Wondering, Wandering Thoughts Gone Awry

Day of Poetry

2011-03-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

A day of poetry begins with melancholy. A subtle ache for more than what I can give myself. Perhaps it is company, love, affection, happiness- whatever the unfulfilled longing, it is a feeling which cannot be delivered by my own ponderings, and I am left to fill that void with poetic dreams of non-existent ideologies that can make an artist’s heart content. Almost.
I identify heartily with Alfred Proofrock. Coffee spoons seem to measure up the life I often conjure. This morning it was tea spoons that measured up the day, yet little did I know that my artistic yearning would lead to more. As the sun showed over the mountain and the doors of the forest opened, the birds would sing me into the deep. My triumphant entry into the woodland presented itself as a battle against the ever feared yet always embraced experience of the ordinary.
The trees work much as Gothic cathedrals, always lifting one’s views and thoughts to the heavens. I believe they do their duty better. The metaphor of a tree works at a human level that a manmade structure cannot dare to stoop down to. A tree works out of the depths, a Godmade structure that grows and moves to face the toils of the world. The wildlands. The roots of these natural cathedrals reach down, grappling to rocks, struggling through bedrock, discovering waterways. Lifeways! The strength of these roots impress past the crumbling stones and archways of Brunelleschis. The greatest sources of pride for man are outdone in the beauty and simplicity by the natural.
My adventure did not halt at the archways of the forest, it only strove further. The earth moved and shifted beneath my boots. My maroon yarns caught and twisted in the brambles. My walking stick was a surety when my feet did not know. Life is so like a woodland wander. One cannot see the path ahead until one reaches it, and the multitude options for each step exceed one’s abilities to take them all. Choices. Difficulties. Beauties. Inspirations. All can be found in an afternoon walk, yet embracing them requires one to look. Melancholy turned the key, beginning the engine of my search, and upon return from my battle against the commonplace, I found that I had claimed a small victory over complacency. I could say that always present dreams of adventure had been fulfilled for the afternoon, and as I recline, returned to my latter pose, I cannot say that I measured my day in coffee spoons, rather in roots and trees and cathedrals. Little rivers and shallow pools. Blue haze and billowing clouds. A masterpiece. I measure my day in all of creation, and my search to do battle is a search in which I press steadily onward.
My day of poetry was not one of rhymes and riddles, yet that is not of what poetry is made. The day was experience! The day was a fight! It was poetry.

I love my Art History Class.

2011-01-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

My teacher (Ms. Casprowiak! What a wonderful name!) uses words like "partition" and "ostentatious" and phrases like "bisected quadrifoil arch" in everyday conversation. It is nice to be in a classroom where the teacher speaks like they are well educated along with being as such. Although much of the study is very dry, especially when looking at Byzantine and Gothic images, and the two hour and ten minute class period does not aid in the overall relief to it's dry nature, I find the entire class fascinating.
I was surprised at how gazing at many of these images really does send me where the artists often intended. Paintings depicting the morality of man (the lack of) give me such a sense of sadness toward our own depravity that I feel sick over it. Early Gothic and Renaissance paintings exploit this feeling so that the viewer will sense fear, being driven to repentance by the evil that one can clearly see before them. Other paintings that show the deposition (Christ's body being brought from the cross) also produce a great deal of sorrow. Composition in these works always draw the eye to our Lord- often with figures facing Him, background landscape leading toward Him, and placing Him toward the middle of the work. This emphasis on our Savior's death hits very closely to our emotions, whether we know our Savior or not, that one cannot help but be moved by it.
Although these works have flaws that I do believe have characterized the church as a place of gloom rather than glory, for a Christian saved by our Lord from these visions of death, I find them a beautiful representation of salvation- and Oh! The visions to be seen when this world is left behind!

I side tracked...
Now I intended to write on Durer... So I will... ;)
In his etching. "Melancholy," Durer depicts an angelic being who is supposed to represent the feeling, or disposition, of melancholy. At this time, as I wrote in my notes during class today, melancholy was associated with the artist's genius. Striving for perfection yet never attaining it brings a never-ending sense of failure for an artist that drives them toward making something incredible. This genius, however, lives up to its melancholy term. That sense of failure is ever present to an artist, and that imperfection must be dealt with on every level of art artists life, not just on the level of making art.
We all must deal with this imperfection. If one's sensibilities toward the arts are spurred by this melancholy, then that is just one way to experience a facet of melancholy. Songs, paintings, poems, books... There is so much that pours from this striving for perfection, and yet our imperfection is ever before us.
I wonder how we survive. Our dreams to create something flawless are fed by our knowledge that we can never bring it about.

Albrecht Durer's Melancholy

I'm so glad Jesus is perfect.

Mt. 2010 has been summited...

2011-01-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

And Mt. 2011's climb has begun.
As I look back on 2010, I deem it a most fantastic year. Although not without heartache, problems, disappointments, and tears, I found the year a thrilling adventure with too many blessings to count, and I the lessons I have been taught throughout 2010 made it a year worth mentioning for many to come.

I decided that instead of a top ten list of my year, I would mention three major areas that, little did I know, would shape 2010...

1. 7,000 miles of travel shaped some of the more prominent adventures of 2010. My brother and I were blessed to go to Camp Elim, a camp just out of Colorado Springs, and lead worship for the high school camp there. We spent ten sunny days hanging and laughing with each other- wouldn't want to spend it with any other brother!

(Camp Elim Logo... Hopefully I'll have a better pic sometime ;)

Although not quite as far a voyage, the NTBYM Bike Trip through the San Juan Islands certainly made my summer. 70 miles over some of the most beautiful land in the world (that I've seen) with some of my greatest friends! Wonderful! Lopez Island, the first Island of the trip, was my favorite. It felt like Anne of Green Gables. And, Oh! Spencer Spit! You are a dream. Someday.... A little house with a yellow kitchen.... ;)
(Me, Looking out from a view on Lopez Island after a few miles on a bike. It was beautiful.)

And the final trip before I plunged into school- Minnesota. I stayed in a house that had once been located in town as a Morgue, and was then moved to the country where it is now a home for my cousin, her husband, and their two little girls. I so so enjoyed having a private place deep in the countryside to settle into for those twelve nights.

("Morgue" I stayed in.)

In the days I visited destinations like Fargo, Pelican Rapids, Fergus Falls, Minneapolis (State Fair,) and my dear aunt and uncles home, where so many memories lie, never to be carried away by the ever-blowing wind. Minnesota is the same as it has been. "Same cake, same frosting" as Aunty Marlys would say.

(Trees and lake- taken on a morning walk by my sister)

(Out of over 600 pics, I found this most appropriate. You can see why...)

2. Along with adventure, Oh the blessings! Oh the discoveries that were given this year! The Lord opened the opportunities for me to explore the gifts He has given me. The piano has become a dear love in my heart, and through this discovery, the Lord gave me the inspiration to write almost ten new songs that I am so excited to share with the world on my upcoming record! Steve, Andrew, and I will be beginning scratch tracks very soon. I can't wait to see what the Lord will do!

(Playing for one of my best friends, Mary.)

In my Drawing 101 class, my teacher had us use Charcoals in abundance, and I fell in love with them! They're blendable, highly contrasting, gloriously messy, and relatively quick compared to pencil. Art makes my heart sing, and charcoal is a beautiful instrument! I was lucky enough to use this instrument for the inside cover of my brother's new album, on which I sing for four of the tracks. He has been working on his album for nearly two years, and it has finally been finished! Find him on itunes- Artist: Andrew Platter. Album: "Spotlight."

Check here! The illustration at the top of the page was done by me, and you can buy the cd there or on itunes!

3. My adventures and discoveries would have been of little import if not for the people with which I was able to experience and share them with!
I have to mention this one: I met, hugged, talked to, and got my jacket signed by Sarah Harmer. This was a dream I've held for over six years. She is my favorite musical artist of all time. She has been my main inspiration since I started writing. Seeing her in concert and meeting her was a a huge highlight of the year, and, actually, my life!

(Sarah Harmer and Me! )

As far as real relationships go, Lakeside Bible Camp always follows through with bringing such wonderful friends together. 2010 High School Camp was full of fun and friends. Out of my almost 14 years of visiting Lakeside, and four years of attending winter and summer camps and tcl, I have never had an easier cabin. The girls I lived with for that week were beautiful, laid back, and genuinely delightful. And my cabin leaders were just as wonderful and more so!(Some of my Lakeside girls. Right to left: Kallie, Me, Larissa, Baily, and Breezy)

Now, contrastingly, at Bellevue College, with its impressive diversity, almost overbearing tolerance, and general lack of student....warmth, I would never have expected to find friendship that has impacted me beyond my hopes for 2010, for all of highschool, and in some cases- my life! Through many hours of breaks in between classes and late stays after school, I was able to bond with a group of around twenty wonderful friends whom I know shall hold places in my heart for years to come. As If being blessed with twenty new and wonderful friends wasn't enough, the Lord brought me my kindred spirit. The Diana Barry to my Anne Shirley. My best friend! All of these adventures, discoveries, and people were given to me by my God and Father.

(A big part of the BC Gang when we went ice skating. Missing a few. Love them all)

(My best friend, Jenessa, and I at Alki in Seattle. Little dog in the background makes me laugh. Girl next to me always brings a smile!)

Thank You, Jesus, for a most blessed year, and thank You for this next glorious year- 2011! I cannot wait to see all that You have planned!

Perfection is so unattainable.

2010-09-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Long before I approach a canvas, I have the sad realization that what I make is never perfect. Might be good. Might not. But it will never reach my highest expectation of what my art should be. I can be much too ambitious in mind. Therefore, in reality, I often will not even touch my paints and brushes, or even pencil and pen, out of fear for what I cannot reach. It's a constant pull between knowing I can do so much, and not knowing if I can do anything. Will any work be my "greatest?" Will it even be great?
Any artist will, or maybe should, say that the next work is their best. Always pushing forward. Always humbling at the reality that your best can never be reached since improvement is always attainable, and perfection is not.
I love this quote by G. K. Chesterton. It's one of my favorites. He says, "Art, like morality, consists of drawing the line somewhere." The truth about both is how art and morality each take courage to make a reality. A blank page has so SO much room for mistakes. We have so much room for error, but also for beauty, in our own lives. Each mark we make is a step towards what our life will be like, what our "greatest" work will become. Our job is to create something beautiful, and the only way we can make something even worth showing is if we trust that the Lord has prepared us for the works ahead. We are created in Christ for exactly that! We are His workman created for good works. I look forward to seeing what He has planned for our lives, and the passions He will lay on our hearts. We will never achieve perfection by our own doings, yet we have the hope of seeing ourselves perfected in Christ!

