thursday's thoughts

I'm at work and I'm full of good anxiety because I'm stoked about this weekend.

It is the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 Round....

and my Heels are there.  But so are my nemesises: Duke and Florida. 

I'm actually going to hang out with Gator friends tonight to watch their game against BYU - and to be honest, I will be pulling (controllably, without making a rowdy scene) for Brigham-Young.  I won't cause any fights or fits with my passionate Florida friends, but I can't stand the fact that they are in the tournament - and in the easiest bracket of all.  Just sayin'.

Tomorrow night the Heels play Marquette and I probably won't sleep much tonight because I am a high-anxiety, crazy, psycho Carolina fan and I just don't do well during March.

There are reasons it's called MARCH MADNESS, ya know...

Anyways, aside from being a big basketball junkie lately I have also been spending some quality time with my Mom, hanging with my awesome friends, and working more hours this week than I have since I started my new job. I am loving it, though - the people I work with make me smile and are full of funny, happy, uplifting stories. 

Plus, when I get my pay-checks... I get a Florida Lotto ticket with it.  How cool, I so dig it!

I am really starting to become an even firmer believer in things happening for a reason.  I know that the things that make up my life now are what is meant to be because I am just over-all in a better place mentally, physically, and emotionally.  I think getting this job and having a structure to my day had a lot to do with that.  Whether it can be noticed by those around me or not, there is extreme personal  growth growing on in my heart & soul and I can find a love for myself and a peace of mind from that.  It feels good.  But not enough to subdue the March Madness anxiety. 

Another "feel good" is Momma's rose bush that always blooms so pretty every year.

She let me have one since I have been the official photographer of the blooming pinkness lately :)  I love it.  It looks perfect outside in it's natural place and by my bed - don't you think?

I've been laying out in the sunshine a lot and finally have that "natural white bikini" that I long for all winter long.  I am so glad that I have this home in Florida that the Lord blessed my family with and the ability to spend time outside and enjoy the goodness of being home.  I really do understand a lot more about who I am now that I am here - and I am definitely a North Carolina Cherokee with my fortunately easily tanning skin, and I am definitely this handsome man's daughter - because check out his shades! ;)

Love you, Daddy!

Just wanted to spread some peace & love and send some cheer your way today!

I've been an inconsistent blogger lately but that's because I've been venting and relaxing in other ways... plus, my schedule is a lot different now than it was, well, ever.

It's finally semi-normal.

Semi.

LOVE LOVE LOVE you all!

p&l

b

I STILL FIND EACH DAY TOO SHORT FOR ALL THE THOUGHTS I WANT TO THINK, ALL THE WALKS I WANT TO TAKE, ALL THE BOOKS I WANT TO READ, AND ALL THE FRIENDS I WANT TO SEE.

-JOHN BURROUGHS



random ramblings, like always

To me, this would be magical.

A little hidden space - away from everyone but full of comfortable and familiar linens and plush pillows.  To be in nature, but warm and cozy in floral drapery and soft-lit lanterns.  I imagine myself journaling and reading and escaping the harsh realities that lie on the other side of the forrest's edge.  I would pray a lot in the coziness of this enchanted little tent.  I would probably feel extremely close to the Lord - just being out on the earth's soil and spending time growing closer to Him by reading my Bible, praying, and venting out those deep thoughts that I can only seem to do with my journals and devotionals.  I imagine myself being very free and rejuvenated if I had an escape place that was so quaint and intimate.  I'd bring friends there for those "life talks" and I'd bring a special boy there for a romantic picnic or to lay on our backs and count the Southern stars.  It just seems so - like I said before, magical.

Don't you want one, too?!?

"Extraordinary things are always hiding in

places people never think to look."

-Jodi Picoult

Other stuff...

One of the Jones traditions at Christmas is that Daddy always buys us girls a calendar.  No matter what.  And this year, I LOVED mine!  I must admit that when Dad buys me these daily calendars (rather than monthly) I am usually over the turning of the page and keeping up with it by like the second week in, but I am loving this one so much because it gives me a little dose of inpsiration as I walk out the door in the morning.  February 1, 2, and 3rd have spoken, incredibly, to me... check 'em out...

February 1

The godly woman faces her challenges with prayer,

 a sense of adventure, and a great pair of boots.

