Tad

     You is smart. You is kind. You is important.
I watched The Help for the second time today, and every time Aibilene says that, it strikes a chord in my heart. There's a place on the inside of every little girl that wishes for someone to tell them they're valuable, beautiful, wanted. Encouragement is powerful. Thankfully, I have incredible parents and friends who speak words of life into me all the time, and I know deep in my heart that I am these things. Even so, I've been in a funk since the middle of November. I can't explain why these "quiet" moods wash over me every now and again, but this one was hard to shake. I don't question my existence or get super depressed, there's just something inside me that withdraws from the world. It's funny, I don't know how God does it, but every time I'm in trouble He sends a random friend to pull me out of it. Besides my mom, there are two others who know me best, and they're always there for me. Yet, for some reason, He used someone who doesn't know me well to pull me out of myself and take off the weight that's been clinging to me. So...thanks random friend. Because of you, I truly enjoyed this Christmas even though I wasn't looking forward to it.

     In other news, let me introduce you to Tad! Isn't he gorgeous? After months of thinking, dreaming, wondering, and planning, I finally went all in and bought a guitar!!!  Well...actually it wasn't months exactly, it was more spontaneous than that. But still! I did good. I could've never done it without one of my dearest and most musical friends to help me out (I mean, technically I could have, but it wouldn't have been nearly as fun). And just so you know, if you ever need to tune your brand new guitar at 10:00 p.m., there's no better place to go than Yogurt Mountain. They're super friendly people. Much obliged, you guys!!! Oh yeah, and I already named him! What are the chances? I had my car for 2.5 years before I named her...poor thing. But this time, it just came to me. Literally. I was strumming my new guitar, trying to decide if it would be a guy or gal, and 'Tad' just popped into my head! So like the nerd I am, I looked up the name to find out what it means, and guess what?! (this is so awesome!) it's a derivative of Thaddeus, one of the twelve disciples...and his name means 'praise'. How epic is that! You might not be thinking so, but I don't care. To me it is, and 'praise' is the perfect name...Once again, God rocks my world!! I'm uber excited about this new adventure, and like my good friend told me, "One of the most encouraging books you can ever read is "The Little Engine That Could". Just keep playing. Every day. Even if you don't feel like it, just keep going." I might not have quoted her quite right, but that's what I got out of it, and I'm gonna run with it. To wrap this up, remember: You is kind. You is smart. You is important. And always keep going...You're the little engine that can.

P.S. Due to popular demand (a.k.a, the two people who have been hassling me about this), I'm bringing back the blonde!! So, I'll be sure to keep y'all updated on what's going on in my life and the squirrels I happen to run over. JUST KIDDING!!! I'm still scarred by that one. Anywho, adios till next time!

Petal Power

This week, mom and I are celebrating spring by planting flowers and beautifying the yard. I can't leave you out, so I'm sharing the flower love with you and the iheartfaces community! So sit back, get comfortable, and enjoy the first tastes of a new season...

Be sure to check out other amazing photographs by clicking on the icon above! Much love, Keandra

Life In Colour

It all started with a Sunday night phone call. I'd been struggling with that melancholy feeling that comes over me sometimes, and it turns out, she was too. We started reminiscing China memories and remembering things we'd never talked about before. I don't know what happened, but God did something. Perhaps it's just my perspective that changed, but since then, life has been so much more colourful. Seriously. In the weeks since, randomness has occurred: the dishwasher had  a breakdown, a simple smile at a classmate turned into a deep conversation, I had my first accident: I RAN OVER A SQUIRREL! (it was a horrifying experience for both of us...good thing is, he didn't suffer; I still am), I tried sushi for the first time...ugh, I got to experience the railroad park, my friend and I wore the exact same outfit without planning it (TWINS!!), I bought my first records, I modeled with my mom for an event at a Belk store...the list goes on. No really, it does. I just can't remember everything right now.

