The Littlest Herdman

An Apologetic Remark

2011-06-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Dear READERS:
I am so sorry that I've been such a flake and haven't posted in months! Life after Florida went two ways: busy and busy. I wish I could say that my summer has been the same, but in fact I've got a lot more time on my plate that I'm just wasting away. So much for productivity right? For now I'll just say that I have photos on the way and I've a few posts that I need to still finish, from my leadership camp I went to in May and also FLORIDA - which was a blast. I'll continue to finish up the Word Clambake in a few days, and then I'll move on to my new obsession. Any guesses?

-Peace Like A River! (read it. It's a book.)

Sunshine State

2011-04-07T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!
As of late, my insane schedule prevented me from posting. I am currently sitting in the Salt Lake City Airport... just waiting to board at 3:09. I'm not sure whether I'll have internet, so I'll just post the lyrics to my favorite song: Paper Bag by Fionna Apple.
The video I guess is the music video.... but I only watched the first 38 seconds... so I hope it is appropriate... if not... flog me.

I was staring at the sky, just looking for a star
To pray on, or wish on, or something like that
I was having a sweet fix of a daydream of a boy
Whose reality I knew, was a hopeless to be had
But then the dove of hope began it's downward slope
And I believed for a moment that my chances
Were approaching to be grabbed
But as it came down near, so did a weary tear
-I thought it was a bird, but it was just a paper bag
-Hunger hurts, and I want him so bad, oh it kills
'cause I know I'm a mess he don't wanna clean up
I got to fold 'cause these hands are too shaky to hold
-Hunger hurts, but starving works, when it costs too much to love
And I went crazy again today, looking for a strand to climb
Looking for a little hope
Baby said he couldn't stay, wouldn't put his lips to mine,
And a fail to kiss is a fail to cope
I said, "Honey, I don't feel so good, don't feel justified
Come on put a little love here in my void,' - he said
"It's all in your head,' and I said, "So's everything' -
But he didn't get it - I thought he was a man
But he was just a little boy
-Hunger hurts, and I want him so bad, oh it kills
'cause I know I'm a mess he don't wanna clean up
I got to fold 'cause these hands are too shaky to hold
-Hunger hurts, but starving works, when it costs too much to love
-Hunger hurts, and I want him so bad, oh it kills
'cause I know I'm a mess he don't wanna clean up
I got to fold 'cause these hands are too shaky to hold
-Hunger hurts, but starving works, when it costs too much to love

From Blossoms

2011-04-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

From blossoms comes
this brown paper bag of peaches
we bought from the boy
at the bend in the road where we turned towardsigns painted Peaches.

From laden boughs, from hands,
from sweet fellowship in the bins,
come nectar at the roadside, succulent
peaches we devour, dusty skin and all,
comes the familiar dust of summer, dust we eat.

O, to take what we love inside,
to carry within us an orchard, to eat
not only the skin, but the shade,
not only the sugar, but the days, to hold
the fruit in our hands, adore it, then bite into
the round jubilance of peach.

There are days we live
as if death were nowhere
in the background; from joy
to joy to joy, from wing to wing,
from blossom to blossom to
impossible blossom, to sweet impossible blossom.

- Li-Young Lee

Last summer I took a writing class with friends around the neighborhood. My teacher, showed us this poem which I fell in love with. I am an avid eater of peaches and I have this obsession with fruit stands, dust and the old way of life.
Finding inspiration from this poem by Lee, I created my own about blueberries. I'm still working on it and I only dabble in poetry. I love it though. Enjoy!

Two gems I see
patiently still,
placed in my palm
waiting to be loved.

Loved by the buds in my mouth,
blue, shiny with wrinkles,
cold to the touch.

Ripe in sight,
fresh with flavor,
waiting to be.

Rolling in my palm,
two gems to be loved.

The challenge for the day is find a food, or an item that reminds you of your favorite season. If you choose, take that item and make a poem, or find a picture or share your favorite memory with that item!
Happy writing!

(photos courtesy of www.adventuresinshaw.com and google.com)

Mystery Song?

2011-04-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0YNy-ryqG8&feature=related

This is not apart of the Word Clambake, but, I LOVE this song and I LOVE this movie and I LOVE you all enough to share it. Enjoy!

Language

2011-04-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

Today's post for the Inspiration Gala is focused on the use of language and how it is essentially an art form.
While at an author viewing of Bron Bahlmann at my high school, Bron showed us this video by Stephen Fry. I thought it was a hoot. Enjoy!

Looking for the Good

2011-04-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

"Whenever humanity seems condemned to heaviness, I think I should fly like Perseus into a different space. I don’t mean escaping into dreams or the irrational. I mean that I have to change my approach, look at the world from a different perspective, with a different logic and with fresh methods of cognition and verification. (Terence sent me this quote the other day. A good battle cry, I believe... and one I wholeheartedly respect.)"
— Italo Calvino

Hello Readers! Day Two of our Inspirational Gala is here! Today's focus is on looking for the good, whether it be in each other, in ourselves, in our talents, in our trials and in our futures.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints shared this talk:

https://lds.org/ensign/2011/03/looking-for-the-good?lang=spa&clang=eng

that has given me something to be inspired about.

"Have you ever noticed that people can usually find whatever they are looking for? Look hard enough, and you can discover both good and bad in almost anyone and anything...There is no end to the creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity of those who look for reasons to criticize. They cannot seem to release their grip on grudges. They gossip and find fault with others. They nurse wounds for decades, taking every opportunity to tear down and demean others...

President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901) knew President Brigham Young (1801–77) well, working closely with him for many years, both as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as his counselor in the First Presidency. After the death of President Young, President Cannon wrote in his journal: “I never criticized or found fault with [Brigham Young’s] conduct, his counsel or his teachings at any time in my heart, much less in my words or actions. This is a pleasure to me now. The thought that ever was with me was: If I criticize or find fault with, or judge Brother Brigham, how far shall I go; if I commence, where shall I stop? I dared not to trust myself in such a course. I knew that apostasy frequently resulted from the indulgence of the spirit of criticizing and faultfinding. Others, of greater strength, wisdom and experience than myself, might do many things and escape evil consequences which I dare not do.”¹

President Cannon’s powerful counsel is something we members of the Church should consider with great care. The word of God admonishes the followers of Christ to be “pure, … peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” For those who make peace, “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace” (James 3:17, 18).

