I'm Untitled

Hard to Tell

2012-01-27T13:06:00.000-08:00

That these started out as birds!!!

Approval and Acceptance

2012-01-24T13:20:00.000-08:00

These are two very different things. Acceptance is having something counted as the real thing. Like having my work be called Art... something that spurs an emptional response. "I like it"" I love it" "I hate it" "I want to look at this everyday" "This makes me want to puke"
Approval is having people like it.

As an artist, I want both. I want what I do to be called art. Not just a hobby, not just " something she's good at" but art. And what's more, is I want it to be called MY art. Someday I want people to look at work that I've done and say, oh yeah, that's Chelsea.
But I haven't found my voice. I haven't figured out what I want to say in my work, or if I even have anything to say at all. And when I do, I'm afraid that people wont get it or think that's its dumb. Alot of the time, people read something into my work that I didn't intend for and just go with it. "Yeah, that's what I what I was thinking when I was painting that"

So not having found my "voice", is what I do art? I can draw. And I know I have approval from alot of people. But will my work be accepted as art next week? Year? When I'm dead?

I think that what's important here is that I accept what I do as important. What I do has some kind of meaning. I'm finding out who I am in a different way, as an artist.

I guess I've been thinking about this alot lately. Maybe because I've graduated and now I don't have to make anything to turn in. What I paint is for me and whoever sees it. I'm also kind of afraid that now that I'm not getting a grade on anything, and because I don't have my art friends around me, I won't make anything. I'll cease to be creative. So I've worked hard since I've been home. Creating a space to work in and trying to paint everyday while I can. I've created an etsy account with some of my prints on there...and soon, maybe some paintings.

Hopefully now I can stop being so worried about not making anything important, and just focus on making something that I like.

Here We Go.

2012-01-21T15:46:00.000-08:00

Much better. At the very least, I'm happy with it. I don't like to display my art around the house, but this is something I'd be ok with putting up.

Buddah's Hands

2012-01-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

Here's an example of something that I rushed through and am feeling kind of blah about. But 'blah' is how my life is right now. I was expecting it to be this way, so I'm not suprised. It's hard to find a job...I'm not qualified for anything that's steady because I've nannied for forever. I don't have any friends here. I'm living at home, sitting around in my pajamas all day. Like I said though, I'm not suprised. I knew this was going to happen. I'm in limbo for the next 7 months. As much I love sitting around and catching up on Police Women of Broward County on TLC I'd like to be out doing something.
I'm glad though, that I have the time to paint and draw and pull prints. I rushed this one....maybe because I'm still in school mode where I have to get everything done really fast to turn in. I have all the time in the world now so I can slow it down a little when I'm doing stuff like this.
Anyway, I'm going to re-do Buddah's hands and make a few more prints this week. Maybe I'll even change into some clean pajama pants. But lets not go too crazy.

New Prints!

2012-01-12T19:24:00.000-08:00

I've been in a good mood all day because I finally pulled a print that I like. These aren't it, but I really like these too, and I've been working on them for a while.

I love days like this, it's what I hope for every time I make something...that it'll turn out alright.

The Process

2012-01-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Here's another study I did in about the same time. The picture makes it look like crap, but I don't feel like taking another picture of it. It's not as blue as this looks....whatever.

What I'm learning is that its about the process rather than the product. You can look at this and think it's crap, or that it's the best thing you've ever seen in your entire life. For me, I don't really care what it looks like when it's finished. I'd hope that it looks good, but its how I got there...how I shaped it, and made something out of a blank canvas. No one has to care about this at all, that's not their job...that's mine.I'm learning about my own way of painting and what makes me, me and how I can make another painting even better...if that makes sense.

Now I think I'll go paint some more...or take a nap. haha

study

2012-01-06T11:56:00.000-08:00

This was a study I did just to get used to painting again. I'm happy with it...although it took alot to make this look like a chair.

Maybe I'll refine it a bit more tomorrow. I want to try and do a painting everyday, or at least every other day. I know it'll be hard and super frustrating, but I think it will be good for me.

Welcome To My Studio

2012-01-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

And my lastest painting. It's still pretty rough...but I'm SO excited that I finally have a space that I can work in!! I still have some cleaning up to do and make a space where I can let my work dry but I think it's a pretty good set-up. Now there's no reason I can't paint every single day!!!

New Projects

2011-12-31T16:12:00.000-08:00

I'm doing a bunch of linoleum block prints...and I did these today. I have a ton of gashes from carving into the block, and have just about lost my pinky finger, also my fingers may be permanently stained black, but I like the results.

I'm hoping to get a space cleared out in the basement so I can work better....our kitchen is a little small and I keep getting ink on the white walls and cabinets.

I'm working on a Rapunzel and a Humpty Dumpty next....maybe some more landscapes....I've never done these before...turns out, I really love them!!!

I'm Done....With Pictures!!

2011-12-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

My blank diploma cover...and below are some friends that I graduated with in the art department...sister Jimison is the short one, and actually a fantastic teacher, along with brother Belka on the end....

I think these guys are who I am going to miss most, and I wish we had more time to hang out with each other. Beka's on the end with her son...she's pretty much my hero, and Victoria, we went on the SF trip this semester and have been friends ever since, its funny though because we've had classes together for a year or so...and then there's kim and matt....I just love them.

This is Brother Belka...and out of all the teachers I have had, he is the best. I took my very first and my very last art class with him. One year we spent the 4th of july together on accident and he makes fun of me when we talk about how he cut his finger and my hands go numb. Most of all, he makes me want to be the best teacher I can be. He makes me want to work and has taught me alot about what it truely means to be an educator.

It's Done

2011-12-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

School that is. Commencement was this evening and I walk at graduation tomorrow. I was waiting with some friends to walk into the BYUI Center and I wasn't feeling anything special, just tired of waiting around, but having fun being with my friends. As we walked out of the gym and made our way to our seats, the faculty had lined the corridors and clapped for us, and as soon as I walked through the doors, the music started playing and after i tripped into my friend going down the stairs I realized that this is it. This is what I have worked towards for the last four years.
For the last couple of days I've been focused on getting assignments turned in and packing I felt like I had so much stuff to do and no time to get it done. But for a moment As we were all filing in I had this accomplished feeling. I'm done. I mean, not entirely, I have to work towards student teaching now, but I have done everything I needed and passed everything to get to student teaching.
And it's starting to hit me that I won't see any of these people I have been around for last 4 years. (I could kinda care less about my roommates, except Tami) But all my friends I've made in my art classes that I learn from and grow with and goof around in the Spori with till all hours of the night. They're like my support base for art stuff. I go to them with questions and we critique each others' work, I'm not going to have that once I'm home. HUGE bummer. I haven't curled up into into a ball and started crying yet, but I'm sure it will happen once I'm home and without the art posse.
Anyway, I ramble about this all the time, leaving school and whatnot, only because this is a huge deal for me. It's not like highschool where after I graduated I didn't feel different or older...I feel different now. I feel older. I have more responsibility now to go out and be a better person. No more B.S.ing my way through stuff anymore.
And with these next few months before student teaching I can really focus on art and working on new ideas. I've got a big project I've already started, making block prints. It's easy enough, but it takes time and patience and I'm way excited to work on it for more than a few minutes here or there inbetween all the other stuff I need to do. I'll need to find a job, but a job doesn't give homework.
Well, NOW I've rambled long enough....and without pictures so it's even MORE boring. HaHa

I'll post pictures in a few days but, I'm pretty sure they'll look exactly like the ones in the two previous posts...I will say one thing, the stupid cap gives me a rash on my forehead. It's itchy and tight and makes my ears stick out...and when I look around at everyone else...everyone's scratching their head and fiddling with their hair around their ears. hahaha

2011-12-13T13:16:00.001-08:00

I just realized that I'm going to have to come up with a different title for this blog.....

