Joy Dare: Day 8

A Gift Sweet, Salty, Sipped

1) Peanut ~ the sweetest pea in my life

2) That incredible Jalapeno Tuna sammich I had at Madd Hatter's yesterday... mmmmm

3) The 5ish glasses of Cabernet I drank last night while screaming and jumping with my friends (playing Catch Phrase) last night

I am

Olli

in which: this is the art i live

It took me most of the day to decide what I wanted to write about as the art I live. The more I thought about it though, when I think of how God reveals himself in my day to day life, it's so obvious.

Sharing.

I love sharing myself with people. Especially women.

I love the build up of a great story.

Memories of the past are so vivid... it's like I'm standing in my childhood home again. Reliving the pain of this break-up or the laughter of that hilarious road trip. The skip in my spirit the day we met...

I love the instant bond a story can seal between those who share a similar experience.

For all the years I felt alone in situations with my family, ex-boyfriends, school... it was so astonishing for me to eventually discover how many people had lived, or were living the same things I did. It was like the more I shared, the more people began to come out of the woodwork in opening up about their own experiences.

Things I was once so ashamed of and didn't dare whisper... have turned out to be the things my friends have most benefited from hearing. I feel like God has set me on this mission of helping the world see,

you are not alone.

The need to share flows out of me like a songbird bursting with glorious song. 

May it never leave me.

And may the Father of Lights never cease to meet me where I am.

Where we are.

I am

Olli

*post inspired by Emily Freeman and her amazing work at Chatting At The Sky*

in which: it was a great weekend

FRIDAY NIGHT:

Costume Party

I was Grumpy Cat!

SATURDAY NIGHT:

Football Game with Corey & Amy -Texas State vs South Alabama

SUNDAY NIGHT:

I worked. MEANT to bring these in for my coworkers, but I'm bringing them tomorrow instead.

My Mom used to make these every year for Halloween!

Only instead of crushed Oreos I used Hint-O-Mint Newman-O's... my favorite...

Will definitely be writing something more substantial soon. 

Just wanted to share some of the wonderful weekend I spent with Peanut and friends.

Also, updated the header for Fall! Finally starting to stay cool during the daytime... *sigh*

I am

Olli

Michael & MariKate Wilson

Nearly two months later! Although to be fair, the wedding pics were only recently posted.

Sleepy Hollow Farm

The wedding party! 14 bridesmaids & 14 groomsmen!

This was an ALL OUT wedding, folks. The feast, the catering service, the props and decor, the band, the millions of tiny tea light candles adorning every available surface... (and yes, that is a small canoe loaded down with fresh shrimp from the gulf).

Ya'll, Mike & Marikate set out to thoroughly bless their friends and family. As we waited for the wedding party to finish with photos, I meandered through hay bale after hay bale that had been adorned with fine cheeses, deli meats & fruit - on top of catering staff offering delectable, silver-trayed appetizers every few minutes! Peanut's Mom made the rounds of introducing me to close family friends, the food was incredible, including this bubbling pot of cheesey grits at the end of the line they were dishing out into hollowed plastic martini glasses. Now, I have never been the biggest fan of grits (essentially mushy cornmeal), but lord have mercy... not only did I lick that glass clean, but I found a shish kabob stick and dug out the remnants of what had fallen into the stem of the hollowed martini glass... Somebody baptize me and call me a convert!

There was a live band and boy, did that woman have some pipes! They were a prime example of why I have always wanted live music at my wedding. They had contagious personality and pzazz and got even the most reluctant of dancers (*ahem*...Peanut) to get up and tap their toes. 

The ceremony itself was gorgeous and I'll admit, I got a little weepy when I saw Michael openly crying and covering his face as Marikate walked down the aisle. During communion a few of the groomsmen got up and played a song, a light breeze passed through the branches of the tree they were married under and I sat comfortably between Peanut's mother & sister, Hannah. And even though there were so many in attendance who did not know me... I was part of a family. I belonged right there between those two beautiful women. If there was anything God shed light on during that trip, it was that I have found a family in the Etheredges. 

And that grits and I can be friends now :)

I am

Olli

in which: we're at it again

Wedding #6 today.

May be the most gorgeous yet ~ on a sprawling picturesque farm!!

