Broken yet whole

Be.

2011-12-05T15:18:00.000-06:00

I wonder what it's like to be God. One minute I'm running around like a beheaded chicken, the next I'm amazed at what He provides.

I was going through my budget because now I'm a big girl with a real job and real debt. As a desperate act, I decided to cut out Netflix before my next billing cycle. I love Netflix. Even though they decided to raise prices by 60% and I am a terribly cheap person, I still remained a faithful subscriber. Alas, the Bank of North Dakota does not understand my needs.

There I was, staring angrily at my budget. Why did I go to such a ridiculously expensive university? Why am I not a billionaire? Or at least someone who can afford groceries without donating plasma?

I opened up my email and voila! I had a housekeeping job.

I am glad that I went to such a ridiculously expensive university. I cherish so many of those friendships even though they now live about 13 hours away from me. I am not a billionaire because then I wouldn't be the weird cheapskate that I am. And I love donating plasma.

Something I've been trying to learn (for seemingly my whole life) is to be still and know that He is God.

Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.

Memories

2011-10-17T23:00:00.000-05:00

Memories have a way of suddenly overwhelming you. One minute you are drying a spatula, the next, you're trampled by all of these events that you were hoping you had repressed. Nope, no chance of that happening. I want to blame it on something. But even as I write this I can't think of one single thing to blame it on, other than dishes being boring. I'm not going to delve into the details, because, well frankly, that's not my style. I like to keep my life semi-private. Despite my incessant and narcissistic postings on social media. I shall forever be an introvert. (For a great article on myths of introverts click here.)

I think God wants me to really deal with all of my emotions. I tend to try to just set it aside. Bottle it up. I thought I was done with that. Eesh. I had several months of therapy after I broke off my engagement and while that did help, I still have my issues. Like guilt. My good friend Joy asked me on the train back in September how I am dealing with it. I kind of shrugged off the question.

I'm working on giving things up to God. (It seems like I say this every three months.) It's a work in progress. He needs to work in me. And for that to happen, I need to spend a lot more time with Him than I usually do.

This might not make sense to anyone. If so, I apologize - hopefully I can pull together my thoughts for a real post.

Employed!

2011-10-08T10:46:00.001-05:00

I'm a freelance writer for The Examiner.
I submitted my first article today. Click here to see it. Since I get paid by my audience number, I'd appreciate as much traffic as possible. I'm just a poor 20-something trying to pay off school loans.

Bemidji

2011-09-25T13:25:00.000-05:00

Mom and I went to Bemidji, MN at the beginning of August. I finally edited and tagged all the pictures. This is what happens when you are sick and don't feel up to simple things like standing, much less cleaning or cooking.

At Villa Calma, our amazing bed and breakfast.

We were able to stop along the way and take pictures.

Headwaters at the Mississippi River! Crazy how a huge river starts out so small.

Crocheted tree.

Exciting, terrifying.

2011-09-24T11:38:00.000-05:00

So I'm at a very exciting and terriying time in my life currently.

I recently was offered a job position as a nanny in Jackson, Mississippi. I was ecstatic! Turns out that wasn't God's plan for me. The family was one of the sweetest I have ever met. I loved them and their church; I am so glad to have had the opportunity to gain some more dear friends. But it left me with more questions than answers after I got back home. After I did, I finally caught up on my sleep and slept for 13 hours straight. I think it's safe to say that I hadn't completely recovered from my jet-lag.

I haven't had time since I returned from England to go through pictures. Now that I have some free time, I'm hoping to blog more and take/edit pictures on a more frequent basis. Also, since I'm poor, I added advertisements to the side of my blog. Please click on them and make me rich ;)

Anyway, exciting. Absolutely anything can happen right now. I could be headed to Africa for an adventure. I could discover Prince Charming on my back steps. I could be offered a photo job. But I'll just keep busy and wait to see what God decides to do.

Terrifying. The vast amount of school loans are looming. I have some money saved up and I'm cleaning several houses locally. Not exactly the makings of a debt-free life. Will I mooch off my parents until the economy improves? I hope not. Time to write the next great American novel.

The Help

2011-08-21T02:35:00.000-05:00

You is kind. You is smart. You is important.

Yesterday I went to the theatre with my mom to see The Help. There was a bit of language in the beginning. Nothing too severe, but probably not something you want to bring your kids to see.

I didn't really know much about The Help. I hadn't even seen a trailer for it. My mom really wanted to go and I thought, what the heck, why not? After all, it takes place in the 60s. If it bombs, at least I get to look at pretty dresses for two hours. Wow, I was wrong. It is one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen. It had me laughing and crying almost simultaneously.

It brought to light some shocking things which I had never realized (the 'help' not being allowed to use the same toilet as the whites because they had "different diseases.")

Not only is this film phenomenal because of it's story, but most of the characters had so much growth. When I was first introduced to what I thought was going to be a flighty, ditzy character, I was annoyed. However, I found her character to be very entertaining. She grew. The ditz isn't often given a chance in movies.

Get off your butt right now and go to a theatre. And invite me!

Stop reading, get out of here. Run, don't walk.

And ask about the origin of your pie.

Ever-frightening

2011-08-04T17:58:00.000-05:00

Pauley Summer get-together!

2011-08-02T02:21:00.001-05:00

We had family over this weekend! It was so fun having everyone here. This time I didn't take as many pictures, and just decided on talking more with people. I took just over 100 pictures, which is hardly anything for me :)

Dawson is such a cutie!

Dudley captured Andrew's heart.

Cherry picking!

Evidence of extended family

2011-08-01T23:29:00.001-05:00

We like to eat.

London in 24 days!

2011-07-31T19:16:00.001-05:00

Bucket List

2011-07-28T01:52:00.002-05:00

Got the idea from Through the Waters of Life to post my bucket list here. Maybe it will prompt me to get more done! :) Bear with me, it's a fairly extensive list.

Personal Fitness

· Run a marathon (it'll have to be short unless I somehow gain an ironman body overnight)

· Hike in the mountains

· Do an indoor rock-climb wall

· Bungee jump

· Learn to swim

· Learn to surf (I got up twice in Hawaii, but would like to get better at it)

· Do P90X

· Lose 25 pounds

Hobbies

· Learn Cricket

· Complete a crossword puzzle

· Learn to quilt

· Solve a Rubik’s Cube

· Learn to play bridge (I watch too many old tv series)

· Go fishing at sunrise

· Listen to Bach and Mozart

· Own a horse

· Milk a cow (despite living in the country, I have never milked a cow)

· Win Super Mario Bros on Nintendo (I am absolutely HORRID at video games)

· Start a fire without matches

· Hold a snake (the sheer thought of this scares me silly!)

· Finish crocheted green blanket (more than half way done with it as a queen sized)

Home

· Grow an herb garden (I would LOVE to be able to cook with my own spices)

· Buy a home, with a window seat

· Host 10 dinner parties

· Have a plant, and not kill it

· Watch no TV for one week

· Own a piano

· Pay off all school loans (scheduled to be done by June 2016)

· ~~Splurge on a pair of shoes~~ (DONE! -- TOMS)

· Have a secret room behind a bookcase (I don't think I'll tell if this happens)

Charity

· Volunteer at a soup kitchen

· Give blood consistently

· Help to end slavery

· Spend a day talking with an orphan

· Spend a day talking with a homelessman/woman/child

· Donate at least $20 every year to a charity

· Own 5 pairs of TOMS

· Mission trip/expedition (kaya) every year

Language

· Learn French fluently

· Learn an accent well (British or Irish preferably)

· Learn HTML coding

· Learn basic sign language

· Expand vocabulary

Writing

· Write a book

· Learn calligraphy

· Practice handwriting

· Write a paper, just because

· Write a sitcom

· Write your autobiography

· Compile a cookbook

· Use typewriter frequently for writing letters

Food

· Eat a jalapeno pepper, whole

· Anchovies

· Escargot, Lucy style

· Make homemade ice cream

· Put up root beer

· Avoid fast food for six months

· Cook every dish from the ’69 Betty Crockercookbook

· Eat Haggis

· Learn to make Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon

Phrases To Say

· Sit on it!

