Head first.

Literally. Here's a lovely self-portrait of myself I have recently made. I know, the right eye looks mighty strange. This is a sketch of a photo I had taken almost exactly a year ago. My hair looks short although it wasn't truly, just tucked behind my back enough and my nose is downright huge! The latter I have no excuse for besides bad luck when it came to genetics.

My past few days haven't been so eventful, yet I wasn't on here much. I read a few blogs, though. It's probably hard to tell I did that because I didn't comment. Do forgive me.

Nikki wants to go see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this upcoming weekend and that means more of a time crunch to read at least books four through seven. It sounds like a challenge, and one I'm up for, so long as I don't become absorbed in Animal Crossing. [The boosts to my ego it has given me, oh my. I catch a big fish or a huge beetle and -- *beat boxes*]

Okay, had an attention problem there. Back on track: The video game is tons of fun and it makes me feel accomplished. I'm sure that's how most addictions go, no?

Oh, and our neighbors have invited my family over for a barbecue either this weekend of the one after. They have a underground pool, [after my brothers, dad and I invested a lot of time and effort into set up their above ground one] a small-ish basketball court and two huge brown labradors named Donatello and Leonardo. Yes, after The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles of the same name. They're pretty rad. Scare the whatever out of me sometimes, but pretty rad.

I cannot wait to wear these dresses my mom had saved from the eighties to school. I tried them on this morning and was even more elated.

This is more a fall-type dress and thus will save the whole look of it for another time.

You know what I realized after careful calculations? Only seventy four more days until my birthday. Woot, woot!

Oh, it's the little things you miss.

My past few days have consisted of reading, trying to gather up enough enthusiasm to draw or paint, playing tennis with my brothers, listening to music and cleaning.

I have a mountain-high stack of books I wish to read before summer is over. If my calculations are correct, though, I'd have to read at least one a day. [School starts for me on August 10th.] Don't get me wrong, I'm a pretty fast reader, but I'm not sacrificing being able to do other things. The latest book I've read, Three Little Words, is really well-written and inspires me to volunteer my time with social services. It's about a girl who in nine years, goes to fourteen different foster homes after her mom couldn't take care of her, and dad's been out of the picture since the start. At one home, the caregivers were anything but caring. They abused the kids and then made them deny that they were. Eventually, the girl has a better home. I don't want to spoil too much in case you wanted to read it. The author is Ashley Rhodes-Courter.

Yesterday I went outside and despite the blistering heat, took close to a hundred photos. Lately, I have been experimenting with lighting and I've always loved manipulating the angles.

Eccentric, not electric, and especially eclectic.

What have you been thinking about lately?
Nothing of dire importance, really. The usual, "what am I going to do with myself today?" and the disappointment when I don't have the energy to accomplish everything. Clothes and my wardrobe. Having all these thoughts I really should write down; I should start carrying a journal and my camera everywhere. The latter because I was sitting outside not too long ago, reading and enjoying the warm sun, when a butterfly fluttered past. I've seen a few monarchs do the same previously. Alas, I wasn't rightfully equipped to capture the beauty. This reminds me, I should charge my camera's battery since it is running low. Oh, and that I jammed my right index finger playing basketball and it's starting to hurt less now.

What are you excited about at the moment?
Going and playing tennis later with my brother(s?) when my dad gets home from work with the other car.

When was the last time you made a difference to somebody?
I honestly cannot remember, which saddens me. I would assume I made a difference to my mom and my family by being born. Besides that, I truly am unsure.

Who are you really happy for at the moment?
My friend Kai. It seems she's met her match in terms of a caring boyfriend. Maybe she'll get a lasting relationship, not just another fickle one I was worried she had become too accustomed to. You know, a two week fling that only ends badly. Being completely honest, I'm envious.

When was the last time you felt inspired?
This morning when I read other people's blogs. Seriously, people find or produce amazing things.

If you could be in your dream place at the moment what would you be doing?
I'd be finishing a painting and then discussing a book's true meaning over hot chocolate with a good friend [not necessarily of the opposite sex] and then off to bed.

