2011: Highlights

2011 has been a crazy year, and I honestly cannot believe it's over already. What's even crazier to me is: I have no idea what 2012 will bring. Since I can't predict the future, let's look at where 2011 took me...

January:

We took a road-trip to California that included home-made candies, Disneyland, a dueling piano bar and reminiscing.

I started my last semester of college, part of which was spent as an intern at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

Then I got this crazy idea I should train for a triathlon, which was awesome -- at least for awhile, until health issues and stress got in the way.

I took photos of my pregnant sister-in-law, Becky, in anticipation of the baby boy she would soon deliver.

Hilary's Art

Just before Hilary's wedding, Grandad sent me an email and pitched an idea to create a special wedding gift for Hilary. He had written a poem especially for her, and wanted me to create some art to go with it.

I couldn't say no.

Oklahoma Ice Skating and Festival of Light

I received free tickets to the Norman Outdoor Holiday Ice Rink from work, so Nathaniel and I headed out Tuesday afternoon to give our ice-legs a chance. Neither of us had skated since high school so it was definitely an interesting experience.

I'd be lying if I told you I didn't hold on to the wall most of the time, but Nathaniel skated like an almost-pro. We enjoyed it for the most part, but all the kids skating the wrong direction or cutting in front of us was...less than enjoyable.

After Nathaniel's knees took a direct hit into the ice when a kid zoomed in front of him, we called it a day.

 On the ice.

We took a break at home before heading out to the Chickasha Festival of Lights.

H + T = Jarmans

I headed out to Utah the weekend before Christmas to celebrate my cousin Hilary getting married. If I had a quarter every time somebody said I looked like Hilary, I'd be a millionaire, and that's where the nickname Twinny was born.

Twinny is passionate and spirited. She's fun and sincere. And if you ask me, she married someone her exact opposite to balance her out: mellow, steadfast and humble. Taylor and Twinny make a good team.

And they sure do look happy together.

Temple Square in December

While I was in Utah for Hilary's wedding, we — me, my parents, my grandparents and Uncle Kent — headed to Temple Square to enjoy the Christmas lights.

Grandad, Mom, Grandma and me...posing.

But this is how it really happens. Thanks to my dad for the brilliant photojournalism.

Company was good. The weather was freezing. The spirit was lovely. All-in-all a wonderful evening. 

Simple Christmas

This Christmas was simple and perfect. We had no plans besides the two of us and our apartment. We slept in, we cooked breakfast, we danced to Frank Sinatra Christmas in the kitchen, went to church, cooked dinner and then played games at a friend's house.

Simple. Peaceful. And clear-full of the Christmas Spirit of generosity, gratitude and joy.

 Our dinner. Mashed potatoes, giant dinner roles, breaded pork chops and steamed asparagus. Delicious.

 Merry Christmas!

Always,

Merry Christmas, part 2

This is my mom...

I'm pretty sure she was bored. But mostly, I'm pretty sure...

Photo Ornaments

 photo ornaments for two of my friends

If I was a good blogger, I would have posted this a few weeks ago. I made a few ornaments for family and friends this year, and it is literally the easiest ornament you could imagine.

Jacob T. Marley

If you've ever read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, then you'll love Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett. (And by the way, if you haven't read Dickens' classic Christmas tale...you're missing out!) Jacob T. Marley narrates how Marley got into his chains and shackles to begin with, and what inspired him to haunt his old business partner Ebenezer.

A story of redemption, compassion and forgiveness, the story follows the moral transformation of both Marley and Scrooge. The story is also light-hearted and humorous, reminding the reader what it means to be human.

And I know it's the weekend of Christmas...but it's never too late to read this book. Plus, if you have an e-reader you can buy and read it right now.

Check it out here and here!

Always,

I love to laugh

I looked in the mirror today, smiled at myself and saw a hint of laugh lines.

They didn't make me frown.

Laugh lines, however faint, make me feel beautiful -- successful, even.

I hope they are my deepest wrinkles someday.

Always,

Tis the Season

San Francisco Christmas 2009

Always,

Hannah the Journalist, part 2

Want to read my journalism stories? They're about fires, murder, crime, education, and everything in between.

Like me on Facebook.

Always,

Family

Turkey Day means we sit around and think about all the awesome things we're thankful for. I won't get mushy on you though...I'll just make you smile:

Isn't my nephew the cutest?