It's an evening event so photos should be posted tomorrow.

Till then!

I am

Olli

in which: we road trip to H-town

Remember these friends?? They got married yesterday!! I didn't really take any pics, just enjoyed being there in the moment (for once). More will come soon though as the photographer uploads them. So happy for these amazing and inspiring people ~ and so glad we got to be there!!

Here are some deets:

• Outdoor ceremony
• Indoor reception
• AMAZING little tirimisu cakes ~ instead of a cake or regular cupcakes
• My BFF Renata was the DJ {aka} DJ RenFest
• Me and Alina {my 6 yr old BFF} danced the day away!
• Peanut danced several songs with me ;)
• Alicia's sister gave the greatest toast speech
• I got a 10 lbs container full of mashed potatoes for FREE.99

It was Peanut & I's 5th wedding to attend together {at least!}. Another one is on the way next month. Aaaaaand ~ today was our anniversary. Two years. Where has the time gone...

Watch out world.

We're next.

I am

Olli

in which: i've got girls

Today I realized just how much I miss my faraway friends...

Ashley P.

Lovely, Natural, Creative, Inspiring, Adventurous, Unique & Quirky

Jennifer

Fabulous, Wacky, Loud, Sweet, Feisty, Loving & a little Inappropriate ;)

Ashley W.

Lively, Adventurous, Hilarious, Free-Spirited, Gutsy, Talented & Bold

I cannot wait for my wedding so that I will finally have all the people I love in one room.

I love you girls!! I am surrounded by so much beauty, life & intellegence ~ I miss you everyday & am so blessed to have ya'll in my life!!!

xoxo

I am

Olli

in which: we go to a lot of weddings

Well, as for my 2012 goals, the only ones that really held up were me learning to cook and growing something. I have a fig tree sapling that continues to get bigger & has a new leaf sprouting! Dori taught me to cook, although I still don't do it very often. 

This year, I want to be a better friend, learn more Spanish (the A's let me download Rosetta Stone for FREE!), begin volunteering at Last Chance Forever again & GET MARRIED. I think it will really happen this year, I can feel it. 

~

Speaking of weddings, our friends Jaime & Emily got married this past weekend!!

The reception was simple & fun. The cutest part was when we saw them off ~ everyone blew bubbles around them & they rode of on bikes! So. Cute.

And Jaime's grandmother made these beautiful hand painted wooden crosses as favors, along with bags of whole bean coffee.

something blue..

We had so much fun! The whole thing was sweet, well put together & totally stress free. Obviously, only good things come out of Fernandez weddings ;) {my love & I met at Jaime's sister's wedding}

Lisa, babe & me

This year is going to be the best one yet.

And to help keep track of my goals, I'm going to be using a site called MySubplot.com, which is an idea based on Don Miller's new book Storyline. It's awesome and lays it out so that you can write your goals out as a story. There's the goal itself, your ambitions behind it, anticipated conflicts and climactic points in the journey, etc. You fill in all the details! Very helpful and makes it so you can actually visualize what it will require to make them happen. 

I highly recommend! 

I am

Olli

in which: it is 12/12/12

Forgive me dear friends! I have neglected you too long. The Christmas season is in full swing and if I'm not working, I'm either shopping for gifts or cleaning. I must say that the shopping feels a little easier this year and I think I have Pinterest to thank. Also, I'm trying to do more handmade gifts as well. Yay!

I've a candlestick burning a pair of cozy, striped socks on finally. A cold front blew in last night and I am oh so thankful. About time Texas!! I'm hoping it lasts through till Christmas. Usually "Winter" occurs about the time of New Years and through January. Sure wish we had snow though...

~

Thanksgiving with the Etheredges (babe's family) was so fun! Black Friday was my favorite part. Yes there was shopping, but mostly for the fun time I spent with Vanessa & Hannah, Peanut's sisters. Lots of laughing, hunting & coffee. We literally shopped for like 12 hours. Vanessa & I spent 3 hours at World Market alone! We also got to see some precious friends, like Shaffer, Travis, Jim & his daughters.

I love the people in Mobile.

~

As far getting to see AW during our stop in Houston... well, once again, it just didn't work out. Waa! She was planning on leaving that weekend to go be with her family in Pasadena for Thanksgiving. But as we were driving there, she had to leave rather suddenly for Pasadena right then. We were sad. But the letters continue and our friendship remains strong. Oh how I would love to see her though!

