"And that, Marjorie, just so you will know-and so your children will someday know- is the night the lights went out in Georgia!" - Julia Sugerbaker (Dixie Carter)
Today was arrival here at MAOT, and all of the contestants looked stunning! The Diamond State Princesses were crowned at arrival this morning. The DSP's learn routines, and go onstage with their associated MAOT contestant for evening gown during this week. This afternoon and tomorrow morning is interview for all of the lovely teens. Good luck to my personal favorite, Miss Conway's Outstanding Teen (and my very own sister and best friend) for tomorrow and the rest of the pageant. You wouldn't believe how much work goes on behind the scenes at a pageant. And I'm not talking about hair and make-up. I'm talking gifts, pajama parties, ice cream socials, finding time to eat, preparing for interview, rehearsals, and keeping cool during it all. Special thank-you/shout out to all of the loving and time spending and helping mamma's! You keep the wheel's spinning. And a shout out to all the sucker-stealing-behind-your-back-and-gift-bag-stuffing-sisters (and brothers) should not be forgotten! Well I must give one final good luck to all the competing MAOT girls. They're all awesome.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Masquerade
"Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth."-Oscar Wilde
Slip on your shades
Put on the mask
Pull up the hood
Gloss your lips
Pocket litter, the fake ID
Slip on your heels
Pocket the Protein Bar
Clasp the necklace on tight
Put on the masquerade
You're hitting the town tonight
Not to be recognized
Feel free to be yourself
And live your life
Do you believe in Magic?
"Silence makes the real conversations between friends. Not the saying, but the never needing to say that counts."-Margaret Lee Runbeck
I believe in silence. I believe that silence is golden. Just to listen to nothing in this world. It's the times at midnight when there's nothing to hear except for the crickets outside that wish could last forever. There is too much talking and rambling for many to appreciate the gift of silence, but I cherish it. I cherish every moment where I can't hear the TV or my brother talking, or my sister arguing, or my parents planning, or even when my iPod isn't playing. Silence speaks just as much, if not louder, than verbal words. So take some time and listen to the silence around you and figure out what it means. Listen to the silent moments between you and your friend and know that they like you without words being spoken. You don't have to impress them, they like you for who you are. Listen to the silence and discover a whole different world than the one you thought you knew. I believe in silence, what do you believe in?
I believe in silence. I believe that silence is golden. Just to listen to nothing in this world. It's the times at midnight when there's nothing to hear except for the crickets outside that wish could last forever. There is too much talking and rambling for many to appreciate the gift of silence, but I cherish it. I cherish every moment where I can't hear the TV or my brother talking, or my sister arguing, or my parents planning, or even when my iPod isn't playing. Silence speaks just as much, if not louder, than verbal words. So take some time and listen to the silence around you and figure out what it means. Listen to the silent moments between you and your friend and know that they like you without words being spoken. You don't have to impress them, they like you for who you are. Listen to the silence and discover a whole different world than the one you thought you knew. I believe in silence, what do you believe in?
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Home
"Reason to smile: Every seven minutes of every day someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring."-Author Unknown
So, as it goes, I live in a two story house. My two story house makes a lot of noise. ALL of the time. The air conditioner is loud and the floor squeaks and the walls pop. Today, I've been noticing that the house is making a weird sound. I thought to myself, is everything starting to boil and we're all gonna burn up and die?! But no, today is just one of those utterly random days where absolutely nothing makes sense and it's all the more hilarious because of that. Actually, that's the only crazy thing I've thought today, so maybe things aren't so wacky after all.
