i'm coming out {seven} dots and stars

{one} {two} {three} {four} {five} {six}

source

i think i've said this so many times before, and yet, it's worth saying again. our society only credits those who are beautiful. beautiful meaning megan fox or miley or lindsay. and the only thing we want is to get rid of them. the media has created an image that you must be skinny, dress half-naked, and preferably not a virgin to be beautiful. and the normal people who aren't like that; the ones that are normal size or overweight, the ones that dress heavily so no one sees their flaws, the ones who don't want to give away their bodies for no reason at all - they put them down.

i was reading this book to my sister the other night. a book where people were constantly labeling themselves. the outgoing, talented people always got stars. and the quiet, shy and clumsy people always got dots. in a way, the media is the giving out the stars and the dots. and giving them all to the same people.

and we always get the dots. it sucks, doesn't it? the obvious favoritism they give. they don't even give us a chance, because the beautiful people deserve the spotlight. and all we are to them is just ugly. the hunchback of a modern notre dame.

Eli stooped down and picked him up and set him on the bench. "Hmm," the maker spoke thoughtfully as he looked at the gray dots. "Looks like you've been given some bad marks."
"I didn't mean to, Eli. I tried really hard."
"Oh, you don't have to defend yourself to me, child. I don't care what the other Wemmicks think."
"You don't?"
"No, and you shouldn't either. Who are they to give stars or dots? They're Wemmicks just like you. What they think doesn't matter, Punchinello. All that matters is what I think. and I think you are pretty special." 

and we even go through life labeling people. stars for the witty. dots for the same. we've stooped down to a level that we constantly swear against. and we don't even know that we're participating in the bullying ourselves.

"The stickers only stick if they matter to you. The more you trust my love, the less you care about their stickers."
we are even judged by others. given dots for the obvious charm. dots for the blame of another's wrongdoing. and we're so ashamed that we can't even stand up for ourselves, when there are others out their who need standing up for, too.

"Remember," Eli said as the Wemmick walked out the door, "you are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes."
Punchinello didn't stop, but in his heart he thought, I think he really means it. And when he did, a dot fell to the ground. 

from You are Special, by Max Lucado

who are we to judge? to be judged? God made us beautiful in our own way. he doesn't give dots or stars. he made us to be stars. it's by our own convictions that we have dots encased around our bodies. but we are made to shine before others. wouldn't it be wonderful literally have a glow about you as you walked? a craftsman's signature. it's God saying you are special. 

so who are you going to become? 

-kiss kiss kiss, hug cardstock-

{pea ess: right, so um, five days to project launch. look for a sneak peek at megan's blog soon!}

{postscriptive the second: thanks for all the feedback on yesterday's post! glad to see what you guys were saying.}

how-to // better your blog

going about writing this post is going to be a challenge. i cannot deny this, and therefore i am saying it upfront. so, here it is. 
i've read so many blog series//tutorials on how to better your blog. how you should do this, and most definitely not do that, and how in such amount of time you should have this many followers and that many comments and everything will be lovely-happy and hunky-dory. it has worked for some bloggers, i know, but with others, the icing just doesn't turn out to be the right consistency. i'm going to list those things they everyone's heard millions of times and it may not sound very refreshing to you, but you could say they matter. just a little bit. 

the number one thing i want you do to before you go any further is to ask yourself what you want to do with your blog. why you blog. what things you want to achieve. it can be anything. more followers, comments, don't be ashamed. as a matter of fact, just write that down in the comment box right now, because i want to know, too. 

now that you've written that down, keep reading. i understand that you get your inspiration from the really popular blogs. i understand that you often get frustrated with them because everything they touch seems to turn to gold and they travel everywhere and bake exotic dishes constantly and the whole nine yards. but know this, they have come from where you are right now. atleast, most of them have. but know this also, some of them forget where they were and get caught up in the interweb stardom and such. if you continue your blog and eventually get to that point where you are as popular {or more} as them, don't forget who you are, and don't forget where you came from. random photo time: 

and also, get off of the computer and do something else. eat a candy necklace. play with your sister. put away your clean laundry. cook dinner for your mom. don't sit at your blog with dissatisfaction because this isn't right or you wrote something in a way you didn't intend for it to be read. do something you naturally do. because this is key to blogging: be yourself. there's nothing wrong with being inspired on what's around you, but the ultimate goal is to sit down at the end of the day and look at your reflection and just know that you did well. that you are happy with yourself.

megan and i were just talking about this today: don't hide your life and imperfections. please. post your flaws. your photography that may not be the greatest. your nerdy quirks and habits that you can't seem to get rid of. that thing that makes you who you are? i want to know. don't think that just because not everyone does it doesn't mean you can't. do it. i dare you.

we are now getting to the part that you don't want to read. i know you've heard these things a thousand times. i have, too. but my mom says to listen even if you don't want to, because you may finally find what you're looking for, just not in the package you expected it in. so, here we go. 