Nearly ready for the swing...

2010-08-23T14:58:00.001-07:00

Here I am again, on the edge of another school year. When this time comes around, I feel like I start sucking college aspirations through a straw too fast, which then causes mild brain freeze and a tingling imagination. I've started forming ambitious plans to spend all my time making art, learning enough math to graduate, and, of course, working out everyday while managing a full college class load and time with family and friends.
Piece. Of. Cake.
Along with those goals for the year, it's the classic story: I must form my portfolio, apply to X amount of colleges, and graduate in spring knowing exactly what I'm doing. Easy! :)
I love a good life challenge.

This Friday, I leave for a drive to Minnesota. Ten days with big skies, thunderheads, and rolling hills. If there is any way to clear the head before I make my way through the forest, that is how. I'm going to take this time to truly rest while still making accomplishments.
MN goals:

Finish Emma and at least start Sense and Sensibility
Draw a good bit of everything while on the trip. This is my art excursion.
Learn to drive stick. Yes, I'm going there. It will be done!
Spend time with the Lord as often as I can. His goals for me are far better than any I could make, and I trust Him for the path I should take.

Goals are fun. Goals are neat. I love goals.- The little senior sang.

I feel a theme coming on...

Ivory Keys, I Adore Thee.

2010-08-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

I've fallen in love.

David's harp must have been a close relative of the piano....

Grinding and Churning

2010-08-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

When I ponder last week... I'm pretty sure my thoughts resemble this:

As you can see, I'm still processing.

Good thoughts are promised.
Good thoughts are grinding and churning
Good thoughts to feed the soul

I Try

2010-07-15T22:06:00.000-07:00

I try to be a mountain

I crumble into sand

I try to see the future

All I see- my failed plans

I try to heal so many hurts

Yet cannot stop one tear

Thus every day I am reminded

I'm so glad the Lord is near

Billy Collins: You Inspire

2010-07-10T00:46:00.000-07:00

You Rub Off

As feeling flows down keys and strings

Round subtle down beats and over harmonies

Can words travel down stream without interruption

And where do the salmon run now?

I know Sunshine rolls down the hills of sky

Tumbles down the mountain sides

Into my skin. My eyes sing for more

I glow in reflection of the day well spent

I think...

2010-06-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Summer tastes like cherries.
Like dry dirt.
Like salt from sea spray.

Sunshine makes a road trip.
Makes a smile.
Makes an adventure.

My mother found this poem....

2010-06-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

The title is seemingly unsuited, however, the poem itself is spot on.

"I Sing the Body Electric" by Walt Whitman

I have perceived that to be with those I like is enough,
To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough,
To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough,
To pass among them or to touch any one, or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment, what is this then?
I do not ask any more delight, I swim in it as in a sea.

There is something in staying close to men and women and looking on them,
and in the contact and odor of them, that pleases the soul well,
All things please the soul, but these please the soul well.

Why Art?

2010-05-24T15:21:00.000-07:00

Finally the time has come! I try to push my peacock feathers down as I say that my art class has come around to where I only hoped it would. I feel more respected by the Professor and the other art students as I take charcoal in hand. Sure the comment "You really capture the *blankityblank-ness* about those toes." doesn't seem like a great compliment (being somewhat profane), however, coming from that scary art snob behind his easel, I enjoyed hearing it.
Although everyone, including myself, enjoys to be admired in some way, I do not by any means draw to be praised or to impress (contrary to my last post, I realize ;) Unless, of course, impression is more literally taken, as in 'one is making a lasting impression on the viewer.' No, my intentions are deeper.
(Shamefully) I would often ask myself growing up "Why do I want to be an artist? Shouldn't I be something more? Something, well, useful, respectable, or otherwise helpful to the world?"And I did cause myself some tears and anguish this way. Yet, art has always had a grip on my heart. Other hobbies I could take or leave as soon as the next tide came in, but drawing, and later painting, were things I always thought about. Things I always knew I needed to do.
Why? Why is it that something like rubbing sticks onto paper would hold me so? I do believe I know- It is what the Lord has given me.
To me, Shading the contours of a still life feels like hugging a good friend. There is not one other job or activity that feels like it's hugging back. It's like I was made for drawing.
I an artist not (only) to produce the best works in my power, but to use the gifts and joys God has given while He allows to do his will. I have few great and grand plans for my art future. I only know that no matter what I do, He has plans for me in art and things far beyond.

I feel a Chariots of Fire viewing is needed....

These are

2010-05-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

good things to remember:

Carrots and Peanut Butter. It's a surprisingly good combo.
Always draw to impress your art prof and that one guy that is better than you.
Take advantage of free minutes.

I have specifically taken these into consideration and found them useful. I hope you may do the same.

A day of Sun

2010-05-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Haiku

Vapors Dissipate
Smells of lilac and smoke loom
Grasses, please catch me

Enough with Numbers!

2010-05-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

Diesel Jeans, Dancing Companies, Neck-to-knee Daisy Stems, Beads and Secrets, Colorado Trips, Frisbee Tackles, Starbucks Walks, Midnight Star-gazing, Gazebo Sitting, Sun soaking, Laughing, Giggling, Side-splitting!
And it wasn't even the weekend...

5th

2010-05-05T19:57:00.000-07:00

40 years ago, my mother loved this.
She still remembered all the words.
She still loves it.

I found it inspiring.

4th

2010-05-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

You know, I really am thankful.....

BUT I'm way too INSPIRED.

I think I just need another month at this...

SO, in the last Three days, I was inspired to write a song. Some of you might think "Oh whatever everyone does that. How hard is it really?"
Why don't you try and write a good one and let me know how that goes.

Well, today I finished my three day song and I was happy... That doesn't happen. I believe it was done in Divine Power and I will stand by that.

3rd

2010-05-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness! It has finally happened....
It's coming, June 22nd...
I AM PUMPED.
http://www.sarahharmer.com/

2nd

2010-05-02T18:09:00.000-07:00

I find myself thinking (worrying) about major problems of the world, and ways to fix them.
Fuel Problems, for instance, I often ponder. I think Why are we using so much fuel? How can we stop using so much fuel? What would be our replacement for this high emissions producing non-green thing called fuel? Why do I care about fuel at all I barely drive a car?
All questions lead to one thing- me in complacency about the world and all I was thinking about was a bunch of gas.
Well here is something I am Thankful for. I am thankful that it is all the Lord's. Our money, our time, our friends, our jobs, our thoughts, our fuel...
I'm thankful we belong to a God who knows exactly what is going on. He is in control.
I love that He cares.

May 1st

2010-05-01T21:27:00.000-07:00

Wow. Today I am Thankful...
Thankful for great friends come home.
Thankful for a leather-bound notebook from Florence.
Thankful for a good team fighting for freedom.
For walking legs and breathing lungs.
For people who inspire.

This month I am Thankful.

THIRTY!

2010-04-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today is a most special day. A day when the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true. They sprinkled moon dust in her hair, and a golden starlight in her eyes so blue....

My dear, Inspiring sister.

Stephanie Joy Platter

And a joy she is.

Witty, fun, caring, loving, wise, majestic, beautiful, smart.... oh don't get me going on Smart!

Happy Birthday dear one. :) I love you.

2010-04-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

Twenty-nine

2010-04-29T15:24:00.000-07:00

Sparks specifically sang to me today. Sometimes a melody can say what your soul wishes it could. What is it about music that grips our heart? How does it sway us? How does a song sound "sad" or "inspiring" or "reminiscent?"
Like a feeling.
A truly talented songwriter can capture a complete thought in a song, a complete feeling, while still allowing the listener to believe there is more to it. It's like a conversation- say too much at a time and you'll lose your audience.
Few people really know how to converse. Fewer write good songs. Those who do, inspire me.

Twenty-seven & Twenty-eight

2010-04-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Oceanography class inspires alot of things, including a few mock drawings of Hokusai's Great Wave. I know, this piece is now quite over done, and may be considered a cliche, but I still love it. It has become an icon for Japanese art, and it symbolizes much of what is important to that culture- Their great Mount Fuji (Fuji-san, as they call it), and the sea, which is important for their lively-hood. The sea is something bittersweet, it may be what they believe provides, but also what puts them in such peril. (I think the fishermen would contend for that in this painting.) It is amazing what a painting can portray.
Here are a few of my Oceanography works-
(Could not get this upright for some reason....)

Also, I added a "smack" in there for fun . (A smack is the name for a group of jellyfish. Who knew?)Not great pics... I know. Camera was running out of batteries, so I did it quick!

Twenty-six

2010-04-26T18:52:00.000-07:00

From the right person, some things just mean more....

"Abbie, ya, she knows what she's doing."

may not seem like much, but coming from my my art teacher, Mr. Lindman, it was completely inspiring.

Twenty-five

2010-04-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

If anything is inspiring... it's that.
Oh boy.

Twentyfour

2010-04-24T18:41:00.000-07:00

Although I really shouldn't, I try to keep Saturdays free of "have to's" - meaning homework and the like. Yet by 2 o' clock almost every Saturday, I begin to feel plagued by "shoulds." Really, I just get restless, and after about 3-4 cups of coffee and tea and maybe one or two breakfasts (I'm a hobbit), I feel the need to get up and go! See the town! Get my blood moving! Not do what I have to do, yet do something great!
When I told my mother of my restless feeling, she responded, "Wanna go outside and tapdance on the lawn?" (I love my Mom.) My vehement yes for some kind of creative activity landed us on the Issaquah Creek Trail. The trail was my mother's inspiration. I thought it just the right place to go.
So off my mother, my brother, and my self went!
We had a great time on the trail.

