Last Weekly Recap of the Year!

in one word or phrase
a soul-searching year.

i’m dreaming of you
a more peaceful year ahead.

song on repeat
my 10 most played songs

1. climb to safety - widespread panic
2. let it be - the beatles
3. let yourself go - tom petty & the heartbreakers
4. freebird - lynyrd skynyrd
5. wildflowers - tom petty & the heartbreakers
6. bobby mcgee - janis joplin
7. bouncing round the room - phish
8. into the mystic - van morrison
9. beat of burden - the rolling stones
10. colder weather - zac brown band

gotta write it down

my personal motto:

and

"develop interest in life as you see it;

in people, things, literature, music -

the world is so rich,

simply throbbing with rich treasures,

beautiful souls, and interesting people."

-henry miller

"the bad things in life open your eyes

to the good things you weren't

paying attention to before."

-good will hunting

"after you have wept and grived

for your physical losses,

cherish the functions and

the life you have left."

-morrie schwartz

lesson learned

part of growing up and one of the brutal parts of being a twenty-something year old is that SO MUCH changes, but change brings new opportunities so it is up to us to roll with the punches and make lemonade out of lemons.  change, is an instrument for me to go on creating myself and making myself into the person i want to be.  i've learned that attitude is everything.

picture to frame

highlights of the year

being at the rose bowl for the bcs national championship & celebrating my school's victory! getting through the hardest year of my life. meeting clay crutchfield. the month of november. being there when my best friend married his soulmate. moving home.

weekend to do list

be thankful for getting through 2010 and be hopeful for lots of peace, love, and happiness in 2011. 

I wish these things for YOU, too!

Thanks for seeing me through the GOOD and the BAD this year.

Thanks for the inspiration, the compassion, & belief you all have had in me.  I am thankful for so many blossoming friendships!

I look forward to more precious memories next year!

peace and love

baily

Weekly Recap Found Here

Blowin' out the light...

I blew the candle out that night, I know I did.  Right after my shower - approximately 9:30PM, I ran my fingers through my wet hair and used the droplets on my finger tips to put out the candle that filled my room with the sweet scent of warm vanilla sugar.  I looked around at the room, the new Janis Joplin poster that hung on the wall and I put away the $50 worth of Victoria Secret underwear I had bought that afternoon.  I put on my favorite sweatpants and a wife-beater that was decorated in peace signs.  I poured myself a Miller Light into a glass and sat down to watch a movie with Elena and Whitney around 10:00 

Millie snugged up close to me on my lap for a few minutes but then I could tell she wasn't comfortable, she got up and went back into my room to get some water and I was thankful that I always remembered to keep my door open for her so she could freely get water and food.  The lamp was on,  though, and I could tell it distracted Elena from the T.V. since we had movie-proofed the living room with the lights out.  Settled in for a good movie before bed... I was so exhausted from the Monday and Tuesday schooldays that were behind me by the end of that day when it was Miller time.  When Millie was done snackin' and gulpin' down the water, Elena got up and swung my door closed.

Lamp on, candle out.  Barely any of the warm vanilla sugar could be smelt and soon the terrifying smell came.  The smell that made Millie's ears perk and the hair on her back stand.  The horrifying scent that made me scream at E & Whit... "Do y'all smell THAT??"

Then all hell broke out as we learned that my room was on fire.  Millie frantically but proudly went into fire-engine dalmation mode and alerted us all and went to make sure I wasn't in my room.  We got everyone out... and the rest is all-out panic and then the humbling silence that comes with knowing you lost everything you were proud of, everything you worked so hard on, everything you hoarded and hung onto and clinged to the life of whatever vivid memory it brought, and then the wailing of your own cries when you think of that family Bible you wanted to give your family one day with marks of all the battles I've fought over the years, the sentimental victories that were recorded in devotionals and journals, the clothes, the college life, the National Championship year tickets, the records from 1969, the everything.  

