Yes, it is that time again. Christmas. Can you believe the time is here? Doesn't it seem like just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas? As I get older, I find that time goes by quicker and quicker. This excites and terrifies me. I love growing older and being able to experience life in new ways. Yet, I am so scared for time to go by so quickly, while feeling like I might be missing out on something or not living it to the fullest. Not only is it Christmas time, but the year is ending.
2010. Wow. What a year! When I look back on where I was January to where I am now, it seems like this has been the longest year I have ever experienced. I don't think I've ever grown more as a person than I did this year.
It's late, but I plan on writing a post that reflects on this year: the ups and downs, and everything in between.
Goodnight :)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
The Dog Days are Over
Yes, I currently love Florence and the Machine.
I feel like every time I want to sit down to blog, I realize something else I need to do that is more important. While I am proud of myself for being good about prioritizing, I do miss being a consistent blogger. Anyways, 11:51pm is a good time blog, so here I am!
This outfit is actually from September 26th. The city I live in on the central coast of California actually got a bit of a heat wave! After having hardly any summer-like weather, it finally came. Thus, the shorts and skirts without tights came out.
This has been such an interesting time of my life. I'm learning more about myself than I ever have before. Going to Fresno and meeting God amidst poverty, brokenness and hurt; my last academic year at my community college; my last 9 months living at home; and being single for the first time since I was 13. I know the last one might seem silly, but I have been a monogamist dater since I was 13. The longest time I have ever been single was two months before now. I am happy and proud of myself now, as I've been single for over five months. I know that still seems like such a short amount of time, but it is still a small accomplishment that I am quite proud of! I have had to say no to certain opportunities and figure out what it looks like to just be Shannon. As well as learning as what it means for my relationship with God to be enough in my life, to be the only relationship I truly need and will rely on. I can't say it's been peaches and cream every step of the way, but each day gets better, and it's already been an incredible journey to be on. I cannot wait to see where I am at when my year dating fast is over (not that I'll be in a relationship as soon as it is over, but I committed to a year fast!). I just need to remember every day to invest in God, and stay close to Him.
I also have begun the process of apply to a UC! It is crazy to think that this time next year I will be at a much larger school and living away from home. It seems so unreal when your whole life has been in and shaped by your home. I'm feeling such an array of emotions. Happiness, fear, excitement, nervousness, anxiety, hope. I keep reminding myself to really enjoy where I am during each phase of life. I can't believe in less than a year I will no longer be living at home. I want to soak up every second left. Not that I won't be back, I will probably pretty often, but I know that I will probably never permanently live at home again once I move. So while it is a incredibly exciting time in my life to get to start that next step, I'm going to try to live in the moment, and enjoy my time left at home- with my parents, in my room, in my house, and in my city.
I feel like every time I want to sit down to blog, I realize something else I need to do that is more important. While I am proud of myself for being good about prioritizing, I do miss being a consistent blogger. Anyways, 11:51pm is a good time blog, so here I am!
This outfit is actually from September 26th. The city I live in on the central coast of California actually got a bit of a heat wave! After having hardly any summer-like weather, it finally came. Thus, the shorts and skirts without tights came out.
Top: Kohls
Skirt: Cotton On
Sandals: Kmart
Belt: Thrifted
Necklace: Gift
Earrings: Gift
Skirt: Cotton On
Sandals: Kmart
Belt: Thrifted
Necklace: Gift
Earrings: Gift
Purse: Thrifted
This has been such an interesting time of my life. I'm learning more about myself than I ever have before. Going to Fresno and meeting God amidst poverty, brokenness and hurt; my last academic year at my community college; my last 9 months living at home; and being single for the first time since I was 13. I know the last one might seem silly, but I have been a monogamist dater since I was 13. The longest time I have ever been single was two months before now. I am happy and proud of myself now, as I've been single for over five months. I know that still seems like such a short amount of time, but it is still a small accomplishment that I am quite proud of! I have had to say no to certain opportunities and figure out what it looks like to just be Shannon. As well as learning as what it means for my relationship with God to be enough in my life, to be the only relationship I truly need and will rely on. I can't say it's been peaches and cream every step of the way, but each day gets better, and it's already been an incredible journey to be on. I cannot wait to see where I am at when my year dating fast is over (not that I'll be in a relationship as soon as it is over, but I committed to a year fast!). I just need to remember every day to invest in God, and stay close to Him.
