"The Wedding Gown of the Century"

Photo editing by: jayebird. Photo from: http://www.wedding-dresses.tk/tag/grace-kelly

        So I just caught a glimpse of Catherine's gown as she made her way to Westminster Abbey. The gown's lacy details and gorgeous sleeve and collar-style is entirely reminiscent of Princess Grace of Monaco's wedding dress. The future wife of Prince William looks absolutely lovely in it, to be sure.

Princess Catherine

Photo editing by: jayebird. Photo from: http://halterneckwedding.onsugar.com/Mermaid-Wedding-Dresses-13402951

        I'm up early this morning, making a few Royal Wedding predictions. Couldn't you envision the future bride of Prince William wearing a stunning, lace, mermaid-style wedding gown? This dress seems so vogue, and is definitely a modern-twist on the fairytale princess.
        Of course, no matter what style of gown she wears, I'm sure that this future princess will be utterly gorgeous, absolutely beautiful, and simply breathtaking. 

"i love you, you sleepyhead."

Original quote and photo editing by: jayebird. Sleeping Beauty picture from: http://www.illusionsgallery.com/sleeping.html

Deal of the Day Champion

Really, it's true. I got the deal of the day. Before you are too hasty to judge, you must understand. As a woman, I am a bargain hunter. Maybe it isn't just a woman thing, I don't know. Anyway, get this. I was walking through the mall with my sister the other day, when we happened upon a somewhat awesome sale at Bath and Body Works. They had this special promotion where their new signature scent, Country Chic, was on sale for a ridiculously good price. I got two lip glosses on clearance, two pocket-sized lotions for a buck a piece, and a couple body mists for two-dollars each. Not bad at all, if I do say so myself. To go along with that, Shannabelle had a nifty little coupon for me to use. With her coupon, I was able to get a large Twilight Woods body mist for FREE. That's right, folks. FREE. All in all, I spent one Alexander Hamilton in order to get stuff that would have cost me two Washingtons and a Jackson. If you don't know your presidents that well, that amounts to about $22 worth of Bath and Body Works perfume and lotion for only $10. Really, I think I should at least be given an award. :)

Here's the Country Chic Signature Scent.

The Country Chic scent is described as being, "an effortlessly sexy blend of sparkling lemon, bright wildflowers, and spring woods inspired by the fresh air and natural beauty of America's countryside." Sounds like a perfect scent to usher in the springtime. It makes me want to dance in a field of wildflowers under a cloudless, blue sky.

Just Another Tangent, Mind You

Within the past year or so, I can truthfully say that I've obtained a new appreciation for classical music. I now enjoy listening to the works of composers like Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Mozart. And I can even spell Tchaikovsky correctly without using my spell check. That's right, be amazed. Like I said, before this past year, I definitely didn't have any desire to deliberately listen to classical music. Sometimes my parents would play a particular classical music CD in the car when I was growing up, and for some reason, I just couldn't stand it. I didn't like it, because my childlike heart wanted to sing along with words to a catchy melody.
I think I've finally come to appreciate a more broad range of classical music, because I've realized just how intricate and powerful the works of these composers are. Modern-country, rap, and rock music doesn't have anything on the works of Beethoven. In fact, you'll find that a great majority of them are based upon melodies and chords found in the published works of those prolific musical artists.
Okay, so check out this absolutely phenomenal piece by Tchaikovsky. Seriously, gear up and prepare to have your socks knocked off.
(As another tangent, how many times did I type Tchaikovsky in this post? You count. I just really like to type his name; it makes me feel smart.)

Piano Concerto No. 1 in B Flat Minor.

But I'll Keep Reaching

 The opening lyrics to a gorgeous, heartfelt song by Besides Daniel.

Lyrics: Postcards and Phonecalls, by Besides Daniel. Photo editing by: jayebird. Original ocean snapshot from: http://old.wallcoo.net/nature/Sz_216_Okinawa_Japan_Sky_and_Sea_1920x1200/wallpapers/1024x768/Wallcoo_com_Japan_Okinawa_sky_beach_Okinawa_JY114_350A.html

The Regal-ness of an Updo

No one quite does it like the lovely Grace Kelly. No one.

Photograph editing by: jayebird. Original from: http://www.mardecortesbaja.com/

Fairytales and Break-Dancing in the Woods

Naturally, I was just daydreaming about fairytales. You know you do it, too. That is, unless your name is Jon. You dream about those beautiful, timeless stories of princes with perfect hair, ferocious dragons guarding the tallest tower, love at first sight, and break-dancing in the woods with a quite handsome, but complete stranger.

If you're up to date on your fairytale book reading, you'll be well-aware that I'm referencing the literary and animated masterpiece that is Sleeping Beauty. Since Sleeping Beauty was one of my favorite princesses, it was inevitable that Prince Philip would also wind his way into my heart. And with good reason, too. Being just as alluring as Cinderella's Prince Charming himself, Prince Philip also has the knight-like bravery to face a devious dragon, the gallantry to save the damsel in a deep sleep, and some killer good looks, just for kicks. Seriously. How could you not just love the guy?  