After our not-so-strenuous-walk, I, of course, was hungry. So I had a steak melt. But here is the COOL part of that boring statement.
Imagine this:
Trader Joe's Mustard
Steak
Garlic Sourdough Bread
Muenster Cheese
And...
(As inspired by my sister Stephanie)....Strawberrriiiieeesss!
Good Saturday.

Twentythree

2010-04-23T21:16:00.000-07:00

York Minister, in York of course, is the largest Gothic chapel in all of Northern Europe. This is not a surprise when you admire it's inspiring stain glass windows. At first glimpse, I thought "This is too much for my self righteous, bleeding heart to take. Didn't they know people were poor and dying even then???" I'm sure they were not totally unaware, and who am I to criticize great art of any time and place?

I've been pondering as of late whether great man-made splendor and beauty are right when the world is in turmoil- which is all the time. I dearly love beauty and all things wonderous and gaudy (Gaudi being one of my favorites in the art world, and he was not by any means subtle or sparing in extravagance.) Yet, I am bothered by those who pour themselves and their money into things of no consequence. Is life only about yourself, your friends, your family, and your happiness? No. Who is the ressurrection and the Life? Riddle me that, oh seekers of splendor.

The windows of York Minister, as you may know, are very finely detailed, yet so high from the ground, what person can even look so close as to see the ornately done pictures? The artist, John Thornton, said (roughly) that the details were done "for only God's eyes to see." Isn't that beautiful? Thornton's work was done for the Lord. His time was given for God's pleasure, just as ours should be in all we do.

Each day, why do we try to keep our thoughts clean? Why do we try (and sometimes fail) to be good even with no one watching. Ah! But He is watching, and His eyes see the details of the windows to our souls.
In the end, I feel all things we do are done through our hearts. Some things can be done for us, and everything done for ourselves will perish. And Some things... some things can be done for God.

So today, do what is beautiful for the eye's of God. The splendor of man will perish, but the Lord is forever.

Twentytwo

2010-04-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

Can I just say....
THIS is my dream car-
Chevy Nova. Late 60's- Early 70's. Yah that's right. The one above happens to be a 73.
Today, I road in one very similar. It was tan and missing a front bumper, but I dare say I was giddy. So giddy, I was inspired to share with the world my love of this car.
"Most people don't even know what a Nova is." The driver said.
"Oh, honey, I KNOW what a Nova is." was my highly witty response.

Twentyone

2010-04-21T20:06:00.000-07:00

Don't you think maps are just so inspiring?? I just picked this one up today, and I'm particularly excited to explore what it offers. Of course, my map may not excite most people around, but I think we can all admit that a map means adventure. From the good old treasure maps we drew ourselves as little kids, to the old world maps from hundreds- thousands- of years ago, maps generate the desire of more than where you are right now.
I once went on an entire roadtrip dedicated to the Lewis and Clark voyage. We visited many re-enactments, to scale models of boats, tents, and gadgets, and many taxidermied animals (slightly creepy, but relevant.) All of it gave the true feeling of a fantastic feat. I would do the entire trip again.
One small part of the trip that amazed me was the map that Clark drew during the voyage. It's really quite accurate! Every few miles Clark would stop and continue his cartography endeavors. The mountains, the rivers, the canyons all got a place in his book.
Map Making... A mystery.

Twenty!

2010-04-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Here are twenty little inspirations:

Dandelions
Friendly Notes
Disney Short Films
Hobbits
Little Golden Books
Babies
iPods
Diamonds
Neurons
Fables
Stamps
Mustard Seeds
Proverbs 3:5
Small Answered Prayers
Penny Whistles
The Seven Dwarfs
Pearls
Ants
Kind Words
Fingerprints

Eighteen & Nineteen

2010-04-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

I am inspired by...

those who speak their mind.

For I often should and don't.

And by those who can stay silent.

For I often don't, but should.

Seventeen

2010-04-17T14:31:00.002-07:00

I am taking a drawing class. Two days a week, three hour classes, and right away I know how much more I have to learn. Alot....
It's inspiring to know that other artists throughout history have struggled through proportion, shape, and perspective as I have today and for the last two weeks. I just spent about six hours on a few drawings that really aren't worth looking at. I drew the same still life 8 times at different angles. I could draw it 1000 more times and probably still not be perfect... but just imagine what I would gain from such a feat. It's the equivalent of doing scales on a piano. It's not a song. It's not a melody. But one day it will lead to something great.
That is the hope anyway.

2010-04-17T14:31:00.001-07:00

Fifteen and Sixteen

2010-04-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was so inspired to see my Brother, Andrew Platter, perform at this arena last night! (Just so happens that Justin Bieber will be there in July... Nice of Andrew to share the stage I guess.)
It was really a great show. The first band was super hot, obviously, and the final band, Newsboys, played some of the hottest new hits of the 90's to date! There were lights and kicks and even some 50 foot platform jumping. All in all a fun time.
That guy... so great at what he does.

Course, He's not too shabby either....

Fourteen

2010-04-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

In today's beautiful sunshine I decided to go out for an adventure. My lack of driving abilities was made up for my residency on a few wonderful acres of woods, so I hiked at home. I walked all about the woods, and with all the right clothing, all was possible. (As the Norwegian's say- "there is no bad weather, only bad clothing." I say, along the same lines, that "Whatever your clothes can, you can.")
As a kid, I was way too afraid to do anything like climb trees or jump off of tall things. It was too risky. I, however, was a little daring, but very cautious (obviously a very torn individual). So I've been trying to make up for my lack of daring when I was young. Today I climbed trees, walked across logs, and jumped down from trees, and acquired a few scrapes and bruises. It was all very worth it and was much better than the workout I had planned.
All that being said, I am whole heartedly inspired by one particular individual....

Oh Bear Grylls, are you a super hero?

I find him... admirable.

Sometimes, his eating habits seem a little unconventional.

And some say he's not that impressive... ha!

But in all, I think he's also pretty down to earth.

Well, maybe not so much.

Thirteen

2010-04-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

We were grass-whistling at Gas Works park. I'm the profile on the far right. I think I look like peter pan.
Behind us is a "sun-dog." Quite a wonderful phenomenon that my Meteorology teacher spoke of often as his favorite. It's really Inspiring, you might say... I made a big deal about it.

Twelve

2010-04-12T15:12:00.000-07:00

Eleven

2010-04-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been on a road trip? There is something about one that is completely magical. Inspiring, even.
However, today what inspires me is not roadtrips themselves, but the emblem of home along the way.....

Starbucks

that Inspires thoughts of home when home is far away.

I can't wait for my road trip this summer....

Ten

2010-04-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

I have this poster in my room. It was originally a lithograph done by Ben Blessum in 1937. I am inspired by it daily and I hope that you are today. It happens to be in my favorite painting colors- Blue and orange- about my nearly favorite place- Norway- portraying one of my favorite cultures- the vikings ;) I fell in love with the poster the minute I saw it at the Fargo Mall in North Dakota, and I brought it four states west to my home (I went back to Minnesota first, hence the "four" states.) It fits perfectly on my yellow walls and displays my Norwegian pride very well.
I love it.

(My poster doesn't have the travel info on the bottom. It simply says "Scandinavia" in very modern letters, which I personally prefer in this case.)

Nine

2010-04-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

So here's the thing- I love watching Evening Magazine on King 5. I feel so enlightened with almost every viewing. (The sportisodes are really not my thing. I don't really care what the Sounders do in Arizona during the springtime, but I'm glad others do.)
I get so inspired watching the wood carvers, the tightrope walkers, the entrepreneurs, the designers, the parks, the raptors, the chefs, the volunteers, the proactives! - I could go on.
Truly, though, it takes me away. I like the feeling of idealism. Things are happy. People are "real." Lives that you want are being lived, and it all seems in your grasp. Dreams are close and the Northwest is made a place of wonder! It's like watching grown up "reading rainbow." Meeghan Black isn't at all what LeVar Burton was, but we must make do....
Oh Look!

How'd that get there....

Anyway, if you want to be locally up to date and educated in some way while also being transported to a seemingly better alternate reality. Try and give it a watch.
Evening Magazine may not be your weakness, but it is certainly mine.

Eight

2010-04-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Today I went without shoes. I walked the pavement, the classrooms, and the cement steps on just my feet. I had a few friends join me, and many more around the world joined for the same cause. We did it voluntarily for people around the world who don't have a choice. Truthfully, it wasn't so hard for one day (granted, a little cold at lows of 44 degrees), but, of course, I had shoes to go back to.
Many people don't.
Many children can't attend school because they are not allowed without shoes.
Many men, women, and children have diseases and infections they get from not wearing shoes.

Someone said to me that this point could be made just as a statement. I don't need to go bearfoot for this, but I didn't do this for a statement. I did it to show I care. I did it so others can be aware. I did it for myself. To Learn. To Soften.

I'm inspired by them.

Seven

2010-04-07T20:28:00.000-07:00

I met a very Inspiring Kenyan woman today.
She spoke about God and Jesus.
She was so real.
So honest.
Rose.

Six

2010-04-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

I'm inspired by Fridtjof Nansen.
This wonderful Norwegian was an accomplished oceanographer, inventor, zoologist, artist, statesman, professor, 1922 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Wow. What a Viking.

Four & Five

2010-04-05T19:33:00.000-07:00

New Beginnings inspire a...

Haiku

Easter is New Life
Our new lives in Christ begin
When we are reborn

College can be sad
When people don't know the truth
They think they know

Each day I hope- pray
They will see what Easter is
And start to believe

Three

2010-04-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

The Greeks and their-
Yogurt

+
Their Movies

= Me, Inspired.

This guy might have helped...

Two

2010-04-02T12:18:00.001-07:00

Inspiration for today- for life:
His Sacrifice
I chose "The Crucifixion" by Degas because I visited it at the SAM for "Inspiring Impressionism" last year. Of course, it is a picture of our Lord's death on the cross. Although the actual happening would have been far more gruesome, moving many more than this simple painting could ever do, the piece comes back to me often, perhaps because of it's ironic nature. The sky is bright with little tufts of clouds, and the entire picture is so clean, yet it was Jesus. Dying. for me...
That's inspiring.

Today is Good Friday. The day to Remember.

One

2010-04-01T21:59:00.000-07:00

A month for inspiration. At least one for every day.
We can do this.

