The Life & Times of Dana Marie

NEW BLOG

2011-09-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

HEY Lovelies.

If you care to follow the ins and outs and inspiration of my life please follow me to my NEW BLOG!

http://dailyimcontrainedtobe.tumblr.com/

HOPE & PAIN: That's all we got.

2011-05-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

This has been the reoccurring theme lately. I'll say it out loud. I am not really happy where I am in life. However, I am fully aware that my being happy is not the primary goal of the Creation of the World. And truth be told I am kinda ok with that. I am at a place where I know this feeling of dissatisfaction has the ability to move me towards what I can do to feel fulfilled.

I may pout and whine, but I know the King has my best interest at Heart. It's truly about this process of doing heart surgery. Which is so incredibly painful without anesthetic. My remedy has been the WORD. My head and my heart long/groan even for all that Christ has to say to sink fully into my life/thick skull.

I'm tired of life that is lived w such shallow faith. I long for miracles. I know that I have been disheartened over the last year an a half of asking God for miracles and getting stone cold silence in return. But still I long for those thing. I want to see more redemption around me/but I mostly see my selfishness reflected back at me. I want a life of adventure and fun/instead I can't get around the mundane. I want a family of my own/to adopt even, however I see no hope for this. And yes here I am screaming I WANT.

I WANT to give my life away. Yet I love the comfort of my bed and a proper shower. I do want to know what living life to overflowing feels like. I think I have experienced glimpses of that in my life. It's just not happening right now in my life. As shallow as this comes out I miss feeling that I have done my job with excellence. I feel insanely inept where I am now. Knowing that in my weakness He is strong. But wtf I don't like this feeling and have a struggle to view how I'm revealing God's Glory.

So here's where I am:

HOPE that this life is not all there is. HOPE that I have a new day to begin again. HOPE that I can bare to live life under the forgiveness of our Creator. HOPE that Christ IS doing miraculous things around me/even though I don't have eyes to see them. HOPE for a better day.

PAIN that life is not what I want it to be. PAIN that I open my eyes to daily. PAIN that I see/feel so strongly in the World here and abroad. PAIN I know must be present for me to experience Joy. PAIN in fact that I can't see Christ face to face.....but some day I will.

HOPE & PAIN: That's all we got.

I see GOD.

2011-04-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

I see GOD in so many things. I have often felt jealous of those who feel like they can "hear" audible things from God. I don't know that this has happened to me. I see/feel Him in many other ways. I woke up this morning from an extended sleep and felt like I wanted to count some of the ways I see/feel God. Please feel free to add your own.

...I feel God after I wake up for a good solid sleep and I feel rested.

...I feel God when I take long walks in the night, when it's cool and the moonlight is strong.

...I see Him in the generosity of my friends

...I see Him in the generosity of strangers

...I see Him in the faces and interactions with children

...I feel God when I hold my niece and am overwhelmed with love for her

...I feel loved by God when I sell OPP items

...I see God in the creativity that surrounds me

...I feel God when I look at art

...I see God in nature

...I feel God when I'm lost in worship

...I see God when I travel to different countries and see the diversity of cultures

...I feel the goodness of God when I eat a good meal

...I feel God when I'm alone

...I see the attributes of Him when I visit with friends

...I see the Creator God when I spend time inspecting flowers and gardens

...I feel Him when I'm at the ocean

...I see Him when I see people give selflessly of themselves for the benefit of others

...I see God in His faithfulness to His people throughout the ages

...I feel God's pleasure in something that is truly funny

On the REAL:

2010-12-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

~ For about the past week or so I have been having extreme troubles getting out of bed. I am not quite sure what it is: Depression? Coldness? Work ahead of me? Lazy time of year? I don't know what it is but it's pretty annoying. It's not tiredness b.c most days I sleep til I wake up.

~Heading to Nashville in a few days and I can't wait. Looking forward to a break. Although not looking forward to it being SO cold. Road Trip w brother BJ will be good for me. Seeing old friends up there will be Wonderful too. Plus low key Family time is going to be the Gift of Christmas to ME.

~My NIECE was born this week: AMELIE Rose Roquemore/8.3 pounds/20 1/2"/w a head FULL of dark hair. SO precious. I am obsessed w holding her. I want to be with her always. I must admit that I was pouting a little when I couldn't hold her. Glad she is close by (by close I mean one hour away). Going to have to invest in companies that make gas out of algae. I have full confidence that my Brother and his wife Lee Anne are going to make the best Parents. So proud.

~Started a Tumblr: Follow it here. It's so flippin easy. I don't know why I didn't start this years ago. Love the layout I found and the ease of posting.

~Watched Swing Kids. What a powerful/awesome movie.

~Had an incredible photoshoot this week. Friend Doug photoing, sick location (abandoned Pittsburg Paints shop), Model Paulina w the hotness & Intern - the fabulous Ashley making things go smoothly. THIS I remind myself is what I do this for.....and the giving of course :)

~Met the greatest girl this week. Paulina. Fast Friends and lots of good things to come. Find her fabulous blog here.

~Always hooked on Hype Machine. Find some new Music & Mashups.

~Been reading through Exodus. Tremendous exploits by none other than Jehovah. Dang. These stories are so powerful.

~Rainy weekend. Love it. Not too cold.

~Not quite sure what to make of Christmas this year. Different but good. Reminding myself of the Gift of Christ to me. Without Him I'd be Nothing.

Just in case you missed it.

2010-12-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

BRINK mag Cover November 2010.

First cover of my life. Hopefully not my last.

BRINK mag Cover November 2010.

First cover of my life. Hopefully not the last.

I Aspire to This....

2010-12-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

I think I got this off the Coach website.....I could be wrong.

Nashville/Franklin/Family

2010-11-13T13:23:00.000-08:00

What a Marvelous time. FALL was like therapy for me. Plus Family time. Also a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the most Wonderful Mother of all! I love you, MOM.

The Faithfulness of God

2010-09-06T13:42:00.000-07:00

Lest I forget whom I serve. My God/Creator/Lover is truly out of this world.

This year has been one of the toughest of my life. (As if you haven't been able to pick up on that.) Money has grown scarce and faith razor thin. This year has pushed me in ways that I never expected. I got what I wanted from God, to full-time run my own business. Only to find that it swallowed me whole and spit me out tumbled and confused. Oh the irony.

