Hmm

Exactly

"When you lose your dreams, you lose your mind".

Quality

Walking around department stores is such a great feeling. You know it's near impossible that you can afford, or ever will be able to afford any of it, but having the pleasure of being so close to such beautiful things is such a great feelings.

Means to an End

Today I am making a difficult decision. It's not really a decision I even want to have to make, but I am happy that I have been able to come to a conclusion on my own and no one decided for me.

Funny

It's weird to be doing something you once thought of as intimidating and realizing in that moment that it's really not.

Perfection

I love the feeling of making something that you feel absolutely great about. Something that you completely agree with. Something that has the exact aesthetic you were going for. Something that fits what you had imagined. Something that YOU find beautiful even if no one else does. I love when you can do this. It used to be so rare for me and it is becoming so much easier, slowly but surely.

Sick Day

I love real-life irony. I love those little things that make me say "that would happen" and relieves a second of tension for what can sometimes seem days.

Finally

One of my closest friends and I realized awhile ago that we had no photos of the two of us together. Following this discovery, we started taking millions and millions of pictures, but they were all on cameras, memory cards, and facebook. We didn't actually have a physical photograph. And, THAT is what I really, really wanted!

And, today I got it!!

Also,

I am thankful for all of the people in my life who I am maybe not "typically" friends with, but those who I talk with on a regular basis. I have come to realize that the amount of time you know someone does not affect the amount of impact they have on your life. So many baristas, locker room attendants, and teachers have done grand things, like change my life's perspective, but also have just put a smile on my face; Both of which are of the utmost importance to me. Thank you!

Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

There are so many things in my life that I am thankful for. I could list them off forever, but for the sake of simplicity, I guess I am thankful for my family. Not only are they loving day in and day out, but also, their hard work has put me in a position where my possibilites for my future are endless.

And of course, I am inifinitely greatful for my friends. Whenever I forget how well off I am, they are the ones that remind me. They are so special to me.

Thank you!

Xmas

Tiny Miracles

I love when people remember the littlest details-the things you love. The other day, my friend told me she thought I would like this one song because it repeated itself a lot and she rememebered me saying that I was fond of repetition in music.

Listening is so important.

Thank you, Improv!

Priorities

I love how you can always find normalcy, even when everything else changes. Sometimes it is just harder than other times.

For Real

My dad and I have our own little morning routine. Since he works late and I strive to be out and about as much as possible, our paths do not cross for a majority of the day. The one thing we have found that we can do together is get coffee in the morning. We leave at the same time. I wait in the parking lot and he goes through the drive through.

While I was waiting for him to pull up to my car with my Venti Iced Coffee with cream and two splenda one morning, he told me with great surprise that he had not had to pay for it. The man infront of him had told the barista to pay for the car in bak of him as well. After paying for the person's tab behind him, my dad asked how long this pattern had been going on, and he replied, "the last 10 people".

Amazing, right?

Same

BECCA, you can find a way to make me laugh when laughing is the last thing on my mind. thank you, I love you.

Turning Right

I facilitated an assembly a couple of weeks ago. The speaker that came to talk to all of the freshmen about respect, integrity, and trust. He touched on those topics, but he focused a ton on giving thanks. It was pretty refreshing. And, while it wasn't aimed at the seniors there helping out, I walked away with the strongest urge to tell all of the people in my life who have been helping me alter my thinking, most of them without even knowing, how much I actually appreciated their presence.

And, frankly, the most interesting thing about talking to each of my influences has been their shocked reactions. I feel like the fact that their personas in itself had such a great impact without intention just goes to show how incredibly wonderful and thought-provoking these folks truly are.

Two years ago, I gave one of those "friends forever" necklace pairs to a teacher I appreciate. He is my constant in my life. No matter who is mad at me, who I am mad at, or what problems I am having, I know that I can go find him at school and he will be sitting there with a smile on his face. As sad as this sounds, I don't have that many people in my life who are like that, which makes his positivity so much more valuable to me. He is my great white hope when all I hear from people is "I'm tired" and "this sucks".

Being such a great and professional teacher, he of course said we could not use the necklaces as long as I was a student, and will not refer to me as a "friend", but he accepted the necklace and assured me that once I graduated we could consider each other friends.

Here I am two years later, explaining to him how he has inspired me to keep a smile on my face, even when tears are taking over

Here I am two years later, explaining to him how he has inspired me to solve problems with grace and logic, instead of "freaking out".

Here I am two years later, all choked up when he gets up, walks over to his cabinet, and pulls out the cardboard jewelry box holding "forever".

I have never felt so supported. Thank you.

Words

There are some things that I love so much, I cannot even write about them.

Well...

...Then be happy.

“Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for.” -Dag Hammarskjold

Finishing

Double standards are double frustrating.

Snowflakes

All growing up we are told that everyone is special is their own unique way; everyone is different.

