{beautiful day}

Monkey in the Tree

2011-06-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

There is a palm on Olive I love to pass along my way. I like to believe there is a monkey in the tree. The long old fronds hang down and scratch against the trunk in the breeze. They only seem to move as I pass along away, like startled monkey scurrying in the tree. Though I know it's really just me, every time I pass I have to look to see if I can see the monkey in the tree.

It's Never Too Late

2011-04-04T12:06:00.001-07:00

The Cave

2011-04-02T17:52:00.001-07:00

I saw this video a few weeks ago while I was staying in Vegas. I loved the video. I mean, how great are the Indian guys (they're Indian right?) in the band uniforms?! Especially the one singing. But the lyrics! The lyrics spoke to me.

Leading Lady

2011-04-01T00:35:00.000-07:00

It is interesting how life comes full circle. I started this blog almost four years ago, inspired by Kate Winslet's character in "The Holiday." At a critical juncture she is told "in the movies we have leading ladies and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason you are behaving like the best friend." This struck a chord with me. I realized how true this was in my own life.

Unlike the movies, I unfortunately don't learn my lesson in 20 minutes or less. So four years later I am still learning to become the leading lady. I am learning what makes me a leading lady; what exciting story I have to tell on the stage of life. I am learning to make decisions that will propel me forward and steer the direction of my life. I am a long ways from the girl I was back then, but I still have a ways to go.

I am rededicating my blog to this pursuit. Moving forward, progressing, and improving.

Making each day a beautiful day.

Stars

2011-03-31T16:46:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving A la Mode

2010-11-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

I want these crust cutters soooooooooooooo bad! The only thing better than pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving is pumpkin pie with autumn leaf crusts.

I'm dreaming.....

2010-11-19T13:26:00.001-08:00

....of an Apple Christmas.....

The Joys of Fall

2010-11-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Don't these just look like fall to you? I just wish I looked better in flats.

all i want for christmas 2

2010-11-09T11:09:00.000-08:00

all i want for christmas.....that I probably shouldn't have and I probably won't ever get

Click here to see why.

all i want for christmas

2010-11-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

love is in the air

2010-04-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

...everywhere I look around.....

Mark Weinberg & Liz Hansen

Lyndee Litchfield & Nathan Gubler

Megan Hall & Gavin Wiswell

Kristina Smith & Ben Coplin

Melanie Shea Egbert & McKay Rogers

Congratulations to all the happy couples!

Ps. I still have one weekend in June without a wedding.....any takers?

Art

2010-04-24T18:45:00.000-07:00

I found this post inspiring.

In some ways it reminds me of this

Thanks for sharing O!

Photos

2010-04-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

I am not even going to pretend to be a good blogger - or writer......or photographer. So there you go.

August 2009 - Life on the Water

Summer Sunset

San Diego

Somewhere in Boston

Maui Waui

Fish out of Water (J.Crew)

January 2010 - Crystal Cove

Up In the Air

Cruisin'

Laguna Beach

Chuckarama

2010-03-08T14:51:00.000-08:00

23 years and 4 days ago, I had a dream that my mom (who was prego) was going to have a little boy. The dream was so vivid and clear I can still remember the pram we pushed up a cobblestone street and my baby brother tucked inside the blue and white blanket puffy blanket. I woke up surprised by my dream. I had been convinced I was going to have a baby sister. I jumped out of my bed and ran into my parent's room to tell my mom that after months of disagreeing with her, I thought she's was right - I thought she was going to have a boy. As I burst into the room, to my shock, I found my uncle Steve in place of my parents. The surprises didn't stop there. He told me my parents had gone to the hospital in the middle of the night and my mom had had a 7 lbs. baby girl! Claire Elise Olds - the pride and joy of my life.

She started out as Elizabeth and then she became Claire and then Mowgli, Roo, Chuckawalla, Chuck, Small Fry, and Baby. She has so much personality one name just won't do. Claire has never been timid or shy and will do just about anything. If it equals fun she is in. It is one of the things I adore about her. But what I love even more is her loyal tender heart. She is one of the sweetest people I know. I am touched time and time again by the tender things she does for people and the loving way she treats them. I will never forget one time when I was really sick in high school and I couldn't leave the couch for days. She came and laid next to me on the couch and just rubbed my head for hours on end. She couldn't have been more than 10 yrs old. It is one of my sweetest memories.

Beloved Light - that is Claire.

Love you Baby!

The end.

Brando

2010-02-17T14:57:00.001-08:00

How appropriate that the next name out of the hat would be Brandon. I love Brandon (but I think Mini likes him more). Brandon is one of the sweetest people I know. He just loves people, which makes him very easy to love. I think one of my many favorite things about Brandon is that I can always count on him to yell, "Love you!" when he walks out the front door. That and that you can count on him to laugh at anything and fall asleep within a matter of seconds. Brandon is definitely one of a kind, and definitely a keeper.

proof heather likes him more :)

Mini

2010-02-16T14:38:00.000-08:00

Heather "Mini" Warren. Oh how I love thee! When it comes to Heather, I might be a little sappy. I may or may not (may) tell her 10 times a day how much I love her. But how can I not?She is the best roommate I have ever had. Heather was an answer to my prayers and a huge blessing in my life.

Things I love about Mini:

1. She is pint sized (but likes to claim her height in heels as her actual size)

2. She has the best facial expressions in the world!

3. She is friends with everyone.

4. She is a good friend - she makes all of her friends feel like they are her best friend.

5. She is thoughtful, kind & loving.

6. She loves Diet Coke as much as I do.

7. She is sophisticated, fashionable, refined and VERY funny!

Love you Mini! Happy Birthday!