· Quick, follow that car!

· I think this is the beginning of a beautifulfriendship

· Go ahead, make my day

· A martini. Shaken, not stirred.

Read

· The works of e.e. cummings,

· The works of Thoreau

· The works of Emerson

· Bible, cover to cover

· Entire Encyclopedia Britanica

· 100 NY Best Sellers

Films

· Watch all of the AFI’s greatest films

· Watch every single Hitchcock film

· Be an extra in a film

· Become a still photographer for a movie set

· Watch every Academy Award for Best Picture

Photograph/Travel

· Eiffel Tower

· England/Scotland

· Ukraine, Hungary (E. Europe)

· Origin of Ancestors: France, Germany, Scotland, Russia,Denmark

· Greece

· Corrie ten Boom’s home

· Holy Land

· Italy

· Ireland

· Peru (Machu Picchu)

· Maine lighthouses

· Prince Edward Island

· DC in the spring

· Oregon (Multnomah Falls)

· Sundance

· Gondolas in Venice

· Big Ben in London (will do in August!)

· Abbey Road (will do in August!)

· Chase a storm

· Fly in a hot air balloon

· Take the Amtrak from Seattle to the East Coast

· Learn the ins and outs of Photoshop

· Re-learn geography

· Change a flat tire

· Drive stick shift

· Visit all countries of heritage [Denmark,Germany, France, Switzerland, Scotland]

· Live in Europe for a month

· ~~Start photography business~~

· Visit Holocaust camps, after re-reading TheHiding Place

· Fly first-class overseas

· Photograph for National Geographic

· Visit all 50 states (31 to go!)

· Drive down route 66

· Go behind a waterfall

· Attend the Olympics

· Watch the sun rise every day for one week

· Photograph war

· Photograph a wedding

· Retire in England

· Visit a castle

· Explore a cave

· Impromptu road trip

· Human Trafficking Photography Expedition viaKaya travel

snowflakes are weapons

2011-06-09T11:13:00.000-05:00

This might look like an ordinary, even innocent, teapot. But those little white decals masquerading as a snowflake are pure evil. I have the battle wounds to prove it. Okay fine, I spent a good five minutes trying to decide which finger it was after the attack was over.

Moral of the story: don't trust teapots with snowflakes.
They try too hard to look innocent.

I'm home!

2011-06-07T04:54:00.001-05:00

Only problem is that means all of my stuff is in one place for the first time in four years.

The first night I was surrounded by all of my stuff. I felt like I was sleeping on an island of commercial products. I cleaned all day yesterday, and thankfully I can now see the floor!

Free books!

2011-06-01T00:09:00.001-05:00

My aunt and uncle get the old books after the library has a sale. They let me look through them and pick what I wanted. I am beginning to understand why my mom has so many books. How could one resist such an offer?

Hard-cover books!

Grammar books

The Unemployed Gypsy

2011-05-25T22:36:00.002-05:00

As you may have noticed, I have a lack of excitement in my life lately. I'm still trying to remain patient. I changed the background on this blog and re-did the header, but that didn't take long. So, in an attempt to keep myself from boredom, I created a new youtube channel.

The Unemployed Gypsy

Patience is not an easy virtue

2011-05-02T22:21:00.003-05:00

I graduated college.

Did I forget to tell you? Oops.

Right now am waiting to hear on a job. I really hope I get it. I would be able to stay in the area, and I would be able to keep doing photography (and actually get paid for it!). While trying to have patience waiting for a phone call, I am relaxing. Right now I am focusing on getting back on a normal sleep schedule (I became nocturnal the last week of school) and taking pictures for the fun of it. I have a couple projects in mind, but first I want to just get back in the habit of taking pictures on a regular basis again.

Alas, patience is not something that comes easily to me. I am off to distract my impatience with some brilliance by Hitchcock, courtesy of Netflix.

Maybe I'll even watch his version of Easy Virtue.

my family makes me smile

2011-03-27T18:26:00.000-05:00

...

2011-03-24T19:14:00.001-05:00

Hollins U.

Roanoke, Virginia.

Screenwriting and Film Studies.

I might want to do grad school after all.

Hurting and jealous

2011-03-22T14:27:00.001-05:00

It hurts to know that I will never see you again here on Earth.
It hurts to know I wasn't there to say goodbye.
It just hurts.

I'll miss you Linda.
I will miss your fellow love of chocolate.
I will miss your kindness and love.

I'll miss your laughter.

I'll miss your stories.

I'll miss camping with you.

I thought you could pull through.
I've seen miracles before.
I don't understand why God didn't heal your cancer.

I just know that you aren't hurting anymore.
I can hardly wait to see you.
In the meantime, I'll just be jealous of all the time God gets to spend with you.

silence

2011-03-14T23:56:00.000-05:00

During prayer today I realized how many horrible things are happening in the lives of my friends. I see so many people every day, but I rarely know what burdens they are carrying with them.

The death of a grandpa.
A grandma going into kidney failure.
Coming back from a missions trip and not quite sure how to deal with this new information.

What's going on with this world? Has it become more insane lately, or have I just opened up my eyes? Cancer, genocide, modern-day slavery, child soldiers, earthquakes and tsunamis. I was so overwhelmed tonight that after chapel drama, I decided to go to the prayer room. And I couldn't even pray I had no words. So I sat there in silence. I can't help these people. How can I? I'm only a girl with a smile, and sometimes a half-hearted one at that. What can I do?

hair decides work level

2011-02-08T22:30:00.000-06:00

Once I put my hair up, and decide to work at my desk instead of reading in my bed, you know that I mean business. It's time to do some serious homework.

awkward

2011-02-01T08:44:00.000-06:00

defines my life. I just can’t help it, just seems to radiate off of me. And when I try not to be awkward, it just makes it worse. Have you ever witnessed an awkward nerd try to not be themselves? It’s not a pretty sight.

Disclaimer: I love being awkward. Also, doesn't the word awkward even look awkward?! It never had a chance.

I have come to the conclusion that I am forevermore doomed to be awkward. Care to know why? I like awkward boys. Michael Cera? Jesse Eisenberg? I thoroughly enjoy their interviews solely for the reason with how awkward they are. Maybe one day I’ll get lucky and get a cross between Cary Grant and Urkel.

sick

2011-01-29T19:29:00.000-06:00

bronchitis + fever + chills + deep coughing + searing pain in throat = ouch

What I Learned In School

2011-01-27T01:41:00.000-06:00

Well, today at least.

Creativity is required to have self-confidence in your work. Without it, you probably just won't make anything. And if you do, it won't be something you are incredibly proud of. However, once you have creativity you will actually WANT to do work. When you have that grand idea, all you want to do is just that and not be bothered by other little things...like eating or sleeping. Hey, if the idea is great enough, I might even skip a meal [food is a great passion of mind]. But once that creativity is flowing and you create work you are proud of, you want to make more. And of course your confidence is boosted.

Creativity à Self-confidence.

Took me 4 1/2 years of college but I finally found the key.

Pride

2011-01-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

I have been so incredibly prideful.

I haven't read the Bible consistently in, well I'm going to be blatantly honest....I haven't read it on a consistent basis for about a year. Horrible, right? How could I put God on a shelf? What right do I have to do that? NONE. Yet, all this time I have considered myself a pretty humble person. I read a book on humility once. That should be enough, right? Oy, the longer I live the more I realize I have to learn and re-learn.

Will I ever figure out life?

How I Brought Bread Into Existence

2011-01-05T18:47:00.004-06:00

I learned how to make bread today! I was about to make my amazing carmel rolls, had the yeast done [i still don't always get it to rise properly] and had the milk scalded. Then, the unfortunate happened. There were no eggs in the fridge! I had checked all the ingredients aside from the obvious things a kitchen should have before I started, because well...let's face it, there isn't a grocery store for at least 30 miles. I frantically searched for two eggs. I dashed to the fridge downstairs with hopes high. No eggs. I called neighbors looking for donors. [really i just dialed my aunt but she wasn't home sadly] I resumed my quest for eggs. Oh, how I wish we still had chickens!! I even looked in the freezer. By this time, I was mad with cooking fury.

