Bleeding Love

2010 has been a bit of a rocky year. And it doesn't help that in one month it will be ten years since my family was in a roll-over accident and both my parents were killed. I often laugh and think, "Well, if I survived ten years and got through all the emotional turmoil that comes with watching your parents bleed to death on the side of the road, I can handle almost anything." And I guess God says "Yes, you can, here are some more trials to work through and grow from!!!" You can't become "gold" unless you walk through the fire, but it would be nice if there was a drama-draught for once!

However, in the end I am determined to rise above it all, the cattiness, the hurt, the pain, the friends who have proven their true colors and are now no longer a part of my circle, the sickness, the stress of trying to make it as a designer and business owner. A lot has been thrown my way, but I shouldn't complain because my life is still amazing and I don't believe in whining and sulking in self-pity.

Last Saturday, I went with one of my best friends, Kealey, to feed the homeless downtown. It was a tremendously rewarding experience. To serve and give back to those who have nothing, really opens your eyes to the fact that no matter how much I have lost, I still am incredibly blessed and I still have a tremendous amount to be thankful for. These people have NOTHING, and they were the most gracious and kind individuals merely because we gave them some hot food.

It's hard because I get extremely annoyed at those who don't rise above and live life with morals, integrity and kindness but in the end I am going to be the bigger person and continue to bleed love....

In the words of one of my favorite singers of the moment, Leona Lewis:

"Bleeding Love"

Closed off from love
I didn't need the pain
Once or twice was enough
And it was all in vain
Time starts to pass
Before you know it you're frozen

But something happened
For the very first time with you
My heart melts into the ground
Found something true
And everyone's looking round
Thinking I'm going crazy

But I don't care what they say
I'm in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don't know the truth
My heart's crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open

Trying hard not to hear
But they talk so loud
Their piercing sounds fill my ears
Try to fill me with doubt
Yet I know that the goal
Is to keep me from falling

But nothing's greater than the rush that comes with your embrace
And in this world of loneliness
I see your face
Yet everyone around me
Thinks that I'm going crazy, maybe, maybe

But I don't care what they say
I'm in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don't know the truth
My heart's crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open

And it's draining all of me
Oh they find it hard to believe
I'll be wearing these scars
For everyone to see

I don't care what they say
I'm in love with you
They try to pull me away
But they don't know the truth
My heart's crippled by the vein
That I keep on closing
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open and I

Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
I keep bleeding
I keep, keep bleeding love
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love
You cut me open and I
Keep bleeding
Keep, keep bleeding love

I could do this every weekend!

Several years ago my sister invited me to a "Stamp It Up Party". We made all sorts of adorable hand-made cards. The gal that hosted it was named Ashley Bugg. Ashley is also a photographer.

When I told my sister I wanted to do a photo-shoot of my headbands while I was home, she suggested Ashley. I looked at her website and I was sold! She had exactly the type of look I wanted! 

We chatted on the phone and it was as if she was inside my brain, she totally got my "vision" and what I wanted to accomplish with my photo-shoot. 

I have some absolutely gorgeous friends, who fit the mold of the "Posh Prepster" so I asked them to be my models. They were thrilled and I figured since we were all friends it would be natural for the camera to pick up on our chemistry and bond. Editorial shoots can be amazing, but I did not want anything severe and stuffy. I wanted something playful and warm. 

Ashley was spectacular to work with and we all had an absolute blast "playing models" and striking poses. 

So thank you Erika, Jamie, Diana, Jaime and Kealey!!!!! And of course Ashley! 

I could not have asked for a better day. Today is one of my best friend's birthday, Kealey, but it was such a great day, it felt like my birthday :-)

I can't wait to see the final pictures! In the mean time check out Ashley's work

Memories of Friends that will be Friends Forever!

I am so excited for April and May and July!!!! Jaime is coming to visit, then Sarah is coming to visit, and then I fly home for Jaime's babyshower. Kealey and Sarah are helping me throw a "Harajuku Lover's " themed shower  for Jaime. 

July will bring baby Tischler and maybe a weekend trip to LA with Kealey for some trend shopping and vacation time! I sure miss my crew of girls back at home! And it is not easy being across the entire country from them! I  miss our weekly happy-hours out in Scottsdale, our Last Chance runs, running to get tea at Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf or Gelato Spot. All the hours we spend standing around in a parking lot because we have soo much to talk about and we spent most of the time bent over in laughter at the restaurant. The crazy dance parties with the Wielers that last until 6am, watching Kealey try and explain to Sarah R. Kelly's Trapped In The Closet music video!....ahh amazing friendships, they mean everything to me!