I fasted a Daniel fast back in March. A very hard time for me, bc as you may know I am in LOVE with food. At the end of the fast NOTHING changed. Nothing happened. Things got HARDER and I was confused. But I held on to the fact that in Daniel, he said it took him three week to receive the answer that he prayed for. In those three weeks there was spiritual warfare. A battle in the heavenly places. I tried to imagine that, as I clenched my jaw and barreled through life. Head down, but heart open.... believing in a better day.

As of late, it seems as though the clouds have parted a bit and blessings are mine. A week ago Sunday I got a call at 12:30p to be on a 3:15p flight to LA. I worked at an event that was a total train wreck from my perspective. But the people running the event were happy. There is a supposed check in the mail that will be almost twice what I was getting paid at GMS. There is a possibility that I can work with them on an on-going basis. I have requested once or twice a month. If this happens it will be a huge answer to prayer. The burden of feeling at every moment of the day that I can't pay my bills is crushing, not only to my wallet, but to my ego.

I had a moment a few weeks ago in church, where I heard God say...."I have better for you....coming. Hang in there." And I'm glad I did. There is nothing like getting more that what you expected.

Not only did I work this event, but I had a friend Lori G. on my first flight to Denver, my flight was oversold to LA so I got a voucher for $400 and immediately after that got a call from my dearest friend Halie Clark that she was in the DENVER airport in the same terminal. It felt like Christmas Day.

Since then I have been working on the Status Community Market, which is coming together really so smoothly. I am so excited to see what my church community will produce.

This past weekend was the Euphoria Fashion Show. This is what I am made for. I loved every minute of it. The fittings, the styling, backstage, hair and make up & the last minute panic. It went really well. Jana was by my side and it was an experience for us both. I had 18 guys debut our Gentleman's Collection. They all looked amazing. I have met some amazing people and have felt like a really positive influence on them. Just excited to see what God is going to do with me in these situations.

And today it's back to reality. It's life. And I am never in doubt that I NEED Christ every step of the way.

Random: For Me.

2010-09-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well look who I found today. A rare photo of a lovely lady.

~ IT's raining and I'm supposed to be swimming laps. But let's just say I don't feel like it. It just feels like a day for a blog.

~It labor Day and I was "Laboring" today. Which seem like such a farce to me. Because I often feel real work is manual labor and it's so far from what I do. I am forever grateful for that. I am also forever grateful to those who actually "Labor" on my behalf. I am happy for the person who rises at 5 am to milk the cows to bring me my 1% Organic Milk. I am grateful to to person who works at the plant to make me my recycled paper/toilet paper. I am thankful for the person who works at a hot mechanics shop and fixes my car when I need it. I am aware and humbled to the hundreds of real workers that founded this Great Nation. That must have taken everything they had in them and more.

~I do appreciate hard work and working with my hands, but I am glad that my job doesn't require me to do this 8 hours a day, day in and day out.

~I've been going through my itunes all day and deleting stuff I don't like/don't listen too. It is amazing how much music I have that I don't listen to/have forgotten. But at this moment the sounds of the rain and the wet cars driving by is seducing me.

~My parents are staying with me for a bit. And it's hilarious. They just take over whatever area they are in. It's just a whirlwind of stuff. It feels a little claustrophobic, but I can handle it. Also I am sleeping on the couch. Which makes me remember just how wonderful my bed is.

~IT's my friend Sean Even Day's Birthday today. 21 as it were. But it's like he's been 21 since he was 16. ha. In some ways.

~More than ever my friends are having kids. I held a sweet London Rose in my arms last night and just about melted. She was made by my friends Kirk and Brandi Michelle. She will return to work tomorrow and he will be a stay at home dad. This intrigues me so. I am looking forward to being a mom, but I don't know that I can handle it for 24 hours a day.

~Jana's Home and it just feels so right.

~I just added myself as following my own blog!? Ummm DUH?

In LOVE:

2010-09-06T11:13:00.000-07:00

Bikes, Boomboxes on Bikes and RAP. On repeat.

Humdrum Town

2010-09-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

That is what this place feels like with so much rain this Summer..

Let's Hear It for Handsomeness!

2010-08-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

Where are these guys hiding at? Italy probably.

BIRTHDAY LOVE

2010-08-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

You have not because you ask not. So I asked and I got LOTS of things I love for my Birthday:

~An extravagant Dinner at the Ravenous Pig (Got the steak)*

~Donation to Charity Water.*

~Donation to LESPWA*

~Hour and a half massage by Sonny Vong*

~Hour massage at Massage Envy from Jenn Jana*

~Cut & Color by Kimberly Ton*

~A ridiculous amount at Renew Salon and Spa by Sarah Kuele*

~Loads of Ice Cream (My party was wonderful and now my freezer is packed with it!)*

~A wireless printer

~Money for Thrifting from Lisa Milton, Mandy and Meghan*

~CS4 from John and Lee Anne. I am still so excited about this!

~The MOST beautiful Outer Space book you have ever seen COSMOS from Jana*

~Upcoming meal at Ravenous Pig with Summer!*

~30 Mangos from Bradford...one of which graced my smoothie this morning

~Lots of Shopping Appointments (not quite 30 though)*

~Some of my favorite candies: Heath bars, Swedish Fish, Andes Mints.

~Shopping spree at Big Wheel: Charmula, pita crisps, crustini, mango compete, Blueberry topping, and lots more. Big Thanks to Tony Adams.*

~Ginger Snaps and cool whip, a fancy ice cream bowl and precious help from Devin!!

~A home cooked Dinner & time with Jaclyn.*

~Cupcake date w Kobin (almost) Van Lenten!*

~Supposedly getting Rosetta Stone in French from Mr. Sean Dey! Ne peut pas attendre cela.

~7 Vintage Plaques of Vogue covers, which I am completely in LOVE with from Jenn Domeck.

~A lovely picture holder from Danielle and Sam Teran.

~The Biggest bottle of Kalula that you've ever seen.

~A Lovely Bday invite graphic Brian Kenney!!

~Vintage item from Miss Whitney Brammer.

~And one of my MOST favorite gifts: a decadent meal by Jamie/Vance Kite. So mouthwatering. Just what I wanted.*

~A dinner Party with Family and just few friends. It was just perfect. Followed by MORE friends and Dancing w amazing DJing by Brian Jr.*

Things I would still like to receive:

#10

#29

*Things I received from my 30 for 30 list

For all of these things and more I am truly blessed.

Art History Comes Alive.