We have a choice. We can seek for the bad in others. Or we can make peace and work to extend to others the understanding, fairness, and forgiveness we so desperately desire for ourselves. It is our choice; for whatever we seek, that we will certainly find."

I believe that as we strive to seek good things in others, our self worth and respect for others will increase, and will come to make our days brighter, lighter and kinder.

For the Daily Challenge, I dare you, (oh, yes I dare) to find the good around you. To start, look at these photos that portray people and events and see if you can see the "goodness".

(photos courtesy of nationalgeographic.org and campaignforfamilies.org)

Salut, I'm Back!

2011-03-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Well folks:

It's minutes until 12 am... and that means that there is still time to post this entry before April 2... we are close. I'd like to announce that everyday this WHOLE month will be my Inspiration Gala... the Word Clambake so to say. Everyday this month, I'll post: some of YOUR inspired writings, some "ginger peachy" quotes, pictures, poems, short stories, excerpts from books, movie lines and music. What a sprawl!

Well to start it off with a BaNG, this is a poem written by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers (French?) that I grew up with:

Keep a poem in your pocket
and a picture in your head
and you'll never feel lonely
at night when you're in bed.

The little poem will sing to you
the little picture bring to you
a dozen dreams to dance to you
at night when you're in bed.

So-
Keep a picture in your pocket
and a poem in your head
and you'll never feel lonely
at night when you're in bed.

I hope that this month will help give you readers, family and friends something to "feast" on! Words and language are to be celebrated and shared! I think what we say and what we read go hand in hand in what we do. Surrounding ourselves with things that make ourselves cheerful can enrich and bless our lives in so many ways!
Maya Angelou once quoted:
"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song"

I don't have the answers to everything, but I do know that when we pick something we love whether it be stamp collecting, cleaning, music, sports, children, dancing, Spanish Soap Operas, and even quilting (anything you choose to fancy), our lives can bring a little bit more spirit into our everyday routine. I'm here now to trumpet what many others throughout the ages have celebrated: the human voice.

ENJOY!
(get ready...you're in for some romping, and tomfoolery)

(like this guy below...)

(see how merry?)(Or... like other chap below:)

(There we go... that's more like it. Great enthusiasm.)
*NOTE* I am not promoting his cigarettes in anyway... just his face.
Oh... and Happy April Fools!
(I'm not fooling around though, I really will be clambaking with words. Don't fret.)

Fleet Foxes - Tiger Mountain Peasant Song (Cover)

2011-02-19T09:47:00.000-08:00

I love them.

Such Great Heights Cover By Landon Austin!!

2011-02-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

.... and this one.

Song Pick #4. No Worries- Just Listen. (Kina Grannis and Landon Austin Play "Waitin"'

2011-02-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

I'm a liar. I like this one too. Well the guitar.

# 3 (New Soul- Yael Naim Cover)

2011-02-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

My 3rd favorite.

Another Secret Song. (1234 (One Two Three Four) - Feist Cover)

2011-02-03T15:09:00.000-08:00

Kina, what can we say: You're stunning!

The Prettiest Song Ever. (White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes Cover)

2011-02-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you Kina Grannis.

Giant’s Causeway Photo – Ireland Wallpaper – National Geographic Photo of the Day

2010-12-22T22:55:00.000-08:00

Giant’s Causeway Photo – Ireland Wallpaper – National Geographic Photo of the Day

My Theme Song

2010-12-13T17:37:00.000-08:00

My theme song I think.
I love you Ingrid.

Her Morning Elegance / Oren Lavie

2010-12-13T17:16:00.000-08:00

Remarkable! I love the cello! I wonder how long it took them to make this as good as it is?
- Kelsey

Fishing Fingers

2010-12-13T17:04:00.000-08:00

Oreos + milk + fingers in a glass = drowned cookies and fishing fingers.
SOLUTION?
Oreos + milk+ FORK in a glass = a perfect simple neat way to eat goodness.
Food for thought,
Kels

A Little Nuts...

2010-12-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!
Sorry I just swamped my blog with videos- but I think it a such a powerful resource to express music and ideas. Plus it's all good, so why wouldn't I post it? I just wanted to tell you all the good news that I am FINALLY finishing up my 319 paged journal I've had since December 2007 today! I've been trying to get it done for the past year, and I'm so excited to be finished and move on with a new one. Its important to me, because it's a fresh start for. (not to mention my new journals are ADORABLE! Thank you Amy Butler and BYU Museum of Art!) Well that's all! And I'm still looking for writing excerpts that YOU love! So far I've gotten 3 entries! My goal for this week is at least 10! Please send me ANY type of writing you've found inspirational... picturesque, humorous, tear jerking, thoughtful etc. Check the previous post "A Quest For You" and email me at:

herdyherd18@hotmail.com

or just post it as a comment. THANK YOU! Check out the 80's videos for a blast in the past!

- Kelsey

Let The Rain

2010-12-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

This is such a good pep talk song to raise one's moral.
(A bit girly, but brilliant)

UNICEF: India

2010-12-09T14:39:00.000-08:00

I think this is outstanding.

Dancing In Heaven!

2010-12-09T14:36:00.000-08:00

This video is proof that I should have been born in the 80's.

It's All The RAVE!

2010-12-09T14:31:00.000-08:00

Seriously I've listened to this song 13 times today. It's that good. Good video. Good song. Good man. Good gracious! Good A-ha! Take Me ON!

A Dream That I Have

2010-12-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

Guys: I've came to the realization that my sister Brooke is fantastic. I've always known but today she posted something on my Facebook that has now become my dream. She is going to make me the lion headdress that Luna Lovegood wears in the 5th Harry Potter movie. Its already written in stone and I can't wait for that moment.

This is the example picture she sent me.