So, as it goes, I live in a two story house. My two story house makes a lot of noise. ALL of the time. The air conditioner is loud and the floor squeaks and the walls pop. Today, I've been noticing that the house is making a weird sound. I thought to myself, is everything starting to boil and we're all gonna burn up and die?! But no, today is just one of those utterly random days where absolutely nothing makes sense and it's all the more hilarious because of that. Actually, that's the only crazy thing I've thought today, so maybe things aren't so wacky after all.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Summer
"In a Wonderland they lie, dreaming as the days go by, dreaming as the summers die: Ever drifting down the stream-lingering in the golden gleam-Life, what is it but a dream?"-Lewis Carroll
It has come to that time in summer where time flies and the days run together. It takes considerable effort to determine what day it is. Generally, all the days are the same. Wake up, do nothing, go to bed, repeat. There's the occasional shocker or shopping trip involved, but as of now all that there is happens to be excitement for the future and the crickets buzzing out the window. Everyday that passes without something being accomplished makes me wish more and more that I could spend every single day of summer vacation doing something worthwhile and exciting. Sadly, that is where I come to an end. I have no clue as to what 'worthwhile' things I could possibly do, so I sit here bored-wishing, hoping, dreaming...
It has come to that time in summer where time flies and the days run together. It takes considerable effort to determine what day it is. Generally, all the days are the same. Wake up, do nothing, go to bed, repeat. There's the occasional shocker or shopping trip involved, but as of now all that there is happens to be excitement for the future and the crickets buzzing out the window. Everyday that passes without something being accomplished makes me wish more and more that I could spend every single day of summer vacation doing something worthwhile and exciting. Sadly, that is where I come to an end. I have no clue as to what 'worthwhile' things I could possibly do, so I sit here bored-wishing, hoping, dreaming...
Crayons, Mood Rings, and K Cars
"I just wasted ten seconds of your life."-Relient K (Crayons can melt on us for all I care)
Well, there's this little band from Ohio. They're called Relient K. They sing about school dances, the 80s, college, Nancy Drew, the band Jefferson Airplane, gibberish, horses, their girlfriends' ex-boyfriends, vinyl, Five Iron Frenzy, and even Maybeline make-up. The lead singer is Matt Theissen, the guitarist is Matt Hoopes, John Warne plays bass, Ethan Luck is on drums, and concluding the band is Jon Schneck who plays guitar, bells, and the banjo. Their sense of humor is found in no other band's music. Although many of their songs are humorous, there are some that are rather deep such as "Hope for Every Fallen Man" which starts out with "As you push it up through the soil, I'll shake your filthy hand." Relient K is a unique band and they're worth checking out. Although, it is my sole opinion that their song "Crayons can melt on us for all I care" (which everyone should listen to) is slightly overpriced on itunes, what with it being a dollar and twenty-nine cents (I think).
Well, there's this little band from Ohio. They're called Relient K. They sing about school dances, the 80s, college, Nancy Drew, the band Jefferson Airplane, gibberish, horses, their girlfriends' ex-boyfriends, vinyl, Five Iron Frenzy, and even Maybeline make-up. The lead singer is Matt Theissen, the guitarist is Matt Hoopes, John Warne plays bass, Ethan Luck is on drums, and concluding the band is Jon Schneck who plays guitar, bells, and the banjo. Their sense of humor is found in no other band's music. Although many of their songs are humorous, there are some that are rather deep such as "Hope for Every Fallen Man" which starts out with "As you push it up through the soil, I'll shake your filthy hand." Relient K is a unique band and they're worth checking out. Although, it is my sole opinion that their song "Crayons can melt on us for all I care" (which everyone should listen to) is slightly overpriced on itunes, what with it being a dollar and twenty-nine cents (I think).
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Dazzle and Stretch
"I like shiny. It makes the world go round." -My Mom
Ahhh, the smell of half a dozen cans of hairspray, makeup, and straightening irons. The frenzy of dress rehearsal. There's no time to worry about such miniscule things as eating. There's only ten minutes to get pink tights, a leotard, the swishy white, and all around perfect tutu, and pointe shoes on. Hair must be pulled back into a perfect bun and all fly-aways must be sprayed, pinned, and clipped into place. Who could think of eating at a time like this? All anyone cares about is making it onstage on time and whether or not there is lipstick on their teeth. A quick gulp of water backstage before the big entrance. Return to the dressing room to prepare for the next number. Everyone's feet are aching more than humanly possible. Glitter and sweat stain everything. And I do mean EVERYTHING. By the time rehearsal is over, all anyone wants is a shower and something to drink. How on earth can one find beauty and solace and happiness in such a miserable thing as this? Honestly, I don't know, but I do know that I can't live without it.
