Top of the World

My roomate Elyse & I grew up with different traditions- which i could delve into, but there is only one that is important now.

Christmas Tree Decorations.


The major of these differences are
A-Elyse does colored lights (and a LOT of them) where I do ONLY white, and minimal.
B- Elyse does flashy things like garland and tinsel where I would be one to string Popcorn & cranberries.

why does this matter? well I'll tell you of course.

Seeing as I am living with Elyse, when it came time to decorate the christmas tree, i knew i was going to have to make some sacrifices (like i had in the past when living with Elyse). HOWEVER- this year a gift was bestowed upon Elyse of $100 for a Christmas tree. And in a brief moment of selflessness(this was meant to be a joke, and after being told it was mean- i need to clarify that. Elyse has more than just brief moments of selflessness), Elyse decided to let me use a portion of this gift certificate to purchase my VERY own tree. It's a "not quite charlie brown, not quite griswald" size tree.

the very same size i purchased myself 2 years ago, when living in a little beach bungalo.

this means i got to decorate my little tree my very own way.



A few things about my tree: #1- no tree is complete without a Hanging Santa. It's a tradition at my home, that we rotate who gets to hang "hanging santa". It's a special honor, and most people jump for joy when it is their turn. SINCE i am not at my home, and i don't possess THE hanging Santa- My fabulous sister bestowed upon me this special hanging Santa. Straight from the heart of Savanna Georgia, which she acquired on her Magical Southern Christmas tour (another, yet fairly new, tradition)

#2- I love my siblings. Enter, special sibling ornaments, again, given to me by my fabulous sister. One to represent each of us. Grace, Emily & Adam.


#3-of course there is the treble clef :)
#4-Let's talk about the top. 2 years ago when I put up my first very OWN tree, I realized i lacked a tree topper. I frantically whipped together a star made out of leftover fabric, a coat hanger, stick on rhinestones and a Styrofoam cone. When i pulled out my Christmas decorations this year, I realized that topper was not going to cut it.

In attempt to bring a little bit more of my families tradition to my own So-Cal Christmas, I decided I needed an angel for the top. (another duty that is rotated between my family members).

So, i thought. And I decided that the only thing I could do was make one. So I did.

And now, I bring you, the 100% Recycled/Repurposed Christmas Angel:

Made entirely of materials found in this house.
1 2 liter soda bottle, plastic shopping bags, yarn from a blanket i messed up, glue, a cork, some paint and the wire hanger from LAST years topper.



so there it is. I am very proud of my angel, my tree & my traditions.

the mold & the beautiful

one year ago today I was getting on a plane. From San Diego to Baltimore. One way.

one year ago I packed up my belongings and tucked them away into a friends garage.

I spent the day,today, going through said belongings & material possessions that got left behind.

I had prepared myself to CHOOSE some things to get rid of. To lessen my load so to speak. To purge.

Well, that happened. But I really had no choice. A(nother) lesson in letting go.

Photos, CD's, Books- Ruined by mold. And although the final count of things destroyed wasn't as bad as it could have been, it sure was tough.

You see, this stuff happens. you keep it around for too long- and it gets tucked away in someones basement, garage, or attic- and it get's moldy. And as much as you would love to continue to hold on to that, some things just need to be thrown out.

I have no room for mold in my life.

There Will Come a Time You'll See

Mistakes usually turn into decisions.
Even when the mistakes are someone Else's.

I am an observer of people. I have the ability to knowingly learn from other peoples mistakes, missteps & problems. Not to say I have not made my own, because boy have I, but there is a certain beauty in knowing that you can learn a lesson from just watching someone else struggle. To say "i see what's going on here. I won't let myself do that"

Even more so, when you and people who are close to you make mistakes and recognize them, they usually end up turning into a decision. A decision to be better, to not make the same mistake, to not do what caused the mistake to be made in the first place. To analyze the situation, grow and learn. Honestly, that's what I love about life.

Shit happens. But if you pay attention, and realize what went wrong, you have all the power in the world to change that. To think differently, to do differently, and hopefully encourage those around you to do the same.

As I watched Dexter last week (which was an AMAZING episode) i felt connected. inspired. refreshed in my thoughts.