Here's a Ton of Pictures

2011-12-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

I'm not joking. Here are alot of pictures.
We went out today to take a bunch of roommate picture, and while Tami and I were at it, we firgured we'd take kinda real pictures in our cap and gown before we don't have time...

I just thought this was funny...

I hate tasels. I had a bad experience in Highschool where it kept getting in my face, and it still gets in my face. Plus, my hair looks nasty in the cap. Judge away.

And these two pictures pretty much sum up our friendship. Tami kinda just puts up with me. And I her sometimes, but I couldn't ask for a better friend.

This is Kallie. She's so little and cute. And below is Brianna. She's crazy.

The rest of these are from our pictures. I'm lucky I was able to room with them this semester. It was pretty chill living with them. No drama. Zero. Zip. It was awesome and fun and laid back and exactly what I needed as a last semester!

(I got bored)

Also, today was our very last Sunday at school. I've been looking forward to getting out of Rexburg since I got here and everyone has told me that I'll miss it. And after I said goodbye to my bishop of the last 2 years, it really hit me how much I'm going to miss this school. I have made so many friends here and in a week I won't see them everyday. My life changes again as soon as I drive away on Saturday and it's weird. It's good, but weird and it's going to take some getting used to. I look forward to all the fun stuff that's going to happen in the next year, it's just hard that I have to leave alot of this behind...

I'll worry about all that later, I still have a drawing to finish and an interview to prepare for.....and also I need to study for my Praxis Exam.

9 Days

2011-12-08T10:57:00.000-08:00

We got our cap and gown today! I've already checked out of school...but I still have so much to do....9 days, I can do it.

2 weeks!

2011-12-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

And I'm done with Rexburg.
Today I woke up and it was -3 outside (not including the windchill). After I put on two pairs of socks, leggings, jeans, three shirts, jacket, hat, 2 pairs of gloves and sneakers I went to class for all of 45 min. Today I don't have any other classes so I was going to get alot of homework done, and I can even get AHEAD on a few things which rarely happens, but my Kindle Fire came in the mail (an early graduation present to myself) so I had to spend two hours reading a new book. It wasn't supposed to get here till tomorrow...it was going to be my treat for getting everything done today. Whatever.
I still have a few hours before our ward party to get some papers finished and an exam....then I can read all I want tonight.

No pictures today...I don't think it would be that exciting for you guys to see me reading and doing homework, as that's all I do.

I hate the class but I love the Stenburg Brothers

2011-12-03T19:54:00.000-08:00

I can't stand this class, but I don't mind the final project.We have to create a museum poster for an artist and I chose the Stenburg Brothers. They did movie poster in Russia in the 20s and 30s. I like their style...we had to interpret the artist style for themselves...I think I'm getting it, but I can't figure out how to resize them the way we need to and I it's frustrating the crap out of me!! I have 4 others to turn in as well......2 more weeks and I never have to do this again!!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T11:16:00.000-08:00

It was my last year spending Thanksgiving in Ogden with my Aunt and Uncle and Grandma.
I had a great time...mostly I slept. And ate. Alot.

Lyndsey made these delicious rolls!! They are the best thing I've ever eaten in my entire live. Ever. She made the receipe up herself...she's so good at these things. I was in charge of the deviled eggs and the asparagus wrapped in bacon. Not as delicious as the rolls, but great none the less. I ate at least three turkey sandwhiches a day till I got back to school. haha.

This is my grandma. She said I could take a picture of her so that I can paint her!! She's funny. And below is my cousin Emily and her baby Kolby. He's gotten so huge. I don't get to see them that often so I'm glad this was their year to spend thanksgiving with us and not their in-laws.

My Aunt and Uncle got a little stomach bug after Thanksgiving, I got a little of it, but nothing big. I've been able to pass over all the sicknesses in my apartment and I didn't get super sick being around my aunt and uncle...but the moment I get back to school....during the busiest week so far...I GET A COLD!! ugh! It's awful. I was doing so good up until now!

Anyway, I had a fantastic break! I really can't wait until this semester is over...so I don't have to worry about homework anymore!!

we got good ones

2011-11-22T12:16:00.000-08:00

We got good roommates this semester. I've been waiting for something to happen, some big dramatic thing that seperates us and makes it awkard and annoying to live together...but nothings happened...and there's only a month left in the semester.

I love that these girls are so easy to be around, and they just want to have fun, but still know when they need to actually get some work done. And our apartment has stayed realitively clean!!

Just my luck, I finally get some fun girls and we all get along, and I have to leave! HaHa

Those Who Can't Do....

2011-11-15T11:04:00.000-08:00

Teach.

I don't know if I agree with that. I know that I am meant to be a teacher. The more I get into it and take education classes the more I know that this is what I'm supposed to do with my life and it's exciting!! But there are so many people here in the art program that talk down art educators, even though they agree we need them. I see where they're coming from, I know a girl in one of my classes who wants to be a teacher because she says she's not really good at any one thing. She started out in the fine arts, but couldn't hack it and decided to teach it insdead. So from my friends' standpoint, some people that go into art ed, aren't going to be good teachers because they don't care that they're not good in any one area of art like painting or drawing or illustration. Or they're kinda good in one or two things and decide to teach because you get summer's off. I'm not going to lie, I'm really excited that I get holidays and summers off!

I'm not an expert in painting or sculpture or drawing, but I've taken enough classes in each area that I'm a pretty competant artist. Being a teacher allows me to teach everything I know to other people, and it still allows me time to work deeper in a certain subject that I'm interested in. And I can do anything I want to because I know alot about different subjects; I haven't spent the last 4 years in one subject, or have a degree for only one thing.

Anyway, I don't want to agree with that statement but part of me does. And for that reason I want to prove it wrong. I hope a least a little of this made sense to someone...if not, whatever, art is awesome.
I'm turning in one of my last creative perspective drawings today, I'll post it later...it's the best one I've done so far. I'll punch my teacher if he doesn't give me an A. He never gives anyone and A. But hopefully I can post that tomorrow. In the meantime, here's my final logo for graphic design.

P.S.

2011-11-12T12:50:00.000-08:00

I hate this class. I don't get it. It just reinforces the fact that I DON'T want to go into graphic design. At all. Never.

I can't seem to get focused...

2011-11-12T09:36:00.000-08:00

I have SO much work I need to be catching up on. I did a weeks worth of graphic design homework yesterday, and have two more weeks to do before Sunday....Plus a character maquette to finish, New Testament make-up homework...a giant perspective drawing...and a few other smaller assignments, all due by tue and wed of next week. I have time to do everything, but I just don't want to. I have really bad senior-itis going on this morning. I've had it all semester...but I've still managed to keep my grades up. It's almost the end of the semester and my lowest grade is an 86%!!!!!! I've never done that good....ever!

I leave all my homework to the last minute....as always. Imagine the grades I'd get if I actually cared about some of these classes...HaHa

in the meantime, I'll go hang up some christmas lights :)

I can't help it...

2011-11-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here's another one by Wayne Thiebaud..... I love it...

Also I think I'm having a panic attack. I'm so close to being a teacher it's insane. I filled out my application and got fingerprinted and went around getting signatures for everything. I have to get a photo taken and take my Praxis before I can student teach...but that's it. And today in my application I put down where I want to go, Mesa Az, and because it's not idaho I'm pretty certain that's where I'll be....I know that's where I want to go...but putting down and making it official is a little nerve-wracking. Maybe because I don't really follow through on big stuff like this...but this is kinda a big deal. This is where I start my career. It's like I'm an adult, well, I'm still a college adult, and I don't think that counts. But in another month I'll be a full fledged adult...no more school, no more classes to take, no more Rexburg, and no job...just like everyone else. haha

Travel Class

2011-11-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

Last week I went with my travel class to SF. It was the best time I've ever had...even though about 85% of the time I was crammed in a van with 10 other people. We left wednesday morning and stayed in Reno for a night before heading to Ca.
We had to stop for a bit while the other van had to go back to elko for someones purse...while we waited, we made rock sculptures....like any artist would do in their spare time.