February 2

What a wondefful God we have -

He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the source of every mercy.

II Corinthians 1:3-4

February 3

A wise woman will always ask for directions -

and God will always give them.

...these were just extra special to me since I decided that February would be MY month, I won't let ANYONE control my emotions, I will hand EVERYTHING over to God, I will LIVE IT UP with my absolutely amazing friends, and I will LOVE and have NO FEAR. 

I decided that just because I wasn't worth it to someone who had me fooled into believing that I was worth it, doesn't mean I'm not going to be truly worth it to the one who really cares for me and matters most.  Just because someone else acts like I never existed (even though that is the most pain in my spirit right now) it doesn't mean that I won't be someone's WHOLE WORLD one day.  And just like that, hope makes my spirit not hurt anymore.

Just because someone lied to me and told me they loved me and would never leave me, doesn't mean that I can't open my heart to trusting someone that actually means it. 

That's why I am taking February as MY MONTH and these first 3 days have basically confirmed for me that if I trust in the Lord and believe in myself, then I will be just FINE and DANDY! :)

On the subject of Bible verses...

I want to live by this scripture:

I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. 

I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.

Psalm 34:1

I busted out this oldie but goodie vinyl today and let me tell you - it changed my whole entire mood around.  There is something about these boys that is good for the soul!

I almost cry every time I hear Bridge Over Troubled Water because it takes me back to a very distinct time in my life.  A time of learning, revelation, discovery, and loss.  A time of finding out who I was, who was with me, and who was against me.  A time of hard, raw, life.  The brutal lowpoint that I am finally free from.

There was a certain friend who considers himself by 'bridge over troubled water' and I of course thought of him as I listened to this record today.  I smiled, because there was so much fun, adventure, and all-out living during that phase of my life - it wasn't all darkness and despairity.  There was success and there were achievements - hell, just the riding out of the storm and the ability to still be standing at the end of some of those days is an achievement and a success all it's own. 

So as I worked on a project and listened to this "record du jour" I was delighted to be uplifted when Track 03 busted out in "CECILIA" - after a very mellow and sad first two tracks. 

 I may or may not have busted out in a village-style dance to this beat...

Listen to it, I bet you do, too ;)

It sounds even better on vinyl... (I love the pops and whitenoise though!)

Tell me what your weekend plans are!!!

I will be back to post a Weekly Recap type thing later!  

peace and love

baily

Tuesday Ramblings...

Today is a busy and productive day for me, as was yesterday.  Even though I'm not feeling my best right now - nothing major, just not feeling 100% - I've still managed to get a lot done.  Some of the things on my to-do list are little errands here and there, and then some are bigger - like looking for a part-time job, ordering my bedroom furniture, and figuring out some of these "life goals" that went sorta haywire on me.

I'm getting a lot done, but I couldn't do it without the help of this record du jour that has kept me occupied for hours (especially since it's a 4-vinyl set, which means 8 sides of music!)  I wasn't really a fan of John Mayer until I bought this amaaaazing record that has seen me through many highs and lows over the past year...

John Mayer Where the Light Is: Live In Los Angeles

it has a band set (2 vinyls) and an acoustic set (2 vinyls)

To say the least, I fell in love with his music when I bought this (not sure If I love him-him, but I love his music - there's a diff!)...

And, a cool/creepy thing is that the album cover has smoke stains from the fire... but it survived (thank God) and it's definitely carried me through.

As I got some stuff done around the house this morning, this is what brought a little extra joy to my day...

I just love these little girls!!!

Momma looked so cute before she went to work today.  She was rockin' her new Lucchese cowboy boots. Are we not the same or are we not the same?  See where I get it from now!?! ;)

I am in a better mood than I usually would be when I'm feeling achy & crampy, but I slept so good last night and I think this is probably why...

Nothing is better than nice, clean, fresh linens!!!

I even shaved my legs and put fancy lotion on them to get the

ultimate clean sheet experience...

I think it is something you learn to savor & relish in once you've lived

the college life for a few years.  Clean sheets = luxury!!!

But I've always been good about it - it's like a treat for myself (especially with the newly shaved legs and lotion) Haha, I'm so weird.

Hope everyone is having a TERRIFIC TUESDAY...

just remember...

peace and love

baily

Random Ramblings/Thursday Thoughts

I set up the Crosley in my new room today before "cleaning day" started.  There's no doubt that this made dusting, vacuuming, and folding laundry wayyyy more fun than it actually was.