I'm thankful for my family. Blood family, adopted family, married-to family, and future family. They make my lil' heart go pitter-patter.

What are you thankful for?

Always,

Candid Wedding Photos

I'm totally obsessed with the blog Moment Junkie. Photographers submit wedding day photography that is candid and journalistic. They are always beautiful, and vary between hilarious and touching. So the other day I was going through my own wedding day photos, trying to find my own "junkies." This is what I found:

There are a million photos of my dad visiting with one person or another at my wedding. If only you knew how much this is a reflection of his personality. Here he is visiting with my grandmother-in-law. I'm sure the conversation was pretty funny...Abuela's English is broken, and my father has the worst phoentic awareness/skills.

This photo cracks me up. That's Marisa on the right.  She's Nathaniel's cousin, and is a total ball of sunshine. In the center in yellow, is Nathaniel's sister, and the other two are more cousins. If you've ever waited outside an LDS temple waiting for a couple to come out after they've been married...you know this photo describes it perfectly: excitement, anxiousness, and a large dose of boredom.

Segullah: A Paradox

Remember when I told you I'd only be posting a few times a week...I think I lied...

BUT...

Want to read about my experience on cold murder cases, prescription drugs, and lawsuits?

Head over to Segullah. Check me out here.

Always,

Creativity: Tasha of Reasons to Rejoice

Post 23 of HEIA: Creativity

Friends, meet Tasha Moon. I must admit, for a while I thought Tasha's name was a pen name -- doesn't she sound like a superhero? Or maybe a kick-butt journalist? (What's that you said? Those are the same thing? I know, I know.) Regardless, when I figured out it was actually her name, I was a little jealous of how cool it was. And then, as I continued to read her heart-wrenchingly honest, optimistic, sweet and joyful writings...I discovered she is so much more than just her name. Today, she's sharing a creative paradox. Enjoy.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

Vincent Van Gogh was indisputably one of the greatest artists of the Western World. He saw the world in a way that no one else did, which produced masterpieces such as Starry Night, Sunflowers, and Irises. He was truly one of the most creative people that has ever lived. But he was also one of the most troubled, suffering from diseases including epilepsy, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. 

The Ultimate Temper Tantrum

In a 12 hour time frame yesterday...

I watched the news for a tornado warning.

And I...

Hannah the Journalist

Work has gotten crazy. Not that it's surprising or anything, working 40+ hours a week as a journalist -- but it's been crazy, nonetheless. I'm not giving up blogging, but I will definitely be slowing down. Expect only 2 - 3 posts a week for a while! And if you're feeling really desperate to read my writings (I know, you are!) you can check me out here.

What I've learned in the last two weeks:

1. Sometimes the power goes out in the newsroom. It's a good thing to write things down on paper. That way, you can use your flashlight and still try to work in the dark.

2. If you read the daily police activities, "found body" doesn't always mean something exciting. Also, sometimes assault with a dangerous weapon actually means assault with a firework. Who knew?

3. It's fairly easy to get a felony.

4. You can't trust anybody -- not the convicted felons and not the cops or the DA. And just because someone was convicted of something awful, it doesn't mean they did it.

5. Sometimes you don't have to ask to get to do awesome things. Like explore a fire truck. Sometimes the deputy fire chief insists you give it a try, and then if you're really lucky...he'll tell invite you to participate in firefighter training, and/or ride along with the firefighters for a day.

6. If nobody drank alcohol or did any form of illegal drugs, crime (including violent crimes) would go down. Not to mention the people killed from related-crimes.

7. Mercy and justice go hand-in-hand.

8. Sometimes it's hard to read and report about all the bad, nasty things people do. Especially if you have to do it for 9 hours a day. And on those day, it's alright to cry after you get home.

9. Nothing feels better than getting a phone call from someone simply wanting to tell you how much they enjoyed your article. Nothing.

10. Rapport is a must. It's important to be on good standings with your sources. In fact, it's a must. Don't piss your sources off -- they'll stop talking.