When we got to the city, we checked in our motel and had dinner in china town. We spent the next two days going to museums and walking around and eating a lot of food.

During our free time, we got dropped off at fishermans warf and were told to be back there that night for dinner. I started to leave with my friend for lunch, and 12 people ended up following me because they didn't want to get lost. I showed all of them around, we ate lunch, and walked over to china town again to shop and stuff. Alot of them went off on their own and I wanted to get over to the BART station to go home for a few minutes....but my group got lost and I had to find them all again. I had a great time with them.
On our way back to idaho, we stopped over in Muir Woods and walked around for a bit. It was raining, but no one really cared. Like how I'm surrounded by these amazing redwoods, and all I take a picture of is these muchrooms? haha

And these are some of my favorite painting I saw. I have so many pictures of paintings I love, but I'll spare you from my ramblings about all of them...here are three that I'm in absolute love with!

This one is Lady in Black with Spanish Scarf by Robert Henri

it was done in 1910...This is one of my favorites by him. He was a painter, but also a teacher who was a big figure of the Ashcan School. During the early twentieth century, there was big realist artistic movement that really portrayed scenes of everyday life, especially in New York's more impovershed areas. It wasn't an organized group, but there were 8 men who painted daily life. Henri was one of them and he wanted to paint what was real. He painted alot of portrait work....I just love Henri...

And this one's the Blue Veil by Edmund Tarbell....in 1898. He's an american impressionist painter. He did alot of portrait work as well, of important figures, like Woodrow Wilson and Herbert Hoover. He's really great at capturing light. I could stare at this all day.

And this last one is by Wayne Thiebaud of the Sacrament River. He's still alive and I love his work. He's mostly associated with pop art because of the way he exaggerated his colors and his defined shadows and because his subject matter are objects of mass culture... he does alot of pies and cakes and toys...but I like this one because it's different from some of his other works.

I love that I was able to go on this trip and be with people that appreciate these things as much, if not more than I do. I also love that all these places I went to are right in my backyard....I don't have to travel 14 hours to go see them....

ROBOTS!

2011-11-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

We were the coolest robots ever!

After dumpster diving for about a half hour...we found all the cardboard we needed....plus a little extra. Our whole living room was filled with boxes and junk. It didn't smell the greatest for the day and a half it took to put it all together.

We were to coolest robots ever!!! Don't judge me on the way blurry photos...I didn't take them, obviously....but you get the idea.

Our room smells like spray paint now...it gives us a headache but it was totally worth it!! Even if we do look ridiculous!!!
p.s. you can't see my jet pack made from a couple of 2liter bottles spray painted metallic...it was the best feature!

2011-10-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

Somebody dumped a foosball table behind our complex.

So while we were spraypainting our way awesome costumes, we played a little. I love that it was just dumped here. It made our waiting for the paint to dry a little more bearable.

Oh, what are our costumes you ask? I'll post a picture tomorrow. Our Ward Halloween Party is tonight, and our apartment is going to win best costume! It's actually not that exciting, but it did involve dumpster diving and 7 cans of spray paint.

I come home on friday for the afternoon. I can't wait. I have alot to get done between now and then, and I'm going to have a bunch of assignments to catch up on, but it'll be worth it. Plus it's a class, so I have to go. haha

Guano Man

2011-10-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

This is the villians lair assignment we had to do that I'm doing a character maquette for. This is where he does all his evil junk. The character I came up with was Guano Man...Batman's forgotton ferternal twin brother.I was watching Twins with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who's the big strong brother who got all the good genes and Danny DeVito, who got all the leftover, crappy genes. Guano Man is awesome, he sits in his parent's basement stewing over how great his brother is and how he never gets any credit because Batman is awesome and he's fat and lazy. I'm pretty excited about my drawing and even more excited to do the maquette for him. Hopefully I can have him done in the next couple weeks so I cam post him on here.
But before I can really start on that, I need to start on a real assignment for my art methods class. I 'm doing a rock sculpture....which, of course, I can't wait to start!
I think I've found my preferred medium!

Another Project

2011-10-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

Only, this one's finished.

It's for my art methods class, we were supposed to so somthing we would do in our own class someday. I did a colored pencil sketch of a character I came up with. It's nothing special, and you don't really learn anything apart form colored pencil techniques, but it's fun to do......My teacher likes it so for now that's all that matters.

New Project!

2011-10-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

I've been getting more and more into sculpture lately. I love painting and drawing, but theres something different when I'm able to turn my drawings into somthing 3D. I did this old guy during the summer. I did him really fast and looking at it now I see everything I need to change....but I'm starting a new one. We had to come up with a villain for my creative perspective class. This is the same teacher I had for sculpture last semester. He asked if I would want to make him into a maquette. I have never been more excited to start a new project! I need to finish about 3 other projects before I get started...but it's pretty good incentive to get all my work done.

I leave for SF for the travel class I'm in next week. I'm ready for a break. And this will be a good one because I'll be at home. Granted I'll be busy going with my class to museums and gallerys and stuff, but we get a chunk of time to do whatever we want at the end of the trip. I'm going home to nap. I can't wait!!

ATTACK

2011-10-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

Squirrels have been outside out apartment for a few days eating the pumpkins we carved last week.

If anything, it's entertaining watching the squirrels getting caught in the pumpkins when they try and get the leftover seeds.

And on a completely seperate note..I would like to mark this night as the first night in two months that I've eaten a bowl of cereal. I had to eat it carefully so I didn't bite anything with my from teeth, but still....cereal never tasted so good!!

I don't know how to feel

2011-10-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

This semester is one giant suck fest, but so awesome at the same time. I'm falling behind in all my classes except the ones I teach in. I have two 3-4 page papers due tomorrow morning that I havent started. Notes on a chapter due tomorrow afternoon. A midterm, and a quiz to take by tomorrow night. Drawings due in about 3 hours for my creative perspective class and few other things I can't even remember right now. Have I started on any of it? Of course I haven't. I'll get it done. It means no sleep tonight but I get to sleep in til 7 tomorrow..so...haha.
I love this semester though. I just wish I had more hours in the day to get everything done. It's not like I don't want to do my homework. For the first time in a long time I look forward to it. I wish it was the weekend already so I could get all of it done. Weird. Who am I??

so this picture has nothing to do with anything, I just don't have time to take any pictures and didn't want to not post something to look at....

Oh and I might be getting a job here in the winter teaching at the middle school. It's anything big, a few hours everyday. It's for the class I'm in now...teaching art. There's an intern that teaches the class when we aren't in there teaching. They need to replace him soon because he's going on to do his student teaching and I could possibly get the job. I don't know if that makes sense...but it's awesome. And it would be great practice for when I do my own student teaching. I don't know if it will happen and I'm trying to figure all this out on top of all the other junk I need to be doing. My life is crazy hectic right now. I hate it and I love it. I want it to be over...but not at the same time. I know this sounds alot like my last post but whatever....

Anyway. I need to go get some drawings done...PLUS try and fit time in for a metting before class because I voluntered to teach some cub scouts to get their art merit badge. What the heck did I get myself in to?!?