But the nothing, too.  I was alive.  My best friend and soulmate-friends were alive.  Millie was alive and protective of me.  My family was there when I needed them most.  I was ok, and that made everything that went up in flames mean everything and nothing at the same exact time.

But I can't help but wonder sometimes, everytime I blow a candle out that I was anxiety-ridden about even lighting in the first place and I'm reminded of how the night went that horrible night that shaped so many other nights that followed.

But today is the last day of the hardest year of my life.  A year of new beginnings, totally and fully.  Of less lighting up of candles, just for my nerves sake but the sparking of so many inner-flames inside my soul.  I've learned to live simply, to live in dark places and reach the light, I've learned to dwell and I've learned to be re-born.  I've learned to be lost and I've learned how to be found again.  A decade that started out with losing everything - the lifestyle, my possessions, my pride, some friends, a little love, and a lot of sanity but it was a year that I was given so much as well.

Blessed tremendously.

And that's what I'm going to focus on in 2011.  The good things, and I'm leaving the bad behind me.  I know that on some days it will a feat just to be standing at the end of the day, but I aim to be on most days an accomplished and confidant, Godly woman that loves herself and is proud of my comebacks.  I'm a firm believer that setbacks are merely chances for bigger and better comebacks.  I've found a realer relationship with God and that is why it is sometimes needed, and oh so worth it, to lose the life you once knew to meet the life you're supposed to be living.

So cheers to 2011 and always being a dreamer.

peace and love

baily

Not going to lie,

it feels good to

kiss 2010 good-bye!!

-bjj

hello!

A most special hello to

MY NEW FOLLOWERS!!!

Y'all are awesome.

I'm excited to get to know you;

I am meeting all sorts of new people in the "blog world" and

I am totally loving it!

Comment below and tell me about yourself and leave the link to your blog so I can add some newbies to my reading list! :)

oh yeah, and be sure to keep an eye out for my

first giveaway!

it very well could be at the top of my 2011 goals/to-do list!!!

speaking of that list, i'm finishing her up and am going to post it.. so that way you can stay onto me about my "resolutions" - which I've always really sucked at keeping!

thanks again for FOLLOWING along!

peace and love

baily

Spread The Love Wednesday

Even though I am surrounded by SO MUCH love from friends and family, I sometimes have a hard time finding that love for myself.

When I find myself at a crossroads in my romantic life - not knowing whether to keep going or to let go, I am reminded of the words from one of my favorite girls...

MARILYN MONROE

She always reminds me to love myself and to not let anyone love me less than that.  She reminds me that even when I think everything is great, there may just be something EVEN BETTER waiting for me around the corner.

So I made up my mind over the past couple of days, as some people just removed themselves from me... I'm going to go on loving ME because I DESERVE IT.

"A wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left."

"I am good, but not an angel.  I do sin, but I am not the devil. 

I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love."

"Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius,

and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring."

"Beneath the makeup and behind the smile I am just a girl who wishes for the world."

"This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about."

...well said, huh?

peace and love

bjj 

Blessed

{Link Up by clicking HERE}

The year 2010 was a long and winding road for me.  I have come a LONG way and I have endured a lot of pain, as well as triumph, during this "learning year."  I'm proud of the strides I made in my self-discovery and I'm also proud of my awareness for the things that matter the most in my life. 

As most of you know, I lost everything in a house fire in April.  Everything I unwrapped from under last year's Christmas tree was gone in an instant, along with years and years worth of beloved items.  But, I was spared from the bigger tragedy that the fire could have been, and that is an irrevocable blessing.  I was given a new life, a new beginning, and a new outlook. 

And that's what will carry me into 2011.

My blessings:

Learning who my true friends are. Even though I had to endure some pretty tough times to figure this out, I still count it a huge blessing.

