L.O.V.

     Today I sat around and did practically nothing (minus three hours of yoga which hardly counts) and I realized... I need to give back more. My time is precious-but it only matters if I make good use of it. This past summer, my good friend Sara and I (we served in Africa together in 06) had the opportunity to work with Lily of the Valley Orphanage(or L.O.V. for short), in Tijuana, Mexico. I had an amazing time going down for the day and just hanging out with the kids and showing them love.  They make the girls cut all their hair off and dress the same way the boys do (bright orange shirts) which is just awful, so its important to make the girls feel 'girly'. 

     I missed that today..just that feeling of doing something worthwhile with my day. I hope soon I can find more time and motivation to love on kids the way God loves on us.

p.s. Its crazy that looking at these photos-I have zero makeup on and im not exactly dressed in fashion. Yet I know in that moment I felt so beautiful, and that those children saw me as beautiful. Kids show such unconditional love. Wouldn't that be rad if adults were like that too?

breathe me

everyone has a song. breathe me by sia; its my life song. its speaks volumes. its me. all of it. everyday.

Help, I have done it again

I have been here many times before

I hurt myself again today

And, the worst part is there's no-one else to blame

Be my friend

Hold me, wrap me up

Unfold me

I am small

and needy

Warm me up

And breathe me

Ouch

I have lost myself again

Lost myself and I am nowhere to be found,

Yeah I think that I might break

Lost myself again and I feel unsafe

Be my friend

Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me

I am small

and needy

Warm me up

     And breathe me

the big O

This story speaks for itself... I often feel like I am the missing piece. such comfort in knowing what is to come!!

(Thanks Paul)

click here for the big o story online

Cheek Couture

One of the biggest blessings in my life is my friend named Molly. She has a business doing hair and makeup for weddings.  But beyond her business is her passion- her passion for serving others.  We served together in Rwanda, AFRICA a couple years ago.  Now, she is donating proceeds from her business to Haiti relief.  I'm honored to be friends with someone who serves with her heart and loves with her soul.

click here for http://cheekcouture.com/

Fate, prayer, and signs

I'm not sure if I entirely believe in signs...but I do think some things just aren't coincidences.  Those of you who know me know I've been praying on a journey I'm about to embark on.... Well,  I started off my rainy morning praying about it....

and this is what I came across less than an hour later on my way to work.

 Coincidence? or Fate?

                  

rain rain.... and tornados!?

Rain rain come and roam, but please do not disturb my home!

Last weekend my twenty four some first cousins and I went and ate at Ruby's on the Seal Beach Pier. It was quiet and peaceful.... here is a picture of it taken today. (credit to google news)

Seal Beach Pier. 1/19/2010

And this is the Huntington Beach Ruby's, right down the street from so many of us. Same day, just a few miles down from the Seal Beach Pier.

Huntington Beach Pier. 1/19/2010

gnarly!

prayer request

please pray for me as I am hoping to be able to attend yoga teacher training this spring.  I have finally found my passion in life and I am hoping that the stars align and I can continue my journey with yoga.

`namaste

alexandre krastev

went into Bear Flag Fish Co wednesday night for my usual ahi poke (yum) and fish taco and something caught my attention... (which is rare because usually nothing distracts me from the amazing food at that place)

But man..this artist is amazing! I hope to eventually one day own some of his work.  How rad is it that he combines surf, art, travel into almost a yoga zen-surf vibe.

can we say obsessed! check out his site! Alex Krastev Art

all artwork owned and copyrighted by Alexandre Krastev

Haiti

I know I'm about the gazillionth person to blog about Haiti.  But I can't sit here at work without having that helpless 'sick to my tummy feeling'. 

Am I crazy but I just want to get down there and play.  The adults, they can work on the essentials...but the children.  They deserve to play, they deserve to smile.  Is it crazy to think you can just grab a volleyball or soccer ball and head down there and start a game? These kids deserve some normalcy.  Everyone's in panick, its time to round up a team and spread some love.

I am SO SICK of looking at the terrible pictures of Haiti. Although they are among the poorest of the poor countries in the Western Hemisphere, it is a beautiful country, which is why I decided to post some pictures of Haiti they way we all should envision it.
(credit to google images)

I have also included some ways you can help below if you are interested.


Here are options to immedietly donate funds to.

World Relief:
http://www.worldrelief.org/


World Vision
http://www.worldvision.org/


Hopeforce International
http://www.hopeforce.org/


Most important, is PRAYER. Please pray for the people.  It is the one thing you can do that costs you NOTHING.  Also, pray for those who are thinking of going out there. Many people I know,(myself included), feel called to just love on the people and give them the HOPE they deserve. Pray for those in their possible journey to Haiti.

Snow?

Okay, alright weatherman...its time to bring some Snow. You had your fun in the sun, now Im ready to get wet.