Ahhh, the smell of half a dozen cans of hairspray, makeup, and straightening irons. The frenzy of dress rehearsal. There's no time to worry about such miniscule things as eating. There's only ten minutes to get pink tights, a leotard, the swishy white, and all around perfect tutu, and pointe shoes on. Hair must be pulled back into a perfect bun and all fly-aways must be sprayed, pinned, and clipped into place. Who could think of eating at a time like this? All anyone cares about is making it onstage on time and whether or not there is lipstick on their teeth. A quick gulp of water backstage before the big entrance. Return to the dressing room to prepare for the next number. Everyone's feet are aching more than humanly possible. Glitter and sweat stain everything. And I do mean EVERYTHING. By the time rehearsal is over, all anyone wants is a shower and something to drink. How on earth can one find beauty and solace and happiness in such a miserable thing as this? Honestly, I don't know, but I do know that I can't live without it.
Through a different Eye
"Atticus was right. You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them." Harper Lee
I don't really know why, but I rearranged some furniture in my bedroom today. I moved my bed and a small bookcase and a lamp. A few other things got moved along the way, but I just don't understand why I did it. Or why I chose to do it alone for that matter. Tomorrow, I'm going to wake up sore and I'll be even more confused as to why I spent my day reorganizing my things. It seems pretty pointless, but I guess that's better than lying on the floor spending all my time on the computer. I actually feel as if I accomplished something today. As long as I'm happy, I'm not going to question myself too much. I'll only end up more puzzled. So without further adieu, I'll get back to rearranging my life.
I don't really know why, but I rearranged some furniture in my bedroom today. I moved my bed and a small bookcase and a lamp. A few other things got moved along the way, but I just don't understand why I did it. Or why I chose to do it alone for that matter. Tomorrow, I'm going to wake up sore and I'll be even more confused as to why I spent my day reorganizing my things. It seems pretty pointless, but I guess that's better than lying on the floor spending all my time on the computer. I actually feel as if I accomplished something today. As long as I'm happy, I'm not going to question myself too much. I'll only end up more puzzled. So without further adieu, I'll get back to rearranging my life.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Hospital Room
"You Know how when we were kids, there were all those cool prizes at the bottom of cereal boxes?"-Shawn Spencer (James Roday)
In her perfect blue eyes he stares
Throughout the room the nervous air spreads
Upon his tongue stands 'I love you'
On her face, a small smile, she knows
Among the many, he fumbles too
Through the window, now, their eyes meet one final time
Despite his efforts, Juliet stands alone, confused
Well Said
"To all the secret writers, late-night painters, would-be singers, lapsed and sacred artists of every stripe, dig out your paintbrush, or your flute, or your dancing shoes. Pull out your camera, or your computer, or your pottery wheel. Today, tonight, after the kids are in bed, or when your homework is done, or instead of one more video game or magazine, create something, anything. Pick up a needle and thread, and stitch together something particular and honest and beautiful, because we need it, I need it. Thank you, and keep going." -Shauna Niequist
Everyone needs some creativity. So go into the world and and add your touch. Because we're all a little broken inside, and art and dance and words can heal us. So, thank you to all the creative people here in this world. You are changing it for the better.
Everyone needs some creativity. So go into the world and and add your touch. Because we're all a little broken inside, and art and dance and words can heal us. So, thank you to all the creative people here in this world. You are changing it for the better.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Running
"Sometimes people run... to see if you'll come after them."-Ally Carter
She was long gone before anyone even noticed. Her codename was the peacock. Her cover was a debutante-the daughter of the man running for President. But in reality, she was a chameleon, too. She hated being seen and looked at. With the wig and glasses she had looked ordinary and normal, though everyone knew she was hardly that. Maybe she chose to run partly because no one ever told her she was special, smart. But it didn't matter, because only three people in her life knew not to judge a girl by her cover. The days without her seemed infinitely longer. But finally it dawned on the three friends. She wasn't in Switzerland. She wasn't amateur enough to use a passport. She had two disguises, and she had used at least one. They knew exactly where she was. The only thing left to do was sneak out and bring their sister home. When they found her, all she uttered was, "You're late."
