Something To Tell You.

To my most faithful, lovely, awesome blog followers/readers/photography clients:

I'm moving!

No, no, not the blog (whew).

In fact, this blog will be where I share and keep you updated on this journey on which I am about to embark.

I, San Diego born girl, am moving from the sunny West Coast to:

Texas!

It's 95% thrilling, and 5% terrifying.  But, even that makes it fun.

God has provided an opportunity for my awesome parents, whom I dearly love and admire to move to the Lone Star State. 

Through prayer and wise counsel, I have decided to step out of my comfort zone and see what Texas may hold for me, as well.  I've visited a couple of times, and loved it both. 

I believe God used my parents as tools to move me.  (In addition to working in their lives).  Because, a year ago, Texas wasn't even an option, in my mind.  And now?  I can't imagine not going.  I'm in a position to go, and the doors are swinging open for me.  I've prayed, sought wise counsel, and have been overwhelmingly supported by my close friends and confidants...they tell me they will miss me, but I have to at least give it a shot.

I, personally, will be seeking out a place in Austin, while they seek out a place farther south of the city, in one of the communities lying between Austin and San Antonio.

Oh, the uncharted territory, adventures, and challenges I will face.  But, I know this is where God is leading me, for this season of life, and I am surrounded by His perfect peace.

So....

Sadly, Little Flock has shut its doors for the time being.  I will not be able to take any more clients or schedule any shoots, as the move will be happening at the end of June (fast!), but there is a chance that in the meantime, at some tragic point, my computer will be temporarily shut off, which means no editing.

Also, a change in e-mail carriers, which means my Little Flock, and personal e-mail addresses will be closed in the very near future.  Boo.

I'll keep you posted as I move along. 

Stick around!

God is good.  Life is exciting.  I'm ready for the risk. 

I.Can't.Wait...

...to see what He has planned next.

xoxo,

Angela

Friday Fondness: Don't Try This At Home {Scary}.

Allow me to preface this post by telling you that I do not categorize this subject as 'fondness', nor do I, in any way, agree with participating in these kinds of 'activities'.  Are we clear on that?  Good...now on with the post...

I am a 30 year old adult.

I am still creeped out, however old I may be, by the bathroom mirror in the dark.

Why?  You wonder.

Because of that Urban Legend.

You know which one.

Bloody Mary.

Sheesh.  Scared me then, scares me now.

I don't recall fully participating in this...er, summoning activity?  Something about standing in a dark bathroom, with the faucet running, chanting 'Bloody Mary' or some nonsense.  And, there might be spinning involved?

Regardless, I wasn't going to look it up, but figured that since I found the information via Wikipedia, it would be safe.

Um, not.  Did you read that? 

What kind of horrific childhood game is this?  Chanting in a dark bathroom until you see some sort of evil reflection in the mirror?  Man alive, I think not.

I do know a few people who have done this, in the days of our carefree youth, and swear that it happened (as in, a ghostly figure appeared, not a violent murder mentioned in the article), and others swear it did not. 

Also, I was unaware that her husband could be summoned by calling his nickname, 'Candyman.'  One of my friends has a story about that...maybe she'd be willling to do a guest spot, telling us about it...hhhhmmmm.

Instead of playing 'Bloody Mary', why not get together with friends and have a Bloody Mary?

I like including pictures in my posts, but this one was too...spooky...to add a related one, so in case you feel a little creeped out, this is for you:

Oh, look!  A pretty flower!  Tra-la-la.

Happy Friday!

Weight Watcher Wednesday: Simply Filling.

I've hit a plateau with dear WW these past couple of weeks.  Following the plan, tracking, walking, and still fluctuating between a 3 pound range that should have already been history.

Frustrating.

So, with some advice, I discovered the WW Simply Filling Food technique.  For a week (or more, if I choose), instead of counting my daily points, I will only choose food from the filling food list, such as fat free dairy products, lean proteins, fruits and veggies, whole grains, etc.