Rain Clouds and Sunshine

2010-12-02T20:05:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I have the opportunity of attending BYU's annual Suicide Prevention Conference tomorrow from 8:30-4:00pm. I went to last years and I LOVED it! It was really heavy since we were dealing with victims of suicide, post-trauma stress disorders, interviews with suicidal people and depression.
I am really excited to go with a few of my school's HOPE Squad team (a group of peers from your high school who are a reference for people in need to be referred to a counsler or just to be there as a friend), and learn and grow within my self! I just hope that I'll be able to make it through the day. The issues that people face are real hard life circumstances. I believe it's important that we all should understand why someone might be depressed and how to help them out. What a fun day of some emotional rain clouds and sunshine I'll have tomorrow! Let's DO it!

Foreign Readers!

2010-12-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

To ALL of my foreign readers! YOU can send me your favorite writing as well! Merci beaucoup! Grazi! (I hope that's italian) talk! Gracias! Com-sasi-masu ? THANKS!

- The Littlest Herdman

A Quest FOR YOU!

2010-11-30T19:28:00.001-08:00

Hello Readers!
I am in the need of your assistance to help me find AMAZING, BRILLIANT, STUPENDOUS, FAR OUT, WILD, LOVELY, and SWANK poems/readings/essays/quotes/talks or any snippets of writing that you love, were inspired by, laughed, cried, cherish or find yourself reading over and over again. I want to compile mine and your favorite writings on a blog (soon to be created...!!!) where others can feel free to look at and admire. I also want to take this blog a step further and create it into a "zine" where I'll continue to post things about me, my life, and little facts about me. You can send me your own personal writings or of someone published, someone you know or etc. Let the games begin! Thank you so much!

Please send me YOUR copy at:

herdyherd18@hotmail.com

or email me if you'd like to give me hard copy or a zerox print.
or post a comment of a link for a website, or questions

ITALIA!

2010-11-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Italy,
I want you.
Love Kelsey.

(Courtesy of National Geographic Photographers)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Thank you for reading and for your support! I'm so grateful for everyone in my life who has helped me become who I am now, who has loved, encouraged, strengthened, aided, uplifted, laughed with me, and who's always been there with a hug and a smile. I'm grateful for my family and that they have never thrown me out of the house, although they might have wanted too.... and or my country and the rights and freedoms men and women have preserved. THANK YOU! Now let's eat!

Rats.

2010-11-24T19:24:00.000-08:00

Lately, I've been trying to finish reading Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger: which I highly recommend. But instead of getting into the whole book, I'll just share my favorite passage that I found reading today. It explains my feelings over the past week and how sometimes the truth really does hurt.

"Dad asked, "You remember what the Lord said about enemies?"
In fact I did remember some passages about enemies. Once, sick of whinners, the Lord caused the earth to crack open like an old bun and a crowd of them fell right in. And how about that prophet Elijah, slaughtering four hundred priests of Baal in one afternoon? Then there were the twisted fellows of Sodom and Gomorrah, and the time before that when God killed pretty much everyone in the world except Noah's family. The Old Testament, boy, it suited me.
"Love your enemies," Dad said. "Pray for those who persecute you."
He would pick those verses.
"Rats, huh?" he said."

Well I just sat and laughed about how true that it and how Heavenly Father is trying to tell me that too. Except that my enemies aren't human. They are complaining, sarcasm, insults, gruffing, pity, idleness and the core of it all: not being grateful. What a great lesson to realize just hours away from Thanksgiving. I really do have a lot to be thankful for, its just hard not to add up your troubles and trials before you count off your blessings.
Dear sweet Marjorie Hinckley wrote:

"We are His children. And if we ever got that through our heads thoroughly, understood that completely, we would never do a small thing, we would never say a cross word, we would not use bad language, we would not criticize anybody, we would love everyone the way the Savior loves us."

I read that, and my heart drooped. Who was I to condemn anothers actions, when I looked not at my own? Who was I to complain? Who was I to be upset?
Well being frustrated at myself is something I'm an expert at. Then I woke up this morning and read this quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley. I sure miss him.

"My plea is that we stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully in the sunlight. I am suggesting that as we go through life, we "accentuate the positive". I am asking that we look a little deeper for the good, that we still our voices of insult and sarcasm, that we more generously compliment and endorse virtue and effort."

What a slap in the face I got! I understand that this doesn't mean that I have to be perfect everyday in words and actions, but that I should and I need to be trying harder to do so.
What a lesson to be learned.

The Turks Got It.

2010-11-22T20:31:00.000-08:00

I wonder what would be more harder: not laughing at how hilarious this is, or from thinking how much you'd want to do this too.
What skills.

A Feast for Your Face.... Ears?

2010-11-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

Well: I might as well give your ears a feast of quality music.
So outstanding. I hope you know.

Who Knew Masks Were Desirable?

2010-11-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

One day I'll be cool enough to play this on my solemn little viola (his name is Stanley)... well perhaps in the eternities...

Plus: for flavor check out the brilliant masks!? Insane. Lovely.

Just A Little Bit.

2010-11-20T21:56:00.000-08:00

Perhaps with the lack of sleep Friday morning (I saw HP 7...) with a little bit of Henry David Thoreau and Ralph W. Emerson, lately you could say that I've been an emotional wreck. One second life is bliss and the next I'm crying because of a dead elf, or I'm crying because of the pressure that will await in the future and wallowing that I'm a lazy lass who really needs to clean her room. *Note: that it is 11:01 and I've been procrastinating my laundry that REALLY needs to be washed by tomorrow and how I'm lounging in my bed that currently is toppled with clean clothes, a viola, HP 7, unblowed-up balloons, ribbon, and my french packet.

I don't however want to vent about my current issues, but my current understandings.
I don't think I'll be able to relate everything though at this time, but I might as well start by telling you a tad about myself. I'll give you a sample of 5 facts underneath me, starting with a BIG fact to the little quirks

1. Well first things first, and the first thing you should know is that I love mainly everything. Its hard for me not to like something, unless you're yellow corn, breaded shrimp, Navajo tacos from school cafeterias or books about vampires. I'm not only talking about food, but people as well. I'm just so grateful that I've gotten the chance to have met you, or in this case be your friend. I believe that we all as human beings have the heart, mind, strength and spirit to help and encourage one another. No one is too small or too busy to give a helping hand and that is, by being a friend.