Staying Alive

2011-10-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

I feel like this semester is going to kill me. Four and a half weeks in and I want to curl up in a little ball and weep. I was doing pretty good to start out. I was on top of everything, doing homework in advance, studying, and getting a decent amount of sleep. Weird. But now I'm trying to just keep my head above water. I thought that the classes that I have to teach in were going to take up all my time. Oddly, they're not as time consuming as I thought. They're hard, and I have to write lesson plans and papers all the time. Well, I guess it does take a lot of time, but I'm not as stressed out because I have really good teachers that are so willing to sit down and help me figure things out. It's all the other classes that take up more time and are way stressful. I did this for my graphic design class..but in order to turn this in I had to do 100 thumbnail sketches, 6 refined sketches and a summary on what I learned. For my creative perspective class I have to do 30 more sketches and3 more refined sketches. Drawing takes time, especially when you care about what you're doing.
This last week I was falling behind in everything and I just wanted to throw in th towel, but today I found a free afternoon and I caught up with alot of homework...so it's a little better, but I get so overwhelmed thinking about all the stuff I need to get done.
I just keep thinking that this will all be worth it in a few months. It's hard, and it kinda sucks, but at the same time, I love it. I am learning SO much! I really am glad that I made the decision to be a teacher. And I'm also glad that these classes haven't scared be away from being one....because that would suck to get this far and realize that I didn't want to go into art education. I don't think I could handle another 4 years of this. HA!

Conference Weekend

2011-10-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

Conference weekend was great. Tami and I went and stayed with her sister down in Provo. We got into three of the four sessions with fantastic seats. I've never sat that close to an apostle before. But where I was in proximity to them doesn't matter, the messeges were still the same and they were very much needed. I always feel like there's hope after listening to conference. I feel a little guilty for being lazy with reading scriptures or not being as nice as I could be to other people, but that even with all the junkiness in the world, I have to ability to choose to be a better person.
When we weren't begging for tickets, we stayed mostly in Provo. We drank our weight in root beer at Brick Oven pizza, and downed a gallon of icecream. And that's pretty much all we had all weekend. Needless to say, we don't feel so great this morning. I don't think I want to eat for the rest of my life.
Overall, it was a fun weekend. Our old roommates from last semester came back with us and are staying till wednesday. I love them, and it feels like they never left.

Ms. Duerden

2011-09-21T14:56:00.000-07:00

That's my name. I think it sounds weird, but that's what it says on my new name tag!! I spent my first day at the middle school teaching art. We were just finishing a project they had started earlier this week. I was helping one girl get the correct proportions on the cat she was drawing. She looks up at me and says, "Ms. D. Do you have braces?"
I KNEW IT!!! I knew that question was coming, I could see it in her face when I was talking to her. She wasn't paying attention to what I was saying, but what was going on in my mouth! I am SO glad I won't have this retainer for much longer. Haha.

Anyway, school is going alright. I'm figuring out my graphic design class and staying on top of my drawings for my creative perspective class...and my other ones...they're alright too. All I do is homework. I've done 6 hours of homework everyday since last monday. It's way too early to be getting burned out. Last night I thought I'd take a break, I didn't know what to do, so read some chapters for my class today. Look at me go.
How much longer?

Last First Day

2011-09-12T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well, its our last first day of classes. I didn't realize that till after all my classes were over....I don't know how to feel. Kinda sad...mostly indifferent. I still have new classes to go to tomorrow. haha

Today I had two classes. Ed 461 and Art 314. Both classes have us go into some of the local schools and teach. The Ed class we teach only reading skills. We go in groups and have certain days to go in and teach and also to observe our peers teaching. We also get to sit in on some classes and watch real teachers and what they do. In the Art class we go in and actually teach art 2 days a week!

I don't know what I was so worried about...these classes are going to be great. I was sitting there and listening to my teachers and all I could think about was how this is going to be scary...but I can't wait to be a teacher!! Which is a good thing...if I didn't. I think that I'd probably need to look for another major! haha
The only thing about these classes, is that they're new. They're just being set up and our school and the middle schools are still trying to coordinate schedules and junk. So it's going to be a little tricky for a while, but because its so new, our school and the middle schools are more willing to work around our own schedules, which is nice. I'm not as stressed about getting to all my classes at a decent time. So in a few weeks, I'll be teaching 30 8th graders holding exacto knives, during their last period of the day. Think about that....then pray real hard for me.

I'm here

2011-09-10T15:54:00.001-07:00

I made it. All my things are unpacked. I have a variety of soft foods in my cupboard. I bought all the books I needed for school. And now I'm ready for a nap.
The travel up here yesterday wasn't that bad. As soon as I got to the airport they said my flight was delayed 2 hours. Which meant I was most likely going to miss my connecting, and then my shuttle and not get here till way later. It was so incredibly frustrating sitting there, knowing I couldn't do anything about it. But after waiting 45 min, they said our plane was here and we'd be leaving soon. So it was only delayed an hr. I made it with 2o min to spare for my connecting and just barely made it for my shuttle. We even made it a half hr early despite the rush hour traffic out of Salt Lake. Last semester was a mess. Everything was delayed and I didn't have any time to do anything when I got here. This time I think the Lord gave me a break and was like..."just kidding....tricked you, actually everything's going to work out! You shoulda seen the look on your face!!!"
I feeling less stressed about school, but still apprehensive about the first week when I figure out how everything is going to work for the next 14 weeks. I can't wait for it all to be over.

One More Time!

2011-09-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

I return to this one last time....tomorrow.

At least, that's the hope. One more semester before I do student teaching. I absolutely LOVE what I have learned and am actually excited to get back to classes and learning new stuff. I am so grateful for the teachers that I have had that have helped me individually with refining my talent. But can I just say that I am SO over school. I have a love/hate relationship with it right now. I love that I get to go back and learn more. That I get to see all my friends and hang out with them every night and go do fun things with them on the weekends. I love that it's going to be over soon as well. That I won't have to ride the stupid shuttle or put up with crappy roommates, or deal with my idiot managers for my dumpy apartment.... or ration my toilet paper. haha.But I hate that I won't be able to take any more art classes from some awesome teachers, or just being in the atmosphere that BYU Idaho provides. I also hate that I still have to go back. So I'm over it...if that makes sense.

This semester I will work hard and do even better than I did this past summer. I'm going to study and prepare lessons and do any homework on time. And I might even do it with a smile. But when the semester ends I will weep with joy. This next year is going to bring alot of changes. I'm really excited, and I'm afraid, and I'm also dreading it all at the same time, but it will all be worth it. I just have to remember that.

Here we go again.

Did That Really Just Happen?

2011-09-04T18:23:00.001-07:00

I'm getting teeth! I won't have to wear a retainer with fake teeth on it anymore.

I've been missing teeth since about 4th grade...so I've forgotten what it's like to have a real smile.I went in for a consultation a couple weeks ago to see if it would be possible to get implants done and last friday I went in for surgery for part one of the process. Two screws were put in my gums along with a bone graft to help hold them in place and in 4-6 months I'll get the caps that go with them.

The surgery went well. I was semi conscious the entire time. Sometime in the middle I had to get more numbing shots in my mouth because the 1st shots were wearing off and I could feel him cutting into my gums. I was also grateful I was pretty much out of it. I noticed alot of blood coming out of my mouth. Usually I get super queasy and my body goes limp when I'm around that stuff. But I remember thinking, "hmm. that's alot of blood but I don't really care. more sedation please" It's hard to think that that 'someday when I have teeth' is right around the corner. It's always been kinda a big deal to me that I'm missing teeth. Before I got braces there were just 2 gaps in my mouth and the rest of my teeth were crooked. I never really smiled, even when I got braces...probably even less. And then I got a retainer and that wasn't bad. I remember when I got it and I looked in the mirror and saw my brace free mouth and my new fake teeth. I cried a little bit. And the other day when I was driving home from one of the consultations I got a little choked up thinking about how soon I'll have a real smile without anything in the way. I know that sounds a little lame, but I guess unless you've been missing teeth the majority of your life you wouldn't understand. It's the biggest of my insecurities and is a self esteem killer when you see people look straight at your mouth when you smile at them and you know they're wondering what's going on in there. So I am beyond excited that this is finally happening.

ps. in case you were wondering...this is what I look like on heavy medication. I don't remember my mom even taking this picture.