Then I gave up. Took the pot off the burner. Went back to boring dishes. "My day is just RUINED," I thought. What a terrible way to start the day! But then Betty Crocker started whispering ideas to me. I looked up bread recipes. I had never made bread before. Rolls, sure, but BREAD?! How intimidating. All I could think of was Grandma's Bread and never being able to measure up to that standard. But I was desperate. What could I lose? I already had the yeast done, and the milk scalded. Might as well put it to good use.

And VOILA!

Two loaves were born.

I promise it was two, but I didn't take pictures until after the boys got back from school and basketball practice. I'll let you in on a little secret. Teenage boys like to eat. A lot.

Ah, this is the life.

2010-12-18T16:21:00.001-06:00

Lazy afternoons and chai tea.

I Don't Feel So United

2010-12-12T21:48:00.002-06:00

It was an early morning, fraught with excitement of going home. The crisp air bit at my cheeks, but I didn't care. I was able to go home. When I arrived at O'Hare, the excitement grew as I saw the terminal for United Airlines. I love traveling, especially being in the airport. Then, my troubles began.

sidenote: I was quite jealous of my roomie who arrived home sooner than me. [she lives in The Netherlands, whereas I am just a two hour flight away from home]

My flight is delayed....hm. Well, that's not a big problem. Only by 15 minutes.

See all that yellow? CANCELED flights.

I had to go in a separate line for delayed and cancelled flights. I soon found out why they were bunched together. I got a text from my lovely room-mate saying that my flight was cancelled. [There is only one flight to Bismarck a day, mind you.] As well as the flight to Fargo. Despite the odds, I remained hopeful.

Perhaps, I can fly to Denver, and make a connection there.

Wrong.

After an hour and a half of waiting in line, and talking with John Greenford and his wife who were on their way to Green Bay, I was able to tell an agent my dilemma. He searched, but nothing was found except for the following schedule: O'Hare to Seattle, to La Guardia (New York), to Denver, to some other city, to Bismarck. I was not willing to take that much risk of a) losing my luggage and b) of not having a place to sit for every flight.

And then I realized I would be coming back in less than 24 hours.

Will the lines be better tomorrow?

To which the agent slightly laughed. However, he reprinted my boarding pass and I will be waiting in a much shorter line. 12 hours from now I will be back in O'Hare. I am keeping my fingers crossed until I get through security.

TOMS!

2010-12-08T15:26:00.000-06:00

My first pair of TOMS came in the mail today! I was so excited =) I was wanting these shoes, but they were all sold out in my size. So I went with a classic :)

lifehouse, scouting for girls, daughtry

2010-12-05T17:14:00.000-06:00

music from bands that I could listen to over and over. I could listen to anything from these bands all day. Most artists I just like a couple, but these guys are all phenomenal. In fact, as I was writing this post, I finally bought the one album of Scouting for Girls that is on iTunes. [come on guys, get it together, put more up!]

lifehouse

scouting for girls

daughtry

in one week....

2010-12-05T16:25:00.000-06:00

i will be home
i will be freezing my face off
i will be practically trampled as I get hugged by my family at the airport
and i will be loving it.

Handle with care.

2010-11-19T01:43:00.000-06:00

Life seems to be such a common aspect of everyday...well, life. When it is threatened, I am always surprised by it. Tonight there was a car accident at Judson, and two of the guys are in the hospital. The Judson community came to the chapel to pray for everyone involved in the accident. I was surprised at how many were there. Despite a lot of students being gone for the Harry Potter midnight premiere and it being so late, the chapel was filled with students. I was amazed at the response. I really shouldn't be though. Judson is an amazing community.

taken with a friend's phone at chapel.

After prayer from the President, we prayed in groups. Now, I rarely cry. I have gotten better at it, but just don't cry. I don't even know these boys who were in the accident, but tears were streaming down my face while we prayed and sang songs. One of the songs was Heart of Worship. Some students talked about how trials can help bring people closer to God. Lately I haven't been focusing my priorities on God. Tonight made me realize how fragile life really is. I could be gone tomorrow, or in 80 years.

When the music fades

And all is stripped away

And I simply come

Longing just to bring

Something that's of worth

That will bless your heart

I'll bring You more than a song

For a song in itself

Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within

Through the ways things appear

You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You

All about You, Jesus

I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You

It's all about You Jesus

King of endless worth

No one could express

How much You deserve

Though I'm weak and poor

All I have is Yours

Every single breath

I'll bring You more than just a song

For a song in itself

Is not what You have required

You search much deeper within

Through the way things appear

You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worship

And it's all about You

All about You, Jesus

I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it

When it's all about You

It's all about You Jesus

Its all about you

Jesus

Please pray for everyone involved, but especially for Nick Schlegel, Derek Radesky, their families. Pray for peace. Pray for understanding. Pray for love.

Chicago

2010-11-16T00:10:00.002-06:00

I went into Chicago in the beginning of November with three of my friends--I saw and heard a lot of interesting things. We were asking people if they thought God was real. The answers were always fascinating, especially one guy that was stranded in Chicago with no way to make money to get back home in Vegas. But for me, the most memorable moment happened very quickly. I saw a man digging through the garbage. I didn't really think much of it, but continued to watch as we walked by [people fascinate me] Right before I looked away, he pulled out a drink from a place like Sbarro. And he started drinking from it. I was so incredibly shocked. But it made me realize how incredibly blessed I am. There I was, walking around with an awesome camera and with friends from a school that I am blessed to be able to go to.

Yet, I complain.

Incessantly.

About the cafeteria food
About having "nothing" to wear
About too much homework

About having too much stuff

About not having enough time
About nothing
About everything

I am blessed and I tend to forget that.

The Banana Incident

2010-11-13T15:18:00.007-06:00

Do I have a story for you! There I was, sitting on my bed, editing pictures. Harmless, right? WRONG. If you have a Dutch room-mate, that is. Now, like I said, I was just working and being completely innocent [it's a stretch, but also the truth]. Suddeny, out of nowhere, a banana is flung at my bed. I look up to see an evil grin from said Dutch room-mate. I am shocked. Usually so is so sweet and kind [lies!]. I pick up the banana because I care for it. Then, I discover the worst part. It's a banana split! After this knowledge, I decided to document it.

After this documentation, I decided consuming the evidence would be wise. But then a song came on and I started dancing. That's when the top half of the banana fell off--into Anne's garbage. I then fell to the floor in laughter. After which I tried to eat the other half but accidentally dropped it on the floor. And then I dropped the banana peel in Anne's garbage.

Justice.

Served.

last challenge day.

2010-11-10T23:35:00.001-06:00

Day 26- What you think about your friends?

they are insane and get cranky when they need sleep (quite similar to me)

Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?

why not?

Day 28- A picture of you last year and now, how have you changed since then?

--------all of my pictures are needing to be relocated in another folder :'(

Day 29- In this past month, what have you learned?

i need to take better care of my body. [it's falling apart...teeth, knee, etc]

Day 30- Who are you?

I am way too tired to answer this question effectively tonight [yes, I am dodging the question with an excuse]

22-25

2010-11-05T02:53:00.002-05:00

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else?'

i'm not that original. everyone else? really? is that even possible? please. i know people like to think they are completely unique and different, but the truth is no one is. [sorry, but it's true] we're all human, and we all have our weird tendencies. some are just a little more boring, and some are just insane.

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot.

chipotle (i have decided to eat there less, too much of my money goes there. sadness)

Day 24- A letter to your parents.

Dear Mom and Dad, I would appreciate money for my addiction (see number 23). Thanks a heap. Oh, you should skype me. How is Scott doing? [blog readers: he was in a 4-wheeler accident, but he is ok now] I wouldn't mind money for gas either. Okay, well I shall anxiously await your response. Sincerely, your one and only loving daughter, (nothing like putting on pressure to reimburse your addiction) Megan

Day 25- What I would find in your bag?