I also have begun the process of apply to a UC! It is crazy to think that this time next year I will be at a much larger school and living away from home. It seems so unreal when your whole life has been in and shaped by your home. I'm feeling such an array of emotions. Happiness, fear, excitement, nervousness, anxiety, hope. I keep reminding myself to really enjoy where I am during each phase of life. I can't believe in less than a year I will no longer be living at home. I want to soak up every second left. Not that I won't be back, I will probably pretty often, but I know that I will probably never permanently live at home again once I move. So while it is a incredibly exciting time in my life to get to start that next step, I'm going to try to live in the moment, and enjoy my time left at home- with my parents, in my room, in my house, and in my city.
(Cheesy picture time :D )
Some other things going in my life:
I really love Mumford and Sons, Imogen Heap and Florence and the Machine. They have been occupying my play list most of the time.
I'm reading a book called "Holy Cow" by Sarah Macdonald. It is about her time living in India after she moved their to be with her boyfriend who was stationed their with his job. It's her reactions to the poverty, pollution and drastically different Indian lifestyle. It's been a good book- challenging at times as the reader is presented with some of the hard-to-sit-with circumstances of the people, circumstances and culture of India.
We are studying the gospel of Luke right now in our small group bible studies on campus, and I've been getting a lot out of them, and learning so much about Jesus. I think I've spent the least amount of time in the gospel of Luke than any of the other gospels, so it's been a great experience to get to study it inductively.
I think it's time to call it a night now, I'm going to try to put blogging back as a regular thing in my like.
In the words of Heidi Klum,
Auf Wiedersehen
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Back to Bloggin'
I have taken a bit of an absence from my blog, but I am happy to be back and posting pictures. It is a fun hobby, and its fun to have documentation of bits of my life, or at least of what I wore in a day. It is actually helpful when I can't think of something to wear sometimes I'll looking through my wardrobe pictures and it helps me remember combination's I've made before!
So lets start with a cheesy photo...
:)
This summer has been incredible. I went to Fresno, California for a six week internship. I lived and worked in the area of the city which has the most centralized poverty and crime in the nation. I learned so much about God, justice, love, people and myself. I can't describe the growth that I've experienced this summer. I've matured in new ways, and my relationship with God was raised to a new level. I'm so grateful for all the help and support He brought me to get there. I will definitely post more later about my trip and what it was like!
I also believe this is the first summer I have ever been a single lady (yes, I just got the song stuck in your head!). It has been interesting, but I am so grateful for the growth and healing that I've experienced. I've been trying my hardest to let Jesus be enough and to fill myself with God and good friendships. He is definitely been transforming my heart!
Being back has been great as well, I missed my family and have loved spending these last few weeks of summer break with them. I was also fortunate enough to be able to spend a few days this last week with my brother in Santa Barbara, California. He worked during the day, so I got to go out exploring the thrift stores. I got some great things for even better prices! It is partially what inspired me to get back to blogging- I like documenting my adventures and finds :).
Tomorrow I am going on a decently strenuous hike, and am unfortunately not in the best shape so I will be huffing it! I am looking forward to it though, I haven't done hardly any hiking or camping this summer!
Anyways, today's outfit consisted of:
Dress: A boutique in Taft, California
Leggings: JC Penney's
Shoes: F21
Hat: Kmart
Feather Necklace: gift
Wood beaded necklace: garage sale
I love these shoes. I really wanted a pair that looked like men's dress shoes!
I forgot to mention that part of my internship this summer was working at a thrift store. Incredible, right? I loved it! Obviously, I shopped every time I was there. This is one of the purses I bought! Also, my best friend made me that bracelet!
Have a good Monday!
So lets start with a cheesy photo...
This summer has been incredible. I went to Fresno, California for a six week internship. I lived and worked in the area of the city which has the most centralized poverty and crime in the nation. I learned so much about God, justice, love, people and myself. I can't describe the growth that I've experienced this summer. I've matured in new ways, and my relationship with God was raised to a new level. I'm so grateful for all the help and support He brought me to get there. I will definitely post more later about my trip and what it was like!
I also believe this is the first summer I have ever been a single lady (yes, I just got the song stuck in your head!). It has been interesting, but I am so grateful for the growth and healing that I've experienced. I've been trying my hardest to let Jesus be enough and to fill myself with God and good friendships. He is definitely been transforming my heart!
Being back has been great as well, I missed my family and have loved spending these last few weeks of summer break with them. I was also fortunate enough to be able to spend a few days this last week with my brother in Santa Barbara, California. He worked during the day, so I got to go out exploring the thrift stores. I got some great things for even better prices! It is partially what inspired me to get back to blogging- I like documenting my adventures and finds :).
Tomorrow I am going on a decently strenuous hike, and am unfortunately not in the best shape so I will be huffing it! I am looking forward to it though, I haven't done hardly any hiking or camping this summer!