2010-07-09T11:53:00.000-07:00

oohhhh man. this bring back so many memories of being in Art History class. This is bring some happiness to you day. I hope at least. Watch full screen:

70 Million by Hold Your Horses ! from L'Ogre on Vimeo.

Also Thanks to Kimberly Luce! She found this.

Just...

2010-07-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

obsessing over this today. Color. Perfect. Classy.

Photo: The Sartorialist

ORCHIDS

2010-07-05T18:45:00.000-07:00

Chicago had an incredible Conservatory. I was in heaven and could have stayed there all day...but I had to eat :( They had a WHOLE room of just orchids. So many varieties that I had no idea existed. I deeply experience the Trinity through nature. And specific details and minute design that the Creator took the "time" to create for our pleasure. It's just mind numbing sometimes. This was a wonderful and slightly spiritual moment for me. It almost was like being in the Garden of Eden. Everything so pure and healthy and Beautiful. I look forward to that after this life is done. I am sure it will be far greater/majestic than I can conceive.

Tattooed on my Brain please.

2010-07-01T07:33:00.000-07:00

...God has nothing worth having that is easily gained, for there are not cheap goods on the heavenly market. The cost of our redemption was everything God had to give, and anything worth having is expensive...

SITD

::CHICAGO::

2010-06-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

In no particular order:

HEY YO. FInally HERE

2010-06-30T19:53:00.001-07:00

PLEASE please have a watch:

The NY Project- Teen Vogue's Eleanor Banco from FASHIONmeGREEN on Vimeo.

The After Party

2010-06-30T19:31:00.001-07:00

Although sans Tess, the after party was an equal highlight of the evening. After a few complete misses, Stephanie Young found the Absolutely PERFECT spot for six swanky ladies to have some fancy desserts and coffee.

The Name of the restaurant escapes me, but the memories do not. Four desserts were ordered and six mouths were happy. Included in the sugar indulgence was: hot homemade donuts with a coffee mix poured over, an incredible chocolate cake, peach cobbler w ice cream and my personal favorite lemon creme brulee.

After lingering with good company we headed to Millennium Park across the street to visit The Bean, but were notified in a very undiplomatic way that the park was closed. Spirits still high we returned home in the early hours of the morning, (or what felt like it.)

Camille never ceases to amaze me.

Tess' Last Moments as a Konc.

2010-06-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Quite a lovely party for Quite a Lovely Girl. Tessa Bella was to become Mrs. Richardson. This had to be celebrated. Best Bachelorette Party of all time. No one got drunk, no one was wearing a sash or tiara, no yelling and hollering. Just a classy evening of French Cooking, eating together, and Celebrating my Sweet Friend Tess.

Stellar space in the Warehouse District of Chicago.
Bride to Be.

Presents

Drink it up.
Jeanette & Camille

Cooking Leak Soup (which I didn't even get to taste.)
Grilling Veggies.
Blushing all around (for Tess anyway.)

well HELLO

2010-06-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I Wish we could trade American men for Italian men. They speak a beautiful language, made incredibly good food and KNOW how to dress...except they can leave their infidelity in Italy.

The Hair...

2010-06-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

...does it for me :]

A Preview: Heather Ahrens

2010-06-21T21:51:00.000-07:00

Photographer friend Heather Ahrens was kind enough to do, not one but two shoots for OPP. We shot at the very lovely Casa Feliz in Winter Park, but ended up getting caught in the infamous Florida mid-day torrential rainstorms. Here is a preview of Shoot #1. You can find the rest of the shoot here.

I want:

2010-06-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

to be friends with this guy, like yesterday.

Everything about this shot is Classic. I Love it.

These Days:

2010-05-18T19:39:00.001-07:00

` I wish I were at the MAGIC game right now.

` I have been Extremely tired for about a week now.

` Working by myself is starting to catch up with me sometimes. I do not for one moment wish I were back at my old job, but working with people would be nice.

` I am going to go to South Florida for a whole three and a half days. Beach time and ALOT of OPP buying. I just keep wishing it were the end of the month. This is not a good way of living life. But I just can't wait.

` I am going to Chicago. Woot. That can't come soon enough.

` It's baby town around here. So far I have counted 10 women whom are with child. Sheesh.

` Including my Sister in Law!! I am going to an AUNT. This is crazy. So soon, but I am SO excited.

` 31,557,600 seconds are alloted to us every year. I hope I am making the most of every single one of them.

` Got some OPP events coming up that I am looking forward to.

` Getting ready for the OPP blog. It is taking WAY long than expecting. I have to let go of frustration when I think about it.

` Continue to have good and tough days. Challenges never cease it seems.

` A friend of mine's mom is dying. I can't even imagine that feeling. Prayers are with him.

` Video games do not interest me whatsoever.

` I've become Obsessed with Outer Space.

` The Grace and Mercy of God never ceases to amaze me.

FOOD Coma

2010-05-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Again Jamie Kite out did herself.

We cooked this insanely delightful dish. Which was spaghetti HAND Rolled by Jamie and her husband. All Jamie Oliver recipes. Such a good time with good friends. Ended with Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution and Charred Eggy bread with Strawberries and Ricotta Cheese. Unbelievable.

More to come.

Brian Grady Roquemore Jr.

2010-05-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

This guy! Seriously. So lucky to have him as my brother. Recently he was in Fine Art competion at his church. He was in about 55 categories. He won second in one of the dramas that he was in and placed in some other one. He will advance to Nationals in Detroit this Summer.

Actor, Singer, Dancer, Comedian. All around nice guy. The only problem with this is that everybody wants a piece of him so he is so booked he hardly has time to spend me with :/

But on the real. I could not be prouder.

Lee Anne's Day of Birthday: 23 years later

2010-05-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Party Time! Sister in Law Lee Anne had a Birthday last Sunday. Her ever adoring husband, my brother John arranged for a Surprise party. Lovely time had by all.

Burgers and dogs on the Brand NEW grill. I think that is the ONLY way to eat those things.
My FAVorite picture of the day. Peter before a jump on the trampoline.
Happy Birthday to the Two of you. Lee Anne is cooking up a little baby. I'm going to be an AUNT!!!!!!

Gobble Gobble

2010-05-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

Lawn Knives: Have a Listen. I am COMPLETELY ruining this song.

Over and Over I have listened to it. Once you hear it you'll want it on Repeat as well.

Dear God.

2010-05-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Please send me one of these.....

One day. I hope family is a part of my future.

