want to be drenched in love

After Party, originally uploaded by dElay.

I love the rain... but not many do in these parts.

My goal for the day was to go out, get my phone fixed, meet up with Laura, and then go dancing at Henry's, in Downtown. Now, I wonder if anyone will be venturing out in the rain at all, with all of these tornado warnings. Damn. Will that stop me from going out? Prolly not. I promise to be careful though. Promise.

<sub>The men that I've been seeing, baby
Got their souls up on a shelf
No, they could never love me
Can't even love themselves

But I want someone to love me
Baby, I wanna, wanna understand
Won't put himself above me
Who can love me like a man

I never seen such losers
Don't think I haven't tried
To find a man to take me home instead of
Always for a ride

Baby, are you someone who can
Believe it when I tell you, darling
You can love me like a man


All want me to rock 'em
Like my back ain't got no bone
Why don't you rock me one time, baby
Like my backbone was your own

Babe, I want to wait until you can
Believe it when I tell you, darlin'
You can love me like a man</sub>

i love the light and the dark

morning..., originally uploaded by *December Sun.

Verona time.

Talks about life, love, and God. I will seriously miss this one one when I move, but at least I know that she is someone who loves to travel. Hey Bay Area, I'll prolly be bringing up a few people with me, even if it is for only a week or two... I'm actually hoping that I can convince her to move with me. It would be great!

<sub>In the day, in the night
Say it right, say it all
You either got it or you don't
You either stand or you fall

When your will is broken
When it slips from your hands
When there's no time for joking
There's a hole in the plan

Oh, you don't mean nothing at all to me
No, you don't mean nothing at all to me
Oh, you've got what it takes to set me free
Oh, you could mean everything to me

I can't say that I'm not lost and found
I can't say that I don't love the light and the dark
I can't that I don't know that I am alive
And all of what I feel I could show you tonight</sub>

too many sunsets i haven't seen

{Week 8} I Just Wanna..., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Emily came over last night. We had an amazing night, cooking up some stir-fry, mixing some drinks, and dancing to Mraz, Dashboard, and Mayer. I love that we were able to get some blues practice time in. I was unsure about how we would be able to practice leading without an actual lead, but it was nice. I can't wait to show others just how much we have both learned! Yay!!

Thus ends my vacation from the parentals... :)

<sub>There's too many things that I haven't done yet
Too many sunsets I haven't seen
You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down
You would've thought by now
I'd have learned something

I made up my mind when I was a young girl
I've been given this one world
I won't worry it away
But now and again I lose sight of the good life
I get stuck in a low light
But then Love comes in

How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
Many the miles
How far do I have to go to get to you
Many the miles
But send me the miles and I'll be happy to follow you Love

I do what I can wherever I end up
To keep giving my good love
And spreading it around
Cause I've had my fair share of 'take care' and 'goodbyes'
I've learned how to cry
And I'm better for that

Red letter day and I'm in a blue mood
Wishing that blue would just carry me away
I've been talking to God don't know
If it's helping or not
But surely something has got to got to got to give
Cause I can't keep waiting to live

There's too many things I haven't done yet
Too many sunsets I haven't seen</sub>

feelin exposed by my exposures

Decipher Reflections from Reality, originally uploaded by Chrissie White.

I guess it didn't really last. I think I am scrapping my resolution for the year. It's not enjoyable anymore. I will just try to continue to take photos when I can. I'm not super confident in my photography and it's not helping that I am uploading some half-assed photo each day. So it's over.

Emily is on her way over for some dance time. Yay, lady dancing! Our goal is to use whatever extra time we can to improve our leads. My goal is to feel confident in my lead by this summer. I'll just refer to that as my resolution. :)

<sub>Heaven help me for the way I am
Save me from these evil deeds before I get them done
I know tomorrow brings the consequence at hand
But I keep living this day like the next will never come

Oh help me but don't tell me to deny it
I've got to cleanse myself of all these lies 'till I'm good enough for him
I've got a lot to lose and I'm bettin' high so I'm begging you
Before it ends just tell me where to begin

What I need is a good defense
'Cause I'm feeling like a criminal
And I need to be redeemed
To the one I've sinned against
Because he's all I ever knew of love

Let me know the way
Before there's hell to pay
Give me room to lay the law and let me go
I've got to make a play
To make my lover stay
So what would an angel say, the devil wants to know</sub>

once we rock we won't stop

DSC_0617, originally uploaded by andihazelwood.