2. One secret about me, is that I secretly wish to be in a play and from there Broadway. I absolutely love plays and musicals, and I love singing. I have not had the opportunity or the guts to try out for a play or to take a choir class. I'm not a very good singer or dancer and I have no idea about acting. But when I see plays or musicals I just get the thrill of the performances. It just looks fun. Perhaps one day....

3. Yes. I love tucking my pants inside my socks. Its cozy and keeps the draft away. If Cameron Diaz can do it in The Holiday, and if Ash from Fantastic Mr. Fox can. Then I can to. (I'll post pictures.)

4. I think my new favorite color might be red. This is new because for ages it was always various shades of blues. But now, I think red just might be it. I think it compliments things nicely and I love how it brightens and pops just a bit of spice into life.

5. I might as well give you a history of things I have wanted to be when I was younger.
- an artist (4-8 yrs. old)
- a singer (yes, Brittney Spears was once my role model- 4-8 yrs. old)
- an ick-thi-ologist (no idea what it was, or how its spelled, but it works with marine life 8-10 years old)
- a teacher (7-13 yrs old)
- a librarian (8- present)
- an astronaut (7-11 yrs old)
- a firework builder (7?)
- a food tester (9 yrs. old)
- a chief (11-14 yrs. old)
- a clothing/fashion designer (9-11 yrs old)
- a soldier (8 yrs old. I had an obsession with camo in 2nd grade. Hey, it was cool)

Currently I want to be a photojournalist/humanitarian/anthroplogist/ working with refugees and international developments while being a mom and a librarian, married to a German violin/viola/cello maker who plays the cello who is a part time doctor (can come with me on humanitarian trips) who loves reading and has a heart like Gilbert Blythe. It wouldn't be bad if he could also play the piano since I cannot and if he could sew or knit. Oh and also be a Mormon who has a good testimony and wants to get married in the Draper Temple, the Nauvoo Temple or the Rome Temple. Give him my condolences. :)

And to top it all off here is my current favorite quote of the week:

"A truly good book teaches me better than to read it. I must soon lay it down, and commence living on its hint. What I began by reading, I must finish it by acting"
- Henry D. Thoreau

So my dear friends, I'm challenging YOU this week to write down the facts of your life and share them with someone who might not know you as well as you'd like or think. Pick something you want to share with others, give them a gift to be thankful for: you.

If There Was No You by Brandi Carlile

2010-11-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

'
I love this song. I just heard it about 15 minutes ago watching "Great Migrations from National Geographic. I tried to put up the video that they played but the it was faulty. Enjoy!

Let the Games Begin!

2010-11-15T14:00:00.000-08:00

Alright! I got my new template picked out, at least for now. I hope that I will be able to keep you all updated about me, and I want to add a little bit more about what makes me, me. I can't wait to begin!

Improving Blog Improvements

2010-11-14T22:07:00.000-08:00

Dear readers!
I'm laying out a new template- and it's not this one currently being displayed. I just spent 10 minutes getting a more swank set up for The Littlest Herdman- but blogger.com said that it had a problem and to try again later. This is not my new layout so be not afraid!
Thank you so much!

p.s. Here is a random thought: if you ever are in any kind of mood making cupcakes is always a good thing.

All About Your Heart - Mindy Gledhill - feat. Fiona Brawley

2010-11-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

Just the joy of the dancing soul.

Mindy Gledhill - Anchor

2010-11-08T15:28:00.000-08:00

This is just BRILLIANT! I love the piano- and the graphics! Just a little slice of sentimental bliss.

CHRISTMAS TIME!

2010-11-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

Today in orchestra we got new music. CHRISTMAS music! Is there any other time of the year besides Christmas where it seems everyone around you is freezing, sick and yet JOLLY? Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love it MORE than my birthday, MORE than Halloween, MORE than Valentines day, MORE than the good ol' fourth of July, and MORE than New Years. No wonder Winter is my favorite season.... :)

Observe:

2010-09-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Summer Photos!

2010-09-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

Train tracks as we are heading to Mia Shalom!

Water is a great thing when hiking.
My friends! (left to right) Maddy, Emily, Me, Nancy Brown, Kennedy and Michelle Sorenson.
The area where I solo hiked.

An image from our skit, which no one understood.

The epic A-frame at the Confidence Courses.

At the Amazing Race, our ward carried limes with spoons.

Pot gut.
The oar looked yummy.

Quite the mountaineer, I'll say...

This picture is actually supposed to go with the later reunion posts. This was the sky after it poured down on us while setting up camp.

On the way to St. George, for Lizzy Ungerman's birthday! (Mia and I).
Mia, Debora and I.
The CATS production at the Tuacahn. Deb, Mia, Rum Tum Tugger, Me, and Lizzy.

GoLd FisH

I guess they had this really large rocking chair... so we all clamored aboard.

For mutual we played soccer and kick ball with some friends from Spain.

Horses at the family reunion.

Kaylie, my niece threw a paper air plane, and it landed on my head. My brother in the background is quite amused.
"HaARrY!"
My horse lovers. :)

The cute chapel building were we went to church. (Teresa, I think that boy is standing right behind Craig's head on the steps...)

Jason, and my nephew Kaden
At the actual reunion. We stole someone's football......

I happen to be wearing that same outfit at this moment...
Kaylie at the lake!
Oh family pictures....
The boys: Craig, Tyler (blue) Dad, Jason and Kaden.
Checking out whatever is on the ground....
S'more time!
Fishing at the lake, I caught 3 small fish.
The craziness of camp, after the rain... (below)

Grandma Olsen.
Lake.

Brooke and I turned away just in time... Mom was upset, mostly because her camera batteries died right after she tried retaking it again...
Steve and Kaden trying to light a fire like a caveman.