If somebody was describing your personality what would they say?
There probably wouldn't fail to mention that I am shy or really intelligent. They wouldn't have much to say, I don't think, as if they themselves hardly have a grasp of what I am like. Perhaps they'd say that I tend to take things inwardly and am somewhat a killjoy. I am weird, but have a sense of humor. I think they'd say I'm eccentric.

What are you most proud of?
My family and my pursuit of art. I'm glad I've made a good impression on the art teacher and my turtles, my first actual pencil drawing with shading in the like, got so much exposure and I am encouraged to continue.

What’s been tempting you lately?
Good books and reading them in less than a day all tolled.

What’s been the one most consistent thing in your life?
Saying "good night" to my mom every single night whilst giving her a hug. Along with living in the same house.

What do you love about people? or What do you love about (person’s name)?
They are all different and yet one. We have our own motives and thoughts. We have our own likes and dislikes. Some are leaders, some are followers. Some conform, some rebel. Some dance, some sing. Some write, some read. But at the end of the day, we have all formed connections and like the elements, bond together. And again like such bonds, some are weak and others strong. Life is compelling and death is frightening. We try to shed light on every situation and sometimes we get too caught up. People are interesting and I love that.

TAGGED: Jessica from A Sunlit Day, Scarlett from A Nice Kind of Mean, Red from need a friend? and Kait from wild tendency.

[I couldn't do the nifty name in html thing for the life of me.]

Uber productive.

For probably the first time this whole summer vacation, I had a productive day yesterday. It felt invigorating and exciting. I was happy to be enjoying the fresh air.

My mom and I set out a little before one in the afternoon with the intent to go pick up tickets we ordered for the local Summer Fine Arts production of the musical, Miss Saigon. Based on a phone call received earlier in the day though, we decided to go last night rather than tonight. Tonight I get to babysit. I don't like passing up opportunities to earn some money, as well as experience. However, halfway to pick up the tickets, we estimated we wouldn't be there in time and would just do will call instead. Still on the road, we headed to my high school to pick up scores for this state-wide standardized test we take grades 3-11. I think I've mentioned it before; it's called FCAT, or more aptly-named in my view, total blegh. I got what I figured I would: not perfect or close to perfect, but certainly above the mean. These tests are serious, yet I think the ACT and SAT do a much, much, better job of assessing a student and their academic level.

Anyway, my mom and I then turned and started heading to this thrift store about an half an hour drive from our home to donate clothes. I've been there before to do just that, donate. But this time I was curious and walked through the actual store part of the small place.


I was attracted to this black and white purse on a shelf. It only cost two dollars and I was thrilled. We walked into this room with multiple shelves of paperbacks. My mom [who might as well be a book collector] wasted no time and began scanning the books. We ended up with seven, a quarter each. Including a copy of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. She also found these hardcover story books she remembers having as a child and purchased each of them for a buck.

Next stop: the library, a book lover's heaven. It's a library I've never been in before, but since it's within county limits, my library card is valid for any books there. [One reason I love the library even more.] I walked through the youth area and spotted a section dedicated to the list of Teen Read books I've been beyond eager to read. They had a copy of almost all of the total fifteen books and without being a total selfish whatever, only took six. Hehe. I am super duper happy!


We had a couple of returns to make at Target, so we went. There was a fairly good selection of junior clothes and I got some. Okay, and the more interesting part of the story was a cart returner/employee who caught my eye. [According to my mom, I caught his, too, especially when I wasn't looking at him.] Later when I was packing stuff in my car, [and my mom was texting my brother. She was acting more like the teen! I love it.] the cute cart returner was outside [coincidence?] doing his job, collecting the carts. Using my awesome 360 vision, I stalled long enough so that I could just give it to him. Oh my, oh my. Up close he was even more gorgeous and when he smiled, I promptly smiled back . He said "thank you," I said, "no problem," then turned around and felt my cheeks fluster...

Then we came home, ate dinner, and were off the musical. It was well put together, and all the leads had amazing voices. There's no good way to end an already fantastic day other than seeing your best friend twirl a flaming baton!

I love how the one good shot I got of the action happened to have her in an awkward pose. Ha, it's okay, she'll forgive me. :]

I can count to four.

