"Talk about it, talk about it, talk about it..."

I spent over an hour and a half pouring over research articles in the library today. I rarely darken the aisle of the reference section in libraries, but whenever I do, I actually enjoy it. Perhaps it's the dreamer in me. Perhaps I still subconsciously imagine that I'm a famous intellectual, studying subjects beyond the mental grasp of ordinary individuals (ha!). Hehe. Speaking of dreaming... I passed underneath arching branches today and looked up to see a bird singing happily among the leaves. It reminded me of "The Secret Garden", and I was suddenly inspired to search for crumbling brick walls, old-fashioned keys, and lost treasures. What is it about finding our own little world within this world that is so appealing?

"isn't he a bit like you and me?"

Writer's block again. I'm seriously considering taking all of my favorite phrases from previous works and just lumping them together in some sort of order. I detailed the weekend on livejournal, so there might not be much to say on here. Public schools have been closed Monday and Tuesday due to the spike in gas prices, but the broke college students are still required to attend class. It doesn't really affect me since I walk the three blocks to campus, but what about students who commute? It's almost as if the cost to individuals doesn't matter as long as the state saves some dough where transportation is concerned. It's hard for me to pass judgment, however, because I'm not fully informed of the situation.

Jessica introduced me to google earth. I highly recommend checking it out. "THE WORLD IS ON WHEELS!!!" (sound effect)

"Maybe I'm Amazed..."

Paul McCartney was amazing. After so many years of Beatles worship, it was hard for me to grasp that I was actually watching one of them live. The crowd was enormous (sold out Philips Arena), but the feel of the concert was very close and personal. There was a great deal of Beatle-esque comedy and one-liners that kept catching me off-guard and making me laugh out loud. I watched the switch from bass to electric to acoustic guitar...to piano and then back again. I listened to the voice that never seems to change with age, and thought again of my own recent attempts at music. Maybe someday. Hehe. I loved every minute of it, from the earliest works to songs from his latest release. It was a pleasant surprise to hear unexpected tunes, but some of my most favorite moments were the old standards. Live and Let Die was a crowd stirrer, with plenty of explosive (literally) excitement, but when the lights went down and a lone candle shown during "Let it Be," a wonderful spell seemed to fall. I suppose that I could go on and on, but I'll stop now. You get the idea. :)

I received a phone call from Phonathon today. It appears that they need me to work for them after all. I'm thankful for the job, but not entirely sure how to feel. I had gotten used to the idea of not working this semester, but I keep reminding myself that money is a necessary commodity. I just realized with a sigh of relief that tomorrow is Thursday. That's one day from Friday. I love Friday because it means that the next day is Saturday. Blessed release.

"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make..."

Here are some incredibly random shots that I stumbled across and felt like posting. Enjoy!

This is one of my favorite street shots from S.C.

This is a shot taken of the Flash of Crimson in New Orleans (Mardi Gras)

I always thought this shot was so alluring. The gate just begs me to go through it...

Mom and Dad might not appreciate me posting this old picture of them, but I like it

Our fish ...before the pond froze over...

Eek! Thirteen year old Brittany, Brittany, and Jessica!!!

"So I sing this song..."

As I sit here writing, the opening line of "Julia" keeps playing over in my head. "Half of what I say is meaningless, but I say it just to reach you..." I can definitely relate to that phrase tonight. I'm struggling to write a song, and I seem to have a case of writer's block. I know the emotion I want to convey to listeners. I know the sound I'm searching for. I want the audience to sense the depth behind everything I pour into this piece. Only then will it have true meaning. Listening to my favorite songs for hours has not aided the process in any way. I suppose that is a good thing. I hear unintentional plagiarism is frowned upon.

And so goes life. It's strange to be in this place. I look at everyone I know and marvel at where we have been. How did we get here, and what did we do to deserve such rich blessings? I can only stare in awe and thank God for the moments. There is such wonder in even the smallest things...

Mostly I'm silent...

It would seem that an update is in order. This weekend was incredibly busy, but I think I loved every minute of it. Friday night was kind of slow, and I spent most of my time cleaning. There is a great degree of satisfaction in massive cleaning efforts. I swear it's therapeutic. Saturday was beautiful, but flew by entirely too quickly. I attended the perfect wedding that evening and (again) loved every minute of it. I could blab on for forever about candles flitting under a canopy of trees as dancers swayed happily to jazz tunes, but I'll try to contain myself. It was beautiful...dreamlike. Going to McDonald's after a wedding reception seems almost like going bowling after Prom, but it was absolutely hilarious. Good times all around. I even enjoyed walking to church yesterday more than usual. The peal of the bells, as they issue their call to all within hearing, always has a drawing effect of me. Do you ever get the feeling that this is only just the start?

This week is going to be busy as always, but I'm finding that busy weeks pass relatively quickly. Watching the food network around dinner is a really bad idea. Everything looks so wonderful, but then I slowly realize that I have none of the food items necessary for such goodness. Ah well. Rice-a-roni, anyone?

If you know anyone who wants clarinet lessons, let me know!!!

"One look at you, and I can't disguise..."

The past couple of days have been very much like I always pictured the end of the world. Heh. Brief periods of sunshine were followed by thirty-second bursts of wind and torrential rain. Clouds couldn't decide whether they were coming or going, and hot breezes made if feel as if something crucial were hanging in the balance. People have been going mad. I saw a student get thrown out of PawPrints bookstore for unruly behavior, was late to class because of it, and then had to deal with mass hysteria concerning gas prices. According to the rumor mill, Georgia's gas supply had been cut, meaning that gasoline would be virtually unobtainable state-wide. Wow. Naturally, most students were freaking out and unable to access the latest news reports (ah the desolation that is Porter). I filled up as soon as I left class, encountering more crazed (and extremely rude) individuals. There are a few shortages here and there, but nothing that comparable to what was predicted. Everything seems to have been blown out of proportion, and we're hoping prices will level off again next week. They're over $3.00 a gallon at this point.

Most of the trouble has been caused by the devastation that was Hurricane Katrina. She hit New Orleans, causing massive flooding. They showed footage of the French Quarter, which was invaded by looters. The city has been closed for at least two months: no one in, no one out. I can't even begin to imagine what cleanup efforts will entail. Right now people are just trying to survive rising waters, lack of supplies, and the threat of disease. It will take years for the city to get back to normal, and as terrible as it sounds, I'm glad I have pictures of New Orlean's former glory. I didn't plan on staying up this late, but I was basking in the glow of no class until 2:00. This is a wonderfully active period, but I will be glad for some down time with the people I love this weekend. Things are going well. Some areas couldn't be better, but other areas need a check up...my physical health, spiritual well-being...heck, even my car needs to be checked over. Hehe. I've said it before, but this year is all about balance and organization. I'm incredibly thankful for the many blessings in my life. Things are hectic, but it spurs me to lift my eyes to someone higher. Thank you to every individual who makes up the pieces of this gigantic puzzle. Some pieces are Iarger than others...some add vibrancy...some are foundational corner pieces, but each piece is necessary to the overall picture. I love you more than you will ever know.