~

As for Christmas, it looks like I shall be spending it here between the A's and my grandparents. Perhaps even the Hernandez's. Peanutty will be driving back to Bama... is it terrible that it makes me a tiny bit happy he'll be sad without me? I may even be able to fit in a letter while he's away! I so love writing to him :) 

~

Well, it's off to dreamland for me. Need to be up early for coffee with Renata. PLUS - the date is 12/12/12! So many people are going to get married today. This day will never happen again... but then I guess everyday is like that. 

~

GOD, YOU ARE SO GOOD TO US!! WE LOVE YOU & PRAISE YOU FOR THE WORK ARE DOING IN US, FOR THE LIFE YOU GAVE FOR US & FOR THE REMINDER OF ALL WE'VE BEEN GIVEN... YOU ARE PRECIOUS & HOLY & LOVED. THANK YOU THAT WE ARE THAT IMAGE TO YOU AS WELL. MAY YOUR JOY ABOUND IN THIS SEASON & THROUGH ALL SEASONS!! HELP US TO SEE BEYOND OURSELVES & OUR OWN DESIRES. SHOW US HOW TO SEEK FIRST YOUR KINGDOM IN ALL WE DO, THROUGHOUT THE DAYS OF OUR LIVES. WE LOVE YOU, ABBA.

amen.

I am

Olli

in which: we embrace the road once more

So much to do before we leave town for Thanksgiving. Headed back to Alabama, this time just my love and I. Tomorrow we will head out after work and spend the night in Houston~ where I (mostly) grew up! Alicia Conn (a new friend) has graciously opened her home up to us as well as her boyfriend Matt's.

I'm hoping we will get to spend some time either downtown or in The Woodlands. Perhaps even Magnolia? Magnolia is where I lived before moving to Cali. Speaking of Magnolia... I will also get to see my love Ashley Ward!!! AW and I have written letters back & forth for a couple years. She is from Pasadena, TX and our churches (at the time) joined forces for a mission trip one summer. We didn't become friends then, but I did meet her, and the reason I remember that is because she & I snuck back into the girl's dorm during fellowship, broke open glow sticks and slung the neon liquid from floor to ceiling. The idea was that once the girls in that room went to bed and turned out the lights ~ the whole room would be aglow! It didn't work very well, but oh how exhilarating it was! My friend Colton had put some of the girls up to the prank and we were the only volunteers. A year or so later we began a friendship over Facebook and shortly after started writing each other and well... here we are now. Somewhere along the road she moved to Magnolia and began going to my old church. It's fun knowing the same people and places but at different times in each of our lives. Seeing each other had proved difficult and every time one of us makes plans things just never seem to pan out. Tomorrow, however, will be the first time we meet as friends. It's been years and I'm so excited for this opportunity!!! FINALLY!!

Can't wait to see these people :)

I am

Olli

Corey & Amy Powell

Amy's Mom!

The words to describe this past weekend...

The Powell wedding was probably the best I have been to yet. So many crazy and amazing people - so many FRIENDS! These people are my family. Each day was fun, full of growth and relaxing. Beautiful, does not begin to cover the ceremony, and Amy walked down the aisle to a classical piece from Pride and Prejudice (2005 version) that was absolutely perfect. She was like an angel.  Her brothers walked her down and when asked who was to give her away, they both heartily consented,

"We do."

>>>>><<<<<

The inside jokes and fun memories are too numerous to count.

All I know is this weekend has become one of my favorites.

Sebastian introducing Renata (my BFF & neighbor/his sister) to the game he invented:
BEEF SLAP!

Sebastian ~ Peanut's roommate

I am

Olli

NaNoWriMo - Day One & 1/2

End of Day 1. I wrote a handful of words down and they were only book ideas - not even part of the book! I definitely feel behind and a tad overwhelmed - but I will catch up! I will do my best anyway. Peanut keeps telling me, "Babe relax! You're supposed to be having fun!" I almost wish I could just take a hiatus from my social life outside of work. ALMOST. We all know I wouldn't be able to stand that for very long.