2011-08-13T21:52:00.000-07:00

Even though it's foggy and cold...I'd rather be here than in Rexburg.

Summer hasn't been bad at all. I feel like I've actually been able to relax and just take a time out from everything stressful. I'm dreading the semester ahead because I know it will be the hardest and the most time consuming...plus, since it's my last semester before student teaching I have to be a real adult when its over, not a fake college adult. haha. We'll see how I transition into that one! But for right now...I'm just happy I have a few weeks left to enjoy doing nothing.

Plymire Schwarz House

2011-07-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

I was able to volunteer again this year working in the kitchen for the Tea. It was awesome. I love working with the women that help, they are fantastic...the men as well. It wouldn't be as wonderful as it is every year without them. It's hard work but I had so much fun and can't wait til next year!

Matching Was Not My Idea

2011-07-21T22:44:00.000-07:00

I just want to put that out there. This semester, I can't really complain at all about my roommates. I really enjoyed getting to know them and am actually really bummed that it will only be me and Tami in the Fall. Sam's getting married and the other three are off track. We liked them alot...zero drama for the freshman...weird. I wish this was my last semester so we could leave off on a good note with the roommies. haha

oh...and it was my birthday. The "little girls" as we so lovingly call the freshman, came in at 7 this morning and sang to me, we went to dinner and ate a delicious cake that was quite literally heaven in your mouth. I want to eat that cake everyday. All day. No joke.

I give this semester a 9/10 Way to go Spring Semester!!! I knew youd pull through sooner than later!

All the Other Stuff I've Been Doing...

2011-07-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

These are all pretty junky because I was trying to get rid of the rest of the clay from the semester. I have alot of other things I did for actual assignments which I might put up later that I really like. I'm not a ceramicist by any means, but the class was way fun and stress free and the final is just putting a bunch of stuff together for a portfolio. I wish I could take this class again, but I'll probably just stick to 2D art!

Sculpture Class

2011-07-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

I forget I have other classes besides my photography class.....
In sculpture our lastest assignment is non-representational. I just do whatever and when my teacher says I have good "movement" in the piece, I just go with it.
The one below was my final..

Abe was our first assignment. I dislike Abe Lincoln's face now. But he turned out alright :)

And this one's my favorite. We did a character maquette....and I love making them now. They're so easy, and so much fun to work on!

I love these kinds of classes where you just get to go and work with stuff and whatever comes out, comes out. I really looked forward to going to these classes...it was a bit of a stress relief.

Best Worst Weekend Ever!!!

2011-07-04T20:29:00.000-07:00

Lyndsey and I went back down to Utah this weekend. I carefully planned out how much money I could spend and still be able to live for the rest of the semester. I thought I had it all figured out. I had just enough to get me through to the end of July. I picked up the car and parked it at the back of my building. I needed a parking pass but my managers were gone for the weekend so I couldn't get one. I didn't think it would be a big deal...see where I'm going with this?? The car got booted. At 12:11 am. Lame. I had to pay a ridiculous amount to get it taken off, which was all the money I had planned to live off of! Fantastic.
So with that to start off our weekend of fun....lynds and I were on our way. We left early on saturday because I didn't want to leave the car in that parking lot any longer than it had to. We made great time and hung out with our aunt and uncle and our grandma. I went down and stayed a night in American Fork...got to hang out with my favorite roomie, Emma :)
Sunday we got ready for our cousins 2nd birthday party. We made cake balls and ate delicious food and watched a few movies. Monday we went to the party and we had a great time! Lucas is getting bigger everyday, and I got to hold my cousin Kolby for a while. I loved it. Lynds and I left a little early...and good thing we did. for whatever reason it took FOR. EV.ER to get back. We side-tracked in Downey to take these pictures for my class. It was a way cool run down building that I was afraid was going to come down on me any minute.

Soon we needed gas...Lyndsey was paying but she couldn't get the pump to work so we had to find a different station. By then my allergies were acting up from being outside and I had a sneezing attack for like 20 min. Also no tissue...so that was lovely. THEN there was a GIANT rainstorm that slowed us to 10 mph. No one could see anything. It was so weird. But we're back now. The weekend was awesome and I had a great time....I have zero money, and I'll be on Benedryl for a few days to recover from that random allergy attack I had but it was totally worth it.

The Elliots

2011-07-01T13:04:00.000-07:00

I've known Ashley and BJ for a long time...Ashley all they way back to 4am custodial... and I just love them to pieces. They wanted some photos for their graduation announcements that they should've sent out days ago, so we went out and took some real fast. She is a way better photographer than I am, so it was a little intimidating she asked me. But we had so much fun wandering around town and playing with their daughter Lucy. I won't get to see them very much after this semester, which is a major bummer, but I'm glad we still have a few weeks left
to hang out!

Rexburg Grid Project

2011-06-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

For one of our last assignments we were given a certain area of rexburg to photograph over the course of a few weeks. We were supposed to go at different times of the day, in different kinds of weather, which in rexburg, is not hard to come by.

As much as I want to get out of here, I do think that Rexburg is beautiful and it has a lot of different things to offer someone who's lived in a bigger city their whole life. It's definately different living in such a small town, but that's not always bad. You just have to look around.

Pause

2011-06-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

I needed to pause from school for a minute to hang out with this little girl right here. I haven't seen her in 3 months and was in dire need of some snuggle time.

I went down to Utah this weekend so I could go to RaChel and Finch's 50th anniversary party. I'm so glad I got to go and spend time with them and take a bunch of photographs of the event. The day went great and the party was awesome, I was super bummed that it had to end. Their family is wonderful and made me feel so welcome...like I was with my own family.

This weekend was exactly what I needed. But now that I've tasted freedom and the world outside of rexburg, I want to get out of here so bad. I love school, but I'm reaching my limit. I was totally depressed this morning when I woke up and realized that I had class and homework and junk to do. I didn't want to get out of bed, I just wanted to fast forward to graduation.But only four more weeks left in this semester. I can do it. I got busy organizing stuff and getting ready for this week's homework load, so I feel a little better now that I'm getting closer to tomorrow. And tomorrow will lead to the next day, until it's the weekend....

Lyndsey and I will probably go back down to Utah for the 4th.....and another pause from school.

Mini Assignment

2011-06-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

Take a photograph of your bed. It helps you see lines and shapes and makes you pay attention to shadows and texture and light. It sounds funny...but I've been taking a photo of my bed every so often...its something that stays the same, but is different every time you get up in the morning. I think it makes good practice, like a warm-up to all the photos you take that day.

Light

2011-06-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

This weeks assignment was light. I had a hard time with it and wasn't getting anything I could use...until 20 minutes before class I got these two and I love them. I like that our teacher is giving us assignments and challenging us to find something, because right now I have no clue what I'm doing and a little structure helps a lot!

I've had several of my teachers tell me that Art (in general) attracts very impatient people. I know thats true because I get so frustrated sometimes but I think it's just another way to learn and grow in this area. Things don't turn out the way I want or they take longer than expected, or I simply don't know how to get what's in my head-out of my head and onto the paper, or photo, or piece of clay etc. And the frustration never stops. It gets easier sometimes, with practice, but it's always there. I have to go back to the things that are the hardest, because that's when I figure things out-that's when I learn something. I love what I'm doing and what I'm learning. I've learned to not give up... (maybe just re-direct a little). I'm learning patience in Art.

Weekend of Awesome!

2011-05-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Our weekend isn't quite finished yet...but it's been pretty epic up to this point. It started Friday night when Tami got done with her classes and all our roommates ditched us to hang out with their families. We made a super awesome fort in our living room and got a pizza with crazy crust from little ceasers...and watched Gullivers Travels from red box. I thought it would be fun if we listened to a scary story since we were sleeping in the fort...bad idea. I screamed at the end and I made Tami walk me to the bathroom. Saturday we slept in. On accident. We were going to get up and go to the gym to work off the pizza...but instead we made 85 fluffy chocolate chip waffles. We took a nap...then went into St. Anthony with a bunch of guys in our ward to see Kung Fu Panda 2. We had a large popcorn and 2 large Dr.Peppers. If that wasn't enough...we went to the Silver Horseshoe and watched a couple ladies in sequin shirts sing some country songs while we ate burgers and fries. Someone suggested we get ice cream on our way home...Tami punched him. Haha. Instead we went the park and played frisbee.

