Book: Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

I really feel like this pandemic has really provided a slower pace to start assessing if we're living the life we want to live. In many ways, it's been helpful for me to really reassess my life.

What I've kept in my life or added(in no particular order):

-time to work out

-healthy meals

-tracking calories via Noom

-working on my spanish via the app Duolingo

-time to read my Bible (In a journal, I'm summarizing what each passage/chapter is saying and write what the application for my life is) and pray using a prayer journal

-creative hobbies (blogging and diamond painting currently)

-writing down three things I'm thankful for each day

at least eight hours sleep

communicating with friends and family

I've also been reading the book, Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist.

The heart of what she's saying is essentially the quote below:

Shauna encourages readers to focus on what's important and to say no to those things that shift your time and focus away from your priorities. It seems so easy to do, but it isn't. I would definitely recommend the book, Present Over Perfect. It helps you realize what's most important to you and to not feel guilty for prioritizing your life. So many of us run at breakneck speed to get "everything" done and it becomes a vicious cycle that never ends. Thankfully, we can end that unhealthy routine. While I'm not enjoying the pandemic, I am enjoying the slower pace and I hope you are too.

The author also encourages readers to say yes to things you're scared to do, but that align with what's important to you. Don't be too scared to live and step out of your comfort zone.

Another key thing Shauna covered was getting rid of things you don't use. She used the example that she prefers wearing blue, white, gray, white, and black. She never wore any other colors in her wardrobe, so she got rid of things she just wasn't wearing. She also pared down her kitchen by focusing on keeping white and silver colored dishes and tools. I think that what she said makes sense. Many of us buy things we think we should wear or use, but then we don't. Once you get rid of those things, you have more room for what use you and you feel more free. Over the quarantine, while at my parent's house, I'm getting rid of childhood/unused craft supplies. Who knew such old things could bump up my bank account?! I've also gone through my shoes and clothes. I'm hoping to move to a house within the next year, so getting rid of things I don't use is going to make it easier. Also, why keep things I'll never use at my parent's house? Why not go through them now when I have the time? Use your time wisely now.

The Philbrook Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma

From January to May of this year, I was in Tulsa pretty much every week. While there, my and the fam would try to see the sights in between appointments. On my list of things to see was always the Philbrook Museum, since I like art. We finally got to visit the museum in October.

Inside, they have a generic gift shop. In the museum, they have hundreds of paintings. The museum structure itself is beautiful on the inside, as well. You could spend hours looking at all the art. Since they don't allow pictures inside, all my photos are from outdoors. The balcony overlooks a pretty garden.

In addition to the art, I LOVED the gardens and outdoor landscaping. They also have some trails, so you can get in a decent walk. Walking around the gardens is not conducive to a stoller, wheelchair, or walker. I follow their social media accounts and got to see the gardens covered in Christmas lights; it's beautiful.

If you ever get the chance, check out the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa. Here are several of my favorite photos of the grounds:

My Favorite Christmas Movie: White Christmas

We've all watched every Christmas movie there is. Some love the new movies and some love the classics. I happen to really like, White Christmas. While it's pretty old, I love the story, the music, and the dancing.

It centers around two old army buddies who are now successful entertainers, Bob and Phil. An old army buddy asks them to go see his sister's performance, Betty and Judy. Betty catches Bob's eye and Judy catches Phil's eye. The girl's performance is pretty good. Unfortunately, a crazy landlord is searching for them, so Bob and Phil create a diversion and Phil gives the girls their train sleeper car tickets.

A grumpy Bob doesn't know his tickets were given away. Phil tries to talk Bob into going to Vermont where the girls are going for a show, without telling him that's why. The girls come out to thank them for the tickets and next thing you know, they're all headed to Vermont.

While at the inn in Vermont where the girls were doing a show, they found out that business wasn't going well at the Inn and their shows got cancelled. To the guy's shock, they learn that the failing inn is owned by their former Major General. The guys plan an elaborate scheme to get their former army comrades to come to the inn and for there to be a Christmas show there. The girls are on board. They plan it as a secret for the Major General.