She was long gone before anyone even noticed. Her codename was the peacock. Her cover was a debutante-the daughter of the man running for President. But in reality, she was a chameleon, too. She hated being seen and looked at. With the wig and glasses she had looked ordinary and normal, though everyone knew she was hardly that. Maybe she chose to run partly because no one ever told her she was special, smart. But it didn't matter, because only three people in her life knew not to judge a girl by her cover. The days without her seemed infinitely longer. But finally it dawned on the three friends. She wasn't in Switzerland. She wasn't amateur enough to use a passport. She had two disguises, and she had used at least one. They knew exactly where she was. The only thing left to do was sneak out and bring their sister home. When they found her, all she uttered was, "You're late."
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Your Halo is Slipping
"Well, the guy told me my hair was like a flock of goats, all right? I mean, how can a girl not be dazzled by such poetic brilliance?"
Last night I was doing some reading and it just so happened to involve one of my all-time favorite literary characters, Katie Weldon. And right now, I'd like to introduce her to you. She has bright red hair and jade green eyes and is the type of character you consider your best friend. Her philosiphy is: God is weird and we are tweaked. If Katie thinks that something happened because of God, then she calls it a God-thing. She even has a version for another character, Todd -yeah, it,s a Todd-thing. (Wondering who Todd is? No worries, I can guarantee I'll spend plenty of time talking about him later!) She's hilarious, outgoing, and likes to do things on a whim. Katie even bought popcorn from a garage sale once. Although, now that I think about it, the popcorn caught on fire and ruined the microwave it was in. She doused the fire with strawberry milkshake. Hey, at least it took care of the flames!
Last night I was doing some reading and it just so happened to involve one of my all-time favorite literary characters, Katie Weldon. And right now, I'd like to introduce her to you. She has bright red hair and jade green eyes and is the type of character you consider your best friend. Her philosiphy is: God is weird and we are tweaked. If Katie thinks that something happened because of God, then she calls it a God-thing. She even has a version for another character, Todd -yeah, it,s a Todd-thing. (Wondering who Todd is? No worries, I can guarantee I'll spend plenty of time talking about him later!) She's hilarious, outgoing, and likes to do things on a whim. Katie even bought popcorn from a garage sale once. Although, now that I think about it, the popcorn caught on fire and ruined the microwave it was in. She doused the fire with strawberry milkshake. Hey, at least it took care of the flames!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
With the Guys
"We love the things we love for what they are."
There is no better way to spend a Friday night than eating Chinese food and watching The Spy Next Door and Avatar with my two favorite guys in the world-my dad and my brother. There were some pretty funny moments in Spy Next Door. And let me just say-the kid that played the youngest daughter is the cutest little girl I've ever seen! Avatar was good. It's not my favorite movie. From what I'd heard, it was supposed to be amazing, but for me, it didn't live up to my expectations. Actually, neither was my favorite movie, but I definitely liked them both.
There is no better way to spend a Friday night than eating Chinese food and watching The Spy Next Door and Avatar with my two favorite guys in the world-my dad and my brother. There were some pretty funny moments in Spy Next Door. And let me just say-the kid that played the youngest daughter is the cutest little girl I've ever seen! Avatar was good. It's not my favorite movie. From what I'd heard, it was supposed to be amazing, but for me, it didn't live up to my expectations. Actually, neither was my favorite movie, but I definitely liked them both.
Mommy
"Children and mothers never truly part-Bound in the beating of each other's heart."
This weekend my mom isn't here. It makes me sad that I can't run downstairs and hug her goodnight. So I will do it in spirit. I love my mom; she's the greatest of them all. She cares for me and will do anything for me-she's proven that quite a lot. Today, I realized that I don't hug her enough. I just didn't want to let go. I definitely don't tell her that I love her enough. She's my hero. I can't wait to see her tomorrow night. Until then, I love you mommy.
With all my heart,
Laura
This weekend my mom isn't here. It makes me sad that I can't run downstairs and hug her goodnight. So I will do it in spirit. I love my mom; she's the greatest of them all. She cares for me and will do anything for me-she's proven that quite a lot. Today, I realized that I don't hug her enough. I just didn't want to let go. I definitely don't tell her that I love her enough. She's my hero. I can't wait to see her tomorrow night. Until then, I love you mommy.