Anyways, today's outfit consisted of:
Leggings: JC Penney's
Shoes: F21
Hat: Kmart
Feather Necklace: gift
Wood beaded necklace: garage sale
Have a good Monday!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Swing Swing
Yesterday, May 3rd, was quite the enjoyable Monday. Mondays are typically everyone's least favorite day, but I tend to love my Monday's. I think it's because I don't have school Monday. Actually, that's exactly why! Anyways, I met with my close friend Jessy in the morning to go over some things for Bible Study, and then we just sat and talked while having some breakfast at Panera Bread. We decided to start a clothing exchange! Jessy is definitely my kindred spirit when it comes to thrifting and style, so we both loved the idea of swapping clothes and trying to style each others clothes in new ways. We decided to pick items that both of us struggle coming up with fresh ways to wear them. We swapped two items this week, and will swap two new ones next week. All will be documented on here, I'm looking forward to seeing how we see each others clothes!
The rest of the day was spent doing some homework at my favorite local coffee shop where loud ethnic music plays through the speaker, and the owner recognizes me because of how often I go there with my InterVarsity staff worker. It's a really comfortable place, very open and airy, with chocolate brown walls, couches and a variety of large plants. I sipped some iced tea and studied for my sociology exam.
That evening, my close friend Courtney, and I were invited by a friend to go swing dancing! The Madonna Inn hosts the Cal Poly (of San Luis Obispo)'s swing club, and they do a night of free swing dancing. It was my first time, and I thought I would be terrible at it, but I think I did okay! At least for my first night. I learned some of the basic moves, and tried to get the footing and twirls right. I had such an amazing time and really want to do it again. I realized how much I really love to dance! The first Monday of every month is "vintage" night, which is basically a dress up night. This is what I wore swinging:
The rest of the day was spent doing some homework at my favorite local coffee shop where loud ethnic music plays through the speaker, and the owner recognizes me because of how often I go there with my InterVarsity staff worker. It's a really comfortable place, very open and airy, with chocolate brown walls, couches and a variety of large plants. I sipped some iced tea and studied for my sociology exam.
That evening, my close friend Courtney, and I were invited by a friend to go swing dancing! The Madonna Inn hosts the Cal Poly (of San Luis Obispo)'s swing club, and they do a night of free swing dancing. It was my first time, and I thought I would be terrible at it, but I think I did okay! At least for my first night. I learned some of the basic moves, and tried to get the footing and twirls right. I had such an amazing time and really want to do it again. I realized how much I really love to dance! The first Monday of every month is "vintage" night, which is basically a dress up night. This is what I wore swinging:
Dress: Custom made my my incredibly talented Mom :)
Shoes: Payless
Bag: vintage
Pearls: Garage Sale
Shoes: Payless
Bag: vintage
Pearls: Garage Sale
I'm also wearing my "out on the town" makeup. Which basically means I put on a little eye liner :)
Today was a good day as well, a lot longer though, it seemed. I have been pretty tired all day after an active night. However, school went well and I was able to spend my break with my best friend Kylie, and attend small group leaders training. Everyone is doing so well in SGLT, it touches my heart! Afterward, Jessy and I went and got iced tea and chanted about the many feelings and emotions we're both going through in some areas of our lives.
The rest of the evening has been spent at home, doing some chores, homework and blogging.
Also, just to let those of you who read this, I've fallen in love. Yes, I know I said I was committed to a year of singleness, but when you've found the one, you just got to act, right?
Here he is:
One of my latest thrift store finds, and probably my most successful. I absolutely adore this bag. It says "Moda Italiana" in case you can't make it out in the photos. We couldn't be happier together :).
Outfit from today:
Dress: Thrifted
Bag: Thrifted
Tights: Target
Shoes: Target
Glasses: Target
Bag: Thrifted
Tights: Target
Shoes: Target
Glasses: Target
The strap comes off as well and you can carry it as a little briefcase :)
Better view of the detail of the dress. And my incredibly pale skin.
God is good and gave me a blessed day, I'm thankful for my friends, for bible studies, and for a life that He saw me worthy of. I pray that I use it for Him. I pray I continually see that He is enough.
Love,
Shannon
Shannon
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Weekends that Lift Your Spirits
I seemed to be having a rough couple of days emotionally on Friday and Saturday. I thought things weren't going to look up and that I would just enjoy a pity party this weekend, even though it was the last thing I wanted to do. God steps in though at the perfect time, when you need a good lifting of spirits. On Friday my close friend and co-leader, Tim, texted me and invited me to go to Pismo Beach with a few friends. I was excited to be able to hang out with some friends from InterVarsity without it actually being an InterVarsity ran function. A group of about six of us drove to Pismo and enjoyed a delicious dinner at a place called Hoagies. We got clam chowder, fish and chips, burgers, tacos, etc. Each of us tasting each others, the food was so good! After being sufficiently, or more than sufficiently, full, we walked around Pismo and the pier. We had a lot of laughs and just enjoyed each others company.