My insurance claim check.  This gave me the opportunity to rebuild my wardrobe, replace my prized possessions, and buy back some of the life that the fire took from me.  As for the sentimentals that I lost, I still cherish everything in my heart.  As tough as it has been... I learned a very valuable lesson:  life goes on.

My family.  I've never doubted that I have a unique and EXTRAORDINARY family. But as I grow up and experience more things and meet all sorts of people and different families & their dynamics, I gain a little understanding of just how BIG OF A BLESSING my loved ones are, and how rare our family dynamic is: we love one another unconditionally.  I am surrounded by the MOST GIVING people in the world.  They are hard-working, adventurous, and welcoming to everyone.  They show me what matters in life, and what doesn't, when Mom works shifts for her friend, on top of her own shifts, unpaid, so that the said friend can be bedside at the hospital with her dying husband without the worry of how to pay the bills.  I know where my charitable heart comes from when my dad buys blankets and jackets and delivers them to a group of homeless people he saw on the walk from his hotel to dinner place.  My sister drops everything she's doing for anyone in need.  These things are what shine a light on the important things in life.  What a blessing! Year after year...

My music.  There's no chance that I would have made it through 2010 without my beloved tunes I jam to!  I'm blessed with the ability to turn a not-so-good day into an awesome day just by spinning the right vinyl record on my wooden record player or putting my iTunes to the right playlist to boost my morale.

A heartbreak.  This summer was definitely a test of my endurance, strength, and perserverance when I struggled with a pretty brutal break-up right in the midst of my pain from April's fire.  I lost my best friend when the door slammed closed on me from out of nowhere and it left me broken, numb, and doubtful.  But the heartbreak was a blessing because if it never happened I would probably be living a life that I knew all along was not mine, but his.  I was blessed with new, wonderful doors being opened for me and I was able to build back MY life and of it was I wanted.

My relationship with God.  I'd like to believe that God and I have always been friends but our relationship is at its very closest this year.  When I had lost all HOPE, when I was tripped up on my FAITH and tangled dangerously with the devil's schemes, and when I saw my STRENGTH dwindling away, I humbly handed my beautiful/tragic life ALL to Him!!! He redeemed me and never forsaked me.  I know that NO MATTER WHAT 2011 brings it will all be okay because of my full-on TRUST in the Lord.

what blessings are in YOUR blessing box?

link up and play along!

...so let's try to enjoy the ride.

peace and love

baily jordan jones 

Scriptured Inspiration

I've spent a lot of time in my Bible here lately.  It has always been my main source of hope, and it gives me uncomparable strength!

For two years I've battled some pretty tough fights with anxiety and depression, and it's been a struggle since my life changed with the fire in April.  But, I've also lived a very fruitful and blessed life when I was able to see past the gloom and smoke.  I have an unbreakable friendship with the Lord again and I can honestly say that I am refueled and rejuvenated every time I spend a few moments with God in the mornings.  My disciipline to have 'quiet time' everyday has definitely made a difference.  I am just a happier person these days... even when people try to break my spirit down.  I honestly think that because it is faithful to the Lord, and for the betterment of myself, no one can break this spirit of mine down. 

I continue to see the positives! 

Here are some verses that have kept my spirit up and my heart and soul full of faith!

God is great... He has provided for me and blessed me during a year full of downfalls. 

I continue on because of the promises I find in His word.

"HOPE WILL KEEP YOU HAPPY AND FULL OF PEACE."

-Romans 15:13

"IN MY DISTRESS I SCREAMED TO THE LORD FOR HIS HELP. AND HE HEARD ME FROM HEAVEN."

-Psalm 18:6

"Let me see your kindness to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for my prayer is sincere."

-Psalm 143:8

"BE HAPPY. GROW IN CHRIST.

LIVE IN HARMONY AND PEACE."

-II Corinthians 13:11

"Your spiritual strength comes as a gift from God."

-Hebrews 13:9

"GOD IS AT WORK WITHIN YOU."