Today I am inspired by....

My new red toms
Ropes just for adventures

And how gray days like today seem mysterious and make me want wander...

More to come!

For Andrew

2010-02-25T15:19:00.000-08:00

"The Autumn Hawk"

I painted this for my brother at Christmas time. The Sharp-finned Hawk was quite fun to do. I had never really painted feathers before, and I had a good time trying. Took about six hours on 140lb paper, cold pressed. I put those black strips on the frame myself (with Stephanie's help ;) and I do think they look pretty dandy.

I have another winged project coming up that should be very exciting.... ;) But you'll have to wait.

Australia Day

2010-02-21T21:11:00.000-08:00

Twas the day for the Aussies

And all through BC
Dear Eliza was stirring
To bring green cake and glee

The picture was taken in the cafe at Bellevue College on January 26th- Australia Day!

I heard a fact today. Australia is one of the top five most "free" countries in the world, (China being the most free. I know-What?) and I do believe that makes it worthy of celebration. January 26th was once known as Founding Day or First Landing Day according to early Sydney almanacs. It is now recognized as Australia Day due to the fact that on that day in 1788, 11 British ships filled with convicts reached Australian shores, making Australia their home. It was not widely celebrated as a national holiday until 1994, yet today, over half of Australia's 21 million residents gather to barbeque and set off fireworks, but most importantly pay homage to their great nation!
Good on ya, mates!
(And Eliza for the cake!)

A moment for today

2010-02-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

On the outside of my church just above and to the right of the door, there is a concrete stair that ends in a very small balcony only about ten feet off the ground. On sunny days, I like to sit there. The spot itself where my church lies is not very pretty, but sunshine makes everything agreeable, and today I sat there reading about Vermeer and listening to music play over my phone. It's good to create moments for yourself to get vitamin D and a good art history education. Rose colored glasses help.
My set up:

Reading Girl

2010-02-13T23:01:00.000-08:00

I've made a book list (A small for sure one as of yet). It was a New Years Resolution of mine to do so, and to follow through with reading a few.
Upon suggestion:
"The Last Sin Eater,"
"Three Cups of Tea,"
and "Into the Wild" are are what I'm planning as of yet. I want to add at least one C.S. Lewis, but after that I feel like I'm hungry in a grocery store with about 7,000 more options than I need. A little overwhelmed. I think I need more suggestions....

I once repainted this and gave it to my sister. Sometimes I really just want to be- "Reading Girl"- Renoir

Rwanda Baskets

2010-02-10T16:08:00.000-08:00

I love these:

And I wholly support what this company is doing. Watch the video on the home page to really find out more.
The Rwandan women inspire me. They push me to be so much more... I wish I could buy all their baskets.

favorite

2010-02-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

My mother asked me a little while ago what my favorite feeling was. I still cannot give an absolute answer, but I have decided that this might be the closest thing...
It's not this place itself that I love so much. It is the essence that fills it. My woods is my favorite feeling. When the cold wind blows through and sends every leaf rustling with chills...
That's what I love. The sunshine screening through the green canopy in spring and summer. The versatile stage of color that sings throughout the fall. The gentle mists that rest so near to the floor in the rain.
Its the memories hidden in each tree ring.... or not so hidden.So many memories.

In Honor of Luke Gullberg: "I'll Meet You at the Top"

2010-01-29T14:02:00.001-08:00

Hello Everyone,
I was truly inspired by Luke Gullberg, and I know you were as well. I have painted this portrait and I am selling the prints for $10 to raise money for Luke's climbing wall at Lakeside Bible Camp. Please contact me if you would like to know more.

Thank you,
-Abigail Platter
bombadilgirl@gmail.com

"All who wander..."

2010-01-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

"are not lost."
I once thought this quote was from the Bible because it seemed so familiar and true. In actuality, it is Tolkien.
This is where I want to wander-
Maah Daah Hey Trail

Mt. Rainier

Tibet

This weekend I wander to Lakeside Bible Camp, where I certainly never feel lost.

Looking up above, I think I have a thing for mountains...

Workspace

2010-01-27T21:41:00.000-08:00

I believe that besides my guitar, my art desk is the best Christmas present I have ever gotten. Two years ago my parents bought me a clean, white desk just for drawing and painting. I LOVE it. Having a specific workspace is highly important for doing anything creative, because I can leave it up for as long as I want without it being in the way.
This is my workspace in all it's functional glory. Facebook just aids in the creative process, I swear. ;)

Quick Experiment

2010-01-25T21:40:00.000-08:00

Now, this started as a "just about to wake up" dream. I attempted to make it impressionistic. It came out a sort of "tribal abstract." Ah... the creative process.
I successfully avoided my psychology homework with this escapade. I wonder what it means...

Highlights

2010-01-03T23:04:00.000-08:00

I would dare say that 2009 has been the most important year for me thus far. It was like taffy, so sweet and good, but it took so much pushing and stretching and molding. It was just as it needed to be!
In chronological order ( I think) is a small list of the wonderful happenings of '09:
-The start of many Bainbridge trips for this, last, and future years to come
-Bangs. Best hair decision ever
-Painting
-Medford Roadtrip with the Girls.
-Lakeside Teen 2
-TCL 2, SO important!! Discoveries were made there...
-Parties!
-Starting School for the first time. Ever.
-The Lord's Everlasting Love found constantly throughout the year.

2010..... What do you hold?

A Romanticized Visit to the DoL

2009-10-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

As the sky did what my eyes could not, my feet clapped against the wet ground in what seemed like sheer disappointment. My hoodie hid the shame in my face as my phone pressed against my ear. A dial tone was the only sad song I wanted at the moment. Ms. Carpenter could wait on this rainy day. As I walked beside the road, each car sent a mocking rumble my way, and, passing the bus stop, I was reminded of my present predicament of Immobility, Dependency, and Inadequacy. Although, the word which rang in my ear, and eventually out my mouth, was an overused, yet sadly appropriate term for this occasion.
Failure.
Epic fail, as my contemporaries would articulate. A defeat or fiasco, as others would express. I prefer my choice of vocabulary.
Failure, standing on it's own feet, drives the thought of failure home, just as I could not.
Hello... How'd it go? Bad. I failed.
There it was again, echoing through my tunnel of thoughts, breaking out the archway of my mouth. I hated admitting my shortcoming. My bubble had been burst, or more appropriately, my tires had been sliced. They had been sliced by the knife known as the Department of Licensing, and the wheels were mine to replace.
I could use the excuse of quiet headphones, of difficult language, of someone else's mistake. I could say all the world was against me. I'm an American, right? I have the rights and privileges handed down from my countries' founding fathers to blame my problems on anyone else that I so choose!
Well, It was my fault.
I gotta go. Oh, Love you too. No, I'll be fine... Bye.
Now. Now was when I needed to take advantage of the roundabout in front of me, and flip my failure around! I bought a cookie. I drank coffee. I ate chocolate. I decided that the road to victory could still be close at hand, and I would give it a good, fighting chance!
I did.

Now, I hold my driving permit, ready and fit for freedom.

-"Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street." - Zig Ziglar

The Start!

2009-09-20T20:10:00.000-07:00

"I am a lone reed
Standing tall
Waving boldy
In the corrupt sands of commerce..."

Tomorrow isn't mine
This year isn't for me
My life is in another's hands.
I realized this year working at Lakeside that the days I have are not mine, they are the Lords, and I am his to use. Nothing I do should be for me, and as I step out into this new journey, I want the Lord to use me for his work. Of course, I'll be working hard, earning good grades (hopefully), and focusing on the tasks ahead, but I will be going out knowing there are lost people where I am. I want to be an influencer for the people. I will not be going to this school for my benefit, but to truly stand out in the academic sands and wave boldy the fact that I care for the other students, the teachers, and the workers, more than for furthering myself, because the Lord cares more for their hearts.
Pray for this year.
Pray for their hearts.

-abigail

Here is a small poem...

2009-09-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

For there is too much to be said if I said it all:

"Oh,The feeling of New."

My life is like spring and shoes without scuffs.
It's like a blank canvas. It's a blossoming love.
My life is a flower, barely clearing the earth.
And I grow in the Lord, knowing life's worth.

TCL! Woo!

2009-08-01T00:04:00.001-07:00

Leaving for TCL in the morning. It's 12am and I haven't packed anything. Lisa is coming to help me, so I should be alright.
I feel like last week has finally caught up to me, and I am tired. I'll be lucky if I get to bed by 2.
Should be a great three weeks!
My advice for you all.
Be good. Be careful. Be Brave
-abigail

Ah... the thrift store

2009-07-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for tcl and I found some must-haves at our trusty goodwill. So exciting. I got some pants to work in, a sun glasses case from the disney animal kingdom, Sarah Harmer's (my forever fave artist) cd I have been looking for, the coolest celtic pouch ever, and a very special pair of shoes.......
When I was about 8 years old, I loved spiderman more than anything, but I hated buying shoes. They never fit right. They either slipped around or were too tight or were just REALLY ugly. But one day I found the perfect shoe...
It was Tough.
Sleak.
Fast.
And it had webbing.
These were the coolest shoes ever.

I had them in all black with white webs!
3.99$ and they are mine again
I fell in love again.
Same shoes. My size. Same Peter Parker attitude.

I think the Lord knew I was not doing well in the heat (100 million degrees. I swear.) and I was stressing too much, because he brought me good things today. Along with my thrifty purchases, a free vivanno and an upgrade to a venti ice tea came from my second home- Starbucks.

Oh, thank goodness the Lord loves me.

My Oh My.

2009-07-26T15:54:00.000-07:00

Here I am. Tan, bruised, scraped, battered, and all together exhausted.
I think back on the last week and I'm "quite speechless, yes, quite speechless, and I have not yet stopped talking about it since."- Ms. Bates

This week at Lakeside Bible Camp was exactly what it had to be. Every part was so put together (by the Lord, I'm sure.) and sogood for me, but If not for certain people being there, including all my siblings, I may not have held up well.
Sometimes things hurt.
On the inside. it hurt.
On the outside. It hurt.
Camp is a training ground for dealing with people. For almost a week, one is completely enveloped in nine other peoples lives, all girls in my case. Every emotion, every scrape against the grain, every discomfort is felt so intensly. But I am so thankful for all of it! As from every year at camp, I learned to be more patient, caring, and respectful than I had been before. What a glorious place to learn and grow!

