MISS ELAINI OUS

“The final test of a painting, theirs, mine, any other, is: does the painter’s emotions come across?” ~Franz Kline

Yesterday I had the honor of Skyping into a modern art class that my dear friend teaches.  We learned about the American painter Franz Kline.  The pictures she held up reminded me of brushed Chinese calligraphy…gone awry.  Their graphic strokes spoke loudly from the page.  While these bold pieces of art look simple enough they often took Kline several months to paint.  It got me thinking.  Maybe it’s the things that others find “simple enough” that are the hardest for us to be faithful completing.  It’s the routines that are important but lack the glamor.  But simple things can make a bold statement.  A statement that could effect someone’s life in a powerful way.  They may not even recognize it at first but that doesn’t detract from the value of it.  From far away Kline’s art looks simple.  Your action may seem small.  Yet up close the brush strokes show the detail taken and your little actions show what you really care about.  Just as the negative space in any piece of art is as important to the piece as the highlighted part so too what we leave out of our lives is just as important as what we put in.  What are we putting in our lives?  What should we take out?  What would our lives look like if they were a painting…

My dear friend Christa helped me style this outfit and we thought it would be fun to show you how you can change things up by just adding different accessories like the hat or scarf. 🙂

(Photos by: Christa Taylor) 

As part of my new blogging schedule I want to start sharing what books I’ve been reading.  Which means I need to read at least one book a month.  I love reading.  When I was a child I always had my head buried in a book.  No, really.  I would be reading as I walked, in the car, when I should have been sleeping…  As an adult I haven’t read as much and I want that to change.  Last month my new, sweet friend Rachel Coker (I introduced her here) sent me not just one book but two! Now that’s a good friend.  But to top it off she wrote them! Yes, she’s seventeen and has two novels published.  She writes historical fiction and to say that I was impressed with her work would be an understatement.  She writes a compelling story that had me turning pages as quickly as possible.  Her first book Interrupted: Life Beyond Words is set in the 194o’s and follows a young girl, Allie, through some tragic and life changing events.  I was pleasantly surprised to see Rachel weave in Emily Dickinson throughout each chapter.  It didn’t hurt that she had references to Debussy AND Louboutin in the same book too.  How could I not like it?! I had plenty to do the day that I started reading it but I just couldn’t bring myself to put it down and when it was over I wanted more!  Good thing she also sent me her second book Chasing Jupiter: When The World Around You falls Apart, Dreams Are All You Have.  🙂  In her second novel the main character Scarlet learns what it means to deal with family struggles and growing up in Georgia during the 1970’s.  Her relationship with her younger brother is sweet and touching.

I so enjoyed both of these novels and not because the books are written by an amazing friend but because Rachel is a wonderful writer.  She is cultured and it is evident in her composition of these books.  She writes with a depth that is a delight to read and she doesn’t shy away from hard issues but handles them with grace while still making her characters relatable.  But don’t just take my word for it! Go buy her books and read them! You won’t regret it.  I’m already looking forward to her third book. 🙂

You can find Rachel’s blog here and you can follow her on twitter as well.

Today I don’t have a traditional outfit post since I wanted to show you some pictures from a little adventure I went on a couple of weeks ago.  You see my cousin got engaged at the beginning of this year and then married his beautiful bride just six weeks later!  Even though we have lived across the country from each other all our lives we still managed to be good friends and so I knew I really wanted to be at his wedding.  They got married up in the north woods of Minnesota and I was so grateful to be able to celebrate this joyous occasion with lots of family I haven’t seen for a while.  We came from all across the globe to be there!  Did I mention that there was a blizzard?  And that I got to walk on water?! (Well a frozen lake) 😉  All in all it was nice to be able to take this trip and spend time with family and delight in all that snow! Can I just say I was really happy that I figured out how to only take one pair of shoes?!  I’m easily pleased. 🙂

(All pictures taken with my iphone: the bottom one of me looking like a dork by the car is when we drove out on the lake…)

UPDATE!!! $71,405.15  So I put a new goal up…I just can’t help myself.  I love those precious orphans in India.  Would you consider giving even $5?  It really does make a difference.  Also if you buy this amazing fashion illustration $20 dollars goes to the kiddos!  It would look lovely on your wall or even as a birthday present for a friend.  Hey it’s guilt free shopping! 🙂

Welcome to a new feature on the blog that I’ve been just giddy to show you!  We’re starting tips and tricks with fashion illustrations by my dear friend and incredible artist, Jeni.  Seriously this woman is way too talented.  She blows me away with every piece she does.  Anyways, we’ve been having way too much fun collaborating on this and now we can finally show you the first one!  And you want to know what makes it even better?!  You can buy a print (or a few if you really love your friends) and $20 dollars will go to the kiddos in India! So you can shop without feeling guilty.  Best.deal.EVER.  So shop away with the confidence that every purchase makes life a little brighter for an orphan.  Now that’s just peachy.