-Philippians 2:13

 

all images via weheartit

peace and love

b a i l y

MM

one. Christmas was great!!! I really missed Sissy but it was fun to just relax with Mom and Dad and open our presents pretty leisurely.  I am jealous of the big, crazy families that have little ones and old ones alike all gathered around a family Christmas tree but I know soon enough the Joneses will be just that way! :)  Mom and Dad made me save some presents to be opened when Ashley and Tyler (and Clay - I hope!) are here because they all will have a bunch of presents to open and I wouldn't if I tore through them all yesterday.  I love that my parents included Clay in our family Christmas... we all love him dearly :) 

I'm so pumped to see my Sissy, though - she is missed so much!

two. I'm definitely still in the 'mission trip' frame of mind and I can feel God's tug on my heart to use my helping hands and my open-mind, and my own personal tragedies to change and better the lives of people who are struggling.  I am praying reverently so that when I launch myself into a new "go get 'em" attitude, I will know the path that God has planned for me. 

I just know I want to help others!

three. I can't wait to use my new Christmas presents: a table-top art easel, a big Dooney & Bourke tote bag, my Bloggie camera, Blue Ray DVD player, Keen hiking sandals, $$, my gift cards, and my homemade ice cream maker!  I got lots of other goodies, too... clothes, CDs, DVDs, funky jewelry, and goodies for Millie.

It was a GREAT Christmas!

four. The tickets came today for the Kenny Chesney / Zac Brown Band / Uncle Kracker show at Raymond-James Stadium in Tampa.  It's in March and it's going to be SUCH A FUN WEEKEND with the family.  The Tampa Bay Bucaneers stadium (Raymond-James) is so cool.. it's like a big pirate ship!

via

five. I'm hoping to see my best friend Mandy this afternoon.  She was supposed to fly back to where she lives in NY but the blizzard prevented her from leaving just yet.  So hopefully we'll get some much-needed best friend time in.  She's my longest lasting friendship... we met when I moved to Florida from North Carolina at a very young age.  We played soccer together growing up and were two little trouble-makers together in high school.  We always have a blast... I love her!

six. I'm going to move my stuff from Alabama to Orlando tomorrow.  I was at the storage units today helping my dad make some hillbilly shelves...

six. Now Mom and I are about to bring a bunch of clothes to the HOPE Foundation in Oviedo.  Hope (Housing Outreach Prevention Education) is to prevent and reduce homelessness in Central Florida.  It's an awesome organization that one of my friends' (Miss Florida 2009) moms started up. 

If you live in the area, you should check it out.

If not, check out the website by clicking this link:

Hope Foundation

I hope everyone had a safe and Merry Christmas!  Many blessings for the New Year!

Millie and I on Christmas Day 2010

peace and love

baily

Bloggie Camera

Here's the "test run" for my new 'Bloggie' camera by Sony.  One of the gifts Santa spoiled me with this year...

My mom already told Millie to get used to the 'Bloggie' being stuck in her face 24/7.  If you can't tell by the video and my annoying 'Mommy talk' in the background... I LOVE my Piggie!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
Baily & Millie

'twas the night before Christmas...

Merry Christmas

from my family to yours!

May the Lord bless you with

peace, love, and joy!

xoxo

baily, millie, jackson, lola, mom, dad

'the joneses' 

Dog Day

I realized today that I have never had a Christmas with Millie.  Last year when we went to North Carolina I had to leave her at the 'Doggie Motel' with Lola and Jackson.  It was her first Christmas (only 8 months old then) and I had to leave her... I hated it. 

So today when that occurred to me, I put on some athletic clothes and grabbed a couple of leashes and loaded Lola and Millie into my car.  We then set out for the dog park in Winter Springs.  When we pulled up it was closed and it left us bummed.  But, it reminded me that it'd be just as fun to play frisbee in the front yard and we can leave the dog park for another day.  It was still fun to get out on this GORGEOUS, SUNNY, WARM Christmas Eve day with my favorite girl-dogs! I love having Lola, Jackson, AND Millie!