Ten High notes of Camp:

My cabin leader and lovely friend, Erica. I needed her this week. It's like we strangely knew one another quite well right away. I love her to death.

Talks on the dock with Emily while she "worked." ;)

Good earth tea, brought to me by Cassidy. What a sweetie.

The Clown Costume Burning. What's going on?

"Let me."

Bible teaching from John Glock. So many verses, so many delicious words of the Lord!

Prom night. Ah-ha. Tyrell, what a lovely date you were.

Lisa's face when I needed encouragement.

Sunshine all week!!!

At least 6 people I know of getting saved for the first time, Learning through difficulty, And the Lord knowing what he is doing!!! (3 in 1. I know)

What a week!

Six days now until I leave for tcl. I don't quite know why I'm leaving or what I'm doing. I think I'm crazy to ask for more. Start praying for me now.

Peace be with you.
-abigail

I'm going through the wardrobe...

2009-07-18T23:39:00.000-07:00

to Lakeside Bible Camp,
a dear place in my heart.

It happened in Medford

2009-07-15T19:49:00.001-07:00

I never touched my Ipod.

We never watched one movie.

We never went to bed at a reasonable hour.

It wasn't the water that made the trip.
It wasn't the dutch bros.
It wasn't the oddities of the vortex.

It was our lovely hosts:

It was the joy of beholding the seldom seen:

But most of all, it was my dear friends:

Off on a real adventure!

2009-07-08T01:19:00.000-07:00

In seven hours, I leave for a five day Oregonian Road Trip with four other girls. We will be "adventure boating," river rafting, water sliding, and water-falling. "You only live once." said my very wise friend. I'm going to make the best of this trip.

Soy nuts, chocolate, and via packs?
Check.
Ipod, compilation CD's, notebooks, and sketch pad?
Check.
My clothes, money, and excitement?
Check-checkity-check.

Camera might not work..... let's hope it does! I have confidence in sunshine.... ;)

Lastly: Thank you LORD (and my dear mother) for this one!
Stories are on the rise.
Have a great week!

-abigail

I think spiders are beautiful

2009-07-03T00:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked at one? Really looked at a spider?
When I was about 12 or 13, I was still quite fearful of spiders. I made my sister kill them whenever I saw them, I would hide if I knew one was near, and I played the scared, screaming girl quite well. But with every thing that I have ever feared, I have felt the insatiable need to conquer that fear, from eating overly odd foods to pulling the release chord from a 70 foot drop. I feel defeated if I stay afraid.
So, one day as I was searching for a specimen to draw, I decided a spider would be perfect! I picked up a small arachnid from outside and let it scramble all around my hand (I don't believe the little ones bite. Have you ever seen one bite?) I studied it for a long time, and I thought it was gorgeous! I still wonder often what the oblong shapes are that are in their transparent legs...
From that day on, I really haven't feared any spider, not even the black widows I encountered in Mexico. There is something beautiful to be seen in how each living organism functions and is designed. True, spiders have a somewhat frightening appearance (and they can be deadly), and perhaps my fascination is a little odd. But isn't it better to have a lack of fear, than an needless abundance?

Shoe down the River

2009-06-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

I believe a journey is awaiting me. I'm on the wings of an adventure. Tail feathers ready for lift off...
Just a week or so ago, I went tubing down a river. Higher than it had been the year before, it traveled faster. At one point, our four tubes, which were tide together, hit a tree root coming off the bank. My foot was caught, and I was whisked off of our safe floating cluster into the cold water.
For a moment I held onto a nearby branch, the water rushing past my face. My shoe had been ripped off. I searched the water for it.
I had to let go. My friends yelled to me. "Get back on the raft! The shoe doesn't matter!"
I swam to them, only a moment later, seeing my Keen just a few feet away, I clammored back for it.
With terribly bruised knees and a cold foot, I came back to my tube. "How can you be so calm?" One of them asked.
I had the shoe. Why should I be otherwise?

It's the little adventures that make things worth it.

Done. Seen. Sold.

2009-06-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

Tuesday at 11:00am this painting was sold to Mr. Gray for decoration in his English class.
100$ "Ishmael and Queequeg" inspired by "Moby Dick."
This painting will forever represent the end of an era for me.
10 years I've been in the same place. Yesterday was my last day.
2 years I've had a consistent run of people and activities. Yesterday was the beginning of a breaking mold.
I made a mistake recently. I've made many. I'll make others. This one counted more.

At the same time, this was a learning experience. Every bit. My course is laid out, yet mysterious. I shall go out, create, and discover. I invite you to join me.

So close!

2009-05-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a painting for weeks now. It's amazing when you are doing a portrait, and for the longest time it looks like nothing but forms and colours- blurs. But today both my characters became "people." I think it comes with the eyes. They are the windows of the soul, after all.
The painting is of two main characters from "Moby Dick", Ishmael, who is really not described in physical form at all, and Queequeg, an over described (if you know Melville) native man. The two become very good friends. They are tied to one another. Kindred.
This is the first painting I have done that shows a really good likeness to a familiar face. I've done paintings of myself and a few other people, but none of them looked right. They didn't have that spark of "Hey, I know you." This one does.
I'm so excited to finish. It'll be done, photographed, and sold by next week. I'm sad to see it go so quickly.
For all the toil and trouble it brings, painting this makes me know I'm heading in the right direction. This is what I need to do for life. I feel a great pull for it, and there is nothing else I'd rather pursue.

To Dream as Tasha

2009-04-11T19:10:00.001-07:00

I believe I wear my dreams on my sleeve. My heart I can hide. My face can hold the furrows and frowns down, yet my dreams are everpresent. They resonate in all that I do, often more than they should. The things that rile me are like diesel for my engine. I begin to rumble and soon enough my only desire is to move. Get things done! Design something better! Start your own! Make your own!
Dream.
Sadly, my motivation is often crumpled by disbelief in my own ability. I know I can learn and do all that I dream, yet even the thoughts of time and energy slow me down to a stop.
Blasted procrastination.
Enthusiasm loses touch with purpose. Too often, my dreams stay around the general area of my mouth, sometimes making their way to the pencil.
This is when I look to others for inspiration. We all need the success stories people have to tell.

Tasha Tudor, an illustrator who recently passed away, made life exactly what she dreamed. When first attempting to publish her illustrated book, she visited every publishing company in New York. Nearly all of them turned her "quaint little pictures" down. All except one. Her illustrations are now loved and seen by many. Depicting an older, yet beloved times, her art has become a staple of children's illustration.
She not only painted a late 19th century time, she lived it. Raising cows, chickens, goats, and little corgys, weaving and making her own clothes, and being mostly self sufficient into her 90's were all things she accomplished while still managing to remain a working artistic icon.
She was who she dreamed to be.

Now, I believe she was rather selfish. She lived alone. She did what she wanted. She was whatever she wanted. She was not open to anybody but a select few, and she often was unaccepting of people
Even still, I admire her.
Through her art she impacted. Through her life she inspired.

I hope that many, including myself, can learn to dream as she did, yet live beyond ourselves so that we may serve a greater purpose.

I went to Starbucks today,

2009-03-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

and there, because it is my birthday, I was going to order an espresso truffle to celebrate.
The lady in front of me inquired, "Who is the birthday girl? Because I would like to buy her drink."
Magic exists.
Expect greatness, and somewhere, you will surely find it.

I had a wonderful day-
especially after that.

Media

2009-03-13T22:52:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite movies of all time is "African Queen" starring Katherine Hepburn and Humphry Bogart. Little did I know, when I first saw the movie, that Katherine Hepburn was Spencer Tracy's mistress for many years. Or that her brother killed himself while playing "make believe" with Katherine when they were young because they felt it was so real. Or that she didn't talk for months after his death, and her only escape was finding that make believe world once again in acting. Of course, all this really doesn't make me love her movies any more or less. I adore her art form, and although her life is intriguing, I enjoy her for what she presents on screen.
Thinking back to that time, there was not near the amount of paparazzi to capture all this gossip from her life that there would be now. Many actors' lives were kept much more private. What mattered was who they were on the screen and how beautiful they made life appear. While letting all guard down on stage and film, pouring their emotion into their fake lives, they could live less vulnerably off set, without being barraged by innumerable cameras.
Oh, how things have changed.
I had always thought that it was a "normal" happening for actors to be attacked by the media at all times. Because it is so rampant, I merely thought it was part of daily life for most actors, yet fifty years ago, this was not the case! There weren't 100 rag magazines telling you lies about every Hollywood marriage that was failing. It simply wasn't done.
Then it hit me. This is a sick addiction we have. We are obsessed with the people we know nothing about. How could this go on? We love the art people create, the stories they tell. Their faces are what we see. The characters they become entice us. They are beautiful, charismatic, and often brilliant. Yet, They are artists, not showcases. Why can't we embrace the stories they tell, and leave their lives a mystery? Must the author be read as much as the book?

a rift, a raft

2009-03-04T12:51:00.001-08:00

Do you ever feel like an Island? You are just one person unable to touch those around you?

Or are you more of a raft afloat at sea, trying desperately to run aground, but you can't reach the islands because all they know how to do is be alone?

I wish things didn't have to be either way.

Are we all islands to somebody?

This upcoming school year, I will be going to school and doing things that are really completely new to me. Nothing will be the same. That might sound like an exaggeration, but it's not. I'm changing schools, the people I see most are graduating, and my schedule will be greatly altered. I never thought I would really be afraid of something new. I try new things all the time. I love new experiences! And so far, I have fought my way into new places with ease (to some degree), yet I'm still scared. As Keane says "Everybody's changing and I don't feel the same."
I have lived in the same house, gone to the same school, attended and worked at the same church my entire life. Major change has never come my way. Now, it is waiting at my doorstep, and I am constantly in knots over the future.
Through all this, I feel like everything around me is untouchable. I can't grasp on to the people and places I know. I am a raft, and oh, how I wish I weren't at sea, chasing the white whale.
Stagnant waters are dangerous. You can't drink from them, and the only things that grow from them are bacteria and fungus. We all must head into the current, dive deep, and avoid the rocks and eddies along the way. We all must take on our challenges.
I hope I'm a strong raft.