Markel

2010-02-10T18:06:00.001-08:00

Mark L. Weinberg (Mark+ L. = Markel....get it :) Sorry Mark!

Mark is seriously one of the coolest people I have ever met. I will fully admit I grossly under-rated him the first time we met. I had no idea what was hiding behind those Gucci glasses, and camera lens, but by a lucky stroke of fate I invited him to go on the first annual "Drop It Like It's Yacht!" Catalina trip and he has been one of my best friends ever since. Mark is one of the most fun, adventurous, talented people I know. (don't believe me just look!) He may like to answer texts & gchats with one syllable words, he may take all of my friends and relatives to the Clinton Street Bakery and not me, but he is still my favorite.

He's a part of the family.

My Mother

2010-02-09T18:25:00.000-08:00

Oh mom! I will fully admit I am biased, but my mom is a pretty amazing woman. As I have grown up, passing ages at which I remember my mother, I am in awe of the experiences she has had to go through very young in life. I remember her at my age now, just having her second child and having recently taken another child into her family to raise. She approached every experience with joy and a smile. No matter how hard a situation got, or how bleak the future looked, she always found the silver lining. I learned so much from her love, and her faith in the Lord.

Grammy

2010-02-09T18:15:00.001-08:00

My Grammy is one of the most beautiful people I know - inside and out (it is a close competition with my mom). I mean just look at her! She radiates beauty, love, grace, elegance, joy, kindness, virtue.....

I think the best way to describe my grandmother is through the poem "My Symphony." I know no one who exemplifies the virtues described better than her.

Love you Grammy!

Sara Pauline Wait Garff

2010-02-04T09:38:00.000-08:00

So up until now I chose the people I wanted to feature at random, but this weekend I was called to remember how much I love Sara Wait. Through a random encounter I met someone who had known Sara in high school. As we were trying to figure out if we were talking about the same person, he kept saying "She's blonde right? She is really sweet and kind. Yeah, I just remember he being so nice, so sweet." I couldn't think of a better way to describe Sara. She just exudes happiness, kindness, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm. I absolutely love Sara. She is the best friend a person could ask for.

Christina

2010-02-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

This is Christina & Matt - one of the cutest couples ever.

Christina was one of my first roommates in New York, and what a blessing she was. I adore Christina. A cool Korean, hipster, advertising-guru, graphic designer. Christina always knew about the coolest things period. The coolest things in New York, the best restaurants to eat at, hot new music. You name it she knew it. She is just plain hip - with no pretense whatsoever. AND she makes the best Korean food on earth. I love her and miss her.

Miss Julie

2010-02-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

I have worked with Julie on and off for almost ten years now. Not only is she the best co-worker anyone could ask for, she is the best aunt, friend, wife, person I have ever met. She amazes me with her cheerful loving approach to life. She treats her nieces and nephews as though they were her own children (they each have their own room in her house) and she treats her friends like family. I can only hope that in my lifetime I can be half as kind or as thoughtful as Julie.

One more thing I love about Julie.... When she finds a pair of shoes she likes she will buy them in all the colors available, and sometimes she ends up doing this:

Tommy

2010-02-01T11:11:00.001-08:00

I love this guy! I could go on for days about how much and why, so if you want to know just ask...or come hang out with him for 5 minutes. Love you Dad! Happy Birthday!

Melanie Bean

2010-01-31T22:29:00.000-08:00

Melanie is Pierside Ward's best kept secret. Anyone who hasn't discovered that secret is seriously missing out. Mel may appear to be quiet and reserved but she is one of the funniest and one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met. Life is better just for knowing her.

Six Months of Love

2009-09-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

I love love. I love to love. I play for keeps. There is nothing in the world like loving another person regardless of whether they love you back. There is nothing like the warm joy of thinking of a person, wondering if they had a good day, and finding out they have; or the tender ache that comes when they haven't. We all know with love there is pain. We fear the pain and so we often hold back a portion of ourselves and our capacity to love to protect ourselves from that pain. But I have come to believe this only increases the pain. I believe loving with all your heart, allowing yourself to love to your full capacity increases your joy and lessens the pain.

It was through the life and the example of a dear, dear friend that I came to this conclusion. I came to know my friend towards the end of his life, but at a point when his life was full of hope and promise. He was the father to four beautiful children. His daughter once took him to school for show & tell as the best Christmas present she ever received. He had a wife he loved, cherished, and adored. She was his best friend and his life. He loved life and everything about it. He loved everyone he met and he made everyone feel like his best friend - and they were.

He was also living with terminal cancer.

Now before you start thinking he had this positive approach to life because he knew it was ending and he wanted to enjoy every minute. He didn't. For eight years he unknowingly lived with the disease that would take him from everything he loved. When I met him, he was cheerfully, hopefully, fighting for his life. He faced this most terrifying future with a smile. Rather than seeking for love, support, and comfort from others he gave it. When I last saw him, I knew it would be the last time I saw him - though I hoped against hope. With my eyes full of tears - my heart breaking - He gave me a hug and a kiss. He gave me his love.

Three years ago this October he left this life his legacy of love. It is in his honor I am sharing with you my love. For the next six months I will highlight many of the people I love and why I love them. So don't be surprised if I tell you....

i love you.

