"I stuck my head out the window this morning and Spring kissed me bang in the face." - Langston Hughes

   Spring. My favorite season is finally here! The other night I noticed that the Bradford Pears on campus were finally budding and for just a second, it took my breath away. I love the sense of purity and newness that the season represents, it bring me such a sense of peace and serenity. There is a quote by Robert Orben that I just love, I think he said it best,”Spring is God's way of saying, 'One more time!'”

                                            Bradford Pears

     My mom and I often talk about our “Bucket Lists”, the sky is the limit when we discuss all the things that we must do before we die. When I was a freshman in High School, we studied a series of paintings by Claude Monet in my art class and I fell absolutely in love with his work. I decided then that I must see his original paintings in person someday. I still want to, but I’ve added another Monet related must-see to my list. I MUST visit his garden in Giverny, France! It was the garden that inspired some of his most famous oil paintings.

                         Claude Monet's Garden at Giverny, France

               An oil painted by Monet, inspired by his garden

                    Probably is most known piece "Lilly Pond"

     I hope everyone takes a few minutes to slow down and take in the new season. You never know, sitting under a tree may lead you to add something new to your bucket list.

-B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6weoLdQEfI

This post gives me and excuse to play one of my favorite Norah Jones songs, enjoy!

Put on your best, boys and I'll wear my pearls

Alright, I’ve been slacking…..so here’s a little update on what’s been going on in my world lately.
 In no particular order:

1.       The Band Perry came to Harding Friday and they were amazing!

2.       Found out that my marketing project did not make it to nationals this year. No New Orleans for me.

3.       It’s been four weeks and the fish are still alive.

4.       Saw “No Strings Attached” and really liked it.

5.       Decided that I will be spending my spring break in the sunshine state with the lovely Caitlin Burnette.

6.       Became incredibly creeped out when I googled “kitchen tables” the other day.

7.       Have fallen in love with The Chronicles of Narnia.

8.       Was thrilled to hear that Cameron’s basketball team won the championship game!

9.       Made a pact with Mallory to not skip a single class until March…..and then broke it…..to study.

10.   Getting REALLY excited for my mom’s visit!!!!!

A little Band Perry to end with:

-B

Winter Legs

   The other day I was walking around my apartment and something caught my attention out of the corner of my eye. I took a few steps back to get a better look and almost had a heart attack…….There they were, just standing there in front of my mirror, mocking me…….

“Winter Legs”

   You all know what I’m talking about. Three months of limb hibernation will cause things to get “lighter”, and let’s face it, a little “looser”. Last thing you remember, it’s October and you are walking around in shorts and a sweater. Next thing you know, it’s January and you are standing in front of the mirror screaming “When did Jennifer Anniston turn into Kirstie Alley?!?” (Extreme exaggeration, of course, but it gets the point across). My first instinct was to run to the store to buy some tinted- firming lotion and whip out the yoga mat! Spring is coming! Thank goodness, I don’t think anyone is more ready to see winter go than me. I am and have always been hopelessly in love with Spring….and Spring clothes.

It’s time, so if you too have noticed a pair of wintery legs in front of your mirror and are ready to do something about it, here are things that usually work for me:

1.       Drink lots of water. It keeps you hydrated and your skin won’t feel as dry.

2.       Put on lotion as soon as you get out of the shower, the hot water opens your pores up, making that the best time for your skin to really absorb it.

3.       I’ve never been one for running; it’s so bad for the knees, so I stick to Yoga and Pilates! Yoga helps with balance and flexibility while Pilates is good for elongating the muscles, making you look leaner and taller.

4.       Vitamin D! A little bit of sun is not a bad thing and it always makes me feel better.

5.       Get a pedicure, it will instantly make you feel prettier, unless you are uncomfortable with having a complete stranger feel up your lower extremities with a hot stone…..then you may not like it. But if you don’t mind that, go for it. It’s inexpensive and it will also get you in the mood to wear flip flops.