Even in the aftermath of the tornadoes, God has filled my life with blessings. For one, me, my family, and all our property was kept safe during the storm. A lot of families weren't as lucky. Getting to see the complete destruction caused by the tornadoes is something I can never forget; my heart hurts for those still suffering. It's been a humbling experience to serve the people affected by the storm. In a lot of ways, it has reminded me of China and the purpose I felt there. Oh, and can I say, this was the easiest finals week ever. No stress!

Looking back over the weeks, I realize that even the tiny things can make a huge difference in someone's life. When I stop focusing on myself and open my heart to others, life explodes with colour and adventure and joy and GOD. For real, I'm overwhelmed and humbled by how much God continues to lavish me with blessing.

And since no post is complete without a picture...Here ya go! I have no idea how it's related to anything, but it makes me smile so I thought I'd share. Besides, randomness is fun! Livin' life in colour, Keandra

FRITANGAS

Fritangas. Yeah, it may sound weird, but they are extremely tasty. Yes, tasty.... knowing me, you're not surprised that I'm writing about food, are you?......See? I knew you knew better! Besides, I'm not good at planning surprises. So...back to my delicious little snack...fritangas are essentially mexican chips. As you can see from the picture, fritangas are "Fried Wheels," because of their wheel-ish shape, you know? Wow...that was technical. I'm sure I lost half of you right there! Hahahaaa. I kid, I kid. You can get fritangas basically anywhere these days, and they come in a ginormous huge bag. Because you'll get addicted.

They're salty and crunchy and fried and covered in a tongue tingling combo of lime and chile seasoning. To eat a fritanga is an experience that you don't want to miss out on! No for real. Get up and go buy some. You can get the original flavor if you insist, but adventures are fun, especially for your taste buds, so get the lime and chile ones! If you dare. Shouting "FRITANGAS FOR ALL!" Keandra

Sherpa

As much as I'm looking forward to semi-warm weather, I'm going to miss the cold. You may find the reason strange, but then again, I'm a little strange. So here goes...I won't be able to say "sherpa" anymore. You're probably really confused and wondering what's going on, but the answer is really pretty simple. You see, I got these lovely, black suede boots this last winter and they were lined with the comforting warmth of sherpa. Sherpa is a type of wool that gets its name from the Sherpa people in Tibet, but all that is beside the point (especially since the wool in my boots is probably not legit). Honestly, I just like the sound of the word...try it. See how it just sort of rolls off your tongue? It's catchy. Sherpa, sherpa, sherpa.....sherpa, sherpa. There, ok, I'm done.

Not really. There's more! I have a new favorite word for warmer months of the year...I know you're sitting on the edge of your seat in suspense! So I won't keep you waiting. "Linen." Yep. I'm loving the word linen. Don't worry, I have a reason for this too. My new linen pants. I've been looking for some linen pants for the past couple of summers and I finally found some! that fit! yay! Actually, the fit part may be debatable.....but I'm keeping them anyway. I mean, every time you wear them you lose weight after the first five minutes. What other reason is there for your waistband getting looser and looser? hahaha...linen is the bombdotcom. If you don't already own some, go find some...they're a great ego booster! Your oddly lovable friend, Keandra

I Skipped School and I Liked It

Yeah. That's right. This nerd skipped school to go see Josh Ritter in Athens (Georgia, not Greece), but more importantly, I played hookie to spend time with my Nashvegas sister. I had an incomprehensiblely large amount of fun. Never having seen J.R. live, I wasn't sure what to expect. I could try to tell you how funny and great the show was...and how that one story was just a little awkward...but I'm just going to go ahead and show you the awesomeness. Because that's what friends are for. And besides that, I basically find the whole world awkard, so you don't have to think too much into that statement.

These are some of my favorite photos from that night. Josh has a great laugh! ...Just take a look at that 'stache! ... Aren't they all just adorable?

After the show, Mo convinced us to go chase the bus...she's a "dedicated" fan. Chillin' out at midnight behind the 40 Watt happened to be worth it though. I got some great memories and happened to take Mo's favorite picture of the night...

If Josh Ritter and the Royal City Band ever happen to be in your neighborhood, you ought to go check them out...actually, you should give them a listen right now. Here's to ditching school, Keandra

Anticipation




Bubble Tea!

