by Amy | Feb 12, 2015 | Blog, The Art of Living
I got this beautiful new stove. They brought it to me today. I snapped this photo so soon after they dropped it off that the glass on the door is still foggy from coming in from the cold. What’s the occasion? Why the fancy new appliance? Well….
Let’s go back to January 1st. Derek and I are preparing our final meal at home before leaving on our giant road trip. It was going to be fabulous: Biscuits and gravy. I had the gravy going on the stove and the biscuits were mixed, rolled out and waiting to be baked. The oven gave out a beep-beep-beep, signaling it had preheated. I opened the door to put the biscuits in to bake.
The oven door was only open for a half-second before I let out a squeaky shriek and let the door slam close again with a stress filled.
Inside the oven sparks were flying. Like a tiny welder had set up camp on the floor of the oven and was creating a masterpiece. Sparks like the kind that come off sparklers in the summer. At the base of the sparks, a tiny, orange-white flame. The oven was on fire.
I tried to explain what had happened when Derek looked at me, confused as to why I’d made that weird sound and why the pan of biscuits was sitting on top of the stove instead of in the oven…but all that came out was incoherent shock-talk. You know, “It’s…fire.” “I don’t know wha–” “It–just–I–there a fire in there.” Enough of the babbling wife, he opened the door again and we both took another look. The second look didn’t last much longer than the first. It was smoky and the light was so bright.
We turned the oven off and switched the burners off too. Then it hit me. If it looked like a tiny welder, then couldn’t that light blind us?! Immediately I started seeing spots in my vision. Derek, always calm, said it was because I’d just looked at a bright light. Yes, I said…but what if it was too bright? What if it’s like looking at an eclipse? Like the little girl my fifth grade teacher told me about, who looked at the eclipse and was blind by the time her mother called her downstairs for dinner. What if we are both going blind? Derek–your eyes are your life!
After that rant, I realized we probably weren’t going blind. I was just upset that there was a fire in the oven. For the record, my vision is fine now.
With the stove off {luckily the gravy had just finished as well} we decided it would be best if Derek ran to the store to pick up biscuits–since we wouldn’t be cooking any of our own.
While he was gone I stirred up the gravy and got it off of the stove. I did a few dishes, put a few things away. But then I turned around and saw a curl of black smoke sneaking out of the oven door. Curious, and determined not to look directly at the flame again {just in case} I opened the door. It didn’t take long to realize the flame had grown and there was a full on fire in the oven now. I call Derek. All of a sudden, I feel like I’m standing in the kitchen with a bomb. Like the oven will explode at any second. He tells me to keep an eye on it, to get the fire extinguisher out from under the sink–just in case.
Okay. I can do that. I get under the sink and release the fire extinguisher from is perch. Should it look this vintage? I think. Once I pulled it out and stood up I took a better look. Yes, it did look old–but maybe that’s just how it looks…after safety doesn’t need to be cutting-edge-cool. Then, on the front of the cylinder I spot the warning: Inspect monthly. Recharge if pressure is below range…Then, I see the date of issue: 1981. This fire extinguisher was made before I was born and who knows the last time it was charged, the indicator is deep in the “Recharge” section of the pie chart.
Just as I’m about to panic again–because I’ve got an explosive oven and a fire extinguisher that probably won’t be of any use to me–my phone rings. It’s Derek. “Unplug the whole thing, ” he says. I’m not sure why two highly educated adults didn’t think of that in the first place. Maybe because the plug is in the floor behind the oven and you have to roll it away from the wall to see it–out of sight, out of mind and all that bit. Or maybe it was because I was so freaked out. Either way, we hadn’t thought about it. I hung up the phone and went back to the kitchen. The top of the oven was hot as I pulled it away from the wall. Once I could see the plug, I dreaded having to go back and unplug it. It meant having to get down on my hands and knees on the floor in the space between oven and wall. A very vulnerable place to be when you are somewhat convinced the machine could blow up. {Irrational, I know.}
But, I’m one to face fears. So I did it. And the flames died down. And I didn’t have to use the fire extinguisher. And we learned a valuable lesson–you really should check your fire extinguisher and keep it up to date.