Basically, you don't count these foods, because they are very low in fat, and contain a lesser amount of refined sugars.  If I wanted something like a See's sucker, or Fiber One bar, it would be taken from my weekly points allowance, which doesn't change.

It's nice that WW offers a variation to the program.  I hope it will be a kickstart for my body to get moving again on the weight loss track. 

I'll let you know how the week went on this plan. 

And hopefully, I will get past the plateau.

That One Time, When I Almost Moved to SF.

As previously promised, I would like to share with you the story of my ‘almost’ move to the lovely City by the Bay, aka, San Francisco.

In a nutshell, I visited this land (come on, SF is literally its own land in more ways than one, wouldn’t you agree?) for the first time in the summer of 2006. Somehow, I fell for its quirky vibrancy, free flowing lifestyle, unexplored territories, and all that falls in between.

Since first meeting the city, I have visited 4 times. A couple of times recreationally, but a couple for ‘business.’ And that ‘business’ was simply to move there and attend the Academy of Art University.

Let’s put it this way. I prayed, prayed, prayed on this one. I wanted it to the core of my being. I envisioned my life, finding a hip church where I could get involved, coffee with new friends from all over the world, reconnecting with old friends who call this place their home, establishing myself in the thriving art scene, someday. I had the blessings of my parents. I had the support of my friends. I decided the best course of action would be to plug myself into a local nanny agency, and go from there. And I did all that. I met with a counselor at the Academy, to discuss finances, loans, and academic transfers. I discussed the possibility with my boss. I even went to a well known agency, and filled out all the paperwork.

And that was when I knew the answer was no. I was sitting there, in the agency meeting room, alone with a stack of papers. In the midst of filling out my education, my experience, my this, and my that, I looked up at the panoramic window overlooking the buildings towards downtown. I marveled at the view. I noticed the sky was brilliantly blue. I thought about how it was windy that day, and cold. And then, out of nowhere, I understood that God had literally taken me as far as I was to go in that journey.

I truly believe the purpose of all of that was to trust God, to step out in faith, to follow Him. And every door opened along the way. Until they were shut. It was a growing time for me; a time to listen to His gentle calling. And I felt His peace in knowing I was finished, before I had truly begun. There, at least.

Two years have past since then. I don’t regret not going, but sometimes can’t help but wonder what it would have been like to go. I’ve also struggled with the feeling of being in ‘limbo’. Not knowing for certain where or what God is calling me to do. I’ve felt Him working on my heart, in my life, in ways that are personal, and meaningful, to me. It is all about the journey, I’ve come to understand.

I firmly believe that God used that time in my life to nudge me from my comfort zone. To look beyond complacency, and to trust that, because of Him, I can have the courage to step out and discover something new about myself.

Even more so, this experience allowed me to see another way in which waiting on His timing in life is never wasted.

Weight Watcher Wednesday: I {heart} Sees.

Sees Candy.

To.Die.For.

Points?

Not too hot.  Depending.

But, their classic Lollipops?

Mmmmmm.

2 points each.

I {heart} Sees.

Art Archives. Part 1.

My photo files on my computer are a hot mess right now.  In the process of searching for some photos, stored away in the oblivion of hard drive land, I found this:

I did this particular drawing in my college drawing/comp. class about a year (or so) ago, modeled from a magazine image.

I guess I should start up the art again, as I truly love it. 

 I much prefer painting to drawing, but it is a great exercise in discipline, lighting, and composition. 

{I secretly dream of having a gallery show of my paintings.  Something fun and whimsically thematic}

For Walkers, Runners and Hikers.

If you like to take long walks, or go on hikes, check out this website:

http://www.mapmywalk.com/

It's like mapquest for walking/hiking/running.  You can add starting points, create your own routes, and finishing points, and it will estimate your mileage for you!

Friday Fondness: Swans Crossing.