1. blog design. keep it simple. easy to follow. all white backgrounds are nice, i am partial to patterned ones, and if you want one, keep the colors light. a clean palette is relaxing and will keep people come back to just air out. easy-to-read font, neat sidebar and pages, and preferably no colored fonts either. sometimes those can distract your reader for all the wrong reasons. 
2. emphasis. ever looked at my older posts? go take a look. notice how i have run-on post titles and lots of all caps sentences. yes, i was just trying to make a point. BUT THIS IS QUITE STARTLING SOMETIMES, ISN'T IT? instead, try some italics. bold and beautiful. flows alot easier, and doesn't, frankly, freak out your reader. i've read some blogs that do the all caps bit constantly, and though i know they're trying to make a point, sometimes a point just doesn't carry over very well. 
3. photography. don't be afraid to use your own. even if you're not that good, educate yourself. study up on iso and aperture and all. i know i am. if you don't want to use your own photos, or if you don't have a camera {which i highly doubt} be sure to credit the photos you use. and by credit, not tumblr of weheartit. on pinterest, i find that the original sources are usually with the photo. if you can't find the source, don't use it. simple as that. i'm guilty of doing such, i must say, but now i try as best i can not to. 
4. followers/comments. don't strive just to be popular. i've tried blogging solely for that purpose. has it worked? no. and the blog has long since been deleted. good things come to those who wait. be patient. and if you find it hard to be patient, get off the computer and exercise. Lord knows we need it. for commenting, don't go to people's blogs saying you love theirs and think it'd be great if they followed yours. you can leave a link at the end of your comment, but don't advertise yourself and/or giveaway, because then you'll come across as desperate. some are, but don't be. 
5. be yourself. i cannot stress that enough. please post about the things you love. you don't love. are growing to love. the latest food you tried. your new novel idea. your favorite character from the hunger games {peeta}. why fuzzy socks are better than normal ones. do what you usually do. treat your blog like your mom's coming over for dinner. it doesn't have to be perfect. don't plaster on a smile and bear the pain. it's your mom. act the way you always do. i beg of you. 

i ask this: why do you read my blog? what attracts you to it//what would you have me change if you wanted me to change anything? be honest, nothing will be left unread. then go to your blog and start improving. followers and comments are just an extra smile to keep you going. they're not everything, even if they are something.

anything i forgot? something to add? please. spill. 

and now, i must eat. biscuits are telepathically calling my name. 

-kiss kiss kiss, hug rolling stones-

{pea ess: one week until project launch. someone pinch me now.}

summers of a different state.

being from texas, summers are something that aren't really desired. no matter what maneuvers you attempt to make yourself cool, the sun can find its way into crooks and crevices that you didn't know existed. however, summer isn't all bad. michigan summers carry endless breezes and picnics by the lake. maybe a drive-in movie or two, and millions of stars that are your path at nighttime. it's been awhile since i went to michigan. grandma sugar used to own a summer house there, but she sold it and bought a home two blocks from us so she could visit whenever she pleased. i adore the fact that she comes to texas for a few weeks at a time, and yet simultaneously i miss the times the family spent up north.

but today, i am all about california summers. it's constantly sunny. though the day temperature is warm, you get the privilege of wearing a sweater at night, something us texans would kill for. fresh fruits and growing succulents and transparent waters of zuma beach are permanently etched into my head from the august trip up there. i find myself missing the different smells and foods, and i always dream about going there again.

i'm not usually one for gushing about summer during the winter months, but today, i think we can make an exception.

in the bleak midwinter

with brown leaves made red by the sunset

blankets are wrapped around wandering souls

in the warmth of her home

she dreams of swaying palm trees 

and long drives in the country

of drive-in movies

and light sweaters

and the only explantation would be

that under her love for the cold 

she longs for the summers

summers of a different state.

