What are you doing in the next 1,001 days?

July 30, 2014July 30, 20141 Comment

I took some time today to update my 101 in 1,001. I still don’t have 101 things on my list. I need to think more outside the box or just take notice of those times throughout the day when I go, “Wow, I wish I could do that.”

Arianna Huffington, of the Huffington Post and Thrive, inspired me when she stated that one can easily complete a task by simply taking it off your to-do list. Magic! There are times when I put things on a list and then after a while I wonder, “What was I thinking? That doesn’t matter.” Instead of still working to get it done or just keeping it on the list and feeling like a failure, Arianna just says “Get rid of it.” Done and Done. On to the next!

This list all started with Design Darling. I read over her new list to borrow a few ideas. Check out her blog and her cute boutique. She’s lovely.

https://peculiarpearl.wordpress.com/101-in-1001/ –Check it out! Any suggestions?

Later Y’all.

Chasing Bubbles

November 13, 2013November 14, 2013Leave a comment

I have realized that all areas of my life cannot possess a high level of focus. I mean, I already knew this BUT it still gives me a bit of anxiety when I’m highly proficient in one area and super sucky in another area. My mind and body can only prioritize one area at a time. Those things that easily consume me and put me in a state of flow also make me think that I should be doing that for a living and not mucking my way through my current career path. Hmmm…

While in NY, I helped a friend create a visual representation of the various quadrants of his life. We chatted about overlap and how much of himself he was devoting to each quadrant, whether that level of devotion actually matched his value system, and the consequences and benefits of maintaining his current state of prioritization. Getting to a state of “equilibrium” is a mindset and not an actual thing. “Balance” is a piece of poop that’s been heaped on our heads. We make choices and those choices craft the days of our lives. None of our lives are evenly split amongst all that’s happening in our head and heart. Let’s just accept that and keep it moving. Your “equilibrium” is defined by you and only you know when you’ve reached a satisfactory state. Own it.

What would your graphic look like? Here is mine. Excuse the screenshot.

Vanderbilt, Nashville, Family, Friends, and ME in the middle. I call these bubbles, because like bubbles, they float around (sometimes aimlessly), collide with each other (I have friends that live in Nashville that also work at Vandy), burst each other (crisis at works means no time for friends), and let’s be honest sometimes they just pop! However, bubbles can be fun but also super annoying. They bring joy but really suck if the solution gets into your eye. They also come in different sizes.

My biggest bubble right now is not probably what it should be BUT I’m just looking for some joy and by doing that I’m actually putting myself into the center of things. I’m working really hard not to apologize for this. I’m taking it as a win that I’m at least aware of my priorities and now I just have to continue chasing bubbles. Breathe.

Lata Y’all.

To Be Known & To Be Loved

July 3, 2013July 2, 2013Leave a comment

Pastor Pete Wilson slays the pulpit on a regular occasion. You can find him most Sundays at Cross Point Church whether in person at the Nashville Campus or on a screen at the other 4 locations in TN. If you’re not in TN or just want to chill on your couch while you commune with Jesus, you can check him out online. You really don’t have any excuse to not listen to this message as I have also included a link to it in the post.

Week 5 of Cover to Cover

A few high points for me from this message:
– Yes, cats are going to Hell. Sorry, I don’t enjoy them.
– When I thought of the most beautiful person I’ve ever met it was someone that I thought my heart let go of a long time ago. Darn!
– Happiness is not based on ignorance, but rather it is based on perspective. It isn’t that I “don’t know” or “shouldn’t know” about my circumstances, but instead I should change my way of thinking about my current situation. I should be in the business of choosing joy regardless of what’s happening around me because God trumps ALL.
– Revelation in 3 words: GOD WILL TRIUMPH! Amen!
– Heaven is= A resurrected life in a resurrected body with a resurrected Christ on a resurrected Earth. This world is our home because God is going to heal this world and make it into the place he originally meant for it to be when he created it and put Adam and Eve on Earth.
– The three things we desire:
1. An intimate relationship with God- The concept of inconsolable emptiness is why no matter what I do, I am always unfulfilled. More of nothing (clothes, money, trips, accolades) never fills the void. When will I fully grasp that I have to stop spending to collect more stuff that only makes me feel “better” for a day or so. God satisfies and nothing and no one else can or ever will achieve that goal. We were made for another world.

