Kisses from the Sky

Yesterday as i sit and lazily watch tv with my husband, I looked over to the large open window that we have in our breakfast area, and I noticed how warm and beautiful the light was coming in and hitting the side of the window and also the stained glass window over our sink. I was pretty tired, so I contemplated going to see how the sky looked as the sun was setting. Then I thought to myself.... "The sky may never look like this again, and you know it will be beautiful just by seeing the warm light it's putting off." So I then got up and went outside. The sky was indeed beautiful! I tried to capture it on my phone, but the pictures don't even do it justice! I stood there mezmorized by it's radiant beauty as the sun slightly kissed my cheeks until it was completely set. God has created so many beautiful wonders in this world, and I'm so blessed to live each day an experience little glimpses of heaven. I'm also very happy that I decided not to just sit in my chair and miss it! Moments like that to me are when I truly feel like I'm living in the moment, which is what I've been trying to work towards.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Psalm 19:1

The Unnoticed Things

A tree.  A simple but complex structure with limbs filled with leaves.  Most of the time they go unnoticed.  Until they disappear from a storm, construction, or just from someone cutting it down.  Then everyone notices because that one tree is what made everything seem in its place.  When the tree is gone, things look awkward and like a different place.

Oh but a tree probably has the most stories to tell of all.  Always standing, seeing everything that goes past.  Feels the cool breeze and sun shine in the day, but also the harsh winds and heavy rain during a storm.  Loses a part of itself in the fall, and then is reborn again in the spring, all but to repeat the cycle once again. Until its gone.

There are so many things in this world that we don't notice, the most simplest things in life.  When we are children, we see everything.  I recently thought to myself that there were not as many bugs as there were when I was a child.  However, then I realized its because I'm not looking.  Once I payed attention, there they were again.

In our fast paced world, we just simply do not see things right in front of us, but in reality, these things could the be things that don't judge who we are or what we will become, or what we have already become.

Life, it's the greatest gift of anything, and yet we take it for granted.  So next time your outside, close your eyes and take in a deep breath.  Feel your surroundings and then open your eyes.  Look for the small things like a caterpillar or just watch the way the grass blows back and fourth from the wind.

If you live in the city, this may be a more difficult task for you to do, but don't you worry.  There are still so many things around you as well.  Just take a walk through the park, or even down the street. You might be surprised to what you might find.

~Danni~

*This was written in Feb. 2012.  I found it in my drafts. Apparently I had set it to go live, but it never did. It still says it's scheduled for Feb. 25, 2012 lol However, I liked it, and wanted to share it. I did just add the picture to go with it though :-)

Disconnecting

When was the last time that you put technology down and just enjoyed living. Real life living. Watching the squirrels in the tree, feeling the wind, or observe your surroundings.  It seems that I've lost site of things that I once use to enjoy.  I love technology, don't get me wrong, but there is no reason that we, I, should be so consumed in it that we forget to live.  I've decided to start making a point to actually live and feel alive. I know out of habit it might take a while to actually stop checking my phone every five seconds, but this weekend was good.  I did check my phone, but not half as much as I normally do. I actually got a lot of things I wanted to do done, and I had a great weekend.  My sweet hubby and I painted a door that we have been wanting to paint. (one out of a few down :p ) I sat on the porch and actually really watched a squirrel. I sat outside and admired nature, and how the leaves are beginning to change to welcome fall. I noticed and paid attention to the small things  I spent time with family, we cleaned the house, I filmed part of my after house tour that I kept meaning to get to.  I enjoyed just being alive.  I know it may sound odd, but it's true.  I'm generally a happy person, but I've kind of been dealing with ups and downs in mood, I guess the stage of life I"m in, so many changes, and sometimes I feel like there is no point to do things, or I don't even know what to do other than things dealing with technology because that's all I've been doing for the past while.  When I was younger I could enjoy my day without being online (even though I spent a lot of time online).  So I've kind of been on a quest for finding how to enjoy my days without my phone in my face.  I know it's a process, but this has been a great step this weekend.  I had a lot of joy, and I wouldn't be able to do that with out God.  I've also been seeking to feel closer to him lately because I've kinda drifted a way. (not in a go crazy way, but just busy way) That's not an excuse though, that should be my top priority, and I have been doing much better with that.  I believe, even in this shortness of time, I've already gotten closer again. That's where my true joy comes from.  I also think that he has given me the desire to feel more alive, and that is why I decided to go on my quest. He has helped me live a more lively life while seeking him.  I hope to only grow closer and closer that I ever have been before. I've really been wanting to go on a trip where I can hike, be in nature, and just be still and experience God's beauty. Hopefully we will be able to do that very soon!