Today...after church we took another nap..then they guys came over and invited us to dinner beacuse they shot a chicken the day before and wanted to eat it. So we did. THEN tami and I ate chips and salsa while we made delicious cookies and watched a movie.During the movie tami swallowed her orange juice wrong and spit it all over the place, while I simultaneously spit all my water on the floor because for some reason...it was the funniest thing I had ever seen. Tami may have thrown up a little and I may or may not have peed a little in my pants.

Now we're sitting in the fort...wishing for our bodies to recover. All it seems we've done is sleep and eat and watch movies. Hahaha. Tomorrow we planned to make hamburgers...and go to a museum in Idaho Falls...we'll see what happens.

After It Rains

2011-05-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

I get good photos for my class..... yeah!

I really love mondays. This semester at least. I have only one class in the morning and that's it. So I have time to get everything done for the week. Homework....done. I also took a nap. Monday's are pretty good.

It's Been A Long Day

2011-05-18T21:15:00.000-07:00

A very long day. I owe a lot to apple slices and wheat thins...they're what kept me going today. I don't have class till 10:15 but I got up early and cleaned the apartment, went to the store and made a poster for tomorrow's ceramic presentation. I studied(weird) and did a bunch of homework(also weird). Wednesdays are definately my busiest...and I end the day with my 5 hour photography class. That's right. 5 hours. Because it's only once a week. But it's worth it.

Oh and after I got out of class tonight, I helped some girl break into her apartment. So all in all, I say it was a pretty successful day!

Ice Caves

2011-05-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

We went to the ice caves on saturday. Best thing ever. And I only almost died twice.

A bunch of us went and we had a blast crawling around and sliding on all the ice. There were a lot of places that you just slid on your back while you pushed off the ceiling. Tight fit...and by the end I was soaked and freezing and no one could feel their fingers. But totally worth it. I felt bad for this one guy trying to help me up, I slipped on some ice and brought him down with me. Next time though I bring gloves. And knee pads. Honest, from my kneecaps to the middle of my shins are one giant bruise. from falling on all the rocks and slipping and going knee first on the ice slides. Worse part though was going to church the next day in a skirt and explaining that I wasn't in some kind of accident, or in a deadly kicking fight....just clumsy. So gloves, kneepads, and a flashlight. haha
I guess Rexburg has some redeeming qualities...when it's actually nice outside you can do stuff.

More Construction

2011-05-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

They're tearing down some cute houses to make room for more apartment complexes. I have nothing against this...I do however, mind that they tear down these houses right across the street from my open window. But whatever. At least it's fun to watch.

Great Weekend!

2011-05-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

A weekend out of rexburg was needed....so good thing Tami was going down to salt lake to see her parents. I got a ride to Logan and hung out with my cousins for a while.

And I got to see this kid!! Kolby is the cutest thing ever. This was a short trip so I can't wait to go back in a few weeks and hang out with my family some more.

Not So Bad

2011-05-06T19:34:00.000-07:00

School was a little iffy this week. I have a huge load this semester and not alot of time to get everything done. It seemed like everything was going wrong and I found that I wanted to punch anyone who tried to talk to me. A little harsh, I know...but we all have those days right? However, a lot of good things happened this week that made up for all the sucky-ness....like I got a good grade on my ceramics project...I have a 95% in my science class (maybe because I'm actually doing homework this semester) and Dr Pepper Cherry was on sale so I got some.

Also I turned in my first assignment for my photography class (above....obviously) and got a "not horrible" so I'm doing ok! haha I'm working harder in my schoolwork than I've done in previous semesters...weird that you can get good grades and understand the material when you actually pay attention in class and turn in the assignments on time! I just need to have a better attitude when the junky things happen because more often than not, there's always something good happening at the same time.

It Snowed The Other Day

2011-05-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

I'd rather be at the beach...

I Had A Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

2011-04-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Why can't traveling back to school be easy? See that plane leaving? That's probably my plane...leaving without me. I knew it would be a long day...but long turned into exhausting when my plane out of sfo was delayed 20 min. then 30. then about 45 min. They held everyone else's connecting flights, but I was the only one that needed to connect to Salt Lake. And that plane left early. I missed it by 5 min. So I got to hang out at LAX for 83 bajillion hours for the next flight. I snuggled up next to an outlet to charge my phone and catch up on some shows on Hulu....but the internet didn't work so I sat. FOREVER. Finally got on my second plane, got a little sick because I pounded a peanut butter sandwhich before I got on. Then I barely missed the shuttle to rexburg. So I waited another two hours. I thought it be ok...I found a comfy chair, put in my ipod and was going to nap...but this lady sat down asking about the shuttle...then proceeded to tell me her life story. She's from wyoming, looking for work, her son is LDS but she has nothing against that. She used to sub at an alternative school that would watch inapproptiate things on tv, she almost got mugged on her way home to her one room apartment she shared with a parrot. Her aunt has cancer and she hates her son's in-laws. She doesn't like powder laundry detergent and she asked me if I thought it was a good idea if she went and stayed with her daughter...or maybe she should go to Washington to look for work. I think I maybe said 3 things to her the whole time. She was going to get on the shuttle (which, it turned out, had a leak,so during the rainstorm between SLC and Pocatello I had a wet lap) which made me very uneasy. She would for sure sit next to me and keep talking about her boyfriend who she wants to break up with because he goes to clown school and doesnt like women. I can't make this stuff up!!! But just as fast and swift as she entered my life...she was gone. Just like that. I don't know what happened. So I'm here now, mostly unpacked, waiting to go to the grocery store. The last 48 hours were awesome. But I'm proud of myself...I didn't get mad at anyone, I only cried once in front of people(the other times I sat in the bathroom stall...so fun when youre trying to have a moment and the automatic toilet keeps flushing. hahaha) and I didn't punch the crazy lady in the throat. I'd say it was a fairly succesful crappy travel day!! I'm going to try and get everything done today so I can go to bed early....so I don't have a complete breakdown and start sobbing the corner of my first class tomorrow.....

This is my favorite seven year old

2011-04-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

I said goodbye to the kids last night...jacob was a little bummed that it was my last night and that we wouldn't see each other for a few months. Or at least I thought that was why he was bummed. He told me he was sad I was leaving because he wanted me to take more pictures of him and his Hogwarts Badges!! hahah I just love him. (When I told parker I was going back to school he told me he was sad because i wouldnt make him parker cookies, and emma just sneezed in my mouth)

Anyway....only 13 hours away from sharing an apt with 5 smelly girls and all you can eat Ramen noodles!!! I can hardly wait....only I'm being forced to because my plane's delayed.

Just Don't Think About It!

2011-04-10T22:42:00.000-07:00

I was bored.....and so was lyndsey. After dinner I said we should do my hair or something, and then this happened. hahaha This was the highlight of the day...I think it's awesome.........and wrong. Or maybe it's right. Either way, I'm afraid to comb it out!! :)

I Just Love This Kid

2011-03-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

He's a whole ton of crazy but just look how cute he is!! He's my favorite 4 year old! Also, it's almost that time again.....the sun is shining, puddles are drying, the flowers are in bloom, and people everywhere will soon be heading to parks and beaches. Yup. It's almost time for school. While everyone else's Spring and Summer begins...I get to be in a classroom. How awesome is that? It's ok, you can be jealous.

Happy Birthday Roommate!!!