That Face

2009-03-01T20:17:00.001-08:00

When I decide to paint somebody, I always look for the face that says who they are. I often times watch people specifically to find that one look, whether it is disgust, curiosity, or just a quirky smile. Besides tone, temperature, and overall makeup of a painting, I try to bring that person to life in the picture (Well, obviously). In a way, I want their personality to scream out of the painting.
I find it easier to see these "character faces" with older people. Maybe it is because they themselves already have an idea of who they are. Maybe it is because they have more lines.
This was just one of those faces.
Comical. Oblivious. A bit Sad.
Perfect.

I did this painting last year. I didn't get to spend much time on it, so I would like to do it again someday.

Black and White

2009-02-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

Today, I finally felt like spring was nearly here. I know we have another month left, and green foliage has not yet completely invaded our landscape, or even crept into view beyond our evergreens, but I could feel it coming on. The sun was shining and the birds were singing. It was warm.
In the northwest, we rarely get a real winter. It rains through most of the winter months and everything stays green for the most part, but this year, we were lucky enough to experience a white winter, if only for a few weeks. The drawing I've done was inspired by the biggest pine tree located near my house. It's black and white. You could say that besides having the appearance of winter, it is representing winter. People who live in this season see only in black and white. There is a symbolic "noir" type of theme, as Answer.com defines as "tough, cynical, and bleak." Winter is dark. One quarter of the year may be black and white and non-negotiable, like certain issues of doctrine and morals, yet there are three other seasons full of color and diversity! There is always a new way to experience creativity, friends, jobs, and life in general. Things cannot be black and white. Sometimes, color beyond the grey areas must be embraced.
Winter is a blanketed season, and whether by clouds, snow, or ice, detail is covered by winter and color is left by the wayside. In that, Spring and Winter fear each other for what they are. Winter's walls are melted by the coming of spring, yet the power of Winter closes in on Spring, giving it no room to breath or create.
Even so, a year is made up of four seasons, and it takes all types of people to bring growth and renewal to the world. With the coming of a new time comes a promise of new thoughts and a new light.
Now, I implore you, brace the Spring time, remember the Winter, but give people room to breath in what may be held lightly.

A Post for All Parties. Politics: Love/Hate

2009-01-19T23:00:00.000-08:00

I haven't said much about my politics, but I do not feel I should share the party I have chosen over this media as of yet. Ask me in person, and I will gladly tell you how I feel.
We all have different views on things, and goodness knows, we are all wrong in one way or another. Let's face it. Not one of us has all the answers, and none of us should. It seems that it is better to be proved wrong in a group of friends, than alone and always right. A person should always be open to the fact that he is not perfect, but neither is anyone else.
In politics, I have noticed an incredibly immovable, closed minded attitude in almost anyone you talk to, besides those who "don't care" (which is really their way of not getting into conflict. They probably care). The reason is, I think, is because the government is directly related to all of us. We all feel what our government does, whether they hire our family members to fix roads, or they take our homes and land, whether they give us money and food to live, or they tax us 50% of our income. We all like to think it's all about us. The things the government does should be all for and about us, right? We the people!
Yet, do we have to be malicious? I have heard people say they "hate" a certain politician. What in the World? They literally "hate" people they have never met and all they have heard about a certain person is what the media puts out, and they deliberately slander that person in public. I may not agree with certain people, but I would never say I hated them. "Out of the heart, the mouth speaks" and hate is a strong word. Whether it be Sarah Palin, Joe Biden, or Al Franken, let ours words not carry us away. We don't hate these people. We may disagree with them. We may think they are "stupid" as we so indignantly say. But I've heard the phrase "I hate Bush." too many times for comfort.
I was raised with the fact that to "hate" means to "want to kill." It's a vile term.

We should love instead. Love is stronger, and Justice, in a way, is Love as Law being carried out. Because our Founding Fathers loved the American people around them, they established democracy, rules, law enforcement, and courts. They wanted their people to be safe, and because of the morals they stood by, they believed the people would be kept safe. Because the Lord loved us first, He gave us free will, Fellowship with Him, and the His commandments, so that we may be safe on this sin filled world.
Now, sadly, everyone is wrong about something. Certain things which are truly wrong, are not "wrong" to other people. In their point of view, nothing is wrong which is not a crime. This is a skewed view. Most will admit, Lying is wrong. Cheating is wrong. Stealing is wrong. Murder is wrong. But what about Jealousy, Bitterness, Hate, Sex outside of Marriage? The Bible says we shouldn't have any of that, either! Those things are what trap many of us.
Nobody is perfect (besides Jesus). No actress, teacher, Mom, Dad, or politician ever was or will be. We all deserve to be hated. We all say stupid things. No one is completely right.
During the next four years, and the rest of our lives, let us all keep open minds and hearts to the possibilities of people and the future. Pray for our Leaders. Pray for Our Friends, Pray for our hearts.
Don't Hate.
Love.
The Lord has us in His hands.

Adventure

2009-01-12T22:55:00.001-08:00

The picture is of my new backpack. Sweet, huh?

I took a trip to Bainbridge Island last weekend to visit my good friend Mary. It was such a glorious weekend. There is something about being close to water that stirs my heart. I believe it's in my blood, coming all the way from the vikings, of course. Although rivers and lakes are just fine, something about being close to a sea voyage creates a feeling inside of me. The smell of the air. The waves. The constant clarity of weather and wind. It's like adventure is always going to happen.
I think it always does.
It's amazing what creates a lust for adventure. One small trip just makes me want to go farther and deeper into the unknown. Even getting a new bag makes me want to pack for trips and take it around with me all the time, just in case I get swept up. If I had to go on a great journey right this moment, could my bag take me there and back again? I like to think so.
And what would I need?

My skinny metal Bible
Another book of some sort... maybe two
My pencils and sketchpad
My favorite Starbucks Tumbler with golden deer and filigree as the print.
A knife. Always.
A journal I write in, so I will have something fantastic to read on the train.
An Ipod. A little modern, but a necessity.
A guitar. I couldn't get along without that.

Really, I think I would be okay with just that, but it's missing something.....
Oh ya,
People I love.
They won't fit in my bag.

I often wish I could just get up and go. I want to start walking, and only stop when I can go no further. This is a romanticized freedom that airs of the 60's, I know. I do know. Not much good came of it in many cases, but who doesn't want the freedom and adventure? Sadly, out of adventure and experience, lack of foundation and friendship would whither the soul.
It is no good to see something beautiful if there is no one to see it with.
It is no good to be alone.

Jonathan: the Lone Ranger

2009-01-08T21:51:00.000-08:00

I was reading my Bible recently, specifically 1 Samuel 14. This chapter begins with Jonathan bringing his armor bearer to peer over at the Philistines. After looking over and having a little tet-ta-tet with the Philistines and the Lord, he basically says "Let's hunt some Orc!" He and his armor bearer, going alone into the Philistine garrison, begin to take men out by the dozen! All because the Lord had given them to him. There was great confusion in the camp, and sooner or later the Israelite scouts got the drift that a fight was going down, and Jonathan was wailing on everybody!
"So the Lord saved Israel that day,"- 1Samuel 14:23

This Passage tells me two things about Jonathan:
1. He was an awesome swordsman. obviously.
2. He was in good fellowship with the Lord, unlike his Father at the time. He knew that the Philistines could be taken since he had the Lord right there to make the attack.

Thinking on David, Jonathan always just seemed like the best friend, the co-star, the Heather Burns to Sandra Bullock and Meg Ryan. Equal, yet less important to the story. But here! You get to see that he was the Hero, the voice of reason and man of power at one point.

In these cases, I like to identify myself with the one who fought the armies alone. Through our lives, we will have to listen to the Lord to battle our armies alone, meaning we will need to be in constant communion with the Lord. Jonathan knew what the Lord wanted, and he pulled it off because he had God to back him up. Well, guess what, so do we! A good battle makes things more interesting, let's get out and fight!

Artist Discovery

2008-12-30T20:09:00.000-08:00

Arthur Rackham. I found him while looking up "famous illustrators". He did illustrations in the late 1800's and early 1900's for books like:

Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm (1900)
Rip van Winkle (1905)
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (50 colour plates, 1906)
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (13 colour plates, 1907)

In all my ventures in looking for different artists, surprisingly, I had never heard of him, even though he illustrated such classics. His paintings are odd, but very appealing. I love how stark they are, and I'm always attracted to deep shadows matched with awkward creatures.

Samples

2008-12-23T18:54:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, after seeing a delightful flick at the theater (The Tale of Despereaux), my family and I all walked to Costco. It was coldest weather I have ever walked in. I think my face froze off.
Now, one of the many wonders of costco is the free samples which they provide. They make a simple trip to a warehouse filled with food-in-bulk into a treasure hunt of surprise to your taste buds, but, really, how important is it that you get that tiny bite of ravioli before that other guy? (or even at all)
As I said before, it was bitterly cold out, and there, the most appropriate sample could be found: hot apple cider. And there I waited. Not long, but I waited. Two, Three, Maybe Four people were in front of me. Now it was my turn, but before I had the chance to move, a vulture rose from the crowd and snatched my drink! MINE. He winked at me and said a snively "Thank you." to the one who was serving. I watched him slurp it down. He was at least in his late forties. He should have known the etiquette of waiting in sample lines.... I took the next tiny cup of cider, feeling shafted and stepped on.
This was a small moment which shows us the character of what we all could be. It makes me think of when people would pay to watch the Gladiators. For a small price, a person could have entertainment and free food. People would gorge themselves to the point where they would vomit. There were entire pits built merely for people's puke. I think this is the epitome of human greediness. They didn't know when to stop. Just like the kid who was in front of me that day who took three fine cheese samples when there were clearly at least six or seven other people waiting. It was completely thoughtless.
Tellemicus, a monk living during the period of the gladiators, felt that the Lord was calling him to Rome. When he arrived, he was shuffled into the Colosseum to behold the slaughtering. He had been living, sheltered in the mountains for most of his life, and what he saw disgusted him. He began running down the steps of the theater yelling "In the Name of Jesus Christ, Stop!" he began somewhat quietly, but grew steadily louder. Soon enough, his was the only voice heard. He was shot down by the guards, and with his last breath he said "In the name of Jesus Christ, Stop!" With the mention of this name, one person left, and soon enough, the Colosseum was empty.
Tellemicus was called to Rome to be killed for a great cause, to stop the murdering, and end the greed the Colosseum brought to people of all ages. His bravery, obedience, but even more, the Lord inside of him, brought the this end to an evil.
In our lives, we should obviously not yell at every person that cuts us off in line. Instead, lets be examples to the people, showing them who we serve by letting them go ahead. Show them why you are different. Show them your love with simple kindnesses.