Have an awesome fabulous day! 

XOXO Danni


(This was the weekend of 10/18/14 :-) )

Feeling Naked and Exposed

I’m somewhat of an over thinker....ok maybe more than “somewhat” of an over thinker. I over analyze every situation that I am in, every conversation that I am involved in, and possible situations that may or may not occur in the future. I know it sounds silly. Sometimes over analyzing can be a bad thing. However, it can also be a good thing, depending on what the situation is, and if the thoughts are positive or negative. For example, analyzing situations that may occur in the future...or may not, there are times when I think of things that could be very bad, and honestly I’m not sure why I do this other than it is just simply something that I have allowed demons to put into my thoughts because I know I’m not the kind of person who would think of anything like that on my own. I don’t want to depress you, so let’s move on to how it can be a good thing.

I like to think of myself as a dreamer. I spend a lot of my time daydreaming. I always have. If there is a vacation coming up, I constantly dream about what it will be like, and what I will do. I love creative writing, so of course I like to think of every detail and picture everything in my mind. I guess I’m a pretty vivid thinker. To some people that seems a little weird I’m told. I didn’t realize not everyone can picture things in their mind, and make it so realistic, or maybe everyone can and they just told me that because they didn’t want to seem “weird” too, but what’s normal? Anyways, I like to think of it as a gift. I think of it as a gift not only because I can picture what I “dream” the future may be like, but also because I can picture memories. Sometimes they may not be so good, but sometimes they can be the best. Memories can be the thing to put a smile on our face in not so pleasing situations.

Anyways, the reason I am giving this whole spill is because lately I have had something on my mind that I’m...you guessed it, over analyzing. I enjoy writing, that’s why I created my blog. I wanted a place that I could “be myself” (whatever that means), and where I could write about my life and anything I really wanted to. I also thought it would be nice when I went off to college, so that I could share my experiences with my family.  However, I never really gave them the link.  Another thing I love is making videos. I enjoy making videos so much that I wish I had gone to film school, but that’s ok because thanks to sources like the internet and YouTube, I can learn without actually having to go to a school. I haven’t made an actual short film yet, but I would like to in the near future. I’m also a YouTube junkie. I love all types of videos. I love the music videos, DIY, tutorial, beauty, and vlogs. (There are probably a few more that I watch, but we could be here all day talking about YouTube if you would let me.) Yes you read that last one correct, “vlogs.” Now, normally the response I get when people hear this is a question with a confused face, “What’s a vlog??” I mean seriously, my computer and phone even don’t understand what it is. It’s always trying to correct me and change it to “blog,” but no this is a blog, text and pictures. A vlog is a video version of a blog. So a video log. It could also be called a video diary I suppose. However, most people then just think you are crazy and wonder why you would enjoy watching other peoples “home videos.” I just want to ask those people, “Why do you enjoy reality TV?" That is basically what it is, but on a more personal and “real” level. Unfortunately most people still just won’t understand it. I believe to truly understand it, you have to become a part of it whether you are just watching or creating one yourself.