Winter

2009-09-22T09:26:00.000-07:00

I walked through the frozen food section of the grocery store today and got really excited for winter.

....Let me rephrase that. I got really excited for California winter. Brisk days, cool nights, cute coats that aren't really necessary - nothing more than sweater weather. Rain storms, white puffy clouds and green hill sides. Driving in my car, heater blasting, and a large Diet Coke by my side.

It is the life.

Decorating Advice

2009-08-05T08:19:00.000-07:00

I am looking for a small table to put in my bedroom to use as a desk/vanity/bookshelf etc. Which of these would be the best? Anyone have any other suggestions?

Ikea Markor Table

Crate & Barrel Kingston Console

Pottery Barn Chloe Console

Birthday Countdown!

2009-08-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

I also LOVE this!

Birthday Countdown!

2009-08-05T08:11:00.001-07:00

LOVE this bedding! It is not nearly as pretty in this picture as it is in real life.

BIrthday Countdown!

2009-07-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

How beautiful are these monogrammed necklaces? I love how delicate they are. I also love that they are 20% off through the end of July. (Thanks for the heads up Heather!)

necklaces by Albeit. Made of 14K gold,

Birthday Countdown!

2009-07-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS IDEA! & I WOULD LOVE ANYONE WHO GAVE ME A GIFT WRAPPED IN A SCARF!

Weekend Guide

2009-07-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

500 Days of Summer

Birthday Countdown!

2009-07-17T14:32:00.001-07:00

Love this Tennis Dress. But click here for the one I love even more!

Birthday Countdown!

2009-07-12T06:54:00.001-07:00

I have a feeling I will not be receiving this ridiculously beautiful purse. Click here and you will know why.

Birthday Countdown!

2009-07-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

47 days until my 29th birthday! Woot! Woot! Here is one of 47 birthday present ideas. >wink< >wink<

Apologies

2009-06-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the last post. I was only teasing and I have a feeling it didn't come across that way.

Secret, secrets are lots of fun!

Message to My Parents

2009-06-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Secrets, secrets are no fun
Secrets, secrets hurt someone.

I'm just saying....

Friday Favorites #7

2009-06-05T08:52:00.001-07:00

Global Warming - I don't really believe in it, but if it is real it is causing the coolest weather in California - ever!

Incredibly unusual cloud formations......

....thunder & lightning storms...... ....and rain!
Everyone has heard of June Gloom but NO ONE has ever heard of weather like this - ever!

I suck! I suck! I suck!

2009-06-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

there is a little song that goes through my head when i read that title (if you want to hear what i hear listen to the Audition Song from The Last 5 Years)

but i digress.

I suck at blogging. I am sorry. I am. I want to be better but I have no time. Or maybe it is that I am not stuck indoors for half of the year anymore. One of the two.

Anyway, the reasons I didn't post last Friday is one of my Favorites - My Favorite Theme Park

DISNEYLAND!!!

Friday Favorites #6 Adendum

2009-05-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the photos to go with my last post. Mom and Dad kyaking
Claire, waiting to become besties with the dolphins

Dad, talking to the animals

Waimea Falls

Claire and Dad mid water fight

Hiking to Waimea Falls

Claire, the photo diva :)

Friday Favorites #6

2009-05-08T06:30:00.000-07:00

Family Vacation

...and I am not joking!

My family may vacation a lot but it is not often, or at least it hasn't been lately, that we go on our own. The whole dynamic of a trip changes when it is just your family. It seems as though personalities and family dynamics are dramatically enhanced on a family vacation, which makes every event 100 times more memorable. In my family Claire is the entertainer-shopaholic-photo-fiend, My dad is the golfaholic-jokester, my mom is the enthusiast, and I....I....well I don't really know what I am. You'll have to ask my family.

My favorite moments from our recent family vay-cay are:
1. Golfing with my dad - We were at the driving range and I hit a really good 100-120 yd drive. After I hit my ball my dad said, "Now Sara, watch this." Thinking he is going to instruct me on my swing I watch him hit his ball about 250-300 yards. He then turned to me and said, "I hit it WAY farther than you!"
2. As we were driving to go swimming with the dolphins Claire turned to my mom and asked, "Do you think they'll want to be my best friend?"
3. Every time we walked past the stingray pool Claire would say, "Look, they're waving to me!"
4. Getting stuck in horrendous traffic driving through the mountains in the rain.
5. "Hiking" to Waimea Falls
6. My dad trying to talk to the peacocks

So Much More

2009-05-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think I am doing pretty well for myself, that I am a fairly creative and accomplished person...and then I see something like this......

....and I realize I could be so much more.

(if you want to see more go here.)

Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy!

2009-05-05T09:16:00.001-07:00

Isn't this cool?!

Friday Favorites #5

2009-05-01T06:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the absence (not that anyone reads my blog anymore anyway!) Life got busy and then I went on a little vay-cay, but I will try to make it up to you!

Today's Friday Favorite - is random reunions.

Have you ever had people in your life that you absolutely love but for whatever reason you lost contact with them? For me, this happens more often than I would like to admit. But nothing beats the joy of randomly reuniting with long lost friends. Luckily for me this has been happening surprisingly often lately.

No, these reunions were not done the easy way through facebook or blogging (well - okay there is one exception to that). They were truly random reunions.