3 musketeers wrapper
billfold
homework
random lint
pens and highlighters
a book
depends on the day, my d-slr

Have you seen my aspirations?

2010-11-03T04:50:00.001-05:00

I used to have so many goals for my life. Plans, aspirations. But lately, I have just become so very melancholy almost. Lack luster, boring, feeling "ehhh." I tend to blame this on school. Sounds like a good excuse right. The academic institution is sucking away my soul. Right, RIGHT? If I'm truthful with myself (which I really need to do more) I need to face the music that it's me. I've let myself get to this place. I've let myself just go through the motions. I am finally comfortable at Judson, and really know who I am (do you truly ever know who you are?). Is it good to be comfortable? When I get comfortable, that means changing out of my pretty clothes and into sloppy sweatpants. And in general, I just don't care how I look. When I first came to Judson, I took tons of pictures, always had my camera with me. In some ways, I think I was more outgoing back then. What happened? No idea.

I used to write short stories all the time when I was in high school. Since college, I've really just put those thoughts out of my mind. "I am a general art major, why should I write?" Guess what Megan, other things can inspire you. You don't have to do solely artsy things. (personally though, i think writing is a pretty artsy thing to do)

Well enough talk about all these things I used to do. It is time to do fun things again. I've made lists of things I want to do with my life before, but I think it's something interesting to look back on.

continue to wear hats
travel to [and across] Europe
elaborate my short stories, maybe write a novel
crochet instead of waste time on the internet
cry more
fall in love
give grace to people that aggravate me
learn to swim
sketch, even if the drawings are terrible
take pictures, all the time
talk to people [be a social human being]
expand my vocabulary
teach myself French

Days 20, 21

2010-11-01T21:08:00.003-05:00

Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future.

puts God first above all, even me

humble

servant's heart

chivalrous

encouraging

un-manipulative (is that really a word?)

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy.

TOMS. this is an organization that gives a kid a pair of shoes every time you purchase a pair for yourself. In addition, these shoes will help to fund three new clean water wells in Ethipoia. The shoes are really expensive, but so worth it. I'm thinking of getting my first pair for Christmas.

500th post

2010-10-30T20:30:00.002-05:00

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why.

my life is pretty awesome. I have enough problems living my own life, why go elsewhere when I'm starting to figure this thing called life out?

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have.

move to England
become a social landscape photographer
the cliche (but beautiful) dream of finding Prince Charming
travel all across Europe
peace corps?
get rid of all my debt from school loans
be awesome

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them? LOTS

Meggy eggy seggy peggy weggy zeggy (ask Trisha)
Mugsee (rat/mouse) my loving cousin Matthew came up with it
Purple [two guys were needing a third person in their group, i was wearing purple, and it just stuck.]
Dakota [people can't get North or South straight down here]
Erbele, Erbel Tea [people love my last name, erbel tea=er...be...le]
CP [secret with my cousin Jessie]
Marge [Anne likes my middle name, Margaret]
shutterbug
blurbly
....more to come I'm sure

i love apples

2010-10-30T20:16:00.002-05:00



missing home?

2010-10-27T16:41:00.000-05:00

I think whenever I start to get homesick, I will just look at this picture. Apparently this is home, well nearby. It's of Scott's girlfriend's car. (my brother has a girlfriend...what?? :) Glad I am here. October, no snow. I tend to forget that I'm lucky to be seeing red leaves instead of white snow. I love being able to celebrate autumn for more than a week.

Challenge, 4

2010-10-27T16:22:00.000-05:00

Day 14- A picture of you and your family.

a traditional portrait (2006)

Texas Trip, Christmas 2009. Mom made us stand by this sign. She thought it would be cool for her scrapbook. As you can see, I picked the correct footgear for the excursion.

California Trip, Christmas 2005. I am totally absorbed in camera. Playing with settings would be my guess. That was back in the day when I shot in film.

Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play.

The Lucky Ones--Brendan James
Devastation and Reform--Relient K
All this Time--Maria Mena
Syndicate--The Fray
Something In The Water--Brooke Fraser
The Other Woman--Caro Emerald
Forever Young--BobDylan
Wicked World--Laura Jansen
Perfectly Lonely--John Mayer
Foundations--Kate Nash

2010-10-23T18:57:00.002-05:00

Challenge, 3

2010-10-22T20:13:00.001-05:00

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why?

------start reading the Bible more consistently

Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days

-----good grades on mid-term papers and tests

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad.

-----Happy--> Absolutely Me-Caro Emerald
-----Sad--> He Must Have Really Hurt You Bad-George Strait
-----Bored--> I'll Be Your Crying Shoulder-Goo Goo Dolls
-----Hyped--> Keep the Party Alive-Family Force 5
-----Mad--> That's What You Get-Paramore

Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends.

me & maggie on the way to pick up kids while at Riverwoods (2009)

just say no

2010-10-17T15:34:00.000-05:00

30 day challenge

2010-10-16T20:24:00.002-05:00

30 Day Challenge

Day 02- The meaning behind your Tumblr name.

--Invalid. :)

Day 03- A picture of you and a friend.

--These are two of my best friends. My room-mate and my mom.

At Homecoming, i tried to get Anne to run through the water with me.

this is my amazing mother =)

Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn’t have.

-- procrastination

Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to.

it's pretty grand.

tumbling is fun

2010-10-13T01:02:00.000-05:00

i started tumbling today

meganerbele.tumblr.com

i will still be blogging here. tumblr will be for pictures and quotes that inspire, as well as replies to formspring questions.

30 Day Challenge

2010-10-12T14:13:00.000-05:00

my last 30 day challenge wasn't as up to snuff as i wanted it to be, so i am re-trying - just for the heck of it. it won't be everyday....just fyi. i found this on Chelsea's tumblr. i have been thinking about getting a tumblr.....

Day 1 - a recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself.

(no guarantee that these are interesting)

my hair has recently decided to be awesome. i don't have to do anything to it, and it will be wonderfully curly. but when i brush it....well, that's another story
i finished a six page paper (that i actually wrote 7 pages for) three days in advance. now i have another 6-page paper to write. different class, same professor (i always write papers the night before they are due, so this one better get a good grade.)
sunday night i went to sleep at 8:30 in the morning, so last night i figured i would be able to crash at midnight, easily. FAIL. my roomie and i were up until 4:30 i think. bombastic fail.
my room-mate (anne) is from the netherlands, and i continually make fun of her accent, and she makes fun of how naive i am. quite the loving relationship we have.
i am an introvert....and an extrovert. lately, more so the latter.
i hate papyrus [typeface]. the church i go to now is completely obsessed with it. i need to have a talk with the creative arts director.
my ears are quite peculiar. one attached, one unattached
fifteen facts about oneself is a lot
after a week long digital cleanse with anne, i am less obsesses with facebook....but still am completely addicted to twitter.
i wish i had time to read books i want to read
i scream in the cinema at horror films, no matter how pathetic they are
i am a film addict. anne and i have a movie map in our room of films that we need to watch to become whole adults.
when talking about ~~boys~~ men, the word sexy is lost on me, but suave.....i practically melt if the guy is anything like Cary Grant.
i love writing, but haven't been able to because school takes up so much time
i love cleaning when the room is very dirty. you can see progress, but if you vacuum everyday, it seems pointless.

When taking engagement pictures for friends, I climbed into a tree to get a different perspective. I didn't want to get down.

signs of the times

2010-10-11T02:15:00.001-05:00

midterms that is.

Yes, my friends. Time is no longer a friend (when IS it a friend?) Later nights, more snacks, and maybe a catnap somewhere in the day. Wait, that's every day. Well, now people can understand why I am sleepy most of the time. Pictured above is my to-do list. So far, it is what I have to do for this week. LOTS. I finished a six page paper tonight, and one more to do (both for the same professor, different classes). Wish me luck. Or better yet, pray.