Here are some pics from our play-date!

I love playing underneath the Florida palms again! And Millie has loved having playmates!

PEACE AND LOVE

b a i l y

Merry Christmas!

After my trip to North Carolina I definitely am in more of a Christmas spirit.  I was sort of struggling with finding that child-like spirit that is so important during this holiday season.  But after a candlelight service in an old Baptist church, being spoiled with love from grandparents, and seeing a few snow flurries whisping by... I think I'm in the 'Ho Ho Ho' spirit finally!

Just in time, since today is Christmas Eve!

Last night was a blast... I got to see the most beautiful, well-rounded group of girlfriends I've ever had.  For infinite reasons, these girls are my world.  I'd do anything for them because I know they'd do anthing for me.  In high school, I was sort of known as a guys' girl and had a ton of guyfriends from growing up on the soccer fields and in the church youth group. But my relationship with the girls is awesome and I love them so much.  We had our annual CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES dinner and this year Beth, Posi, and Cassandra hosted it.  So yummy and such a good time catching up with the besties!  They are part of whats makes my Christmas so special.

Dana and I

Justine and I

Savannah and I

Tonight and tomorrow are going portray a new and strange feeling for me.  It is my second Christmas Eve/Day without my Sissy (which brings tears to my eyes) and it's the FIRST Christmas Eve/Day with just the 3 Joneses.  Last year we went to Asheville for the actual holiday, even though Sissy & her hubby couldn't come.  This time, it's just me, Mom, and Dad. 

But lucky for me - after the holiday, I think I am finally going to get to smooch my good-lookin' boyfriend.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything works out so that I can see him sooner rather than later!  I always have an optimistic outlook sprinkled with lots of hope, so I think everything will work out the way it's supposed to!

Next week is the big Bowl game! So pumped! ROLL TIDE!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

I love you all!

peace and love

baily

He who has not Christmas

in his heart will never

find it under a tree.

-Roy L. Smith

miscellany monday

Miscellany Monday

one. I'm North Carolina bound tomorrow.  I am looking forward to seeing my grandparents and other extended family.  It is going to be a super quick trip (I'll be back Thursday) but it is worth it to see the ones we love during the Christmas season. 

two. I loved STATUS last night with Savannah and Michelle so much.  The message was awesome - it was about reaping and sewing the seeds God plants in us and the music was so my style.  I was loving every bit of it! :)

three. There are TAGS e v e r y w h e r e!!

banana republic forever 21 h&m express 

I have used the fire insurance money to replace SO MUCH STUFF lately.  Basically, a whole new winter wardrobe... so I've had to pull the tags & button pouches & annoying hanger straps out of pretty much everything I put on... but it's nothing to complain about - just a funny/strange feeling each time!

But, with all the shopping I think I'm FINALLY done with my Christmas... this may be a new record time for me. But knowing me (and my family), we will probably make a mad dash to some store last minute.  It's an inevitable fact!

four. How cool is it that Bama is playing in Orlando at the Capital One Bowl over New Years weekend?! And of course, my sports lovin', Roll Tide-in' family has tickets and we're pumped!  Gotta love Bowl season!  It might not be Pasadena like last year (what a bad ass time I got to experience) but it's still a great season! Love my Tide! :)

five. I'm pumped about the lunar eclipse tonight... duh, I'm going to watch it! ;)

Hope everyone's Monday has been wonderful, and if not... maybe nature's magic show tonight will cheer you up and send you better days this week! Link up with Carissa to follow along with Miscellany Monday! :)

peace and love

baily

{image}

source

Inspirational Video

http://vimeo.com/14074949
(for some reason I couldn't get it to imbed, so visit it on vimeo by clicking on the URL, thanks!)