I have plenty to look into for the near future, but right now, I'm just trying to focus my efforts. If I can, I hope to get my sub work through quickly, so I have some time to get acclimated to the classroom once again. Starting in March or April, I should start applying and interviewing for full-time positions that start in the fall. I hope to spread out my options and apply for positions in SF, LA, and Seattle. I need a change of scenery, but it's a bit much for me to run up too far North right now... At least I'd have Big, Grand, and Mick in the area, as well as a dance scene that I'm excited about.

I was thinking about it today and I'm amused by how often I change up my activities. Still somehow they all seem the same:
_{Age 10-14: Musical Theatre through CYT
Age 14-15: Thespians in High School
Age 15-18: Show Choir FANATIC!!
Age 18-19: Coffee Shop Music Scene
Age 19-20: Swing Dancing (Lindy Basics)
Age 20-21: Sorority Life
Age 21-23: Swing Dancing (mainly Lindy)
Age 23-on: Swing Dancing (mainly Blues)}

... I'll always be a performer at heart. :)

<sub>I'm sippin' coffee at a quarter to two
I wake up and I'm dialing and my mind's runnin' to you
No wonder I'm a one woman man
She keeps my heart in a jar on her night stand
I should tell her that she couldn't be more
Opposite than a foot in the door
There's no one else I would rather go out with
That's hell when I see them standing there
Me and my mouth we don't mean to be rushin'
We talk about deep freely cause we crushin'
I'm gonna shake both sides of the butt yeah
Theoretically I say we rock it

I wish the wild was alive like you
I wish the wind would blow me through
Another opportunity to approach you
Another telepathic rendezvous
I wish you well with your weapon of joggin'
You got a double-sided lexicon
I gotta try to keep your attention
Gotta write using less emoticons
Gotta figure out the snooze alarm
I wanna lay in your place til dawn
I wanna play in the part come on now
Let me see your other upper echelon

And when the coyotes escape to New York
Then the city life is crumbled to the sea
And the girls all fall to the lost and found
The flyin' men all hit the ground
Every notion is closer to touchin'
The coyotes sing when they feast on your lovin'
I'm a coyote, I got a taste for your lovin'

Comin' back for more
You know why, we're comin' for you
You know we should be, we should be together
Cause once we rock we won't wanna stop
Not today or tomorrow</sub>

don't keep me from dreaming

The Killer Dillers, Lindy Hoppers, originally uploaded by The Killer Dillers.

The lindy hop swing dancing was amazingly fun last night! I had a bit of trouble getting into the music towards the beginning, but the leads were great. I don't know how I stayed away for so long... well, I do... but you know. LoL.

Tonight, I'm going up to LindyGroove with Emily and apparently a group of more San Diegans will be heading up as well. LA, watch out... we're invading! I'll spend most of my time trying to blues it out though. :)

<sub>Cinderella's on her bedroom floor
She's got a
Crush on the guy at the liquor store
Cause Mr. Charming don't come home anymore
And she forgets why she came here
Sleeping Beauty's in a foul mood
For shame she says
None for you dear prince, I'm tired today
I'd rather sleep my whole life away than have you keep me from dreaming

'cause I don't care for your fairytales
You're so worried about the maiden though you know
She's only waiting on the next best thing

Snow White is doing dishes again cause
What else can you do
With seven itty-bitty men?
Sends them to bed and calls up a friend
Says will you meet me at midnight?
The tall blonde lets out a cry of despair says
Would have cut it myself if I knew men could climb hair
I'll have to find another tower somewhere and keep away from the windows

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom
Man made up a story said that I should believe him
Go and tell your white knight that he's handsome in hindsight
But I don't want the next best thing
So I sing and hold my head down and I break these walls round me
Can't take no more of your fairytale love</sub>

something i've learned of grace

my sister's tattoo., originally uploaded by laurennicolelove.com.

I have spent too much time resting this week. It's about time I get back to work. I miss it really. I have learned so much about possessing and exuding grace this weekend. Now, I intend to spread His grace through my actions from day to day. To give to others in whatever way I can to make their days just a bit brighter. That is the only way I can begin to heal from the bitter and negative thoughts that creep in from time to time... It's a disease that I will always work to be rid of. :)

<sub>My God, what a world you love
Where men bury their sons
And without thought just walk away

And my mother's heart breaks
Like the water inside of her
...

