Front page news!

This evening I was so sad to hear the news that Richard Dawson, host of Family Fued, had passed away on June 2. :( 

He will be missed.

Also, do you remember him on the 70's game show, "Match Game"?
Probably not.

Listen people: Let me just say that if I were growing up during the 70's, then this is the show I would watch all the freakin' time. I'm serious.

It is the most hilarious show EVER!!

To prove it, I suggest you take a moment after reading this post, hop on over to YouTube, watch snippets of the show and then laugh until it hurts. 

(PS. You are welcome.)

------

Now, onto Miley Cyrus. 

I am pretty sure most of you are about to judge me right now.

I don't care.

I was happy to hear the news about her engagement to Hunger Games star, Liam Hemsworth.

I am going to be quite honest with you guys.

I kind of want to dislike Miley.

I know that sounds horrible. 

I really do.

BUT!

I think I feel that way mostly because everyone seems to have a reason that they don't care for her.

However, I think that may be the reason I like her more.

She isn't perfect, truly not the best actress, and the singing could improve a bit.

However,

I feel like she would be someone I'd love to hang out with, someone who despite how many people tear her down she is always talking about loving/caring for others, and I also love most of her outfits.
Plus, have you seen Liam?
That is definitely a hottie with a body. Just sayin'.

{She is also a big supporter of TWLOHA (To Write Love on Her Arms), which is a very important organization to me.} 

------

In other news, a girl walked into the store the other day.

She looked straight at me and said, "You look just like Amy Winehouse. It is definitely the eyes."

I didn't know what to say.

So, I responded with, "Well, thank you ... if you meant that as a compliment."

She did and I was glad.

Amy Winehouse was a genius.

Have you heard her voice?

Phenomenal.

It is a shame that she was taken from us so soon.

I believe she is someone who was truly beautiful inside and out, but that she couldn't escape her demons. 

People can say whatever they like about her tragic life, but I must say that I have a spot in my heart for those that are most often judged. 

I'm always the one rooting in the corner for them.

[I also know I look nothing like Amy Winehouse, but it was a sweet compliment.]

------

This next photo melted my heart:

Gahh!!

So. stinkin'. cute!

I must mention that it took me some time to warm up to Jared's (Padalecki) hair, but I don't mind it being long anymore. Though, he could trim it up a bit. 

But, hey .. the photo is still adorbs, right?? 

& one more thing.

Can we please talk about how cute he and his wife, Geneieve, are together? :)

Aww. :)

------

You go girl!

Congrats to Kelly for losing 30 pounds. 

Either way, she is GORGEOUS! :)

------

Ok, that is all the news I have for now.

Not because I don't have more to share, but mostly because it is late and I'm sleepy. 

I hope you all had a wonderful Monday.

much love, 

xoxo.

Ruts are no fun.

[instagram: theplaidsparrow]

Hey there. 

Could I be honest with you for just a moment?

Yes. 

Ok.

 Here it goes:

My life is a mess.

I do not have it all together, despite how it may seem on this little blog of mine at times.

I am just as broken, lost, flawed, and imperfect as everyone else. 

I beat myself down more than anyone I know.

I run from people who mean the most to me, because I feel like I can conquer my struggles alone.

I guess I don't want to drag them through the dirt, so to speak.

Some days, I am so happy and bubbly on the outside, but feel so hurt and sad on the inside.

I become overwhelmed with stress & worry. 

I don't like it.

Who would?

But I feel those things...

not everyday, but more often than I'd like. 

In spite of all that, I know that I have hope.

I have been given a promise by my sweet Father.

I am learning to love myself more through His love and grace.

I'm learning patience.

In all that I am also searching for healing.

It's taking a bit longer than I'd hoped, but I'm getting there.

Slowly, but surely.

Life really is a beautiful gift.

PS. Through this season, God is blessing me with wonderful friendships.

It has given me great encouragement just to know such strong & caring women.

For that, I would really love to hear what is going on in your lives.

Whether that be commenting below or shooting me an email.

& no matter how small it may seem, I'd love to hear about it!

as always, much love.

xoxo.

Hello, there!

Happy, Happy Wednesday!

I hope you all have a beautiful day.

xoxo

PS. I love getting moring emails from Charlie.