-kiss kiss kiss, hug cantabile-

{pea ess: free blog design, anyone? i'm feeling a designy-vibe. first person to comment saying they want a design for their blog gets it.} 

{pea pea ess: the hunger games is ready for pick-up at my local library. i am preparing myself for amazement.}

hi, i'm happy.

joy: guess what, sister? my blog has 300 followers too! and it's called the cupcake dictionary too!

me: why is it called cupcake dictionary?
joy: because i couldn't think of any name for a blog except cupcake dictionary.
me: that's pretty cool!

i got a fluttery feeling in my stomach when i realized the number 300 was on my dashboard. it's been a year of cupcakes and dictionaries and other miscellaneous ramblings. and over 300 of you have tagged along for the ride. i had no idea i was going to make it this far, and now that i did, i would like to say thank you in a very special way. -insert le giveaway-

the first prize is this lovely seamstress necklace donated by kelsey!
{etsy} {blog} 

the second prize is this 12-count set of valentine's day cards from hayley!
{blog} {twitter}

the third prize are these adorable earrings from emily!
{etsy} {blog}

the fourth prize is this positively amazing vintage clock necklace from gracie!

{blog}


the fifth and final prize is this beyond lovely purple headband from ryan!
{blog} {twitter}

{how to enter}:
[one comment for each entry]
mandatory: comment telling me what your favorite thing about cupcakes is!
mandatory: be a GFC follower of this blog. {google friend connect - the regular follower box on the sidebar}

{extras}:
visit each etsy shop and comment telling me what your favorite item is! [1 entry per shop]
heart each etsy shop [1 entry per heart]
add each etsy shop to your circle [1 entry per addition]
blog, facebook, or tweet about this giveaway and comment giving me the link! [2 entries - comment twice]
follow kelsey's blog [1 entry]
follow hayley's blog [1 entry]
follow emily's blog [1 entry]
follow me on twitter [1 entry]
follow hayley on twitter [1 entry]
follow gracie's blog [1 entry]
follow ryan's blog [1 entry]
follow ryan on twitter [1 entry]
don't wanna wait? buy something from kelsey's shop! use this CUPCAKE20 coupon code to get 20% off! [10 entries - comment 10 times]

{the entries will close a week from today. giveaway is open to US readers only!!}

it's been a year. a whole year. i've hit the publish button 438 times since january 26th, 2011. i didn't know cupcake dictionary was going to be this big. i think i only stayed with this blog long enough because i asked God to keep me dedicated to it. goes to show that His plans are amazing, no? thank you all from the very bottom {and top} of my heart. truly. it's a privilege to be writing everyday to you guys, whether you're from texas or even brazil. i love each and every one of you and i wish you all a cupcake fiesta!

-kiss kiss kiss, hug 8tracks-

dear boys, iii

dear elvis, 

you have the softest skin in the world.

please tell your secret, 

desperate.

dear stalker,

i'm pretty sure you liking me is illegal. and speaking of which, i really don't like you. i like your one year-old brother, though! in fact, i love him. burn.
about to get a restraining order,

go home.

dear meathead + mr. arrogant,
i don't know what possessed my swim coach to put me in a lane with you, but needless to say it was the time of my life. in a bad way. today, i am bringing cast iron skillets to swim practice and getting my rapunzel on. you better call in sick.
so-not-kidding,
i am going to get you one day.

dear jared,
your face is out of whack. but apparently it's only like that on tuesdays and thursdays?? i like your face alot better on sundays, mondays, wednesdays, fridays, and saturdays. just my opinion. you can do whatever floats your boat. as long as it's not the titanic.
i'm not trying to be offensive,
but it's true.

dear noah,
for future reference, there are 50 states total, including alaska and hawaii. not 52. although, you're not the only one who is confused, i know someone who once said that there were 57 states in the U.S. and that hawaii was apart of asia. awkward for him.
don't feel that bad {but coach calling you "dough-brain" was pretty funny},
but i'd still read up on U.S. history if i were you.

dear eli,
if that hunky-dory gorgeous canon rebel t3i is yours, i propose a collaboration. me/you take the photos, i let you edit them on my macbook. and then we could possibly sell them on etsy. isn't that such a good idea? so see? we both win! {and no, i don't have a crush on you anymore, and yes, i actually know how to use a camera. how stupid do you think i am?}
sincerely,
potential photography partner.

dear jack sparrow,
your accent is incredibly attractive. i find myself gushing constantly.
please never stop talking,
the gusher that doesn't stop gushing.

dear peter/william,
you too.
love,
your wife.

cupcakes:
source
-kiss kiss kiss, hug ice cream rail-
{pea ess: tomorrow is cupcake dictionary's one year blogaversary. ohmygoshbubbles.}

early bedtime

when a 10th grader finds a childish and very imaginative poem in her anthology of various writings, she has the incessant need to post it on her blog. so, yeah.