2011-03-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

I just love her.....even if she does wake me up at 3am screaming her cute little head off.

2011-02-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Parker and Dylan and I went to the park yesterday. They climbed up on the giant rock and started yelling that they were taller than everyone else in the whole world... these two crack me up....I'm glad I get to hang out with them

I Had Big Plans This Week...

2011-02-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

I had alot of plans this week to just paint. I had a bunch of stuff I wanted to do and I was really excited about it. But did it get done? hardly :)

I did get a few painting finished...but mostly I just ate cereal and watched every movie we own. It was a pretty relaxing week. But I sure missed three certain little faces....you know the ones...
:)

Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon

2011-02-07T12:09:00.000-08:00

And playin some chess

I Sure Love My Roommate

2011-02-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

I Love Slurpees

2011-01-29T20:24:00.000-08:00

And so do the boys. So we went and got some today, even though it was cold and drizzly.

It was too cold to drink them outside so we waited in the car until Dylan and Charlie came to play with us at the track

Despite the weather....they all had a great time!!

Emma was napping while we were having fun....but isn't she just the cutest??

"I got crabs!"

2011-01-23T20:08:00.000-08:00

At least that's what I thought I heard Lyndsey say when we went to lunch at fisherman's warf. Which was after dad was clobbered by a seagull, but before we were trapped by a super long line of protesters....

I love going into the city with my family. We do the usual lunch, chinatown and driving around for an afternoon. I think we should do it more often...especially if I get to see my dad duck and run and kinda yell like a little girl from a bird attacking his head :)

Just Some Garbage

2011-01-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weeks, Parker has come over to help take out our trash and recycling. My mom likes it when he comes over....she says he does more work than lyndsey and me combined!! haha (but lynds and I don't mind...it means we don't have to take it out!)

2010-12-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

Now that a bunch of us are back from school for the holidays, we had alot of catching up to do. We had a little photo session....(that took the place of sunday school)...

I sure love hanging out with these guys!

Lyman Merrill Call

2010-12-20T22:23:00.000-08:00

My grandpa passed away a couple of weeks ago. He was 81 years old. Lyndsey and I were still at school so we were able to attend his funeral.....and no, it wasn't saying a few words before burying him in the bakyard in a cardboard box like he wanted. It was a wonderful service with military honors given by the Marine Corps Honor Guard. I'm grateful that I was able to be there and feel that spirit. I'm sad that he's gone, but relieved that he is no longer in pain and that he's happier now.

I love my family and even though it's tough when they pass, I know that families are eternal and that I can be with them again someday.

Also.......

2010-12-15T18:53:00.000-08:00

Here's what I did for my series.....remember to keep in mind that it was for my expressive drawing class....none of my roommates understood it....

Basically, these are things that inspire me. Life hand's us unfair things and we can choose our attitude...we can let it consume us, or we can look past it and see the good things in life. The drawings on them are the things that make me happy and help me to remember that not everything has to be a big deal, and that we don't have to let the junky things that happen run our lives.......I explained it alot more in my artist statement...but hopefully you get the idea. I think they're pretty awesome.....plus I got an A. hahahaha :)

We're Done!!!!!

2010-12-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

Sam and I had the last of our finals today!!!! We celebrated with a little Cafe Rio....and a trip to Old Navy.

ps. Christmas is next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got an A

2010-12-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

1st A of the semester!!!

A Year and a Half Later....

2010-12-04T10:43:00.000-08:00

I found the ipod that I lost.

I was in between the cushion on my chair, which is weird because I looked there when I lost it...I even turned it upside down thinking it got caught somewhere. AND that chair has moved to several apartments the last year and a half...but there it was...just sitting there with some sticky-tac junk on it and a hair. This pretty much made my day.

ps. two weeks left til this semester is over!

LIVE

2010-11-29T19:21:00.000-08:00

This is my conceptual art piece I had to do for my expressive drawing class. It's about how we live our lives. I showed it to my roommates and they didn't get it. I think it's pretty obvious...but its about overcoming the obstacles or the trials we face, not letting it consume you and trying to reach out and grab the good. That even though there's a bunch of junk in this world that's unfair...we chose our attitude in life, to 'live' happy.

I'm pretty excited about it and I think the concept is strong...i guess we'll see what my class has to say about it when I turn it in :)

just chillin...

2010-11-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

with the best roommate ever!

You Smashed My Nuts!!!

2010-11-15T18:35:00.000-08:00

For Family Home Evening we played a game where we each tied a peanut to a string and then tried to keep the person with the pan from smashing it.

It was pretty much a nut smashing frenzy and made a huge mess! But it was so fun!!

Then we ate pie. It was frozen, but still delicious.

(Next time we're going to tie crackers to each other and try to to crush them with newspaper. It's going to be AWESOME! haha)

It Snowed Today

2010-11-08T15:42:00.000-08:00

And it didn't stop.

But Tami and I had fun!!

2010-11-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

I do like some of the older parts of Rexburg.

Old Friends

2010-10-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our pictures from our Halloween photoshoot. I've known Ashley and Katie and Sarah for a few years. They've all lived together before Ashley got married and had Lucy, and Katie moved away. So we went out and took a bunch of photos while Lucy took a nap.

( Ashley)

(Sarah and Katie)

These girls are so much fun to hang out with. They make me laugh.

Halloween

2010-10-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

This Halloween I hung out with my friend Ashley and her baby lucy. She's pretty cute. We had some other friends over to carve pumpkins with us and watch movies.
And then we tried to bake the seeds. As you can see, not delicious. We forgot about them while we were taking pictures of Lucy :)

But the pumpkins turned out awesome. They were HUGE, and didn't reallyhave any guts...just all pumpkin.

While Lucy napped, we went out to have a photoshoot. (I''ll post those pictures next time)

It was pretty much the best day before Halloween I've had here in Rexburg.

And tomorrow Ghost Hunters is on LIVE! My roommates and I are pretty excited.

An Aquired Taste?

2010-10-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

Like sourkraut. Or horseraddish. I used to hate pumpkin seeds. Now I can't go a fall season without eating a few whole pumpkin's worth of seeds. Sick? yes. Last weekend I ate about a thousand of them. I did not feel that great afterward. Did it help that I washed them down with some ramen? Probably not. But I love them nonetheless.

I had a good day

2010-10-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

I realize that I don't really post anything about whats happening in my life outside the classroom. And then I realized that I spend most of time in class. In my painting class I'm doing a still life...which is turning out awesome! I can see how much I've progressed and I'm totally excited that I'm not the worst painter in there! And then in my figure drawing class I was on a roll. Usually my drawings turn out to look like noodle people. But today was not bad!
here's a few...
(the paper was rolled...so his head looks shrunken. haha )

Days like these make me happy, and even more stoked that I get to do this for the rest of my life.

Maybe next time I'll post something more interesting...like about how I accidently drooled on my teacher. Or about running into a light pole when I was walking backwards. We'll see :)

Expressive Drawing

2010-10-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

Its one of my three studio classes. It's a new class offered this year, and I thought I'd take it, not knowing exactly what it entailed other than being expressive. I've come to really like the class. We do alot of non traditional peices...obviously. I don't get half of what the teacher says when he talks about the reasoning behind all the marks on the paper. But I like to do the work. It's pretty fun.
The one below was our first abstract expressionist piece. Don't ask me what it is or why I chose to set the paper up this way. I've got no clue.

And this one was out first assignment. We couldn't use any traditional art materials so I used some berries from the tree outside my apartment. I kinda like it. And it smells good!

We've got some big projects coming up. I'm a little nervous. We'll see what I can come up with.

I Love Fall

2010-09-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

I forgot that fall here is really pretty. Even if it is just the first day, some of the leaves are changing and the air feels different. I love it.

