I am finally back from from my summer travels and have decided that there is definitely no place like home! I enjoyed the majority of my trips to California and Washington, but they both had their stressful moments.
As I mentioned, in a previous post, my brother decided to get hitched. Little Davey is now a married man! Can you believe it? I wouldn't be able to, were it not for my presence at the temple and their receptions.
...Sorry, but this post is being cut short and by "cut short" I mean that it is done.
Would you like an explanation? Well, let me just say that time's been a tickin' and I've been a slackin'. Because of the amount of time that has lapsed from when I first started typing, my creative juices are pulling me on to bigger and better (or, at least, more recent) topics.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Inspired Compositions
What is it about some music that makes a person's heart stir? I swear, from my own experience, that some pieces of music give me goose bumps, bring tears to my eyes, and take my breath away. Why is it that music can enter our very souls with such ease and magnificent power?
I adore music. I always have and assuredly always shall. I love to sing and play instruments. One day, I hope to be able to compose my own works of music. How amazing it would be to portray the whole spectrum of emotion through the perfect usage of melodies, motifs, key signatures, cadences, dynamics, and similar devices.
I have started several pieces and am planning on completing (or at least furthering my efforts) on each, throughout the rest of the summer. Any advice for an experimenting musician?
I adore music. I always have and assuredly always shall. I love to sing and play instruments. One day, I hope to be able to compose my own works of music. How amazing it would be to portray the whole spectrum of emotion through the perfect usage of melodies, motifs, key signatures, cadences, dynamics, and similar devices.
I have started several pieces and am planning on completing (or at least furthering my efforts) on each, throughout the rest of the summer. Any advice for an experimenting musician?
Saturday, June 2, 2007
To the Lake and Back Again: A Boating Tale
I fried myself at the lake, today. You may be asking, "Brooke, is this a good thing?" Of course it is! In fact, I had a blast while doing so. I know, I know, I need to be careful about too much sun. Skin cancer is a very real disease and one that I would prefer to only hear about (and even that is disheartening).
Anyway, a few of my friends have a boat and all of the needed gear for hours of playin' in the water. After getting up early, readying things for the day, and traveling out of town, there is nothing like lathering on the sunscreen and hanging out on the lake.
We packed some scrumptious food. So... if we weren't on the boat, we could gobble down all sorts of goodies. On the boat, though, was where the real excitement occurred. We took turns tubing, wake boarding, and water skiing. I have had some not so enjoyable experiences with water skiing, though, and ended up opting out of that particular activity. I need to take a jump of courage and get rid of this little fear. Maybe, on my next boat outing, I'll be brave.
Story time...
A long time ago, when I first attempted to water ski, my small body was nothing but skin and bones. That's right, I had no meat and by meat I mean muscle. I was one weak little girl, that is for sure! I could have gained some muscles, I suppose, had I continued my efforts in perfecting the art of water skiing, but one try was all the sport got out of me.
Because of a lack of muscles, I could hardly lift myself up enough to even really ride on the skis. As quickly as I was up, I was back down. In my youthful stupidity (or, perhaps, it was the shock of my crash into the cold water....take your pick), I clung to the rope and was dragged behind the boat. I remember being in a really pathetic state and thinking (as gallons of diseased water entered my sinus cavities), "why aren't they stopping?" Luckily, my logic kicked in and I was able to let go. Let me just say that that trip to Lucky Peak is not on my list of favorites.
Every time since has been lovely, but (like I already said) I never again tried on the water skis. The idea of wake boarding also has a bit of a bite to it. I'm sure, by now, that I have matured enough to pull myself up and/or let go of the rope. I do need to get over my issues. Yes, yes I do. Okay...Ready, set, go! I am, as of this moment, setting a goal to overcome the previously mentioned retardedness. I will take on a set of water skis/wake boards. I love tubing and am now determined to spread such feelings to other boating activities. Wish me luck!
...And we're back from one of my tangents.
Today, we arrived at the Lucky Peak Reservoir early enough to snag an awesome dock. Along with being able to gorge down gobs of grub, our dock provided us with many other surprises and luxuries. We were attached to a spot of land that had a shack. Complete with toilet holes and paper, it was quite the edifice (that is if you were able to look past the broken bear bottles, the animal/insect habitations, and the bullet holes). Ah bathrooms (or outhouses, in this case)! Ya gotta love 'em.
Our dock was the home of many beautiful butterflies. I was fortunate enough to have three huge monarchs land on me. I think they were attracted to the bright colored polka dots of my swim suit. Then again, maybe I'm just amazing like that. If I were a butterfly, I'd want to land on the gorgeous Miss Brooke-- especially if she was in a swim suite. Ooh la la... ;)
We were also visited by two families of geese. I know that humans aren't supposed to feed wildlife, but I couldn't resist the temptation and ended up breaking apart a few pieces of bread and tossing them, one by one, into the rippling water. I love the enthusiasm of animals, when it comes to food intake. They always rush to the catch and fight over the crumbs.