the plumpuppets - christopher morley
when little heads weary have gone to their bed,
when all the good night and the prayers have been said,

of all the good fairies that send bairns to rest

the little plumpuppets are those i love best.

if your pillow is lumpy, or hot, thin, and flat,
the little plumpuppets know just what they're at:
they plump up the pillow, all soft, cool, and fat--
the little plumpuppets plump-up it!

the little plumpuppets are fairies of beds;
they have nothing to do but to watch sleepyheads;
they turn down the sheets and they tuck you in tight,
and they dance on your pillow to wish you good night!

no matter what troubles have bothered the day,
though your doll broke her arm or the pup ran away;
though your handies are black with the ink that was spilt--
plumpuppets are waiting in blanket and quilt.

if your pillow is lumpy, or hot, thin, and flat,
the little plumpuppets know just what they're at:
they plump up the pillow, all soft, cool, and fat--
the little plumpuppets plump-up it!

source
night night.

-kiss kiss kiss, hug tassles-
{pea ess: mister inspiration is on vacation, i apologize.}

iridescent

unfortunately, my life makes me cry sometimes. because sometimes, everything that i am carrying hurts my shoulders too much. in an effort to make somethings better, a few words can make it worse. i thought it was going to do well today. i think i did pretty well. but my hopes were torn down, and what he doesn't realize is it's more than wanting to or not. i know you can't understand most of what i'm saying, but it doesn't matter, because i'm going to let it go. 

source

do you feel cold and lost in desperation? 

you build up hope but failure's all you've known

remember all the sadness and frustration

because sometimes, boys are stupid. girls are bored. sometimes we choke underwater and sometimes there's no way to save yourself. sometimes our authorities get mad at us and we cry. sometimes best laid plans don't go smoothly. sometimes cake is burned, dishes aren't washed, and we grumble. assumptions are mae, hot words are said, and doors slam. but you know what? we don't have to hold that against ourselves, because God's there to take the weight off our shoulders.

remember all the sadness and frustration

and let it go. let it go.

today, i finally ordered all the books i wanted to read from the library {hunger games, the fault in our stars, etc}. project planning is going a bit differently than expected, but all is still well. when i'm sad i am going to smile anyway; start following my own advice.

currently:: iridescent // safe & sound
-kiss kiss kiss, hug pom~pom-
{pea ess: alot of this was in reference to my swim meet.}

there's always a first time

the night before a swim meet holds many emotions. atleast, it does for me. there is such a rush of adrenaline, and i cannot begin to write down the words for all the things i experience in routine. last night, i nestled in bed after spending time with mommy, and and opened up the first of the original elsie dinsmore series. i'd finished an agatha christie novel the night before, and i was searching for something new to read. i hadn't read the original elsie's before, so now was as good a time as any. 

i try not to think of the day ahead. but when you're told not to think about something, you automatically think about it. it doesn't work. i finally set down the novel and cower under the covers, hoping no one will see me the following morning. i immediately fall asleep, and the find myself awake again at one 'o' clock in the morning. unfortunately, this happens when i am nervous. i awake every hour, counting how many more i have until the moment comes when i must stumble out of bed and get ready for the hours ahead. this continues until eight 'o' clock. and so it begins.

my first swim meet of 2012 was held today. i do swim again tomorrow, but for now, i'll live in the moment. it wasn't necessarily a good start to things, but as time goes on i am hoping that won't always be the case. right now i am sitting at my newly organized school desk. the golden hour will be upon us soon, oh comely mag's playlist is sounding in the background, and i'm thinking of baking some apple crisp. good-day, everyone.

-kiss kiss kiss, hug the parka-

{pea ess: i can't let go of these. i'll probably alternate between this and postscriptives, but this is a little quirk that i just can't seem to leave in the dark, you know? i apologize if i disappointed some of you, i do not mean to offend anyone in the littlest possible way.}

{pea pea ess: giveaways. projects. blackout newspaper poems. oh my! :)}

in my sleep

source

imagine yourself in a house that looks like that of your grandmother's. only your best friends live inside. imagine a sunroom and an upstairs full of games. the air is somewhat foggy, but adds to the beauty.

would you like some macarons? and suddenly in front of you is a small box. four spheres layered with various fillings are inside. each a different color. any color you like. and so i take a bite. and so do my three best friends, who are there with me. it sinks into our teeth and the sweetness makes our eyelashes flutter.

