This is how we live.

 

Large and overflowing.

Can you think of one thing better than this bowl right here?

Marriage-eh eh. (no)

Warm bubbly bath? Not quite.

A massage-maybe.

I guess what I am trying to say is.

We know how to pour a bowl of cereal right.

It's been a long long time since I've memorized your face

I know you have all been DYING to know about the wonderful Sufjan Stevens. It is no mystery to me, which is why I have prolonged this blog post for quite some time. It had nothing to do with the lack of time on my hands at all. Well, maybe.

Let's begin. The venue was a lot smaller than I expected. I was more like a local amphitheater and fit about 500 people there. So we were nice and cozy. I liked it. It felt like a bunch of people coming together around a campfire to sing songs- in a way.

This concert was very different from his past concerts. This is mainly because of his most recent album (The Age of Adz). This album is a completely different genre. Instead of being a folk, acoustic artist, he transitioned into the more electronic genre. I, personally, thought it was amazing. I think a true artist is one who is continually experimenting, expounding, and  developing a personal style. I also think that an artist is someone who has the ability to go excel in other aspects or genres. Sufjan does exactly that. Curt quoted his swim coach which better expresses what I am trying to say.

"You aren't a good swimmer unless you perfect every single stroke."

I feel that The Age of Adz is a progressive step for this artist. He is pushing his musical talent farther than he ever has before. I am in love with his powerful and captivating voice and his ability to express his emotions with such vigor. I experienced the anger, frustration, longing, and selfishness he expressed in his compositions. Not many artists can evoke such passion within the audience.

I had to put this one up. it is hilarious. Check our the texting/ facebooking mom and her not very happy son.

I used to think I was an artist.

Until today.

I was shown this website, a little sketical at first. The title of the article being:

She’s just 8, yet she’s painted art worth $250,000 

 How on Earth could an 8 year old girl sell a painting--that she made--for that much money? I was intrigued. 

Then I was bewildered. Amazed. Bewildered again. 

This child is a prodigy. I envy her. I yearn for the abilities that she was given from birth! I'll tell you a little about her. And you too will be amazed. This little girl, Autumn de Forest,  first painted when she was in her fives. No-not her forties or fifties- in her FIVES. She asked to paint for fun. A normal kid thing to do. Her father gave her a paint brush, some wood stain, and a piece of wood. She turned it into this abstract masterpiece! Who knew? Her parents then started taking her seriously. They bought her professional paint and canvases. 

She now paints on canvas 4 ft by 6 ft. She is approximately 4'2" tall. She needs a later to paint the entire canvas. The crazy thing is, she has never taken lessons! Are you kidding me?? Am I in school for nothing?? I should stay home and paint like Autumn, maybe then would I become an artist. I like that idea. 

Here are a few of her paintings:

She is incredible. A god given talent to this little girl. She paints with emotions years beyond her age. She paints with skill many never achieve.

article on autumn

Echo in the Darkness.

I am not quite sure how Francine Rivers does it. She continues the beautiful and rich story of Hadassah with new experiences and challenges she and others go through. I absolutely love these novels. They are incredibly uplifting and inspirational. It's kind of weird, but I find myself going throughout the day saying "What would Hadassah do in the situation"! Yes. Weird. But that is how powerful Rivers creates her characters. You begin to see as they do, you begin to feel as though Hadassah is a real individual, you begin to feel as though you yourself is Hadassah. Incredible. 
But I promise you once you start reading these books, you will not be able to put them down. Curt started getting jealous of these books, I was reading them so much! I am a little hesitant to read the next book because Hadassah isn't the main character of the story. But I am still intrigued and can't wait to begin the third and final book.

You are the reason I wake up every morning.

There is an old man who had a round tummy.
 Everyday I pass him early in the morning.
Some days, he's in a jumpsuit.
Other days, he's in a cut out shirt and baggy shorts.
He listens to his music, with sturdy, large headphones.
I want to know what he listens to, what urges him on.
He used to walk slowly, up and down the street.
Not anymore. He runs without stopping. Without defeat.
Now, There is an old man,
But the round tummy can no longer be found.

An Inspiring Novel Indeed...

I barley just put down the book, dying to start An Echo in the Darkness, a continuation of A Voice in the Wind. It is one thing when the novel is intriguing and slightly convicting, it is an entirely different story when the novel inspires one to become a better individual. That is exactly what this novel does. I cannot explain to you how powerfully moving this piece is. I want to read it over and over again, diving deeper into the doctrine it proclaims. This is a fictional story, one fabricated through historical facts and information, combined with intricate and beloved characters.

You will fall in love with the main character, Hadassah. You will feel her pains, experience her joys, and grow with her throughout the book. Francine Rivers inspires an array of emotions, every one unique and very real.

I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It ties numerous stories together, all showing the mercies of the Lord. It is beautifully written, with passion and understanding of the human capacities. For the past week, I have not been able to put this book down. I love it! I'll let you know how the second book is, can't wait!