Beauty is only skin deep

{via}

This morning I ran across this blog. It’s a hilarious capture of a free-spirited young mom and her journey as a mother to a three-year-old little girl named Adriana.

Here is a brief piece of her post in which she eventually submitted to Reader’s Digest:

Adriana: Nobody outside thinks I’m pretty!

Me: I’m sorry, what?

Adriana: Nobody outside is lookin’ at me!

Me: But we haven’t even left the house yet!

Adriana: But nobody doesn’t think I’m beautiful!

Me: Everyone thinks you’re beautiful. Why do you think Brian threw snowballs at you yesterday? Because he thinks you’re cute.

Adriana: But nobody even saw my nail polish!

Mark (my husband): Yes, Brian saw it yesterday…

Me: …and the lady at Starbucks commented on it right away!

Mark: That was a lady?

Me: No, a different lady. There was a woman there.

Mark: Oh.

Me: Anyway, everyone thinks you’re beautiful.

Adriana: But nobody thinks my old clothes are pretty.

Alright, now I’m really stumped. How could she be thinking these things? Has advertising somehow infiltrated her three-year-old consciousness? But this is why we don’t watch the Disney channel! She watches only limited amounts of PBS and wears practical but fashionable clothing bought on-sale at The Children’s Place. Where have I gone wrong?

Me: Adriana, life isn’t about being beautiful like that. It’s nice when you have your nails done and your hair looks good and you have new clothes on, but you’re beautiful because you’re a beautiful person. On the inside. So that’s that.

Adriana just smiled and bounced off, back into her bedroom. The gurgling of the coffee maker subsided in favor of the toddler babble I’ve become so accustomed to as my background soundtrack. A ray of sunlight crept in through the window, and peace was restored again.

****

After reading this I immediately logged into my email and sent the article off to my mom. Here’s what I shared:

Hi mom,

Found this on one of my mommy blog sites this morning.

I SO enjoyed reading this because I can remember the EXACT same conversation once upon a time--as I sat in the back seat of our family car, on the way to preschool, one morning.

I’ll admit, throughout the years I’ve loved the materials things in life that make us feel great. But, for my entire life, I’ve never forgotten the very first time you explained to me the real meaning of being beautiful.

I was a lucky little girl, who will go on to become beautiful women (and hopefully a beautiful mommy myself someday) because of the affirmations from you—my mother.

Thanks for encouraging me to be a beautiful person.

Happy Friday,

Holly

This was her response:

Holly:

This is such a nice note... thank you. You remember the most amazing things. With the memories you've shared with me, I can continue to encourage young parents to keep up the positive talk. Little ears and minds take in and absorb so much more than you can ever imagine as a parent.

You are a beautiful person and so often over the years, you've stopped me in my tracks from judging and making that negative comment that could so easily slip out.

XoXo to you my love!

****

Clearly, I am not a mom—so I am hardly one to provoke comment here—but please, if you are blessed with daughters, teach them the meaning of beauty. The real, soul-empowering, kind-hearted, non-superficial meaning.

As women and young girls today, we are growing up in world where the concept of beauty is distorted and confusing. Where insecurity and peer bullying are tragically stealing the lives of young people, everyday. Teach your children the importance of humility and compassion. Teach them what it means to be beautiful people. They will hear you.

Fabulous & Fascinating & Female

'gOoDGyE' shE sAid. 'I'M Off tO jOiN thE ciRcUs.'

This weekend I helped celebrate the goodbye of a very important person in my life.

Her name is Anne--and, while her official title has been my career mentor these past months, she has also become my dear friend. Anne and I have spent many hours together talking about life, career and happiness--and the importance of finding the balance.

She continues to be such a positive part of my life and I know wherever our lives {and careers} lead us, we will remain great friends.

I will miss you Anne--but I know Seattle has some great adventures in store for you!

amazing grace.

Shared by my mother this morning...

This one will tug at your heart stings.

"God called me to do gospel and I believe gospel can touch people's hearts. Maybe I can change bad people's heart."

Sweet little girl. Miraculous strength. Amazing story.

elegant emma

Holy wow.

Have you seen December's issue of Marie Claire?

Emma Watson?

Two Words: Simply. Stunning.

Well, incase you haven't seen it--i am sharing...

Emma, i will see you for our Harry Potter date on saturday.

i that's quite a statement.

i finished my interior design degree in march 2010 .oregon state university. i am working on the next chapter of my life.

I like precipitation, Georgia O’Keefe, vintage skirts, and The Beatles. And I work in public relations.

i live in Portland...

i love art. REALLY love it.

i appreciate a good bottle of cabernet.

I dream of mornings spent in my very own art gallery, drinking earl grey tea. Listening to Billie Holiday on an AM radio.

i like to think i am artistically inclined.

i still think of ways i can become an interior designer; i recieved my business license a year ago with intention to progress as a professional.

i consider myself a happy girl.

i sometimes listen to jazz music on sundays.

i love art; architecture, textiles, furniture, creating beautiful spaces...