We, as wealthy humans, take advantage of the abundance of food and other resources. Can you imagine life without the comforts of a grocery store? If we were to take care of ourselves, like animals, fighting for our lives would be a battle of survival. In my mind, I can picture my own family as a flock of geese. It is an interesting scene and meal time would definitely be exciting-- feathers flying and everything... Weird.
So basically, it has been a grand day. This blog is as blogged as it is going to get and I am now off to go and coat my soar skin with aloe vera. MMM good.
Anyway, a few of my friends have a boat and all of the needed gear for hours of playin' in the water. After getting up early, readying things for the day, and traveling out of town, there is nothing like lathering on the sunscreen and hanging out on the lake.
We packed some scrumptious food. So... if we weren't on the boat, we could gobble down all sorts of goodies. On the boat, though, was where the real excitement occurred. We took turns tubing, wake boarding, and water skiing. I have had some not so enjoyable experiences with water skiing, though, and ended up opting out of that particular activity. I need to take a jump of courage and get rid of this little fear. Maybe, on my next boat outing, I'll be brave.
Story time...
A long time ago, when I first attempted to water ski, my small body was nothing but skin and bones. That's right, I had no meat and by meat I mean muscle. I was one weak little girl, that is for sure! I could have gained some muscles, I suppose, had I continued my efforts in perfecting the art of water skiing, but one try was all the sport got out of me.
Because of a lack of muscles, I could hardly lift myself up enough to even really ride on the skis. As quickly as I was up, I was back down. In my youthful stupidity (or, perhaps, it was the shock of my crash into the cold water....take your pick), I clung to the rope and was dragged behind the boat. I remember being in a really pathetic state and thinking (as gallons of diseased water entered my sinus cavities), "why aren't they stopping?" Luckily, my logic kicked in and I was able to let go. Let me just say that that trip to Lucky Peak is not on my list of favorites.
Every time since has been lovely, but (like I already said) I never again tried on the water skis. The idea of wake boarding also has a bit of a bite to it. I'm sure, by now, that I have matured enough to pull myself up and/or let go of the rope. I do need to get over my issues. Yes, yes I do. Okay...Ready, set, go! I am, as of this moment, setting a goal to overcome the previously mentioned retardedness. I will take on a set of water skis/wake boards. I love tubing and am now determined to spread such feelings to other boating activities. Wish me luck!
...And we're back from one of my tangents.
Today, we arrived at the Lucky Peak Reservoir early enough to snag an awesome dock. Along with being able to gorge down gobs of grub, our dock provided us with many other surprises and luxuries. We were attached to a spot of land that had a shack. Complete with toilet holes and paper, it was quite the edifice (that is if you were able to look past the broken bear bottles, the animal/insect habitations, and the bullet holes). Ah bathrooms (or outhouses, in this case)! Ya gotta love 'em.
Our dock was the home of many beautiful butterflies. I was fortunate enough to have three huge monarchs land on me. I think they were attracted to the bright colored polka dots of my swim suit. Then again, maybe I'm just amazing like that. If I were a butterfly, I'd want to land on the gorgeous Miss Brooke-- especially if she was in a swim suite. Ooh la la... ;)
We were also visited by two families of geese. I know that humans aren't supposed to feed wildlife, but I couldn't resist the temptation and ended up breaking apart a few pieces of bread and tossing them, one by one, into the rippling water. I love the enthusiasm of animals, when it comes to food intake. They always rush to the catch and fight over the crumbs.
We, as wealthy humans, take advantage of the abundance of food and other resources. Can you imagine life without the comforts of a grocery store? If we were to take care of ourselves, like animals, fighting for our lives would be a battle of survival. In my mind, I can picture my own family as a flock of geese. It is an interesting scene and meal time would definitely be exciting-- feathers flying and everything... Weird.
So basically, it has been a grand day. This blog is as blogged as it is going to get and I am now off to go and coat my soar skin with aloe vera. MMM good.
Friday, June 1, 2007
"you are my density. I mean..."
Do you believe in signs? Do you believe in destiny? Hows about soul mates, do you believe in them? Are we here on earth for a specific reason, a mission, or a special purpose (whatever you wish to call it)?
Let's Elope, Darling
I have always been a romantic. I love happily ever after, guy falls for girl (or the other way around) stories. Every little girl watches at least one movie, or reads at least one book filled with a heart warming love story that makes her dream and wish to find her own prince charming.
I have witnessed several relationships grow and turn into marriages. It is marvelous to have so many good examples of happy couples, even through the hard times. The only thing that has always bugged me about the whole marriage thing, though, is the prodigious size of wedding celebrations. So much money and worry go into the planning and pulling together of ring ceremonies, receptions, and open houses. Ugg. It is all well and good to have a nice party for family and friends, but I think that a lot of people overdo it. There is the life after the party to remember, after all.