If you haven’t guessed already today’s tip is about scarves.  You can find them for pretty inexpensive and they change up an outfit or pull one together so fast.  Plus during these winter months they keep you nice and cozy.  I discovered this video on the web awhile ago and it’s too good not to share.  I hope you enjoy it. 🙂   And don’t forget to go buy yourself or a friend a print of Jeni’s beautiful illustration to help our sweet orphans in India!

(Art work by: Jeni Kubicek Art) Go check it out to see some more amazing art!

I don’t know how to write this post…  This is a post I prayed I’d never have to write.  I’m simultaneously rejoicing and grieving.  The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord.  “Our” sweet boy, Hosanna, has gone to be with Jesus this morning.  He has ultimately been healed and now has a new body that is without cancer or pain.  He is in the arms of Jesus.  He is dancing and free…forever.  And because Hosanna is with Jesus I can rejoice too.  I love Hosanna.  Another piece of my heart has gone to heaven now.  Hosanna thank you for being a boy who loved Jesus with all your heart.  You were so brave and had such great faith.  You inspired us all.  We will miss you.  Please give Jesus a hug for me.  I can’t wait to hug the both of you someday.

Hosanna, now fully alive and dancing in heaven.

2002-2013

Thank you for all your prayers and care for Hosanna.  Please continue to pray for Hosanna’s mom and sister.  As you can imagine this is an incredibly painful and difficult time.  Thank you everyone.

There I was busily replacing all the strewn out clothing when I picked up that lace edged hankie.  The faded crumpled blue ribbon had fallen to the side and as I safety pinned the two back together my heart was pricked.  My heart bled a little.  As I sat there I wondered if your hands had placed that “something blue” on your wedding ensemble.  Was it your mother that lovingly added that?  Holding that hankie and piece of silk I wanted to cry right into it.  Because you’d seen it.  You’d touched it.  You may have even laughed at the funny marital superstition.  Now you’re gone.  I miss you.  My first thought was that I wanted to call you.  I want to hear your voice one last time telling me in your native Greek language that you love me.  I want to say it back.  Even though you’ve left these wedding raiments to me now I know you’re basking in the glow of your heavenly bridegroom.  Thank you for loving me the way you did.  I hope I can be like you when I grow up.  Yia Yia,  I love you.

Please go hug someone you love today.  Pick up the phone and call someone who is dear to you and tell them that you care.  All we have is today so let’s use it up well.

In these photos I’m wearing my Yia Yia’s (Greek for grandma) wedding under skirt.  I’m also wearing shoes, tights, and a jacket that my lovely new friend Rachel sent me!  Isn’t that the sweetest?!  She’s wonderful like that. 🙂  She had sent me a picture of Emma Watson in something similar and we did our best to try and recreate the look in the spur of the moment.  And my DAD MADE MY PURSE! Yes, more on that in another post though…(he’s amazing).

(Photos by: Christa Taylor)  Christa is a wonderful photographer and I totally recommend you book her to take your photos! 

I’m really excited about this post since I’ve been anxiously waiting to share with you a little of what’s happening with “our” beautiful children in India.  It seems like a fitting topic on Valentines Day because I love them so much.  Actually my sweet, wonderful friend Paige who has been living in India with her husband helping these orphans is guest blogging today!  Thank you so much Paige and Sean for all you do for these children.  I know you love them dearly and it shows.  Here is Paige:

In the last two years we have seen our 5 year olds turn 7, our 8 year olds turn 10, and our 11 year olds turn 13.  If you were to come to India now, you would see a group of children who do not look like orphans, act like orphans or feel like orphans.  They would tell you they have hope for a bright future.  When I look out over “my” kids, I see great leaders and a bright future for the next generation of India.

Without very many good leaders for role models, the staff thought it was important to teach a hand picked group of children about leadership.  They are youth who range in age from 13 – 15 years old.  Some are quiet leaders and some are outspoken, some are implementers and some are visionaries, but all of them love Jesus and want to grow in their leadership skills.

The leadership program began in September and we currently have 26 leaders.  Training takes place once a month and our staff does an amazing job teaching and challenging the youth to become all that they were created to become.  Our model is Servant Leadership; best displayed by the life of Jesus.

As they learn about leadership we also want them to put what they have learned into practice.  The leaders are used at our 2^nd Saturday daylong events that we have every month.  They also get to be leaders at our camps in May and October.  This past October was their first opportunity to put their training into practice.  They all had a great time but were very tired when camp was over.

We see the potential to have 3 or 4 different leadership training centers based on the locations of the homes.  Right now these 26 teens are our pilot project and we are very excited about what is happening with them and what they are learning.