E.M. speaks the truth.

2008-12-18T22:41:00.000-08:00

I've been listening to Erwin McManus, the founder and pastor of mosaic church, as of late, thanks to my brother. His words feel like a well spring of inspiration. Everything he says is focused on finding your Future, your Dream, Yourself. Each week that I have listened to, he has told his listeners that they are a part of a plan bigger than themselves, that they are for the world around them, to be used as the Lord wills. As believers, they are the ones who should be the "greats" in the world, the ones to create new, beautiful things, the ones to accomplish huge tasks. Each of his messages brings forth a step to take. The most profound step so far, or at least the one whose information I contained the easiest, was on Adapting.
In this message, his main point was that you must have a strong core so that you may adapt to your surroundings, without losing the base of character that you are to have acquired. He used an illustration about an experience he had with pilates ,through which he had learned, that without a strong core, you have minimum flexibility.
Now, building strong character from the beginning of your life was an important point of his. The first 20 years of your life, give or take, are about Preparation and Execution, and if you do not learn these steps you will never complete the next stages of your life which involve Enduring and Adjusting. If the first two steps are not learned in high school and college, they must be re-learned later on, or failure is eminent. Enduring hardships and Adjusting to life's situations are very linked with the Preparation taken in strengthening your core, and the early Executing of those prepared skills.
Throughout his sermons, he refers to his community, which are mostly artists living in LA, but we ALL have dreams that need to be prepared for, executed, endured, and adjusted. If not, we need to find something, as he says, that would be good for the world at large. What is your life being lived for? Who are you becoming? How will that change the world?-Are just a few of the questions he asks.
I feel very young.
I am.
His questions make me ask, really, who am I becoming? What am I preparing for? I've always had this drive to become the most I could, to be a renaissance woman. I worry sometimes how well I can accomplish what I seek out to be with how much I don't know. Every day I'm alive I realize another thing I don't know, another field I have no business being in. It's humbling. I know I'll never reach the point where I know enough. It's a frontier that just goes on. A journey that doesn't end.
But I'll always be ready to take that on.
I know that.

Thanks, Erwin, for the pushes you give to step forward.

Santa: The Distraction

2008-12-14T17:59:00.000-08:00

In this season, there are two people whom you hear the most about: Santa and Baby Jesus. Now, I'm glad that Jesus can be a part of this holiday, overjoyed in fact, but the main story of Christmas is His birth. That's it. People hear of this little baby that eventually became who knows what, but they don't hear anything about His Life, His Death, His Resurrection! People are missing out on the important parts! The real facts about who Jesus was and is.
This terrible Santa figure which people have insisted on forcing into children's minds to manipulate them into being good is the replacement for a father figure, for a God figure. He is the man whose lap children sit upon. They feel this mall-employee's warmth and "love" and they feel comforted. It's that protection that they want. He knows them for who they really are, and he loves them anyway. He listens to them and makes them feel like things will be alright. He wants them to be good, and they want to please him. Sound familiar?
During Jesus' life, he told the children to come to Him, sit on His lap, and feel His love. Santa is a poor contemporary replacement for something real. Sure, he is a fun game we play as children, but there is point where he overtakes the truth. He becomes a child's Jesus. Extreme. I know. A stretch? maybe.
But maybe not.
Throughout this Christmas season, let's try to look past the commercial sides of Christmas, even that momentary nativity scene, into Jesus' life. Roll out the big picture, Discover the real Christmas season, and Thank the Lord for his Gift to us all!

-abigail

Land

2008-12-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

People portray their land. The mountains are always clouded, you cannot see far, and they are cluttered. People of the mountains can look as far as the nearest tree, and betond that, vision is impaired. As the shores collapse on you at one side, the mountains tower above you on another. Everyone is climbing for their own good, their own will to survive. Breathing is harder the higher you reach. Your judgment is clouded and you disperse into overwhelming thoughts that you have failed your climb to selfish success. Your few ill-equipped teammates drag you down. You've yet to acclimatize to their constant pulling on your strings, their need for your space, their thirst for your time and energy.
You summit. For a moment in time, you stand ethereal, like the great peak on which you rest. Your body aches and groans, but you grow with the knowledge that you are living and breathing and hurting. Yes, for a moment, you see beyond what you know.
Over the mountain there is another kind of land and people. Breaking out from the west, an expanse lies before you, and the skies are clear. Save a few dry trees and broken fences, there are no flaws in the landscape, and nothing is hidden from sight except the rolling hills, too far for our eyes to see. The people are like their land. They hide nothing. The bitter cold and the blazing hot are directly connected with their need to produce life, to sustain generations, to build red roads leading to higher glories. The land is plain and the horizons are broad. The people think not merely on the now, but the eventual someday. The land will see another spring. It always does. As earnestly they broke, years before, what they value most, they learned the reality of what the weather can bring. They respected the higher power. They embraced it. They do not fear it. Their plain look on black thunderheads, which would be your doomsday, is a shrug and a firm planting of the feet. If it takes them down, none can stand against it.
You, walking beyond your foothills, find the expanse clearing to your mind. You can breath again. You can speak again. For a little while, you embrace the greatness of emptiness. You lift your head to the hot sun. Let it bake you like it has the mud on your boots, but when the shear howling wind seems to roar in your ears and the amber waves seem to swallow you up, you wish to take your lead feet and run for the highlands. You reach for something near to cling to, a bough to cushion your blow. Every emblem of your green sea is a reminder of home, of the cleaning sensation a shower can bring, the pleasure of a cool sun. You remember that you are the person of your land.
Much is learned from the expanse, and the People are like their lands, you know. Yet as you see your great cliffs standing defiantly above you, and you feel your green grass, cooling your burns, you realize you are like your land, heavy with deep forests and tall peeks. You will stand tall. You will cool wounds. You will reach for the heavens, ever wanting more.

Creativity

2008-11-18T20:10:00.000-08:00

The Ancient Greeks said that inspiration for art comes from the Muses. Any creative work that is greater than yourself or, at least, what you believe you are capable of, comes from a higher power. I can definitely understand why this was believed. The way a piece of music or art can inspire you and spur you on to emotion and great works is something altogether other worldly. How is it that a melody can move the soul? No man made device could bring about such an act. The times when something is not only coming out of you, but it is moving through you. This has to be God-given. It is a gift from our Creator.
I have always connected with David. He was a man after God's own heart, and he embraced the talents the Lord gave him. In all frustration and appreciation, he gave it to the Lord through his art form. I just hope, that through my daily life, I can do what the Lord wills, and do what He gave me to do, as David did.
Does it seem that if someone is doing what the Lord wants, but it is not to the status of a Doctor of Lawyer or some other job of great respect (which is wonderful if it's what you are meant to do), that they are undervalued and left in a feeling of failure?
My mother has a quote that she says often that I would love to relay. "Whether it's raising the dead or going fishing, the pay is the same."
It makes me sick what guilt people put others through if they are pursuing what they love. Butt out and let the Lord do His work! As long as you are in the His will, it is a noble deed you are doing.

A Noble Mission

2008-11-12T23:14:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgitQ9KOFOE&feature=related
(The scene is about two minutes in. it is short. )

In the movie (and I'm guessing the book, even though I have not read it) Mansfield Park, one of the characters is spoken of as wanting a noble mission. He would say to his father in his childhood days "Please, Father, give me a noble mission." I have ever identified with this character's thought. A noble mission. Not an impossible task, but something graspable and real. A Noble Mission. This career I am set on, no matter how much I love it, has never really felt like a noble mission. Art, although it can and I am the first to say it could, does not usually carry with it a burden of greatness. That is why I have become interested in the politics of our time. I love to paint and work with my hands, but I love to learn and ponder and debate! Politics seems to be a noble mission. It is a calling, I believe, just like being a pastor or going to war. Many hate it. I thrive on it. The very thought of change and reform and direct influence on everybody! wow... Although It may only lead to many a good argument and a few Political Science courses, it could lead to so much more! Like saying "Goodbye ,Gregoire....!" ;)
Thankfully, as a Christian, there is always a noble mission for one to strive for, to serve the Lord and spread the Word to His people. His Wisdom is always available and His Love is ever present. I thank Him that even in searching for a mission, he has a plan for our lives, something more intricate then our little minds can plan.
Psalm 37 tells us to not fret and that the Lord will take care of it all.
Thank you Lord for not leaving us alone to fight it out for ourselves.

Quick Thought.

2008-10-21T21:58:00.000-07:00

Here is something I love: My father does construction, and on his sites, sometimes there is no paper to write upon. He also get calls all (and I mean ALL) the time. Numbers must be written down. Therefore, ever so often, my father will come home with a piece of torn card board with someones name and a phone number written on it. Occasionally, on days such as this, a large block of wood is used in the card boards stead.
The block is on the dining room table.
That is what I love.

Mad Hatter Tea Party!

2008-10-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

Oh, the night was grand! I did drink a bit of tea and the food was delightful, but the best part was all the people there. Highlighted conversations included Kris Riggio, Mary Harris, and Jamie Spiro. Kris told a few of his wonderful adventures in Europe. This was the first I had seen of him since the day before he had left. It was good to see him. Mary Harris, whom I had had a small (very small) conversation with a year before at the Spiro 80's party, Lisa, and I had a brilliant talk about simply everything. Jamie's stories are told so well, I never mind hearing them again and again.
I wish that everyone would dress like we all did at the party all the time. It was funky. brave. unabashed by what others would think. Nobody cared about protocol with their clothing. And I liked that.