Fake Voices

2010-10-04T16:58:00.000-05:00

In a future generation
Monophonic crowds emerge
With their metal throats
On organic flesh
Trading Originals for epigones
Real singers have become extinct

Fake voices
Fill the avenues
With Decepticon diction
Its a failed quest for perfection
Once the talent pool evaporates
Real singers have become extinct

This is a song by one of my friends, Curtis Bell. I especially love the line "It's a failed quest for perfection." Because really, isn't every quest for perfection doomed to fail? We can't be perfect. I wish more people would be broken and beautiful. Let the cracks show. God can use the worst moments of our lives for His glory. When we are weak, He is strong. Let's be honest, people. Let's be transparent--so transparent that people only see God's love through us instead of judgement and hypocrisy. Let people see your mistakes. Guess what? We've all made them.

lotsa books

2010-10-01T16:24:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, I'm actually kind of excited about these books (plus the 20 or so more titles I have yet to get from fellow Illinois libraries). I love books, so it's nice when I am enthusiastic about the papers I have to write, and thus research the background. (which includes watching lots of Alfred Hitchcock films :)

Eppie

2010-09-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

*photo courtesy of epson

I have a tendency to name all of my gadgets and gizmos. There's Ian, Nellie, Steve, Veronica and Eppie to name a few.

Eppie. Well his given name is technically Epson Stylus nx420, but Eppie is his loving adoptive name.

He has proven himself well tonight. I printed off contact sheets and 15 prints for my senior proposal class tomorrow. And every single one has beautiful colors. Eppie and I go way back. We've been together for going on two months now. A very solid relationship. He is very good to me, sometimes more than I deserve. Sometimes I press too many of his buttons and he threatens to stop talking to me, and occasionally he will refuse to help me with my homework, but in the end there is a lot of love in our relationship.

randomosity

2010-09-27T02:21:00.000-05:00

I recently ordered a free sample, and got an all-bran sleep mask. I've never used one, but I like free things :)

I am currently in love.

2010-09-22T02:48:00.000-05:00

Lifehouse is phenomenal.

that is all.

Autumn

2010-09-17T20:37:00.003-05:00

Ilove autumn. It is beautiful and perfect. Why do I have this love you might ask? Well, let me tell you. I hate summer. It gets unbearably hot, too much skin is shown, bugs think they can take over the world and the sun is not conducive to my danish-heritage (aka very white) skin. i much prefer autumn.

crisp leaves on the ground
scarves, and layers
bonfires at friends
cooler weather
the colors
hot chocolate

“It was one of those perfect English autumnal days which occur more frequently in memory than in life…”

Author P.D. James

Girls can be stupid

2010-09-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

This is the very truthful wisdom I got from the book, How to be a Hepburn Girl in a Hilton World. I first came across this fabulous book through Christa-Taylor's blog. Which, by the way is a fabulous blog, and you should definitely read it on a consistent basis. Well I was quite excited when this fabulous book came in the mail, free, courtesy of SwagBucks [insert shameless self-promotion for SwagBucks referrals here]. Books. Books?! What are those? You mean those 500 paged boring things with thick covers? Wait. You mean there are interesting books?! Wow. I thought they had become extinct since I began my four year (okay, okay, five) college stint. Well I was relieved of this knowledge that good books, do indeed live on, despite my obliviousness (is that a word?).

I got off topic didn't I? The hazard of my very existence. I am positive I have ADD (probably adhd). Okay, FOCUS.

I loved this book. It might be a bit of a slap in the face to some, but we need more of that. Girls CAN be stupid. Sometimes I just wish I could be friends with guys, there seems to be a lot less drama. Maybe they just don't talk about it.

It has become commonplace for girls to be able to literally show every part of the body. When that person isn't us, we tend to gossip and go on about how short their skirt was, etc. But until we do something about it (dress classy ourselves) we really aren't doing anything worthwhile, are we? When you look at pictures sixty years ago, women dressed with class, beauty and dignity. ~~Women~~ Girls don't do that anymore. They wear miniskirts and tops that reveal more than some swimsuits. (which is a whole other topic-don't get me started. I am having enough trouble focusing) When you wear a dress that actually fits, people take notice. I remember this summer Mom and I were in town, and people would kept staring at us. I could practically hear their stares. When you dress with dignity, people notice. Yes, it might be uncomfortable, and yes, people might stare. (but I bet they are wishing they looked as put together as you) Do you really feel insulted when someone says you look like Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly? And for the guys, if any read this blog, would you take offense at being labeled a Cary Grant?

I highly recommend reading this book, it is very short, but full of insight.

Mystery

2010-09-07T00:28:00.002-05:00

Whatever happened to mystery? I forgot how much girls throw themselves at guys. Maybe I do it too, but honestly I just want more guy friends (less drama). I was walking with a couple girls today when one burst out "I call dibs!" i was rather confused when the other girl made her confusion known. "The guy, obviously."

What happened to mystery? What happened to letting the guy go after the girl instead of the other way around? Are quiet girls doomed to be spinsters? I don't think so. Let real men be men. Gentlemen. I don't want a guy that is letting women take control of every situation, he should be decisive and a man truly after God's own heart.

[disclaimer: this post might seem like I am looking for Prince Charming, but I'm just venting]

crazy-busy

2010-08-31T14:07:00.000-05:00

crazy-busy seems to be the best word to describe my academic life right now. and yes, my "life" now means schoolwork.

olivetti lettera 3

2010-08-13T03:21:00.001-05:00

a worldwide favorite of students, its also the perfect portable for everyone from poets to PTA secretaries, as advertised in one of the promotional ads. lettera 32 offers the combination of value and features with the feel of a full-size machine.

If anyone has the hankering to buy me this $325 beautiful typewriter from MyTypewriter.com I would not argue.

Makeover!

2010-08-06T23:03:00.003-05:00

Since junior high I have had the same paint on the walls in my room. I realized this summer that I will be a (super) Senior in college. And since, I am in fact, a brilliant college student, I conceived the idea that it might be a good idea to change a room every ten years or so. Thus, I decided to take matters into my own hands (after someone else bought the paint) and give my room a make-over.

I was getting a little high off of the paint.....

i got this AWESOME recruit :)

Andrew's method consists of putting paint EVERYWHERE in hopes that it will look like more work has been done ;)

-- -- --

360 tour of my new room:

notice the beautiful mac on the bed (that is actually made)

i LOVE books!

some of my final prints from my film class

i *might* have encouraged some of those stains ;-)

Happy birthday!

2010-08-03T23:15:00.000-05:00

to Andrew:

the crazy,

red-headed,

mischievous,

dishes-drying,

awesome

brother

of mine.

Powerful beyond measure

2010-08-02T19:28:00.000-05:00

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves,
'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?' Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that people won't feel insecure around you....
when we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission
to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

::Maryanne Williamson::

Creativity

2010-07-30T13:12:00.000-05:00

Imagination. Creativity. School. Work. These are not words commonly associated together. Why is that? As kids, most everyone is overflowing with creativity. Somehow, that gets lost. Somewhere someone tells us that we failed. Either that the sky actually isn't purple, or that stripes and polka dots just don't go together. We start to listen to what others have to say, and genuinely care and want their opinion. Without it, we don't know how to dress, how to talk, how to draw. Is creativity a lost art? It can be applied to so many facets of daily life such as solving everyday problems. How can I get my brothers to stop fighting?

Whenever I see a product that is made different than normal, I stop to really investigate it. How did they come up with that design? Was there a problem with the original product? A store that I love to visit is Creative Kitchen. They have all sorts of kitchen appliances, whisks, and other things to make delicious food. For example, this thing-a-ma-jig chops up hamburger much easier than just using a wooden spoon. Creativity isn't just for artists and writers, it is for everyday use.

Last year I took a class at Judson, with Professor Wilson (dir. Finger of God, Furious Love). It is by far, my favorite class I have ever taken. I actually looked forward to class. Why is it that most classes are so boring to sit through, and seemingly unbearable? Why is it that Old Testament class is one of the most boring classes? It should be abundant with questions, fascinating stories and students eager to listen.