In order to train these leaders once a month we needed funding for food and transportation.  The total cost for the training each month is $100.  We have a group of 4 college friends, who were on leadership staff as RAs together, who decided to sponsor this leadership program.  We are so thankful for them and for their belief that our children can make a difference in India!

Every time you give, you give to children who ARE making a difference in their village, their state, and their country.

Will you give today?  Even $5 dollars?  For Valentines Day let’s spread some tangible love and give to these children in need.  Will you love truly?

(Pictures: Leaders serving lunch at camp, Malleswari in Feb. 2011, leadership boys, leadership girls, First Day of Leadership Training, Malleswari in October 2012 Teaching Photography at Camp)

UPDATE ON HOSANNA…. Continue Reading →

“It is everyone’s duty to get out there and give the world a reason to dance!” ~ Kid President.  This video has been flying around the web but if you haven’t seen it yet (and even if you have) you need to watch this kid!

I’m really excited about some changes that are going to be happening around here on the blog. 🙂  For starters I actually have a blogging schedule!  Meaning you can expect at least two posts a week from me.  Also I’m going to be collaborating with some other people to bring new and improved content to the blog.  Oh and this blog is going to get a makeover!  Although I can’t tell you about that till later.  😉  Anyways hopefully I’m going to be doing some link love once a month around here.  I hope you’ll enjoy it!

In light of the fact that I’m in Minnesota right now and it’s truly freezing...this makes me laugh! Via Design Mom

Even though I’m 24 I still sometimes stick a little red one of these in my hair.  And the fact that I can’t find my “collection” from the 90’s makes me sad…

My mouth just started watering…and it’s actually something I can eat! Did someone say chocolate?!

You probably have this in your kitchen for baking but I put it on my wrists instead.

I’m sure that drinking my daily cup of tea out of all that color would make it more fun. 😉

We have quite a few bridges where I live… and this print shows them off nicely.

These help me pretend that I’m actually good at calligraphy…

UPDATE ON HOSANNA:  I know today’s post is mostly fun but I do want to talk to you for a moment about Hosanna.  For those of you that just started reading he is one of “my” kiddos in India.  He is ten years old and has Leukemia.  I’ll let my friend Paige explain more now:

As you already know, Hosanna’s sister, Grace, is not a bone marrow transplant match for Hosanna.  So, we hit a wall in the traditional medical field.  We were disappointed because we wanted to have something to hope in that we could do.  Hosanna’s mom is an amazing woman and she said, “We just have to trust in God for his healing.”  She has amazing faith.

After some research and communication with our director, we decide to take a step of faith by using a doctor of Ayurvedic medicine.  Hosanna is currently doing Ayurvedic treatment for the next 3 days.  He traveled to another state in India, just North of Andrah Pradesh, met with this doctor and received medicine for the treatment.  He is at home and his mom was given instructions as to how to administer the pills.  Our staff is also checking on Hosanna daily.

I would like to ask all of you who pray to join us in a day of prayer.  All of the kids have been praying for Hosanna and we would like you to join us this Thursday, February 7th, for a Day of Prayer for Hosanna.  We believe that when 2 or more are praying in agreement for something, changes happen.  Thursday will be his last day of treatment and we would like to ask God to use the medicine to heal Hosanna’s body.  We will start praying at 8:30pm on Wednesday night (10am in India) through 8:30pm on Thursday night.  The children will be praying while we are sleeping. We will have the whole 24 hours covered.

If you are the praying type then please consider joining us!  We would so appreciate it!

I know you’ve all been waiting for part two. 😉  So here it is!   If you didn’t see part one then you really should so you can read the crazy way that Rachel and I met. 🙂  Can I just say how fun this has been?!  Meeting Rachel and then introducing all you lovely readers to her has been delightful.  Friendship is a sweet gift and not something to be taken for granted.  One way that the 1828 edition of Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language defines friendship is:
An attachment to a person, proceeding from intimate acquaintance, and a reciprocation of kind offices, or from a favorable opinion of the amiable and respectable qualities of his mind. Friendship differs from benevolence, which is good will to mankind in general, and from that love which springs from animal appetite. True friendship is a noble and virtuous attachment, springing from a pure source, a respect for worth or amiable qualities. False friendship may subsist between bad men, as between thieves and pirates. This is a temporary attachment springing from interest, and may change in a moment to enmity and rancor.

See real friendship is rare because real love is rare (I’m not talking about romantic love but sacrificial love).  Recently in my reading I came upon this quote by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and I’ve been thinking on it ever since:  “Human love breeds hot house flowers; spiritual love creates the fruits that grow healthily in accord with God’s good will in the rain and storm and sunshine of God’s outdoors.”  If you have true friends cherish them.

To see more photos go check out Rachel’s blog here.  Make sure to leave her some comment love too!  And you can follow her on twitter as well. 

(Photos by Rachel Coker Photography)  Rachel’s mother was incredibly patient and kind to take these pictures! Thank you Mrs. Coker.