2. A purpose to live out–I never thought about “the curse” changing the nature of work. We will still work in Heaven but we will have a purpose that will fulfill us and put all of our strengths to use. Work will no longer seem like a burden and we won’t have a case of the Mondays.
3. Untainted Community with no hiding or secrets- We all want to be loved. We all want to be loved for who we truly are and not for the disguise we wear everyday to hide whatever flaws we’ve assigned to ourselves or allowed society to assign to us as we moved throughout this world. We want to be known and loved unconditionally. No judgment, no fear, and no pretense. This is me “naked” like Adam and Eve were literally and figuratively in The Garden of Eden prior to “the curse”. Actually, living the slang of “keeping it real” and not worrying about losing those who “love” you. Our greatest fear, according to Pete, is to be known and not loved. Unfortunately, that is too common of an occurrence. People show up as their true self and we turn our backs, we move away from them so that we don’t “catch” whatever ill we think they have. My friend Darren often uses this Maya Angelou quote,

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.

This describes the untainted community. You really know me and you really love me. I don’t have to hide from you or “keep up with the Joneses” for you to appreciate me. I’m not afraid to discuss my woes, shortcomings, and downright failures. We have learned to walk around with a mask and for many of us that mask is what we think everyone else wants to see. I haven’t lost faith in humanity and I’d like to think that there are places in this world where you can “do you” but one has to be willing to take the risks to reveal themselves and be vulnerable. Just know, that whatever happens, God is there with you always. Just because I write a blog doesn’t mean that anyone knows me any better. I write this stuff for you just as much as I write it for me. Everyone’s got their stuff and I ain’t no exception. I just happen to have some pretty dresses to cover it all up as I prance off to work in the morning.

I strongly encourage you to watch the message and make a visit to Cross Point one Sunday. I’d love to see you there.

Follow on Twitter at @crosspoint_tv
Facebook at Cross Point Community Church

Later Y’all.

Psst…

July 1, 2013Leave a comment

Do you know about these things?

House of Cards on Netflix

If you have Netflix, then you’ve got to watch House of Cards. A friend of mine mentioned it in conversation and I spent the next two days watching Season 1. Kevin Spacey, politics, Robin Wright, scandal, Kate Mara, murder, intrigue, intelligent dialogue, southern asides, sex, suspense, and whatever else you need to make one helluva show. Get into it! Season 2 is in production. You have time to catch up on this gem.

Ruby Amanfu

Ever heard, Jack White’s “Love Interruption“? The female voice belongs to Grammy Nominee Ruby Amanfu. You might have seen her perform with Mr. White on the Grammys. Perhaps you saw her perform as a part of “The Collective” on The Singing Bee or are a fan of Sam & Ruby. She performed at this weekend’s Musicians’ Corner and she didn’t disappoint. Her voice is soulful, soft, and powerful all at the same time. This was her first solo performance in 10 years! I really hope I don’t have to wait that long to see her again in concert. I was also quite giddy that she favorited and replied to my tweets (squeal). Follow her @RubyAmanfu.

St. Paul and the Broken Bones

Another musical act that performed at the last Musician’s Corner of the summer. I’m a fan of “blue eyed soul”. These dudes from Birmingham light up the stage with their James Brownesque lead singer. He wails.

The Home T-Shirt

A cute shirt, with my favorite place on the front, and supports a great cause. That would be the Home T-Shirt. Wore it, posted a pic on Instagram and Facebook, and contributed to many new purchases. I’m a bit homesick and plans to return this month fell through :(. Oh, well I will be there again before I know it. Until then, I’ll just wear my home on my sleeve or rather my chest ;).