Charles Perrault and Walt Disney sure knew what they were doing. :) And for that, we joyfully thank them.

At last, here's the heroic, storybook Prince Philip that we all know and love.

Design by: jayebird. Graphic from: http://kate-at-disneyworld.blogspot.com/

And the utterly enthralling young man, who could quite possibly be our modern-day Prince Philip. Minus the noble steed and funny hat.

Design by: jayebird. Photography from: http://www.albertreed.net/portfolio.php?campaign=Cotton%20Field&id=48

Don't Trust the Moustache

Picture of video store clerk from: http://www.businessinsider.com/9-professions-deader-than-print-journalism-2011-1?op=1

7x70 Times

      A couple of months ago, I had the thrilling opportunity to go to the concert spectacular, Winter Jam. Being the first real show that I've ever been to, it would be safe to say that I was absolutely floored to be able to see the likes of brilliant Christian artists such as Francesca Battistelli, Chris August, The Sidewalk Prophets, The Newsboys, and David Crowder Band in concert. If you ever get the chance to go to Winter Jam, it's well worth the $10 at the door for a night full of inspiring, encouraging music.
      One of the first artists to take the stage was the incredible, multi-talented Chris August. From my seat a few rows back, it was such a neat experience to hear him belting his praises to God out on the stage. I have to say that I love his song, "Starry Night," and that it was one of the songs that I was most looking forward to him singing that night. Speaking about Chris August, there is this great, new song by the vocal artist that's been hitting the radio waves pretty hard lately.
      The song that I'm talking about is "7x70," which references Jesus's response to a question about forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22. When Chris was asked by his producer to write a personal song for his album, he immediately reflected upon what had pained him as a child. August was initially hesitant to pen the lyrics to this song, because of his own unwillingness to forgive those who had hurt him in the past.
      In his own words, he recalls his thoughts while writing the song and the lessons that God's been teaching him through the experience. "God has called us to forgive. It's one of the most difficult things I've had to do, but it was also one of the most freeing things. With forgiveness comes healing. Satan uses the bitterness that we build up in our hearts...[to keep us from experiencing true joy in Christ.]" 
      A couple of Sunday mornings ago, our Bible study group talked about ways that we can lose our Christ-like joyfulness. Some of the ways that were brought up were giving in to our own selfishness, not being content, not trusting in God's providence, and having an unwillingness to forgive. Constantly harboring bitterness in our hearts towards others is one of the easiest ways for us to lose track of our joy. This last one really spoke to me, because I've had a hard time letting go of grudges in the past. I know that it's my own selfishness coming into place, and that I, as child of God, am called to forgive.
      Really. It's amazing to think that Christ died with the weight of all my sin on His shoulders, in order to forgive me of everything I have and will do. And still, I have had a hard time letting go of petty little grudges. What selfishness. So what if it seems like someone almost constantly does me wrong? I sin every day against God, and still "He is faithful and just to forgive [me of my] sins and to cleanse [me] from all unrighteousness." Since I've been forgiven to the "Nth degree," there's no reason why I should withhold forgiveness from others. This said, I will not let bitterness rule in my heart, anymore.
      If you are dealing with unforgiveness in your own life, I encourage you to let the grudges go. Freely forgive others just as Christ has forgiven you.
      I will forgive. Unconditionally. I will love others without reservation. I will not let my joy in Christ be compromised by my selfishness, my discontentedness, my distrust, or my own unwillingness to forgive. From now on, I will not be robbed of the true joy that I have in Jesus, my Saviour.
      Have a listen. Here is Chris August's new song, "7x70."

Picnik Addict

      Okay, okay. I'll be the first one to admit it. I have only recently become mildly addicted to the photo-editing website, http://www.picnik.com. This new-found obsession sprung from my desperate search for a new photograph to use as my Facebook profile picture. Since I'd had the same one since January, I decided it was time for a change. Before long, I had gone outside in my backyard and had taken a photo that I wanted to use. But upon uploading the picture to my account, I found that the colors and exposure of the photograph were a little too bright for my liking. So, what did I do to it? Picnik!

      After I was done editing my profile picture, I wildly scanned the web for other photographs that I could crop, enhance, invert, and frame. Seriously, I was able to entertain myself with this for hours.

      If you've never been to their website, drop by and fulfill your urge to be creative. They have a number of sample photographs that you can retouch, or you can upload some of your own. :) Oh, and I'd be amiss if I didn't share a couple of editing jobs that I've worked on. So, here's one picture that I retouched while on Picnik. :) Enjoy, and be inspired.

      Photo credits on the Tebow picture goes to: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/25/tim-tebowto-jockey-underwear-model_n_840547.html

Before Picnik editing, Tim Tebow serves as a delightful model.

After Picnik, the Bronco Quarterback snapshot looks GQ worthy.

After Picnik editing, this photo is ready for his momma's refrigerator door.

Lifeguards Guard Lives

Quote from: Igor, the movie. Photo found on: http://www.northeast.inetgiant.co.uk