Each Day is Valentine's Day

There is no other reason for this post besides to show you how awesome we are:

I know, right?

You say goodbye and I say hello

A week ago I watched this cutie for a bit while her momma was feeling under the weather:

Then I woke up Friday morning feeling sick. I won't go into details. It was not a pretty day.

I slept in until after noon on Saturday. Then when Nathaniel and I made a trip to the Redbox, I foolishly left my wallet in plain sight and Nathaniel thoughtlessly left the car unlocked. When we got back to the car we were greeted with a missing wallet and a stranger's pink phone on my car seat in exchange.

Lesson: we're dumb. And people suck -- people suck at thieving.

Creativity: Al of Al's Narratives

Post 17 of HEIA: Creativity


I recently stumbled across Al's blog and instantly fell in love. She's quirky, witty and has an obsession that makes me think we'd get along just fine in real life (she'll tell you herself soon enough.) Now get a taste of her creative genius:

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I’m not humble often so listen up: when Hannah asked me to guest post about creativity, I thought, “Crap, I’m not creative at all.”
I thought and I thought and I thought and still, I could not think of how I am creative.

So I took a poll amongst my three roommates--
Ali: “Your writing.”
Brette: “How you dress. You’re always mixing things up.”
Katie: “Definitely photography.”

Disregard Brette’s answer. I mean yes, I am creative when it comes to clothes. Sometimes I tuck a dress into jeans and make it a shirt, so there’s that.

But my blog isn’t a fashion one so if you’re rushing there now to see my fabulous outfits, you won’t find them.

I do like Ali’s response. I would say I’m a creative writer. A lot of readers say that I have a “different style” (I personally think it’s my Mormon obsession) and that’s what keeps them coming back for more. All I have to say to that is, COME ONE, COME ALL!
There will be sweet tea and cupcakes waiting for you.
(Southern hospitality ain’t a myth, folks.)
However, I agree with Katie the most.

Alright, now you’re thinking, ENOUGH WITH THE WORDS, roll the images. To that I have to say, yeah ok.

Mental Illness: Misconceptions

This is no secret to my family and friends: I struggle with anxiety. I'm not talking about OCD behavior that makes me count my pencils one too many times, or feeling nervous because I'm worried about my husband getting home safely from work. When I say I have anxiety, I mean adrenaline-pumping, limbs shivering, heart-pounding, room-spinning, end-of-the-world anxiety. It's not glamorous, people.

Some days I pray just to survive the next 5 minutes. Some minutes I breath as deeply as I can to avoid the onslaught of a paralyzing attack. Some moments I sob because I feel lost, lonely or even terrified that I can't seem to control my own mind.

The ugly truth.

Creativity: Connie of About Him + Her

Post 16 of HEIA: Creativity


Between Connie's photography, her adorable boys, and the gorgeous parties she throws, I can easily say, without shame, that I've been stocking her blog for awhile now. You'll want to do the same once you read her take on creativity, too -- promise. Read on:

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Hi lovely people! My name is Connie and I blog over at About Him + Her, among other places. I'm honored Hannah invited me to guest post for you here this fine day.

Onesies, onesies

Look what I can do!:

I made these onesies for a friend's newborn.

And these for my nephew.

Who wants one?

Always,

Creativity: Carmen of Life Blessons

Post 15 of HEIA: Creativity

If you haven't discovered Carmen's blog yet, it's about time you do. She's sweet, sincere, and shares her advice for newlyweds in a series called "Secrets of a Newlywed." But today, she's sharing how's she's creative and how all of us can implement creativity into our lives. Read on, friends:

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Hello! I’m Carmen, and I’m thrilled to be a part of Hannah’s series about creativity. I blog at Life Blessons, where I like to share what’s going on in my life—everything from what I’m learning in my faith to what I’m making for dinner. My blog is where I capture a lot of my creativity in action, whether that creativity is expressing itself in a an attempt to make my own bread, sew my clothes, create my own artwork, or write to my heart’s content.

And that’s the beautiful thing about creativity; I might be able to write and cook and craft, but you can sing and paint and dance. Creativity comes in so many forms and possibilities; there’s never an end to it!