Example #1
A few days ago I went to my voice lesson, as I do each week, and was greeted by my voice teacher telling me there was someone he would like me to meet. As he let me in the girl who was waiting in the room behind him slowly turned around and I immediately realized I knew her from long ago. Allison Appleby. About five years ago she and I did a crazy play together called "This Must Be the Place"
This was an incredibly fortuitous reunion for me. Because Mahlon (my voice teacher) made her wait to meet me that day Allison and I are now doing an in-concert version of Sweeny Todd together in about 3 weeks!

Example #2
Years ago there were three sister missionaries serving in my parents ward (yes, you read that correctly -three). These were the best sister missionaries ever. I became very fond of these sister missionaries, particularly Sis. Peterson and Sis. Gefeke. I would dare say we were good friends except they were on a mission and I was not. When I returned to BYU that year I lost track of all three of the sisters. Just this week, completely out of the blue, I found out that Sis. Peterson was not that lost at all but the sister of a friend I have known (or known of) for years.

Friday Favorites #4

2009-04-10T00:01:00.000-07:00

It's a fact. I'm obsessed. I know. Franklin Covey finally got smart and came out with a wire bound day planner. Then they got smarter and made one that has the perfect amount of space for everything. Now they just need one that has an aesthetically pleasing design.

Ps. I bought this. For some reason I thought I NEEDED it. Don't worry that I have an iPhone that comes with a calendar, and a To Do list, and a Note Pad that all synch to your computer and notify you when you need to do something. AND I have three calendars on my wall (at work)....and one next to my bed. Don't worry.....I know I am crazy

The Halls are Alive with the Sound of Music

2009-04-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

Guaranteed to make you smile!

Create Something New Everyday!

2009-04-06T20:13:00.000-07:00

Friday Favorite #3

2009-04-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Favorite Refreshment....

Friday Favorites #2

2009-03-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Favorite French Foreign Film

A Little Story about this movie........Amelie was release in 2002 while I was living in London. The week I returned home from London my family went on an overnight trip somewhere without me, so I was left to entertain myself. Completely jet lagged and alone I decided to order Amelie on Pay Per View. I ended up staying up ALL night long watching the movie over and over again. First thing the next day (well, when I finally woke up) I ran out to buy my very own copy.

I love Amelie!

Friday's Favorite #1

2009-03-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

I love journals, diarys & dayplanners!
You may say, "That is three things -not one" but for me, they are one in the same. They all are means by which I can organize my thoughts, feelings, goals, aspirations and LIFE! (and if you know me - which I'm sure you do - you know how I love to organize.) I am always on the hunt for the perfect journal or dayplanner. One has yet to be found, but here are some of my favorites so far.

Pottery Barn Journal Set I'm using now. (I'm hoping the smaller journals I can carry with me everywhere will help me to write everyday.)

Everytime I see this dayplanner I am tempted to buy it and then I remember - I'm not a Mom..............someday!

Have this one. Still wrapped. Still sitting on my nightstand.

My sister bought me a much prettier version of this journal for Christmas. I am still waiting to use it because I love it so much I don't want to spoil it!

(There is one more image to come but I can't find it online - it is the Agenda at Anthropologie. It is like a hippie version of Bridget Jones's Diary)

I love, love, love journals, diarys & dayplanners!! I have far more than I will ever use and yet I am always buying more.

Friday Favorites

2009-03-20T06:32:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows I have a slight problem with indecision. So I have decided to make a decision. I am making my decision. Decision made.

Every Friday from now until forever will be Pick A Favorite Friday.

(pathetic huh? I can't even decide on my favorite things!)

Weekend in Review

2009-03-12T16:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Claire!!

2009-03-11T16:45:00.001-07:00

I spent this past weekend in Utah throwing a birthday extravaganza for Claire. It was one fun crazy weekend! Thanks Heidi, Steph, Mark, Jordan, Scott, Adri and Everyone for everything!

Happy Belated Birthday Chuck!

I Need a House and Here are the Reasons Why...

2009-03-04T03:35:00.000-08:00

Anthropologie Twill Sofa

Stratton Bed

Porter Desk

Porter Shelving

Montego Bed

Cherry Blossom Centerpiece

PB Chairs (the green one)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2009-02-26T15:41:00.000-08:00

I just looked at the date and realized today is my half birthday!
Happy Half-Birthday to me!!

Art is Life!

2009-02-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

I adore this painting. The little image in the sideline just didn't do it justice so I had to post it here too. This painting by Mariano (or Maria) Jose Fortuny y Carbo of his children in the Japanese Salon exquisitely captures the luxurious textures of the room with out neglecting the precious moments of childhood. I love it, love it, love it.

As a side note, I am working on developing a few art tours and tutorials and will be posting little art reviews from time to time. If there are any artists or periods you love or would like to learn more about let me know. I would love your suggestions!

Spark

2009-02-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

My blog is in desperate need of renovation. It is looking sad and tired these days. If you have any suggestions that will spark my imagination PLEASE send them my way.

Red Hot Spot

2009-02-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

I am not much of an online shopper - my sister got those genes - but every once in awhile I come across something cool on my very own. My latest find is like a world wide web hidden treasure -The Red Hot Shop by Target. Every month Target features very unique fun items in this specialty shop. They have things you wouldn't normally think you would find at Target - things you wouldn't think you could purchase anywhere.

My favorite find this month:

The Charlie Brown Lemonade/Advise booth.

I need one of these!