How Beautiful:

2010-05-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

John 17:24 "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world."

LOVE

2010-04-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

I John 4:18

This needs to be tattooed not on me, but inside my brain. I need to make it my life Mantra. I was talking with a dear friend of mine who is just exploring what following Christ, in a sincere way, means and I shared this verse with her and she was shocked. She said it was the most beautiful thing she had ever heard. I forget what it is like to hear these things for the first time. I am in need of a FRESH perspective of what it means to rescued from DEATH into LIFE. What BEAUTY this beholds. We had Baptism at my church last night and Celebrated just this! Those are my favorite nights of all.

I should not have been surprised at the reaction of my friend. This is INCREDIBLE. This is Truth. This is what all of Creation is longing for. Especially me. I always struggle with this life. My flesh fights. I want life to be easy. I want to solely dwell upon Beauty, Nature, Friends, Family, Food, Luxury and not be concerned with the Pain, Dark, Evil that consumes most of Creation. I mostly want direct communication with the Trinity. I want to know the mysteries of life. I want to feel FULLY loved. For YAHWEH to take me by the hand and heal me and then show me the Wonders of the world. Humans can only fulfill so much of what we are longing for. "If I find in my heart a desire which nothing on earth can satisfy, my only logical conclusion is that I was made for another world." - cs lewis

I have been having some strange anxiety lately. The kind where I wake up and feel a HEAVY pressure on my chest. I feel physically the weight of all the things that I have to do and all the things that are not as I wish in my life. It's an unsettling feeling. I then proceed to the porch to have it out with God. Letting Him know that I feel this way, but I know different in my head (that HE is in control of all,) but that I still feel this way and I need Him to fight these battles for me. This day comes and goes and I could wake the next day feeling FULL of life. It is a strange dance. I heard some words of Truth last night, "As your day is, so HIS strength is." I believe it. I just want to feel it and see it MORE.

I can't wait to hear more from GOD. The Protector. The Life Giver. My Strength. My GRACE. "Love ( God ) was with me. He protected me. Thats not the first time He has and it’s not the last time He will. His love is fierce..a force to be reckoned with. His love is stronger than my fear..stronger than the unknowns of the future..stronger than the angels, the demons..you name it." This was from my friend Sarah's Blog. You can find her words here: http://sarahaltemus.wordpress.com

If this doesn't make you HAPPY...

2010-04-26T11:52:00.000-07:00

....I don't know what will.

Beach Day: Glory Hallejuah

2010-04-21T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last week went to the beach with my darling Sarah K. It was a day off of work for the both of us and much needed break. But it wasn't much of a beach day after all. Mostly overcast and a bit rainy, we had a long lunch at Da Kine Diego's and some successful thrifting. After which we finally found a place that didn't look like rain and had a few hours on the beach, albeit cold and so windy. BUT the perfect day to watch kite surfing, which was in FULL effect.

I Like:

2010-04-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

30 for 30

2010-04-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true. This little "looks like 21" is turning 30 years old. Wonderful and Splendid. Another year older and wiser. I certainly don't feel 30, although I look like I might be in High School, but sometimes I act like I'm 50. So just to take the guess work out of buying gifts for me (because I know this has been heavy on your mind) I have complied the most inclusive list ever. From Absolutely FREE things to things you could never afford. Choose one or more appropriately :)

1. 30 people to Donate $30 to charity: water.

2. An SUV. Preferably a Hybrid.

3. Vacation to Lucca, Italy.

4. $30 Gift Certificate to Big Wheel Provisions.

5. Hair Cut & Color.

6. 30 pounds of ice cream.

7. 30 Personal OPP Shopping Appointments.

8. A Day at the Beach with you.

9. $30 Gift Certificate to The Ravenous Pig.

10. One Boyfriend. No missing teeth please.

11. 30 one-on-one lunch or dinner dates with friends.

12. 30 people to donate $30 to LESPWA

13. A Full body massage.

14. A trip to go Snorkeling somewhere Good.

15. A Ticket to see Garrison Kellior Live

16. A Mannequin.

17. $30 to spend Thrifting

18. A dinner Party for 30 Dearest Friends.

19. A Dinner by the Lake with my Family.

20. Peter Roquemore to draw me something.

21. 30 people to make a homemade craft, letter or photograph pertaining to me.

22. Rosetta Stone in Italian, Spanish or French.

23. A Photographer to take a Roquemore Family Portrait.

24. A Ticket to Visit Crystal Ruth in Beijing.

25. A Pre-paid Missions Trip.

26. A Country Home for Restoration House.

27. Books on the Stars/Outer Space

28. A Ticket to see Kings of Leon, Lauryn Hill or Coldplay.

29. The Fruits of the Spirit.

30. Porch Time with YOU.

Gourmet.

2010-04-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

I am a little too in LOVE with food. Dinner with great friends together, straight up French cooking a la Julia Child and other French Chefs. Menu planned by the super talented chef Jamie Kite.

~ Gratin Dauphinois (Scalloped potatoes with milk, swiss cheese and a touch of garlic)

~ Haricots Verts a la Provencale (Green Bean with tomatoes, garlic and herbs)

~ Chicken with caramelized Shallots

~ French Bread (naturally)

~ Wine sent over from dear Friend Jenna Hamel in Spain.

~ Brownies made from scratch. As in melt down the Swiss chocolate and fold in the flour.

Food Coma naturally ensued. Then we proceeded to watch the "Food Revolution" by Jamie Oliver, which I highly recommend. Our nation is in a scary state health wise.

These cooking nights should be happening once a month or so....so more good food stories are coming up.

Also I wish I had a little fancier camera to capture the beauty of the food.

We are doing THIS.

2010-03-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

So you should be doing this.....