On Saturday, still feeling a bit blue, I went to Nojoqui Falls with my parents. It was great to be able to walk to the falls, surrounded by beautiful scenery and a running creek, and just process some things going on in my life. I sat on a bench and just stared at the sun peering through the trees, leaves gently moving by the breeze and accompanied by the sounds of running water. I kept hearing the words in my head, "Shannon, I am enough, look around you." I started to tear up. I have been asking Jesus everyday that I will see him as being enough, being the only thing in my life. I tend to gravitate toward other things to fill that void, when really Jesus is the only thing that could ever come close to filling it. He is enough, yet my heart struggles to accept it. I see God most in nature, and I could physically see he was enough in that moment, I'm praying my heart and mind accepts that truth. It's a long process, but I am going to get there.
Nojoqui Falls, California
God of creation take my breath away
God of the heavens in this very space
"God of Creation"- David Crowder Band
After a lovely hike with my parents, my best friend Kylie and I went to dinner out at a diner we really love called The Boys. It's a diner that has been in my city since, well, forever it seems. My grandparents ate there, my parents ate there, and now I eat there! We had such a fun time just talking and drinking 5 glasses of ice tea each (bad idea right before a movie, by the way). We then went to the movies to see the DisneyNature documentary, Oceans. Kylie and I are both huge marine lovers, and were stoked to see this movie! We enjoyed every second of it, and made comments through most it that would make us laugh. Then, during the credits, we laughed as we listened to the cheesiest Jonas Brothers song that played through the credits. Afterward, we went to my house to watch the 2nd Night at the Museum with my parents. To top the night off, we had had an impromptu dance party with my Mom to a megamix of Michael Jackson songs. We even rocked some hot side pony tails. I don't know if a night could be any better?
On Sunday, I had another fantastic day at Pismo Beach with my parents. We strolled the beach, went to lunch, and then went to a thrift store where I scored some pretty great items (will be featured later :) ). The night consisted of going to Church, doing homework, and organizing my closet.
Pismo Beach, California
I am so thankful that God has put some really solid and loving people in my life. Jesus, my family and friends completely brought me out of the blues that wanted to cover my weekend. Jesus keeps showing me that he is going to be taking care of me, I don't need to worry, he will restore my heart and mind. I just want to give back now to him, he's given me so much.
Outfit:
Photos taken at an abandoned car dealership, taken by my mom, thank you!
On Saturday, still feeling a bit blue, I went to Nojoqui Falls with my parents. It was great to be able to walk to the falls, surrounded by beautiful scenery and a running creek, and just process some things going on in my life. I sat on a bench and just stared at the sun peering through the trees, leaves gently moving by the breeze and accompanied by the sounds of running water. I kept hearing the words in my head, "Shannon, I am enough, look around you." I started to tear up. I have been asking Jesus everyday that I will see him as being enough, being the only thing in my life. I tend to gravitate toward other things to fill that void, when really Jesus is the only thing that could ever come close to filling it. He is enough, yet my heart struggles to accept it. I see God most in nature, and I could physically see he was enough in that moment, I'm praying my heart and mind accepts that truth. It's a long process, but I am going to get there.
God of creation take my breath away
God of the heavens in this very space
"God of Creation"- David Crowder Band
After a lovely hike with my parents, my best friend Kylie and I went to dinner out at a diner we really love called The Boys. It's a diner that has been in my city since, well, forever it seems. My grandparents ate there, my parents ate there, and now I eat there! We had such a fun time just talking and drinking 5 glasses of ice tea each (bad idea right before a movie, by the way). We then went to the movies to see the DisneyNature documentary, Oceans. Kylie and I are both huge marine lovers, and were stoked to see this movie! We enjoyed every second of it, and made comments through most it that would make us laugh. Then, during the credits, we laughed as we listened to the cheesiest Jonas Brothers song that played through the credits. Afterward, we went to my house to watch the 2nd Night at the Museum with my parents. To top the night off, we had had an impromptu dance party with my Mom to a megamix of Michael Jackson songs. We even rocked some hot side pony tails. I don't know if a night could be any better?
On Sunday, I had another fantastic day at Pismo Beach with my parents. We strolled the beach, went to lunch, and then went to a thrift store where I scored some pretty great items (will be featured later :) ). The night consisted of going to Church, doing homework, and organizing my closet.