One good thing that came out of all of this is that I got a brand new stove. It’s beautiful and they brought it to me today. {I really procrastinated on buying another one after the road trip.} It’s got a giant oven, a flat stove top and I got it at major discount because it was a floor model at Menard’s. And now that I’ve got a working oven again…my only question is, “What should I make for dinner?”
Amy
PS–Seriously, check your extinguisher!
by Amy | Feb 11, 2015 | Blog, The Art of Living
you might not know too much about singing telegrams. Maybe you are picturing something late and outdated. So let me clear the air here. Kaite’s Singing Telegrams is different than what you might imagine. It’s fresh, funky and fun.
We talk about a lot of awesome things here. Am I right? Projects, books, faith, awesome photo sessions, cool designs…lots and lots of awesome things make their way across these pages. But today I’m going to tell you about one of my most favorite awesome things I’ve come across lately: Katie’s Singing Telegrams.
Total disclosure: Katie is my real life friend. She is awesome. But even if she wasn’t…I’d still probably be telling you about KST, because it’s really that great.
Now, you might be thinking that you should stop reading–because you aren’t into the whole singing telegram thing. But please, read on. Maybe, just maybe I can make a believer out of you yet. First, let’s meet Katie. I could tell you all about her…but the bio on her site pretty much says it all.
Katie has loved singing, making music and making people smile most of her life. She has spent the last ten years writing songs and making music with some of her favorite people. Katie and her husband moved up to the lovely land of Minot, ND the summer of 2013 and have absolutely loved getting to know the fantastic people up here. It wasn’t until May 0f 2014 that Katie began thinking of a Singing Telegram Business.
After searching relentlessly for a company to send a singing telegram to a family member for his birthday, Katie was discouraged at the high priced telegrams-reluctantly opting to send him a cookie bouquet instead. It was at this time that Katie and her husband began wondering if there was any sort of affordable Singing Telegram Business in Minot. Failing to find anything, they knew the moment had come for them to offer something to this Magic City- something that had brought both of them a ridiculous amount of joy and laughter.
Both Katie and her husband have full time jobs working with youth and their families. Seeing day to day how discouraging and challenging life can be, Katie cannot wait to spread a little joy combined with ridiculous-ness and music to those around her! YOU are invited to experience some of this joy in the form of a character of your choice, a ukulele or mandolin, a mug with treats and your own personalized song- what better way to spread some laughter and joy than having one of your favorite people be serenaded with songs and smiles!
Over coffee yesterday she told me that most affordable telegram she could find while trying to send one to her brother in law was over $100. At the end of the search she decided a fun memory wasn’t worth that much money…that he’d probably rather just have the $100 than a stranger in costume singing him a song. When she told me she was going to open her own singing telegram operation I declared her to be Minot’s Premiere Singing Telegram provider.
If you are like me…you might not know too much about singing telegrams. Maybe you are picturing something late and outdated. So let me clear the air here. Kaite’s Singing Telegrams is different than what you might imagine. It’s fresh, funky and fun. Even her website, designed by yours truly…looks fresh. It’s chock full of fun graphics and fresh-feeling pages that will make you love ordering from her boutique site.
Buying a telegram from Katie gets you a lot of bang for your buck. Katie will deliver a custom song to the recipient of your choice, at the location of your choice {work is usually a good place, but she can surprise them in any public space}, the recipient will get a framed copy of their song’s lyrics, and an adorable coffee mug filled with chocolates. Valentine’s Day deliveries also include a single rose, thanks to a blooming {pun intended} partnership with The Flower Box. All for $35! That’s less than a bouquet of flowers!!
