General Happiness

Last night when I was checking my sister's blog, I came across her recent entry, entitled "General Happiness". Her post sprouted my idea to write a post of my own, mirroring just what makes me generally happy too.

    Kelsey's General Happiness List:
1. Looking at other people's artwork
2. Carnations, tulips, poppies, and lavender
3. Harmonizing to music
4. Handwritten notes or letters
5. Watching other drivers
6. Old postcards, maps, and books
7. Yard sales and thrift stores
8. Fresh bread and butter
9. Cloudy days-because I know there will be a spectacular sunset that evening
1o. New National Geographics
11. Having someone wave at me or give me a hug
12. Sharing Ritz crackers
13. Discussing world events
14. Woolen socks tucked over comfy pants
15. Love stories, yes even the bittersweet
16. Chirping birds in Aspen trees
17. Driving on a freeway/highway in the country
18. Gloves or mittens
19. Dancing and singing in the rain
2o. Autumn leaves and their smell
21. "How we met" stories
22. My smudge that I get from writing on my left hand
23. Accents
24. Little kid voices and baby giggles
25. Reading under a tree or during a rainstorm
26. Cheesy pick-up lines from roguish lads
27. Winking
28. Bow ties
29. Staring at fires and the red embers
30. Oatmeal with brown sugar and cinnamon
31. BLTs, ice cream, soup, peaches, peas, tomatoes, and watermelon
32. Temple trips!
33. Family campouts and boardgame playing
34. Pearls and old fashioned things
35. Finding constellations and shooting stars in the night sky
36. The joy of watching my family and friends grow up, achieve what they worked for, and making memories
37. And of course, good ol' jazz, bluegrass, and big band swing

Well, those are a few of my favorite things, and you know what? Just typing out each of them has already brightened my afternoon as I go to my last night to volunteer at the library until June, and start studying for my upcoming tests next week. For more good news my Kaplan AP Euro History book came in the mail today!

Isn't today gorgeous?

-The Littlest Herdman

Fingers Crossed...

...that Jim Bob survives from my neglect. I realized yesterday that he's mostly a goner. He may pull through! The thing with plants and me is that I get concerned with other things and I just assume my plant can hang on a few days in the sun, a little parched. I PROMISE I take better care of children. Relating this to a philosophical metaphor, it is time for me to focus on the things that do matter, such as my upcoming tests and getting my mind back to health away from distractions.
Dear Summer, I know that I usually dislike you, but can we please make up and have you come quickly? I miss your bozaz, spunk, and careless frolicking.
-The Littlest Herdman
P.S. I also promise I'll post about the mentioned things in the past "p.s." very soon.

Solace

This is one of those songs that come to you like a homing device. It is flawless.

-The Littlest Herdman

p.s. I have Spring Break and Prom entries to share very soon! Stick around.

Lessons from Jim Bob

Hello readers! As stated in the last entry, I have given my plant a hair cut (the name's Jim Bob-thanks Willie). While I lopped off 3 inches, two thoughts occurred: I myself needed a trim, and sometimes it may seem like some days cut you back down. Focusing more on the later thought, I learned first hand this week (once again) that trials, our weakened moments, and even good experiences can take us back to where we can grow, perhaps even stronger and all the wiser. 

Before hair cut.

After hair cut.

Look at them locks!

This week I've had either horrible allergies or a stubborn cold. I'm not sure which. One thing I do know is that I sound like an addicted smoker of 43 years, I cough and choke when I laugh, and croak while singing Regina Spektor. One of my teachers asked me if I was taking my vitamins, was unstressed, and getting enough sleep. I scored a solid zero on all accounts. Going back to how this relates to a pot of grass, I've learned most importantly that our trials, experiences, and the lessons learned from them can uplift others (My voice made many people laugh and smile- along with my herbal tea in English), and teach you to be patient with yourself. 

 For instance, I got a message from my friend Liz asking for me to pick her up from school. 

 After I picked her up, and driving through out busy traffic- I ran a red light on the corner by the BYU bookstore turn and the street to turn onto 9th East. I didn't realize it, until another car was pulling into the lane next to me from the opposite direction. He didn't even seem to notice. I didn't hit anything or slammed on my breaks. The best part about that experience was that a BYU Cop was right around the corner and didn't seem to see anything wrong.... Of COURSE from that experience, I then immediately turned right onto 9th East, to find a place to park to think about what I had just done. To my great surprise I heard someone call out "Kelsey!" I turned into the lane next to me, and it was my friend Matthew from my Red Cross Leadership camp. The last time I saw him was when I spotted him standing in front of the Creamery while I was driving with Sadie. (good times right Willie?)

My favorite painting at the SMOFA, from the High School Art Show.

 So while I do feel horrible about running the red light, I felt like it was one of those experiences that allowed me to feel ridiculous for a good reason. I was able to laugh and relief some anxiety. (Sorry to my Mum if you're reading this...!) I then drove back around to that same spot and legally went through it- my penance.

On a more positive note, tomorrow is General Conference, and I must say that this one of my favorite times of the year! Good thing it comes twice a year!

- The Littlest Herdman

p.s. Yes. Bow ties are cool.

Resolutions!

At the beginning of each January, handfuls of us create New Years Resolutions, only to be forgotten, cast aside on the back burner of our lives. For some of us though, we make it. And while I like to think that "resolutions" are realistic guidelines to achieve during one's whole life rather than a year, here is my compiled list. The photo of my pot of grass is indeed a resolution. So far in my 17 years I've killed all the plants in my room (sorry Father!). Last week at the library, the Monday Night Take Home Craft was a little potted plant. After helping the kids plant theirs, I did my own, in hopes that it would grow, and I wouldn't have to cringe each time I entered my room, in fear it would be dead (conditioned from experience). I am happy to announce my plant is alive and will be receiving a spunky hair cut, sticker eyes, and a poppin red bow tie! Until then, here are my belated New Years Resolutions!

 (they were made in January, this is just their first limelight) 

 

1. Daily prayer & scripture study

2. Write 3 things I am grateful for each day & why

3. Fast & pay a full tithe

4. Visit the temple at least twice a month

5. Read at least 100 books

6. Get a JOB!

7. Start on family history

8. Participate dans mon classe francais!

9. Learn basic Russian

1o. Read up on Jewish history

11. Learn vibrato (yeah about time :) )

12. Collect favorite poems/writings/quotes

13. Complete my Painting by Numbers!

14. Practice piano over summer

15. Have a plant in my room & not kill it (the photo)

16. Aid Mr. Herdman in our garden

17. Write. Write. Write.

If you'd like to share your Resolutions feel free! Happy late Monday! 

     -The Littlest Herdman

To Hum To Yourself

Watch "Passenger - Lisa Hannigan" on YouTube

Perhaps my new favorite song. It even mentions Salt Lake! Oh what would we do without you Lisa?

Yann Tiersen - Déjà Loin