mmm... we devour them quickly instead of cherishing that every bite that we probably should have. and then we walk downstairs and retreat to the sunroom. you see, i've had macarons before, as a birthday gift from my aunt in california. they were dark and decadent and sprinkled with edible gold. i have a thing for foreign foods. there's something about eating them that makes me feel so exotic. like i'm in a euphoria of flavors and spices.

last night this is what i dreamed of. after the sunroom we went into the adjoining bedroom and sat on the navy-striped comforter looking through parisian perfume bottles and boxes full of charms. probably the best dream i've had in a long time.

what dreams have you been having recently?
-kiss kiss kiss, hug a clamp-

{postscriptive: today i got a comment requesting that i not do "pee ess" anymore, because it sounded a bit immature + you guys already know what p.s. sounds like. so, turn your attention to the sidebar where i have made a poll to keep or not keep "pee ess" and for now, i'll be doing "postscriptives" which happen to sound really cool.}

{post postscriptive: the giveaways are coming soon! being excited! :)}
{pee ess: i'm sorry, i just can't stop doing these. it may sound weird, and kind of gross, but i like them. if you don't, then le sigh. it's just a little quirk of mine. also, the "pee ess" wasn't exactly my idea. i originally saw it on olivia's blog and kind of liked it. so, why not? i'm off to eat, because i'm starving.}

just little things {49-71}

049. opening your book to the exact page you wanted to. 

050. falling asleep and waking up to the sound of rain.

051. dreaming of the one you love most.

052. an afternoon of alone time.

053. realizing you were right all along. 

054. when you see someone wearing the exact same t-shirt as you.

055. reading by flashlight in the middle of the night.

056. perfecting a recipe the first time you tried it. 
057. the smell of clean linens.
058. wearing new socks for the first time. 
059. waking up with the sun. 
060. walking into the craft store and taking a deep breath.
061. dancing with your siblings.
062. pulling out clothes for the winter season.
063. a baby's smile.
064. watching the moon rise.
065. when your favorite song comes on the radio. 
066. finding something from your childhood.
067. finding a new artist.
068. listening to your dad tell your favorite bedtime story to your younger sibling.
069. when the wind blows your hair back. 
070. watching your grandparents reminisce on the porch. 
071. french boys blushing.

there's a draft in the house. mommy is frantically running about trying to find it, sweeping up every blanket she comes across along the way, wrapping it around herself and shivering in a comedic, overly-dramatic manner. today was my favorite breakfast: waffles and bacon and your choice of milk // orange juice. i chose milk today. i am in a way, procrastinating. i should be reading oliver twist. but instead, i am looking for romantic poems, and pondering on what it would be like if i wrote a book, in which french boys blushed too. because they do. 

source

have a cupcake. 

-kiss kiss kiss, hug chevron-

{pee ess: ryan, send me your email in a comment and we'll talk about this giveaway. it won't let me comment on your blog and it's driving me absolutely bozonkers. <<new word.}

innovation

 

i've had a fairly large shortage of inspiration lately. like i'm the last person to think of something good. the last few days have been rather busy, and i do believe this is the first time in a long time that i've been able to just sit down and figure out what's going to happen next. 

 it is nearly ten minutes after a bacon + eggs breakfast. there is pride & prejudice for schooltime and i can't seem to stop thinking about my swim meet this weekend. i am taking this opportunity to listen to peaceful, passionate music. hear.

i have come to realize that innovation--inspiration comes when you least expect it. it doesn't like being sought after by a sword, or a hatchet. when you need it, it is quiet, and when you don't, it just won't seem to stop talking. in some cases, this is not a good thing. but it my case, why not? i will take all that is thrown out of me and i will make something out of it. the sky is not the limit, it's just one atmosphere. and of course, there are many more than one. 

on inspiration: “Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow'.” -Mary Ann Radmacher

"When all think alike, then no one is thinking." -Walter Lippman

"Creativity, as has been said, consists largely of rearranging what we know in order to find out what we do not know. Hence, to think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted." -George Kneller

-kiss kiss kiss, hug the webster-

{pee ess: one until 300 follower giveaway. [EDIT: zero. thank you all so much. my stomach is fluttering quite fastly.] i already have a prized lined up. also, you should be stoked for le project launching.}

{pee pee ess: i think the blog is fixed, somewhat. thank you, janis!}

{pee pee pee ess: i'm still listening to Christmas music. before you protest, it is, after all, winter at the moment. le burn, and der der le fler.}

a true story.