iJustine was one of the first vlogs that I saw (I think), and I still watch them. I then found other peoples vlogs, and I really grew to love watching people’s daily lives. Not to sound like a creeper though. When you start to watch these types of videos, you start to feel like you know them, and it's nice to feel like you know someone who is similar to you or have similar interest. (Obviously not “actually” know them, but just know them...again not something I can really explain, you need to experience it yourself.) There is such a long list of peoples videos that I watch that I can’t name all of them, but a few I really love are Fun for Louis, Shay Tards, and the Saccone Joly’s. I just find it fascinating how they document their everyday life. I also love to go back and watch old videos to see how they have changed. Because I love making videos, and I love other people’s vlogs, I wanted to start making my own. I found I really love it. I even got a small camera that would be easy to take around everywhere, so that I could vlog more. I want to document my life.  I don’t really care how many people see or don’t see it because it’s what I enjoy. However, I almost get a since of stage fright when I try to vlog because I suddenly feel stupid for trying to attempt it. There are so many vlogs I’ve made and never even made it to the editing stack...they just kinda got thrown into a home video file. I feel exposed and naked when I’m sharing my life. The weird thing is, I don’t feel that way because a bunch of strangers may be watching, I feel that way because I don’t want anyone from my “real life” to see it.

 There is a fine line between real life and the internet life. Why? Because not many people in your everyday life, or well my everyday life, enjoys the internet like I do, apart from what who was doing where on Facebook. I avoid doing what I love because I’m worried what people might think if they find my videos and blog. It’s different, but I thought I liked to be different.... The crazy thing is that I live a normal life in front of people, but when I see myself and my life on camera, I suddenly become self conscious like I’m embarrassed of how I am, how I look, and how I sound, but people see how I am anyway. Why do I worry with it. After all, we are all just human. What makes them better or worse than me? Nothing. They are probably more focused on them anyway. If not, then I suppose I should look at the bright side and think “Well, it’s nice someone is spending precious moments of their life thinking of me.” However, when I dive a little deeper than just a video of my everyday life, such as writing this blog, I feel even more exposed. The one thing other people actually can’t see are my thoughts. 

I over analyze things so much, that normally when I tell people what I’m thinking, they tell me I think too deep. I love to write, that’s why I’m trying to make myself not worry with what others think because they are human too, and just write what my thoughts are (well not"all" of them) and what “I” want to talk about. After all, a blog and a vlog are just online diary’s that other people can view. There has to be someone, somewhere in the world that is similar to me.

 Besides, because I do love to write, how can you be awriter if you don’t elaborate on your thoughts and daydream? I’ve kind of been going through a weird time, but only I can really change that. If you go back and look at my blog and videos, you can see I have been much of a procrastinator and very inconsistent, but I want that to change. This is what I enjoy, this is my life. I refuse to let others control my life with their judgmental remarks. I may not understand what others enjoy, but I think I can accept that I don’t understand and that everyone is different. They aren’t weird because they are different, and neither am I. Again, what’s normal? 

I’m going to try to do better with just being who I want to be, and doing the things I want to do. (I feel like I’m about to burst in to song right now, “Let it go...Let it go, can’t hold back anymoreeee.) I’m not ready to share everything with the real world just yet, but I’m also not going to avoid living because they “may” find out who “I” am.... I just want to be me. That’s why I started with this post. It may seem a little rambly and I may feel a little uneasy about posting it, but that’s ok. After all, according to Neale Donald Walscch, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” 

Is there something that you aren’t doing because you fear how others see you? Do you think those people who make you at unease really are affected at whether or not you’re happy? No, probably not. So don’t let them make that decision for you. Don’t be afraid to do what you love and be you. It’s ok to be different. If we were all the same, life would be boring. (I’m pretty sure that last sentence is from a quote, but I’m not sure where....)

~Danni~ xoxo

Office Touches

I've recently began working at a new job.  At my job, I have my very own office! Yay! I'm very excited about this as you can tell. LOL  So, I have been trying to decide how to decorate my office, and I have found it's less stressful to bring in just a few touches everyday.  By doing that, it also makes the new decorations more exciting to look at.