(spoiler alert if you have not seen it and want to)

a little back story of the clip: Dexter is currently helping Lumen (Julia Stiles) get some "revenge" on a group of men that kidnapped her, attacked, and raped her continuously. They had plans to kill her until Dexter came along and unknowingly saved her by killing the one guy who was keeping her captive. In the garbage bags, is one of her attackers

She is hesitant to drop the bag, even knowing that what she gains from doing so is her freedom. Freedom from the haunting thoughts of being attacked & raped. Freedom from the idea that the men that did that to her are out there. But sometimes you just feel like holding on to something. Without it, what do you have? Because holding on is much easier than moving on... and then you let go- The smile on her face proves how rewarding it is.

It has been my ongoing theme with my life as of late, to "Let Go". There is so much power in those words. So much truth, and possibility.

so let go, jump in
oh well, whatcha waiting for
it's alright
'cause there's beauty in the breakdown
-Frou Frou


then we can fling wide the gates
let go the last of our hate
then we can sigh
like the cool clear wind up high
through the sky above
-Over the Rhine


it took a while to understand
the beauty of just letting go
-Patty Griffin

I try to remind myself to let go constantly. Let go of jealousy. Let go of anger. Let go of the past. Nothing positive will ever come out of holding in negative feelings, emotions, situations. It's just not worth it.

It's hard, but in the end- it's the only option. It's the ONLY way to move forward.

and I'm only going forward.

Don't You Know That You Still Belong in a California Song

EPIC SHLISHY ROADTRIP

it's about dang time....whew! Finally for your viewing pleasure, the final installment of the Epic Shlishy Roadtrip Video Blog.

it's been nice folks. Thanks for tuning in, & being patient!

Epic Shlishy Roadtrip Epic-Sode 7 from Emily Schofield on Vimeo.

Graces Blog for Photos, as always :)

Portland Oregon and Sloe Gin Fizz, If That ain't Love, Then Tell Me What Is

EPIC SHLISHY ROADTRIP

nearing the end of the roadtrip... another longer video.
deal with it.
it's awesome.
we're awesome.
you love us.

Epic Shlishy Roadtrip- Epic-sode 6 from Emily Schofield on Vimeo.

Grace was a little ahead of me getting up the pics, but if you missed it, check it out here

Turn Me Loose, Set Me Free, Somewhere in the Middle of Montana

EPIC SHLISHY ROADTRIP

and now...part 2

side note: i have been pretty behind in getting these videos done. expect one or 2 more soon. We have officially arrived safely at our final destination, and will be taking one last mini adventure before grace's departure back to the east.

and as always, check out Grace's Blog for many wonderful epic photos from our journey

The Sun Shines Down on a South Dakota Morning

EPIC SHLISHY ROADTRIP

Episode 5 is here.
But it's kinda long.
Grace says no one will watch a 10 minute video.

so here is part one:

Stay Tuned for Part 2

Somewhere I Made a Wish on Lucky Denver Mint

EPIC SHLISHY ROADTRIP®

Sunday October 3
Leave Oakley Kansas
Arrive Denver Colorado

Meet Jarrod & Jess. See Jimmy Eat World.Amazing.
Stay in Denver.

Monday October 4
Hang out around the city.
Depart Denver

Drive Through Wyoming. What a great state.
Drive Through Nebraska. Grace drives without headlights. again. I scream.

Arrive Fort Robinson Campground, NE. Get confused. Find a camp site. Set up in dark. Sleep.
It's cold. Lots of bugs.

Wake up and see all the Wonder that Nebraska has to offer in the daylight.

I am continually being amazed every new state I enter.
I am loving middle America.
Wanting to live everywhere.
Awesome sunsets.
Awesome music.
Just, Awesome.

and now...



and of course... Graces Blog for all the wondrous photos

Gold is just a windy Kansas wheatfield And blue is just a Kansas summer sky

EPIC SHLISHY ROADTRIP

Friday October 1-
Depart New Orleans. Head to Alexandria, LA.

Hang out with Luke.

Depart Alexandria. Arrive Dallas.

Search for campground.

campground can't be found.

settle on cheap hotel at 3am

Saturday October 2-
Depart TX
---- side trip to Action Figure & Toy Museum of Paul's Valley!---
Arrive Norman, OK

pit stop with Kris, BBQ & good conversation.

