Sigh no more

This is what happens when you decide to hang out with the sun rise. Pretty awesome.

xo. s

We built our getaway up in a tree we found

We felt so far away but we were still in town.

I need to live here. It reminds me of Lord of the Rings and it’s a tree house.

Just sayin’.  Oh & TGIF. Date night tonight! I just love date night.

xo – s

So, I’ve been published.

Okay, I submitted a couple of photos to Smoky Mountain Living for their issue honoring the 75th anniversary of the Parkway. I was thinking, eh no big deal… I’m proud of these but heaven knows I’m  not a big wig with photography. So days went by and I forgot about it and life went on. Until…

The advertising director, Greg, from Smoky Mountain News contacted me about babysitting. Of course, I can’t because I hardly have time to breathe but that is besides the point. He asked me about my picture and if I was a famous published photographer. I said sadly, no. He asked me about my photo and I said yeah, that was one I submitted. He paused (for dramatic effect) and said girl, you’re in. Come by my office and I’ll give you a copy.

I flipped.

I mean that is so amazing. So Andrew and I went down to SMN and he hooked us up with a copy of the magazine. And there it was. 1/2 page with my name also.

Whoa.

So I’m over the moon. I’m actually really proud of myself. Which honestly, never really happens. Woohooo! How cool is it that I was able to have a picture honored in a magazine that is local – which I totally dig – but moreso the issue is honoring my favorite place, quite possibly, in the world? I mean really.

Here is the picture for your viewing pleasure:

xo – Shan

At the park

You know, I love the park. The swings especially. They’re totally my favorite. There is just something about being able to run to the swings, hop on and take off into the nothingness. It makes me feel like a little kid again… not that, that’s hard for me… but that is beside point.

Andrew also digs him some swings.

Kind of amazing.

only love is all maroon.

My best friend, Marlana Lee Bourey, that’s right, Marlee. I went there.

Anyway. She has started her own blog. Kind of like this one (woohoo!) but different. I think she’s only doing it for lent. But I want her to keep it up (cough cough). I love her brain. You should mosey over and check it out if you get a second.

For serious.

It’s great.

xo – S

Oh, LJ

My new job is at Lake Junaluska, which is one of my favorite places in my home town. I’m working specifically with the MYP kids, which is a lot of fun. I’m finally getting to use my degree and I’m slowly figuring out what I like about marketing and things I’m not so fond of.

I came from a crazy environment, teaching pre-school to an office. That’s a huge adjustment but, I’m finding that the people here are just as crazy fun as the people I left at Long’s. I’m really relieved about that! I don’t have to keep my personality bottled up in order to fit into the OB here. I’m meeting a lot of characters and having random conversations in passing – which I think might be one of my favorite things – all the while listening to music at my desk and having my own small party.

I got my desk set up, pretty much the way I want it. I mean, it has a heart garland for pete’s sake. Along with paintings I’ve done, drawings from my sweet babies at Long’s, daisies, and an owl named Felix. Who doesn’t want an owl named Felix? I mean,really.

Some of the music on the playlist for the rest of you folks that perhaps need music for your desk:
Angus and Julia Stone – Mango Tree, Just a Boy, Paper Areoplanes
Old Crow Medicine Show – Wagon Wheel
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home
Mumford and Sons – everything
Gaelic Storm – everything
The Album Leaf – Red eye
CCR – Down on the Corner
Jack Johnson – everything

Here are a few snapshots from a group photo we took a couple of days ago. In the snow. Because we really are that cool.

Yeah, we’re dorks. But, we’re dorks who love Jesus and that’s what it’s all about!

xo – S

Colored Lights

Colored lights are my favorite. Especially on a cold winter evening with a warm hearted boy.

xo – S

Mango Tree

Andrew and I have been exploring and we’ve found this house that we love. It’s abandon and if you know me at all you know, I’m not a rule breaker. It has a sign posted that says “no trespassing”. You know, the sign with the crazy bright orange letters that are meant to intimidate. Yeah. He isn’t intimidated by the silly sign, unlike yours truly. So we soldiered on past the sign and found this amazing house.  It speaks of old and good times. It’s just one of the good houses that thankfully is still standing even it’s state of abandonment.  It’s beautiful. Especially in the snow. With the boy you love.

Here are some goodies from our trip. It was an adventure to be sure, which is my favorite. Enjoy!

xo-S

i have been remiss,

And very busy. My new job is going well, it’s pretty intense to go from a bunch of kids and people I know and love to almost zero contact with co-workers and sitting at a desk for most of the day. But I’m sprucing my desk up and it is becoming more like my space, more comfortable. I’m just praying my way through it and remembering “Trust Your Journey”. Still magic in the phrase so we’re still doing good.

I think I need this in my life… It just makes me happy in my heart!

Here are a few goodies from recent days:

Happy Thrusday, friends.

xo – S

*

I’m in love. Enjoy.

xo. S

Oh, my.

Here is some beautiful from the past few days. Enjoy!

xo – S