*WASHINGTON*

I had the opportunity to go to Port Angeles, Forks, and La Push Washington for a "girls only" Twilight trip. There are no words to express the beauty that I beheld. I would love to share the details of the trip but not only are there far too many to share, but I am super sick right now.
I took 300 photos, but I'm only going to show my favorite one. *Raising my glass* I say, "Here's to the beauty of the earth!"

*TRENDS GONE WRONG*

(My personal opinion starting at top of page)

1- What in the "H" are those shoes? Not only is "Osama 'bin Shoppin'" wearing them, but so is everyone else. I think my sister might have had a similar pair in the 80's and I guarantee I thought they were horrible then too.

2- The beaded/braided headbands. Unless you or I are Indian princess's, NO one should be allowed to wear these.

3-Bug eye/Humongous glasses. I know how many of you have these and at the risk of offending you, they are hideous. If you want to use them instead of sunscreen, more power to ya. Obviously they cover up most of your face.

4- Leggings?! No, no, and NO! Everytime I see someone wearing these, I assume they are off to their ballet class.

5-High waisted "MOM JEANS." Don't you remember when your mom use to wear these high-waisted huggers? If your tempted to buy these, watch this!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/10333/saturday-night-live-mom-jeans

6-And in the lead, comes the Trends of Katie Holmes. Not only is she responsible for the "Bang Movement" (I totally fell into that trap. Some of you look great with bangs, but I looked like I was 12!) And now she is attempting to bring back the baggy *Fold & Roll* Jean. Wow. I'm speechless. (Oh, I failed to mention the socks with the shoes!)

So, as your choosing which trends you would like to follow, I offer the words from the Prophet Jacob;

"Oh be wise, what can I say more?"

(btw, there is no mockery of this scripture. It happens to be one of my favorites and I think it applys to EVERYTHING! ;)

*I HEART GLASSES*

So, I LOVE glasses. Even though I don't need to wear them, I still do. I found these little gems at a store in San Fran. The pic is of me trying to decide whether or not I truly like them. I DO! My mom wore a pair similar to them when she was my age. I remember looking at her picture and thinking they were so nerdy! And now I'm wearing the same kind. I'm sure the day will come when I say, "I was such a nerd to wear those!" hahhaha

ps. I know that's my "mirror face" that I am famously known for! Stop laughing!!! :P

*TRUMAN G. MADSEN & THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH*

(I wrote this on June 29th 2008)

One of my greatest modern day heros is Truman G. Madsen. He is truly one of the greatest Mormon philosophers of our time. The man is brilliant. And I am always trying to get my hands on anything that he has written or said. I love the cd's I have that he did on the Prophet Joseph Smith. I have gained a deep testimony and love for the prophet since I've listened to these cd's. (I highly recommend them!) I have books and journals full of quotes as I've listened and studied. This week I wrote down something that Truman shared about a man outside the church and his words on Joseph Smith. When I find these little treasures, I like to share them...

"A book has appeared by one of the greatest literary critics in the world today, Harold Bloom. An author and professor at two prestige’s universities, Yale & New York. Paraphrasing his conclusion on Joseph Smiths writings and life;

“Not in the history of America do we have anyone who can reach his stature. The greatest religious minds of America, including David Thoreau, William James the founder of the great Baptist movement, Emerson and others are by comparison, pygmies, (sp?) and this essentially because of the product of his mind."

”Bloom doesn’t even want to argue the question of where their ideas came from, doesn’t even want to beg the question of whether there was any divine inspiration. He simply says, look at the product and you know that nothing short of wonder is possible for this man."

~Truman G. Madsen

Photos,

Truman G. Madsen

Harold Bloom

Joseph Smith (I believe this was painted by Liz Lemon Swindel...but I'm not sure)

*BELLA'S BRACELET*

The *Twilight* nerd strikes again! hahha My niece & I bought these bracelets and we think they are RAD. Everytime I look at it, I think "TEAM EDWARD!" Bah hahahhah
My blog is not always going to be about Twilight, but this month it will be! This month holds many Twilight surprises! ...wait and see! heh heh heh

*IT'S GREAT TO BE 8! *

My two nephews, Jaxton & Taylor, are getting baptized on the same day in a few weeks. I just took some photo's of them and they turned out super cute. I love the little guys. They truly are strippling warriors & rascals all at the same time. I'm proud to be their aunt. :)