My favorite part of KST is the songs. Katie has told me that she enjoys writing songs that are not “overly serious.” You’ll hear that in every line of her songs. Most are laid back originals that combine fun lyrics and a coffee house sound that I find to be charming and them some. Oh, and did I mention she accompanies herself with a ukelele. Yep! I think it’s one of her biggest selling points. Listen to all her songs here.
Now, if you are sitting at home starting to become a telegram believer…but are feeling a little bummed because you don’t live in Minot–don’t fret. {That’s another music pun. I’m two for two.} In addition to traditional deliveries…
Katie also offers videograms. She’ll customize a song, record it and send it to the person of your choice. It’s only $15! That’s a steal.
If you need a few more reasons to book your singing telegram…try one of these on for size.
**It’s super convenient. Just order online at her super-cute website and she’ll do all the leg work.
**It’s affordable. A gift they’ll never forget for less than a flower delivery. Katie warns that it can be awkward…but awkward or not–it’s always memorable.
**Your song can be delivered by Katie wearing a gorilla costume. I’m serious.
**A customized song is a unique gift, created just for them.
**It’s laid back, easy to do and completely fun.
In her own words, “I really do like to see people smile.” She is sincere. She writes songs and delivers them because she likes to spread a little fun and joy. Her very first delivery was to a teenager being treated at the local cancer center. Since then she’s sent videograms to multiple states and even one to a music teacher in a local school.
She loves learning the stories behind the songs she writes–especially at Valentine’s Day. Each one is special and unique. So whether you are looking for a special Valentine to send to someone you love in a romantic-mushy way–or just someone you love: a parent, child, bestie, or sibling–look no further than Katie’s Singing Telegrams: Minot’s premeire singing telegram provider.
Check out her website for more details. Like her Facebook page. Order Valentine-grams through Saturday morning!! {For all the procrastinators out there.} I pinky promise they’ll never forget it.
xo
Amy
by Amy | Feb 9, 2015 | Blog, The Art of the Moment
A couple weeks back I got to hang out with this guy. Color me lucky, because even though I possess the super power of putting him on the verge of tears with a simple look {forget any physical contact!} he still stole my heart. Maybe it’s that whole hard-to-get thing that draws me in. So, while I wasn’t his favorite person in the world {or maybe it was just the camera that made him wary} I still had a blast. There is something classically comical about a child who starts fussing every time the camera goes up to the face. His antics generated some pretty good laughs for me and his daddy who accompanied him to his portrait session.
At the end of it all–the grumpy, the fussy, a few rounds of “You are my sunshine,” and a few other songs sung by his dad–we ended up with some pretty good stuff. Honestly, every smile and every expression was worth the work. So, without further delay, here are some highlights from Carter’s 12 month photo session.
Happiest of birthdays {belated…} to Carter! I hope this year is filled with lots of walking, running and all the pickles, oranges and raisins your tummy can stomach! {Or at least as many as your parents will allow.}
–Amy
by Amy | Feb 3, 2015 | Blog, The Art of Gathering, The Art of the Moment
Remember that crazy long road trip we took earlier in the month? Well…a major reason for taking it was to get to this amazing wedding. Why, so amazing? Let me tell you. First of all, it was held in Louisiana…so I worked all day with no jacket–despite the fact that it was January. Second, the event was beautifully coordinated by the Girls in Black. But, thirdly and most importantly…it was amazing because it was the wedding of one of our dearest friends: Jon Skinner.
In this lifestyle it is very rare that we can attend these major life events. So the fact that we got to attend and they honored me by asking that I do the photography was huge. Jon has been a part of our lives since Derek’s first pilot training base. I hope he remains in our lives forever and ever. And now, knowing Jon comes with a bonus: Gwen. She’s fun and bubbly and gorgeous. I am thrilled for this couple and just so happy to know them.
Okay…but enough chit chat. The moment we’ve all been waiting for…Jon and Gwen.
I love snapping a photo of the bride when she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror–all prettied up for the big event.