I thought of something this week. I don't know where else I could say it, so I'll say it here:

Inspiration to constriction: The Arts to Mathematics
Even in these polar opposites, is there a parallel?
The Answer: Perspective
Isn't this poetically just?

With that, I bid you adeu.

Fun with Baby Showers and Fire Stations

2008-10-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Tynaea's surprise baby shower, or should I say Dominic's shower. He is such a cutie and everything he got is going to be adorable on him. I got him a little hat and a jean jacket with sherpa lining that got that particular "aaawwww" factor I was hoping for. I hope I get to see him wear it someday.
My mother came with me. It was the first time that she had gotten to be with all my friend's mothers at the same time. I was glad that it went well. I didn't really expect less, but I was glad for the easiness of the night.
Around 8:00 almost all the moms went home, and Lauren, Hannah, Lisa, Amber, Amber's mom, Abbey, Amanda, and I played a delightful game of signs. Tynaea and Quang stayed for bit as well. After a little while Abbey and Amanda, and Amber and her mom went home.
Lisa picked up her friend Emily who spent the night at the house as well. She is a nice girl. Very pleasant. We then watched Dick and Jane, after which L-monster and I went to "bed" where we got hardly any sleep at all.
The next day we went to paint the fire station. Mina and I had a lovely time painting the walls and each other in the fire station hallway, where many a handsome fireman did walk through. Such a lovely Fire station.
I slept for three hours when I got home. I didn't mean to, but it just happened. I was so tired.
Oh! Andrew played at Starbucks and he said that it went well. Speaking of that, Heidi and Spencer are going to be on the Bonnie Hunt Show. How happy is that?
Another thought, Erin Hanson's Mad Hatter Party is coming. I'm so excited and I'm going shoe shopping with Lisa this week for it.

Certainly was an organized entry for a little while there.........
signing off.
-abbie

Party and Down time

2008-10-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Well, The mustache party was excellent, and awhile ago. I wore my black dress, silver shoes, and a lovely little mustache called the "con artist". I talked with all sorts of people I hadn't seen in ages and this time, I felt like more than the "little sister" which I had felt like years prior. No fault to my siblings. I was just young.
Croquet at Lisa's with Hannah and Lauren was also fun. I won the first round and left but one alive. We played the "poison" version. Lisa, of course, I couldn't get. Blast that luck. I was doing so well too. Truthfully, I hadn't liked the idea of being poison in the first place. I hate making people lose, losing, and winning. At first, I didn't really try. Then I got lauren out.... I thought I liked it. When it came down to the last, I started feeling bad. I always do. I didn't try as hard, even when I got hannah out. I should never play games. I get distracted and, oddly enough, emotional. I feel bad about everything I do to win, or I feel stupid for losing.
But I hate to watch.
The past few days I've been working steady and becoming more politically minded. I did school all day Friday, started a book and a painting, and watched the Vice Presidential Debate. I've decided I'm a republican. And I support McCain and Palin pretty equally. I have a lengthy shpeal (or however you spell it) on why, but thats much to write for now. If you really want to know, I will tell you. I'm excited for the next debate. It's already set to record.

On a different note, have I said how great texting really is?

90's party

2008-09-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a great day.
Redemptive, Fun, and Radical. Dance parties make everything better.
Lisa and I went to alderwood mall first and we both bought shirts from the lovely urban outfitters. We made it through two stores and a meal in 2 and a half hours. not much progress but lots of good times.
Erin and Julie accompanied Lisa, Stephanie and I to Stephanie's house where we changed for the party. Stephanie ratted my hair and made me look frightfully 80s/90s. I did win the honorable mention for best outfit. That was a proud moment.
I'm not feeling very descriptive tonight, but I will say that the dancing was great and I'm a little sore.
Lisa stayed the night. I didn't get my the average amount of sleep but 7 hours was fine.
I drew a bit today. It's nice to get back to the sketchpad.
See ya.

-Abbie

Work,work,work

2008-09-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

I worked alot today, about 8 hours not including breaks and such.
I watched Obama's acceptance speech and half of McCains. I read multiple articles on both parties. That was for Government and Economics.
I also dropped a class today. Algebra. And therefore I'm taking on Algebra and Geometry at home. Alone.
Well, not alone, but nobody at my house was able to help me with it. I figured it out on my own, But Lisa said she would help some more later. x+3x=5 was the equation, which is very simple. But part of it was not and it made the whole thing harder. Why the answer was what it was is what I'm wondering.
I read the first book of the Iliad. I have a quiz on it tomorrow.
Since I dropped the class, I will be riding to school with Gabriel Bishop. I may ride with a JW family a few times as well. Getting rides with people is humbling. I never used to bum rides with people, but last year the need arose and I had to succumb. Thankfully, most people are gracious in the matter.
Driving will be a wonderful advantage someday. Although, I'm worried how well I shall do.
I did archery today, and I realized, after a long break, I'm a rather good archer. Not great. But good. I could provide for people through my bow skills if neccesary.

Well, more tomorrow. I teach guitar. Pray that it goes well.
Thanks yall.

Holding on to Summer

2008-09-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a good day.
I usually have mixed feelings for the first day of school, but not today. Today I didn't have that haunting sense that this was the end of all my fun. All day was a hop and a skip and a silly joke to something good. It could on account of the day before which reason I cannot explain was rather melancholie. Therefore, today was a release of tensions and divine in that.
My schedule for Tuesdays and Thursdays is as such:
9:00am- Algebra
10:00am- Language Arts
11:00am- Japanese 3, Conversations
12:00pm- P.E
12:30pm- Lunch
1:00pm- Free
1:30pm- Guitar Lesson
2:00pm- Painting
3:00pm- Freedom
It feels like alot but written down it really doesn't seem like much. It just takes so long.
My favorite class times are in Japanese and Guitar. In Japanese there is alot of laughing, seeing as though there are only three student and we are all friends and the teacher is funny. Not the joke kind of funny, but as a person, she's is a nice funny. I said something today that made her laugh harder than I have ever seen her laugh before. I felt accomplished.
Guitar is great because I love guitar. Plain and simple. My new teacher is a rocker. He's nice and I think excited to be working with me, as I am with him. Another teacher came in during my lesson to set something up. Afterwards she came up to me and told she really enjoyed listening. I believe she taches piano. She asked me if I ever and thought about playing the keyboard. I answered with a round-about "no". I think about it but it's hard to followthrough.
Anyway, when I said that, she said "Well, yes, I can see that your guitar is an extension of yourself." And she is right. It's how I deal with life in general. I constantly struggle with this because, since I feel this way, shouldn't I become a musician? I don't want it to be my career. I love writing music and if the chance fell upon my lap I would consider becoming a famous pop-artist, but I love to paint and draw. I love everything about it.
You see the difference between guitar and painting (besides a few very obvious facts) is this:
Guitar and music, to me, is emotion itself flowing into something. It is driven by emotion. And that takes considerable thought and energy to produce a work sufficiantly.
Painting and Drawing is my escape from emotion. It takes me out of where I am, into something somewhere else. There are steps and it takes time and skill, but it's what I love and what I think of most beyond people.
Yet sometimes I wonder if I am right in the path I want instead of taking the path everyone else seems to put me on.
I pray about it alot.

After school I went to the park with Lisa, where we met Brittney, Hannah, and Lauren for some croquet and football. It was a good time. Hannah, Lauren, Lisa, and I all went to IHop afterwards. Lauren and I shared a stuffed frenchtoast. Afterwars they all came over to my house to eat cake and ice cream and watch "Stranger than Fiction".
It was good day.

P.S. I got unlimited texting and was taught how to use T9. I've been texting like crazy and, honestly, feel more loved with every text I get.

Summer Sum-up

2008-08-16T01:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I am inconsistent. One post and then no more for 7 months. ah well. Now is the perfect time. It's 1:10 am.
I have a had a frightfully exciting summer. I've learned more about people in the last 4 months then I have in at least the last 4 years. Goodness. It's been heartbreaking at times or maybe just heart-wrenching.
To start, I went to Minnesota and my heart was very heavy. So much worry. Too much.
Thankfully in Minnesota there was different worry. It was mostly children. Worry isn't good in general, but it's always good to have variety. Slowly, over lots of driving and contemplating, my heart grew lighter and more adapt to unfeeling conditions. Still, there was minimal sadness when we had to leave. I was glad to be going home to my friends.
Two days of driving led to a week of camp. Oh, how I love jumping from excitement to excitement! Man, was camp an experience. For the first time, a boy voiced the fact that he liked me. That he liked me alot. I was scared to death. Of course, I told him nothing could come of it but a friendship. I knew what my family would say and I didn't know how I felt about him. It was too much for me. He was 18, adopted, very strong, and quirky. What a combo, huh?
He texted once after camp, and then accidentally e-mailed me. Nothing more. At least it's doubtful at this time.
Three more weeks until school. I am filling up on everyone's freetime that will dissipate on September 3rd. Lisa and I have been going all over, and yesterday we spent the night at Hannah's house. Still, by the beginning of school, I'm afraid I'll be lonely, but there is much work to be done! and people to meet and be with and appreciate! So I go in peace for tonight.
Signing off,
-Abbie

Time

2008-01-30T22:29:00.000-08:00

My goodness! I never thought I would start a blog. I mean, I never read them, so why write one? Even the term "blog" never appealed to me. Blog. It sounds like "Bog" or "Wump" (well not the actual sound, but you know.). Why would I want to update my "wump"? Well, I dunno. Mostly because Stephanie told me I should.
Anyway. Today I was thinking about time. How time passes. What it is. Is it "bendable". And I say no. Time travel is not possible. Time is more a theory than a force. It's not like gravity. You can't defy it in any way. People may think it's kept sort of as a "blanket" on the universe. Just lift the cover and you are set. No. That's not how it work. Eternity is a thought. And our revolutions and spins merely measure the thought, the theory of time. If Superman spun the early backwards, he wouldn't save Lois, he would merely cause terror to the planet. Waves would come over place like Texas and Mongolia. And what about the moon in that whole scenario.
No. Time is not graspable. I just hope for the day that I don't have to live by it's unavoidable laws.
Until then, I'll post here.

Sincerely From the Mountain,
-Abbie