I got to open up a belated Christmas present (to myself) today.  It was bought for someone else, buuuttt it looks like I get to play with it by myself instead! ;)

- SO PUMPED -

I have been inspired by HOLGA photography for quite some time, I'm already taking a liking to making this my new little hobby!

I forgot to add these 2 photos to my post yesterday.  I took these at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier.  This ferris wheel is SO nostalgic to me - it stills echoes, loudly, of the summer I fell in love for the first time.  We were wild and free, two small-town kids who made Daytona Beach our playground.  This ferris wheel makes so personal for me all the things of high school sweethearts and summer romances.  I'm glad we visited there yesterday... just stepping near the boardwalk and seeing the place where I spent so many sun-kissed nights dangling my legs over the water and counting the stars with my first love.  It made me grateful to have experienced something so sweet - like it was straight from a novel that one brings with them on their beach vacation.  Summer love. First love. 

Oh, the magic of them both.

After I cleaned and jammed to vinyl records all day (mainly The Beatles and The Marshall Tucker Band) I went on a bike ride. 

Oh, and I need to put my foot in my mouth because I bragged about the warm weather too much.  It was cold.  Frosty cold today. 

...so my bike ride was rather short.

It's time to snuggle up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and watch the Tar Heel basketball game!!!

Hope everyone's Thursday was awesome!

Random

I'm addicted to hot tea right now.  And cider.  And don't make fun of me for the Good Mood kind, it couldn't hurt to add a little positivity to your day... or is that not "your cup of tea?" 

 I'm hilarious.

I went to one of my favorite places recently where I got these 2 awesome, vintage-inspired, garland strands. Don't you just love World Market...???

I know this will be the perfect finishing touch once I redecorate my room... 

I think they are so fun!

And they may inspire me to get on my DIY feet & get to making something already!  

I also found this shower curtain while I was there.  Mom and I decided that it is just right for a combination of our two styles, and since I'm living back at her house, I can't just go changing EVERYthing into how I want it... I have to be respectful of her space.  She always has been of mine.

(Even though she did redecorate once I hit the road for college, she did let me help pick it out)...

But this shower curtain will look awesome in my bathroom that connects - Jack 'n Jill like - to what will be my little "sitting/entertaining/crafty room."  And like I said, it's perfectly Mom and I.

Classically Bohemian ;)

I just love it!!!

Do you know what else I love?

The fact that I am a funky jewelry junkie!

Here's one of their hangout spots in my bathroom. 

I'm not a big Juicy Couture girl, but I DO love their VIVA LA JUICY perfume!

I get a lot of "You smell good!" compliments!!!

We only got to play a little bit of frisbee today before the thunderstorm sent us inside to take a mid-afternoon nap!!  But, my migraine wasn't letting me go to sleep and I couldn't resist a photoshoot with that Kodak moment!!   

Whose bed is it anyway???

I'm sorry, but she can sprawl out on my covers, slobber on pillows, and breathe down my neck all she wants to.... because after a good snuggle session in the bed - I get THIS FACE!

...and THAT face gets whatever she wants! ;)

peace and love

baily

Things...

Those are my Do-It-Yourself ornaments that I am working on!

I need to get busy and finish the set, but you know me...

I'm not the best at staying focused on one thing for long!

Last night when I met Michelle at Starbucks she brought me a very thoughtful gift:  she read my tweet tweet  about buying a new journal!  Except, I didn't find a new journal that day so that's to be added to my 'weekend to-dos' while I'm out and about!

Thanks again, Michelle!

I had such a fun time drinking hot cocoa and catching up!!!

Check out her blog, you'll love it! (Click on her name!)

These are my peanut butter & Hershey kiss cookies that I baked tonight.  I totally cheated, with a bag of mix instead of from scratch but like I said earlier - I am NOT the 'Betty Crocker' of the family.  That would be my Sissy!!

They turned out pretty good, nonetheless!!!

peace and love

baily

thursday thoughts

one.

I had such a fun time shopping and eating lunch today with my mom and her best friend, Suzie, at Florida Mall.  We bought bohemian bracelets, funky clothes, some sophisticated Nine West black boots for me, a denim shirt, and two totally awesome wife-beaters: a peace sign one and a freebird one.  I totally love my closet!

two.