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"Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually. "

~Alma 57:27

*STOP ALL THE CLOCKS*

I have this great love for what some may call "Depressing poetry." It all started with the music I loved growing up. In my opinion it is it's own form of poetry. I was always drawn to the meloncholy ones. But not for reasons others would think. It rarely make's me depressed. If anything, I feel comforted in knowing that others can say the things I can't... or that others have walked a similar road or perhaps are still walking it. Each having the ability to offer a piece of themselves through their sorrowful expressions... a piece of their unique understanding for the one who will read or listen to what they have to say.

This paticular poem truly pricks the heart of mine...because it is truly a lament. But I don't see it just as that...but as a person who loved someone so much that they are asking all the world to stop and offer reverance and attention to a person they so dearly loved...and lost. And to declare to anyone who will listen, that THAT person meant something to him or her. THAT person meant everything.

*STOP ALL THE CLOCKS*

~W. H. Auden

"Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead

Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,

Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,

Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,

My working week and my Sunday rest,

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;

Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.

For nothing now can ever come to any good."

*TWILIGHT MEETS FABIO*

Okay, I just saw this morning the new cover of "Entertainment Weekly" and I about vomited. There, in all it's FOUL glory, is a picture of "Edward & Bella" FABIO style. This is not a soap opera! It is so embarrassing I can hardly look at it. Sick!

*THE COUSINS & THE 4TH OF JULY*

Over the last week my cousins from Bakersfields, CA. came to visit us. I have not seen them in over ten years! It was so great to spend some time with them. I felt such an instant love for them, like no time had passed. We all had a great 4th of July together. I took a billion photos, but will only share a couple handfuls of my faves. Good times!

*THE IMPOSTER*

There is no need for me to express or explain my love for animals. Everyone knows that I'm "The cat lady" and most people know my level of sensitivity when it comes to them. I'm a true supporter of "PETA" (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) I can't bare the thought of any animal suffering.

With that much said, I would like to share a brief story about an alley cat/stray that came around my house a few months ago. I started noticing him on my porch at night. When I would come out, he would run away and then look back at me. He was always dirty and roughed up a little. I felt sorry for the little guy. I decided to leave a little food & water for him outside everynight. Pretty soon he started to let me pet him....and then my heart, of course, loved him more. I even gave him a name, Azure. :) From that moment on he was always at my door, same time everynight.

A few months went by and I decided one night that I should try and clean him up a little. I took some kitty wipes and wiped him off as best as I could. At this moment, I saw two little girls across the street staring at me. One little girl said to the other "Is that a wolf?"...I said out loud, "No he's a cat"...the girls said something to eachother and continued to stare. The next thing I know, they are walking across the street towards me. As they drew closer this was our conversation,

ME: This is a stray cat I found." (still assuming they thought I was petting a fox)

Little girl: Actually that's my cat. I got him for my 8th birthday.

Me: *Blank stare with a raised eyebrow* This is YOUR CAT?

(Then all the sudden Azure made a run for it and darted into the night)

Me: I thought he was a stray and I have been feeding him for a few months.

Little Girl: It's okay, he's an outdoor cat and my parents won't care.

Me: Does he have a name?

Little Girl: Yeah, it's Bob.

Me: BOB!!??? His name is Bob?!

Little girl: (she nods her head)

Me: Where do u live?

Little girl: Across the street

Me: Does he let you hold him?

Little girl: Yeah, except for just now. (She laughs)

Me: Well thanks for letting me know.

Little girl: sure!

End of conversation.

The little girls skipped off and I was left with only my thoughts. That little stinker! He totally deceived me! He came along all dirty, with a innocent meow, and sad eyes. Sweet little Azure is "BOB" and here he was getting double meals everyday! (I know he's treated well because the family loves animals and they are really nice people.) I can just hear "BOB" after I shut the door everynight from feeding him, "Sucker! heh heh"

"BOB" is now on a DIET. I will still be nice to him, but his bowl, from now on, will not be overflowing with milk & honey! I will allow him to be treated like a handful of the guys I've dated...kicked to the curb for being IMPOSTERS. :)

btw, this picture is the very night he was "Caught in the act." His face say's it all. ha!

End of story. :)