But I believe there is something here to be learned of grace
Because I can't help but love you
No I can't help but love you
Even with a heart that breaks
Like the promises that you made
Like the promises that you made
The promises that you made
'Cause I still love you

My God, what a world you love</sub>

music moves on down her spine

Steven & Virginie Weekend, originally uploaded by Laura Slotkoff.

I'm ready to get down with the ladies at Henry's Pub tonight. I mean, sure... I'll dance with the guys too... but any time I can grab one of the girls and practice leading and following with them, I will. I want to keep this ball rolling as long as possible. My dancing skills have been building quickly and since I am still without a job, I need to take advantage of every free venue that there is.

It's taking every ounce of will in my body to keep from running off after the various leads from this weekend. All of a sudden, future living prospects are growing to include much more. LoL. I guess I should look into the teaching scenes in Portland, Baltimore, Houston, and the Bay Area (private schooling). Yes, Big... go figure... you have a good blues scene nearby. :D

<sub>Could I have been anyone other than me?

Twenty three and so tired of life
Such a shame to throw it all away
The images grow darker still
Could I have been anyone other than me?
And then I ...

Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy

I am who I am, who I am, well, who am I?
Requesting some enlightenment
Could I have been anyone other than me?

And then I'll sing and dance I'll play for you tonight
And thrill at it all
Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes
But I'll work it out then I...

Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy

Falling out of a world of lies
Could I have been a dancing nancy
A dancing nancy
Could I have been anyone other than me?

And then I sing and dance
La la la hey, la la la hey, la la la
Sing and dance
La la la hey, la la la hey, la la la</sub>

ain't crazy: wild as she is free

Montreal Bagel & Blues, originally uploaded by Laura Slotkoff.

*sigh*

I'm trying too hard to put this weekend into words. It was an amazingly uplifting and spiritual experience, filled with new friends, old faces, superb dances, and an intensity that one hardly ever experiences. My body is heavily bruised and slightly beaten, but every ounce of pain is completely worth it... without them, I find the entire weekend difficult to believe. If someone posts a picture, I may have a piece of more substantial proof, but you never know with these things. There are a few leads, in particular, that I was especially sad to see leave.

It really made me start thinking about moving again. I really want to live somewhere where I can go out blues dancing and not have to worry whether there will be any leads... not that I haven't started remedying the problem already. I've taken to dancing with follows and thanks to David, from SF/Portland, I understand more about leading myself. I just need a follow with a strong frame and to believe in my abilities and then, I'm fine. LoL.

This week, I hope to finish the necessary substitute paperwork and get into the system as quickly as I can. I may even schedule an appointment to work with Kaden, my kindergarten friend. It would allow me to get reacquainted with the teaching process and allow him to grow as we work on various literacy techniques.

HERE'S TO LIFE IN 2010!! :)

<sub>When the music starts to playin'
She slides out on the floor
Dancing without a partner
Swaying on the two and four

There's a rhythm in her footsteps
And a flower in her hair
A smile on her face
Cause she's in a place
Where she don't have a care

She ain't looking for no lover
She ain't looking for a romance
She just wants to dance
She just wants to dance
Yeah, she just wants to dance
Ooo, she just wants to dance

Well she's moving kinda lazy
And it's obvious to me
This little girl ain't crazy
She's as wild as she is free

She can feel it in her fingers
And it moves on down her spine
And when it hits her hips
She parts her lips
And you know she's feeling fine...</sub>

hold me close, sway me more

Andrew Sutton & Olga Moiseeva, originally uploaded by Alexey 'ashel' Che..

The dancing has been out of this world incredible!

Tonight is the last night.

I can barely stand it.

I hope to make the very best of it!!

:D

the dancing is just that good.

Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland, originally uploaded by Laura Slotkoff.

I am hanging out with a dancer today.

Having dinner with another tonight.

And then, I will be dancing my freaking heart out...


... till 5 in the morning... again. :)

i break these walls 'round me

01.02.2010: Evan P., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I get to see all of my newly made blues dancing friends tonight and I really couldn't be more excited!! I've found it very difficult to eat all week, just because I've been so eager to dance. It's bizarre. Either way, I need to get up and move around, try to stretch and massage out the knots in my shoulders, and eat.

9 pm.

You're not that far away!! Eeeeee...

the only expensive taste i have

Love for Dior, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I miss my Little D. I can hardly wait to be reunited with my love for lunch. Since we are both pretty broke-face, we are bringing our own bag lunches to meet. Pretty ghetto, if you ask me, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I better go back to sleep, before I pass out during our date (my parents needed a ride to the airport early).

every dance ends with a dip

Portland Lindy Exchange, originally uploaded by evrimgallery.