This week in my speech class we had to present multiple aspects of ourselves to the class using four objects. an object to represent our past, our present, our future, and what makes us unique. Almost everyone said that this was the most difficult part of the presentation, including me.

Kind of ironic, right?

A Calender

I don't understand this type of sentiment:

"Last day of summer! NO MORE FUN! Totally not excited. This is the worst thing in the world blah blah blah FML. the world sucks so incredibly much. why are you doing this to me?"

Does the first day of school really bring about the end of a season? Does the start of school really mean the fun stops? Does the start of school really feel like the worst thing on Earth?

No, not really. I mean, unless you don't know how to have fun. The reality is you can make anything fun.

"There's a magic cottage inside of each of us" -SARK

so, find fun. Be fun.

Everyone loves

This was on my wonderful exchange trip to France last summer. The wall said I love you in what seemed like a million different languages. It was awe-inspiring. I loved it.

ahhh! yes!

Paradise

I know there's a paradise out there. I have caught fleeting glimpses before.

"Can Plants Have Fun?"

Trees can be happy!

I'm Thinking

Something has to get worse for it to get better.

Seriousely

What is it that gets you up in the morning and keeps you up at night?

Please Watch This Video!

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1T8ai0/www.eightprinciples.com/

The Way

Kind of cheesy, I know, but lately I have fnd this to be very true in my life and in others'.

The Most Beautiful Thing of My Life

I have this picture pulled up in a separate tab on my computer while I write my college essay for when I need a quick realaxing second of a break.

Here!

Sorry. This is as close as I could ever get to gifting the world a nap.

But I am trying my best!

Fine

I cannot remember the last time I asked someone how he or she was and his or her reply was something other than "fine", "okay", or "tired".

We need to fix this!

Lately I have been enjoying these words:

Communication
fascination
imagination

Words

Why is it so much harder to write when you have to, as opposed to when you want to?

Some things cannot even be expressed in writing!

Woah.

This is what pops up when one Googles "interesting colors".

Blah Blah Blah Blah

Last night someone asked me who my favorite artist was and then I got to babble on for what seemed like a million minutes.

It was amazing!

Just Like Family Portrait

Great

lately I have been talking to this girl who I have always known, but never really KNOWN. We have been chatting on and offline and have really gotten to now each other. She is the sweetet girl and knows how to keep a conversation going. This new friend always answers questions honestly, but also asks a question back. Nowadays, I feel like this phenomenon is rare.

The last time we talked, she told me she had always wanted to be friends, but had just felt kind of awkward. I had kind of felt the same way. My impression of her had almost been different than before we had started talking, and I was so glad we had because she seems like a really nice person.

I hope this will motivate me to talk to more people I want to know better, becasue so far it has proved to be worthwhile.

Everything

Some days, doing nothing is all I want to do.

Things

Sometimes it's really hard to want things after they're handed to you. I think sometimes I just want to want something.

Cookies

It is not always possible to fix a problem, but it is always possible to bake cookies for someone.

Photo Cred: my dawgg-Becca Jacobi Photography

Summer is here!!

I do not even care if school, or even finals are over. The weather, music, and people are giving me that impression.

Photo Cred: my dawgg-Becca Jacobi Photography

Do it.

Photo cred: my dawgg-Becca Jacobi Photography

I had my annual singing recital! Yes! I cherish the opportunity to perform and share what I love with the people I love. All three of my best friends came to support me: Syd, christina, and Becca.

After I performed my two songs, I joked about singing on the piano. It's sheen was begging me to lay on it! Fortunately, my spontaneous singing instructor said "do it." So, yeah. I did it. I sang on the piano, and it felt great.

Favorites

"Caffeine isn't a drug, it's a vitamin!" -Author Unknown

Art and I

To me, summer is that crazy season where I have free time to indulge in what I love.

Friends and Freaks

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The only thing better than that would just be being able to be a freak in the company of anyone. That being said, the novelty of friendship's comfort must be what makes it so goddamn special.

Work

"I hope I'm never satisfied. You always have to strive for improvement."
-Keith Haring

free

You should never feel obligated to ask "why are you wearing that", because the response will most likely be "because I felt like it."

Take it from my good friend Becca, here. She looks ridiculous. She knows it, she loves it, and she couldn't care less if you think it's ridiculous or not. Way to go, Becca!

HAHA

Today, in my Lit class I had to choose one word that summed up my entire existence.

I chose "Laugh".

Murphy's Law

Keighty

I feel like using people's names in adressing them is really nice. It stands out to me so much. For example:

" Keighty, you are wearing shoes."

is going to sound a lot more special to me than

"You are wearing shoes."

Some people are so good at doing this. I do not really know how they do it. What is your secret?! I could only hope to be as personable. Maybe someday.

Exude

Being told I looked happy today made me even happier-kind of like singing and being around people I really like to be around and art.

Becca Jacobi Photography

Just a few of my favorites!


This one is not really focused, but for some reason, I love it! It just exudes happiness!