Given all that, I thought for this series, I’d share some of the things that never fail to fuel my creativity, no matter what kind
of crafty project I'm taking on:

Creativity from Yours Truly: Creative Space

Post 14 of HEIA: Creativity

When we were still living in Lubbock, Nathaniel bought me a desk to put in our bedroom so he could confine my art/craft/sewing mess to one spot. It didn't work very well, but it was a considerate thought. I loved that he wanted me to have a space of my own, especially because I've told him over and over how I dream of having my own "studio" some day -- just a room in our house where I can draw, paint, craft, sew, blog and read books. It was his way of giving me that.

In our new apartment in Oklahoma, I set my desk up in our living room behind our crappy little futon. It's right next to this built-in bookcase that holds all my art supplies and craft stuff. I love it because anything and everything I need to be creative is right there -- paper, pallets, ink, pens, colored pencils, brushes, scissors, baby onesies, paint, fabric, my sewing machine... It's perfect.

My desk, wall and bookshelf of supplies.

Creativity: Jacqueline of JacquelineParis

Day 13 of HEIA: Creativity


If you've been reading my blog for a while, you've already gotten a taste of the all-things-girly blogger, JacquelineParis. Today she's teaching us how creativity goes hand-in-hand with makeup. Read on for some inspiration...

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The Beauty of Creativity

Hello again, Hannah readers! I had so much fun swapping posts with Hannah before, that I wanted to contribute to her fabulous creativity series. Here are just a few tips that I've learned of how to be creative in the wonderful world of beauty, specifically when applying makeup.

I used to associate the word creative with the word brave. Someone who was called creative usually meant someone who was good at arts and crafts, using glue guns and making fabulous DIY projects. But as I've learned to apply creativity to life, I've learned that you don't have to be brave as much as you have to be open. Open to trying new things. Open to trying something and failing miserably. Open to the possibility of screwing up something you've worked very hard to achieve (like perfecting the art of evenly pouring cupcake mix into the cupcake tin) and having to start over. You must be open to stumbling upon something wonderful, even if it's just a tiny tweak that can impact your life.

photo: sandbox.com

When applying makeup, everyone learns differently. Some of us have tutorials at the Nordstrom makeup counter with a makeup artist trying to sell us something. Some of us sat down with a sister or best friend to discuss various techniques. Some of us sat in awe at our mothers' sides as she was applying makeup.

But you really perfect the art when you start experimenting and trying new products, new shades, new brands. That's where creativity and individual style really comes into play.

Oklahoma State Fair: Food & Attractions

Nathaniel and I hit up the Oklahoma State Fair on Friday. And boy howdy, did we have a great time. Or shall I say, our stomachs had a great time? If you thought you were hungry after reading this post...well, shoot, you have somethin' else comin' to you now. I'll warn you now...this post is crazy picture-heavy.

No, thank YOU.

Friday was raining on and off all day, and we decided to take our chances at the fair. It poured on our drive there, but by the time we got there the weather was perfect. We were happy to see everyone else was scared off by the weather, though -- it made for a pleasant and stress-free visit.

Does anyone else love corn dogs as much as me? I must admit though, I only like them at the fair. It took me all of...five minutes, before I bought this little beauty. And I'm obviously stoked out of my mind about it.

I munched on my 'dog as we wandered a giant barn full of bleating sheep and giant horses. We walked over to the next barn, and discovered the giant-eyed cows, fluffy baby chicks, and brand spankin' new piglets. Although I've never considered myself an animal-lover, my heart skips a beat when I sit and watch animals interact -- especially when it's a mother and her offspring. It's strange to me that as humans we treat the parenting process as if it's completely foreign. From the very beginning, a pregnant woman is treated like she is sick, and then once she's a mother, we rely on books and experts to tell us what's best instead of instincts. Somehow, every other mammal still knows what's up except for us. Ah...what can ya do?

