summer rambliness + picture things

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” 
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

This summer, thus far, has been spectacular. 

I actually managed to secure a job, and test into a college level math class.  It's weird, getting up and working eight hours a day/attending night classes twice a week has been exhausting, but it's taught me to value free time.  Also, coupons for free gas/food.  Also, anything free in general.

But in between all of that has been great.  Vacation happened, as well as my studio's summer showcase.  Movie premieres, coffee dates, and sleepovers have occurred.  And I've basically lived in cutoffs/sundresses when I'm not working. 

And on a side note, my family managed to order almost $40 worth of food at Taco Bell last Sunday.  I didn't even know that was humanly possible.  #ipromisewerenotobese #bigfamilyprobs #WHATDIDWEORDER

photographic proof. it really happened people. srsly. 

On a completely unrelated note, I finally edited all of the pictures I took during vacation.  It took me about three weeks, but hey; it's the journey, not the destination.  {Or something philosophical like that.} 

Note: I am not a photographer, nor do I think I am. I just like shooting things with my cannon. *ba dum tshh*

Anywho, if things get quiet around here this summer, it's because I'm out doing things. Like reading. And sleeping. And hopefully getting a tan. {Hey, a girl can always dream.} 

~ Abby

    

le love list

:: Red Hair ::

It's no secret that I've always been jealous of naturally auburn haired ladies. In fact, I remember plotting to dye my hair red when I was four years old, so I could be Ariel in The Little Mermaid. {I never could figure out how to grow a fishtail though -- I'm still trying to work that out.} So when my mom gave me permission to use a temporary hair dye, I immediately took her up on it.

At first the dye turned my hair more Katy Perry purple and less Emma Stone red. *cue freaking out* But it's faded some, and I'm beginning to like it a bit.

:: Reeses McFlurries ::

I've gotten into the horrible habit of picking one of these up with friends after dance classes and Wednesday night small group. I know, it's bad. But they're so delicious. And cheap. And addictive. {I am 99% sure that McDonalds ice cream has the same addiction inducing properties as meth. I am also pretty sure that this country's obesity rate agrees with me.}

via

:: Escape from Camp 14 :: 

This book blows my mind. {All though I might be a bit biased, considering that I am currently obsessed with North Korea.}  It's an extremely fast paced, eye opening, engaging read, and I highly recommend it. 

:: Les Mis :: 

I saw it for the first time about a month ago -- and I've since seen it about 5 times. *blushes* Seriously, it's so brilliant; the acting, the music, the everything. Anne Hathaway killed it... I had no idea that she could sing and act so genuinely. Also she is an ugly crier, and that makes her so much more endearing.  Also, Marius's face. Also, this gif: 

via

Thank you Tumblr. You inspire me daily. 

~ Abby

p.s. you can now subscribe to my blog via email! so yeah... that's all. 

an open letter to coffee

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Dear Coffee, 

             I want you to know that I think you're pretty spectacular. You are delightful hot, chilled, or iced; with cream and sugar, or just plain black. You always seem to be there for me in times of need -- whether that's at 7 a.m. while I'm feeding the animals, or at midnight while I'm cramming for finals. I don't know what I'd do without you. Probably something stupid, like drive all of the way to Spanish class, only to to discover that I left my notes for the oral final at home. {Which has totally never happened to me. Wat.} 

           I know that my love for you is simply a chemical reaction. But even though it's all in my head, I still need you and your sweet, energizing nectar in my life. 

          So dearest Coffee, what say you? Care to stay for a while? 

                                                                                               With much love, 

                                                                                                               Abigail

p.s. if you like sci-ency stuff, you should totes check this out.   thank you Hank Green for proving that i can stop drinking coffee whenever i want. that's right, i am not addicted. at all. i just like the taste and whatnot. *ahem*

things i just really loved about january

via my instagram

1) At the beginning of the month, I began taking an entry level college course with a few friends of mine. It's nothing particularly special, just a history class that meets once a week. It's quite a bit of reading at times, but I love it -- the material is much more interesting than an average high school class. Plus, it's fun to just walk around the campus, sip coffee, and think about when I'll be a traditional student. :) 

2) London Fog tea. The university that I'm taking the history class at has this awesome coffee shop, and this is the best thing of their's that I have tried so far. It tastes like a liquid cinnamon roll, and basically puts Starbucks to shame. 

