what's in a name? | guest post by jessica

Hello, my name is Jess. And for some odd reason, it's taken me forever to claim my name as my own.

It's not that I'm picky about nicknames (although to this day, there's only one person I let call me 'Jessy'). It's just that I always introduce myself as Jessica, have always thought of myself as Jessica, regardless of the fact that no one ever calls me that for long. It's like they somehow know (after exchanging very few words with me) that the simplicity and familiarity of four letters suits me better than seven.

Sometimes, I wonder if my mother knew that that's what would happen when she gave me my name, the first time she held me nearly twenty years ago. Other times, I wonder if I would be a different person, had she decided to call me someone else.

What's in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
But anyway. I digress.

Lately, I've been thinking about the value that is found in what people spend your entire life calling you. Growing up, I always wanted to go by something more unique than the name I shared with millions of other girls. So I stole my mother's baby name book off the shelf and wrote out a list of my favorite, exotic names. I decided in my heart that someday I would travel the world, and give myself a different moniker everywhere I went.

Now that I'm older, though, I have learned the value of my name. Jessica Lynn. "He beholds beauty." And somehow, I think Shakespeare was wrong to say that a rose would still be sweet if it were called by another name. I think we call it a rose because of it's fragrance, its softness, its beauty. And I think that our names, in at least a small way, shape us into who we are.

Hello, my name is Jess. What's yours?
--

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BLOG. TWITTER. TUMBLR. INSTAGRAM.

gemstones | guest post by jenn

When my older sister turned 16, my parents bought her a ring--an emerald ring, since she's always been in love with that color.  I remember as my mom tried to pick out just the right one, looking at the shape, design, size, and mostly, the color.  You see, there was a significant difference in color between lab-created emeralds and true emeralds.  The fake ones were gorgeous, quite frankly--the color was deep and rich and flawless.  The real ones, on the other hand, were a little lighter in color, often with little flecks of light reflecting subtle impurities in the stone.  In ways, it really didn't seem quite as pretty.

But it was worth so much more.

My sister's favorite color may always be that deeper, richer green, but she has never regretted getting a real emerald ring, imperfections and all.

I want to be like a gemstone, a real one.  A fake one may be prettier, more perfect, may draw the attention or admiration of more, may seem like the better choice between the two.  But what is the point, if all of it is fake?  A real person has struggles as well as triumphs, weaknesses as well as strengths, as a part of what makes them who they are.  The real life versus the fake one is almost guaranteed to be messy, painful, imperfect, and not always the prettiest to look at.  But it is worth so much more.  It is genuine, it is honest, and that in itself makes it more beautiful than the hastily smoothed-over surface of a fake one could ever be.

I got a ring for my 16th birthday, too.  It's an aquamarine--a real one, so it's very light and sometimes people confuse it for a diamond.  But it hasn't left my hand for two and a half years, and to me it's much more beautiful than a fake turquoise stone could ever be.  Just as a real, heartfelt, genuine, feeling, honest, true person is so much more beautiful to me than anyone trying to fake it.

And isn't it interesting that, in the end, gemstones are just rocks that have undergone a lot of pressure?

I like to make people laugh. Books get me, and I obsess over musicals. I love Jesus and life and people and theatre and deep philosophical conversations and being ridiculous. I'm Jennoelle, but you can call me Jenn.  Come visit me at UO!

also: twitter | tumblr | instagram

how to waste your life by johanna grace

 + Lock yourself away, so that you never see the light of day or the dark of night.
 + Avoid contact with other humans at all cost. You never know what sort of germs they might have.
 + Don't exercise too much because you'll mess up your joints.
 + Don't ever fall in love, because it will break your heart.
 + Try not to be afraid of anything, because that causes stress.
 + On second thought, be afraid of everything, something might be a trap.
 + Make sure your words are perfect, that you never take something back
 + Promise to be careful, so that you never have to lack.
 + And lastly, never take chances to do the things you love, because you might mess up and that would be too bad.