Creativity: Lea of Becoming SuperMommy

Post 12 of HEIA: Creativity


If you are an aspiring artist, writer or mother, you'll love Lea. She's brilliant. Today, she's sharing a creative way to be creative:

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Creativity and Crayons

Everybody has, somewhere in their mind or their soul or whatever it is that makes us who we are, a spark of something unique. And not just, “I’m different from everyone else,” unique, not just, “I have my own special skills and talents,” unique, but truly, fundamentally, one of a kind.

Something deeper than a signature style or a secret ingredient in your world famous marinara sauce recipe.

And it’s that something, that truly personal something that everyone fundamentally possesses, that I believe is what produces creativity.

Creativity: Oklahoma Creativity

Post 11 of HEIA: Creativity

I'm not alone. Even the state of Oklahoma believes in creativity. Friends, let me introduce you to Oklahoma Creativity, a "not-for-profit organization that supports creativity and innovation in commerce, culture, and education -- ideas that contribute to the greater good in Oklahoma and beyond."

Creativity: Liesi of Too Crewel

Post 10 of HEIA: Creativity


Liesi is a creative genius. And there's nothing more to be said about that. Check this girl out:

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Hello lovelies! I'm so very excited to have been asked to do a guest post by Hannah! I'm Liesi, and I blog over at Too Crewel.

I write about anything crafty, cutesy, and anything involving creativity. I spend the majority of my time embroidering, sewing or creweling. If I'm not actually doing these things, than you can bet I'm thinking about doing them! I think it'd be safe to call me an addict.

Old Books Find a Home

We were exploring the Goodwill in Norman, OK, the other day, and I had to stop to run my fingers over the shelves of forgotten and unwanted books. I came across quite a few beauties I had to resist, but some...I just couldn't. All I'm sayin' is: they totally needed a home.

When I opened up the Black Stallion, I was a little sad to see that Jill didn't care if Grandma and Grandpa Jackson gave her the book back in '55. But then I was even more sad that the g-rents didn't know how to spell their own names. Maybe they were the ones that needed to keep the book? I flipped through the pages and loved the bold, graphic illustrations.

Creativity: Brandy of Deliciously Alive

Post 9 of HEIA: Creativity.

Friends, meet Brandy of Deliciously Alive, who uses creativity to cope with illness. Learn a lil' from her wisdom...

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Medicine for the Soul

The foundation of who I am is built on creativity; from my enjoyment of music that has become the soundtrack to my life; to my personal expression through my clothes, accessories, and makeup; to the prose and artwork that gives my thoughts and dreams their own language.

My zebra shirt matches my zebra bracelet which matches my zebra nails J

10 Years

My father sat leaning forward on the couch, his eyes were glued to the television as he slowly lifted cereal to his mouth from the bowl that hovered underneath his mouth.

"Come here," he said during a pause of eating.

Wrapped in a towel I walked forward, curious to see what he was so intently looking at.

And then I saw it. The news. The airliner that hit the World Trade Centers.

"What is that? What's happening?" I asked.

I don't remember what my dad told me, but it must have been something along the lines of "terrorists," "New York City," and "the World Trade Center."

All my seventh grade teachers that day talked to us about what was happening. They even put the TV on and played the news. In between classes my friends and I spoke in hush tones about what was happening on the other side of the country -- who knew someone who knew someone who might live in New York.

I heart Segullah (and some business)

So I may not have landed that all important first job, but I am quit honored to announce I have been chosen to volunteer my hours doing public relations for the fabulous Segullah.

If you're not familiar with Segullah you should be because it's awesome. Segullah is both a printed journal and online blog. More importantly, it's all about "exploring ideas, sharing experiences, and highlighting individuals...to encourage literary and artistic talent, provoke thought and promote greater understanding and faith..." (Sounds right up my alley, no?)


Join the conversations at Segullah here. Read up on archived items from the journals here. And connect with Segullah on Facebook here.


Oh, and while you're at it...I'd love to hear your thoughts on all-things Segullah. I'm here to serve, my friends...here to serve.


Always,

P.S.

If you are a member of 20SB...go vote for me for October's featured blogger...please and thank you? Go...do it...HERE.

Creativity: Mila of Free Bird Train

Post 8 of HEIA: Creativity.