source

-mommy and i relaxing after dinner-

mommy: you know, jocelyn, for awhile i never thought i'd be able to become a mother. 

me: why?

mommy: because i wasn't about to share the chocolate cake batter!

the sad thing is: she still doesn't share it. 
have a lovely sunday, you guys.
-kiss kiss kiss, hug tie-dye-
{pee ess: dear blog, fix yourself. the wide-tooth gap in between paragraphs -sort of paragraphs- is making me nervous. in other news, harrison ford has an earring.}

on that note

today, all i want is to go to the counter. {<<best burgers in the whole universal scope of things}

on that note, i'd better get a plane ticket to california. 

today, all i want are my embroidery hoops.

on that note, i'd better call a team of professionals to help me look for them.

today, all i want is snow. 

on that note, i'd better move to antarctica. 

today, all i want is sugar cookies. 

on that note, i'd better go to the kitchen and make them. 

and on that note, i think i will. 

source

-kiss kiss kiss, hug meringue-

le happy

fig and fauna
rice pudding
agatha christie
crafting with mason jars
wedding planning
old beatles albums
expecting brave
vintage recipe cards
downton abbey
photos from the zoo
vivid blue skies
the weekend
secret projects
future giveaways
no more sickness
photos hanging from trees
dreaming of the woods
list-making
new library books
big box of hot chocolate
oval-shaped canvas
sunrise
white pianos
-kiss kiss kiss, hug dixie cups-
{pee ess: yes, i'm planning my wedding. the groom is none other than anon y. mous. as you can see, i like planning ahead.}
{pee pee ess: 13 days until the first blogaversary. also, let's turn 297 into 300.}
{pee pee pee ess: you guys should be really excited for this project.}

laugh lines

source

i laugh. long, hard, and often. to the point where my stomach hurts. to the point where my heart is in my throat. i make people laugh. long, hard, and often. to the point where they can't breathe and are begging, saying no more! no more! you'll kill me! we enjoy laughing. we live by it. 

but there are some who i know of, who just snicker. who just chuckle. some who just nod their heads as everyone else guffaws without shame. and i ask them why, and they reply with i don't want to get laugh lines. for the past few weeks, this has begin to hit me really hard. they want to preserve their physical being, and yet to do that they are willing to sacrifice a gift that God has given them? 

how can you go through life without smiling? without praising something. without giving a genuine compliment. you don't smile as a teenager. as an adult. as a married woman. as a grandmother. how can you not express your joy? this physical body that we have, that's just the outer layer. we are a spirit. we possess a soul, we have a body, and that body eventually fades away. 

i cannot begin to dream of a life without laughter. because the only thing i see without laughter is sadness. depression. and eventually, your face forms itself into a frown. all because you don't want to become ugly. but our body, our skin, it sheds. we don't live in this temple forever. 

so i embrace my laugh lines. i cherish the inside jokes, the girlish giggles, stumbling around with your best friend, roaring and telling the whole world that this is the way to live! we laugh. we love. i once saw my laugh lines and was disgusted. but now, when i look in the mirror, i laugh some more. 

this is me adding laughter into my composition. what will you laugh about?

-kiss kiss kiss, hug kanga and roo-{pee ess: today is my grandma sugar's birthday. i'm not allowed to tell you her age, but still. sing her happy birthday. virtually.}

cupcakeing, v.4

v.1, v.2, v.3

or, i will be forced to do it for you. 

-kiss kiss kiss, hug the main sail-

i'm coming out {six} just another one of those girls

{one} {two} {three} {four} {five}

source

i think it's obvious that we all eventually want to end up like this. but, how exactly? with who? that's the hard part. there's a difference between infatuation and admiration. infatuation is something that is short-lived and passionate. whereas, admiration is a respect for someone. and yet commitment is higher than both of these. 

over the past few weeks, i think i've developed a crush on tim tebow. but, as it may happen, this is somewhat of a different crush. forget the fact that tim and i are both left-handed. forget the fact that tim and i are both homeschoolers {and proud}. we are both active believers. he praises the Lord no matter what. and for me, i just can't off and say that i have a crush on tim tebow. it's a little bit more complicated than that. 

he is a Godly man. he is focused. he doesn't run off and date some random girl and then break it off just because he was done with that one. no, he has purpose. and i have purpose as well. my mom was speaking of it in the car on the way home from church: whoever tim tebow is going to marry in the next few years, she is going to be one lucky, happy girl. what, mom? you speak of it as if it can't be me? and i'm ashamed of myself for thinking something like this. i don't even know why i'm telling you guys this. 