Bouquets of Freshly Sharpend Pencils

2009-02-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

About a week ago my aunt Katie announced her engagement to Dave Briggs. A soon as I heard the news I volunteered my help. Katie may be getting more help than she bargained for. This morning, as I was doing some "research" I came a cross a wedding held at the Atwood Ranch in Glenn Allen, CA. It made me decide if I got married in the fall I would have bouquets of freshly sharpened pencils for my wedding favors.

Pretty!

2009-01-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

I am a sucker for pretty things! Do I need a new computer? No. Do I need a brand new, red, peony embossed Hp Clutch laptop? Uh....Yes!
And with a pretty little price tag of $699 this little beauty may be mine before nightfall!

Blogobsession

2009-01-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

My newest Blogobsessions are....

Why Mormon Girls Stay Single

Amazingly True

Color Me Katie

Amazingly Cute (Thanks for sharing Julie)

Going Postal

2009-01-26T09:56:00.000-08:00

How often do actually go to a post office? If you are like me it is an annual event that usually coincides with the payment to the man, the tax man. This week I had the unusual opportunity to set foot in what is soon to be an antiquated institution, and now I hope I’ll have the chance to go back soon – very soon!

I’m Going Postal

…but not how you think I mean. The crazy explosion of postal worker tempers leading to the violent shoot outs of the 1990’s created a stereotype engrained in the minds of Americans - as well as a great catch phrase - but something has changed. In post offices across American (well in New York and California at least) I have found some of the happiest, friendliest, most cheerful people around. These postal workers have gone out of their way and above and beyond the call of duty to serve me and brighten my day. While helping me find the right shipping container they have shared stories of their families and encouraged me to really appreciate mine; as they helped me pay for postage they shared a love of music, humming along to the tunes playing overhead; and when I thanked them for their service they expressed words of love.

I want to be like them. I want to go postal.

I'm in Love!

2008-12-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

He may be gay (who knows?) but I am in love. Eddie Ross has the cutest and the coolest decorating ideas. Now all I need is a real man and a house to decorate!

Organize Me!

2008-12-12T12:44:00.001-08:00

In an effort to de-clutter my life I am adding a new section to my sporadically updated blog -Organize Me! I will be featuring all the lovely ways to organize your (my) life. I absolutely love these "Letter" files from Anthropologie. - so clever

You Tube Inspiration

2008-12-12T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am completely convinced Beyonce's latest music video was inspired by a YouTube cult classic...

What do you think?

Across the Universe

2008-11-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

I am surprised by how often I will listen to a song, love a song, but never really listen to the lyrics. For some reason, even though I love music and I love literature my mind doesn't link the two together, assimilating both simultaneously as a perfect whole. But for some reason, this morning my sensitivity to the lyrics was heightened. (I attribute it to my intensive, insatiable reading of the Twilight saga - its like LSD for literature.)

As I listened to the Across the Universe soundtrack I was caught off guard by the spectacular imagery of "Across The Universe" by the Beatles. If I had John Lennon's gift for words I would be able to describe the excitement, beauty and joy for life these unique imaginitive words made me feel, but as it is you will just have to read and experience them for yourself!

Across the Universe

Words are flying out like endless rain into a paper cup
They slither while they pass, They slip away across the universe

Pools of sorrow, waves of joy, are drifting thorough my open mind
Possessing and caressing me Jai guru deva om (Victory to God, Divine!)

Nothing's gonna change my world

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes that call me on and on across the universe.
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box. They tumble blindly as
they make their way across the universe.

Sounds of laughter, shades of life are ringing through my open ears, exciting and inviting me.
Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns, It calls me on and on across the universe

Jai guru deva om (Victory to God, Divine!)
Nothing's gonna change my world

The REAL Obama

2008-10-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

A little over a week from now the citizens of our country will be exercising their right to vote for government officials. What many people do not realize is that in this election we will be voting for the future of our country.

Yo-Yo Yelo

2008-10-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

Wish I knew about this when I lived in New York.

Quote of the Week

2008-09-09T19:33:00.001-07:00

"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry."
--E.B. White

Our Divine Power

2008-09-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

With all the makings of a time-worn fable this increadible true story tells the tale of one man who quietly changed the world. This is This video will take you about 30 minutes to watch but it is a magnificent story and well worth the time. Thanks for sharing Mark!

Porter Desk

2008-08-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

I love this desk. My new home office will have this desk. Don't know when I am ever going to have a home or a home office but it will have a desk just like this.

Beautiful Day!

2008-08-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

This is what it feels like in New York today. Too bad this is not what it looks like! : )

Untitled Draft

2008-08-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

I found this untitled draft sitting in my post list. I have no idea what I was going to write but it just reminded me how much I love my family. I have so much fun when I am with them. My dad and Claire have the best senses of humor and my mom is just a sweet heart. I love you guys!

this is just a random cool shot of some dolphins. I almost never get a picture when they are out of the water!

Drop It Like Its Yacht - 2008

2008-08-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

Drop it Like it's Yacht 2008 has come and gone and life will never be the same. Though very different from last year's adventure, this year's trip it offered its own kind of adventures, fun, and memories to last a life time!

The Gang (from Left to Right): Lyndee, Megan, Sara, Mom, Dad, Claire, Shea, Dyana, Skyler, Jim, Jayden

There was hiking....

....Nature (National Geographic has nothing on us!)....

....Amazing sunrises and sunsets....

....Nightly games of Catch Phrase (Ben Franklins was...president? psychobabble...what?)

.....and Mafia (I won!!...thanks daddy!)....

....and umbrellas in every drink...at least for Claire :)

An all around good time for everyone!