Mila is the lovely and inspirational momma blogger at Free Bird Train. Today, she's sharing a small part of what creativity means to her. Read up and get inspired yourself...

Oh, and as if I didn't already like Mila enough, she went and awarded me the Hello Beautiful Blogger award. Thanks, Mila! (I nominate Hannah and Amy.)

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Hello Hannah Explains it All readers! I'm Mila from Free Bird Train and I am so excited about sharing about being a part of this special project.

Being creative to me is taking a classic and making it your own. The thing I love the most about creativity is that is has no limits and anyone can do. It's a showcase of your uniqueness.

My creativity comes mostly from my brothers mum, Hazel. She taught me how to knit and sew which has forever changed the way I look at creating.

Can't wait to share more with you all on my creative process.


P.S. Want to add your voice to the discussion on creativity? E-mail me at hannahmoore2007 at hotmail dot com for more details.

Let's talk about OKC

Alright, people, for some reason when I say "Oklahoma" to my California friends they all wrinkle their noses. But let's be real -- Oklahoma is awesome (I'll even admit I like it better than Texas, but sshhhh, I don't admit that to my Texan friends). Alright, maybe I haven't seen the entire state, but what I have seen, experienced, and even tasted, has been fabulous.

First and foremost, for 5 bucks you can enjoy an evening at the ballpark watching the Oklahoma City Redhawks. Of course, it would have been much nicer if we weren't sitting in the middle of a ridiculous heat wave...but what can ya do? It was a good time anyways.

We were literally the only people in the grass section until an usher came and told us we didn't need to bake in the sun with so many seats open.

Creativity: Kristina of F is for Foutz

Post 7 of HEIA: Creativity.

Okay, I'll admit it: I met Kristina of F is for Foutz at girls camp. It's ridiculous, I know, but at least I met her as a leader and not as a camper this time around. What can I say? Camp is the greatest. 

Anywho, when I first asked Kristina to share her thoughts on creativity, she very nicely told me no. I didn't reply right away because I was trying to think of a good way to convince her that she was, in fact, a creative person (she is a photographer after all, and seriously has the best sense of humor.) But before I had to think too long, Kristina did the convincing for me, and e-mailed me back telling me she had changed her mind. I think it was the perfect precursor of the post to come. Keep reading to see what I mean:

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Title: Creative is as Creative does

A guest post by Kristina of F is for Foutz

Yeah I really don't know where I am going with that post title either. Maybe it is just a warning that when it comes to my blog entries you never know what you are gonna get. Or maybe I just watched a preview for Forrest Gump and I have Tom Hanks on the brain.
I was surprised when Hannah asked me to write a post on creativity because honestly I have never sat down to reflect on myself and come up with the word 'creative'. In fact, I'm not sure sure I have ever sat down to reflect on myself. Except when I put on my makeup, but I don't think the act of staring deeply into your eyeball as you apply eyeliner really counts as reflecting upon yourself although a reflection and yourself are both present. It's a funny juxtaposition that way.
So I have established that I don't think I'm creative, but the fact that Hannah thinks I am makes for one interesting fact: I am awesome at faking it. (Creativity). So today I am going to talk about the best way to fake being creative, cause apparently it works for me.

1. Find something interesting and exploit it.

I am not interesting. I am a stay at home mom with a small photography business and a totally eclectic blog. I work part-time at Vandelay Industries. I don't use my days to their fullest and I'm a terrible housekeeper, and I don't craft. Like, AT ALL. But every once in a great while something cool will pop up in my life, like recently I screwed up our anniversary plans to see Jimmy Fallon and decided to make a big fuss until someone fixed my error. Seriously I think there were 5 consecutive posts about Jimmy Fallon -- but people apparently like him so I milked that for all it's worth. Just beware of repercussions, apparently now the Jimmy Fallonverse thinks I am 100% obsessed with Jimmy Fallon and have recruited me into their ranks. Watch as I crush their hopes and dreams in a new blog post titled, "I am not 100% obsessed with Jimmy Fallon: a study on peer pressure" Coming soon! It is going to be awesome, and yet will be the 6th or 7th post I've written concerning that dude. EXPLOITATION TIL YOU REACH CREATION!