After a very long night out, I slept in and went to work late... after having lunch with Dana. It was a pretty nice set up. I am not going in to work tomorrow and instead, I am taking my parents to the airport in the morning and meeting up with Lil D for lunch.

I am SO pleased with the amazing dances over the past two days... It just keeps getting better! I can't WAIT for Fusion this weekend!!

one, two, and a cha-cha-cha

Andrew, originally uploaded by ohtoberich.

After tonight, I don't think I'll ever be able to miss Henry's Pub again. It was just too good. However, more blues scenes would certainly be appreciated. I just love it so much that I get frustrated waiting to do it! Heh.

when life gets a bit confusing

I am a Princess., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I'd rather be kissing frogs.
I don't know if I want to date any time soon.
I need a break from boys.
*sigh*

it's elementary, my dear watson

01.02.2010: Cesar G., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

So I got home safely from LA, went shopping with my mom, and went to see Sherlock Holmes with Cesar. How great is this photo?! I love it. It's just too perfect. Now, to continue with my Resolution. :D

if you can't say anything nice...

Day 343 | Scared Fingers, originally uploaded by ir0cko.

The purpose of life is not whether you or I is correct, but that we can express ourselves and influence one another, while retaining some sort of respect and decency towards one another. I just cannot handle condescending, disrespectful conversations. I was good and removed myself from the entire discussion... kinda. It's complete BULL, in my opinion (of which I'm entitled to), so I do not desire to hear more from his side. Arguing hurts my heart almost as much as the condescending words spewed forth, but I can only stay cool-headed for so long before I must concede entirely. *sigh* Yay, 2010.

excuse me, i must go and dance

TMA_6850, originally uploaded by fritz1948.

DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE
DANCE DANCE
DANCE
DANCE

i will now call dana my muse

[115/366] Jamba wins..., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

So a new year is about to begin and I must say that this one has been a doozy. I think I can safely say that this was the hardest, most stressful year I have had to date. I am stronger for it and I look forward to applying all that I have learned to a bigger and better future! As for that project that I mentioned earlier, I talked to Doodle about it and we have worked out a few of the kinks that were muddling up the concept.

I intend to take a photograph each day of 2010 and each month will follow a new theme or technique. The first month will be portraits. I hope to take a portrait of a new person each of the 31 days and then ask them where/how they see themselves ten years from now. The little blurb of an answer will be posted with the photo onto flickr. These photos will be taken with my dad's Nikon, as often as it is made possible (not possible for the next 2 days, since I'm in LA), so that I can have higher quality photos in my portfolio.

One final detail about the photos that I will be posting is that I am allowing myself time to process the photos before posting, just in case I want to do any special treatments to the photos for a month. The extra time will be limited, however. I have until Saturday each week to get that week's posted. I may end up posting all seven that day, but it will be far less daunting than the need to get one done every single day!!

I'm excited. This WILL be a good year, Lord willing. :)

i didn't know i had missed you

Soo-prise!, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I spent my day at work and then at dinner with the Waterworths and Lieders. What I'm saying is that I was FAR too busy to update... apparently. LoL.

i have missed my camera time

Heart Leaf, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I want to start a new photography project.
I guess I have about 2 days to decide.
I would like to make it a 2010 project.

It may even be slightly different from month to month.

What do you think?
Any ideas?

i'm living off of caffeinated tea

Tea, originally uploaded by igor.shmel.

My mouth doesn't really hurt.
But it itches like crazy!
I just can't wait for this to wear off.
In the meantime, I'm not drinking soda.
I'm not too crazy about that either.
*sighhhhh*

shine brightly, day and night

Kelly Dalman, originally uploaded by Kelly Delight.

I'm still enjoying the Christmas season, since I'm stuck in the house all day with nothing to do but ice my face and eat whatever I can. I've been watching Christmas movies and episodes all day long. LoL. My mouth feels pretty good actually, which I'm happy about, but I crave EVERYTHING around me, even things I can't eat yet. I just can't wait for these holes to close up! Ha!!

p.s. The gorgeous lady in the photo above is Angela's sister. She's gorgeous, right?! I love it. And with that, I will again say... MERRY belated-CHRISTMAS!! :D

it's the day after christmas now

wise, originally uploaded by chattycathy7575.