3) Dance, specifically jazz and lyrical. We started some new routines this week, and I freaking love them! It makes me super excited to hopefully study dance at a higher level in the future. 

4) The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Enough said. 

5) Books. I've been trying to make more time to read lately, and I've discovered some pretty fantastic books, including Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Also, I read Junie B., First Grader: Turkeys We Have Loved and Eaten (And Other Thankful Stuff) by Barbara Park to my little sister, and I think that I enjoyed it more than she did. *ahem*  I also think that Barbara Park is to elementary school as John Green is to high school. 

6) Scarves. I was never a big scarf person before, but I really like them now. {Curse you Wanelo! :P} 

via my wanelo

And speaking of wanelo, I will be hopefully purchasing this shirt. Only I currently have very little money, so that's problematic. Do you think I could pay the seller in bicuits?

also via my wanelo

Now, to find dear Nick.

~ Abby

of trying new things {aka sap fest}

My team. 

At the beginning of 2012, my new year's resolution was to not let any opportunity pass me by, and to experience as many new things as possible. 

That was before a couple of friends of mine asked me if I'd be interested in playing on the girl's high school soccer team. 

You see, it wasn't that I didn't want to play; I was just kind of stressed out just by the mere thought returning to it. I had played all through elementary, and most of middle school. That, however, is nothing compared to playing at a high school level. Basically, I was intimidated. A lot.

But, I decided to do it. I didn't want to pass it up, and then regret it later. Cleats were purchased, and jerseys ordered.

It was hard work. I'm a pretty physically fit person, but taking a year off of dance/pretty much any excercise really took its toll. Plus, I started the season off with a really bad infection in my lungs, (they were filled with fluid,) which made it painful to breath.

I was beyond discouraged. I threw up at a game, I was so sick. I even cried once or twice, and if you know me, I never cry.

I stuck with it though. I ran and practiced at home. I eventually got over the lung thing. And by the end of the season, I was in love with my team -- as well as the sport.

I'm so glad that I tried it. My team was so incredibly encouraging, and helpful. One of them said that playing with these girls was "like gaining 12 new best friends." I love each and every one of them; and I feel like we all really pulled together and got to know each other -- especially in the last month or so. 

But the most important thing I learned from the entire season was this: sticking to your commitments, working hard, and trying your best will always pay off in some way. And passing up a new experience is {almost} never cool. 

Off to go visit with my soul mate {the treadmill :P}, 

~ Abby

reasons why november is a happy month v 1.2

We're scarf triplets! Also, you should probably just not look at my face here. 

Normal post halloween pumpkins? Please. Cyclopes cannibals are totally the way to go. ;)

Church, orange leaf, and Scooby Doo with your oldest and best friend > anything. 

November, I am quite fond of you indeed. Care to stay for a while?

~ Abby

reasons why november is a happy month

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A lot of people treat November like it's a filler month; the period of time between gorgeous the October, and the silvery beauty of December. But I actually happen to really like November as much, if not more than the other fall months. 

You see, November is when you can begin to listen to Christmas music unabashedly. It's also finally feeling 'wintery', so you can justify wearing tights and scarves and beanies. November mornings are also very misty, and it tends to rain a lot where I live. I don't mind though; November rain > sunshine. 

Also, November is the one month anniversary of Taylor Swift's Red album. (No shame.) It's also perfect for picture taking, and it brings me that much closer to December 23rd. (My half birthday. Yes, I celebrate it. I'll be six months away from being an adult. Woo.) 

Basically, November is a month of book reading, doodling, and reminiscing. It's also a month of anticipation -- after all, November means that Christmas is just around the corner. And let us not forget about The Hobbit premiere. 

Never laugh at live dragons,

~ Abby 

the epic tale of the three peacocks

It all started innocently, with one small purchase on a Saturday night. I bought a pair of peacock earrings, thinking that they were cute and unique. {Note to future husband: I really like avian themed jewelry, apparently.} The more I looked at them, the more I liked them. So of course, I did what any girl would (probably) do: I wore them the next day.