They inspire, encourage, and bring a smile to my face.

Please check out it out here.

Then get added to the mailing list.

Your mornings will be brighter. I promise.

:)

You matter.

Lately, I have been struggling with inadequacy.
Ha. Well, really most of my life.
'Lately' just sounds better. ;)
For such a happy person, I tend to beat myself up more than anyone I know.
I'm not sure why I do that.
We all have our flaws and this is one of mine. :/

I started re-reading 'The five people you meet in Heaven'.
It is such a great novel.
I think many times, our role or purpose seems so small and insignificant.
That is how I feel sometimes.
I want to be doing all these great things to make the world a better place, but I feel like I am just struggling to stay above water with day to day responsibilities.

Life is a beautiful, messy, crazy, lovely thing.
I pray that I can get past the idea of what I feel I "should" be or what I "should" be doing.
God has me exactly where He wants me.
He wants to use me exactly where I am, no matter how small that may seem in my eyes.
The willingness to listen and be obedient is the key!

Allow yourself to be used by God.
Be grateful for where He has you.
Find joy in the things you do have, and not worry about the things you lack.
I wish everyone a wonderful day!
much love.

PS. Please pick up a copy of this novel. It is a wonderful read.
If you ever feel 'unworthy' or 'inadequate' then it is a wonderful story to show just how much your life is in HIS hands. You are important. You are making a difference.

Oh, happy day!

Today was filled with:

-Sleeping in (9am was pushing it for me!)

-cleaning

-beautiful weather

-much needed hair trim

-driving with the windows down & jamming to 80's rock music

-friend from HS had a 5lb 2oz baby girl!!

-coffee

-went with baby sister for her first set of contacts. woop, woop!

-ate some yummy pizza

-surprise visit from a good friend

-caught up on episodes of New Girl (I adore Zooey Deschanel)

-got to see my precious two year old nephew **see photo above

-laughing, talking, and being reminded how grateful I am for Nathan in my life

-and last, but certainly NOT least:

My new blog design!! :)

I am over the moon with how it turned out!

Don did an amazing job. 

He was very professional & always willing to answer any questions I had about the design.

I would recommend him to anyone looking for something new or fresh for their blog. 

If you have not had a chance, please check out his amazing designs and sweet family at www.adelinesdaddy.com!!

**photos above were done in the Picture Show app from iPhone.**

-

I had to ...

I just got home from work not too long ago.
The first thing I find out online is the news that Whitney Houston had passed away this afternoon at 3:00.

As many know of me, I am a pritty emotional person.

I can feel so strongly for people I don't even know.

It may be weird, but hey, it's who I am. 

My heart goes out to her family right now.

I mean she has a 19 year old daughter, who is left with a father who isn't really a role model in any sense of the word.

It breaks my heart.

You hear about how Clive Davis discovered Whitney, and how her voice was like no other.

It definitely was distinct. 

I can't tell you how many times I have seen people try to remake a Whitney song.

People only wishing they could have the talent that God had blessed her with. 

Though, we are unsure at the moment what the cause of death was ... we are all thinking the same thing.

Drugs.

What a sad end to such a beautiful talent!

Sometimes I wondered what would have happened with her and her career had she never married Bobby Brown. 

I mean, we all make our own choices. Good and bad.

She could have wound up marrying someone just as similar to him.

But what if she hadn't ... would the sound of her voice still echo through the speakers of our car radios?

What if her vocals weren't damaged from years of drug and alcohol abuse?

I'm not sure.

I would like to hope that the outcome would have been different.

All I know is that I wish her family peace and comfort during this time. 

You know, the first time I ever knew who Whitney Houston was was when I watched 'The Bodyguard'.

The performances given by her and Kevin Costner were amazing.

I could see that even at 11 or 12 years old.

When she started singing "I Will Always Love You", I'm pretty sure a little piece of heaven opened up and shined down. 

I really do.




Thank you, Whitney. 
I pray that you have found rest for your soul.

If you asked me...

If you asked me ... I'd tell you that this morning was beautiful. That in between all the joys and struggles, the Lord always shows up ... even when I don't think He does. When I whisper the sweet name of "Jesus" softly under my breathe, my heart feels at peace with the world. 

