In the homestretch

Hailing here from the world of "fiddle," in many applications of the word. Less than two months left until I graduate, people! That fact brings a flood of thoughts and feelings...but to keep it simple, I'm excited and so happy to have reached this milestone. So many things learned, so many people gotten to know, so many new question marks! Three things in my immediate future: spring break, oral comprehesive exam (supposedly not as bad as it sounds), and the final performances: chamber recital, orchestra concert, final master's recital. It's a little scary how close together everything is going to happen! It truly is like I'm walking down a long hallway toward an open door at the end. The light on the other side of the door is so bright compared to the light in the hallway that I can't quite make out what's on the other side of it--but I can't wait to walk through it. :)

Photos by Rachel

Thunder and...Sunshine?

Boring picture? Maybe. But that is just what today looks like, literally. You can find beautiful things anywhere, anytime, if you try. And I do try. But some days are like today, and today I'm tired, have too much work, am behind on important projects, and just want to curl up and watch tv. I cannot believe that it's only Wednesday! Life just seems like too much to take on right now, like an everest-sized pile of...stuff. Stuff I have to do something with. I would love for that pile to go away, or at least look manageable. It's not being obliging.

I love the rain and the occasional thunder; but I want to see some sunshine. Maybe if it would peak out for just a moment, the "happy" part of me would warm up a bit, you know?  

Baltimore

   Nothing like a gorgeous day in Baltimore, two great friends, a fantastic lecture/masterclass, and French food! I won't talk about the bit where my car got locked into the underground parking garage... or the bit about going out of town the "wrong way" (ie, the hood, in which I was convinced we were going to die) after finally extricating ourselves from the parking garage. :)

 Sidewalk shadows: temporary paintings.

 B&N. Looking at it was enough to make me faint a little.

 Rockin' the yellow tights. My new experiment with fashion. ;)

 Inner Harbor.

 Favorite spiral staircase in Peabody! Love it there...exactly what a conservatory should be.

 French dinner (including the ridiculous wait), and gelatos to die for!

 

 Until next Baltimore visit...:-)

"Do more of what you love."

"Do more of what you love." 

Yes. DO. Love the little things; never stop being amazed at life. Never forget that having a Redeemer gives everything purpose. Without the Giver of life--it's all pretty pointless. But with Him there is meaning, purpose, beauty, and security. 

 

http://turningthepaige.tumblr.com/post/2423990319

An Element of "Happy"

One thing "happy" is:
A friend who knows all the stuff you would never tell anybody because they would probably never like you again if they did know,
Encourages you when you're down (without being an annoying fix-everything-know-it-all),
Laughs at your quirks instead of being irritated,
Talks you through all your deepest philosophical and spiritual conundrums,
Never gossips,
And doesn't get mad when you smear mango all over her kitchen (It was an accident. Long story. Don't ask.) :)
In a word: unconditional love. Now go be that friend.

 That's me with one of those priceless people. We're bein' dorks. :)

Vintage Day in Charleston

There's nothing like a few days of *genuine* vacation with an awesome friend! Rachel and I spent a heavenly few hours perusing Taylor Books--exactly what a book shop/coffee house ought to be, complete with local art, live music in the evenings, and interested people spilling in to socialize, drink a few more cups, take photographs, and be part of the organic ambient atmosphere. Next stop: probably the best antique store I've ever been in! Most of the time I just walked around with my mouth open, loving the "old" feeling and the fantastic array of vintage paraphernalia. It was a chance to catch my breath--and to feel incredibly lucky.

Miata Dreams

Me: "Dad, I want a mint green miata for my birthday."
Dad: "Ok. How about a pink one and a green one? You know, one for weekdays, one for weekends."
I like how he thinks. (I know I'm dreamin', but why not...)

Shots in Film Grain

Favorite setting on my new Panasonic Lumix: fim grain. Lots to learn about taking decent pictures: yes. Fun in the process: yes. :)

 Melting Ice

At the coffee house

  Side table

 Beauty parlor with the niece

Ice World

Yesterday morning, I awoke to the entire world ensconced in a layer of ice. Treacherous, yes, but breathtakingly beautiful. It was so surreal-entire trees looked like they were made of crystal. I really wanted them to stay that way. Today it all began melting...

Amy in "The Muppets"

Either I'm very naive, or film trailers are very deceiving. I thought The Muppets was going to be all about the adorable "Mary and Gary" (and "Mary's" cute clothes). Needless to say, I was disappointed in my assumptions, and as several people pointed out...what did I think the movie title meant? Well, okay. Sherlock I am not. I'm fine without the Muppets. But Amy and her wardrobe? Yes, please! Whoever designed these gets five gold stars from me. This is how I wish I could convince myself to dress every day. And I guess what goes along with wearing outfits like these is the development of personal panache to pull it off. :)