Beginning Again

I never quite know what to say in posts like this, but I do feel like I need to mark this occasion in the "blog-osphere".

Today is my 21st birthday.

Although that in itself is big, it fits into a year that is big over all.  Most of my friends are off studying abroad this year which means that I'm living off campus, and in the city, mostly on my own.  That's both exciting for me and a bit intimidating.  I'm having to find the perfect balance between being alone and not being lonely.  So far it's been going well, but I'm sure I'll have my ups and downs throughout the year.  I really feel that this is the perfect backdrop for such a big birthday, because I really feel more independent and capable as a person this year.

I can only really thank God for allowing me to reach my stride and allow everything to fall into place.  Oh, and my amazing family who welcomed me home for by birthday weekend.  I returned to a sweltering Southern California for a couple of days for some filming with my brother (which I hope I can show you soon!), some shopping with my mom, and lots of pasta!

I finished up a knitting project while I was there, stuffing this cable pillow that my mom had specifically requested.  We finished up the weekend with dinner on Balboa Island and frozen banana's afterwards.

So basically I feel like I'm starting a new phase of my life, as an adult (whatever that means).  I'm sure I'll get the hang of it, eventually.  But until then, I'm glad that I have the amazing family and friends that I do to support and push me in the right direction.

Wall Wednesday: Homemade Touches

Happy Wednesday, everyone!  It's been a couple of weeks since I've settled in back at school and my grandparent's house.  I've shared pictures of my room before, such as in this post, though I have to say it's quite transformed.  The furniture is new and now I've started adding my own little touches!

I borrowed this picture hanging idea from my friend Justine.  I just used the nails that were already in the wall, some basic string, and fun little binder clips.  It makes for an easily changeable display for pictures, post cards, and this little watercolor that I bought last year at the Ferry Building farmer's market.  It's one of a kind; the artist had a whole book of these small, Bay Area inspired paintings. 

To cover up those nails I just mentioned, I turned to one of my favorite crafty bloggers, Cornflower Blue Studio and her pattern for crochet stars.  Although I like to say that I can crochet, in reality, I barely can.  That being said, this pattern is super easy and fun to do, and after making quite a few stars withs scrap yarn, I still have plenty left!  Aren't they cute?

I am a big fan of inspirational quotes and collages; my room back home is full of them!  Here, I decided to combine the two, pairing magazine cutouts and quotes from books I've read on fun, patterned scrapbook paper.  I've got about five of these squares up on my closet doors right now, and hope to have them both completely covered by the end of the year!

This is a small oil painting that I rescued from certain doom last year.  There was an assignment to create our own Impressionist painting in one of my art history classes, and at the end of it one of my classmates was just going to throw it out.  It's no Monet, sure, but I actually love the rough feeling of it.

And finally, my most recent addition: a little box for my needles, ruler, and whatever else happens to end up in there!  Remember that day I said I'd been gluing?  Well, here's the finished product!  I used an old box from an Amazon order I'd received, glued some Sunday funnies on it, and knitted it a little band for it.  Although the band it completely my design, I again referred to Cornflower Blue for a bow pattern.  It may not look like much, but I love it.  Nothing like displaying something that you've made yourself!

Donate Your Votes!

Hi everyone!  Hope you're having a wonderful weekend; I know that, despite the huge amount of work I have, I'm actually quite enjoying myself.  Now, there is something a little more serious that I'd like to talk to you about.

Yesterday, my family received an email from a relative asking for us to help raise awareness for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.  From what little reading on it I've done, it's exactly as it sounds: intense, chronic fatigue that does not allow those who have it to live life to its fullest potential.  Apparently my relative who is suffering from CFS is not even able to attend high school and is instead home-schooled to allow for frequent breaks and rest.

Now, you may be wondering, what does this have to do with me?  Well, there is no cure right now, but doctors are looking for one and they could use more support.  Chase Community Giving is currently encouraging people to vote for their charity of choice on Facebook.  The charities with the most votes will then be presented with $5 million in grants!  I've already cast my vote, but if you'd like to vote for the Neuro Immune Disease Alliance and CFS, you can do so here.

Thanks so much everyone, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Just a Peek

It's been a beautifully warm and sunny, crafty evening.  I've done some gluing, and am now knitting while catching the Giants-Dodgers game.  What a life, right?  Neither of these projects are finished, so this is just a sneak peek for now!

Happy weekend, everybody!  Any projects you're working on?