There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress, and we would be forever repeating the same patterns. — Edward de Bono

One of the first things, that Prof. Wilson talked about in Exploring Creativity, was that our God is a creative God. When you open the Bible, what are the first words? "In the beginning, God created..." God created. In order to create, you have to be creative. There had never been a human before, and then he whipped up Adam, out of DUST. Dust? You know that stuff on the side of the road? God made the human race out of that pile of dust. Wow. That's pretty creative. I never would have thought of that.

The key question isn’t “What fosters creativity?” But it is why in God’s name isn’t everyone creative? Where was the human potential lost? How was it crippled? I think therefore a good question might be not why do people create? But why do people not create or innovate? We have got to abandon that sense of amazement in the face of creativity, as if it were a miracle if anybody created anything. — Abraham Maslow

If you are interested in some good reading on creativity I would recommend Cracking Creativity, and for ways to be inspired and pushed, The Creativity Book. Both of them were my textbooks from my class, but I kept them both.

haircut

2010-07-29T01:00:00.000-05:00

Day 5

2010-07-23T02:42:00.001-05:00

...i found someone with the whole list, and couldn't help myself

::a person you admire::

Corrie ten Boom. I can't even imagine forgiving guards from the concentration camps, that had tortured and humiliated you and your family.

::a song that makes you cry::
i know i have said this before, but I don't easily cry....

::an art piece::
oh so many. art history 1, 2, and 3 bring many images floating to the front of your mind, but the first one that comes to mind is Girl with a Pearl Earring, by Vermeer. i remember this easily because i wrote a paper on it.

::a time when you felt passionate and alive::
when i realized that i was content and satisfied being single. it has taken quite the process, but it's worth it. God is the center of why I live. i don't always act like it, but i'm trying to correct that.

::talent of yours::
listening to people (does that count?)

::hobby of yours::

baking all sorts of fattening things
crocheting

::something you know you do differently than most people::
eat an apple. i eat the middle section and go all around (just the peeling with some flesh) and proceed to the top and bottom. then i eat the rest of the apple. i am very particular about my food.

::a website::
http://uniqueandamazing.blogspot.com This is a blog of an amazing friend of mine. She's very honest about what's going on in her life and I love it. She also posts a lot of random images-with-text. One time I got my photography project as an inspiration from

::a way that you want to be remembered::
as a woman of God who was passionate for things that truly mattered.

::a movie no one would expect you to love::

phonebooth (2003)

::recipe::

well one of my favorite recipes is caramel rolls, but that's too long to share. how about toast? take a piece of bread, stick it in the toaster, wait, then slather it with pb&j.

::childhood memory::
playing in the "woods," dead trees as my fortresses

::a physical feature you love::

my ears. one is unattached, and the other is. did you know i am abnormal?

::a scar you have and it's story::
it's on my knee. i would have taken a picture, but it's miniscule (don't tell my ego that) i got it surfing in Hawaii. Yeah, that's right. I'm tough. I was bleeding from some coral in potentially shark-infested waters. (i just wish it would be bigger than the size of a Q-tip)

::hopes, dreams and plans you have for the next 365 days::

focus more on God. nothing comes before him.

::a motto or philosophy::
even though things are broken, it doesn't mean it is useless.

Day 4

2010-07-22T14:25:00.001-05:00

::song you want played at your wedding::

For the father/daughter dance, I want There Goes My Life by Kenny Chesney. I'm the last person I would have thought that would ahve had country music played at her wedding. But I guess you just can't fight it. :) My dad recently had me listen to the song, and I knew right then

::guilty pleasure::
getting REALLY good deals. think 75% off sales :)

::vacation you would like to take::
Ohhhhh, Europe how I long to visit you. A dream ever since middle school has been to travel to Italy. But now that I'm teaching myself French, I simply have to go to France, right? And with art history, I should really travel to, pretty much everywhere. Okay, I like that. Who wants to donate money?

Day 3

2010-07-21T23:46:00.001-05:00

:favorite place to eat:

Noodles & Company or Chipotle. Neither of which are in the state of North Dakota. I'm very excited for good eats when I get back to school.

:a photo you took:

This is my friend, La'Barb. We met at Riverwoods last summer. I really didn't blog much about it, but it was an eye-opening experience and you get close to a lot who work there. She is thinking of coming to Judson, and I couldn't be happier! I love this girl. She is so amazing, and would be ecstatic if I got to see her on a regular basis. =)

::a photo of you taken over ten years ago::

Me and grandpa!

::a photo of you taken recently::

Part 2

2010-07-20T16:08:00.003-05:00

::favorite quote::

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could, some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
-Emerson

::a moment you wish you could relive::
studying late nights and mornings with Anne Van Veelen

::five things you couldn't possibly live without::

Jesus
the Bible
my camera
my mac
my sanity (do i still possess that?)

30 day challenge

2010-07-20T00:02:00.002-05:00

I must feel the decision to blog lately. I've been redesigning all three of my blogs (how did I get three blogs?) and actually posting some too. Well Bramblewood Fashion is doing a 30day-made-into-eleven day challenge. Thought it'd give me a good excuse to post.

::favorite song::

Should I just give you my whole iTunes library? One song that just gets me in a better mood, and makes me laugh after watching the video is "So What," by Pink

::favorite movie::

You've Got Mail

I have always loved Meg Ryan. She always plays suck quirky characters. I like to think that I have that same quirkiness.

The Proposal

Betty White and Sandra Bullock. How can you not love this movie?

::favorite book::

Definitely Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. My Creativity professor, Darren Wilson, (director of Furious Love and Finger of God) was raving about it in class one day. And my mom is an avid Rivers reader. So I decided it must be pretty good. Rocked.my.world. Wow. For the first time, I realized how amazing God's love is. I couldn't put that book down. When I was finishing the last chapter, I was sitting in the bathroom (it was about 2am and I didn't want to wake my roomie), just sobbing.
Read it.

::favorite tv series::

Golden Girls
NCIS
M*A*S*H

Dawson

2010-07-19T18:12:00.001-05:00

Dawson Kalyn

2010-07-19T13:09:00.002-05:00

We have a new addition to the family! Welcome Dawson Kalyn! Fortunately she was born before Grandpa had to go back home. =)

Trenton and Teagan LOVE their new baby sister

Denium Apron

2010-07-14T16:48:00.000-05:00

So I've been on a sewing kick lately. Interesting, since I haven't done it before. But after ~~coveting~~ longingly looking at aprons on etsy, I decided to make one for myself. So I took an old pair of jeans ~~that don't fit anymore~~ that I have outgrown, random fabric that was intended for a skirt that never happened, and a shirt in the goodwill pile. Put it al together and VOILA!! After four years of crocheting I finally learned how to sew. The shirt made an awesome belt, and jeans backwards make awesome pockets.

To-do list

2010-07-13T00:15:00.000-05:00

I glanced at my to-do list on my bedroom door and found that someone had tampered with it. Hm, I wonder who that could be telling me to do Andrew's chores.......

Free stuff

2010-07-12T15:49:00.001-05:00

=) Anyone who knows me, is in the knowledge that I love shopping, especially when I get good deals. And I tend to brag about it. Just last week while at the mall, a store had a 75% off sale. My total should have been 108, but it was around 25. I saved three times more than I spent! This summer has been crazy for deals. I need to start saying no or I won't have enough car space! Anyway......I got a package in the mail today. From Amazon. My total would have been almost thirty, but since I had 15 dollars in Amazon gift cards, it was only 12 dollars. And after I had bought them, Amazon sent me a lovely email saying I had a four dollar promotion because of the dvd I had bought. I have a very large wishlist for movies. Having a film studies minor doesn't help things.

I love SwagBucks! =)

Kuchen

2010-07-10T23:57:00.000-05:00

Today, thanks to my fabulous Aunt Susan, I learned how to make kuchen. If you don't know what that is, let me inform your kuchenless mind (I pity you) of the wonders of custard pie. I was shocked how many people at Judson were oblivious to this delicious German piece of fabulous. I was equally amazed at how easy it is make kuchen.
The custard is half-and-half, flour, sugar, salt, and eggs. Make a sweet dough and put in the pie plate, then chocolate chips/peaches/or whatever your heart desires (I'm going to try raspberries from the garden!) unless you want a plain custard kuchen. Then pour the custard over the pie, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Throw it in the oven and devour the delectable wonderment.