Riffraff

I’ve never been to Fayetteville, AR but my debit card has made the trip a few times. Check out RiffRaff! This boutique drew me in with the ability to order items directly from their Facebook Page. Over the course of two years the shop now has a gorgeous website. If you’re a Razorback Lover, these ladies always have the goodies for you. However, if you’re just a girl who loves fashion, check this place out. The owner is super precious and I’ve always received the best service. My two fave purchases include my red asymmetrical dress that I wore to an Ole Miss game and my flower bracelet in a golden color that is perfect for Vandy games.

Currently coveting:

Love TN Comfort Colors Tank

Striped Bow Back Blouse

Rejoice School of Ballet in Nashville, TN

The Junior League of Nashville does amazing things in the community. I’m honored to be a member of this organization. One of our partner agencies is the Rejoice School of Ballet. This school offers reduced price dance lessons (mostly ballet) to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. A girl might pay $100.00 for what would typically by $1800.00 of dance lessons. The final recital was on Friday and I had to go and support these beautiful girls who have worked hard this summer to learn complicated ballet techniques. They were beautiful and I was moved to tears more than once by their radiance. God is so good! Programs like this are exposing girls to lives outside of their everyday world. It is giving them hope and letting them know that they can be ballerinas or whatever it is they choose to be. It isn’t where you’re from that determines your destiny. As someone who doesn’t come from money, I am always supportive of programs like Rejoice because things like this opened up entirely new worlds for me. If you’re looking for a new cause to support, I would strongly encourage you to donate to Rejoice.

That’s all for now. Hope you found something new :).

Later y’all.

On Friday, I’m in Love

June 22, 2013June 22, 2013Leave a comment

I’m spending Friday night in with me, myself, and I. Wasn’t my original plan BUT sometimes things just work out in a way that aren’t too bad. I still have two hours of Friday in Nashville and I am determined to keep this post out to you by the deadline.

So, what am I in love with today?

I did some cleaning of my apartment and rediscovered some items that make me smile.

That’s me! –Anthropologie

@–post White Elephant gift, Barnes & Noble

Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington and Relish by Daphne Oz

Clutch or pouch? Starfish Clutch, Diane Kelly (giveaway prize c/o Back Down South) & Pink and Gray, The Gap (sale)

Red Bow Wedges, Moda purchased from DSW

1. KNC- I just really love my name. My first and last name are alliterative and it just rolls off the tongue. I was once told that I had the name of an anchorwoman. This compliment made me smile because that was my dream job when I was in high school. Anthropologie makes all sorts of letters for your home or office.

2. @ Bookend- So, you know in White Elephant how you’re not supposed to get upset if someone swipes your gift? Well, I got a little visibly peeved :(. I found this guy on my desk chair when I arrived at work the next day. I felt like a whiny baby, but I love this piece and I think it just made it easier for my co-worker to know what I wanted for Christmas that year. Check out Barnes & Noble for cool accessories.

3. Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington of Vogue and Relish by Daphne Oz. I love good reads. If you haven’t seen “The September Issue” then I suggest you watch it in order to understand the significance of Grace Coddington in the fashion world. Daphne can be seen daily on ABC’s The Chew.

4. Clutch or Pouch? I actually won a giveaway hosted by Back Down South . Diane E. Kelly makes these fantastic cork clutches with a football for the SEC girl in you, a fleur de lis, or this lovely starfish. Starfish Cork Clutch, $85.00–see me sport it below:

Gap Pouch–love the color combination with the cool neutral gray and the neon pink. Can’t find this one online but there are a few different options and many are on sale.

5. Who doesn’t love red shoes? Who doesn’t love them more when they are wedges with bows? Picked these up from DSW. Moda Spana Holly Wedge Sandal, $29.94

That’s all for now.

Later y’all.

peculiarpearl

Don't be afraid to sit in the front row at your life.

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