With all my heart,
Laura
Friday, June 18, 2010
Ducky
"Why do you speak so loudly that I cannot hear what you say?"
People are interesting, weird, and crazy. Some prefer to be alone in silence while others prefer to talk you to death with their life story. Not a detail is left out. There is nothing wrong with either kind of person-the introvert or the extrovert. In my case, I tend to be more introverted than my siblings (whom I love). Even though extroverts can be talkative when you wish they weren't, there are those times that, by listening, you learn an interesting story. Of course, there's always the chance that the story will be boring, and within two sentences the iPod is playing on shuffle and the ear buds are blocking out the world so beautifully. Then, finally, one can think while the music makes a pleasant background for that thought.
People are interesting, weird, and crazy. Some prefer to be alone in silence while others prefer to talk you to death with their life story. Not a detail is left out. There is nothing wrong with either kind of person-the introvert or the extrovert. In my case, I tend to be more introverted than my siblings (whom I love). Even though extroverts can be talkative when you wish they weren't, there are those times that, by listening, you learn an interesting story. Of course, there's always the chance that the story will be boring, and within two sentences the iPod is playing on shuffle and the ear buds are blocking out the world so beautifully. Then, finally, one can think while the music makes a pleasant background for that thought.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Saturday
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."
The morning dawns a cloudy, winter day. Rush along now, in time to make ballet. Upon returning, collapse onto the sofa next to the fire. Pull out Sherlock Holmes or Pride and Prejudice or perhaps something more modern like I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You or a Christy Miller book. Shuffle into the kitchen and brew some Irish Breakfast Tea. Add in some milk and honey. Grab a warm blanket as the sky starts its downpour. Soon darkness and sleep creep up and end the perfect day.
The morning dawns a cloudy, winter day. Rush along now, in time to make ballet. Upon returning, collapse onto the sofa next to the fire. Pull out Sherlock Holmes or Pride and Prejudice or perhaps something more modern like I'd Tell You I Love You, but Then I'd Have to Kill You or a Christy Miller book. Shuffle into the kitchen and brew some Irish Breakfast Tea. Add in some milk and honey. Grab a warm blanket as the sky starts its downpour. Soon darkness and sleep creep up and end the perfect day.
The Forever Kind
"Piglet sidled up to Pooh.
'Pooh!' he whispered.
'Yes Piglet?'
'Nothing,' said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. 'I just wanted to be sure of you.'"
The smiling faces, the laughing souls, the three stand isolated from the others. Each one slightly different. One redhead, two brunettes. Two with glasses, one without. Personal appearances don't separate these three from the others. It is their obvious joy in saying "Remember when..." and the seemingly hilarious (and no doubt slightly embarrassing) story that follows. Not one tells the tale, but they reminisce together.
The slumber parties and junk food and silly videos made fill their minds. As they laugh, their thoughts are taken to last September where pillow fights and ridiculous dancing lead to working together on school projects.
They stand up for each other, a bond like no other, a sisterhood unbreakable.
Call them whatever is preferred-forever friends, peculiar treasures, true friends, sisters for life, whatever the term, they are best friends forever.
'Pooh!' he whispered.
'Yes Piglet?'
'Nothing,' said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. 'I just wanted to be sure of you.'"
The smiling faces, the laughing souls, the three stand isolated from the others. Each one slightly different. One redhead, two brunettes. Two with glasses, one without. Personal appearances don't separate these three from the others. It is their obvious joy in saying "Remember when..." and the seemingly hilarious (and no doubt slightly embarrassing) story that follows. Not one tells the tale, but they reminisce together.
The slumber parties and junk food and silly videos made fill their minds. As they laugh, their thoughts are taken to last September where pillow fights and ridiculous dancing lead to working together on school projects.
They stand up for each other, a bond like no other, a sisterhood unbreakable.
Call them whatever is preferred-forever friends, peculiar treasures, true friends, sisters for life, whatever the term, they are best friends forever.
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