You know what, scratch all of that, who cares about being comfortable? I want to love deeply, and hurt badly. I want to laugh late at night while the world sleeps soundly. I want to feel the drastic rainbow of emotions us humans have. I want to climb a mountain and feel my lungs scream but keep going, because it hurts. I want skinned knees that prove where I've been and that I don't know where I'm going next. I want my heart to break and then for it to heal. I want to trip on words and stories until I get them right. Because I can feel and that means I'm alive. There's a heart in my chest, beating a rhythm of song, what can I do but dance along?

How to waste your life: don't live it.

xoxo Johanna Grace

Breathes words, music and art. Also air. Because lets be realistic. I blog, take pictures, write a few things, say many words and think even more. Come say hello, why don't you?

Johanna Grace / Flickr / Twitter 

ways to remember || by megan kristine.

There's a shelf in my room that holds all the tangible things left from summer 2012. With all that documentation, how could a person ever forget all those moments; all those emotions? I can still feel it all.

WAYS TO REMEMBER:
1. carry your camera with you everywhere and take pictures of everything. print the pictures and hang them on the wall or glue them to a memory book.
2. write all the things down that you do between the day school ends and the day it starts again in the fall.
3. try to explain how you feel with words on a page. try at the end of every single day of summer.
4. describe as many glorious moments* as you can in your journal.

*remember that you are allowed, at anytime, to turn into a middle schooler and rant about so-and-so, too. you'll laugh about it later, but it's the best kind of remembering.

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AUTHOR: Megan Kristine
ABOUT ME: a fifteen year old collection of trips, falls, and wide eyes. A 5'1'' skeleton that I'll bet is shorter than yours. Fingertips smudged in black ink and a head full of words. A crumpled piece of paper with sentences that nobody can read scribbled on its surface. And, by the looks of my room and inside my bag? A reader, writer, photographer, and adventurer.

FIND ME:  blog: nevermind / twitter / instagram / tumblr

the house i want someday // a guest post

so, there's this house, built by its owner's daddy years ago. it's located somewhere alongside a busy road, somewhere easily passed by. this house sits on a few hundred acres of unexplored land, beauty surrounds it in the form of rusted metal and greenery. it has a spiral staircase, a hall of books, and arches galore. the rooms are filled with old treasures, slowly falling apart as the years go by. the floor is blue and white, wood and tile, the rooms are small but comfortable. the fire place is large and burns bright in the winter, and the large glass and wood door is open to all who come. 
this is the house i want someday.
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hi there! 

my name is gracie, i'm a photographer, graphic designer, song singer, and lover of all things bright and beautiful that lives deep in the heart of Texas and i blog over at hello sunshine. care to stop by and say hi? :)

free // a guestpost by ryan gracie

free

Nautical. away from the wind,

so that a sailing vessel need not be close-hauled:

running free.

 Summer is filled with this freedom. the feeling of loads of schoolwork being lifted from your shoulders, and feeling nothing but free. We live for these short months of freedom, so that we may absorb every inch of it and keep it within ourselves for as long as possible. The feeling of walking along the sidewalk, and knowing that the sun will be up for hours more; That freedom: It fuels our imaginations. We begin to write on scratch paper, in blog posts and in journals what we are feeling, but we never can seem to grasp it.

We snap pictures,

jot down notes,

and go on adventures,

with this freedom along our side.

And when we look back at what we have done;

the blurry photos, the messy hair, the quiet nights, and every other moment,

we realize that no other season could supply us with this feeling.

love, ryan

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my name is ryan gracie.

cupcake-eater,

picture-snapper,

crocheter,

nutella enthusiast,

supporter of picnics,

adventurer,

lover of autumn,

frequent daydreamer,

list-maker,

and blogger at this lovely place.

feel free to stop by!

P.S. Happy Fourth of July!!

how to make the most of your summer | a guest post

Summer is fleeting. I've learned this, and re-learn it, every year, as September arrives much too soon for my liking. And there's no worse feeling than looking back and seeing you didn't really have a good summer, like the one you wanted to. Here are the things that help me make the most of my summers:

1. Make a list. Maybe I'm just a perfectionist, but I love to make lists. They help keep me on track. Make a list of everything you want to accomplish this summer, and don't fret if you don't get to everything, because you likely won't. Just smile at what you did cross off.