with tim tebow, you can't jut have a crush. because tim is different. he stands out. for obvious reasons. because he is purposeful don't you have to be purposeful, too? purposeful is not walking around half-naked hanging around every guy you see. purposeful is focused. it's attentive. purposeful, in my mom's way of saying it, is walking up to tim tebow in a bridal gown. because even though you may not be the girl he's going to marry, atleast you have the right intentions. 

i'll admit it. yes, tim tebow has the same qualities that i want in my future husband. one in love with God. two submitted to authority. parents, pastor, and other figures of such. and the others aren't necessarily important, because they have to do with the physical aspect of things. 

i remember when my grandma was looking for second homes here in texas. we found one not even a block away from us. it was ideal, in great shape, and just in her price range. but we didn't get it. sure, we were upset, but didn't that mean that there was something better out there? just because we don't get the guy we want, that doesn't mean we have to throw a fit and swear off guys. because doesn't that mean that God has something better for us?

i was going to post something different today. i can't even remember what. i've been having a shortage of inspiration, but when this came to mind i just couldn't pass it up. i don't want to be just another one of those girls that wears daisy dukes in winter and allows herself to be handled by who-knows what type of guy. i can't be just another one of those girls who has a crush on tim tebow just because he's good looking. i have to have purpose in this. because, after all, he does. 

-kiss kiss kiss, hug a bobby pin- or a sally pin 

{pee ess: two followers to 300 follower giveaway. oh lip gloss this is going to be good.}

clever old forest

have you ever seen trees dancing;

growing rapidly in the forest,

wine flowing in a river;

by a courtyard where people are stone?

christmas ornaments growing on trees,

in a box in a sitting room;

weren't you paying attention?

what do they teach you in school these days?

trees hatching and walking,

growing by the second... literally,

disguising themselves as buildings;

always winter and never christmas

sinister stories of a white woman

wooden people called king and queen

the doctor can not turn them off

her reign is ending

a boy and a girl with a father for a pilot;

their mother lied and said he'd be home for christmas,

but not this time says the doctor;

the little girl who hid in a wardrobe

the mother's mind is controlling the vessel;

the winter is melting into spring,

she asks the caretaker if it hurts,

one of the four is gone astray

"goodbye my love goodbye" she cries;

the great river has melted, they're going to meet aslan,

they watched their daddy die,

a soft piano ballad plays in the background

they're trained for battle... they're to be kings and queens;

the caretaker told them to come and look

they fought the white witch,

and the widow's husband followed her home

so the pevensie's became rulers of narnia

and madge arwell and children got the man of the house back

the trees danced again... and winter came but with always christmas

and the doctor our caretaker went on his journeys

the doctor shows madge what the police box does

though she wishes he could stay for christmas

he kisses her cheek and he tells her to make a wish

oh how he loves that clever old forest. 

if you're completely clueless then i'm afraid you'll have to watch the latest doctor who Christmas special, as well as the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. oh what a cruel punishment, i tell you.
but for you narnians and whovians, then please join amy, rory, the doctor and i for a two-week late Christmas dinner. yes, we'd love to have you.
for the rest of you, life is a peach, isn't it? no, sundays don't have to make sense either, in regards to the last post.
source
so, have a vintage, and a vintager.
-kiss kiss kiss, take the polaroid-

saturdays don't have to make sense

today is one of those days, where i feel like disney pixar and doctor who marathons are in order. in which pound cake must be consumed with a mug full of hot tea, and fuzzy socks must be worn. in which lists must be made, in which the record player must be played, and a menagerie of daydreams will ensue.
in other news, i was awarded twice, by two very lovely people {maddy-darling and gracy-dearheart}. saturdays don't have to make sense, so why not?



//. Name your favorite song.
"someone like you" - adele//. Favorite Dessert
cupcakes//. What makes you angry
preston and anthony, but that's a whole different story.//. When your upset
i write.//. What's your favorite pet
aslan. seriously.//. Black or White
in photo form, both.//. Biggest fear
butterflies.//. Everyday attitude 
the sun is shining, the tank is clean.//. What is perfection
peter pevensie/jack sparrow//. Guilty pleasure
guilty? i beg to differ. cupcakes.
seven random bits://. i love the way a needle moves on my record player.//. i think this person is awesome.//. and this one.//. i'm too lazy to take down my birthday party decorations.//. for the first time yesterday, i made it to my "tumblr daily post limit."//. and i think that's silly.//. i'm in love with the new anthropologie catalog, and i'm going to circle everything that i want now.
and yes, the seven random bits count for both tags. and so, i tag whoever pleases to be, and because saturdays don't have to make sense:sourcehave an elk, why don't you?-kiss kiss kiss, hug the elk-

dear soldier,

written on Christmas Eve, 2011.