Due to the fact that I am just bringing in a few things at a time, I don't have much to show. However, I did really want to show you what I've put just on my desk so far. :-)

(Sorry the picture quality isn't the best, I just took these photos quick with my iPhone 5s)

This is basically all of the decorations I have on my desk so far, and I feel like maybe it's just enough so that I don't have too many things that I can't work; however, it's still decorated and personal.

I bought this beautiful wax warmer at Walmart for $15, and I also got cucumber melon wax cubes to go in it.  I only put in one cube at a time, so it only smells up my office and not the whole building. I know some people might not like that. LOL It smells so nice!  It's also the perfect touch to brighten up the room.  I just love how it reflects the colors off of the desk.

Just one of my favorite pictures from the best day of my life!  It's nice to glance over and daydream a little.

Why yes, that beautiful glittery miniature dachshund is a pen! Cute right?!

I ordered this mouse pad from Shutterfly, and I love it so much!  The top right corner is a picture from our honeymoon, as well as the bottom right corner and middle picture.  The bottom left picture is one of our engagement pictures, and the rest are all from our wedding.  It has my new initial in the middle. :-D

Well, I guess that's all for now!

Ta~ta - Danni

23 Random Facts About Me!

We'll because I'm 23, I decided to do 23 random facts about me instead of the popular 20 facts. :-) However, it's actually a bit more just because some of them have more than one fact to a number because of relevance, but we are going to pretend it's just 23. ;-) 

1. I love God! 
2. My favorite color is lime green, but a very close second is blue. 
3. I married the man of my dreams and my Prince Charming in April!
4. I'm very analytical about random things.
5. I love creative writing.
6. I enjoy games, especially strategy ones.
7. Other languages intrigue me, and I'm currently learning Spanish. I also hope to learn as many others as possible. :-) 
8. I love taking pictures and videos. There is just something about capturing a perfect moment, and keeping it like a time capsule. I also love to capture the things I see through my own eyes that not everyone sees....more like the "way" people see things. 
9. I love to travel. 
10. I played the clarinet in middle school concert band.
11. Some times I think a little too deeply, which kinda goes back to being analytical.
12. I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing this past December.
13. My sweet hubby and I just moved into our new home when we got back from our honeymoon.
14. My brother and I are 16 years and 10 days apart....I'm the older one. Yes, he was planned.
15. I have two adorable dogs, Snickers and Rally.
16. I love almost all types of music.
17. I have a room in my house that is designated as my "creative space." It's kind of like an office, but a little crazier and maybe, just maybe a little funky. ;-)
18. I tend to procrastinate, but I'm working to do better with that.  I actually have improved a lot!
19. I like to make lists of things that I need to do.  I love the feeling of accomplishment after marking something off.
20. I'm a kid at heart.
21. I've pretty much had the same hairstyle all of my life until recently.  Well...once right after I graduated high school, I got side bangs, and that was a big deal. However, I could blend them into my hair when I didn't fix them, but a week or so ago, I got "real" bangs.  I kinda like them! :-)
22. I constantly walk around the house singing loudly...and I mean loud. I think I might drive my husband and dogs crazy! LOL It's just my nature.
23. Sometimes I pretend I'm a rapper....even though I'm clearly not. :-)

Honeymoon Food!

By request, I am going to go ahead and share the food we ate on our honeymoon before I post about our wedding, and show the other pictures! We stayed at Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia.  All of the food was so good!  I think I have some more pictures, but I'll have to find them.  Let your eyes "feast!" 

We are not really beer drinkers, but to go to St. Lucia, and not share their national beer, which is so popular there, would be a shame.  We did taste it, and for beer it was actually not that bad.  So to someone who likes beer, its probably really good.  The butler told us not to drink to many, or we would be going home with twins. LOL

We only got room serves twice I believe, but this was our food from one of the times.  I'm not sure if I took a picture of the other time.  The butler brought it to us, and he sat it on the table.  The morning we got breakfast, he even put a table cloth on the small table on the back patio next to the pool, and put some flower pedals on it.