Once upon a time, there was a teen soap opera called 'Swans Crossing'.

It was short lived, and poorly acted for the most part, though it did feature future stars such as Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Mira Sorvino (numerous films, including Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion).  It ran for one measley season back in 1993.

But, I loved it.  The drama.  The heartache.  The rich teens.  The plot twists. 

It was Saved By the Bell sans comedy, Dawson's Creek sans semi-believable emotional strings, and Beverly Hills 90210 sans popularity.

Oh, Swans Crossing.  The mishmash of overly dramatic beautiful people in a small town, learning about love and betrayal.

{heart}

Adios, Mural. {An Example of Stellar 'Street Art'}

Okay, I am seriously glad I got a picture of this awesome mural, painted on the side of an art supply store near Old Town, in SD.

How cute is that?

Because...

It's gone.

Painted over: sad, plain white.  With a sign:  We've Moved!

Glad the store is still rockin' in the area, and I'm sure they will jazz up the side of their new location.

But, I loved this mural.

{Sigh}

Times, they are a-changing.

Weight Watcher Wednesday: Missed You.

Dear Weight Watchers,

During my travels to the land of BBQ, you were always on my mind.

I don't want, nor will I pretend, to know the number of points in some of the tasty meals I indulged in.

But, I am back, old chum.  Back, for good.

And I am so glad.

Love,

Me

Tweet, tweet!

Follow me on Twitter, fellow Tweeting friends!  Click the button on the right!

I'll follow you in return!

You are rockstars!

I had a Twitter issue, so if you don't appear on my followers list and you used to, just re-follow, and all is well!!

Yay!

Book Vs. Movie. I Can't Believe This Didn't Make the List.

My dear friend Debbie read my Book vs. Movie post, and gifted me a bit of nostalgia, a book/movie combo I overlooked:

The Babysitter's Club.

Sigh.  Happy memories.

If you were reading my blog during my brief switch to Wordpress, then you would remember that I dedicated a Friday Fondness post to the grand ol' BSC.

Thanks to Debbie, I now own the BSC movie on DVD, plus a copy of the book that started it all:  'Kristy's Great Idea'.

That's a tough comparison, though.  There were 100+ BSC books written, but only 1 feature film created.  And everyone has a different story line.

So, if you {hearted} the kids in the club, I would say read it and watch it!

Thanks Debbie!

P.S.  If you want to reflect on the awesomeness of these teeny bopper moguls, cruise by Kim's blog.  She rocks.

Book Vs. Movie. My Picks.

I love to read a good book.

I enjoy a good movie.

Therefore, I like comparing books to their movie makeovers.

Here is my list of books/movies, and which version I prefer (my own humble opinion).

1.  Memoirs of a Geisha.  Arthur Golden.  (The recollections of a successful Geisha in Japan).

The movie is great, but the book is fabulous.  Read it!

2.  The Beach.  Alex Garland.  (A tourist comes across a secret island off the shore in Thailand).

Both were good in their own rights, but I really like the movie.  Watch it!

3.  Harry Potter (any).  J.K. Rowling.  (Young wizard Harry and his Hogwarts pals and their adventures).

Love the movies, but the books ROCK.  Read it!

4.  The Thorn Birds.  Colleen McCullough.  (Love affair between a woman and a priest, set in New Zealand).

Book and movie are a bit long and drawn out.  If you want the condensed version, I vote movie.  Watch it!

5.  Bridget Jones' Diary.  Helen Fielding.  (30 something Bridget seeks love).

Both are hilarious.  I personally love the book.  Read it!

6.  The Notebook.  Nicholas Sparks.  (First love and rekindled romance between a couple).

Oh, oh, the romance of the movie and the chemistry of the actors.  I read the book, but felt it lacked the emotion that was portrayed in the film.  Watch it!