Always,

Creativity: Sandra of Section 89

Post 22 of HEIA: Creativity

Today's creativity is all about food and comes from Sandra of Section 89. Try not to drool over her creations.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 lentil-walnut burgers

Creativity to me is a sack full of fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit I’ve just set on the kitchen table to unload after a Saturday morning trip to the farmer’s market. The crisp apples smell like the earth, and taste like autumn; I wonder what I’ll make of them this week. Slice them wafer thin and pair them with some buttery soft lettuce, toasted pecans, and a maple vinaigrette, caramelize them in a bit of sweet butter and browned sugar and crown them with a pastry crust and bake until it all melds in to the perfect tarte tatin, or maybe chopped and cooked down with a bit of fresh cider and cinnamon to make applesauce?

 sunflower butter chocolate chip cookies

Daily Makeup

Hello, my dears! The while ago on Free Bird Train we had a little discussion about eyeliner, and I thought I'd share how I do my makeup on most days. It usually takes me about 10 minutes from start to finish. On my video, I'm only showing you my eyes and cheeks. Enjoy!

Done!

Halloween Costumes

I've always loved Halloween and/or a good excuse to dress up. Growing up I had a costume box in my room, and when I say growing up I really mean when I was a teenager. There were many evenings that looked a little something like this:

BTW, if you're in this photo...there's a good chance nobody can recognize you anyways. No worries.

Halloweens past:

80's girl for "80's prom" at church; butterfly...classic, right?; pregnant white trash (definitely one of my favorites); and a little kid complete with stuffed animal and cape.

Fuzzy Wuzzy (was a bear)

A few years ago my friend, Dana, gifted me a giant fluffy robe. I mean...giant. It's awesome. So the other day I was putting my robe back on it's rightful hook on my closet door, while I sang this song:

From the other room I heard Nathaniel laughing. He walked in and asked me what I was singing. I looked at him, confused, as I answered, "Fuzzy wuzzy?..."

Creativity: the Media, Physiology, and the Power to Change

Post 21 of HEIA: Creativity

Being both a journalist and an artist, I love all-things communication and creation, so naturally, anything media-related fascinates me. Even though most people aren't aware of it, to communicate and communicate effectively is an art -- both literally and figuratively.

The media obviously uses imagery to instantly communicate events or ideas. The most interesting part about that, to me, though is that when your body consumes media, be it a piece of art work, a movie, or music, it literally has a physiological response to it. This is why scary movies get your heart pounding, an image of a naked body is arousing, and music can move you to tears. While you are watching the media, your body responds to it as if it was real.

There is no wonder that there are those who have claimed that music or art has healed them...there is clearly a correspondence.

But that's besides the point. The point is all of the many facets of communication, from words to imagery, are extremely powerful and can literally change an individual's life. I firmly believe that a creative individual who uses their communicative talents to serve can change the world for the better.

How someone used their talents to "create."

Rushing, Rising, Rivlets

It rained a whole lot the other day in Oklahoma.

In front of our apartment.

I won't pretend like I didn't like it. In fact, I loved it.

And just so you could hear how loud it was:

Always,

P.S.

Kudos to whoever knows the reference in my title.

GIVEAWAY WINNERS

And the winners of the custom baby onesies are...

The winner of three designs is:

Employed aka Lucky Coin, part 2

When Nathaniel and I decided to move to Oklahoma we didn't know what we were doing. All we knew was that it felt right. After packing up a moving van with our few possessions, we hit the road with high hopes and a small savings in our bank account.

It didn't take long for us to begin the dreaded job search. Being away from our family and friends for the first time as a married couple made us nervous. We knew our savings wouldn't last forever, and we both felt a need to prove it to ourselves and others that we could "make it" -- that the feeling that had pushed us to take a chance was right.

Thankfully, Nathaniel found a job right away. But I didn't. I was left searching and questioning myself -- my goals, my talents, my abilities, my educational and professional path. I was applying and interviewing but wasn't seeing any results. There was one day where I couldn't stop crying. I felt defeated. I felt worthless.

An old drawing. It's supposed to be a self-portrait reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel's Libyan Sibyl.

Creativity: Jess of the Avenues

Post 20 of HEIA: Creativity


Meet Jess from The Avenues. She's sharing her thoughts on creativity and child development today. 
Enjoy!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ 

My name is Jessica and I blog over at The Avenues, I write about the fun activities that my husband and I go on sometimes.   I am so happy that Hannah allowed me to do a guest post on this subject. I have many thoughts along this topic these days. Especially after going a whole summer without seeing any children outside playing riding bikes, running around the neighborhood or playing baseball in the streets. 