This just might be my favorite photo of the whole day. I think it sums up what every bride wants in a maid of honor…heck, I think it sums best friendship in a nutshell. Only a bestie would remind you of deodorant, apply it, look adorable doing it, and make you laugh in the process. 
I always love the daddy first look, don’t you? But–can it compete with the reaction of a groom when he first lays eyes on his bride? {It’s a toss up.}
Can we all just take a moment to appreciate the excitement of a certain groomsman in this image? 
It really was a day for the books. Have I mentioned how much I like these people?! Congratulations on your wedding–it was gorgeous {and now you have photos to prove it.} I loved capturing this wedding so much, I’ll be posting more from this day on Facebook in the coming days…but I want the couple to get their flash drives first–so they can enjoy them in private before I show all of them off to the world!Thank you again for letting me capture these moments for you. I cannot wait until our paths cross again {and I’ll cross my fingers that that crossing takes place at Harry Potter World…deal?}xoAmy
by Amy | Feb 2, 2015 | Blog, Devotional, Prayer, The Art of Faith
Last night I attended a weekly prayer meeting at church. To say that I’m glad I went would be an understatement. There are a million reasons why I loved it so much. And I’ve written and rewritten this post, trying to include them all. But, I can’t seem to make it work in a readable, well-written way.
Instead, I’ll isolate one thing. I’ll boil it down even further. I’ll isolate one prayer. Perhaps the boldest, more earnest prayer I’ve ever heard. Its brilliant in it’s simplicity and powerful in its meaning. It went something like this:
Lord, I pray that if trials will bring us closer to you, that you’d place them in our paths.
Bam!
Often we pray that trials would be taken away from us, avoided. But this woman–who I deeply admire, who is wise in the ways of the Lord, who is facing trials in her own life–has the understanding to pray the opposite. That if the most effective way for us to be closer to God includes a trial…that that is what we shall have.
The ways of God are often counter intuitive to the norms of the world. Maybe our prayers should be a little more counter intuitive as well. Our deepest desires should be to love and honor God, to know Him, and to share His salvation with others. If hard times will help us realize those desires, we should welcome them.
That’s hard to say. It’s hard to accept. It’s hard to grasp. It’s even hard to type.
James puts it this way.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. –James 1:2-3
I’m not saying that we should all start crying out to God, requesting catastrophe and heart ache. I’m not suggesting we stop calling on the Lord to lighten our trials and burdens. What I am hoping, for my own life as well as yours, is that 2015 would be a year of great growth. That this would be a season in which our eyes would lock with Christ’s. That we would pursue the Lord so hard and so willingly that we embrace trials–trusting that they will yield a harvest of testimony and closeness to God.AmyPS–You should go to a prayer meeting sometime. It just might rock your world.
by Amy | Jan 31, 2015 | Blog, The Art of Art
This week has been all about the Classroom Canvases I started on Monday. Really…when doing four back to back to back it turns in to a weeklong project. Which is fine by me, because I really do like doing them. Well–I finally got them all finished up! The kids did a fabulous job. Top notch work, in my opinion. And tonight I’m presenting to you the finished product.
This is the first canvas I painted with the kids on Monday afternoon. This was home to the class that yielded most of the hilarious comments I shared with you on Monday evening.
I’m going to be honest. I love this design. Something about it reminds me of a stained glass window. I’m so incredibly happy with the way it turned out. This one was painted by the other class I wrote about on Monday.
The third class I painted with chose a Valentine’s Day theme. I was stumped at first. Indecisive on what to do. I wanted it to be fun, but not too mushy or girly. This is what I came up with. It reminds me of a upended bag of elementary school Valentines.
The final canvas of the week is a beach theme. I enjoyed creating something that depicted warm, sunny weather, something we probably won’t see again–after this week’s heat wave–for a few more months. It was while painting with this class that I got one of my all time favorite kid comments: “You know, now that I think about it…knowing how to paint is a pretty important thing.” Ya, know what? It really is.