2. Get off the computer. You've heard this one already and I'll tell you again -  turn off the computer. It's fine to go on for an hour or two, but it's easy to get sucked in to Pinterest or Tumblr and stay on for hours. Don't. Turn it off and be productive instead.

3. Have an adventure. Leave your phone or watch at home. Bring a snack, water, your camera, your journal, and maybe a friend or two. Go for a walk and stay outside for hours. Just wander. (Make sure it's not too hot out, though - stay safe and be reasonable. Warm weather can be dangerous)

4. Go somewhere. Even if you can't actually go out of your town, find an amazing place close to home that you've never been before.

5. Read a good book. Or two. Or twenty. Suggestions: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, A Long Long Time Ago and Essentially True by Brigid Pasulka,  A Little Ray of Sunshine by Lani Diane Rich.

Here's to an amazing summer.

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Hey! I'm Kinga. I make videos, take photos, write, create things, and dream of moving to England and making films. I blog at the earworm and hope you'll stop by.

On Inspiration // A Guest Post by Megan June

I'll admit it, I'm a big inspiration junkie. I love the "flood" that seems to come when I feel inspired, but sadly, more often than not, inspiration is no where to be found when I need it most. So I decided to put together a little list to hopefully help you get inspired. Hope you enjoy! :-)

1. Journal: Personally, I have found that sitting down with pen and paper and just writing whatever is on my mind is the best way to find inspiration. Forget about editing or making sure all of your words are "perfect" and "flow" and just allow yourself to write.

2. Get off of the computer: While yes, Pinterest is flooding with inspiration, put your laptop away and get outside. Take pictures. Call your friends. Go for a coffee date (or for my friends and I, a smoothie date) with friends. Bake something. Go for a walk. Read. Have a dance party in your room. Belt out a song at the piano. Plan an imaginary vacation. (ahem...not like I have ever done that before or anything. ;-) )

3. Make a list: This might only help me because of my Type A/perfectionist personality, but personally I love sitting down and making lists. Whether it is a to-do list or my summer list, just getting my thoughts down on paper leaves me feeling refreshed.

4. Be yourself: I can't stress it enough. It doesn't matter what the "big bloggers" are doing. It doesn't matter what the latest trend is. Be yourself. You don't have to have the latest and greatest fashion out there, there is no need to change your photography and writing style to be like them. Embrace you. It's quite honestly the biggest source of inspiration out there. Do you play tennis? I want to hear all about how amazing it feels to be out there on that court. Are you stationed over seas with your family doing missions work? Tell us about your bond with the children you have met, the way God has moved your heart, how you have embraced a new culture. All of us have a story, none of them are the same. It's time for us to embrace our unique stories. I promise, it's great. :-)

My name is Megan and I'm a photographer, artist, and daydreamer that calls a small town in Missouri home. I love long afternoon drives, falling asleep to the sound of rain, heart-to-heart talks, get-togethers at my grandparent's pond, roadtrips, dressing up, family traditions, and photos that tell a story. I have a passion for finding beauty in the ordinary and I'm never without my camera.
My blog

blades on ice | guest post by katie.

ice skating at the circus by marcocerriciommei on flickr

Two things that are strange: going back to a place years after you've left it, and doing something that you used to be good at. For me, both of these happened at once last week.

The first: you notice everything that's different. The big, beautiful building on the corner of Abriendo? Isn't a bed-and-breakfast anymore. There are different baristas at the Starbucks, the one across the street from my aunt's insurance office. The shelves in the YA section of the Rawlings library are full of different books.

Some things though, don't change. I still asked for hockey skates in the wrong size at the rink, and changed them at least twice before they feel good. No matter how shaky I felt on the ice, I didn't fall once. The veteran figure skater, even five years later, still spun across the center of the ice, and I was still surprised when she didn't listen to music. Tom, the manager of the rink, was still there, handing out skates; he used to give us a discount, and we were on  a first name basis. I don't think he recognized me, but then again, I've grown up a lot.