Four things I'm looking forward to:

1. My room being completely clean and everything re-organized.
2. Seeing my best friend twirl a flaming baton for a summer fine arts production of Miss Saigon this upcoming Friday.
3. Going to the library and checking out tons of books and CDs.
4. Drawing faries for a friend.

Four things I did yesterday:

1. I had an insanely intense allergic reaction. My eyes were swollen and had this rash on the inside of my arm. It was miserable.
2. Watched an episode of The West Wing. I miss Rob Lowe!
3. Discussed Degrassi with my brother.
4. Said goodbye to my other brother for a week.

Four things I wish I could do:

1. Go to Scotland right now and stay for a while.
2. Fly.
3. Get an enV3.
4. Literally have a cow, just so I can freak people out when they use that expression.

Four gorgeous bloggers I'll tag:

Oh man, I really don't know. I am rubbish at tagging others. Apologies!

Vintage love.

I've been re-organizing my closet and came across this dress that I wore for a sixth grade play. It was my grandmother's at one point during the 40's, making it a great custume to wear for the historical period of the play, WWII. Then, the dress came down to my ankles and I nearly tripped over it. Plus my figure was not nearly as flattering as it is when I put it on, now. I took a few pictures and had fun editing them each differently.





The purse over my shoulder is another more-or-less inherited item from my mother/grandmother. I thought it matched the dress well. And the belt came with the dress.

Dinosaurs say "RAWR!"

My fourth of July was hardly special. As I tried to doze into dreamland last night a little after midnight, some teenagers across the street decided to launch really loud fireworks. No, they are not the most considerate folk. One of my brothers and mom went to a local park for a picnic briefly at lunch time and returned with genuine American cuisine: hotdogs, hamburgers and potato chips. Unlike years past, there was no enthusiam to travel to another park to see fireworks later so we flat-out didn't. My life and life generally will go on.



I made this for my friend Kai. I asked her if she had an idea for a drawing I could do for her. She's infatuated with dinosaurs, thus obviously picked that and specified it should be saying "rawr" and taking a bite out of her name. [The latter I didn't execute as well as I wanted, but oh well.] Then I was inspired to split the whole picture into fourths, making each a postcard. I'd send the dino-postcards at different times and then she'll be able to assemble the drawing like a puzzle. It is not the best free-hand drawing I've done, yet I am excited to know how Kai will like it. I believe the unique concept gives it an edge. :]

Water supply.

I have just returned from a cruising bike ride. It was pleasant and surprisingly not too unbearably hot. The wind I could do without, though. I traveled into this one neighborhood that before now I was never exactly allowed to explore alone. There is a sidewalk connecting them, so I took that and just went whereever, no route planned or anything. I enjoyed guessing which road would take me where. All the street names began with "B;" isn't that wild?


I wanted to go outside in my backyard to take pictures yesterday. However, as soon as I stepped onto this small porch and closed the front door, it started to rain. Not pouring, not sprinking, more like a cross between the two. A drizzle? So there I sat on the porch listening to the water drip off the soffit and form a small puddle on the walkway. At the same time I was texting a good friend's good friend. He and I were asking what the others favorite color was and things mundane-ish like that. Though I've never met him in person, I've gotten the impression he's a pretty sweet and thoughtful guy. Dating/boyfriend material? No, not for me. Yet there's nothing wrong with befriending new people.


I remember feeling the most niave when one day I was sitting outside eating a popscicle with my eyes trained on the sky. For several minutes I watched in awe as the clouds moved. I couldn't believe it, the clouds were moving. I rushed inside as fast as my five-year-old legs could take me and informed my mom of the shocking --to me, at least-- event. My mom was sympathetic and kindly explained that the earth is moving, and thus the clouds do, too. I still think it's rare we see the clouds floating by, but it's peaceful when we do.


Immediately after this shot, the bird flew out of the tangelo tree and into my neighbor's yard. Perhaps it didn't like it's picture taken. How it could tell, I wouldn't know since I was standing a fair distance away and remained on the ground, the zoom lens at the max.

And because it is unlikely I will post tomorrow, Happy Fourth of July to all fellow Americans reading this!