A Steady Stream of Thoughts

2010-03-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Well. Life got busy and my little blog got treated like the red-headed step child. Dang. Life got BUSY. These past few months have been such a transition for me. Lots of good and lots of hard. I am not used to working this much. I work about 6 days a week. I take one day off. I ALWAYS have a never ending list of things to do. I don't finish my job and go home. (I want to clarify that I am not complaining just explaining.) I get no (steady) paycheck. And the ones I get now are significantly less....like missing a zero or two. I do things like go to yoga and swimming monday and fridays. I make myself almost EVERY meal. Cooking has been very cathartic. I entertain for lunch or dinner at least three times a week, sometimes five or six. I sleep in my OWN bed. I Spend time with people in Orlando. I am making NEW friends. Spending time with OLD ones. I read the Word almost everyday and try to start my day that way. I sometimes wake up with anxiety, feeling the physical pressure of what I have to do. Reminding myself about every day that I am choosing this and that GOD is bigger, badder, better than I can anything I can imagine. He has done so many things that I can just sit back and be incredibly grateful for. I watch a few shows in REAL time on my Telly. And sometimes with my brother and his new wife. I have no Boss. I have no co-workers. I miss some old co-workers. I DO NOT miss my old job. I hear things of what is going on where I used to work and want no part of it. Which surprises me. In a good way. I go to church REGULARLY. I meet with Lovers of Christ and share a (delicious home cooked) meal every week. I hear their stories and hear what they want to share about God's Word. I see God move and it's not me making this happen. I see the skills that I have learned over the past few years coming into play. I like that I can make my own schedule....but this can lead to working a lot or a nap if I really need it. I am challenged more than I have ever been in my life. I LOVE what I do. I like to believe in Faith for what will come. I love talking with people and getting them involved in OPP. I don't like being alone and understand why God said, "it is not good for man to be alone." I hope this will not be forever. But it feels this way. I have moments when I think I love owning my own business and moment where I do NOT feel this way. I have things go my way and many things that do not go my way. I need a new car: An SUV which I really don't care to own but actually need it. Plus my car is slowly/rapidly dying. I TRUST God. I DOUBT God. I remember and forget His PROMISES. But when I see them they are Sweet. I eat ALOT of things with sugar and like it. I have no LOVE interest and that almost makes me cry. I am learning to LOVE people a lot more. i.e. getting annoyed less. I took a hip hop class and was HANDS DOWN the worst one there. Just trying not to run into people and turn the wrong way. It was funny/not funny. But a good work out none the less. I spend time with my roommate JANA, whom I adore. Cooking and eating a meal with her is one of the best parts of my week. My Dad drops by my house on occasion and it's so lovely to get a hug from him in the middle of the day. I got a haircut. I stop by parties on a weeknight. I write this in a lightening storm. I am LOVED.

World Water Day

2010-03-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

Ever since the massive earthquake struck Haiti, charity: water has been working with our partners on the ground to find solutions to the growing water needs. Over a million people have been displaced from Port-au-Prince, and the need for clean water in the rural areas is greater than ever.

charity: water has identified 11 areas that need help now. We know exactly how much money is needed, and as always will use 100% of donations to directly fund projects, proving each one using photos and GPS.

There's an incredible amount of work that needs be done in Haiti, but the first step is simple.

Please Watch:

http://vimeo.com/10260175

Beautiful Collage of LIFE!

2010-03-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Such Fun & Well Done:

http://vimeo.com/8435417

NEW OPP

2010-03-18T15:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend Alexandra Guillermety shot some handbags for OPP. Here are a few of her Best shots:

For More see: www.otherpeoplesproperty.etsy.com

To check out her blog: www.thegradiva.blogspot.com.

Please Watch.

2010-03-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

This is from an email I got this week about the Recovery Efforts in Haiti. OPP finacially supports LESWPA an Orphanage in Haiti. Please watch the Video. It is VERY sobering.

"Thank You for your contributions to Lespwa Worldwide since the Earthquake that devastated Haiti in January.

We wanted to give you an update on what is happening in Haiti with our relief efforts and missionary staff.

Jeremy Schurke has made a video that takes a glimpse at the ongoing relief and recovery which includes

having transported 10 tons of food, water, gas, diesel and medical supplies from the Dominican Republic

to the orphanage compound in Messailler, Haiti. We could not have provided these supplies

without your financial contributions and we thank you for your partnership.

You can check it out the video by clicking on this link: http://vimeo.com/9601192

The Lespwa missionary staff has now returned to Haiti to continue to care for the orphans, school children and

people in the village of Messailler. On the ground they will continue to assess the ongoing relief and

recovery needs. We will continue to provide food, water, medical, and gas for people affected in the village as needed.

Also, in the aftermath of the earthquake, we will look at how we can care for more orphans, help get schools up and running, and help the people of Messailler begin to rebuild their homes and their lives."

Clothes with Character

2010-03-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Loves it. Wish MORE people had Style like this.

Korean BBQ

2010-03-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

That my former roommate Lena made. Incredibly delicious. I had no idea.

Better Late than Never.

2010-03-17T20:36:00.000-07:00

ALL Together Now:

2010-03-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Roquemores! Including our newest addition Lee Anne Roquemore and the Lovely Marnie Roquemore who is probably in her last year on this Earth. Sad but True. 93 and ready to go. I don't blame her.

yyuuuummmmm....

2010-03-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

I have been a little obsessed with making Homemade Pizza lately. I made three last night for group:

~eggplant & Feta & Indian Special Sauce (which was the hit of the night)

~thin sliced tomatoes w feta & fresh basil

~chopped organic Roma tomatoes, organic red onions, fresh cilantro & feta.

Anytime you want to come over for lunch I'd be GLAD to have you!

Orange you glad....

2010-03-17T06:47:00.000-07:00

I would be if I had this Sweater.

Can this be real?

2010-02-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

OPP was featured in the UCF Paper!

2010-02-22T12:07:00.000-08:00

Central Florida Future - Showing they care with vintage flair

AGAIN!

2010-02-20T21:50:00.000-08:00

It's here Again! Do Come.

Sometimes...

2010-02-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

....this is all I want in my day. I am coming off a week of feeling extremely tired. It ended this past wed, but the week before that was annoying. I just couldn't shake the feeling of exhaustion. I had troubles getting out of bed. Several days I had to take a nap to get by. I am feeling a bit better now. PTL. I think it may have been a combo of things? So now you know my sleeping troubles. Cheers. :]

Photo: Hedi Slimane

Bon Anniversaire

2010-02-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

It's been a YEAR! Amazing. So thrilled to be doing what I love. I have been learning, growing, stretching beyond the comfortable, but I believe it's all worth it.

Gone.

2010-02-17T08:05:00.000-08:00

Favorite Image in a LONG time.

Things:

2010-02-14T13:01:00.000-08:00

Of. Late.

~ Tired.

~ Listening: Yacht- Psychic City Like it was My JOB. I wish it were my job.

~ Reading: The Cost of Discipleship. Very Slowly. It's loaded and sobering.

~ Watching: The Constant Gardener. LOVED it. Rachel Weisz is incredible.

