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

give the gift of opportunity.

"Because when women improve their circumstances, they also improve the circumstances of their children. Investing in nutrition, education and art and thus investing in a future for their children. Dignity comes from opportunity. And opportunity comes from us. All of us."

This is Opportunity International.

Donations (loan funding) start at $25.

Opportunity International is my favorite non-profit organization. It's an incredible feeling to contribute to the professional opportunity of women around the world... some of which, not much older than myself.

It is a microfinance or micorcredit organization that gives small loans to impoverished people, especially women, to start their own businesses. Through Opportunity’s program OptINnow, you can directly fund one of these aspiring entrepreneurs. My favorite thing about this organization is that you can read summaries of the women requesting loans and then personally select an entrepreneur to fund.

This year, here, you can purchase gift cards to allow friends and family to make donations. The gift is an explanation of how OptINnow works and a description of the woman you chose. Your gift card recipient will be sent email updates about the progress of the loan recipient. Also, when the woman has paid back the loan, in full, which 98% really do, the money will go to fund another loan. This gift literally keeps on giving!

{image via:poverty}

My Grown Up Christmas List.

I've always been taught, since i was old enough to understand my faith, that christmas is not about material things. It's about remembering that our God, the Holy Father, gave his only son, Jesus Christ, in return for our sins. It's about the gift of the baby in the manger and the man that was crucified on the cross. It's about having compassion for those less fortunate. It's about joy and believing and blessings, and giving to those we love and appreciate.

However, just for kicks, if i could dream up the best big-girl christmas list this year, FULL of material blessings, this is what it would look like...

Hey, a girl can dream, right?

1. A diamond, pearl David Yurman Ring from Saks Fifth Ave.

2. An adorable pug puppy, my life would be complete.

3. A Canon Rebel eos digital camera, with perhaps some classes to learn to use it :)

4. A trip to Bali for some R&R; doesn't it look completely relaxing?

5. large Burberry bag; to carry all my important things around in.

6. Mercedes Benz sedan c300; i think every girl needs one of these!

dear so and so.

dear christmas time,

hurry, hurry please.

I miss my family

thank you.

dear peanut butter cookies,

i know you love the pierce residence...

but could you stay away this year?

i need to jumpstart my metabolism and you wont help that.

dear black sweatpants,

thank you for keeping me warm and comfy all week.

dear elf,

thank you for still working after i've replayed you for 3 days straight in my dvd player.

dear woman behind me at the grocery store yesterday,

your pessimistic, in-a-hurry disposition was very condescending.

plus, you don't know a thing about attitude; i've perfected it over the years...

dont test me.

dear apartment,

thank you for protecting me and making me feel safe while i've been here alone all week.

dear mom,

i cant wait to go to work with you next week.

but most importantly, i cant wait to make our homemade fondue on christmas eve.

dear history of love,

you have been a great book so far.

i'm excited to continue your story this weekend.

dear nicole,

thank you for all of the inspiring words of encouragement via email yesterday.

it's funny how life seems to speak at the exact moments you them the most.

it's almost as if you lived my life along side me these past couple of months.

you really know what you're talking about.

dear lady at the chinese take-out restaurant,

it was a long day today.

thank you for your wonderful customer service,

a good attitude can really make an impression on people.

you made me smile.

dear carol caughey,

grades are submitted and i haven't thought of you once this week.

life is great!

dear chocolate-covered peanuts from the bins at winco,

you are killing me.

i'm throwing you away tomorrow so you can no longer tempt me.

dear anne,

I cant wait to see you for some montage dinner on sunday.

we have a lot to catch up on.

dear january,

i'm really not excited to turn another year older.

take all the time you need to get here. i'm in no hurry.

dear pdx,

i'm coming back tomorrow,

cant wait to see you!

Completed Commercial.

My current completed design project features a 2600 square-foot commercial space in the Lloyd District of Portland, Oregon.

The 'Health Group of Portland' will be renovated to accommodate a private, senior-health care administration office, fully equipped with new interior fixtures and system furniture.

The space includes a wide area and variety of work space with specified Knoll systems furniture, a large soft seating and reception area, lunch room and kitchen to accommodate approx. 30, five multi-sized conference rooms, and 10 custom designed CEO/executive offices.

This project features schematic design phase of initial creative concept, budgeting, material specifications, full sets of drawings; floor-plan, elevations, sectionals, lighting and electrical drawings, rendered perspectives and construction details as well as a full list of interior scheduling and installation costs.

We chose sustainable interior finishes that provide a luxurious impression but also inspire the great outdoors defined by Oregon.

Fairytale Lovers

Cinderella's on her bedroom floor
She's got a crush on the guy at the liquor store
'Cause Mr. Charming don't come home anymore
And she forgets why she came here

Sleeping Beauty's in a foul mood for shame
She says, "None for you, dear Prince, I'm tired today
I'd rather sleep my whole life away
Than have you keep me from dreaming"

'Cause I don't care for your fairytales
You're so worried 'bout the maiden
Though you know she's only waiting
On the next best thing, next best thing

Snow White is doing dishes again
'Cause what else could you do with seven itty-bitty men?
Sends them to bed and she calls up a friend
Says, "Would you meet me at midnight?"

The tall blond lets out a cry of despair
Says, "Would've cut it myself if I knew men could climb hair
I'll have to find another tower somewhere
Keep away from the windows"

Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom
Man made up a story, said that I should believe him
Go and tell your white knight that he's handsome in hindsight
But I don't want the next best thing

I wanted to share some Rodney Smith today; one of my favorite photographers. He is famous for his black and white composition of fairytale-like content. its beautiful. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

{fairytale lyrics via: sarah bareilles}

Happy. Hollydays.

Christmas is almost here...

And, due to the lack of financial strength that my wallet has been experiencing lately...I warned everyone in my life that they are all getting homemade gifts this year.

Luckily, I'm a pretty crafty girl. Well, at least, I think I am...

I'm still in the process of creating the perfect homemade gifts for everyone in my life, but I will let you know what I come up with for each one.

For now...here is a little sneak peak of my inspiration board...

Only 14 days left till Santa comes!

What I've been working on...

Some Color Renderings...






More to come after this week....

Relax.

{image via:relax}

It's Finals week at Oregon State University. I'm stressed. I keep trying to think of things that help my sanity; things that help me relax:

1. Kisses from my boy

2. Reading. Something non0school related of course. Preferably a biography of some kind.

3. Comfort food! Bad habit...

4. Sleeping

5. Sometimes I cry. It's weird, but it really does release stress

6. Getting a manicure

7. Starbucks Chi teas

Two more days until I'm FREE for the Holidays!

for. a. pretty. sunday.

i believe in pink. i believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. i believe in kissing, kissing a lot. i believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. i believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. i believe that tomorrow is another day and i believe in miracles.

-audrey hepburn

Thanks, Hilary.

{image via: Audrey}

I hope you all had a great weekend.

OSU. UO. Civil War. 2009.

Today is a BIG day to be a Beaver...

Not only is it our last game of the season AND Civil War against our rival Oregon School..University of Oregon, BUT we are also competing for the Pac-10 conference title!

Like I said....It's a great day to be a beaver!

Some things I learned today.

1. I am a much stronger person than I think I am...

2. Making excuses and feeling sorry for myself only weakens my character

3. Its easier to go through life with good people by your side

4. Having integrity about myself and the way I handle things can be great therapy

5. And...on some days...the universe can have one HELL of a sense of humor.

I'd say for my benefit, it was a pretty educational day.