6.        Listen to Jack Johnson.

7.       Buy a new spring dress…..it will keep you motivated.

*If any of you have any tips on what works for you, I’d love to hear it!*

Happy Spring training! May this bring you warm thoughts:





-B

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one." -Dr. Seuss

   This past Christmas I was given so many great gifts! Some were big, others were small, but all were loved. There is one gift, however, that I must give credit to as being my favorite; a pair of pink, fuzzy slippers from my Meme and Papap. I LOVE THEM! They have pretty much been glued to my feet since I opened them. The other day when I was getting ready I left them on my feet while I put my jeans on; I looked down and started laughing because this is what I saw:

  

   Why so funny? Well it was 8:30 in the morning, a fly landing on the counter would probably make me laugh that early, BUT what really made it so comical to me is that I felt like I resembled this guy:

   I ran off to find my camera shouting to my entire suit, “Look everyone! I look like a Dr. Seuss character!” The three people I live with didn’t find it as entertaining as I did, but I know if I had been home my mom would have acted just as excited as she did when I got my first loose tooth! Why? Because my mother has passed on to me something wonderful; a love for Dr. Seuss books! She read me every one of them before I could even talk. When I was about 5 years old, I decided that my favorite was “Green Eggs and Ham” so every once in a while she would surprise me with green eggs and ham for lunch. That’s my mom, always taking time to make the little things seem extra special.

   It’s no secret that this year has really taken a toll on me, I have experienced every emotion ranging from excitement, to confusion, to gut-wrenching fear about the fact that I am almost done with school. I have talked and cried to my mom about it many, many times. Of course she has given me nothing but love, understanding, and advice each and every time……oh, and a book. On my desk, wedged between a biography on Victoria Gotti and “Eat, Pray, Love” sits “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”. The familiar words are not only wonderfully fun, but comforting. It’s a beautiful reminder that no matter how old you are, there are more places for you to go, more lessons for you to learn, and more people for you to meet. Aren’t we lucky? Thanks, Mom.

For those of you who have never experienced the magic that is Dr. Seuss, this is for you:

-B

Lyric Police

Scenario:

     You’re riding in the car absolutely singing your heart out. It’s one of those songs you have heard so many times that you can’t even remember what it’s about, you’re just singing. Then, right in the middle of your performance the person next to you absolutely ruins it when they chime in with, “Those aren’t the words!” Been there? I’m assuming we all have. Of course when this happens to me, everything inside of me wants to respond with, “I am so sorry! Let me make it up to you by allowing you to come to class with me tomorrow so you can correct my spelling all day.” Because I just feel like those sorts of people find joy in correcting all mistakes…..BUT, saying things like that tends to always get me into trouble, so I refrain (most of the time).

     So, I would like to raise the question; “What is so wrong with messing up the lyrics?” Personally, I get a kick out it. I remember when I was in 7^th grade; my English teacher told me she thought the words to the Bee Gees’ song “More than a Woman” were “Bald- headed woman”. You know what? That makes the song better! So…..just sing! If you discover for yourself that you have been singing the wrong words, laugh about it, then figure out which way makes the song better. As for all of you who proudly represent the “Lyric Police”? Stop, no one likes you.

PS- I don’t think anyone knows the right words to “Bennie and the Jets”

-B

Live, from the Fish Bowl

   Today was my last first day of school, something worth celebrating, right? Of course! I decided I needed to get something to commemorate the day, something that would remind me of the event every time I looked at it. Next thing I know I am standing in the pet store having a conversation with a very colorful man with a bird on his shoulder about appropriate water temperatures. Meet Regis and Kelly……

    My mom called me tonight to hear about my first day; as soon as I told her about my new fish she responded with “Oh no. I know you; you get attached to things, what if one of them dies?” To which I replied, “Pshhh, they’re just goldfish.” Of course I knew full well that 5 minutes earlier I had just had a conversation with my friend Amy about them, and said something along the lines of “They are healthy and happy and I love them already!” Dang it, I am attached.  But if one of them does have an untimely death, I’m just going to go ahead and assume that one was Regis. Will I replace him? Of course, the bowl is too big for just one. I will just have to make another trip to the pet store and pick up, who else? Anderson Cooper.

Until next time!

-B