Friday, November 21, 2008

I am Center Stage's Marketing Director and have been since January. I will be the Student Director next semester. Part of my job includes working with performers from all over the world. 

In the center of this photograph is one of our performers, Jenny Oaks Baker, a famous violinist. One either side of her are Brother and Sister Purse. Brother Purse is my World Religion professor and he was also Jenny's professor when he taught at PENN. 

I worked side-by-side Jenny Thursday and Friday nights. She is a wonderful person! She is truly gifted, funny, kind, and humble. She loves her family and is a very wholesome person. 

I enjoyed every minute I got to work with her-even the preparation for the concerts was fun. The performer really sets the tone of the show. Jenny is remarkable to work with and a superb performer.  

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

I was loading my photo for Monday and took this photo. It represents the transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The tree in the background is our Christmas tree in my living room. As previously stated, we decorated the house for Christmas on Sunday! I love holiday decorations.

Every year, people everywhere talk about whether it is okay to play Christmas music before Thanksgiving, or how they are shocked there are Christmas decorations in stores before Halloween. This photograph represents that. I like how the turkeys are in focus and the lights on the Christmas tree are not. 

Monday, November 17, 2008

For FHE (Family Home Evening) yesterday, my group drove to Idaho Falls to the Craig and Kathy Lord's house. Their children and grandkids were there. We made these paper turkeys from our hands. I made the dark brown turkey in the center. My roommate, Kimi, made one named Thelma. Therefore, I had to name mine Louise! 

I had a wonderful time at FHE. I like this photo because it kind-of tells a story. The hand prints are obviously not kids hands. It is not often adults have fun by doing activities kids normally do. 

Sunday, November 16, 2008

My roommates and I decorated our house for Christmas today! We set up the Christmas tree and made snowflakes. It started because we were all working on crafts. We all enjoy crafts and are creative. It was fun! We sat in our front room talking and decorating. A few guys came by and joined in on the fun. It is so funny to watch boys make paper snowflakes. 

I like this photo because it tells a story. The viewer can see a Christmas tree is being assembled and can get a sense of the time of year.  

Saturday, November 15, 2008

This is the apartment complex next to my house. I was going to the store with my best friend, Meaghaen, and saw this. I love light reflected in windows. 

Friday, November 14, 2008

Today, I found the doorway to happiness. Ponder that thought for a moment. Still think it doesn't exist? I am here to tell you it does. 

I was walking on campus through the gardens while talking to my sister. There used to be this little porch swing and I thought it would be a beautiful place to study. When I arrived, the swing was no longer there. Having only seen this little spot in the darkness, I had not noticed the sign above the door. It read, "While in the pursuit of happiness, one should stop and just be happy." 

Have you ever thought of it that way? In the Constitution, we have the right to the pursuit of happiness but it does not say, "Every American will be happy!" The joyous lesson this simple phrase teaches is "happiness is a decision." Happiness is not a job title. Happiness is not an age. Happiness is not a social status or a marital status. Happiness is not how much money is in my bank account. Rather, happiness is choosing to be happy through "feast or famine." It is choosing to recognize and acknowledge the grace of God in all things. 

This week has been full of life lessons and epiphanies. Sometimes in life, I have stressed and worried over...nothing at all. The truth is, the worry never changed the outcome. Mark Twain once said, "I have suffered many things, most of which were merely in my mind." This seems to be engrained in the human condition. 

Part of being a college student is making decisions. I have to make decisions about where I will live, what job I will take, who to date and marry, and many more life altering choices. I could waste my life away worrying about the next big thing or I can choose to be happy. The true doorway to happiness is learning to make this decision and trust in the Lord's plan. As for me, I choose to be happy and rejoice in the miracles around me.

I love this photograph for many reasons. I love the background. I love the light is brighter on the other side of the doorway. It seems as if the door truly leads to a magical place. The light gives great imagery and symbolism. 

Thursday, November 13, 2008

This photograph is all about angles. I wanted to show the sunset in a different way. Again, I took this as I was leaving work. It seems like I am always going to work, at work, or leaving work! 

I like this photograph because of the way the mirror bends the light. In some ways it is like life. A situation can change if you change your perspective. 

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

I took this photograph as I left work yesterday. This is of the Taylor Building--I love the name of it! It really is one of my favorite buildings on campus. I love the architecture. This photograph does not show it well because it is of the side of the building. 

I like this photograph because of the warm and cool colors. The sun was setting behind me, which is reflected on the building. 

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

This is my blanket that one of my friends made me. In my design class we learned about the importance of photographs showing texture. I like this photograph because it shows the soft texture of the blanket. 

I wanted to put a photo of my roommate being her crazy self, but she didn't want to. Oh well! I still look fun ones of her. 

Monday, November 10, 2008

Hello! This is the beginning of my photo journal. This photograph was taken at FHE tonight. We went to the sand dunes for a bonfire, even though it rained all day. We roasted hot dogs and made smores. This is my FHE brother, Mike. He started the fire for us and put it out when we were done. I took many photographs tonight. 

I like this photograph because it is interesting. It looks like Mike is on fire!