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.

bottom line: take risks.

Wanted to share this little plug...

Read about my risk here.

simple delight.

Q. Who’s your favorite revolutionary and why?

A. Frank Gehry: Comes from the school of thought that by being ourselves and finding our own way makes us experts in our own work. Gehry revolutionized modern day architecture and design by demonstrating independence and finding his own way. He created a culture of design. He teaches his students that believing in ourselves: our own design {and work} will allows us to live a full-life.

Q. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A. An architect (or most specifically, Barbie dream house designer). I used to spend HOURS creating and coloring floor plans to accomodate her luxurious living-style.

Q. Who’s your inner rock star?

A. Miranda Lambert. Mostly when I work-out—I swear she kicks my ass better than any trainer!

Q. What is your number one pet peeve?

A. I’m not a huge fan of sarcasm. Clever wit, definitely—sarcasm, not so much...

Q. Which reality TV show would you most likely try out for?

A. American Idol so I could take my Miranda Lambert talent on the road!

Q. Drink of choice?

A. Jack D and Diet!

Q. What was your first paying job?

A. Childcare—the PERFECT afterschool job: done by 6pm and no weekends!

Q. What is one item you couldn’t live without?

A. My glasses/contacts. I am so blind! I can’t do anything, if I can’t see…

Q. People would be surprised to know what about you?

A. I have awful road rage. It's really bad actually....

Also--i am obsessed with fish tacos!

Q. Worst phobia?

A. I get pretty bad travel anxiety. I always turn into a crazy person when I travel. Also--this is so random, but I hate hallographs; the texture makes me cringe...

Q. When I’m not working, I’m most likely…?

A. Playing! I come from a long family line of FUN. Wine tours, weekends at the gorge, the mountain, beach with friends and family—wherever we can go to have a good time! We can sleep when we’re dead…

Q. Favorite childhood memory?

A. I learned how to drive when I was 3 years old, on my dad’s lap in the parking lot of GI Joes. He used to always take me out for frozen yogurt in the evenings and then we’d go to GI Joes and take a spin around the empty lot—been driving ever since!

Q. What would be your last meal request?

A. FISH TACOS!!!

Q. What is your favorite karaoke song?

A. Diana Ross, Can’t Hurry Love or Aretha Franklin, I Say a Little Prayer For You.

Q. What’s your favorite gadget?

A. To be honest—I don’t really have a favorite right now. However, I’m sure that will change with a new mobile purchase!

Q. What’s your favorite story?

A. Linnea in Monet’s Garden. Read to me by my third grade teacher, Mrs. Baker. About a little girl who discovers her love for art in Monet’s Garden, in France. Because of that book, I fell in love with art and expression we create based on the world around us. Monet’s paintings, to me, look like heaven...

Q. If you weren’t in PR , what would you be doing?

A. I keep laughing about the fact that I’ve done enough research on mommy-bloggers, I could literally be the best mommy-blogger ever! But, there’s one tiny issues with that—I’m not a mommy…

Q. What is the first thing you’d do if you won the Lottery?

A. Pay off my student loans! I swear that was the worst day when I realized I had to pay back all the fun I had in college. Why does fun have to cost so much money??

Articulate...

Articulate...

Articulate...

Dear Articulation Gods,

Please send me all the positive, charismatic wit you can--I am interviewing today.

thanks,

Holly

wish me luck!

life's too short.

{via}

Most people don't know there are angels whose only job is to make sure we don't get too comfortable & fall asleep & miss our life.

--Brian Andreas

Been busy with mine lately...

transformation. knowledge. wisdom.

Last night I dreamt of a rattle snake in a box.

Frightening

right?

Funny though, I wasn't scared....

I looked it up; means:

I continue to struggle over a creative problem.

Story. of. my. life.

a pretty new penny.

They say there's nothing quite like the relationship a boy has with his dog.

Well--this weekend, I witnessed the 'falling-in-love' paragon that depicts just that. Casey got a new pup, and her name is Penny.

We found her online through a local Border-Collie rescue site and made an appointment to meet her late Sunday afternoon. After watching her stampede to our welcome and win him over with her puppy kisses and innocent charm--I knew he was done for. I watched him fall madly in love with her.

These past couple weeks I've had the opportunity to be a part of the Miller family's quest to find a new dog. After enduring several weekends of heartache and compassion for these homeless pals, and many 'goodbyes', Penny became a member of their family. It was a special moment for the Miller clan--one that I felt special to be a part of.

Since Penny is a rescue pup, the shelter owners were unable to specify her exact age or date of birth. So, we decided that day, April 10th--Penny's official Miller-family adoption date, would be her new Birthday. Seemed fitting, right?

Here she is with her new boy. Happy Birthday Penny girl! May you have many sweet memories with your new family.

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!

some magic words

Some magical words i received from C this morning:

"If you stop now, you'll regret it forever. I know you can do it and i'm here to support you."

A mAn WhO sPinKLeS thE fAirY DusT aT tHe vERy BeSt TiMEs.

Thank you.

Happy Friday--God knows we need it!

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.

a {not half bad} monday moment.