My teeth have been removed. I didn't even think to ask for a view of them after it was all done. I'm pretty sleepy, but nothing too bad. I'm just looking forward to the soup that I plan on eating soon.

p.s. The most annoying part is the blood. Merr.

merry christmas, my friends

candy cane marshmallow, originally uploaded by cannelle-vanille.

I was too busy scarfing all that I could before my surgery tomorrow. Just know that I love you all so much. You are blessings in my life and I couldn't ask for much more. All my love and God bless!

my letter for december twenty-fourth

[269/366] Scarecrows, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Runi, Miguel and Lily,

This is the time to reflect and give thanks for the many things that Christ has made possible for our lives. I want to thank you for opening your home to me and allowing me to be a part of your lives. I loved every moment there, even when I was struggling through schoolwork. Runi, thank you for the conversations and pep talks to get me through those rough days. It was something I often came home looking forward to. Miguel and Lily, thank you for sharing your toys and always making me smile. Miguel, I hope you continue with your artistic projects. They're inspiring. I hope to continue to watch as your two girls grow up. I am eager to see how the Arts manifest in their lives as they have in the lives of you two. Thanks again.

Feeling God's blessings,
Lauren.

my letter for december twenty-third

I *heart* Bruno., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Bru,

You are always here for me, loving on me, and curling up next to me when I need you most. Thank you for always staying true to yourself, while growing out of the more annoying habits that you used to have. We are a lucky family to have such a sweet puppy as a part of our family. Keep playing, keep offering kisses, and keep wagging your tail.

I love you,
Lauren.

my letter for december twenty-second

Sisters, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Carole,

I miss you so much and wish you were still here. Actually, I was thinking about it and I think you should move back to California. I think it's just a better place for you. Come on... You know you want to! Either way, I hope you stay away for too long just because the parents are coming to visit. They aren't us (Dana and me). And we miss you. I hope this Christmas season has been a blessing to you and David. And I hope that God will bring us back together some time soon. I love you.

Your doting niece,
Lauren.

my letter for december twenty-first

Don't Talk About Our Son, Martha, originally uploaded by gregeichelberger.

Fellow Cast-mates,

I am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful production. I am overwhelmed by the kindness and support I have felt, throughout the entire process. I had to email my teacher tonight to explain that I overcommitted and have yet to find the time to write this paper that still hangs over me. Instead of being disappointed about the failure to complete a class, I cannot deny the blessings I feel when I think about the message we're sharing and many ways I have felt that message impact me through this show. Thank you for being there for me, whether it was a car ride to keep me company, jokes told in the quick change room, comforting words spoken to calm my anxieties about school, or a passing smile as we sing our hearts out to Traditions. I love you guys and cannot imagine a better way to spend her Christmas holiday! THANK YOU!!

Many blessings,
Lauren.

my letter for december twentieth

Dana, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Dana,

I am so excited for you, little sister!! You are TWENTY-ONE today and I hope you have an amazing time in Vegas celebrating this milestone! I love you so much... your smile, your laugh, your mellifluous voice, your slammin' dance skills, and your genuinely upbeat attitude! You are an inspiration to me each and every day and I am so lucky to call you my sister. You are a strong, confident, twenty-one-year-old soon-to-be-engineer! Always remember to make time to rest and never stop writing and playing music. I love you so much, Doodle!

Your admiring older sister,
Lauren.

my letter for december nineteenth

Aquarium Fun, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Grandma,

Thank you for supporting me all of these years. Through CYT performances, Show Choir performances, college (in general), the credential program, and now, my CCT performances. It was so great to be able to look out into the audience and know that you're watching. I truly appreciate all that you have done for me over the years and it's always exciting to be able to share some of that with you as well. I look forward to celebrating Christmas with you this year, as we do every year. It wouldn't be the same without you. Thanks again.

I love you,
Lauren.

my letter for december eighteenth

{Week 33} Darkness, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Darkness,
Self doubt,
Uncertainty,
Insecurity,
Darkness,
Satan,

Leave me. Free me from your chains and allow me to choose the path I prefer. The path towards security. Brightly lit and reassuring. I want God to reign in my life. I want His peace and love to overwhelm me. Right now, it is difficult to see that path and I pray that I am able to find my way back to it. Please, loosen your grip on my life and allow me to find the comfort I so desperately need. I rebuke thee, Satan. Leave this place.