~ Working on Working Out. This week hasn't afforded much time.

~ Interviews for OPP are popping up. Last week did one for the UCF paper The FUTURE. More on that soon.

~ Another one for a Local Arts & Culture Blog on Monday.

~ Not going to lie. I'd like a WARM day. But glad to be out of the Extreme Snow and Freezingness of DC.

~ I lost something MAJOR this week and am in mourning. I had a gold and Ruby (my birthstone) ring given to me from my Grandma Gemma. I think I lost it at the Gym. I am still trying to figure out how it happened. I am incredibly Sad about it. I wore it everyday on my ring finger. A reminder of what an incredible and strong woman my Grandmother was (she passed away last year) and of the Faithfulness of Christ and His Affection towards me. I feel naked without it. I keep looking for it in the place I keep it and it's not there. Sad.

~ Lee Mc Queen killed himself this week. How devastating. One of a Kind designer and deeply private person. I pray over his soul.

~ Loads of good coming for OPP. Loads of Work.

~ Tues Night Life w friends is stellar. I'm sharing this week on the Persecuted Church. I REALLY enjoy being w these people and learning from/with them. Plus GOOD food. Last week was home made lasagna. Including the sauce.

~ Humbled by my luxury. So many go without. Even simple things like an ID card, a meal (even one a day), clean water, some that cares, a car and shelter. With this freezing weather in Orlando I have had a heavy heart for those that don't have a warm place to lay their head.

~ It's Valentine's Day. And I feel nothing. Not Sad. Not Hopeful. Strange. God is Love. I know this to be TRUE.

Holy BLUE Eyes

2010-02-14T12:58:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you can see that well here, but this guy has got some seriously gorgeous eyes. Maybe it's just Photoshop. click on the photo to get a bigger picture.

Also Great style, but bad habits.

The Story of Stuff

2010-02-14T12:47:00.000-08:00

I really recommend watching this very informative and fast pace 20 minute video about American consumption. It follows the story how we get things from natural resources to when they are discarded back in the Earth. A great way to learn the impact our consumerism is having on our Planet and offers simple steps to Help.

http://storyofstuff.org/

Rather Nice

2010-02-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Met Dan Rather at the Prayer Breakfast. Smiling is not my forte....as you can see. He was such a Gentleman/Grandpa...and now looks so old.

National Prayer Breakfast

2010-02-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

Came to VA this year for the National Prayer Breakfast. What a lovely/encouraging time. It is incredible to hear what God is doing the World OVER. He is Master planner, provider, life-giving and most of all LOVER.

DC is an incredible place to be. Most everyone there is thinking about the MACRO picture, while I am more into my MICRO life. So many that you meet are CEO of this, Working for this NGO, a part of our Government, super-star Celebrity or Presiding over lots of important things. I must admit to having to remind myself that God made me: Dana, exactly how He wanted me and what I do is just as important, wether I am affecting one person or a hundred million people.

Heard some incredible speakers. Ate ridiculously good food. Met an insane amount of people. Thanks to my Dad: Brian Grady Roquemore. A Best Dad to me.

On a side note. First year the White House was in charge (for what reason I know not) of appointing the Keynote speaker and Guest List. The Keynote was supposed to be the Dalai Lama. And a lot of regular Christian Leaders were un-invited. Huh. This is a Christian Event. This would be the first time that the Keynote would be a non believer in Jesus Christ as Savior. He couldn't make it at the last minute so Hillary Clinton stepped in. Who know if she is a believer: only God can judge, but her speech was SO jammed packed with Religious BullS**t I could hardly listen. Talking about how all religions aim for the same thing and all have good points and are all pointing to the same thing. The Same thing my Arse. There is an Enemy in this World. Do not be fooled.

Overall a most lovely time. Seeing old Friends. Meeting New Ones. Also glad to have brother James with me. Great for inside jokes and the waiting while my Dad is talking to every last person possible.

Snowmagedon

2010-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

After Prayer Breakfast: Two days straight of SNOW. So marvelous. At night, with all things quiet, I sat by the window and watched the snow fall for hours. Precious time with God.

For Laiza

2010-02-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

This what you mean? Saw these at my favorite place in Savannah: The Paris Market!

Peter Nathan

2010-02-06T18:37:00.000-08:00

If there were ever a rating for Sisters I am the worst: Peter's birthday was 4 days ago. So a bit late in coming.

Pete turned 20 and had a birthday in Miami!! No longer a teenager and has turned into quite the young Gentleman.....well ladies man at least.

Incredibly smart, artistic, handsome and insane dancer.

God's good plan for this one is going to be epic.

Happy Bird-day Pete.

I LOVE YOU.

Now

2010-01-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

I'm Happy. Tired and Happy. Transitioning into life as I know it now is different. This is a hardest/best job I have ever had. I absolutely love it. Working long hours day after day. I don't know how regular people do it. It's 95% work and 5% easy. I wear so so many hats and have acquired this feeling that there is always more to be done. Which I don't like. I am learning to take better care of myself. Making sure that I have a Sabbath Rest at least once a week. Eating well(ish,) exercising (yoga & swimming) and (almost) daily time in the Word or SITD. I have a lot to juggle and people to manage. I have moments of feeling overwhelmed which is my downfall at the moment, but for the most part I am enjoying life and feel like I am doing what I need to be doing. I know that life is not about the easy. And in reality my life is very easy. I have set it up that way and sometimes feel guilty and think that maybe the Hard is right around the corner....so I better enjoy it while it lasts. Which I think is from the Enemy of our souls.

I trust GOD and he reminds me that he has a better plan and if I would just open my hand, He in His time will bring all things Good.

Blessed am I. And I feel it.

Two for the Road

2010-01-25T20:53:00.000-08:00

Wish these guys were my friends.

A Time to Remember

2010-01-18T18:11:00.000-08:00

This past month or so I have been thinking about how much this past year has brought and the change for the good. I have a vivid rememberance of Jan. 09. Work was sparse and the worry of how I was going to pay my bills was heavy. As always God provided a way. It turned out to be the busiest year of work yet. God provided above and beyond. And now I find myself in the same place (sort of.) I am still scraping together a living, but it's a different feeling. I have learned time and again the faithfulness of my Creator. I had $1.86 in my checking account at the beginning of this month (I am desperately trying to not touch my savings) and I don't have a guarantee of paying my rent. And I knew that is how it would be. And now that time is here. But it is not with worry that I come before my Provider. It's not the same feeling. I feel Loved and Well Taken care of....even when I don't see the horizon and beyond. I still don't have what I need to pay my bills, but I know whom I believe in and what He is capable of. It's Freeing.