The BEST Day Ever!

2008-08-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to do this day justice....so I am not going to try! If you want a more detailed account of our trip go here or if you would like to see more pictures go here.

It all started when I received a message from my little friend Mark asking if I wanted to go to Montauk with him and Courtnie. To their shock I said, "YES!!"
Our day started at McDonalds.....of course!

This way to Montauk!

One of my favorite thing to come out of this photo frenzie was all pictures from "the other side"
Check it out....

If you have never been on a road trip with two photographers I highly recommend it! The entire trip was one giant photo shoot. These slide shows will give you just a small glimpse of what our day was like.

Some Cool shots

....and....the Photoshoot!

All I can say is.....

Wow! (or in my case vov!) what a day!! :)

Random Musings

2008-08-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Today I was randomly thinking about personality traits - mine in particular - and I came to the conclusion that I think one of my best characteristics is also one of my worst.

It reminded me of that scene in City Slickers where Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern and Bruno Kirby are talking about the best and the worst day's of their life. Bruno Kirby tells the story of the worst day of his life when stood up to his father for cheating on his mother. Billy Crystal then turns to him and asks "If that was your best day, what was your worst day." Bruno Kirby responds, "It was the same day."

Out of curiosity, what do you think is your best characteristic? Your worst?
You can respond annonymously if you would like but I'd love it if you would respond!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sH6unNljq7E

What Life is All About!

2008-07-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Each summer since I was 16 my grandparents have held Grandkids Retreat - a family reunion of sorts except it is only for my grandparents and cousins who are between the ages of 8 and 18. Well at least that was the original rule. Now there are so many of us (42 in total) that they need the older grandkids to come to help watch over the rest of the clan. Last year was the first time I had been in almost 10 years (yes! to all you smartie pants out there that means I have only been twice). I had so much fun last year I really wanted to go again this year. So, I volunteered to help my grandparents plan thinking that would make it so I would have to go for sure.

Well, a little thing called a job got in the way of that plan! I did help plan (sort of) and I had a lot of brilliant ideas (few of which actually came to fruition because of the fact that I am on the east coast and they are on the west....and I am much busier than I was this time last year) but without the help of my amazing sister none of it would have happened. {thank you claire!}

And eventhough I wasn't able to be there physically it still makes me so happy to see these pictures. THIS is what life is all about!

Claire's adorable invitations

Everyone in the bus to go river rafting (see Grammy & Grandad in the back?)

Katie, Jonah (no, not David Archuleta) Shea, Claire

katie & the boys!

Ryan & Seth

Cousins! (Curt & Anna)

Goodbye Photo

My Symphony

2008-07-23T22:34:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I discovered this poem. It is the motto of my life

My Symphony

To live content with small means

To seek elegance rather than luxury

and refinement rather than fashion

To be worthy, not respectable and wealthy, not rich

To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly

To listen to the stars and birds

to babes and sages with open heart.

To bear all cheerfully,

do all bravely,

await occasions, hurry never.

To let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious

grow up through the common

This is my Symphony.

~William Henry Channing

The Wall Street Journal

2008-07-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I started another blog so I could include more of my random thoughts and experiences with out detracting from the original purpose of this blog, but I never really publisized the fact that I had this blog because it was never "ready". Well the time will shortly come that this blog will be obsolete so I thought I might as well get on it. Over the next 3 months I will be posting to both blogs...yes you heard me right. I will be POSTING!!!! and I will be posting on TWO blogs.

A special thanks to my sister who came up with the brilliant name!

The Wall Street Journal

Here! Here!

2008-07-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

As I was searching Jordan Ferney's blog for ideas for some events I'm working on, I came across this, one of her earliest posts. All I have to say is, here! here!

Domestic Bliss

This picture from the Martha Stewart website brings out every domestic urge I've ever had. The neatly organized cleaning supplies. The colors of the rag and gloves.

Oh Heaven! The feminist movement (or at least the one that tricks you into not wanting to stay at home) was an invention of some sort of evil man (or woman)! I sit here at my fancy cherry wood desk (or not so fancy plastic and metal cube) in my fancy offices doing my fancy job (again not so fancy in my case) and all I can do is crave cleaning baseboards with pleasant geranium smelling cleaners. (okay maybe I don't fancy cleaning baseboards, but I'll organize anything you want!) Or making topiaries out of lemon trees. Or making fantastic meals with fresh cut spices that are growing in my (imaginary) kitchen windowbox. When I grow up I want to iron expensive linen sheets and have a pretty greenhouse and spend time shining my copper pans.

The feast after the famine

2008-07-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

For all of you frequent readers of this infrequently updated blog, get ready for a deluge!

An Upcoming Artist

2008-07-08T08:32:00.000-07:00

These are some of my favorite paintings by Paul Ferney. I want to own at least two of them (the first and the last). I know absolutely nothing about Paul as an artist and everything I know about him personally I know because I blogstock his wife Jordan.

What I love about Paul's work, and what I generally love in art, is his ability to capture a mood, an emotion, and to tell a story - even when it seems as though there is no story there to tell. Each of these paintings take me away to a different place and time and, for a moment, allow me to trascend my reality and be a part of a beautiful evening drive after a long day at the beach or a serene summer afternoon .... Or Maybe it is my overactive imagination :)

Sweetness!