I have been a bride's maid for all of my siblings' weddings and will be one again, in just a few weeks. I am so tired of wedding preparations and I'm not even a major part of the ordeal. It is ridiculous. I don't think I am going to have bride's maids at my wedding... that is, if I ever marry. You know the saying, "always a bride's maid, never a bride." DUN DUN Dun... just kidding. ;) Bride's maids are a cause of useless worry. The girls I know wouldn't care one way or the other whether I asked them to be a part of my wedding or not. If I were to choose a special person to stand by my side, it would be a maid of honor and I would choose my cousin Kahli. This is because she is like my sister and my best friend. Still having bride's maids, at a Mormon reception, seems pointless. It is not like we have isles to march down (unless there is a ring ceremony performed), rings and bouquets to be carried, or any of that jazz.
The point of this blog = wedding receptions tend to be too huge! I want a small reception, if i have to have one. If my future hubby is out there and reading this.... "Let's elope, darling!"
I have witnessed several relationships grow and turn into marriages. It is marvelous to have so many good examples of happy couples, even through the hard times. The only thing that has always bugged me about the whole marriage thing, though, is the prodigious size of wedding celebrations. So much money and worry go into the planning and pulling together of ring ceremonies, receptions, and open houses. Ugg. It is all well and good to have a nice party for family and friends, but I think that a lot of people overdo it. There is the life after the party to remember, after all.
I have been a bride's maid for all of my siblings' weddings and will be one again, in just a few weeks. I am so tired of wedding preparations and I'm not even a major part of the ordeal. It is ridiculous. I don't think I am going to have bride's maids at my wedding... that is, if I ever marry. You know the saying, "always a bride's maid, never a bride." DUN DUN Dun... just kidding. ;) Bride's maids are a cause of useless worry. The girls I know wouldn't care one way or the other whether I asked them to be a part of my wedding or not. If I were to choose a special person to stand by my side, it would be a maid of honor and I would choose my cousin Kahli. This is because she is like my sister and my best friend. Still having bride's maids, at a Mormon reception, seems pointless. It is not like we have isles to march down (unless there is a ring ceremony performed), rings and bouquets to be carried, or any of that jazz.
The point of this blog = wedding receptions tend to be too huge! I want a small reception, if i have to have one. If my future hubby is out there and reading this.... "Let's elope, darling!"
The Secret
As most of you know, I am a fan of positive thinking. I have several books that emphasize the power of intention and the like. Recently, my mother and I were watching Oprah and a lady was on the show who was advertising a book called The Secret. The contents,of this book pretty much fit perfectly with all that I have previously learned about changing life for the better. We bought the book and a DVD that goes a long with it.
As the Costco cashier said, "Once you get past the weird music and whispering" it is an amazing DVD filled with the basic truths of the universe. The main truth discussed is the law of attraction. Basically, people attract people, places, experiences, and things into their lives. Quoting from the movie: "thoughts become things." If our thoughts and feelings are positive, then good things come into our lives and vis versa. Using an example from my own life: when I'm running late, it seems like I hit every red light. This is because I am constantly thinking, "I'm going to be late." I am thinking about being late and so I end up being late. Yeah... This stuff is disgusting, if your a pessimistic individual. On the flip side, though, knowing how to harness your positive thoughts and feelings assists you in money matters, relationships, health, goals, dreams, and an infinite number of things. Check the website at http://thesecret.tv/!
Good quotes that agree with all self-help/positive thinking material:
"Imagination is the key to all things" ~Albert Einstein
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" ~Luke 11:9
"What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality" ~Otto Rank
"Empires of the mind are empires of the future" ~Winston Churchill
"I think therefore I am" ~René Descartes
As the Costco cashier said, "Once you get past the weird music and whispering" it is an amazing DVD filled with the basic truths of the universe. The main truth discussed is the law of attraction. Basically, people attract people, places, experiences, and things into their lives. Quoting from the movie: "thoughts become things." If our thoughts and feelings are positive, then good things come into our lives and vis versa. Using an example from my own life: when I'm running late, it seems like I hit every red light. This is because I am constantly thinking, "I'm going to be late." I am thinking about being late and so I end up being late. Yeah... This stuff is disgusting, if your a pessimistic individual. On the flip side, though, knowing how to harness your positive thoughts and feelings assists you in money matters, relationships, health, goals, dreams, and an infinite number of things. Check the website at http://thesecret.tv/!
Good quotes that agree with all self-help/positive thinking material:
"Imagination is the key to all things" ~Albert Einstein
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" ~Luke 11:9
"What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality" ~Otto Rank
"Empires of the mind are empires of the future" ~Winston Churchill
"I think therefore I am" ~René Descartes
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