School is great. I realize that I'm crazy to take three studio classes at the same time. But I love what I get to do everyday. I get excited to go to class because I'm actually learning something new each time I go. It's hard...in just one class time I went from feeling pretty good about myself to thinking I'm the lamest person on the planet to think I can draw. But about 98% of the students in the art programs go through those highs and lows at least twice a day, which makes me feel better. haha. I'll have to put up some of the things I'm working on later.

These are my roommates

2010-09-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Mary, Sam, Miranda, and Tami. One week down and we're all doing ok....we're giving it till about conferance weekend before we all start fighting with each other.

We hung out at the nature park today. It didn't take long for Sam and Miranda to play with the cattails...and an even shorter amount of time to realize that they might be allergic to them. haha

I'm pretty happy to be living with these girls. They're fun to be around. So far. haha just kidding.

School's going pretty well...first week over. About a thousand more to go.

School Started

2010-09-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

So far it's pretty great. I have three studio classes, so I'll be pretty busy but I'm really excited. On the first day of my english class though, I walked into what I thought was my classroom, but it turned out to be a janitors closet. With 2 minutes till class started I became a little bit nervous that I wasnt going to find it. But I followed some lady that looked like she knew what was up...she turned out to be my teacher!
Thursday night, my parents came and got me and lyndsey to go to pocatello for my grandma's funeral. It was nice to see everyone again, even if it was a sad situation. But a happy one too...because now my grandma's with her husband and son again, feeling peace and happiness instead of pain. And I'm very grateful to know this.

As soon as the tears were done it was just nice to be around family. It makes me miss them even more. My cousins are pretty awsome and hilarious to be around!

I start work tomorrow...four in the morning. My roommates have a bet going as to how long I'll last. They said around mid semester....I'm just hoping I'll make it to my first full paycheck. I guess we'll see....

I Found My Bike!

2010-09-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Eight months later....I find it right where I left it....only the brakes don't work, the tires are flat, and the handle bars fall out. It't such a piece of junk i guess nobody wanted to deal with it.

My Last Weekend?

2010-09-04T21:50:00.000-07:00

It really doesn't feel like I'm leaving in three days to go back to Idaho...but I'm not dreading going back so I know that taking the summer off from school was a good idea. Now I can go back and be happy to be there.

So for my last weekend I wanted to do something fun, and since I've spent alot of time at the beach I went into the city to walk around for a while. It was nice to not have a schedule or feel like I have to rush. I took a bunch of pictures and guided alot of tourists.

I also hung out with these kids...and not just for the weekend, but for the last 8 months really. My break would definately not have been as fun without these guys.

I love this picture of parker...not a second after I took this one he lunged at me wanting to see what he looked like.

Adorable? I think so. For the past month or so, she has been my roommate. The Kings let me stay with them while we had a friend staying at our house. Emma's pretty much the best roomie ever...she doesnt leave her dirty clothes laying all around the floor like others I've had :)

And because I spent the last 8 months with these guys I now know more than you could ever hope of knowing about Star Wars. Jealous? You should be.

So far it's been a great weekend, and tomorrow I look forward to watching a movie with my family and fighting with my sister about who gets which side of the couch :)

So.....

2010-09-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

I go back to school next week...which means I get to see all my friends again, and take awesome art classes and learn alot of really cool new things....but it also means I have to start wearing shoes again.

With the exception of girls camp, I haven't really worn shoes since I got home...in january. I've been saving up for a new pair and I love them but i don't like putting them on. My feet get hot and itchy and I trip alot more. It's the same thing with pants. I don't like them. I get hot and itchy and I feel like my legs are constricted. If I could go barefoot all the time I would. But something tells me that although I could probably get away without wearing shoes, I don't think anyone on campus would appreciate me being pants-less.

Finally

2010-08-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

They're married. Took 'em long enough :)

I absoultely love these two and am so excited that they married each other!
While those guys were off doing their thing, we got to enjoy just being at the temple, it was pretty much a perfect day for a wedding.

And of course...as always....we ended our temple trip by gorging on Kaspers hotdogs.

I have 4 weeks left to enjoy this.

2010-08-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

Santa Cruz

2010-07-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

It was a good weekend.

My Infectious Friend

2010-07-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

I just love Mariah. Whenever she walks into a room she fills it with her bright personality. I love that she makes me laugh and that she can cheer anyone up. Im pretty sure she has the most infectious smile on the face of the whole planet. But my dear Mariah has literally been infectious for the past few days with what I like to call lepresy... I don't know what it is, (allergic reaction?) but it's not good. I just tell her she's not allowed to rub her face in anyones face for a while.
I hope you get better soon Mariah...no one likes it when you're sick.

Dear Julia

2010-07-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Your bridal shower was pretty much amazing! Everyone had a great time, I loved it. AND I love you!!!

It's All About the Hair Braids and Friendships Braclets.

2010-07-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

I just got back from girls camp as the 4th year leader. I was a little nervous going in, I didn't know the girls very well and wondered if we'd mesh well. After spending 5 minutes with them, those fears flew out the window.

As 4th years...we do an overnight hike. We leave one afternoon, and come back the following morning. It was GREAT! My girls are so musically talented we sang the whole way into our campsite. And then we sang some more. The girls that were from the samoan ward taught us a song, then we made up our own...both of which we decided to sing for the talent show when we got back. It was pretty much the best thing in the whole entire world.

The site we hiked into didn't have any bathrooms, but I didn't hear any complaints about having to pee in the woods. The girls got ahold of my camera while it was my turn behind the tree.

The following morning we got up way early to pack up and head back. The hike in was pretty easy, it was all downhill for the most part. So obviously to get back we had to head uphill about 90% of the way. Three miles uphill at eight o'clock in the morning is not so easy. But we made it back in record time...mostly because I think the girls, myself included, just wanted a shower. I can't even describe to you the state of filth we were all in. I don't even think I want to. When we were in sight of the main camp we started singing (mostly shouting) at the top of our lungs so everyone would know we were back. Everyone that was in the mess hall came running out, but hugs had to be put off till after we showered. Pretty nasty.

And then we braided hair. Mine was a little 'ghetto fabulous' as my girls called it. But I wore it proudly. I was talking to one of them about how much they owned the crazy hairdos they had, and how its funny that in real life, we don't act so crazy and insane as we do at camp. Every single one of the girls at camp show a totally different side to them and they are completely free to be who they are, no matter how nutty they seem. It's one of the reasons I've come to love the whole experience.

Like I said earlier we had a talent show at one of the campfires. I got to show off my own personal talent which came from my work as a janitor. Yep. I can balance a broom on my chin and manage a little jig while its up there. It was right up there with crappy magic tricks and how to roll over people to wake them up in the morning.

Our Camp Director this year was sarah, who was actually one of my JC's my very first year I ever went to girls camp. I was so intimidated by her, she was so loud and crazy and my 12 year old self didn't know what to make of her. But it was her example at Girls Camp that set the tone among all of us. So she was pretty much a natural this year and alot of the girls looked up to her. Camp really wouldn't have been the same without all the time and effort she put in to making it great!

Pretty much it was an awesome 5 days, if you couldn't already tell by this super long post. I loved my girls and proud of the accomplishments they made over the week. So next year...I'm going back...not only because I love it, but they might kill me if I don't. Hahaha.

Almost Ready

2010-06-28T15:09:00.000-07:00

(We've already eaten the ones that were ready....delicious)

Just Testing

2010-06-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Girls camp is in a couple weeks. My mom got a tent from a friend for us to use. So Marina and I set it up to air it out a bit. Then of course we had to test it out.

Wasn't bad, considering we slept on cement. haha

I Still Love the Beach

2010-06-20T21:23:00.000-07:00

The Middle of the End

2010-06-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I noticed one of the tires on the truck was a little low. This is why. The poor truck is way past the beginning of the end. But it hasn't given out completely yet. I drive it like a little old lady, praying it will last to the end of the summer. I love that truck. I may just cry a little when it finally dies.