The cows became my friends.
Elsa and I at Utah Lake, right before school.

Too Many Days of Summer!

2010-09-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

The fleeting moments of summer quickly swept me up, and now it's already September! I guess I'll recall what occupied my summer, and some things I learned and exactly "how" far I got on my bucket list. (Not very far at all. boo.)

At the start of June, I drove up to Logan to attend my Red Cross Leadership Camp. And boy, did I meet the best people. Not sure really how my week was going to turn out, I turned to enthusiasm, and the kindness of my new friends. We ate in the cafeteria everyday, filling our stomachs with various meals. Lucy Danes, my fellow LDC friend, and I ate tofu (Lucy, ha, THAT was some great tofu...) and I even tried bamboo- I think I'll leave it for the pandas to eat though. Some of the activities we did were these things called Clan Groups, where we as a group combined our intelligent skills and whooped together service projects for Utah and even a few fundraisers. It made me think, that there are many things we can do now, locally to improve own communities. Sure it's important to look after other people in other countries, but we can liven and uplift the lives of others around us. Those that are nearest to us. I read a quote by Mother Teresa that says: "Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you." If we all did something once a day for someone that we love and care for, how much better would little ol' Provo get? How much better would Utah get? How much better would America get? How much better would the world get? LDC was a great experience, full of moments of laughter "SPOT ON" and a whole bucket of tears as we all said our goodbyes. It's funny to me that the social norm we live in can keep us all from being friends. Like walking into a grocery store, and not interacting with your neighboring shopper. Or going to school and turning away from the girl with her paper sack lunch alone at a table. At LDC I knew no one. But at the end, I gained a family that I never knew I had. Now, I'm not saying that you should wave and engage in an active conversation to everyone you meet- for one that would be a bit strange, and you'd wear yourself out. Trust me, I know! ;) You never know what situation you'll find yourself in, but you'll always know how to go about it, if you have a smile.

After my LDC camp, I went up ol' camp Mia Shalom and had the best year at Girls Camp ever. It was great, because I think my attitude was better, the food was better, and I might have stuffed my face with s'mores... maybe more than I should have. Well I came back and started my awesome babysitting job for a family in my ward. I watched their two boys who taught me a lot. Patience, being spontaneous, how to play Risk and Settlers of Catan, how to be comfortable playing my viola with a house full of kids all listening, that it's now cool to build a "cubicle" instead of a fort, and enthusiasm. It was a great experience and I am so grateful I was able to be apart of their lives while they built mine. Babysitting is more than just watching them. It's watching them learn and grow, while making them french toast in the process. (Nathaniel's favorite breakfast dish.)

Now for my bucket list, here are the things I accomplished:
1. Lord of the Rings Marathon- I voted for it, and then complained the whole time. Sorry Char...
2. 2 weeks off Facebook!- Way to be!
3. New craft learned- leather bracelets.
4. Star Gaze- up in the mountains it's hard not to.
5. New friends!- Um... hello LDC, Youth Conference and Girls CAMP!
6. Eat bamboo- culturally bizarre.
7. Have as much fun as possible- b-i-n-g-o.
8. Learn all of England's kings and queen's names- attempted... and failed.
9. Eat LOTS of Marshmallows- mission accomplished!

I'm thinking I might just tack my Summer Bucket List to my Fall Bucket List... yep that would work.

School has begun, and already I feel like a big nerd. My favorite classes are AP World History, AP US History, English and Seminary. World History is just like a class based on National Geographics, while US History is like a time warp back in time. English this year is on a deeper level. We are looking at the book Fahrenheit 451- and we are looking at the connections Bradbury is making to our life: the future. In a few days I'll have my essay done about that book and I'll post it. Its interesting to see in what ways we are similar.

It's a bit crazy that I'm already 16! I remember thinking to myself when I was barely in kindergarten, what it would be like to be 16, when I could drive and be in High School. To tell you truth, there is really no difference. That little 6 year old is still in me! (that might be parshly because I don't even have my permit yet....)
One of the best things I'm grateful for are my family. (friends definitely included). On Monday the 13th, my other three sister, Mia, Ty and Taralea, took my to Olive Garden as an early birthday dinner. Now usually we are well behaved, but when Mia snitched Taralea's pasta, and in defense Taralea swipped Mia's hand away knocking over her water all over Mia and Mia's pasta. It only took seconds before Ty and I were wiping away tears. That Saturday the day of my birthday, my wonderful family drove up to Big Springs Park, up Provo Canyon where we had a barbeque. Although there weren't any unlocked water spickets, and the bees were trying to eat Brittany and I, it was a marvelous day! My family got me a new ipod, which was a major blessing since my old one sometimes wouldn't turn off, or it would freeze and it didn't lock. Brooke, my sister, gave me my bed table tray that I've been looking for! She filled it up with various items to make it more personal, and I smile everything I look at it. I'll post pictures soon. Now yesterday to further the birthday celebrations, Lizzy Ungerman, my friend and I had a sleepover. To show you how great of friends we are, I asked her if we could take a nap, since that morning I didn't sleep very well. We planned to sleep only for 30 minutes, but it ended up 4 times that long. We also watched Merlin, that British t.v. show that's just as epic as Lord of the Rings, while eating homemade brownies. Liz, you are the best, and I love you lots!

Here are a whole plethora of fun pictures from this summer!

Taralea and I showcase our peddling skills at Youth Conference

Water cup, over the head-tossing.

It's that fun.

Dance party! I'm the girl with the skirt straight ahead with the satchel.

Arriving at LDC in Logan!

Ninja with my fellow LDC campers.

My Clan Group!

Lucy Daynes and I. Yep we're trying to do a "spock" high "4". Fail.

These were taken at the LDC Reunion in July.

(I'm going to make a new post with my favorite pictures from Girls Camp, my family reunion, my St. George trip and other summer events)

Starting with number...

2010-05-28T17:40:00.000-07:00

1! My bucket list, this summer is going to have 30 things/goals/tasks, that I need to complete this summer. A summer's bucket list, could be considered one's renewal of their New Year's resolutions... but I have bigger stones to throw than my resolutions.
Starting with...