SwagBucks

2010-07-07T13:50:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of SwagBucks? It's amazing. At first I thought it might be scam or a waste of money, but it really isn't. It simply takes searching for things like you normally would. With each search, you could get Bucks, which can be redeemed for gift cards. It is completely random how many and how often you get them. They range as far from just one to 50. The best day to search is on Friday because it is MegaSwagBucks Day. I have already gotten 15 dollars in Amazon gift cards. And I will probably be able to get my next one by the end of the day. It's awesome getting free stuff. I hope you will sign up!

Click on the SwagBucks banner or click on the link below. http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/MeganMargaret

If you have any questions, leave a comment!

Photo Tribute for Grandpa

2010-07-06T19:39:00.003-05:00

Grandpa's 80th

2010-07-06T14:45:00.000-05:00

Just over a week ago, we had around 40 people at our house. For my Grandpa's 80th birthday celebration. It was a good thing we had three campers available to use! 22 were at our house. It was crazy, but so much fun. And it went way too quickly.

We made a trip out to the hills. It's amazing how much you can see.

Me and Grandpa!

Family shots: Warren, LeAnn, Jessie, and Heather

Grandpa and his sister, Bev

Abigail LOVED the watermelon. She kept diving in for more.

Jessie with Scott and Andrew

Grandma time!

Elle and Nan

Ben and Mae Piper

"graduation" poses

Jessica, Grandpa and Jon

Dad and his authentic Hawaiian shirt I get him in Oahu

He has worn it to meetings before!

Andrew: gotta love that red hair! Mischief galore....

Nan and Susan playing an old duet during our Talent Extravaganza!

Paul

Fatherly love: Abigail and Nathaniel

Huge group shot! Thanks to Ben for getting everyone in their place!! =)

Ha, I love my mom

2010-07-06T01:53:00.000-05:00

When my mom and I were in Rochester, MN recently, she saw these statues on the sidewalk. Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen anyone run that quickly to get a picture taken. She then insisted upon me posing too. So...meet my new boyfriend. ;)

Prairie Bible Camp

2010-07-05T18:32:00.001-05:00

Slideshow by Rachel Wissmann:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBDAn3ka-I0

I *finally* had enough time to put together a PBC post.

Group shot!

Animal Womp

A game to get to know others better

Popcorn!! Paul did an excellent job every night making fresh popcorn =)

It was wonderful having sunny weather with no rain! We had bonfires every night.

French braiding--a tradition

Launching bottle rockets!

Daily flag raising

Morning devotions

Boxes for craft time. The kids loved having something more useful than the typical kitchy crafts.

Songs and motions

The time travelers...

Hepzi-hop-a-hip-a......something like that

Memory verse: Hebrews 11:1-2

Pinata!

The Chapel

Paints for VBS

Lexi

Basketball during freetime

Smiles

Trying out some gymnastics tricks

Water ballon races

Nice catch!

....until next year!

I have an excuse!

2010-06-21T02:29:00.000-05:00

I thought this picture captured the fury of cleaning.
The work just explodes when you start.

I truly do apologize for not posting camp pictures yet! I have yet to actually look at all of them (I am currently labeling all 10,000+ of my pictures as a result of updating to LightRoom3). Now for some reason, my family likes to eat and that results in dishes. And for some reason, my family likes to wear clothes, so that results in laundry (I can't get by with a load every other weekend, like I do at school). And for some reason, we have decided to clean (most) every corner of our house for my grandpa's 80th birthday that we are having at our house on Saturday. And cleaning, as we all know, results in chaos. Everywhere. I've never quite understood it, but for a house to get cleaner, it needs to get dirtier first.

Back from camp

2010-06-17T00:41:00.000-05:00

....and exhausted! Just one picture for tonight. Hopefully I can blog more tomorrow.

Love my mom :)

2010-06-12T19:26:00.003-05:00

Camp Clean Up

2010-06-12T18:22:00.000-05:00

So I know this is really late. But camp starts tomorrow so I thought I would post something about camp....

Caleb taking down dead trees. We need to plant more!!

Planting the donated flowers

Volunteering starts at an early age! :)

Olivia is so precious!

Job. Difficult to get a picture without him acting silly :)

Not so easy.

2010-06-12T03:40:00.001-05:00

So I was in Fargo with my mom the other day, with way too many errands. We were running through Sears when we saw this comforter on clearance. It was 200 dollars, but we got it on major clearance for 30 dollars! :) It's a more funky pattern than I would have chosen, but that's okay. Makes me feel like I'm on safari! :)

So, today I decided to take off the five blankets I was substituting for a comforter. And the bed skirt and pillow sheets I have had since 7th grade. It's so lovely to have a new fluffy comforter!! However, I soon found out it wasn't all loveliness. It was quite a process.

1) Take off mattress and prop against door.

--Scream as it falls on top of you

2) Fit the king sized bed skirt on the queen sized bed frame.

--Carefully wrinkle the skirt on the corner, artistically

3) Try to throw mattress on frame without moving said fabric.

--Amazed that it worked without destroying a lamp

4) Dig in a pile for QUEEN size sheets.

--Discover a pair that somewhat matches

5) Brings out pillow sham covers from bag.

--Shocked they are as big as a toddler

6) Stuff three pillows inside each sham.

7) Grab two other pillows for color.

8) Throw the psychadelic comforter on bed.

9) Disapointed that all that work for the bed skirt is covered up by the huge comforter.

Oh! I finally got curtains for BOTH windows! I live in the basement, so I consider this quite exciting!! :)

WHEW!

2010-06-07T21:44:00.000-05:00

I thought for sure that since blogger wasn't letting me log in, my blog here had thought it did fine on it's own and would just kick me out of it's life. Good to know it still needs me.

I plan to blog with lots of pictures soon, maybe even update ALL of my blogs! But for now, I have to finish cleaning my room. I won't be living out of a suitcase for the whole summer! I actually have hangers and drawers for my clothes now because I have a rather ginormous pile for goodwill.

Singles Map

2010-05-27T00:39:00.001-05:00

No wonder people complain about the single life! ;-)

[Click to enlarge]

Blue dots=guys

Orange dots=girls

I have a blog?

2010-05-25T23:58:00.001-05:00

I was reminded tonight by the lovely Courtney Nelson that I have a blog. So, it's her fault that I am posting. Or rather, giving this intro and then showing a couple pictures before leaving. :) I just downloaded Lightroom 3, beta 2 version, and was excited about putting in the Watermark :)

Nan's flowers

My nails before my manicure....To quote my facebook status....

"is thinking salons aren't for her. I got my nails done for the first time. Lady was disgusted by my nails. What happened to short and sweet? :) I didn't even make it out of the salon without "ruining" my nails. Take me back to the farm! :) "

Mom wanted some pictures of me with my first piece in a gallery =)

Dessert: demolished!

A birthday balloon! =)

I'm Back!

2010-05-16T22:32:00.004-05:00

....I didn't take this while driving....[ahem]

Indiana was amazing! Gas was .20 cents cheaper, it was blissfully flat and had fun little towns the last hour of the drive. Getting to just listen to music by myself for five hours was amazing. And then I got to see Rikki!!!!!! =D It was amazing, from watching movies to remembering Riverwoods, to eating...and eating...and eating. What can I say, it's what we do best. ;-)

100 different sundaes, and 100 different milkshakes

Crazy Rikki =)

Isn't she amazing?

Fun side note...Rikki and I are soulmates. Five hours away, and we wore the same thing. A red hat, black rimmed glasses, gray shirt, jeans, and blue slip-ons. It was crazy!

RIkkkiiiiiiii!!! =D

2010-05-13T23:11:00.002-05:00

I get to see Rikki tomorrow!!! I am driving out to Indiana tomorrow, and I am so excited. Haven't taken a roadtrip in forever. And mom, don't worry, I won't stop at any of the truck rest stops :) Besides, Betsie (my '97 Chevy Lumina) is one tough cookie!