 The first restaurant we went to at night was La Toc. It was a French restaurant and it was yummy!  It was a very relaxing and romantic setting.  Sorry the pictures are bad lighting, it was really dim in there and I didn't want to flash to distract people. lol  It's a four or five course meal….I think four but I'm not sure.  I don't get to eat escargot very often, so I was really excited that they had it.  I also heard that they occasionally change the menus, but I'm not sure if that's true.

When they say salad, this is what they mean…that one pice of lettuce lol but the shrimp was good! So I would get the salad with shrimp if you like that!

I don't remember which one of these was mine, but I think it's the first picture.  I actually tried duck! Yes you read that right…duck! I would have never thought I could do that, but it was vacation and I like to try new things, so I ordered it.  It was SO good! I would defiantly recommend it!! Don't worry, it doesn't look like what it is. Just looks like chicken. ;-)

We got the couples desert, I'm not sure what it's called, but it's basically just a small bite or two of several different things.  It was yummy, but I wish I had more of the macaroons and creme brûlée! 

The next two pictures were from the Japanese place.  This was a night that we got to meet other couples.  We met some interesting people, and had good conversations.  It's a very casual atmosphere, but really fun.  I thought I took a picture of the entree, but I didn't find them in the file, so they may be on my other SD card….unless I forgot to take a picture :-) If I find them, I will load them here.

The next 5 dishes were from Armando's the italian restaurant, and in my opinion they had the best breakfast. (Breakfast pictures are the first 3)  This restaurant is by the second largest pool, and it's kind of above it.  Therefore, you have a  view of the pool with the waterfall in it, and you also have a beautiful view out to the ocean.  This was my favorite view! 

By far my favorite meal was the pancakes! They didn't taste like normal pancakes! They were sweeter, and believe it or not, that is all of the syrup I used, and my plate is normally drenched! I believe they were called lemon sugar, but I'm not 100 % sure.  If I can find the recipe, I'm going to attempt to make it!

This was one of the first lunches we had on the island.  We ate here right after our butler showed us around the resort.  It was defiantly filled you up!  It was also yummy for your tummy! 

I can't remember the restaurant of the following 6 dishes.  However, if you plan to visit, it's the restaurant right next to the pizza restaurant, and it almost looks like they are the same place.

All of the Restaurants have a pretty view, but this one is completely outdoor.  (The pizza place as well.)  You sit on a patio, so to speak, and its right on the beach looking out onto the water.  We liked this restaurant, but it was our least favorite out of all of them.

 This next meal was good, but just "okay" when compared to everything else that we ate.  The drink was called a Funky Monkey I believe, and it tasted just like a frozen chocolate covered banana!

This next beautiful drink was our favorite the whole time! You can also get this at the other bars, and not just this restaurant.  We got it most of the time from the pool bar.  It's called "No Pressure."  It is Pina Colada mix, Strawberry Daiquiri mix, and some type of blue liqueur (I think its Curacao Liqueur).  It may also have rum in it, but I'm not sure. I'm going to attempt to make it this summer. LOL

Chocolate eclair….need I say more? :-) 

The next plate was from the street party buffet.  That whole party was so much fun! There was lots of music and dancing involved! The buffet was filled with St. Lucia's native food.  Most of it was spicy, but they also have things that are not.  I thought it was spicy, but really good.  However, I love spicy, and I eat spicy foods all the time. Two couples that we were sitting with don't really eat spicy and went back to the buffet to get something not so spicy because it was too much for them, but you never know unless you try it! :-)

On the last night, we at at the Piton's, and our butler decorated our table for use.  It was so nice! This restaurant was really….really slow, but it was a romantic setting, so it was nice to wait.  It could have also just be that night.  The food was also very yummy! I like steak with a lot of fat, so I loved it; however, my husband doesn't really like a lot of fat, so it wasn't his favorite.

This plate was mine and it was called "Surf and Turf."  I really enjoyed it!!

I don't really remember what these two were called but I think the first was carrot cake… they were good what ever they were lol

Hungry yet?