{Note to self: backless, dangly earrings do not hold up well when worn through countless v-ball games and water fights at open houses.}

Yep, I lost one.

I paid *insert large amount for a poor teenager here* dollars on them, and they didn't even last 24 hours.

I was disappointed, to say the least.

But then the sun shone, and my lovely mom and sister surprised me with another pair today. I was very shocked, especially considering how far out they had to drive to pick them up. Just the fact that they thought of me meant way more than the actual earrings.

As I began to write this, I had a very clever, thought provoking way to wrap this post up. But it has left me, unfortunately. So I guess while this {somewhat pointless} little story may not be epic, it does explain why I have three peacocks.

Do you enjoy poultry themed adornments?

~ Abby



shades of gray

image courtesy of weheartit

I really, really love the color gray. It's such a comforting, natural hue. Nothing about it particularly stands out, but it looks so pretty.

 When I see gray, I think of old black and white photos, fuzzy new kittens,and comfy old sweaters. I think of the sky's color that moment when it's not quite morning, yet not quite night. I remember singing in the rain with friends, and goofily waving at passing cars. I think about driving for the first time, and the feel of the vehicle's gray leather seats. I think of pencil sketches, melting snow, and new CDs. I think of gray.

Do you like this wonderful shade?

~ Abby

p.s. For some reason blogger published this last Thursday when it was still a draft. Awkward. ;)

Happiness

Drinking tea in pretty cups: this makes me happy. This kind was called "Nutcracker Sweet", and I'm pretty sure I can feel sugar plum fairies and other such magical creatures dancing on my tongue when I drink it.

Words: these make me happy. Especially when they're spilling out of my awesome peacock pen.

Carrie, if you're reading this, know that this is for you. :)

Red nails: they make me feel sophisticated.

My iPod: which I believe has greatly helped me to preserve my sanity.

Currently listening to "Hot Air Balloon" by Owl City.

Photography: this makes me very, very happy.

Jana, that one is for you. :)

Happy Tuesday!

~ Abby

P.S. IT IS SNOWING OUTSIDE!!! :D

Seeing red

I do believe I’ve fallen in love…

With the color red. :)

It all started when I purchased a dress for an upcoming winter formal I’m attending. The dress I chose is black and sparkly, so I’d thought I’d purchase a pair of red heels to add a pop of color.

These are pretty similar to the pair I bought. No, I do not find them difficult to walk in, but that may or may not be because I’m a beast. :P

After buying those shoes, I suddenly began to realize what a gorgeous color red really is. (I’ve always been a blue kinda gal for the most part). But really, red is such a confident, bold, fearless color. Plus, there are so many fun ways to say it; scarlet, ruby, rose, crimson, etc.

Now I’m beginning to see red everywhere, including when I’m at the store trying on crazy hats.

It’s even on the Macy’s logo, which happens to be where I bought the dress that started my crimson craze.

Nope sorry, not going to show the actual dress… At least for now. :) It is under wraps… Literally! :P

Now due to my scarlet obsession, I’m in love with the classic red nail. It makes me think of old fashioned movie stars, and the 40’s.

I’ve even gone as far to purchase a red sweater-thingie. Oh well, I’ll blame my splurge on my very serious ruby disorder. :)

So what colors do you love? Am I the only one with scarlet fever?

~ Abby

Hello December

Hello December, I’ve been waiting for you. :)

You’re such a magical month. You always turn up right as I’m beginning to tire of the wet, cold, and dreary month of November.

You brighten my day when I see Christmas lights cheering up and bringing warmth to homes.

You make me think of curling up with a book and a warm blanket, while it snows outside.

You cause me to ponder the art of making the perfect cup of hot chocolate.

You dazzle me with the beauty of God’s creation when I see scenes like this:



And to be quite frank December, you make me

So, hello December. Care to stay for a while?

~ Abby

p.s. all photos courtesy of weheartit, which I discovered yesterday and am now in love with. <3