The Power of Touch

I believe in the power of touch.

Humans need to be touched-they need to feel validated-they need to be loved. I think one thing that hits me is how much I miss being touched at times. I don't realize how long its been until someone simply touches me and I then it hits me. To be able to lie in bed next to a friend who is crying and stroke her hair, to hold hands with a friend as they try to tell you difficult things going on in their lives, or simply the touch of a guy's hand on the small of your back-these moments of touch are lasting and important. Touch can be fleeting and frivolous but it can also be lasting and essential!

So if you haven't done so in a while, "reach out and touch somebody's hand..."

Ballroom & Politics

I have a few friends that are REALLY into politics. Today I was talking to my roommate MoMo (one of those super involved in the political world) and I told her that I thought that Ballroom and Politics have a lot in common. She was confused...

To the common folk when you watch a ballroom competition you see orange flashy dancers competing with other orange flashy dancers. You watch them do cool spins, twists, and knockout competitors with their fierceness, passion, and love of dance!

To the common folk who watch/listen to politics you see white fast talking men competing again other white fast talking men. You watch wine & dine their listeners, use their power topics to persuade people, and watch them knockout competitors with their money, fierceness, passion, and love of politics!

But, my friends, if you ever happen to get invited into the "world" of either of these entities you will realize the beast that lies within.

Years ago I had a roommate who was REALLY involved in the Ballroom world. In fact before competitions I would help paint (yes literally with a foam paint brush) her body this orange/brown color (see above photo). As I painted her I couldn't believe the gossip, the hard work, the precision, the dedication, and the hoops one has to jump through to be good on a competitive level.

As for politics I'm newly entering this arena but I am amazed again at the drama, the gossip, the hard work, the dedication, the passion, and the hoops that one has to jump through to gain office.

It is one thing to see something as a spectator and another entirely to be involved in the show!

Reflections of Christ:Another Testament

The man who took these amazing pictures is in my roommates ward. Also another man who helped on this project abundantly is a dear friends of mine. Because of these connections I was able to view this amazing work before almost anyone else had seen it! I am amazed at the majesty that is this amazing project. These pictures were taken in Honduras and the stories behind each of these faithful people is amazing! I hope you enjoy this testimony of Christ!

"Back to Life, Back to Reality"

I don't know if anyone else is going through this right now but I'm feeling very happy not living in reality. For example I just finished, "Hunger Games", and "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins. I absolutely loved them both and couldn't put them down. How can any of my Grad School text books hold a candle or interest compared to these books.

Also my best friend is off on a grand-adventure-of-a-road-trip seeing lots of sights and having a blast. As a result all I can think of is my next traveling adventures.

Rio Grande

Also my younger (not little because she is taller than me) sister just made it on the Lodi High School Homecoming Court! Congrats Alexa! I mean I couldn't even get a date in HS let alone make the Homecoming Court. My mom's got me thinking about her kick back to the 40's Audrey Hepburn Lace dress...

Also my new roommate MoMo is in charge of this great show tomorrow night called, "The Price of Freedom" by my friend Rob Gardner. It's part of Constitution Week and you don't want to miss it!

So you can see why I'm just a little bit distracted from the reality that is my life!

Music Night!

I wanted to have a bunch of musicians over that love music and love to perform! Music Night was a smashing success! I couldn't believe the talent in one place. I loved that such great music filled the house!

(L-R) Royal, Lincoln, & Cheya.

Lincoln played the piano for all of us and he has some wicked awesome piano skills!

Nate, Amy, & Cheya. I think Cheya was excited about Music Night!

Aww sweet! Cheya, Nate, & I taking a break from the music!

Check out the videos below to catch a glimpse of the rockin' night we had!

Royal & Lincoln singing, "Lily's Eyes" from Secret Garden.

Amy & her amazing Flute!

"Remember, Remember"

My friend Ryan, who is teaching Earl Morning Seminary (EMS) in California, recently invited me to join his Book of Mormon Blog Project (BOMB Project). The idea is for people to share their ideas, spiritual experiences, and personal applications of what they are gaining from reading the Book of Mormon. All the Links on the BOMB Project are people who have decided to join in the fun.

This call to arms from Ryan is a tender mercy in my life! I have been struggling to get some quality scripture reading done while in Grad School so the BOMB Project is the perfect catalyst for me to get digging into my scriptures.

A while back I also taught EMS and I think this is a brilliant idea for Ryan's seminary students to be able to read people's blogs/journal ideas about how the Book of Mormon is affecting peoples lives. I look forward to reading their thoughts and ideas as well as other blogs linked to the BOMB Project!

My new BOMB is called "Remember, Remember"

If you are interested in joining the BOMB Project leave a comment and I'll get you connected to Ryan!