[For blogline readers....^this is a movie so click on the link and watch it :]

Goodbye

2010-05-13T21:56:00.004-05:00

It's weird leaving dorm life. I'm still taking a class, so I can't say the sleepless nights are gone. But I can say that it was weird leaving. I have lived in 613 for two years now. Next year will be the last year I can live there. Lots has happened there. Endless tears, laughter, plugged up showers, lights that don't work, and toilets that are perpetually running. But at the end of the year it is stripped down to blue mattresses and empty dresser drawers. How do all those things happen in a place that can seem so cold and empty as this?

Especially when you consider that only 18 hours before, it looked like this....

Photo Post

2010-05-13T21:34:00.003-05:00

I haven’t done a photo post in quite some time, so here I am. I will have told at least 11,00 words with these pictures by the time this post is over. :) Anyway, here is a compilation from Mother's Day. I was sad I couldn't be with my awesome mom for the day, but I get to see her in just over a week! =) I went with my aunt, uncle, family friend, Horst, and my cousin Brian and his wife Nicole :)

Horst from Germany :)

Love the colors of this!

Brian and Nicole

Warren and Horst

The beautiful view from the restaurant

This is how my self-portraits are usually posed :)

Notice my new hat! Horst bought it for me.

There was a pianist in the lobby playing music the whole time

My first plate I decided I was starved. FABULOUS pineapple by the way :)

But by the second plate (with lots of fruit in between) I tried to be less gluttonous =]

...and then I went to the chocolate fountain.

FAIL.

Annie!

2010-04-29T23:40:00.004-05:00

I love this girl. Anne Van Veelen. She's pretty fabulous. She's crazy like me and likes to stay up all night to "study." I haven't met anyone else at Judson who will actually stay up the whole night with me. We have basically made our floor's lounge our room. We both love ice cream, and eat too much at McDonald's. Bad news though....she has to go back to her homeland. It's kinda far. Mom, want to take a trip to the Netherlands sometime soon? :) Anyway, just wanted to tell all my blog readers (if I still have any after this long absence) that this girl is amazing. And if you'll pardon me, we have to finish finals up. So off to the lounge I go. Pizza, ice cream, and afore-mentioned friend=another really late night. And I love it.

Combat

2010-04-24T15:28:00.001-05:00

I am ready. Ready for what, you might ask? Finals. That time of the year where 20-somethings all over the world become binge eaters and insomniacs.

Finals, this year, you shall become my prisoner. I am prepared for combat.

WARNING: Random

2010-04-22T19:27:00.006-05:00

Finals are next week. The weather outside is gorgeous. I so wish that I could be outside more and enjoy it. For Mouw's class we have been shooting "48 hours at Judson," so I have my camera with me practically 24-7. I should always do that. I have more pictures than I know what to do with and my friends now consider me paparazzi, but I guess I should get used to that. :) I know how to flip someone over my back now, thanks to my self-defense class.

Next week we are doing refreshers and a bunch of scenarios. Kind of excited, but a twinge of scared-ness as well. :) In the picture I am throwing down the instructor. So, bottom line, don't mess with me ;-) So finals....my photo 2 final is on Monday and i am kind of freaking out about it because I still need to shoot people and make it into a book. AHHHH!!!!! I think I shall take a nap and re-evaluate :)

Human Wrong

2010-04-14T00:55:00.001-05:00

Judson is selling t-shirts to bring awareness to child slavery. This is the one I got. Ashley, one of my friends, thought it was kind of ironic. Because I tend to be seen as a "Suzy Homemaker" kind of person. Which I love :) Anyway, I was really excited. And apparently on Thursday we are gathering together at lunch to pray for those in slavery.

Wow.

2010-04-11T14:39:00.008-05:00

I just don't even know what to say. God is amazing. [End of post.] Nah, I am way too excited to just say that.

My wonderful friend, Joy Goodrich is visiting campus for the weekend. (I wish I had less homework this weekend!) Anyway, she organized a prayer meeting and invited a ton of people. There were about eight of us there in the prayer room in the basement of the chapel. We started at 9:30. It lasted until midnight. First we were praying for revival on the campus, then we prayed for Chara's ankle (which she said felt better by the time we left). Then came the best part. Joanie suggested going around the room and praying for each person. Before I keep going, I just thought I'd let you know how crazy-awesome last night was.

Almost everyone was praying in the spirit. As in, not really knowing what they were saying, and just letting the Spirit talk through them.

Now I grew up Methodist, where we stood for the hymns and sat for everything else. It is the same every week. That's fine, but our God is the God of everything! He is not something that can be put into a box. We should be shouting and proclaiming His name. It took me awhile to get used to all that was going on, and truth be told, I wasn't completely sure of everything. But since when are we supposed to be comfortable?? When we are comfortable, we just sit back and let things happen.

Back to story.

The person being prayed for would sit in the middle and the rest of us would lay hands on that person. There were people who would see things. These visions, I guess, would vary and alot of the time we would have no clue what they mean. The one I saw was a girl in white in a huge cathedral. She was walking down the aisle on a red carpet, she had a long way to walk. But a king was sitting on his throne and waiting for her. He had the biggest and most beautiful smile I had ever seen. You didn't even have to look at Him to know He was smiling, you just knew. She needed to run. And later, Joanie said that she saw the same cathedral. That the red carpet represented God's blood and her white dress her purity in Christ.

There would also be words that God would put on our hearts. Usually they didn't make sense. One was french fry. We would try to push aside, thinking that didn't make sense, so it can't be from God! Since when does God make sense to humans?

I had never even heard of falling out of the spirit (I think that's the right phrase--correct me if I am wrong), but that happened too. Joy fell out when we were praying for revival. I actually fell out too, when I was in the middle. It was just me letting go of everything and letting Him take control.

When I first God in the middle, Joanie hugged me and didn't let go for a long time. And I just started sobbing. It was God hugging me. For a long time, all I could do was cry. People were talking about how I was restored. One saw a chalkboard and that everything is wiped clean. Everything. I was also wearing a dress, completely white--my purity. Ben Shenkin talked about how he saw my smile, my real smile. He said he hadn't seen it in a long time.

Then there was Luis. He is really quiet, so when he talked, we all got really quiet. But he would say things he couldn't possibly know. During prayer, it dawned on me how absolutely amazing it would be to kiss God's face. I mean, wow. But when I sat in the middle, Luis read from Song of Songs 1:2-4

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine. Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth, therefore do the virgins love thee. Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

All of this in less than three hours!

Ya'll might think I am absolutely crazy now for typing this. And you would be right. I am crazy.

Crazy for God.

If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God;

if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

2 Corinthians 5:13

So very tired.

2010-04-09T11:51:00.001-05:00

Last night I got approximately 1.5 hours of sleep. Night before that I accidentally slept in, but the night before that I got two hours of sleep. It's only a matter of time before I develop permanent bags under my eyes.

Thank you, art school, thank you. What a wonderful present you gave me.

Pride

2010-04-06T20:28:00.002-05:00

I think the one thing that turns me off of people (meaning anyone, not just the opposite sex) is pride. Hearing someone go on and on about how much they know or how wonderful they think they are is so annoying. Makes me wonder though as I am typing this, do I do the same thing?? We all chime in our own little stories about our life at the dinner table. Are we trying to help the story along? Or is there some strange reason we have to share our successes with everyone? The Creator of the Universe knows all of our accomplishments. Shouldn't that be enough? Apparently not.

We are supposed to be clothed in humility. If that is so, then how much are you wearing? Although, I know at times I have been guilty of wearing next to nothing!

After Easter, it is hard not to be humbled by the Cross and God's love for us. Yet, it seems like it is quickly lost. His love for us is quickly taken for granted once Monday rolls around. We are NOTHING without Him.

From the outset of the day, I want to greet my Savior with gratitude, not grumbling. ::CJ Mahaney::

Protectors

2010-04-06T01:31:00.000-05:00

After a girl is grown, her little brothers

-now her protectors-

seem like big brothers.

::Astrid Alauda::

[sniff, sniff] Are they really growing up?!