Oh How He Loves US.

All Things....

2010-01-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

CLASSIC.

DRAMATIC.

BEAUTIFUL.

ARE.

HERE.

Time to Count Time

2010-01-07T20:05:00.000-08:00

I procrastinated SO much that I never got around to getting a calendar for 2009. So, alas, I am going to get one for 2010. Here are a few I found. Not practical, but very cool.

Jenna.....

2010-01-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

This is you? No?

So Precious.

2010-01-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

More to Come, but One of my Favorites.

John right before Lee Anne came down the aisle.

Just Glowing.

Love Bugs

2010-01-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

John & Lee Anne. Get Married. Some Engagement Photos of the Couple.

Get Ready.

2010-01-04T17:52:00.000-08:00

Good Morning:

The Heavens opened on us. It hasn't poured like that for a Forever time.

Jess Bennett on the 8mm Film Camera.
Brent the Videographer.
Getting Ready!!
Double Fisted.

Rehersal Dinner

2010-01-04T17:45:00.000-08:00

John was a gettin Married. So we had a little time to Celebrate them and some good eats at Anthony's Pizza in Downtown Orlando. A little Cozy and some technical difficulties but a good night none the less.

Roquemore Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T17:15:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was kinda a strange one to be sure. Different maybe is a better word. The highlights for me were actually before and after Christmas. Christmas Eve was the best/worst. We had a Really Fantastic Homecooked Spread for Dinner with the Whole family and John's Fiancee Lee Anne. It was so Delicious and Delightful to be together. Worst part about it was earlier in the day, rushing around I Fell and twisted my knee. No big deal I thought at the time but a few hours later, right as dinner was starting, I couldn't stand on it. I had to be carried the rest of the night and on Christmas Day: crutches. So dumb. I do have many admirable qualities but I seem to be accident prone. Which I don't appreciate at all.

This is after the swelling had gone down 50%.

Hanging out on Christmas Eve.

For Christmas we packed up and drove to Lakeland to see my Grandmother who is almost 93 and had Christmas lunch in her Dining Hall which is nice, I guess, but I don't fancy it. We exchanged gifts at her place and hung out for a while. After we drove home, made some sweet sandwiches and watched ELF. Pretty chill. Things were pretty low key as the Wedding was the main focus of Life.
The other highlight of Christmas was the morning after. My Brother Brian (as seen above) made a feast of a Brunch for the Family. He is such a chef. Loves cooking and is so good at it. Scrambled eggs w tomatoes, sauteed onions, and sharp cheddar cheese. Homemade waffles & Biscuits. Bacon & Pears. Orange Juice & Apple Cider. Thanks BJ.

Collected Images

2010-01-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

That I like as of late.

Covers

2010-01-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

Two mag covers I Really Liked from 2009.

To LOVE & To LEAVE

2009-12-29T18:50:00.000-08:00

Since this blog is primarily for my remembrance and there's like 2 1/2 people who read this. I thought it it might be cathartic for me to list all of things I Love and all the things I'm Happy to be Leaving from GMS.

Love to Leave:

~Getting on an Airplane.

~4am wake up calls

~Hearing the words Red Bags, Invest or FS ever again.

~Setting up an event, in a tent, outside, in the Freezing cold.

~Any kind of GMS or WV email.

~Getting cut from a show.

~Going through Security.

~Any layover. Of any kind.

~The hour before the Invest Break when I wish it were over.

~Last minute phone calls/requests.

~Cancelled/delayed flights.

~Middle seats.

~Going somewhere cold.

~My feet at the end of the day.

~Hearing Tamara's voice.

~Getting yelled at.

~Getting attitude from the Media.

~Load-in Breakfast. Normally terrible.

~Radio farts and 5 year old jokes.

~The beginning of the day when I have to put my ear piece in.

~Mostly early GMS, the agonizing wait from when we are done til we can leave.

~Getting my things stolen in Hawaii.

~Leaving my bible in an airport, camera on a plane and countless things in my hotel room.

~Lobby call the day after the show.

~Never counting or numbering forms again.

~The idea of Hospitality Suite and Phil Town Questions.

~Talking with irate attendees.

Don't know if I will make it without:

~Post Show Dancing.

~Papa Aaronnd's

~Tamara's Sushi (I hope she's not reading this.)

~Clean Fresh Bath Tubs (this should be #1)

~Family Style Dinners with a large crew of GMS.

~Snorkeling in Hawaii.

~Seeing Colin Powell in the hall.

~Giving Laura Bush a booty bump.

~Running in different cities.

~Having my bed made for me.

~Getting to see places like Peoria or Moline, IL.

~Watching TV in a Hotel room.

~Pete's TB/end of day hat.

~Rick Nash's laugh.

~Working with my brothers.

~Rooming with SKY, TK, or HC.

~Eating at some of the most incredible places w the most incredible people.

~A sunrise on an airplane.

~The kindness of my co-workers.

~Dustin telling a story or joke (most.)

~Going to Canada.

~Eating Steak/Affording Steak.

~A free flight to NYC or anywhere.

~Kicking A** at my job.

~Dorian crashing a car into a hotel.

~Bi-plane ride in Alaska.

~The look of terror when our crew descends on a restaurant.

~Learning something new.

~Getting a Hand Shake from Rudy.

~Starbucks runs in the middle of a show.

~Getting an immediate paycheck.

~Working with the Great Hannah Newlin.

~Really Good Catering.

~Free food from the Green Rooms.

~Biggest moment in GMS history: Chatting with Bill Cosby, shaking his hand, him calling me by my name, and cracking jokes on me. Best day. Dr. Huxtable in the House.

~And Mostly seeing many many dear, kind, funny and special people every month.

The Good has mostly outweighed the Bad. I am forever grateful for GMS, but am so glad to be moving on.

Precious.

2009-12-21T18:00:00.000-08:00

FL does VA

2009-12-18T11:11:00.000-08:00

This is Jana's first time in a Real Winter situation.

I hope she makes it out alive.

For Jana:

2009-12-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

May you find the man of your dreams some day.

And, By God, I hope he owns a Peacock.