dear soldier, 

Merry Christmas. wherever you are, whether or not you're with your family, whether or not you have any family at all, know that you are loved and thought of by me, and lots of other people in the world. i don't know what inspired you to be a soldier. maybe you saw what happened on 9/11 personally. maybe one of your loved one was a victim. maybe it just looked cool to you and you decided to do it. there are so many possibilities. and we're glad you chose one.

i bet it's hard getting up at some crazy hour in the morning. heck, i can't even get up at seven! much less get up at five, or four. we all want to sleep in. to rest. for that one person to get off our case. and yet you persevere, and see and go through things that would kill any other person to even think of. i expect that's before battle.

you have to leave your family and your friends, and possibly leave the country, and serve for its own good because we are the land of the free and the home of the brave. you want to stand true to those words, i understand. at least, i hope i do.

i've seen quite alot of you around. on planes, at camp, i even saw one of you in hobby lobby the other day. probably one of the most precious moments of my life. that under the camouflage and boots you are a genuine person. you have feelings, you have ideals, just like the rest of us. and yet you've been in difficult situations. the most difficult, i guess.

i bet you pay attention to the little things more, now that you've seen they can be gone in an instant. the way toddlers cling to their mother's legs. a trait that is passed down from one minute to the next. when someone is buying the same thing you are. when your favorite song comes on the radio. i bet you learn to cherish those things. so immensely that not even the biggest circumstance could force you to let them go. i admire you for that.

as i finish this letter, Christmas is over. New Year's has passed even. i'm not very good on my dates, i must say. but, dear soldier, who ever you are, wherever you are, whether boy or girl, thank you, from the very bottom of my heart. i hope you come across this at the right time. and i also hope you like virtual cupcakes, because:

source

i daresay these look quite good. i can even smell them! oh wait. that's my cupcake candle.

love, jocelyn.

-kiss kiss kiss, hug an 8-track-

just little things {26-48}

{1-25}
026. the smell of a bookstore.

027. the way hot tea warms your nose.

028. blowing bubbles with little children.

029. when your grandparents tell stories from their time.

030. black + white photos.

031. the sound of the wind just outside your window.

032. brand new notebooks.

033. holding a toddler's hand.

034. perfectly curled eyelashes.

035. watching soundless movies.
036. the feeling of a camera in your hands.
037. a new pack of sharpies.
038. teenage photos of your parents.
039. finally spotting your loved one at the airport.
040. seeing a soldier reunite with his family.
041. the lingering smell of scented candles
042. hearing your crush laugh.
043. milk mustaches.
044. when you see him playing with little kids.
045. catching a firefly on your first try.
046. when you find out your favorite actress is starring in a new movie.
047. seeing a herbie on the highway.
048. the burst of heat when you take cupcakes out of the oven.
speaking of cupcakes:
source
drool.
-kiss kiss kiss, hug a wardrobe-

birds of a feather

i was snooping around online, looking for some Christmas present inspiration. i don't know how how i came about to find it, but needless to say, i found my muse.

each feather has a story. the first one signifies the blending of colors. the second gives a sense of how different the colors can be. the third shows off the dark shades of a feather. the fourth showcases autumn. and the fifth is my definition of what the world looks like during a sunrise. wrapped up and given to grandma. judging by her dramatic expression and very big kiss on the cheek, i think she liked it. 

source

we flock together.

number nine of sixteen before sixteen: complete.

-kiss kiss kiss, hug a jukebox-

{pee ess: this project is going to be so good.}

{pee pee ess: eight away from 300 follower giveaway. yes.}

resonate

"there are some things that don't necessarily have to be spoken with words. photography, paintings, music, fashion. notice how they make a statement without the need for verbal communication. just one look, and a whole world can be exposed to you, without the drawing of a single breath. this, my friend, is what i call resonation." -me

sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

no words. just the things besides. what immediately pops into your head when you see them? what thoughts register?

this is my resonation. it's your turn to tell me yours. 

-kiss kiss kiss, hug a cobbler-

{pee ess: there's an exciting project of mine and a few other ladies going underway... be excited!}

{pee pee ess: 300 follower giveaway. let's get there soon :)}