Pismo Beach, California
I am so thankful that God has put some really solid and loving people in my life. Jesus, my family and friends completely brought me out of the blues that wanted to cover my weekend. Jesus keeps showing me that he is going to be taking care of me, I don't need to worry, he will restore my heart and mind. I just want to give back now to him, he's given me so much.
Outfit:
Jacket: Thrifted, Old Navy
Solid black tee: boutique
Skirt: Ross
Scarf: Grandmother's, from Russia
Scarf: Grandmother's, from Russia
Tights: Target
Shoes: Macy's
Shoes: Macy's
Bag: Thrifted
Photos taken at an abandoned car dealership, taken by my mom, thank you!
Time to go into the week!
Wishing happy Mondays.
Love,
Shannon
Shannon
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Last weekend, for the S.T.I.M training (see previous post), I learned so much and took in so much. I learned more and more about injustices in the world, Jesus' heart for restoration, and our call to action. I think it is interesting that as I am coming into this summer, going to Fresno, we have been studying justice and beginning our section on evangelism in our bible studies at school. I guess Jesus' really is trying to prepare my heart and mind! It's scary and exciting all at the same time. I honestly have no idea what this summer is going to be like, but I'm loving the time of preparation.
This week has been going well too! Monday I had most of the day off, caught up on some sleep, did some homework and went to newlove (after school program I work at). Then yesterday I got to go to the small group leaders training group that my friend David and I are leading. It's going so well, and it's so great to see how God desires to keep our ministry going by bring up rising leaders. It has been fun to see our group of new leaders going through the process of becoming a leader. The nerves, excitement, fear and joy. Brings me back to my SGLT time, about two years ago! I can't believe how fast time has gone. It's going to be sad to leave my community college and InterVarsity chapter. I've grown so much over the last (almost) 3 years, they have been so trans-formative to my life. Afterward, my friend Jessy and I were able to hang out and have coffee together. So good to catch up with her lately! We seem to barely get to see each other anymore. Today, I was able to plan bible study and to hang out with my co-leader and close friend, Tim. We eat bagels, and talk about Jesus and life. What could be better? I then went to lunch with my best friend Kylie, to our favorite restaurant Carrows, and got to talk and laugh! It became a MARVELOUS day when my Chemistry lab got canceled! Kylie and I went to the computer lab and talked to each other on facebook while sitting next to each other. It was so silly but made us laugh a ton. Today has really been such a good day! :) When I came home my Mom and I went to this field right by my house to take my outfit shots today, I really am happy with how it turned out with such a lovely background. There is a lot of photos to be posted today!
This week has been going well too! Monday I had most of the day off, caught up on some sleep, did some homework and went to newlove (after school program I work at). Then yesterday I got to go to the small group leaders training group that my friend David and I are leading. It's going so well, and it's so great to see how God desires to keep our ministry going by bring up rising leaders. It has been fun to see our group of new leaders going through the process of becoming a leader. The nerves, excitement, fear and joy. Brings me back to my SGLT time, about two years ago! I can't believe how fast time has gone. It's going to be sad to leave my community college and InterVarsity chapter. I've grown so much over the last (almost) 3 years, they have been so trans-formative to my life. Afterward, my friend Jessy and I were able to hang out and have coffee together. So good to catch up with her lately! We seem to barely get to see each other anymore. Today, I was able to plan bible study and to hang out with my co-leader and close friend, Tim. We eat bagels, and talk about Jesus and life. What could be better? I then went to lunch with my best friend Kylie, to our favorite restaurant Carrows, and got to talk and laugh! It became a MARVELOUS day when my Chemistry lab got canceled! Kylie and I went to the computer lab and talked to each other on facebook while sitting next to each other. It was so silly but made us laugh a ton. Today has really been such a good day! :) When I came home my Mom and I went to this field right by my house to take my outfit shots today, I really am happy with how it turned out with such a lovely background. There is a lot of photos to be posted today!
Shirt/Skirt/Belt: Kohls
Tights: Target
Shoes: Thrifted (Sorry forgot to photograph those!)
Tights: Target
Shoes: Thrifted (Sorry forgot to photograph those!)
Earrings: F21 (just little pearls)
Walking through the grass to get to a better spot. My shoes were definitely not made for this kind of terrain...
The sun was pretty harsh while taking these, but I really liked the sunkissed look.
sweater: thrifted
I'm sitting on a fence in this one...
It was SO windy!
Tomorrow, Kylie and I are going to see...OCEANS!
So stoked.
Happy Thursdays everyone.
Love,
Shannon
Shannon
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