One of the reasons our relationship is so special is because we get each other, we understand one another's need for inspiration, and we live adventurously and creatively.  That's why I found it NO SURPRISE that I was completely moved and inspired beyond measure when Clay told me I just 'had to watch this video.' 

I love watching the videos that Clay finds interesting because odds are I find them just as interesting and, like I said, they are usually really motivational. 

This clip is such a cool glimpse at one of the many beautiful things about the world of surfing - in which I've learned SO MUCH about since we started dating four months ago!  Even as a beach-loving, Florida chick I had (and still have!) a lot to learn but I've got a good teacher if you ask me! :)

There's just something about how beautiful it is, and this video captures it.  Some of the happiest days I've experienced in such a long time have been spent standing with the wind at my back, the sun in my face, and a glorious view of the ocean and a guy who loves me like no other riding the waves.  I love watching him!

I wish I had some extra special photography skills so I could cage those memories onto film for him like this...

Hope you enjoy!

peace and love

baily

I'm Moving On

"I've loved like I should
And lived like I shouldn't
I had to lose everything to find out
Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road
I'm moving on "

-rascal flatts

Rainy Saturday

Rainy Saturday

I will never ever understand the weather in Orlando.  It takes on a whimsy of it's own, that is for sure!  A couple of days ago it was in the 20s, yesterday I rocked my bikini and laid out in the driveway, and today I wore an eskimo vest  to shield the misty rain and keep my cold-natured butt a little bit warmer!  So crazy.

Since I was cold & bored, I threw on my eskimo vest and went to Starbucks for my addiction:  Chai tea.  I got the Vanilla Chai and not for one second did I think I made the wrong choice there.  I got some Mint tea for my friend Adam and went by his condo to say hello to him and his roommate.  It's always nice to catch up with good folks!

Now I'm enjoying my billionth glass of warm apple cider.  My mom got me addicted to this, too!  What will I do when the cold-weathered-drink season is over??  I guess that's when my smoothie addiction will kick into high gear!

Then I got to relax on this rainy day and Skype the man-friend.  I loved it!!  He always can make me smile....

I'm really excited about going to a movie tonight with Mom.  We're going to see "How Do You Know?"  I've been wanting to see it for so long!  Pumped. About. It.

CHRISTMAS IS A WEEK AWAY! Don't you just love crunchtime?  Are you done with all of your shopping?  I have a few more things to pick up!

Much Love and Peace

Baily



Happy Birthday Sarah!

Today is Sarah's Birthday! She's the pretty one in purple up there ^^^

She was a pledge sister (Tri Delt) at Alabama and she came to

Tuscaloosa hailing from Memphis.  The girl's funny...

and so is her blog - check it out here!

Leave her some birthday love!

peace and love

baily

Fill In The Blank Friday

via

{one} giving is... so much more fun than getting!  I am always SO EXCITED for everyone to open the presents I got them!  Plus, I like to give my love and my time to worthy causes and give my heart to those people and things that I am PASSIONATE about.

{two} receiving is... nice, too!!! Especially when it's something thoughtful or something you've been wanting for a loooong time!  It's always fun to get goodies! :)

{three} the best gift I ever received was... the huge blessing I received on my 23rd Birthday!  Wink wink... "Mr. Clay" !!!

{four} the best gift I ever gave was... precious little Maybelle!  I bought her for my sister's graduation from Samford University and she has brought so much laughter to our lives!

 

{five} something intangible that I wish I could receive is... complete peace of mind.  I still try to achieve it, but I know there's always going to be imperfections in this crazy/beautiful life!

{six} something intangible that I wish I could give is... HOPE to everyone who is suffering!

{seven} the one gift I always wanted as a child, but never got is... a pony.  Or a dolphin for the swimming pool.  I was a weirdo little girl.  (....annnnd young adult!)

 

 

true that.

 

join in on the 'fill in the blank friday' fun!

 

peace and love

baily

 

 

Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people that have come alive.

- Howard Thurman