Teach a (wo)man to fish...

John 21:3 "Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, we also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing."

I am in touch with this emotion, except for the "they caught nothing" part, because we totally did. After all, fishing is mostly a perpetual series of occasions for hope.  Scene: Scotty, my sister and I...fishing.  It was a day just like any other, except that we don't fish on other days.  Anyway, there was this giant whale-like shark fish and it kept splashing us and pulling at our line, mimicking our motions and mocking our advances. That fish didn't know what it had coming.  We hooked that sucker and reeled him in just in time to gut and feast on the largest beast Salem Ponds had ever seen. 

Fish tale? Nay. Truth. 

     

"Fishing is much more than fish. It is the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers."

Thought

A House is a Home

If you're lucky, there comes a time in your life when you get to live with your sister.  This Summer happens to be that lucky time for us. Our paths, by chance, lined up just so -- it's kind of a happy miracle.  This little nest is located on the beautiful tree lined streets of Provo.  Rose adorned bushes and twinkle lights welcome us home after a long days work. We have the loveliest ward filled with people that endure our over-prepared parties and impromptu serenades. An endless Summer awaits, jam-packed with bonfires and all things warm and sunny.  Here's to making every second count and creating memories that we can put in our pockets and keep for a lifetime.

  

"I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself." -- Maya Angelou

Quarter-of-a-Century

May 9, 1987 marks the day that I was...well...birthed.  And, I've managed to stay alive these 25 years.  I'm not gonna lie, as I was going through the beautification process Wednesday morning, I managed to get a little teary eyed reflecting on my past.  Every birthday is a little surreal, especially this one.  Maybe it's because when I was younger, I'd picture myself at the age that I thought I'd finally "arrive", and 25 was it.  And here I am.  All dressed up and no place to go.  But hey...25 presents itself with a whole new set of exciting possibilities.  What will this new year bring?  Where will I be on my next birthday?  It's all up in the air...and I'm excited to see where the feather falls.
(Snickerdoodle and cake courtesy of fantastically caring Sundance friends)

New Discovery

Julian Bialowas is a freelance designer and photographer currently living in Calgary, AB.  I just love the positive messages her artwork projects.  Here, take a looksee....just a few of my favorites:

Yes, Ma'am

Sweet 16

The oldest Madsen boy is managing to grow up a little too fast; this last Saturday marked his 16th birthday. 16 I say!  Welcome, Chandler, to the wonderful world of dating, driving, and taking your amazing older sister out to dinner whenever she wants.  Kay, maybe not that last one.  But seriously, this is a BIG deal.  Did we totally throw a surprise birthday party for the unsuspecting adolescent? Yes, yes we did.  Was it a complete and total success? Yes, yes it was.  Did he jump from sheer fear and run away like a tiny and scared, little wet chihuahua? Why yes, yes indeed.  

Decor...

Action shot of wish making...

I'm so glad to have Chan the Man as a brother.  And I just love him to pieces. Here are 16 reasons why:

1. He can pick me up 2. He's a saxaphone playing Jedi 3. He bought me two pina coloadas once 4. He knows boy things (like which car I should buy and how to put up a shelf) 4. He's so laid back and down to earth 5. He makes me laugh 6. He's a good listener 7. He eats what I can't finish 8. He gets really excited for me when I have a date 9. He's a loyal friend 10. He defends the weak 11. He's a priesthood man 12. He can throw really, really far 13. He plays music while I sing along 14. His name is unique 15. He has big, brown eyes that have a way of making you get really emotional when you stare into them (weird? Yeah) 16. He's just Chan...

Luv ya, dude

Park City

This past weekend I spent some time up in Park City; three days with my family, and two days by my lonesome.  I realized being alone was significantly less fun then being with the crew, unless you count the time spent eating my feelings at the Red Banjo.  Pizza and a basket of fries?  Not a mistake.  Being born into a family that makes me shoot yogurt out my nose from laughter...not a mistake either.  Here's the weekend via Instagram.  I love...us.