Is it just me or is this winter quite stagnant? My new gear is just sitting there, waiting to be used.... poor getup... nothings worse that being abandoned!

My new and (yet to be used) gear.

p.s. really stoked on the gnu banana board-hear amazing things about it.

Swimsuits Already

As I just begin to put my boots on, the ever so early Victoria's Secret Swimsuit 2010 Catalog has approached (uninvited I might add) and although I plan to abstain from excessive shopping this New Year, I couldn't resist and indulged on (just one) purchase.  It was too cute to not share- but too naughty to post.  So for those of you brave enough; get prepared to be sucked into Victoria's Secret 2010!!

click here to see my new purple suit!!

P.S. UPDATE**** I bought myself one more.  This pastel print is vintage looking and just the perfect suit to wear during my stay abroad (sort of abroad anyways).

click here to see my OTHER new suit!

Uncontrollable Anxiety

I know I already blogged today, but my friend Chris Poblete has this amazing blog I wanted to share. Its called The Gospil for OC and it really has some inspirational words of wisdom.  Check out his website by clicking to the on the title.  One of the articles he included today really caught my attention.  Its titled Uncontrollable Anxiety by Burk Parsons.  Here is a passage I was really drawn to.

"We will only be free when we become as dependent on God as the birds of the air that our heavenly Father feeds and whose songs lift our eyes heavenward when we hear them sing, 'Son of Adam, don’t worry for tomorrow, cast all your cares on Him, for if He cares for me, how much more does He care for you?' ”

photography by Cami-Jane

http://www.camijanephotography.com/

Doesn't this just give you a calmness and a peace?  Thanks Chris for sharing.

Kevin Misajon

Do you ever hear a singer and think, "man, that guy is goood!" Well thats how I feel about Kevin Misajon.  His style is stellar.  The newlywed is from Hermosa beach and I first heard him a couple months back at the Rusty Pelican on a Saturday night.  We all loved his music and stayed until closing listening to him jam.  He sings and plays the guitar with an Indie/Rock feel, but mixes in some covers of Jack, Ben, John, and Dave. And he also adds in artist like Buble' or Sinatra! At first I thought he was just a cover artist, but then I listened to the music that he wrote and its really great. I think this guy will definitely go places.  Check out his music at his website, let me know what you think!

http://www.misajonmusic.com/

here are some things I love this moment...

I have made a little list of things I love right now.

YOGA

learning to play the acoustic guitar

 the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack

shades of purple

A.R. Rahman's music

this photo

International Princess Project

I am honored to say that I achieved one of my 2009 goals. It was to find a ministry in which I am passionate about and will continue to become part of.  This year, after seeing the movie TAKEN, I felt a tug pull me toward the direction of freeing women from enslavement and prostitution. I wasn't sure in which way my heart was directing me, but as in turns out it was right to the Internatinal Princess Project. I have had the great opportunity of volunteering with the wonderful group of women who make this project possible, and I have also found a place where I can financially contribute and know in my heart I am making a difference. Please click here to find out more about it, or check out their Punjammies. They are just adorable and make great gifts.

I have also included a video below. Warning-IT MAY CHANGE YOUR LIFE.Please take a look.

Yoga

I want to tell you all how great it has been to continue to do yoga.  It is truly a lifestyle, not just a type of exercise.  I have found my passion in life and I cannot wait to see where it takes me. I would eventually love to teach, but for now I am attending my studio,  www.triadyogaca.com six days a week.

I am also enjoying the benefits of Yoga through reading these books.

a new decade

Its a new year and I have decided to start blogging again. I cannot wait to see what 2010 will bring in.

Lets take a quick look back at what 09 brought me....

started off 09 at the Ritz in Beaver Creek

Here I am in March, overlooking the Atlantic
in the Hamptons with the fam and Jessie

Kicked off Summer 09 with a great trip to Vail in June

Got to hike and White water raft with good friends

Rode horses at Becker Meadows

Ranch (This is Karma)

 My best friend since kindergarten, Kelly King got engaged! (to a Prince, Matt Hayward)

celebrated my quarter century, camping with some great girlfriends

 

Jenn, Kell and I were finally together again for Halloween 09!

Had a blast back in New York again in November with Jessie

went to Greenwich Connecticut to frolic in the fall leaves

My Goddaughter who lives in NY, Sarah Barbara turned 5 on November 18th and I was there!

Kauai

 

A special friend, and fellow yogi surprised and hosted me on a yoga/surf trip to north shore Kauai. Here are some memories.

 My favorite Day, the blue hole hike

at the Hyatt cliffs, Kauai

Doug jumping at Kipu Falls
(30 feet drop)

Thank you for the great memories Doug, and for teaching me the love of yoga and many other amazing things. The adventures were great... Now time for a new decade...excited for 2010!