1. Have a week long Cheerio's diet with friends!
2. Harry Potter Movie Marathon
3. Lord of the Rings Marathon
4. Read 25 Classics
5. Grow herbs in our garden
6. Make a bag/satchel
7. Make a music video (80's....)
8. Maybe write a historical fiction novel
9. BLOG!
10. Have a food fight.
11. Be lazy (a.k.a. sleep in)
12. Learn how to drive a car- I'm going to be 16 in September... might as well!
13. Take 2 weeks off from Facebook.
14. Take a photo everyday starting June 1st.
15. Learn a new craft
16. Learn basic piano
17. Eat as many s'mores as my little body can allow
18.Plan a BIG picnic at Rock Canyon Park
19. Star gaze
20. Make new friends!
21. Have as much fun as Summer will allow me
22. Eat something culturally bizarre!
23. Sappy love movie marathon
24. Complete everything on this post!
25. Learn about other countries human rights and laws
26. Take a stroll down in the cemetery
27. Finish all of my online classes
28. Read about the different wars starting from 1900's+
29. Learn all of England's kings names... (Sense and Sensibility's Margret... anyone?)
30. EAT WATERMELON!

Each time I accomplish one of these certain tasks, I will "blog" about my failure or success! Summer, I can tell this year, won't be for the faint of heart!

1st day of summer... a billion more to go.

2010-05-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

My first day of summer was spent cleaning. My friend Mia Vanlenten and I cleaned from 10:40 a.m. until 4 p.m. I have seen things today that made me throw up in my mind, and smells that are more or less appetizing... Oh the JOYS of summer time. Hum, I wish I was smiling through it all....

Sad Day

2010-05-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

....I never got any watermelon today....

Summer Time!

2010-05-26T11:14:00.001-07:00

As always, summer brings much happiness to most teenagers and to most people I think. Today, I'm in one of those moods where I am so happy summer is here! It will soon be short lived however, since I'm one of those nerds who loves school and learning new things... To try to have a somewhat- productive summer, I plan to involve myself in certain activities and occupations. Who would have thought that I plan to take a creative writing class? In fear of boredom I have driven myself to make this summer busy.... I bet I will regret it... oh well!

In the summer comemeration, I made myself some toast (bread toast)! After I made it, it didn't sound so appetizing. Have you made something you've been craving and then you don't want to eat it once it's made? Anyway, sorry for my rambling. Oh I am happy to announce that I shall be buying a watermelon today along with some popcicles! I only have $10- but trust me, I sure can make it go far!
I will soon look like that little boy shown below! Yummy WATERMELON! Oh, can anyone buy me those shoes? Brilliant!

Phantom Planet - California

2010-05-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

Summer is breezing it's way back into my life, and I am utterly excited! Since my parents are out for a joy ride in Mexico, I'm preparing for a super busy summertime! I've started to make new summer play-lists on my i-pod and making book lists to keep me busy! Here is one of my favorite songs.... ever. It's California by Phantom Planet. Sit. Relax, and get ready for summer in about a week!

Marching On

2010-05-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

Many things are happening all around me that have left me in distress and confused. In the waves all of these things hammering on me, it's hard just to keep focused and not get scared. I found this quote by M. Russel Ballard which has helped me a lot in the span of the last 5 minutes (I just found it):

The Lord Is Watching Over His People

"As the Lord predicted in the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, we now see the time when 'the devil shall have power over his own dominion' (D&C 1:35). Is it any wonder that some are dismayed and disturbed by what they see? Yet, my dear young friends, we do not find President Hinckley or the other apostles and prophets wallowing in despair, nor do we sense even the smallest touch of hopelessness. The opposite is true. As President Hinckley also said last conference: 'Now, I do not wish to be an alarmist. I do not wish to be a prophet of doom. I am optimistic. I do not believe the time is here when an all-consuming calamity will overtake us. . . . There is so much of the Lord's work yet to be done. We, and our children after us, must do it' (in Conference Report, Oct. 2001, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 2001, 74)."This hope and optimism comes because we know, with absolute certainty, that God is in His heaven and He is the Lord Omnipotent. God's wisdom and knowledge and power are greater than all the combined forces of evil. He is able to work His will, and His purposes cannot be frustrated (see D&C 3:1). He has not left you and me to make our way alone in these perilous times. He is watching over His people."

~ M. Russell Ballard

Life is going to get hard and it's not going to be easy. But, in the end we already know that the Savior has already won the fight against the adversary for us- it's just the fight we have to believe, we are faced with. My sister Brittany told me to ignore the news- there's nothing good in it. We are starting to fail acknowledging the good, the virtuous and the optimism. But that's where we have the power to change: to bring goodness, virtue and courage back into our moral country. Back into where hypocrisy is dead and we forgive. I need to have no fear-and just keep marching on with my best self. A task much easier said then done.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2010-05-09T15:58:00.001-07:00

Since it's Mothers Day, I shall brag just a bit on how much I love my mom and all the mom's out there! I am so greatful that we have loving mothers who sacrifice their time to raise up children (crazy children like me) and still have the time to make one's child food for dinner and have the energy to give hugs and kisses. I love my mom and the wonderful spirit of love she brings into my life. She is very kind and caring and she always keeps me safe- PLUS she always looks after me when I decided not to put my coat on. She works so hard and does so much for my family. I love my mother very much! Happy Mum's Day! Mom!

Alas.

2010-05-09T15:45:00.000-07:00

Alas. I fail at writing on this blog. But, now with summer on my heels life should pick up and carry out on a steadier speed! I've counted down the days until I finally get out for school: it's 10! This week I'll be taking the end of the year Biology test, and then relax for the weekend! Life is just getting swanker!