2008-06-06T12:52:00.001-07:00

The other day (okay maybe it has been three weeks because I am lame and can't find time to blog or upload pictures) Courtnie told me she had a surprise for me. I thought it was a black&white cookie or a fancy muffin - something along those lines. Imagine my shock when she pulled this out from behind her back. Thanks Court! (object may appear slightly different in real life )

Trivia

2008-06-04T10:47:00.000-07:00

I didn't get tagged on Brenda's blog...I didn't even know she had a blog until today...but I thought I'd share a little trivia about myself anyway.

Ten years ago....I was graduating from high school. So yes, you guessed it. My 10 year reunion is this only a few months away. Yikes!

5 things on my 'to do' list today....you want me to only list 5? Number one on my list is find a way to support myself without having to have a "job"!

Things I would do if I were a billionaire....I would live life to the fullest! I would travel, paint, read, sing, dance, live a bi-costal, No, a multi-costal life, start all the companies I have dreamed of starting without having to fear the cost of failure...this list could go on for days!

3 of my bad habits...G-chatting at work, addiction to Diet Coke (but I LOVE it!), self doubt

5 places I've lived...Utah, Las Vegas, California, New York & London

5 jobs I've had.... Life Guard, Summer Day Camp Director :), Bath & Body Works, Corporate Events, Social Services

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

Growing up, this painting hung above my Grandparents' bed. I loved this painting. It embodied the feelings of beauty, peace and reassurance I felt in my Grandparents' home and my own home. I see it as the iconic depiction of motherhood.

I would like to dedicate this painting to my mother and grandmother, who are wonderful mothers, and to my sister who I know will be an increadible mother someday.

The Portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mifflin

2008-04-21T16:18:00.000-07:00

I recently received a request that I give a little more information about my paintings of the week (or month, depending on how often I blog!) So from now on I will try to meet this request.

I realized, when I posted this painting it was an unusual choice and that full appreciation required an explaination. I am sorry I did not given one sooner.

I first saw this painting by John Singleton Copley (sorry for the previous misattribution) about a year ago at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I was not initially captured by this painting, but upon closer inspection I was swept away by Copley's highly finished style and stunningly detailed representation of the young couple. When I first looked at the painting all I saw was a handsom man and a cold, rather unattractive looking woman. But Copley's careful depiction of the couple communicated so much more than just their phyical characteristics. As the Philadelphia Museum says "Here, Copley depicts not only the features and costumes of his sitters with his famed skill, but creates an image of marriage as an affectionate, equal partnership-an innovative concept in American portraiture at the time." He translated onto the canvas the deep care, devotion, love and kinship felt by this couple - all of which is communicated through the relationship of their hands.

Sunshine Makes My Heart Sing

2008-04-16T10:33:00.001-07:00

Hooray it is spring!!!

Confessions of a Stockaholic!

2008-03-21T20:50:00.001-07:00

Last week I received a text message from Courtnie that Confessions of a Shopaholic was being filmed in front of the Soho Pottery Barn store. Lucky for me I had the day off (sort of) and got to witness the filming of my next new favorite guilty pleasure movie!

What I saw as I walked up the street.
As I was trying to take a picture of Isla Fisher this guy walked in front of my camera. Who knew it was going to be such a great picture of a member of the crew?!

Setting up the scene

Ready, Set, Action!

'Tis Better to Give than to Receive

2008-03-18T17:59:00.001-07:00

About a month ago my dear friend Courtnie celebrated her BIG Three-Oh. For her birthday we took her on a shopping spree, gave her a makeover and threw a big surprise bash. It was so much fun! It is TRULY better to give than to receive!
First stop....McDonald's for a little Birthday Breakfast!

How does this look?

Of course you never really know how something will look without the perfect accessories. Thankfully Courtnie carries them around in her purse!

Ahrrgh! Stop taking pictures of me!!!

Did I hear 10% discount??

It's MAKEOVER time!!!

Thanks to Courtnie's mom for ordering these AMAZING cupcakes! Yummy!

Changes

2008-02-23T13:10:00.000-08:00

About a year ago my mom told me a story about my cousin who had just had a newborn baby and was in medical school. She had a lot on her plate and on her mind. One night, as she was laying in bed stressed, she decided something had to change. She realized that there was nothing she could do about her worries or her problems at that moment so, to release the stress, she got out of bed and cut her hair. (Don't worry it was nothing crazy or psychotic, just a cute little bob.)It was something she could change, something she could control.

I never really understood her actions until now, hence the changes to my blog. There will be more to come in the upcoming weeks (I know some of you will be thrilled to hear that!) but for now, this small change is just a for a little release.

PS. I realize this entry has nothing to do with the topic of this blog. So I am starting a new one. As soon as my first post is up I will put a link on this blog. Hope you enjoy.

I've Been Tagged!

2008-01-14T21:03:00.000-08:00

Courtnie has tagged me in an effort - I believe - to get me blogging again. Well here it goes....

Six things you never knew about Sara Lynn Olds (or maybe you did)

1. My name was originally spelled Sarah Lynn Olds but when my parents received a card from my aunt Kathy congratulating them on the birth of their daughter "Sara Lynn" they like the spelling so much more they changed it.

2. I am shy. I don't know why people don't believe me when I tell them but I am. One year my New Year's Resolution was to just say "Hi" to people I knew as I passed them in the halls at school. Crazy, I know.

3. I was practically tone deaf until I was in high school. Okay maybe tone deaf is a bit of an exaggeration, but my ability to stay on pitch was severly lacking. Don't believe me, ask my parents. They had to the endure years of me singing at the top of my lungs cluelessly off key.