If you asked me ... I would tell you that I can't wait to be married one day. I look forward to having little kiddos running around, but for now ... I'm content with not having any. ;)

If you asked me ... I would tell you that just because I am always nice, doesn't mean I always like everyone. People can be cruel. They can be mean. But, there are also those who fill my life with love and laughter. I am so grateful for them. 

If you asked me ... I would tell you that I worry too much about what people think of me. I tend to seek the approval of what my life is worth through others, instead of from the Lord. I hate that. 

If you asked me ... I would tell you that I love watching sad movies. They remind me that life is short, beautiful, and messy.

If you asked me ... I would tell you that though I do not always talk about it, I worry about my weight.

If you asked me ... I would tell you that I haven't always been the greatest friend. I try. Sometimes I fail. I'm still working on it.

If you asked me  ... I would tell you that sometimes I am selfish. We all are in some ways. I pray that God would help me in that area of my life.

If you asked me ... I would tell you I don't like taking family trips. We all end up arguing or mad at each other. So, I would rather arrive seperate. :/

If you asked me ... I would tell you that I watched 'Dirty Dancing' this afternoon, for the millionth time in my life. And that Patrick Swayze still makes me swoon after all these years. ;)



If you asked me ... I would tell you that I dream of a day when I wake up and don't feel anxious over my worries and fears. {{That will be a beautiful day!!}}

If you asked me ... I would tell you that some of my favorite days are the quiet ones. The days filled with coffee, books, blankets, and a notebook.

"Take delight in Him, and he will give you the desire's of your heart." - Psalm 37:4

Tuesdays with Colie Week 2

taken from page 55 of 'tuesdays with morrie'

Unlike week one, this week's lesson hit me like a ton of bricks.

The other day I spoke about how I tend to worry far too much. : /

I believe that in that worry, I start feeling sorry for myself at times.

Do you have those moments?

I'm sure they happen far more often than we would like to admit.

Every time I read about Morrie in the last stages of his life, it always seems to tug at some emotion in my heart.

It makes me stop and remember that life truly is a beautiful thing.

Mitch says that even for Morrie, a dying man, who could no longer stand, barely wash/feed himself, or pull up his pants thought that he was lucky.

LUCKY!

Can you believe it?

That seems like a bit crazy since we tend to fret over even the smallest of things not going our way.

I think Morrie was special, though. 

I hope only to be more like him. :)

Mitch once asked Morrie if he felt sorry for himself.

This was his response:

"Sometimes, in the mornings. Thats when I mourn. I feel around my body, I move my fingers and hands - whatever I can still move - and I mourn what I've lost. I mourn the slow, insidious way in which I'm dying. But then I stop mourning. I give myself a good cry if I need it. But then I concentrate on all the good things still in my life. On the people who are coming to see me. On the stories I'm going to hear. On you - if its Tuesday. Because we're Tuesday people."

It is okay to be hurt, to worry, to be sad, to struggle, to feel broken.

Just remember that you are alive and that you have purpose.

In the mist of what we face, I hope we remember that life is short.

(and. so. very. precious.)

Don't feel sorry for yourself.

Be proud. 

Be grateful.

Give thanks.

Smile often.

HAPPY, HAPPY TUESDAY!

much love, friends.

(PS) ---> Mitch said that visiting with his old professor was like 'a cleansing rinse of human kindness'. 

So don't just remember to be kind to others, but remember to be kind to yourself. 

If you have made it this far in your life, then you are doing good. 

Until next week's lesson ...

Tumblr Tuesday

It's Tuesday, folks. 

Tumblr time! 
(ps. these are all from my tumblr account, but if you want credit for one of your photos below just let me know!) 

doesn't this sound lovely? :)

i bet this is what peter pan always imagined. 

new york, my love. 

if you can not find waldo ... you may need some glasses. ;)

gorgeous!

 love knows NO distance. :)

 oh, adele. 

can i stay here, please??

tattooed lovebirds. <3

bahaha. this was the "tweet of the week" for me, folks!

this is where i need to be blogging. 

this was all kinds of wonderful!

enough said!

wasn't marlon handsome? :)

painful movie to watch. wonderful performances. crushing on guillaume canet!

i really love the 'forever young' script, the snow falling in NY, & the beautiful tent.

which were your favorites??

happy tuesday!

much love, colie.