The inn is soon bustling with life, they're doing prep for musical productions and elaborate Christmas decorations. Love starts blossoming between the two couples, but complicated things too. Judy becomes convinced that Betty won't pursue a relationship with Bob due to her not wanting to leave Judy behind. So, Judy and Phil concoct a fake engagement story to help push Betty into Bob's arms. Well, that backfires and Betty leaves to do shows on her own. Bob explains what happened and gets her back in time for the show.

The show is a massive success, the inn is saved, the Major General is surpised, and the two couple end up together. The music and costumes are the best in this movie.

What's your favorite Christmas movie?

Movie #20: Little Women

I've watched literally every version of Little Women throughout the years. The ending has always left me sad. So when I watched the latest version, I held my breathe. What I liked about this version is that it started at a different place in the story. That helped it all feel fresh to me. I felt like the characters were stronger and better developed than ever. I found each character to be endearing in their own way. Many notable actors and actresses were in the movie: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Timothee Chalamet, Chris Cooper, and Meryl Streep.

Like always the scene where Jo refuses Laurie's proposal made me cry. I did like the ending though. So, check out the trailer below and see this sweet movie.

My Favorite Podcast

This year, I've started to listen to podcasts. My favorite is the "Whoa That's Good" podcast by Sadie Robertson Huff. Her site shares that, "the 'WHOA That's Good' podcast, welcomes you into meaningful conversations with authors, athletes, musicians, speakers and stars of film and television in search of the answer to just one question. What is the best advice you have ever been given? Hosted by Sadie Robertson, best selling author, founder of Live Original, and star of A & E's Duck Dynasty & Season 19 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars, this fun and lighthearted podcast is sure to leave you saying, 'Whoa That's Good!'"

My faith is super important to me, so I like to fill my mind with things that encourage me in that endeavor. Sadie looks at everything through the lense of her faith. Her guests are her friends and family members, including Christian artists, Christian speakers, and famous athletes. She starts off each interview by asking her guests, what the best advice they ever received is. Each segment ends by her talking with her mom, dad, or husband to help her decide if advice gathered from her followers on Instagram is good advice or bad advice. I would wholeheartedly recommend this podcast to anyone.

The Rose District in Broken Arrow, OK

I love flowers; the shapes, the colors, the scents! So, I literally take the time to stop and smell the roses whenever I get a chance. So, it is no surprise that I really enjoy the Rose District in downtown Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Not only does the Rose District have beautiful roses for blocks, it also has restaurants, stores, bars, gelato shops, etc. Here are some of my favorite pictures in the Rose District:

These beautiful flowers were so uplifting that I plan to try to paint some of these or at least try.

Music: CAIN-Rise Up (Lazarus)

There's something about CAIN's song-Rise Up (Lazarus); the lyrics and the tone of his voice just gets me. It reminds me of the power we have in Christ and I think we all need that power now more than ever.

Read “Rise Up (Lazarus)” by CAIN (Band) on Genius

Songwriters: Madison Cain / Taylor Cain / Logan Cain / Ethan Hulse / Nick Schwarz

Music: Andrew Ripp-Jericho

My family and I are going through a really trying time with my mom's health. Lately, things has been especially trying and we've been relying on our faith in Christ. This week, I heard this new song, Jericho by Andrew Ripp and it was everything I needed to be reminded.

All my fear like Jericho Walls gotta come down, come...

New Favorite Radio Station

In all the traveling that I've done over this year, I've listened to a lot of radio stations. Somehow, I discovered Air1 Radio and I absolutely love it. While I work I listen to it online. Check it out, here. Listen, you'll love it too!

Music: Tasha Layton

My family has been having a really hard time this year Tasha Layton's music has encouraged us so much. I don't know what we would do without God sustaining us. I hope you're encouraged by her music too!

This is currently my favorite Christian song!

Into the Sea (It's Gonna Be Okay)



Love this one too!

Love Lifted Me



God bless!