Depart Norman, OK

Arrive Oklahoma City.

Check out OK City Memorial.

Depart OK City.

Arrive Oakley, KS

Search for campground.

campground can't be found in the dark of the Kansas night.

settle on cheap motel.

*a few notes*
I love Cajun food.
I want to live EVERYWHERE at least once.
Kansas is VERY dark at night... with so many stars. Gorgeous.
We WILL be camping soon. yeesh.
I belong on the road.


as always, check out Graces Blog for wonderful photos

and now...the third installment of EPIC SHLISHY ROADTRIP® Coming to a state near YOU!

until we meet again...

I'm Gonna Carry My Heart to New Orleans

Epic Shlishy Roadtrip

Thursday September 30th-
Woke up in Nashville.
Loaded up the car, and welcomed our temporary passenger, Erin!

She likes to snuggle with Special K.

Headed South to Hattiesburg, MS by way of Birmingham, AL.
Which is where we found the African Village in America. Words cannot describe the wonder of this place.

After asking for directions at the police station- we were given a police escort to Dreamland BBQ
After Dropping off Erin, Grace and I continued on to NEW ORLEANS!

It was my first time in Louisiana, and it was fabulous.

We met up with Mr. Tyler Crosson, and him and his friend Ryan showed us around the city.
Ryan was a great tour guide, pointing out all the important things.

In addition to the hi-jinks of the morning in Alabama, seeing a man get arrested on Bourbon kept the title "best day EVER" alive for Thursday.

After dinner at Mulate's, Beer on Bourbon, and Beignet's at Cafe du Monde- we called it a night at the India House hostel.



Friday October 1st-
We spent the morning and early afternoon in New Orleans with Tyler again.

Bought a tent, ate a delicious po' boy, and carried on.

Check out Graces Blog for all the wonderful pictures to go along with these stories.
We are a little behind, but all shall be revealed in time.

for now, enjoy the video!

Epic-Sode 2

*special Thanks to the Nashville crew: MeLissa, Erin, Lydia, Kirby, Ashley, Justin, Arley, Mary, & Bud
AND the New Orleans crew: Tyler & Ryan.

It's custom made for any mother's son to be a guitar picker in Nashville

EPIC SHLISHY ROAD TRIP

Monday. September 27th 2010.
Packed up the car

Drove Through 3 States: (4 including MD)
visit with Em Ahalt in WV


Got to Nashville.

Tuesday. September 28th 2010
Hanging out in Nashville.
1)Full service Weenery in Five Points.

2) Found GREAT "pre-loved" record store,

Dug through LOTS of CD's, and found some serious Gems (taken while i sat on the floor...digging)

Vinyl & Cassette from a record store on Broadway:

What I found at Grimey's:

Wednesday:
KIRBY comes to visit!


Phunky Griddle... SO much fun.

First Episode of the Epic Shlishy Road Trip Video Blog:

So much more to write about. No Time.
Only time for more adventure! Second half of day 2 in Nashville commences NOW

Check out Graces Blog for the Polaroid Photo's of the Day!

prepare for a chance of a lifetime, be prepared for sensational news

O N E W E E K

until I depart for the west again
until I have to say goodbye to my family...again
until I embark on the most epic of road-trips
until I see Nashville for the first time
to accomplish lots of tasks in preparation

(check it)

I am going through quite the gambit of emotions...

...but

I welcome it.

also
B I G N E W S

keep an eye on this here blog during our trip
it will be transformed into a video blog
full of special guests, road-trip tips, best playlist moments,
quirky stops, silly noises, status updates & so much more
it will feel like you are on our adventure with us!

until then,

i will be pacing back and forth, procrastinating, enjoying this fall weather.....

...and going mildly insane

Somone's Work of Art

So I was at work...
trying to find the perfect song...

when all of a sudden:

make a



with all kinds of


creating

i am excited.


stay

In regards to Creation...

Yeah, Creation Explosion is still going:

from the blog of the loverly elYse:

Today was a day bursting with… lots of things!

I had recently come up with some ideas for some t-shirt designs, so decided that my creativity would involve following through on that project.

But first… I had to do laundry.