Yesterday I had the chance to wake up early and attend a multi-stake service project where different stakes would combine and do service for different parts of Provo. Unfortunately I could stay to do the activity- but I heard Sister Anne M. Dibb speak to us about the great importance of service and how we as youth can bring about great changes in people's lives. I love that lady so much! After that little bit of fun- I drove up to Josh's graduation (my sister Brittany's husband) with his mom and sister Jenny. I really admire Josh and his family. They are wonderful people to be around! During the graduation I attempted to clap for all the graduates- which did end up bugging my sister, plus cheered the students who worked hard getting there. I plan on graduating hopefully! Graduations are usually boring- but this one managed to be filled with funny things like : getting locked inside Brittany's car, getting made fun of for bringing a box of White Cheddar Cheese-its, and leaving my phone at Brittany and Josh's apartment. Oh the joys of family get-to-gethers! In the end, a crispy creme doughnut usually always makes a long day extra rewarding.

Just like it is!

2010-02-12T09:32:00.001-08:00

Nothing says comfort than having a 4 day weekend this week. Although yesterday really made not having school, seem like Heaven. Yesterday after school I was scheduled to babysit at 6 p.m. and then from there my babysitter was planning on taking me to my friend Lizzie's once they got back around 10 p.m. so I could make it to my sleepover. Well the day before on Tuesday, my cell phone randomly broke. It won't turn on and all it's doing is flashing the "version" logo. With that as a factor and then having do go to American Fork for my sister Brooke's home appointment, the time we got back was around 6 p.m. last night- about the time of my going to babysit. Since I knew we were going to be late, I tried to find Jenny's number (babysitter) to call her to explain and to hurry and go over there. I didn't have her number since it was all on my broken phone and so I sat at home for 40ish minutes hoping she would call the house or drop by to pick me up. Well neither of that happened and I felt horrible. I knew it was all my fault and that they counted on me, and I let them down. Jenny is so sweet that I knew she would understand the situation, but it was madness just not knowing whether they had tried to pick me up already and given up, or they had been trying to call me on my cell, sitting broken in my hands. Anyway, I end up giving up, and have my Mom drive me to Lizzie's for my sleepover. Before that I tried calling another lady in my neighborhood to see if she had Jenny's cell number, since they are related. I had to leave a message explaining the situation and then asked my mom if she could call me at Lizzie's to either tell me what happened and to give me Jenny's number. After I arrive at Lizzie's 10 minutes later, my mom calls and say's that yes Jenny was trying to call you about babysitting- but that they didn't need to me tonight because their plans changed. I seriously thought it was a joke. So I guess that was a lesson for me to: 1. get an address book, 2. The next time I have a deadline- don't go anywhere. Oh and while my mom was driving me up to Lizzie's- we almost hit 2 deer on 9th East. I guess bad days are always a little bit more rewarding than we expect them to be.
After that, Lizzie and I ate and Mia came over and we basically watched my favorite scenes from A.G.G. and sat and wallowed from all of our experiences from yesterday. There's nothing better than 3 friends, and a box of cinnamon sticks to go with them.

Anne and Gilbert

2010-02-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

While alone on Friday night after a wonderful babysitting job, I took my leisure in watching the last movie of Anne of Green Gables with Megan Follows and Jonathan Crombie. I forgot how much I LOVE and hate that movie! It's so sad, and you just want to jump in and help Anne, find Gilbert as he serves in WW1 as a doctor. I cried about 5 times and the whole time, I'm impatient for when they can finally go back home. Anne of Green Gables has taught me many lessons. It has taught me to forgive, to love and to have trust in my loved ones. It taught me that it's ok to do stuff on impulse and to follow my heart. Here's to Anne and Gilbert who DID come back safely and for their warm journey they shared with someone of the age 15 and still cries and giggles like she's 6. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!

2010-02-07T17:48:00.000-08:00

To my brother Jason, who has done so much for me. Jason is my big brother who let me snuggle downstairs with him when I had bad dreams. He taught me how to play Zelda, and Mario-cart. He taught me to make him orange julius. He sat on me and teased me, put salt in my o.j.. Watched Kenshin with me, gave me Japanese treats. Sent me out in the snow for one minute for a dollar, and took me driving on a Christmas Eve, not so long ago. Here's to my big brother who I love dearly and I am proud to call family.

Soo-rry!

2010-02-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

I promise I am the worst blogger ever. Lately life is taking me for a joy ride! I have a new internship at the Springville Museum of Art. I work with wonderful people who I hope I can get a better appreciation of art from. The museum is HUGE and gorgeous! It's a shame that they don't have any pictures posted on their website, and I hopefully I'll be able to soon make that change!
That's the basic some-up of the past couple of days since my last entry.

Let Down.

2010-01-20T17:15:00.000-08:00

As I walked home today from school, to my dismay while checking the mail box my National Geographic wasn't there. Putting a bit more pep of optimism in my step I walk in the door, and I spot the new National Geographic happily waiting on the table for my eager hands to flip through it's pages. Cover story: FLDS Polygamy. Not that it's not a bad choice, just that I am LDS and people seem to misunderstand that LDS are not FLDS. Curious I decided to give it a chance and really enjoyed the article. Though I DO believe they got a lot of their facts correct *applause* I think they got a few things wrong, like did Brigham Young really have 55 wives? Or that Joseph Smith denied being a polygamist, AND they failed to see WHY it started. Not to gain favor in Heavenly Fathers sight for BIG families but to take care of the widows and become their provider and patriarch. If you read Doctrine and Covenants 132: 61-64ish it explains in that time period what was proper to engage in polygamy. I do believe I want to correct Nat. Geo. on that, but then again I'm not sure where to start and what to say. Over all the issue wasn't bias, the majority was to inform of their situation which I do honor. The other articles were great with different specimen photographs from different ecosystems of the world, and Nomadic Indians, and Monkeys in Congo, and what's new for the Hubble Space program.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

2010-01-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

Life is about to be happy. National Geographic love should be on it's way this weekend. Is anyone else excited?

Choices.