4. I love to drink Diet Coke (okay so not so much of a surprise) while sitting in my car blasting the heat - summer or winter. It is the best feeling ever!

5. Warning: This item may gross you out, so be warned before you read - and don't hold it against me.
I used to have a "claw-toe." When I was little my pinky toe nail was so small it grew like a little claw.

6. I'm an Anglophile. I generally believe most things are better in England - especially in comparison to New York (i.e. the Tube, Hyde Park vs. Central Part, the architecture, taxies etc) and if I had the chance I would move there in a heart beat!...okay maybe two or three heart beats because, as you all know, I am about as indecisive as they come!

Let me tell you...No, let me sum up...

2008-01-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

Since turning in my thesis, though I promised I would, I have not blogged. I have not had the desire to blog. I know it is a fun way to document my life but sometimes I feel like I am wasting time that could be spent living life writing about it.

But inquiring minds want to know, so here are some of the highlights of the past three months.
(pictures to come later)

1. Seeing Young Frankenstein & meeting Sutton Foster
2. Going backstage for Mary Poppins, meeting the cast and making friends with a Southern girl named Emily
3. Thanksgiving in New York
4. Staying at the Waldorf Astoria
5. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
6. Starting my internship at Bloomsbury Auctions
7. An amazing weekend at the Montage
8. Christmas!
9. Mexico
10. Disneyland with my family

A Committed Relationship

2007-10-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

In the past three weeks I have received many calls, texts and messages wondering if I have died or fallen of the face of the earth because I have stopped blogging. Well, I haven't died, nor have I fallen. I have entered into a committed relationship. In fact it is long-term realtionship I have been carring on for quite some time, but in the past few weeks it has gotten a bit more "serious." But I feel the relationship has run its course and it is about time to call it quits. So this Friday I will be ending my relationship with.... William Merritt Chase.

My Not So Beautiful Day...

2007-09-24T19:24:00.000-07:00

I just have to share this befuddling and agravating incident that occured today.

This past weekend I went to Utah to visit my sister and my dear friend Megan. It was a very nice visit and the end of my trip came upon me more quickly than I expected. Being in a rush to complete my check list before my departure, I was left to go to the Distribution Center on my way to the airport. After my brief stop I threw my wallet on the front seat of the car so I wouldn't forget it or lock it in the trunk as I had almost done with the keys. Well, little did I know the wallet had bounced off the front seat to the floor. So when I rushed to get all of my belongings out of the car my wallet was left behind.

It was no more than five minutes later, when I was standing at the ticket counter, that I realized my wallet was gone. Afraid I was going to miss my flight I ran back to the rental agency to get my wallet but the car was gone. I found the agent who helped me return the car who then instructed me to talk to another agent. Time elapsed 10 minutes.

This agent radioed the remote location where the car was being cleaned and asked them to look for the wallet and return it. He then informed me that they were coming back with the wallet.

Elapsed time 15 minutes.

When the wallet returned to our location the agent handed it to me and asked if it looked okay. I was rather befuddled and panicked by the question considering the wallet had been out of my presence no more than 15 minutes and had only been in the rental vehical - and I was about to miss my flight. But when I looked at the wallet I immediately noticed something was wrong. My wallet was open and ALL of my money was gone! Literally all of it. Even my old and rare $10 and $20 bills that I had hidden in my wallet were gone. The only thing that was left was a $10 bill that was mixed in with my receipts.

I just can't believe this happened. The only saving grace is that I think Enterprise is going to refund me the money. I hope they do!

The big O!

2007-09-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

I few years ago my friend Brianna was in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down but since that time she has done some pretty amazing things. She has performed at the VMA's, written a book and now she is the new O girl for Overstock.com. She is even featured in her own Overstock.com commercial. Talk about not letting life get you down!

My Motto, My Life

2007-09-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

If you are wondering how my life is going, this says it all!
Thank Heaven for the HBLL!

Drop it like its Yacht!

2007-09-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a little taste of heaven for all of you who didn't get to experience it first hand.

The boat...

Fun Times!

We pause for a quick commercial break

Sunrise

This is a special treat because being on the west coast you rarely get spectacular sunrises!

But some of us needed post sunrise naps!

It was so ghetto-fabulous the paparazzi came...

Good thing we were a bunch of poseurs!

But they did manage to get a couple contraband shots! :)

But really it was just a Ridiculously good time with friends and family!

Boom Dee Ah Duh, Boom Dee Ah Duh..

2007-09-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

I love the mountains, I love the rolling hills

I love the fireflies, I love the daffodils

I love the fireside when all the lights are low,

Boom-dee-ah-duh, Boom-dee-ah-duh, Boom-dee-ah-duh, Boom-dee-ah-duh

Fire in the Sky

2007-08-22T19:40:00.000-07:00

I witnessed the most incredible event from my airplane window a few weeks ago as I returned to New York from Grandkids Retreat. Flying over Pennsylvania we passed the torrential storm that shut down New York for a day. These pictures do not come remotely close to capturing what I saw.

Mini Madness

2007-08-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

I love driving! It is in my blood. After our trip to Palmyra I realized my need to get out of the every once in awhile so I signed up for ZipCar. As soon as I hit the confirm button I started to have buyers remorse and wondered if I would ever use it. Today all of my concerns were wiped away. Mark and I rented a Mini Cooper to take Juleen to the airport. It was a great adventure - all documented by Mark, our fabulous personal photographer - and one I am planning to recreated again and again.