...watching my ideas come to life…

if i have a bad day: hot Birkrum yoga is my escape. or a dry gin martini.

if i have a good day: a dry gin martini is how i celebrate. and good company.

i am s l o w l y learning how to sew. and be patient.

I am interested in renaissance art and nonfictional stories. and cowboys.

i aspire to be somewhat of an influencer. or coco chanel. or danica patrick.

my skin IS MY favorite feature.. but i secretly wish it was more olive toned

I get my daily news from NPR and Fast Company.

i am scared of regret. and i worry when i travel.

I do have lots of friends, and I love and appreciate every single one of them.

I would consider myself a GREAT thinker. but an even better creator.

I am blonde. Usually…

i am in love. have been for quite some time now. ♥

i enjoy nontraditional journalism, but i’m inspired by new media forms of communication.

i am working on creating a life that is significant, enriching and makes an artistic contribution to our culture.

Kati; she is the mastermind behind this creative introduction.

this photo of me was shot by Kati while celebrating the 4th of july at the oregon coast this past summer.

Fabulous & Fascinating & Female

This one fills my heart today...

The fabulous female whom I've been thinking of lately is my amazing friend Kelly.

Kelly is a very good friend and sorority sister, who received some terrible news earlier this week.

Here's is what I know so far, in the short life i've lived... I have learned there is nothing more important than family. I have learned that the power of belief and hope and support from those we love are the only things that get us through our toughest times. I have learned that as much as I want to change the world for one person, all i can do is love and support them.

We are all standing by you Kelly, and we will hold your hand as long as you need us to.

To my dear, sweet friend Kelly,

You were the first thing on my mind this morning. Your strength, compassion and wisdom are truly admired by all who know you. You are such an incredible and beautiful woman inside and out. Your love and integrity inspire the women that get to share their lives with you. Although you and your family have a long, tough road ahead, always remember that none of your are alone. The love and laughter your family shares with each other, and the world, is amazing and truly defines the happiness of life. I, for one...am confident and excited to see the amazing things that the Ford family is about to experience. Life will be hard for awhile, but you are all amazing people and deserve the best things that life has come!

So...to all of you out there who sincerely believe in the power of hope, love, and prayers please send them to my sweet friend and her wonderful family because they deserve it more than anyone I know!

"Fight hard. Especially if you have a lot to fight for."

Fabulous & Fascinating & Female

So, remember the weekly feature I began last week?

This week my fabulous, fascinating, friend is my big sister, Anne.

Well, She's actually my sorority big sister, but a fabulous big sister, nonetheless. She is the closest I will ever come to having a sister of my own.

I chose Anne this week because of some special memories that evoked wistful emotion this past weekend. It was sorority initiation and I couldn't help but think of my initiation memories and spending them with my new big sister, Anne. It was a wonderful memory that I know I will never forget.

Dear Anne,

You are an incredible woman. Your sincerity and friendship and beautiful soul inspires me, and your love for life, and those around you, teaches me to be a better woman. You are everything I could ever ask for in a friend. I believe, with all my heart, that you were the reason I never had a sister. Instead, God gave me you. And for that, I am eternally grateful. You are so special to me and purely irreplaceable. I cant wait to spend the rest of my life being your friend.

Fabulous & Fascinating & Female

In the light of being inspired this week, I have decided to display a weekly feature. I have been a lucky woman, raised by powerful, successful, fabulously-fun women, who have all positively contributed to my life. I have spent my life being inspired by woman; the aspirations they seek and the support they provide. I've decided to write a column each week, emphasizing a woman who has, in some way, inspired my life.

This week the fabulous, fascinating, female is one of my great girlfriends, and sorority sister, Mallory. Today is her Birthday and I wish I was in Portland so I could celebrate with her over some margaritas. Don't worry Mal, I'll make it up to you...I promise!

Dear Mallory:

I think you're wonderful. I am so thankful that you are my friend. I am grateful for the many fantastic memories we share and the support that we have for one another. You are an amazing friend. Your compassion for others and genuine class is what I truly love most about you. I hope that today is filled with a lot of birthday magic and love from those who think you're wonderful too.

H A P P Y. B I R T H D A Y. M A L !.

♥ "Chance made us sisters, hearts made us friends" ♥

Let me introduce myself.

I'm really excited today because not only has my blog reached over 600 views in the past months, but I now have people from all over the country emailing me in support of my posts and wanting to know more...ABOUT ME!


It's funny because I originally started blogging as a way to express my artistic self; both with words and images. I figured that my readers were all familiar with me and my life so I never took the time to tell the story of who I am.


Now, it seems my thoughts are reaching a broader community, make me incredible excited!

So--I realized for the first time, my e-mailers have a valid point.


Let me introduce myself.


