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:

Dress: Custom made my my incredibly talented Mom :)
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

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

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: 

 

Jacket: Thrifted, Old Navy

Solid black tee: boutique

Skirt: Ross
Scarf: Grandmother's, from Russia

Tights: Target
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