Today I worked, spent blessed time with Beth and friends and then had coffee with Anna - Beth's "caretaker" and companion for this month. She's great :) But the rehab center is also a good drive from home, so for now all I have time for is brushing them teeth and getting to bed. Work will come early tomorrow. Unfortunately it won't be writing work.

I wish I could just hole up in this little nook for a few days.
Don't you?

I am
Olli

in which: we will overcome

Been feeling kind of like this lately...

Still truckin though. Drinking Emergen-C like it's going out of style & gettin better since Dori's been feeding me Advil. Grasping the hang of things at Whole Foods and have one week left at Hastings. Beth is doing better and starts her first big day of Physical Therapy today! Meals and childcare are being worked out and I'll be glad to have more time to contribute once I'm back to working one job again. 

If you'd like to keep up with her progress, here is a link to the site Thomas (her husband/my pastor)is updating just about everyday:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bethhernandez/?ref=nl

~

I've been having strange dreams. Not scary, but frustrating. I think it's the fever and perhaps the Lord telling me something. Speaking of fever, I really need to go shower. Sweated through the night and now I'm all sticky! In other (more exciting) news, 

Fall is (mostly) here!!

More pumpkins

More hawk sightings 

More color

More FOOD!

God is so good. He turns all the bad into triumphant, glorious stories. I will get better, Fall will come, the worlds will keep turning, we will all keep breathing & Beth will walk again.

We will overcome.

Let our souls praise Him.

I am

Olli

in which: i am reminded

Exhausted.

Physically.
Emotionally.
Mentally.

In short, my dear friend and neighbor, Beth, was in an accident and has been in the hospital since Wednesday. Between two jobs and trying to be as available as I can be for the H family... I feel kind of in a fog. My body needs rest and it only comes in short spurts. When they are longer, my mind races.

Lord please give me sleep. Give Beth sweet, sweet sleep.

I have done my best to keep it together since I first heard of the accident; allowing a few tears to escape in private moments every day. Last night though... last night was like a dam breaking. My love held me and encouraged me to just let go. So I sobbed for a bit in the front yard of Beth's home. When I managed to "get a grip", he reminded me of a poem Beth gave me not to long ago about crying... http://thesoundofpsithurism.blogspot.com/2012/03/in-which-poetry.html

I laughed for a moment, thinking how ironic it was that she should happen to give me something that would later help me to get through all this regarding her. Then I fell into heaving sobs again. And again. And then a little more.

Father give me the food I need to live through today.



I gave Hastings my 2 weeks.



I am
Olli

in which: we room and we wait

Well, the answer to previous question ended up being no kitten after all. The day I was going to go buy him, I found out that Alycia & I weren't getting the apartment we wanted (they had jacked the price up $60 a mo. just as went to sign). BUT, that same day Alycia informed me of a friend of hers that was looking for roommates. And then there were three :) As the Lord would have it though, she has many allergies - one being cats. So that was that, I got my answer. But I am so much happier to have Rin (new girl) and a better apartment in exchange!

Rin 

So we found another place and find out today if we get approved or not for it. It's a 2bed/2bath in a really nice complex but definitely a higher price. Which is why Alycia found Sam - our newest future roomie.

Sam

And then there were FOUR! Olli, Alycia, Rin & Sam. 

Rin also discovered a great condo that I would be psyched to do if we don't get approved for this apt.

We shall see by the end of ze day.

I am
Olli

in which: i write to faraway friends

Writing my Dear Ashleys.

Two pen pals. Both Ashleys. One just moved to Boston, as you might recall, and the other I've met one time YEARS ago on a mission trip. We bonded over the internet... so cheesy... but happy am I to have her!

Ashley W. and have been corresponding for probably almost 2 years, and Ashley P.... well, this is my first letter to her. The first of many! Lord, thank you for little joys like receiving a letter.

I am

Olli 

Turn It Up Tuesday: Moonrise Kingdom Soundtrack

Peanut, myself & some friends of ours went and watched Wes Anderson's new flick tonight: Moonrise Kingdom. Definitely one of my new favorites of his... although The Life Aquatic will always up there. Too tired to write and too much to tell. Three things I can say... GOOD MOVIE. The music was quite, QUITE good (I'll be purchasing the soundtrack shortly). And I want a pair of binoculars.

I am

Olli