I had to get lab work done today at LabCorp.  I absolutely HATE being stuck with a needle so it sucked - to put it bluntly!  I also got to go to the bathroom in a cup, which is always not fun!

three.

I am totally looking forward to meeting up with

Michelle from Michabella: Living A Life of Love

tonight at our local Starbucks.  Michelle and I found one another via the great blog world, even though we went to middle school together.  I was good friends with her sister (named the same as my sister, Ashley) during my middle school years.  Michelle is a wonderful girl and absolutely cute as a button.  I hope to spend some good quality time with her!

I'll definitely let you know how it goes! :)

four.

Mom and I cashed in some of Daddy's hidden quarters and got us a mani/pedi today.

I'm usually really eclectic when it comes to picking out nail polish colors, but I went for a dark chutney color for the holiday season!  Don't laugh at my picture...

my mother and sister already make fun of my little boney feet enough, refrain if you can ;)

five.

My life is on the uphill... because at rock-bottom there is only one way to go!

Thanks to everyone that has been supportive of me...

God is great, Life is good, and People are crazy!

peace and love

bai

xoxo

 

Happy Monday!

Being back in Orlando meant that I got to visit the David Yurman store to replace some pieces of jewelry that were lost in the fire.  I lost this bracelet - except I had the pearl tipped one instead of amethyst.

Since I have had to replace A LOT of things, I find myself a little queazy at the thought of replacing things identical to what I had. 

Just because I find it difficult to buy the exact same thing again. 

I guess there are two ways of looking at it, but I find it easier to cope with it all if I can 'change it up' a little bit with each purchase.  For instance, I replaced cowboy boots but a different style.  I replaced bedding, but more 'me' than what I had bought 3 years ago.  I replaced clothes that are similar to what I had, but not the exact same.  It has just made it more fun and a whole lot easier.

I picked up Mr. Clay's present while I was at Mall at Millenia as well.  I think he's going to love it & we'll have so much fun with it!  It's right up his artsy and creative alley, if you ask me!

 I must say, he's pretty fun to shop for! :) 

While I was there I also stopped by Forever 21 to replace some of the funky jewelry that I miss dearly.

Again, I didn't replace the same exact things - but I picked up some costume necklaces (beads and turquoise of course) and some earrings and one really clunky and fabulous ring.  I've always loved my funky rings!!!

Today I get my haircut and highlighted.  Mom found a great place in Titusville, over on the Atlantic coast.  Even though it's cold outside, the famous Florida sunshine is still beaming, and I am excited about the pretty drive over there.  It is totally fun living close to water again!  Even though I am only 90 miles from the Gulf and 45 miles from the Atlantic, I am still jealous of Mr. Clay for having Myrtle Beach right across the street from his mailbox.  No wonder he has such fabulous beach wave hair!

Speaking of beach wave hair, I replaced my blow dryer with a Remington one that has a nifty little

feature that gives me some great beach wave hair. 

I'm totally rockin' them now that I'm back in the peninsula!

Hope everyone has a great Monday!

God Bless!

via

peace and love

bai



random thoughts

Here are a few things on my mind:

I got to drive a Hyundai Sonata around town the past couple of days while my friends in the service department fixed buster.  I actually really loved driving this car!  It brought me back to the good ol' days when I thought I owned those Florida and Alabama roads in my Honda Accord Coupe.  I loooved that little black car.  I think I just might be a car girl, at least until I can afford to drive some sweet Yukon or Jeep Commander.  Maybe one day! 

I'm going absolutely haywire with an excessive intake of this stuff since it is cold, rainy, and lonely here this week. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate! Yummy :)

and for those of you who aren't sure... Abuelita means Grandmother. 

(I have the best abuelitas in the world: Mamaw and Nana)

I'm beginning to get anxious, as much as I have tried to subside it, about where I am going to be in the near future, far future, and all the inbetweens.  I am fortunate for everything I have learned so far, and I am ready to learn the many things that await me somewhere else.  I have a good idea about who I am going to share this next part of my journey with and that alone is an incredible peace of mind.  I consider it one of the richest blessings because it makes the uncertainty of a lot of things okay to handle.  So, again - like I always say, thanks to the family and friends and the extraordinary love that I have found with my new best friend because without them nothing is really possible and I stand firm in that belief always.