See you tomorrow!

quick-and-dirty-life-update.

remember the anxiety i described in this post?

it was decided that i was in need of some changes. i'll try not to bore you with too many details, but here's a quick run-down of my life since we last left off.

holidays came and went. used two weeks of vacation time. it was great.

attended my first company holiday party. sorority sisters annual panty exchange. got some cute Ugg boots from C for christmas.

on tuesday, december 28th i got in a car accident that almost took my life.

decided i needed to grow the hell up and make things happen for myself.

so i ran a 5k...

bought a pretty new {safe} volvo...

rang in the new year with some great friends.

celebrated my oh-so-young 24th birthday.

got pissed at myself for not accomplishing some goals i had set for myself, exactly one year ago...

so. quit my full-time job as an office clerk to become a public relations intern.

on valentines day, began my new life as an intern. met the other rockstar interns. started my account rotations.

6 weeks into the program--6 weeks to go: continue to be inspired by my colleagues and the work we do everyday.

risky. but well worth it.

so there ya go.

little girl at heart.

I may be a well-respected, young professional but i still....

sINg really loud in the shower

sLeeP in mom & dad's bed when they go out of town

cOVer mY eYEs during the scary parts of movies

LoOk bOTh wAYs before crossing the street

dANcE when nobody's watching

use my iMAginAtiOn everyday....

you know you're in the right place when...

You drop your family off at the airport at 4am for a long weekend in wine country--and come into the office to find this on your desk....

My team is the best--they make coming to work worth it!

Cheers to my family and their fun weekend.

And cheers to me--I'd say I made the right choice.

a reminder for my monday.

Good morning my lovely readers,

Great news--i've decided to give DS a nice, big jump-start! I will be spending my weekend brainstorming new content and updating my life.

But for now, here's a monday moment...

{i'm especially fond of the part that reminds me, 'what the hell are you doing'?}

I've been busy taking risks these past few months--more to come soon.

Happy monday!

on a second thought.

get it?... because it's tuesday?

on a second thought, mom says:

"God puts us through times like these so we can appreciate the next stages of our life."

she's probably right...

{via}

anxiety. it's usually accompanied by transition, right?

on a lighter note, today was a little brighter.

also, Sassy's getting a new photo header tonight!

stay tuned...

a {rougher-than-usual} monday moment.

{via}

do ya know the feeling?

feeling pretty beat up by the demands left from today.

hoping for an brighter tomorrow....

I know i'm a grown-up when...

for christmas--instead of consumer luxuries, i ask for things like 'a payment of monthly car insurance' or 'the payoff of a recent medical bill'...

i spend my weekends getting my oil changed or carpets shampooed.

i hear myself say "i'm teaching a workshop next tuesday"

instead of attending a concert, it's easier on my body to just buy the CD.

i get excited about furniture shopping, dry cleaning discounts and tax refund checks.

'vacations' are no longer defined by sandy beaches and pina coladas but rather just simply time out of the office.

my morning routine involves caffeine and NPR.

black friday just seems like total hell.

a thanksgiving delight.

it is 5am and i am wide awake.

...when i get anxious i can't sleep. sometimes this happens. not often, but every once in a while, it happens.

it is the morning of thanksgiving and am thanking God for the incredible blessings he's given to my life.

here are few things i am grateful for today...

Seattle. C and I have just spent an amazing week in this city. Funny, because a year ago, I was bound & determined to get a job, move here and start my adult life with him. After spending several days in this city, and although I still love it, I can no longer picture our life here. And that's okay, because our life is starting out beautifully in portland. It simply reminds me that things happen as they are supposed to.

My home--in portland. Well, in gresham, rather. I swear it gets bigger each year but continues to feel pretty small town. I am thankful that i grew up in such a beautiful home--filled with so much love.

My amazing girlfriends. There are many of them and the people who know me well, tell me constantly how lucky I am to have them. They are my support, my happiness and my family.

My god-gifted creative talent. With out it, I'd be lost. I am grateful that it has fed my curiosity for life both emotionally and intellectually, and continues to be a significant part of who I am.

My education. Five, hard and extremely fun years later, I have a bachelors degree. But better, I have an education; and intellectual opinions {to feed my sassy demeanor, obviously}. And yes, I've also inherited the monthly payments--but the experience and knowledge, AND job I now have--you just cannot put a price on that.

My mom and dad. Who {now that i am an adult} I've realized, have sacrificed a lot for me and my happiness. Whatever i wanted--they made it happen; I've had opportunities to enhance my artist abilities, play club sports, go to college and travel the world. my life has been pretty great thanks to them.

My best friend C. My life is better with him in it. He makes me laugh harder than anyone and he's the best comfort when i cry. He reminds me everyday of the greatest days of my life and each day, I am grateful that I get to continue to build an amazing life with him.

My health. Often times taken for granted--but extremely grateful to be a young, smart, energetic 23-year old.

My incredible job. I wake up each day and feel lucky to spend my days with talented professionals; who really are the masters of their trade. The transition from college to career may not have been easy--but each day is a new challenge and a true gift that I work{ed} extremely hard to get.

What are you grateful for today?

HaPPy ThaNkSgiViNg!

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.