable on our own? That we have the ability to do all of these great things? That we can find our fulfillment in activity, in relationships with others, in digging within ourselves and finding out our own true purposes? On our own? Apart from God?<br />
<br />
<br />
That may not be at the heart of all pop psychology... yet so much of our world has sought to seek their own.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Romans 1:12 --<br />
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1 Corinthians 3:19-20 --<br />
For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="p1">
</div>
<div class="p1">
As wonderful and helpful that tips and tricks from pop psychology may be, perhaps we shouldn't (<i>I</i> shouldn't) look to them, at all, after all. My question to self is, would I look similarly to other sources that I know do not honor God, and in fact seek at their heart to usurp His authority and wisdom? I should like to think not.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
May we look only to the only Wise God, and give Him all the honor that is due... </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-75019716958482023192012-07-13T18:12:00.001-04:002012-07-13T18:12:14.192-04:00UnlearningThis past year was really focused on learning - not just because I was at the ed school but personally in many areas of my life. <br />
<br />
In learning, especially learning that leads directly to behavior change, there is often a lot of unlearning that first needs to be done. At the ed school they like to call it "conceptual change", or as I think of it, tearing down your old thoughts and rebuilding them again - different paths and different philosophies on that, but the root of it is twofold: <br />
<ul><br />
<Li>One, that one must see the error of one's ways by seeing just how much it does not make sense. <br />
<Li>And Two, that this must arise from an "A-ha" moment, not simply from someone else's lecturing but from really thinking about one's own thoughts. <br />
</ul><br />
Anything else is likely to only be temporal and surface level, if not outright forced and often begrudgingly so. <br />
<br />
I'm sure that spouses and parents can see this clearly, no ed school degree necessary haha<br />
<br />
Every thought, every interaction, every response we have to a given situation, every thing that we let influence our lives - that all builds into the structure of our mental repertoire. Slowly, the brick and mortar of self-centeredness, self-sufficiency, and arrogance is scaffolded and fleshed out.<br />
<br />
There's a lot yet to tear down. Wow, praise God, that His demolition of these Towers of Babel is loving, and His disciplines trustworthy and kind... <br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-32841129778631211932012-07-13T16:02:00.001-04:002012-07-13T17:28:50.308-04:002 Corinthians 7:10Godly sorrow brings <i>repentance</i> that leads to salvation and leaves <i>no regret, </i>but worldly sorrow brings death.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-67200191191323561652012-07-02T06:46:00.001-04:002012-07-02T06:47:30.342-04:00Jeremiah 17:9-10The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-62940599321453951112012-06-22T07:44:00.000-04:002012-06-22T10:56:45.812-04:00Sometimes I don't understand myselfActually, make that a lot of the time..<br />
<br />
Isn't it wonderful that we have a God who knows the depths of our hearts? Who sees everything, gross and disgusting and all, the things we may not yet see or understand or admit, yet still loves us so?<br />
<br />
To be fully known and fully loved is something that I think every heart seeks but I also think so few really understand or get to experience. Maybe that is just the cynical part of me? God doesn't wish that any should perish [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Peter%203:9&version=ESV" target="_blank">a</a>], yet so often even we who have been <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+6:20&version=Esv">bought with a price</a> live as though we were not. Who can say that their heart is pure? [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+20:9&version=ESV" target="_blank">c</a>]<br />
<br />
I think I understand more and more Paul's laments of what I now see as utter despair in Romans 7. He cries out with such desperation, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:24&version=ESV" target="_blank">"Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?"</a> Can you hear the sorrow in his voice?<br />
<br />
Maybe we need to be in such a place of desperation before we can understand the depth of what he says next. The Gospel, without an understanding of sin, is still the Gospel, in all the glory and majesty and awesomeness that it is. But who can accept it and its weight without that understanding of sin? And even as Christians, no matter how long a Christian, if we do not continually come to a place of this recognition, I think our faith can then teeter into the realms of self dependency, ungratefulness, salvation by works, and a whole other host of <i>stuff</i>.. <br />
<br />
Lord, please keep us at your feet, always, according to your mercy...<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-12558496971288518072012-06-19T00:57:00.000-04:002012-06-19T00:57:01.149-04:00Thank you GodBefore I forget<br />
<br />
For late night emergency work crisis miracle remedies<br />
<br />
That take 20 minutes rather than 6 hours.<br />
<br />
Whew...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-41224208019970246332012-06-14T22:57:00.000-04:002012-06-14T22:57:04.897-04:00Psalm 1<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Blessed is the man</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">who <i>walks not</i> in the counsel of the wicked, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <i>nor</i> <i>stands</i> in the way of sinners,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <i>nor</i> <i>sits</i> in the seat of scoffers;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But <i>his</i> <span style="font-size: large;">delight </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is in the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">law of <i><span style="font-size: large;">the Lord</span></i>,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and on His law he </span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">meditates</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span> <i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">day </i><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">night</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He is like a <i><span style="font-size: large;">tree</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> planted by </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">streams of water.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that yields its fruit in its season, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> and its leaf does not wither;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In <i><span style="font-size: large;">all that he does</span></i>, he prospers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The wicked are not so, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> but are like <i><span style="font-size: large;">chaff</span></i> that the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> wind </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> blows away.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Therefore </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> the wicked </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <i>will not stand</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the judgment,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <i>nor sinners</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the congregation of the righteous;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for <i><span style="font-size: large;">the Lord knows</span></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> the way of the righteous, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> but the way of the wicked will perish. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4851788253032029963.post-59069508132131037742012-06-08T11:06:00.000-04:002012-06-08T11:06:08.384-04:00Psalm 23<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>The Lord</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">my</i> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">shepherd</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">;</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I shall not want.</span></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He makes me </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> lie down</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> green pastures.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He leads me </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> beside </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> still waters.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> He restores my soul.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;">He leads me </i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in paths of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b> righteousness</b></i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">for </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">His</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> name's sake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though I walk </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> through the valley of the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> shadow of death,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I will fear <b>no</b> evil,</span><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> for </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> you </span><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">are</i><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> with</i><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> me;</i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your rod </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> your staff, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> they comfort me. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You prepare a table </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> before me </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">in the presence of my enemies;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You anoint </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> my head </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">with oil;</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <i>my cup overflows.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Surely </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">goodness </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> mercy </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">shall follow me </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>all the days of my life,</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and I shall dwell in </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> the house of </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">the Lord</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>forever. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02878028792837748553noreply@blogger.com1