Lately, I've been struggling with this idea of home and what it means. Whoever said that home is where the heart is doesn't know what they're talking about, because how can my heart be spread across so many places? And then I go back to Colorado and it's summer and I drive myself around town and I run across the street like I have so many times in the past and it feels like home. And then finally I'm back in Indiana and I'm so excited to sleep in my own bed, and this place, maybe more than any other, feels like home too. And maybe home is elastic and exists in more than one place and it can stretch and change however you need it too. And maybe someday I'll find a place or a person that, more than anything, feels like home to me.

xo
katie

jump! - a guest-post by alexa anne

So, you're a photographer, and you're trying to get your model to bend her arm in such a way so that she looks as if she's naturally running her fingers through her hair, but she hasn't the slightest idea what you're doing and in all honesty, she couldn't possibly look more awkward, and you're frustrated to the point of ripping your hair out and - just stop. Standard poses are great for getting started, but if you have to force your way to a 'natural' look, I can already tell you it will look anything but 'natural'. That's why I love the jumping technique - it's totally foolproof (for both the photographer and the model) and it requires no special equipment or talent. All you need is a stable surface of some kind, and a little spontaneity. Here are a few jumps to get you started.

1. THE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JUMP

This is usually my go-to jump. Maybe it's because Zac Efron's beautiful face is burned into the back of my mind, or because I spent my elementary years rocking out to 'We're All in This Together' and 'Bop to the Top', but it's always the first jump that comes to mind.

HOW TO: Count to three, throw your arms up in the air, and kick your legs up to one side. Then, smile like a rockstar. 

2. THE LEPRECHAUN

This was introduced to me by my crazy friend, Erin. I swear she's secretly a leprechaun, because how else could she pull this off?

HOW TO: When you jump, make sure to lift your legs up high enough and bend your arms, with clenched fists. For the finishing touch, cock your head a little to the left, and voila! - you're a leprechaun.

3. THE CRIPPLED POISON-DART FROG JUMP

This is me attempting the leprechaun (see above example). Obviously it didn't turn out. Hence, the name, 'crippled poison-dart frog'.

HOW TO: Bend your legs in a frog-like fashion (i.e. knees above hips), then position your arms in such a way so that you look crippled in some way, shape, or form. A manic grin or smile is a nice touch.

4. THE JUMPY-TALKY

You'll get some interesting facial expressions out of this one. Especially if you're an animated talker.

HOW TO: This one's pretty self explanitory. You jump and talk. You talk and jump. Lacking conversation? Have your client describe, in detail, their entire day - that should give you enough time for several shots. 

5. FREESTYLE

Unlike swimming, this term actually means 'do whatever you want'. Go crazy. Send your limbs in directions you never knew were possible. Invent a new jump, for crying out loud!

HOW TO: You tell me.

I hope these help break the ice a little at your next shoot (assuming you use them. If not, well then, I guess I just wasted a good chunk of your time.) Remember, these are meant to be fun, and there really is no 'right' way to do these. Be creative and go beyond my five examples. Experiment with different angles and focal-points. The best part of the jumping technique is that there's a guaranteed different outcome every time - no hair will ever fall in the same place, and the faces are sure to get a laugh. The possibilities are endless, so knock yourself out. 

(Note: a trampoline may or may not amplify the results of this technique.)

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ABOUT THE WRITER

I am Alexa Anne. An aspiring photographer and writer. I dream, I think, I wonder. Easily inspired, I spend too much time on pinterest. My style? Somewhere between eclectic, bohemian, and indie, with a touch of vintage. I enjoy rainy days spent by the warmth of a fire in a nearby coffee shop. Give me my camera and my moleskine and I'm set for the day. Jesus is my savior, my hero, my love. I'm an introvert all the way. Upon first encountering someone,  the first thing they notice is my height. My heart belongs in the city. I believe the quietest people have the loudest minds. I love to create. I adore elephants. I hope to one day live in New York. I am Alexa Anne - a young woman discovering her place in this world. I blog over at Hello, Hodgepodge and I'd love for you to come check it out!

wintry wishes {a guest post by mary ann}

Hello there! I'm Mary Ann, photographer and a big fan of The Cupcake Dictionary, and I'm super excited to be guest posting for Jocee this weekend.

