Sister Winter

I remember when Christmastime meant it felt like summer, but we made an effort to find a Tree anyway. I haven't been back to Argentina since 7th grade, but I feel like it is where my whole childhood was. I remember in whichever of the 6 countries we were living in, thinking "I'm missing out on Christmas in America!"..(particularly when we gave up on Christmas Trees and decorated our Palm Trees instead!)
Camping in Jordan was one of the most memorable Christmases for my family... and now that I'm in America, I'm thankful for the unique Christmases I have had.




AND, On Thursday, Adam and I are having our own little Christmas after he picks me up at the airport...and then spending time with his family in NC!

When I have my own cupboards one day, these are going to be living there...

ragamuffin thoughts

This summer has been one of growth, unexpected events, and new loves.
Whilst suffering through was must be the most severe case of artist block ever known to Brette-Renee, I channeled my love and frustration for painting towards yarn and crochet.

I love crochet because the yarn can hangout with my hands while my mind goes wherever it wants, and I know that in the end, it will work out fine...a good thing to have when struggling with the other kinds of art like I have been recently. It's been a good break and learning experience. I finished my first project (a queen size afghan!), and sent it secretly to my scruffy boyfriend head, Adam. That's another thing that is new...

After much needed healing in Bali, I came back to America content and with a light heart. Long story short (and our story is a wonderful one..), we talked for 5 months and became wonderful friends before we actually met in person...He flew out 3 weeks ago to meet me and my family, and ask me to be in a committed relationship with him! Anyway, I won't bore you to death but God is so creative how he brings people together...I'm going to see him at Christmastime. :) The best thing about him is his big heart for the Father.

SO, that is what is new, I suppose...crochet projects, and an Adam. (not that anyone reads this thing anyway! But it's been awhile.)
Halloween in approaching and our party will be wonderful!

Here are some photos of said topics:











now if only Texas would start FEELING like fall...

All Delighted People Raise Their Hands

meet Fable

My life truly does change drastically every four months..This time last year I was planning my adventure in Bali...Now the adventure is "over" and I am back from the jungle and re-adjusting to civilization, materialism, and the every-busy lifestyle of what is America. (Tho the effects of my adventure are ever present in my mind.)I love the adrenaline of not knowing what is around the corner in life.

I'm on a domestic adventure now. I'm quitting my job at Famous Feets (last day is this Saturday!), and going to be in charge of the cooking, cleaning, and womanly things this semester and I am so excited. I have already picked up crocheting, and the afghan is coming along quite nicely.

Along with balancing domestic life, I'll be taking painting 2, Yoga, and Kickboxing starting on monday..meaning I will be in a gym 5 days a week. How humorous!

Fall means:
-Planning our 2nd annual Beck Hallows Eve Party, (complete with childish festive cups and cotton spider webs)
-Finishing the 5 or so books I have started this summer
-Completing said afghan
-The world's largest walk through Haunted House
-A visit from a dear, dear friend
-Sufjan Stevens concert with my best friend of a brother
-More art, harp, and <3
-Staying at home during black friday this year, instead of working in retail
-Becoming an aunt, when my nephew is born this Christmas. :)





Crayons are therapy


mini canvases.

Come You Empty Handed!

At work the other day, I was given the task of going over to Target to acquire a hefty bottle of Lysol. 2 of our employees have come down with Staph Infection (ahh!), and it was MY job to make sure neither I or anyone else got it. Good thing my manager picked a hypochondriac to complete the task...I must have gone over the registers 3 times each. I wiped those suckers down.
Point is, it got me thinking...I had to think of all the most commonly touched places in our store...door handles, door knobs, light switches, walkie talkies, phones, computers...sigh. I couldn't miss a spot, because what if that ONE spot was THE spot where the virus would next be spread?
The same way that you wouldn't be a slacker about cleaning up an area that could spread viral infection, why are we slackers about cleaning up the sin and nastiness in our own lives? We clean the big stuff (maybe), but sweep 'small' things under our rug of pride, embarrassment, laziness. Whatever the case, the small things..the small PLACES could be the very thing spreading the infection.

On another note, last night I had quality brother sister time at a MewithoutYou show...the best part was hearing people screaming at the top of their lungs "What a beautiful God, What a beautiful God, what a Beautiful God You must be!"

Hello creatures...

I've been 'home' for almost a week! It has been packed with lunch dates, geo-caching (modern day treasure hunting and great fun!), the Scarborough Faire, and a new kitten named Fable.

Tho I'm back with my family, I will not let myself forget my family in the Pacific Rim and how dear they are to me.

The Faire was spectacular, and I'm going again this Saturday with a dear friend. It's my favorite place in Texas and I'm tempted to hop on their wagon and join the Faire. sigh.

Saya Akan Rindu Ini

I leave in 2 days for the Philippines, where we will be until the 18th. It is a big ceremony week here, and the streets are lined with leafy bamboo decor, and piles of offerings to gods and demons alike.
Saying goodbye in the village was the hardest thing I've had to do here. This place has become my home for more than just a season, and there is high probability I will be back..maybe even living in the beloved artist town of Ubud.
It will definately be an adjustment going back to America. It always is...but this time has potential to be even more extreme, considering I've been living without flushing toilets, chairs, or showers for four months. But none of those things really matter and it has been so refreshing to always be mis-matched and looking a little tossled. Everyone should try it at some point.
I am so excited to see my friends and family, and ready to pull out the treasures I've found for them on this island.


Pardon the lack of visual interest...my computer died since I've been over here, so I will have to wait til I get home to post them all. :) You will want to come here, too!

I Never Thought A Volcano Would Make Me Cry

Today was the day my dad was supposed to be here, in his home country, and my new favorite one. But, as you might know, a volcano in Iceland blew up and messed up tons of flights across Europe (where his connecting flight was), and ruined the whole trip. I'm really sad that he cannot be here with me, but I know there is a reason.
And, I know we will be planning another trip together.
It is important during disappointments not to shut down and think about ones self, so I'm trying not to. I'm thankful to have him as a father at all. Being here has been so important for me because I have learned a lot about my earthly father, and also my heavenly father and I have no doubt I will be back in this country (with my dad), later on in life. This also just means that we have more time to plan the trip.
Thanks to all who have been thinking of me while I am here. I cannot wait to share with you all the wonderful things that are happening on this island. :)
love,
brette