Let’s all remember that creativity is a skill worth honing in on. I’m so lucky to be able to speak the importance of art into these sweet children’s lives! Have a great weekend!
Amy
by Amy | Jan 29, 2015 | Blog, Devotional, The Art of Faith
If you know me in real life you probably know that of all my activities and goings ons, youth group is one of my favorite. I just love encouraging high schoolers in their walk with Christ. After being away for so long, finally going back to youth group last night was a breath of fresh air. Cold, North Dakotan air…the kind that wakes you up and makes you feel alive inside.
They’ve been studying the fruit of the Spirit. In preparation for our time together last night I read Galatians and dove into some commentary on the book. Galatians is fascinating to me for lots of reasons. I’ll get in to those on another day.
Tonight I really want to share something that I discovered while reading Galatians 5, praying and reading the commentary on it. I’ll share with you, but first take just a moment to read the passage I’m talking about. {Emphasis mine.}
The works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I can wear myself thin with trying. Trying to be nice, to chill out and be peaceful, to harness self control. It’s exhausting. You know what I mean?
Between studying this passage and the amazing message delivered last night from our youth pastor–who I’m honored to consider a friend–God laid a few truths on my heart.
My attention was called to the wording used in these verses. It’s pretty obvious to anyone with 5th grade English under their belt that this passage is a contrast. But examine the words Paul uses to contrast these two lists. {I’ve got them in purple for you.} I could explain the importance of these two words: works and fruit. But my commentary says it so well.
It is significant that the apostle distinguishes between the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Works are produced by human energy. Fruit is grown as a branch abides in the vine {John 15:5}**. They differ as a factory and a garden differ.
Another thing to take notice of, is the plurality of “acts” and “fruit.” Here’s a note on that:
Note that “fruit” is singular, not plural. The Holy Spirit produces one kind of fruit, that is, Christlikeness.
The fruit of the Spirit–all those nice, Christ-like, qualities–they are fruit of the Spirit. Not fruit of my trying. When we accept Christ honestly and truly as our Savior, He–through His Holy Spirit–lives in us. The fruit of the Spirit doesn’t grow as a result of our own efforts, but by the presence of God dwelling inside our very core.
When I asked my small group of teenage girls how these truths made them feel, there was an awkward silence. Then, someone spoke up and said it was kind of a relief. I agree.
It’s not up to me to produce the fruit. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit. He’s living in my and I know He’s up for the task. God just asks that we set our focus on Him, that we love Him with everything we’ve got. When we do that, fruit will start growing naturally.
If you are feeling tired of trying, take a break. Jesus tells that he is a kind master. He is a refreshing drink of living water–not an exhausting run through the dessert. If you’ve ever looked at the fruit of the Spirit passage as a measuring stick of perfection and are frustrated with falling short…stop it. You will fall short. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control stand opposed to the fallen world we live in. Sure, we can do those things, but we can also wear ourselves out on trying. Instead, lock eyes with Jesus and let His amazing Spirit transform you into a garden.
Amy
*Here is a link to the commentary I have. I really like it. {Commentary is a supplement, not a replacement for reading the actual word of God, via the Bible.}
**The full impact of what this quote says lies in understanding the branch/vine analogy Jesus gives in John. See it here.
by Amy | Jan 28, 2015 | Blog, The Art of Adventure
Tonight we are going over the second half of our big, fat, American road trip. Derek and I went across the country on a trip from Minot to Orlando. It was a long haul, but incredibly fun. If you missed our first two stops–check out yesterday’s post.
The third leg of our trip took us from the Kansas City to Memphis, TN. We left Kansas City right after our late lunch at Jack Stack BBQ and drove down to Memphis–only about six hours. We arrived around 10pm and decided that we should put our “tired” aside and venture down to Beale Street. {Which, according to USA Today, is America’s most iconic street.} I mean…how often do we go to Memphis? Besides, we were only spending the one night there. If we were going to take in some live music, it was now or never. It was cold. It was off season. It was late and places were starting to close up. But we went anyway.