While doing laundry, I picked up locks and lights and a tire pump for my bikes (so my roommate and I can ride them!). Thus adding an explosion of productivity to my explosion of creativity!

Then I went to Goodwill…

…where I got a great deal on some shirts for printing on!

Then… as if this day wasn’t cool enough… the productivity and beginning of a creative explosion was followed up with an inspiration explosion at the Freedom Fest in Oceanside, where the Feeding the Soul Foundation put on a show featuring Bushwalla and Luc & The Lovingtons.

So much creativity and inspiration in one day. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Creation Explosion was a big hit all over. I am so blessed to have such great people in my life that not only come up with these brilliant ideas (Grace- my stupendous, amazing, wonderful, crazy, inspiring, loving, caring, beautiful, fantabulous, scrumtrulescent sister) but also friends, who at the mere mention of the word, "creation" are on the move and ready to go.

i.feel.happy.

I don't have a Clue about Life, I'm Sorry.

as a wind-down to creation explosion today, I spent the night at a friends playing bored games.

sometimes it's not about the tangible things you create.

tonight i created memories, good times, laughter and fun.

we played Sorry(i lost), Clue(i won, twice!), and Life (I won BIG)


Meanwhile, one of my most favorite people ever, Elise, created art in her cute new apartment in San Diego.

so i think i had a creativity trickle today rather than an explosion...it took me hours to paint this little wacky whim! he does make me laugh though...because he forgot the mustard...again! oh dear. also, i included a photo of a "natural smiley face" jeremy left for me one morning before he went to work.

Elise is Amazingly quirky, Ridiculously Generous, Magically Patient, and just all around good times. She is also supremely talented in many departments.

Every so often i open the mailbox and there is a tasty treat, or little nugget of love in the form of music, in a package created by hand, and thought through to the last detail.

She is truly an inspiration to me, I love her dearly, and was so glad to have her be a part of Creation Explosion.

*update*
I got a late night pix message from Jeremy hoping to be a part of the explosion.

Dreams really do come true.

"Sunset Mirror Tire ExplowzSHUN"

see it, be it. "life goes 'round like a tire on the ground"

Stay tuned to see what Elyse (notice the 'y' not 'i') has exploded her creativity into this weekend.

Ground Control to Major Tom(s)

Creation Explosion is well under way.

Here's what I'm working on


I used my old purse to update my ripped up Tom's



back:


front:


side:


This project was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. Somehow my toe was able to attack the durability of the shoe better than my needle. Add that to the awkward angles I had to try and sew at, and well- Ouch! Right now I only have one shoe done. My poor little fingers are taking a beating. But I am pretty excited for the final outcome, and it will be worth the pain and suffering.

well, shit. Isn't that just life.


Given my terrible attention span, I now plan on being creative in other ways. give my fingers a rest, and get back to video editing.

I'm going to Explode!

Creation Explosion has erupted in the farmhouse... and ALL across the country.

My wonderful sister Grace has dubbed this weekend "Creation Explosion". We are getting crafty up in here. And so should YOU!

Tapping into our creativity and productivity is what it's all about right now. We even have guest bloggers from all across the country joining in and getting creative and crazy with us! Mary in Nashville, Elyse in San Diego, Kelly in Baltimore, Sarah in Gettysburg, Jonah in LA- and YOU! you don't need a blog to participate. Just a heart for creation.

It's a beautiful thing, really.

As for me- I'm just getting ready to work on a few things.

first step was Coffee (and always is)




For the past 6 months my job has been video editing/production for a camp. It's always been something I was interested in pursuing, and for now it's my job. I've been feeling a little sluggish at it lately, because I am not as invested in the content as I would like to be. And (until now) have not had an opportunity to work on something of my own. Well that all changed last night, when i began editing my footage from a great beach weekend with awesome friends.



I bought this purse a few weeks ago at target- with the sole purpose of editing it's image. I got big plans for this.




My first pair of Toms. Got them a half size too small. My large toes quickly punched a hole in the front.



With the help of my old purse (which i ripped a hole in also...theme? )


I will create a very unique pair of Toms.



That's what is happening here today. Wanna join? hit me up. Everyone is welcome. Every form of creativity is encouraged.



keep an eye on Graces Blog for updates from all over!

brain brain go away

(check it)


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solution:


(check it)