Creativity is the ability to create, I got that from Mr. Webster himself and I believe that thoroughly.  

We all can create something and so we all can be creative in our own ways But, (there’s always a but in there), we forget how to be creative as we get older and that is truly a sad predicament in our society. There is a lot that goes into this but I think the worst of it is because of the technology that we have.  So instead we have replaced children playing outside with staying in and watching television and playing video games or being on the computer. Don't get me wrong I love technology just as much as anyone else but we have abused it way too much. So much so that we have forgotten how to think through things and how to make difficult decisions for ourselves in our work and everyday lives.  We rely on our entertainment on a 30 min show or videos game. This has caused us to have a very limited attention span -- no wonder why our generation is so bored. We don't sit through a problem and dissect our thoughts oh no, we want that prize now! Like 5 minutes ago now.

Let's Talk About Mormons

All of the following is my own opinion and may not perfectly depict the official theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is simply a statement of my beliefs...I'm not trying to argue with, convince or convert anybody. I encourage and respect the thoughts, comments and questions from others, but please, no "bible bashing" or name-calling. 

My dad only has one wife, I don’t worship the Devil, and I’m certainly not a member of a cult. And no, I don’t grow horns that I have to saw down every morning.

I do believe in modern revelation and prophecies, my mom’s side of the family is from Utah, and I personally know a whole lot of bicycle-riding missionaries.

Do I have your attention yet? Yes, I’m a Mormon or a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Between the highly acclaimed and controversial Broadway hit, “The Book of Mormon,” and LDS Mitt Romney getting accused of being a member of a cult by the Evangelical pastor Robert Jeffress, Mormons are filling up the headlines.

Anderson Cooper performs stellar journalism while interviewing Robert Jeffress. Check. It. Out.

Featured on The Victory Garden

Hello, my dears. I have a post I forgot to tell you about that went up last Wednesday over on The Victory Garden. Every Wednesday Anna simultaneously features a vintage photograph and a woman in one post.

Head over to see what my post it about. Here's a sneak peek:

Are you dying of curiosity yet?!

And while you're at, take a look at Anna's Etsy shop...her things are lovely.

Always,

P.S.

Make sure you enter my giveaway before Monday to win yourself a custom baby onesie! Even if you don't have your own babe, they make fabulous gifts. I just whipped two up for my mom for a baby shower she's attending next week!

Half-Up Twisty Fishtail and My New Ombre 'Do

I've been having fun the last few weeks trying to figure out new ways to style my hair. The other day I tried out a cascading braid or a waterfall braid.

Many of the photos I've seen of this style have the braid wrapping around the head. Some are styled like mine, but I got my inspiration from the lovely Isla Fisher:

I love Isla Fisher's hair color, and the braid made it even better.

You can find tutorials to this braid here and here.

Of course, I had to experiment more with my favorite kind of braid nowadays: the fishtail.

'Bout Time for a GIVEAWAY -- CLOSED

As of late I've been musing starting an Etsy shop. My only problem is that my mind goes in a million directions. I can't decide if I want to do onesies, accessories, fine art, stationary, or something else totally different. I should probably start somewhere, but as of one right now I'm just sitting in neutral.

But because I've had this blog for quite some time now, and I love all you loyal readers and the friendship I feel we share...I decided to host a little giveaway of something I would sell in a shop if I had one. Hopefully, this will be the first of many Hannah-made giveaways!

I want to giveaway some baby onesies. And not just any onesies...onesies personally designed by me! These make wonderful gifts or you can of course, keep them for your own precious babies!

You can see others I've made here, here and here.

Alright, my dears, here's the deal...

1. There will be two winners. The 1st winner will win three designs. The 2nd will win one.

2. The winner gets to pick their designs. You can choose from one I've already made, or give me some fresh ideas!

3. I'll use random.org to pick a winner.

4. The contest will end next Monday (10/24) at 7:59 AM.

Here's how to enter (please leave a comment for each):

1. Leave a comment on what kind of onesie design you would like.

OR...

2. Follow me and leave a separate comment to let me know you are.

OR...

3. Blog about the giveaway and leave a separate comment with the link to let me know.

OR...

4. Tweet, Facebook or Pin about the giveaway and leave a separate comment for each (include a link) to let me know.

Let the giveaway begin!

Always,