 

Spring Break is here! Praise Jesus. He knew I couldn't handle another week of school. I am so looking forward to this break...I've got major plans. If you know me at all, you know that I'm food's biggest fan...well, not literally!...let me rephrase that...I am a lover of food. So over the next week, I'm going on a crazy culinary adventure. It's going to muy DELICIOSO! In no particular order I will be eating at a legit Indian buffet downtown, making a stop at the Noodle House for some bubble tea, getting a homeade apple dumpling from William's Orchard, going to Cracker Barrel (because I have a gift card...hooray for biscuits!), taking a day long coffee break, getting a veggie burger and sweet potato fries from Baha Burger to take on a picnic, probably getting an icee, and if Smoothie Joe's was still alive, I'd be getting a smoothie. It's sad that I can think about all of this food and not feel calorie overload...I must've been born with a fast metabolism. Oh! I forgot my mexican...it's the best food on the planet...If I have time, I'll be stopping by Chuy's for a cheesy chile relleno. Can you say, YUM! Off to grab a fork, Keandra

Isn't It Pretty?

Ya'll I am so pumped for my new camera lens! I know that you probably don't care about photography, but that's okay....because this is my blog and I can write about whatever makes me happy. So there! Basically, this lens is gonna be awesome. It's a 50mm prime lens with an f/1.8...for you camera lens illiterates out there, this simply means that the lens will stay at 50mm at all times (it's incapable of zooming), and the low aperture number (f/1.8) means that the lens will let in oodles of light and lower the depth-of-field, giving me a blurred out background. So now I can follow you around and get great pictures anywhere, because this lens loves low-light conditions...I chose a 50mm instead of a 35mm so that I won't have to get all up in your face to snap a shot, believe me, you're a fan of that choice too.

Isn't is pretty? Me thinks so. It's just so little, and lightweight, and perfect. I can't wait to give it a go. For some reason, this reminds me of the Texas Rangers theme song...I watched that show all the time when I was little...to this day though,  I do not understand Chuck Norris jokes, nor will I ever. Don't you remember that song? It's the best...perfectly creepy lyrics sung in a deep, gravelly country voice..."The eyes of the Ranger are upon you,/Anything you do he's gonna see,/When you're in Texas look behind you,/'Cause that's where the Rangers' gonna be." Uuummm, yeah. Me and my lens...we's a gonna be watchin' you. Hahaha...not really, but I sure do wish I could see your face, right now.

Letter Perfect

Ever since I was a little girl I've loved to read....especially fictional "fluff" books. To me there's something magical about opening a book for the first time. Adventure lives in those straight, even rows of black and white...places I've never been, things I've never seen, people I've never met. All this to say, I read a book a few weeks ago that really struck a chord in my heart. It was a typical, unassuming paperback set in that era when woman were imprisoned in hoop skirts, and horses were the vehicle of choice. The main character, Ruth, was hilarious - she had a talent for finding trouble and getting herself in truly awkward situations; yet, in everything she did, she strove to be perfect, hoping that society would accept her. I've lived a good part of my life that way, trying to shape myself into what I believe others want/need me to be...looking for perfection. As I laughed (literally) through the pages of this book, I realized that you don't need to be perfect to be successful. Y'all are probably nodding your heads saying, "well, duh...nobody's perfect," but sometimes it takes me awhile to figure these things out...so kudos to you out there. Anyway, Ruth had a beautiful soul and a true gift for making everyone's day just a little bit brighter...a unique, God-given ability and purpose that made her who she was. I'm still thinking about this book weeks after I've read it, and I continue to realize the full extent of this truth. We all have faults, we all have unique abilities...I can strive to be letter perfect, or I can let me be myself. So, I'm working on it now...this whole, letting go of misguided expectations for myself, and working a little more on just letting me be who God made me. Laura Marling puts it well in Rambling Man when she sings, "let it always be known that I was who I am"......I think the world would be a sunnier place if everyone realized this truth and rested in the fact that we're all unique for a reason. Much love, Keandra