2010-01-19T16:09:00.001-08:00

Hum, new semester, new faces, new classes, and new commitment. I've been thinking a lot about myself and what I want to give back to the people who shape my life. Those who have served for our country by blood, words, courage and their lives. I want to give back to those who taught me, who sacrificed their time to keep me safe, educated and loved. Most importantly, I want to keep their dream alive, by honoring them with continuing their service. I know this is a lot, especially while juggling school, friends, and my extra things I have sprinkled into my days. I'm just not sure how. I just hope school won't eat me alive this semester... :)

Rainy Day

2010-01-13T14:03:00.000-08:00

Today feels like a rainy day. I'm not sure I'm so down in the dumps. I just am. Dump. Dump. Dump. Dump. Dump.

Applause!

2010-01-03T14:27:00.000-08:00

I finally figured out how to make my blog actually reflect myself. I decided that once I get back home, I am going to use my header picture of the water and leaves for this blogs background and the lefty something template. I looked through many blog sites to find a cute background, but can't find one. So just wait and all with be grand. :) I am excited!

2010: Resolutions

2010-01-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

It's funny to me that sitting here lounging in a armchair is myself trying to think of what I want this year to be like. 2009 was fantastic for me. I have made new friends, been to new places, thought new things, learned new concepts and discovered more about myself and who I want to become. I guess I have to look at last years resolutions to see what I have accomplish. Too bad I don't remember and I don't believe I ever wrote them down.... well I'll just list mine for this year:

1. No procrastinating- This school year I've worked hard to keep up with my grades, and my time. I am doing great so far.

2. Not be idle- I need to work harder.

3. Patient- Mainly to family, friends and myself.

4. Plan- I need to plan my time more efficiently

5. Caring/ Service- Too often I want to help others, but I never can find something that makes me benfit. I need to do all KINDS of service.

6. Listen- mainly to my teachers

7. More uplifting- I need to not be sarcastic but happy and optimistic.

8. Temple attendence- I need to attend the temple more frequently.

9. Love- Love in the home along with patience....

10. Journal write- TOO LONG have a written in the same journal. I need to finish it!

I hope that this new year will be great! I am excited for new experiences and a new opportunity for growth.

TeXas!

2010-01-01T08:39:00.001-08:00

On Christmas Day, I flew on my first airplane with my mother, to go to Texas. My little niece Kaylie Herdman is getting baptized tomorrow. Texas holds many wonders if you didn't know. From Round Rock Donuts and Ikea and a 2 story Barnes and Noble, to friendly Wal-Mart cashiers AND long horn cows in the pasture. I love Texas.....

Land of the Brave

2010-01-01T08:20:00.000-08:00

America, is the land of the brave, and the home of liberty. Along with these traits of this country, morals and values brace up our country where peace and fidelity stand. At least that's what it was like in the early times of America, where religion decided ethics, and law decided peace, and the values of America weren't brash but modest. Now in our country our television is plastered with adult content that children are being exposed to. Our language is filled with crude and sarcasm, and beauty is all that meets the eye. Yesterday for New Year's Eve, I had the opportunity to watch the famous ball drop in Times Square. Jennifer Lopez performed in a semi see-through leotard, and Fergie along with Colbie Callet performed in outfits that barely covered.... you know.... BARELY! I guess what I am trying to say is that the culture of America is pathetic. Why should we stand and watch?! Homes and families are being threatened and destroyed- where we need to imply love and forgiveness. Now being only 15, my goal is to help other people see what I see. Yes, I do believe America is a great country where I know I am safe and I have the freedoms to speak, move and live freely. One might argue that America has the right to do the same, so it's no big deal if pornography is filmed and produced, or drugs stocked and sold, or abortion is abused, because it's their right to do whatever. When it's destroying what our Founding Fathers worked so hard to accomplish however by enabling the security of our Home, disgusts me. America needs to change, to change will be the biggest battle and war. We can help fight by choosing now what we stand for. "We honor best those who have gone before, when we serve well in the cause of truth." - President Gordon B. Hinkley

Just Say It.

2009-12-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

For a recap of some events that have taken place, I'll start off by stating how weird it is to grow up. Learning new things at a faster pace, seeing and observing the people around you can be a challenge. This past month has been a whirlwind of opportunity and I just wanted to say thanks. Thanks to all of those who have helped me where I am today. Thanks for family who are my strong unit of trust and support. For my friends who make me cheerful and give me pushes of encouragement. Thanks for my peers who recognize me, and most of all thanks to my leaders and teachers who show me that there's more to life than iPods and So You Think You Can Dance. I owe so much to the people I meet. Just say it. Say thanks.

Just One of Those Days!

2009-11-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Today, it seems like it's one of those days where all you feel like doing is sitting watching Mulan and a Muppet Christmas Carol. With the piles of homework I have not due until the next 2 weeks, it seems like a perfect day to rest and to basically waste the last day of my very long break. Although, I've been semi productive by driving to the library, making my bed, starting a load of laundry and of course, updating you with this entry! My goals for the are as follows:
1. Finish the book Sense and Sensibility
2. Type up Current Events about China for Geography
3. Edit Captain Keller essay
4. Watch Mulan and Muppets
5. Make FOOD!
6. be as lazy as possible...

Well it seems that #1-5 make #6 impossible, but improbable? No bueno!

Black Friday

2009-11-27T13:37:00.000-08:00

Usually people tell me that Black Friday's are insane and horrible. They are false. My mom and I decided to brace ourselves in the hustle and bustle of the new holiday season, by going to Sam's Club, Walmart and Cherry Lane Keepsakes-located across the street from the Provo City Library. Our spoils included an adorable purple print scarf, hanes v-necks, a white sweatshirt, and 2, not just 1, boxes of Original Peppermint CandyCanes. Yes the title deserves capital letters. All the places weren't super crowded, since we left around 12 noon. Oh the joys of the holiday season!

This picture is one of my favorites I took while up in Hobble Creek Canyon, with my father. A tribute to end of fall. Bring on the snow!

Lots of Eatin!

2009-11-26T18:51:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving Holiday was really fun! Family sure make holiday's a lot more fun. I filled myself up till I felt like I weighed 300 lbs more than I do! I mainly stuck to my mashed potatoes and my sweet potato casserole. YUM! Tomorrow we are putting up our Christmas tree, since my family are leaving to Texas on Christmas Day. HALL OUT the HOLLY!