Two for One

2009-12-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

BK BDay Dinner

2009-12-18T10:47:00.000-08:00

Dinner with the best of Brian's Friends. Dickie, Sean Dey, Laiza, Sean Rogers, Me, Roommate Lee Jung and Jana. These are my favorite moments. Love & Laughter was abundant. I have to say I made a Kick Awesome Chicken and Black Bean Quesadilla with Sonny's Corn Salsa, Rice and Sour Cream sauce. After full stomaches, we had a most Ugly Face contest. Jana won with the Quadruple Chin. Laiza lost with her totally un-ugly face.

::We Love You Brian::

Brian Kenney Gets Older.

2009-12-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Today.

Happy Birthday Brian.

A Faithful Friend and All around Good Guy.

Hope 22 is one of the best years ever.

muchLOVE.

I quit.

2009-12-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

It's True. I have resigned from Get Motivated Seminars. It would be so much fun to say I screamed and yelled and stormed out, but it was quite boring. I have been quite blessed to have all the opportunity and experience this company has provided. Although quite a challenge at times to work for. It's funny that I am leaving at a time when it is running as smoothly as it has ever been.

I am sad to leave behind the "family" I have grown to love over the last 4 1/2 years. They are some of my favoritest friends. I can vividly remember my first show in Grand Rapids, MI in June of 2005. After load-in the whole group went out to dinner and it was such a culture shock for me. There was a long table set for about 30 people and you could order whatever you wanted. And all these people seemed to really like each other. The rest is history.

Very Bitter/Sweet in the end, but I feel more confident than anything that I have made the right choice. I wasn't learning or growing and no longer had a desire to do so. I used to enjoy being on the road and doing shows, but now I just dread them. That is nowhere that I want to be.

SO here's to moving on. Live the Life you LOVE. Cheers.

Swell.

2009-12-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

The Fourth and Last Swap and Shop of the Year went really Superb. Probably the most people to bring clothes. It was awesome to over heard people saying, "This is great. I think we have the same taste in clothes. I get to take home clothes that I Like!" We had an excessive amount of clothes left over that will go to Dress for SUCCESS for Women that need work appropriate clothes.

A Dear photographer that came did a write up about it and took great pictures.

Look it up here:

http://desireedesigns.wordpress.com/2009/12/12/swap-and-shop/

Oohhh lala.

2009-12-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

Yes. It may be my catch phrase of the moment, but I really mean it here.

What a Babe.

2009-12-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

Spent a Week in Northern Virginia with my Best Friend from High School: Christi Noel. She spoiled me with my favorite foods and home-cooked meals EVERY NIGHT. Just blowing my mind. It was so different to be in the day in the life of a mother of two kids. She is a terrific mom and was so encouraging to see a beautiful healthy family environment.

Photo Booth

2009-12-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

Being Aunt Dana for a week was glorious. I was quite a hero by introducing Jonah and Ava to Photo Booth. Over the week we took hundreds of pictures.

Ava Madison

2009-12-13T11:58:00.000-08:00

Is my New Best Friend. And her brother Jonah. So I guess I have two best friends.

VA in the Winter

2009-12-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

So very Beautiful. It snowed for a whole day making my heart happy.

With homes that have things like Barns. Different world.
Buildings that have lasted generations.
Log Cabins. Historic: Maybe. Awesome: Completely.
I was here.

Roquemore Thanksgiving

2009-12-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

Grandmother Marnie's for a catered Thanksgiving Lunch in Lakeland.

Might be the last year with her.

Then Home for with the Whole Family and John's Fiance for a Second Thanksgiving Dinner.

I have much to be Thankful for.

GMS: 2009

2009-12-04T17:58:00.000-08:00

All the Shows I did.
Totally RAD:
Huntsville, AL

Honolulu, HI

Sacramento, CA

Jackson, MS

Lubbock, TX

Sacramento, CA

Stockton

Columbia, SC

Portland, ME

Sarasota, FL

Greensboro, NC

Anchorage, AK

Philadelphia, PA

Oklahoma City, OK

Lansing, MI

Moline, IL

Albany, NY

Pittsburgh, PA

Buffalo, NY

Regina, Canada

Hartford, IL

Des Moines

Wilkes-Barre

Louisville

Cincinnati

Denver

Springfield, MO

Harrisburg, PA

Ft. Worth, TX

Charlotte, NC

Jacksonville, FL

Orlando, FL

San Antonio,TX

Swim for Life

2009-12-04T17:49:00.000-08:00

I have been getting back into swimming lately. Perhaps one of my favorite ways to spend my minutes here on this earth. This looks like a rad place to be: Australia. I wish I could be there without the plane ride.

Meeting Me Today

2009-11-25T09:30:00.000-08:00

So I'm looking for a job. I quit GMS (more on that later). And it has been eerily smooth. I have had a company contact me already and today I am going in to meet with them. But I have this immense peace about God being my provider. I am open to hear about this new job, but part of me doesn't even want to jump into work again. It has been nice having a bit of time off from GMS this month, but even then it has seemed like a steady stream of things to do. I hope to actually have some down time to rest.

I have mostly felt of ok about trusting God for what the next steps are, but over the last day or so have had a few moments of second guessing myself....and of just not wanting to have a job at all. God gave me some verses this morning that could not have been described right where I am. So beautiful.

Show me the Path where I should go, O Lord; point out the right road for me to walk. ps. 25: 4

Lead me; teach me; for you are the God who gives me salvation. I have no hope except in you. ps. 25:5

Where is the man who fears the Lord? God will teach him how to choose the BEST. ps. 25: 12

She wants to be like me.

2009-11-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

ha.

Dana goes to the Farm

2009-11-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

This is the first time I have been riding in quite some time. My soon to be old roommate is a horse Trainer. She is extremely knowledged in all things Dressage. She took me out to one of her farms and let me ride.

This was my horse Jolie. Who is the slowest being on the face of the planet.

Cleaning out the hooves. Can you believe I am doing this!?
Look at that posture. It is not as easy as it looks.
So fun.
Slow I mean so slow. Megan was walking much faster than Jolie was going. Except here when Megan got out the whip.

Fashion for the Swine Flu

2009-11-25T09:01:00.000-08:00

And for everyday going to the grocery store, taking kids to the park, etc.

That Philip. He's so Hot right now.

2009-11-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

This is actually a sketch of a very talented jewelry designer. Philip Crangi. HE is pretty legit.

I have Beautiful Friends

2009-11-25T08:46:00.000-08:00

Natalia:

Josh:
Whit:
Photos by: Matt Addington