Blogworld: meet Holly.
Holly: Welcome to blogworld.


Well, I am Holly- and I would say... I am pretty sassy. At least, I have my moments. Many of them. Hopefully though, in more of a delightful-kind-of-way.


I typically have a lot to say--okay, sometimes I can even be quite a smartass, but i DO admire the art of good conversation. I recently completed my bachelor of science degree in Interior Design with a minor in Art History from Oregon State University.


I am someone who is inspired. My talents include shopping, strategic and creative design, project management, Scattergorries and wine consumption. Yes, that is correct...Pinot Noir is specifically what I am best at.


Professionally, I am working in public relations for the tech industy in Portland, Oregon. Everyday I am learning the influences that technology, strategic communications and digital strategy have on our ever-changing culture. Life, truely could not get much sweeter and I am loving every minute! ...and that a computer can virtually do anything for you.


I also, among many other things, believe I have hit the jackpot in the lottery of fabulous families.


I am the oldest with a younger brother, three years behind me. I used to say 'little' brother, but well now...not so 'little' anymore. I remember how heart broken I was when I found out that he was not going to be a she... but now, I honestly, in a million years, couldn't imagine having a sister. My brother is my soul mate and I wouldn't trade him for anything. He teaches me things about the world, that I simply sometimes do not see. Things like having subjective opinions for literature and organized religion and the importance of disjudgement upon others. Which, to embarrassingly admit, I sometimes do too quickly and he is always the first to remind me of it. My brother is a different thinker than most. He is never rude and never politically correct, and that is perfectly alright with me.


My mom and dad are both incredible people who, I believe, have shaped me into the woman I am today. I get my stubbornness, morality and ugly feet from my dad and my work ethic, intelligence and perfect skin from my mother. oh, and also my hips. which is also, conveniently, my biggest self consciousness.


Lets talk about the women.

Uniquely about me, I believe, are the relationships I have with FaBuLoUs women. Let me be clear, the women in my life could rule the world; if allowed... Between my six aunts, all with hearts as large as their attitudes, my Tutu (my grandmother), my dozens of female cousins (remember: daughters of these aunts), my mother and hundreds of girlfriends throughout my lifetime, I've practically been raised by all woman.

With a dash of charming fatherly-influence, of course. :)

I strongly (yes, I do think strongly about many things) but, I strongly believe that because of all of them, all of them, I am the determined, ambitious, and independent woman that I am today. Well, lets just say... I have perfected the "sass". There is no question about that.



I do not believe in superficial relationships. What's the point? I continue to say that every relationship in my life has purpose and significance. My favorite thing about myself is my capacity to love others and I invest in my friends and family and depend on them to challenge, encourage and support me. And, I have learned to let go of those who do not.


I am in love with the man that I hope to marry, someday.

Let me just say that again...
someday.


I met, and began dating him, during the happiest time of my life and I truly believe that has made a real difference some days. I believe that is the secret to healthy relationship. Allowing yourself to have a good relationship with yourself before you can let yourself have a good relationship with others. In the past 5 years of which I have known him, he has taught me many things about myself. Some things good, some not-so-good, but mostly, good. I'd say the most important being to never give up on myself. To go after what I want in life and have confidence in myself that things will work out. Truely. We are exceedingly opposite, but most days that is what keeps us learning and incredibly happy.


I like to read--especially factual information, travel, build relationships and eat great food. I enjoy Bikram Yoga, painting, blogging and I sometimes get a stange satification out of spitting my gum out the window while driving down the highway. I am getting better at cooking, well let's just say 'more creative'. Although, I still hate to bake. I don't think, at this point in my life, I will ever get over that. I love, love puppies and all animals, really. I like to be busy and work hard, but I do love my lazy days, just. as. much.

If I could live anywhere in the world, I'd live in London. Not busy city, corporate London. But, instead, right behind the old bookstore along the seven-dial in Covent Garden. I would meet friends for lunch in famous pubs, photoshoot Kensington palace and Westminster Abby and ride the tube to work everyday. Although, come to think of it...I never did find a good sushi restaurant in London, so... possibly not.


I believe in happiness. I believe in positive thinking and metal strength. I believe in working hard, very hard and I believe in love. I believe in not giving up, BUT I do believe in changing your mind. Although I have had to talk myself in to this idea many times. I believe I am an old soul living in a youthful body.

I believe that art, subjectively ugly or beautiful... factual, it is a reflection of the world around us. This is something I believe to be true. Religion, politics, culture, music, economics, and social trends all contribute to how and why we create. It influences how we interpret and interact with one another. That. is. why. I. love. it. . . .

This blog is a cherished memory of my life. It is a reflection of my mind, experiences and interactions with the world around me. Over the coming years I hope to learn more about all of you, as I will continue to share more about me and what I am creating.

Thank you for being interested in me.

Sincerely--my dear friends,

Holly