I was a pretty good vet earlier today!  I guessed right (well my iGoogle homepage helped me out) but we are going to get little Millie taken care of and back to feeling better.  Bless her heart, she was such a doll in the vet clinic.  Here are a couple of pics!



She's going to be ok!

I hope everyone has a good night, stays out of the rain, and stays warm - I have a feeling that the Alabama winter is creeping in!

Ready for Florida.... my home sweet home.

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those that love Him.

peace and love

baily

10 days: day two

10 Days: day two: 9 things people might not know about me

however, i'm pretty much an open book and i give lots of dets about my life to people

modesty? no way!

regard? errrrrr, wrong answer

for real.

1. i have 6 fake teeth

hey y'all!!!

2. i check under my bed and behind the shower curtain every night before i go to sleep

yes, for the boogey-man.

3. i have a fire nightmare 6 nights out the week

4. my middle name is in honor of Michael Jordan.

no wonder why i'm the best - right???

5. my sister and i had no ties to the state of Alabama before coming here for college

(so when you wanna know why, ask her - I just followed her here)

Where next, sissy?!?

let's go to Charleston and be King Street Queens!

6. i returned an envelope that I found in the parking lot at Target in Oviedo which had a Vermont woman's ID, $800 buckaroos in cash, and a credit card.

The police department in Oviedo honored me with a citizenship award, but I never received a thank-you from 'said Vermont woman.'  Nonetheless - "Bless Her Heart" but in the South I would have used my BEST stationary on that Thank You... and maybe a Benjamin!

7. Before I die, I will see Mick Jagger in person.

8. I'm a borderline hoarder.  That's why I have a lot of shiz to replace, and you'd think losing all that stuff would make me simpler, less hoarderish, but nope. Makes me that more nostalgic and obsessed with even the simplest mementos.  Luckily, I date someone who loves the small things just as much, so, so far we've spread out the loot from here to Myrtle Beach.

9. I talk to myself. A lot.

All day. Everyday.

And when Millie is in the passenger seat she makes me look less cooky.

Except then, I'm a lady talking to my dog instead of myself.

Coo-ku, coo-ku!

bueno news

I come bearing good news! Bueno news <-- that's all I've got for Cinco De Mayo.

• My knee has started to feel better, which means I might not be a miserable you-know-what when I'm on the hiking trails with Chace. The excitement I have towards our trip to Blue Ridge, GA continues to build as my fatigue from studying drags on and on and on and...
• I got an A on my Issues in Interpersonal Communications paper.
• I successfully shaved my legs today without and knicks. I'm horribly bad at shaving my legs (and arms, yes) and I am a frequent consumer of band-aids. But, I'm enjoying the smooth without the pain.
• My mom sent me a new HOBO wallet and a journal yesterday. This made me incredibly happy.  The good news is that I won't lose that large leather wallet as much as I have the silver card case I've been carrying. I love my card cases, though, and they are convenient when I'm bar-hopping, but they like to hide at the bottom of my duffel bag purse.
• My stay at the hotel ends soon. Bad news: I didn't get out of my lease. (Dear Attorney, Thanks a lot!) So, I am moving back in to 1008 Oak Ave. I will NOT be moving back in the bedroom that was my dwelling for 2 years. I haven't been over there yet, but E said it was the nicest room in the house. Obvi! It just got re-done. I've said it once, and I'll say it again, it could be the penthouse suite at the Ritz-Carlton for all I care. I saw that room engulfed in flames and making ashes out of the things I love. Can't do it, won't do it, and that's all she wrote.
• I can't wait to have my little pig and take her on a mini-vaca! Chace told me last night that he had to pay a pet fee for each of the dogs. See? He's not just good to me, but he spoils my pup too. What a keeper.
• Soon, I'm going to get my hands on a ticket to see "Sex and the City II." Oh my goodness gracious, I can't wait to drool over Carrie and her bold style & perfect calf muscles. I have a girl crush on her and Erin Andrews. Don't act like that's lesbianesque of me to say, you know you dig you some Carrie Bradshaw and we all know you are lovin' Erin's stage makeup and sexy dance costumes on DWTS.
• Last good news... I'm about to rock these last 2 exams. Wish me luck!!!

PEACE&LOVE

baily