The lights were lovely and the live music was even lovelier. We ended up sitting in the B.B. King Blues Club. We heard the last few songs of their house band’s set. So good! {Image below from the BB King Blue’s Club website.}
The following morning, we kept with our musical theme. First we drove past Aretha Franklin’s childhood home. {It’s still there!} Then we hit up the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, to learn about the heart of the Memphis music scene. The museum was interesting, especially for folks with a pulse on the music scene. For me, it was a little hard to pay attention…because there were lots of songs playing from lots of different directions and I had a hard time reading. But that’s probably due to my own sometimes stunted attention span. At any rate, we listened to some great music and looked very hipster doing it.
Then we hit up the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, to learn about the heart of the Memphis music scene. The museum was interesting, especially for folks with a pulse on the music scene. For me, it was a little hard to pay attention…because there were lots of songs playing from lots of different directions and I had a hard time reading. But that’s probably due to my own sometimes stunted attention span. At any rate, we listened to some great music and looked very hipster doing it.
After the museum we ate soul food at the Four Way–which the locals told us was the best around. Indeed it was.
We wrapped up our time in Memphis travels with a swing past Graceland. We didn’t have the time to tour, but we did walk past the home of the king…where I insisted that we each try to dance like Elvis. We gave it our best shot, but I’m pretty sure Elvis would be embarrassed.
The next leg of our trip took us down to New Orleans. Since we were mostly there for a wedding {which I was photographing} we only did the basics. Strolled the French Quarter, ate red beans and rice, coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde.
We also had the second best breakfast of my life at the Ruby Slipper. {The absolute best was the Friendly Toast in Portsmouth.} But, like I said, the main event was the wedding. More of these photos coming soon!
From NOLA, we reached our “final” destination–Montgomery, AL. The main reason for road tripping was the drive to Montgomery, where Derek had to attend a training course. It was a relief to get out of the car for a bit. We stayed in town and out of the car for a full week before packing it back up to head south for the long MLK Day weekend.
We drove down to Pensacola, where we had a lovely dinner at what is perhaps my all-time favorite restaurant–Dharma Blue. Photo below via the Dharma Blue Facebook page.
The following morning we ate breakfast at one of our favorite haunts–Ace’s in Milton, FL {we used to live in Milton.} The food was great…but catching up with our friends who still live in Milton/Pensacola. I love these ladies!
Finally, it was another long haul from Milton down to Orlando! There we got to see another Milton friend and I made all my Harry Potter dreams come true!
Since my back pain was flaring up {maybe all that time in the car had something to do with it…} we decided to take in Universal Studios instead of Islands of Adventure, since there are fewer roller coasters at Studios. Coasters aside, it was amazing!! Oh my. I just don’t even have words. Sure, Universal Studios was fun. But Harry Potter World–Diagon Alley–blew. my. mind. Blown. The butter beer. The Gringott’s dragon that breathes real fire. The shops. The food. Amazing.
Our friend Angel was selected to have Olivander select a wand for her. We ate the best amusement park food I’ve ever had at the Leaky Cauldron. And made a thrilling Escape From Gringotts. {Who knew melding 3D video and a roller coaster could be so fun?!}
Of course the other parts of the park were fun too…but it all really paled in comparison to how great Diagon Alley was.
From Orlando, we trekked back to Montgomery for the duration of the journey. {If you are in Montgomery, you should definitely have some rockin’ Cajun food at Uncle Mick’s and participate in Trivia Night at the Irish Bred Pub–get the Irish Mac ‘n’ Cheese while you’re there.}
We had an awesome time…but after all that travel it’s been really nice to be back home, back in a routine. I’m sure this is just one in many, many adventures that 2015 will bring.