Thanks in advance,
Feeling helpless.

my letter for december seventeenth

Poison Ivy on the Attack., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Mom,

Although it may not always seem so, you really do inspire me. I am glad that I learned from you to face things head on and to find new ways to approach things that I am uncomfortable with. I love you and I hope that I am able to take advantage of my time at home, once school and shows are through. Thank you for all that you have done for me and the things that you have taught me. I use them more than you could know. I am so lucky to have such caring parents, who love me even though I receive F's from time to time. ;)

Your doting daughter,
Lauren.

my letter for december sixteenth

To Write Love On Her Arms, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Flood Community,

Thank you for holding me up and pushing me past the many hardships that I have faced over the past four years or so. In no way has it been easy, but with the amazing friends I have made through the various Community Groups, I feel prepared to face the world. Thanks to all the people of PLNU, Flood College, and now, Tierrasanta, for sharing with me, caring about me, and continually making me smile. God has blessed me with this church, this community, these friends.

All my love,
Lauren.

my letter for december fifteenth

Lauren, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Lauren Grace,

You always know how to make me smile and I am so blessed to have you in my life. I truly don't know where I would be today if you weren't there to help me through high school and much of college. You shine a light in my life and comfort me, even when I am unknowing of the need. It was wonderful talking to you today and I hope it won't take another cheating accusation to make it happen. I miss you dearly. If you are really unable to stay here as long as was planned, I intend to make the very best of your time here. Until then, you are always in my heart and often in my thoughts.

I love you, Goob,
Lauren Frances.

my letter for december fourteenth

Omega House Unite!!, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Ladies of ADX,

I am so blessed to have you all in my life. I am awfully sad that I cannot see you more often, but tonight was such a blessing. I love seeing your shining faces and hearing the various stories about your lives. Congratulations to all the new Actives. Cherish your time as an active part of the sorority and make time for your sisters in Christ! Pearl, congratulations on the pregnancy. I cannot wait to see the plethora of photos online come June! I love all of you and hope to come to visit more often.

May God bless your Holidays,
Pebble Beach.

my letter for december thirteenth

tree, originally uploaded by voldеmort.

Dear Readers,

While preparing for this wonderful season, please remember the reason for all of it. Why do we celebrate, but to worship and honor Christ with our giving actions. I have the incredible fortune to be in the Traditions of Christmas this year and it is an amazing reminder each and every time I am up on that stage. I am near to crying whenever we do the Nativity at the end (although the smoke may play a part in that as well, heh). I couldn't imagine a better way for me to be spending my time!!

May you all have a Happy Christmas,
Lauren.

my letter for december twelfth

Best of Friends, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Candace,

My love. My sweet. Move back to San Diego... just until I finally get my butt up to Seattle! It's not the same without you here. And now that I'm finishing school, I'm going to have all of this extra time, with which I won't know what to do. Direct me. I neeeeeeeeed you! I do hope that you come down to see my show at least. I miss you and I want to have lunch or dinner with you sometime soon (before or after a show, maybe!). I hope life is treating you well. Always remember that I am here for you and more than happy to drive to see you, including New Years. Hang out with me on New Years!! ;)

Your long-lost bestie,
Lauren, Pebbs.

my letter for december eleventh

Hottie with a brella., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Verona,

I cannot stand it... it has already been too long since I've last seen you! Come and visit me, please. Finals are almost over and you can come to see Traditions. We could grab something to eat afterwards! I want you to know that you will always be a rock in my life and I will be there for you, whenever you need me. I am so excited to see the person you become, to see the amazing things you will accomplish, to see God's love shine through you in new and amazing ways. I love you (if you come see my show... jk).

May God's love always direct your path,
LauLau.

my letter for december tenth

We Are Santa's Elves, originally uploaded by gregeichelberger.

Michelle and the rest of the Caroling Women,

Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. Although it may not be apparent by my constant studying/working/flailing about, I really am feeling at ease about the amount of work ahead of me. I am still unfinished with my paper, but I now know what I will be writing, so I can get started this weekend. What I have been doing, however, is get ahead on the rest of my work. I love every second that I get to spend with all of you. You are all incredible people, with an apparent love for Christ. Thank you for pouring into me and blessing my Christmas season!!