Laugh

"When I'm older, and in a retirement home, and forgetting everything, and making up half of what I'm saying, I give you permission to laugh at me. Because, in those situations you can either laugh or cry. And you just have to laugh." -Sarah Noreen

The Best Day Of My Life

The first time, but second time I attempted to see Keane in concert, I told my friend syd on the way in that I hoped they closed the concert with the song "Bedshaped". It's my favorite song. It's not popular. It's not fast. It's not upeat. It's not interesting.

It's just my favorite.

But I knew they wouldn't close with it.

But then they closed with it. And I wanted to cry.

This is Art.

For all of those people out there who do not understand how paint splatters and doodles are considered art.



"responding instead of contriving. Art instead of imitation." -keith Haring

talk to me

the smallest converstions can have the largest impact.

Hey, Stranger!

So, there's one girl who says hi to me every time she sees me in the hallway. During the course of the school day, I of course interact with many of my fellow students, but this girl always sticks out in my mind. Let's just call her Julie.

Julie and I have definately been closer in the past. We used to do the same things, take the same classes, and have the same friends. As I'm sure you are well aware of though:

Life changes.

Pretty soon, you even forget how to play the games you use to play and the names of the people you played them with. But, not in Julie's case. Julie could easily walk past me every time we meet without uttering a word. I'm not always on the prowl for conversation and consequently, wouldn't have thought anything of it.

Julie does say something though. And I think a lot about it. It makes me think a lot about how someone who I haven't had a lengthy conversation with in almost two years is quite possibly more interested in, much less, aware of my presence.

Julie's salutations always instills a good feeling in me: knowing that someone feels I'm worth a hello.

Maybe next time you see that person you used to be really close with, you could let them know the same thing: say hello!

celebrate

-Keith Haring, 1958-1990

*click on the image to see its entirety

What's the Word?

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for."
-Georgia O'Keeffe

I couldn't agree more. There are not nearly enough words in the world!

So Much Better Than FML

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/4C4y1J/makesmethink.com/top

To see the best ones, check out the Top MMT stories!

Good to Hear

12:07 Syd:

mkay
KEIGHTY
yesterday
it was so pretty
i cried for five minutes


12:08 Keighty

why??!!!

12:08 Syd

just because life is so beautiful
yeah. it was the best. i was in the studio theater with david and luke with just the lecture lights on (the really bright ones focused downstage)
and we were just talking
then they had to go
well we all did
but i went over to get my bag

and

i love life

Even Food Can Be Happy

Fear

"La peur est irrationelle; La raison doit la vaincre." -Ionesco

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1846062&op=18&o=global&view=global&subj=618794338&id=526055997

getting the ball rolling

This essay was written awhile ago in an effort to release some pent up frustration. Looking back on what happened and putting it down on paper was such a good way to do that! I really do know this whole situation that i described sounds kind of silly, but as a frequent starsbucks-goer, having people crowding into the coffeeshop was like having people crowding into my room. I guess we really are just creatures of habit. And we don't like it when people take our stuff.

Currently, I don't have a favorite spot. I realized that each spot has different ups and downs and could in fact be the perfect seat for what I feel like doing: the comfy corner chair for reading, communion table for textbooks, and the high-tops for using my laptop. Although they weren't always my usual spot, they were always strategic spots.

I guess you can't reach perfection until you define it.


My Table:


“Mind if I perch at this end?”

“Hell yeah, I do!” I wanted to scream at her. But I couldn’t. Because I wasn’t even the lucky bastard sitting at the other end of the communion table at Starbucks like I usually am. Today, I was demoted to the table and chairs set, stuck by the window, in the corner.

Trapped between a large extended family speaking in their native, yet foreign to me, tongue and the oh-so-tempting exit, remaining concentrated was a bit more difficult. That being said, I dove into my workbook, hoping to drown. That way I could at least get some time alone with it.

With three pages down, I came up for air. Looking around, I wanted to cry.

Why would she do that?

It was silly. I know. But, one should never underestimate importance. It’s kind of odd really. I would think every caffeinated coffee drinker in the place would feel my unspoken pain. Coffee should hold up that same standard of importance to them too; it’s that external energy to finish the day.

It’s that piece to finish the puzzle.

It’s that gas to drive the car.

And then there was me. A fully energized girl, driving around the country, with a completed puzzle in the backseat, but I have no clue in hell where I am; I don’t have my seat!

My seat!

That seat that is mine!

Mine!

I stare back into the foreign man’s eyes. He was walking towards me on a mission. He stopped at the opposite edge of the table, paused, and rested his hands on the chair facing me.

Yeah? Can I help you?

He cocked his head to the left and slowly smiled as if to apologize. His shoulders said “ah, what can ya do?” as he backed away slowly, dragging the chair. I sat in astonishment and screamed. Out loud? Who cares? It wouldn’t have been audible over the screeching of the chair’s gnarly feet anyways.

Breathe in.

Breathe out.

I stuff my work in my bag.

I march out of the coffee shop.