7.  The Virgin Suicides.  Jeffrey Eugenides.  (5 beautiful sisters take their own lives within the course of one year).

One of my favorite books ever.  It is so beautifully written, you feel like you are there.  The movie was well done and kept very close to the novel.  Read it!

8.  The Invisible Circus.  Jennifer Egan.  (Young Phoebe takes on a journey to discover the truth behind her older sister's death).

I only discovered this was a book after stumbling across the movie one night on the movie channel.  The movie was intruiging and heartfelt, but the book explained it all so much better.  Read it!

9.  Rebecca.  Daphne Du Maurier.  (A young woman falls into the shadow of her husband's dead wife).

There have a been a few films made based on this 1938 novel, but the book is by far the best.  Read it!

10.  To Kill A Mockingbird.  Harper Lee.  (Scout and Jem are fascinated by the mysterious Boo Radley, in Alabama).

Oh, where to begin with this one?  This is a tie, for sure.  The book is wonderful, and so is the movie.  Love, love, love them.  Read it!  Watch it!

There you have it, folks!  My own little list of Book vs. Movie comparisons! 

Home!

I am home from a wonderful trip to Texas.

I stayed (for the 2nd time) in New Braunfels, which lies between San Antonio and Austin.

I spent a day in San Antonio, visiting the Alamo, Market Square, San Fernando Cathedral, and various areas of the downtown area.

{Top:  San Fernando Cathdral.  Bottom:  Market Square}

I spent a day in Austin, visiting the Capitol, and outlying regions, downtown, and ended the day sitting along the Colorado River, watching the nightly flight of 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats.  Unfortunately, because it got so dark, it was very difficult to take decent photographs, but it was amazing to watch these tiny animals fly from their home under the Congress Bridge and dart into the sky.

{Texas Capitol}

In between the 2 city visits, I enjoyed taking pictures of the wildflowers, which blanketed the ground everywhere. 

Especially the Bluebonnets.

{Texas Bluebonnet}

It was a blast, and I really loved Austin...it felt very 'SF/SD-esque' and I look forward to visiting again!

Weight Watcher Wednesday: BBQ sans points.

Points schmoints.

There is a good chance I'm splurging on some 'down home' BBQ

here.

Mmmmmm. 

Texans know their barbeque.

Easter Joy.

Easter isn't about egg hunting...

{my sister and I, back in the day}

Or super cute retro dresses...

{my sister and I, circa '84}

And it's not neccessarily about family...

{with my Aunt Marnie, in Tennessee, '84}

...it's about the ressurrection of Jesus Christ.

Because He died on the cross...

I live.

I have hope.  Forgiveness.  Unfailing love.  Joy.

A life with my Savior.

Eternal life.

...

Happy Easter!

Friday Fondness: My Memories of Fireflies.

As a child, I visited Tennessee a few times.  My Great Aunt Marnie', and my Aunt Margaret lived there, in a small, quaint town called Paris...home of the 'World's Largest Fish Fry'.

One of my favorite memories of these visits was the summer dusk at my Aunt Marnie's old brick house.  The humidity was unbearable at times, but the sunset brought a coolness and it seemed to illuminate the greenery around her home.

And the fireflies would begin their lightning dances in the shrubs, and the trees, moving along the lawn.

Image via web.

It was like a fairy land.  I would wait all day for the fireflies to emerge, and catch them in mason jars and watch them in wonder, wishing that I could bring them home with me.

I miss fireflies.  They bring a gentle magic to the evening blanket of Spring, and Summer.  They remind me of the days spent in that sleepy town...in the lovely house, filled with antiques...which, incidently, has been restored and is now a Bed & Breakfast called The Veranda.

Someday, I'd love to visit that house again, and sit on the front porch, at dusk, waiting for the fireflies to return.

It will be even sweeter when I have my own children.  I will give them mason jars, and watch them chase the fairies.

Alas, this post is more sentimental than most. 

Have a LOVELY Friday.