Love and blessings,
Lauren.

my letter for december ninth

Laura, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Laura,

I am so appreciative to have you in my life and it couldn't have happened at a better moment in my life! Thank you SO much for being there for me when you BARELY knew me... You have no idea how much you have really helped! I look forward to getting to know you and the rest of the group more, as the year progresses. I miss you all dearly and cannot wait to see you again. I guess the good news is that the show is opening and everything is going well. I hope you have a fantastic holiday season. May you feel God's presence and blessings in your life this season.

God bless,
Lauren.

my letter for december eighth

[54/366] Put a Little Love..., originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Big Sis,

I cannot express to you enough times how much I really miss you. When I look back to the times when I felt most safe and most grounded, I was with you. You have been an amazingly strong rock in my life and I couldn't have grown as much as I have without you by my side. Thank you for never giving up on me, for pushing me to be a better person, and for being my best friend. I love you and I hope to always remain in touch, even if we live in different houses, cities, or states.

All my love.

A sister helps, trusts, and loves,
Your Lil Peebs.

my letter for december seventh

You can push me out a window, originally uploaded by cortnie dee..

Cortnie,

I love that you are always so upbeat and positive. Your comedic ways are a comfort to many and I am so thankful that Angela (and CCT, I guess) brought you into my life. I look forward to performing with you and praising God through this Christmas celebration. May He be with you during this time crunch, helping you through any difficulties as they may arise. See you tonight!

Much love and many blessings,
Lauren.

my letter for december sixth

{1/52} -- 4: This is my life, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Dear God,

This is me attempting to get back to my roots. To find my way back to You, although it seems as though my body fights it more now than it ever did before. Thank you for leading me to worship with the kids this morning and allowing me to see their enthusiasm and trust in You, God. Help me to gain that back. Faith like a child.

Your stubborn and lost servant,
Lauren Frances.

my letter for december fifth

Dana and Dayna, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Dayna,

I spent a bit of my time today editing the pictures that I took on Thanksgiving. I just couldn't get enough of the photos I snapped of you. Your eyes and your smile light up a room and I am so appreciative to have you in my life. Your optimism and enthusiasm is contagious and I pray that God continues to work through you in order to bless others. Continue to seek Him and His path for your life. And know that I am always here to help you, with ASL projects or anything else you may need! I love you.

Your sister from another mister... and lady,
Lauren.

my letter for december fourth

I *heart* Carl, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Carl,

I am so glad that we are able to perform together in Traditions. It has truly been a blessing seeing you, chatting with you, and sneaking in a few dances here and there. Since our schedules are going to be so over-loaded soon, we might even have to start dancing backstage, between scenes. Otherwise, I may not be able to dance at all. LoL. Thank you for being such a good friend. I appreciate all the blessings you have given me!

Lindy hoppers for life,
Pebbles... erm, Lauren.

my letter for december third

Lady Madonna - teaser!, originally uploaded by cortnie dee..

Angela,

I am so glad that God has brought me to this place, surrounded by cheer and love, even when I find it difficult to see amongst the irritations. I love seeing your smiling face and feeling your welcoming embrace upon arrival. Too often I get caught up in the small nuisances of the day-to-day and I'm glad to have someone close by the keep me grounded and shed light on the many blessings around me. Thank you for all you do for me and those around you! Oh, and congrats on the newest update!! :D

Your fellow Caroler,
Lauren.

my letter for december second

Dad & Me at High School Graduation, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Dad,

You have been a great help to me this year, even though the most difficult obstacles. We haven't always see eye-to-eye, but as of late, I think we've become closer than we ever have been. Although it's always difficult to move back in with the parents after years away, the time spent at home has given me a second chance to reconnect with you. I love our conversations about Farmville, Science Fiction, and food. I love you, Dad.

Your loving daughter,
Lauren.

my letter for december first

{Week 23} Breakfast with my Lil, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

Lil Sis,

I love you. I miss you. You mean so much to me and I'm sad that I never get to see you. I cannot explain to you how wonderful it was to receive all of your texts this evening. I hope you write again... and often! I hope you blog again, for that matter. I am so excited for your baptism, even though I couldn't be there? Where was it, by the way? I really hope you take advantage of my discount to see Traditions and I hope you are actually in town after Christmas, so I can see you. And talk to you. And share stories about my messed up life with you. Even that sounds fun when I think about the fact that I will be able to share with you again. I am so proud of all of your growth and the amazing light that I have seen shine through you. I know that you are going to do wonderful things and I would gladly be a part of your life again. Please, fight for our relationship. I won't stop.

I love you.

A sister helps, trusts, and loves,
Your Big.