Creativity

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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