Lately, the blogger world has been full of lovely autumnal posts - take Jocee's all things autumn photo challenge, for example. But thanks to the blustery recent weather, I've been in a sort of wintry mood lately. I thought I'd share some photos to go with that!
(these are all my own, but oldies because sadly, it hasn't snowed here yet.)

winter means...

clear blue skies, 

and snowy white ones.

 SNOW.

ice skating.

more snow.

snow on trees.

footprints in the snow.

making snow cream.

Christmas lights.

and... more snow.

man, I'm excited :)

what's your favorite part about winter?

pee ess: to see more, click on over to my blog, shutter happy :)!

beautiful serenity [guest post by acacia]

{from jocee: hello, dearhearts. while you're reading this, i'll be on my way to camp to intern for the weekend. so please enjoy these guest posters!! also, i smell like cupcakes. be jealous.}

the golden lighting that comes swirling down from the sky and dapples my hair and the auburn leaves.  the crisp winds that blow.  the pumkin spice lattes that are served and the oxfords that are bought. the smiles that are exchanged. the whisper's of the wind. the cry of the night owl. the stacks of crisp, new school books. the warm woolly scarves.  the long trips on roads like ribbons. the beautiful serenity.  

but now for goodbyes; summer's long days exchanged for winter's short ones.  snow whirling, mittens warming, fires crackling.  small, rosy cheeks after playing in the snow.  sledding, hot coco, marshmallows and whipped cream.  piles of yummy goodness on plates and steam rising from hot bread.  snuggling up in bed, sheets, quilt, blankets over body -- your body tingling in the sheer excitement of just being warm under quilts.  oh, goodbye fall.  oh welcome, winter.

  hello there >>  i'm acacia -- lover of Jesus, good tea+coffee, the piano, books, sunflare and simplicity.  i blog about lovely things, life and faith at capture life.   england is my current home. pop in and see me, why don't you? 

pee ess : plus, fall means that jocee and acacia's birthday is just around the corner... (is yours?)

thoughts by the girl named Bleah {a guest post of sorts}

Bleah. That's my name... sounds alot like bleck, or bleach -- I get that. But let's just think Princess Leia... Princess Bleah. That's what it sounds like anyway. What does it mean? I have no clue. Why did my mother name me Bleah? Because it was someone last name and she liked it, at least that's the story.
But enough about the name, the name takes away from the girl. It really does.
This isn't a real purposeful post, I might do another one later on that has more of a subject. But I really just needed to ramble for a little bit on a new platform.

My thoughts are are follows:

Love: the most important thing in the world, Jesus said it, The Beatles sang it, and Christians are supposed to live it, right? All you need it love, because it's the greatest of these. Hence the title of my blog being "where love abounds" because where love abounds there grace abounds also. At least that's what the good book says, and it's the good book that's the guideline for my life.
Leading us into the following.

Faith: I believe that religion is overrated. I don't follow religions such as Catholic or Baptist. Jesus never said anything about a religion, the only thing he wanted was a relationship. I live day by day in a full on relationship with Jesus Christ my Savior. He is the way the truth and the life, through him and my faith in what he did on the cross I will one day enter the kingdom of heaven and see God.

Food: I'm more of a live to eat then and eat to live kinda girl. Food is good, and what's the point of eating if it doesn't make your taste-buds dance around your tongue? I'm not much of a chef, I'm the impatient type. But I love to eat, my husband will be a cook, and I will be his test taster. Though I have some crazy desire to one day become domesticated to be a proper house wife, cooking, cleaning, and all. Oh yes, and I love nutella --


Writing is my passion and one day I'd like to either be a journalist or a teacher, get my doctorates, and eventually become a professor.
I'm old fashioned when it comes to clothing, politics, and good old fashioned integrity.

If you like what you've heard today you can comment below and if the response is good I'll be back in a week or two with something more substantial.
If you love what you've heard today maybe you'd like my blog?

{about the author}

Bleah Briann (Blaya Bre-ann) 16 year old homeschooler with a passion for all things pink, vintage, and literature. Reads alot, talks more. Prefers lower case letters and british spelling, is not so secretly in love with Adam Young of Owl City. Dancing to music in her bedroom when no one is watching. Loves Jesus Christ with all of her heart. Check out her blog here to make her smile bigger then the man in the moon.