Consider the birds...

My Darling, My Hamburger

2012-01-18T19:57:00.000-06:00

"Hey Allie, I'm in love"
"Oh really? With who?"
"Do you remember Bill?"
"Bill? Wild Bill?"
"Yeah Wild Bill. He told me he loves me and I love him.
Allie, we're going to get married. I know it."

Ever since this conversation with my sister while standning in my kitchen in Belton, I too was in love with Bill Ivy. He loved my sister dearly and entirely. He loved her unconditionally and with great passion. He adored her with his eyes and affirmed her with his touch. Why God would give this gift to her, only to have it taken away after two short months of marriage, I cannot comprhend. It does not rest well in my soul and it begs an answer to the age old question, is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?
I beg for the heart of my sister. I plead for its healing and well-being. I interceed with groaning before the Father, who has already worked this for good, though we cannot see that. I cry because I miss my brother. I am strong because I have to be.
This too shall pass, though I wish it never had come.

Be Thou My Vision

2011-12-24T09:22:00.000-06:00

I don't want to be an Israelite. I don't want to be rescued from Egypt again and again.
I am, by my flesh, an Israelite in my actions. I return to the bondage of my Egypt. The Lord, keeping his promise and glorifying his name, rescues me. I fail to remember that should I stay with this hero, he would keep me from my Egypt. Alas I go rouge and am forced to partake in grace upon grace. Thank you Lord Jesus for grace upon grace.

Be thou my vision o ruler of all.

Bing and Gay Apparel

2011-12-01T00:47:00.000-06:00

I bought a Christmas tree this week. It's a 3 footer, pre-lit, pretty spectacular, if I do say so myself.
I hung lights over my window.
I've made my students listen to the smooth holiday sounds of Bing Crosby all week.
Tomorrow I will be donning my gay apparel, as it is holiday attire day at BMS.
I get this cliche fuzzy feeling during this time of year, but last night as I was laying in bed and thinking about my favorite parts of Christmas, I realized that the source of my fuzzies are birthed from the temporal and secular. Though lights, crooners, and cocoa are not intrinsically evil, they serve to distract me from the purity of worship that should be inspired this time of year.

"The Word became flesh and made its dwelling among us"

The severity of this verse evades me. I'm not certain that I will ever grasp its weight.
The WORD (God, the creator, the Lord of all) became FLESH (man, weak, needy, human) and made its dwelling among us (man, weak, needy, human, deprave).
I pray that as I snuggle in the cold, enjoy the sparkling lights, and hum silly tunes, that I am able to capture the unadulterated joy of knowing that the creator of this universe came here, lived this life, chose me, and saved me.

Lord, help the mister.

2011-11-13T12:49:00.004-06:00

I have two beautiful sisters. They are older and wiser and I covet parts of their personalities for my own.

They are now both married to their soulmates.
I am a big believer in soulmates. I blog about it often and my reasoning for this belief in found in two concrete things in my life:

1. We serve a God who so methodically and ever so lovingly designed how PLANTS would breathe through the process of photosynthesis, so how much more has he considered our life-chasing companion?
"Consider the lilies of the field"

2. These folks: (I could talk for ages about them, so I won't start)

So cheers to Lauren and Bill and Jammie and Aaron. I am so happy that you have found your soulmates. May your lives be filled with giggles, nights in "your chairs," and unconditional love and acceptance that has been modeled for us by our parents and our Heavenly Father.

The Only Living Girl In Fort Worth

2011-11-02T10:48:00.000-05:00

Half the time we're gone and we don't know where. We don't know where.
Here I am...

And the walls came tumbling down

2011-10-23T17:34:00.000-05:00

I am on a journey. This journey has proven to be arduous and long.

I am on a journey back to feeling.

At one time, I used to feel everything. Certain instances would bring me to tears or at least deep-rooted feeling. I could empathize or sympathize with my fellow man with divine ease.

A few years ago, during my Dark Night of the Soul, I think I decided to stop feeling, simply because I was feeling too much. I was experiencing depression and my solution was to stop. I have developed a fortress around my heart and my emotions that is virtually impenetrable. Sincere stories of conviction or tragedy, I meet with great cynicism and skepticism. I am always questioning people’s motives and intentions. I am on a journey, much like that of Joshua. I am in the process of clanging my cymbals and blowing my horns to bring this wall down, but, as Josh knew well, it is not the sound of the horn that destroyed the wall; it was the submission of the people to the power of God.
Good bye Jericho.

Today, Peace Wins

2011-10-15T11:35:00.001-05:00

President Obama is sending 100 US soldiers to remove Joseph Kony from the Battlefield.

I am not a political person. I do not follow most current events with much consistency, but from the second I heard the story of the Invisible Children of the Sudan/Uganda, I have been burdened by this knowledge. A few of years ago, I was "ABDUCTED" at the state capital.
We wrote letters to our senators.
I felt like I was doing something to alleviate a piece of this burden that had since overwhelmed my spirit. I have followed emails, and bought t-shirts. I've hosted viewings and tearfully brought these souls before the Lord, that he might rescue them. In May 2010, I woke up to an email that broke me to pieces in every wonderful way. Congress had passed an LRA BILL. This morning, I was broken all the same at another email.
100 Soldiers. It may not be many, but oh it's movement. It's something. It gives me hope that someday those babies will sleep at night.
I don't know what your views are on International Crisis, Political Agendas, or any other uncomfortable topic, and really, I couldn't care less, but I am asking that you take the time to educated yourselves on this matter.

Jill of all trades, master of none

2011-10-11T21:29:00.000-05:00

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel.
Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa.
Homer's The Odyssey.
Syliva Plath's The Bell Jar.
Gustave Eiffel's Tower.
Michael Phelp's gold medals.
Coldplay's Viva La Vida.
Paul Simon's Graceland.
Walt Disney's... World.
Masterpieces.

I have this deep, embarrassing desire to leave this world with a masterpiece. This desire, for once in my life, is not breed from pride, but from wanting to produce something spectacular.
I have so much in me that wants to come out. This manifests itself in stacks of artwork in my closet, journals bursting at the seams, making up songs in the shower, and agonizingly sleepless nights laying as the wheels turn and turn and turn.
If I don't leave a masterpiece, then I, at least, want to have the skills and ability to do so.
I want to master something.
I am a Jill of all trades, but a master of none.

2011-09-27T21:06:00.000-05:00

I have short legs. I'm not short, but I do have short legs. The primary way this affects my life results in pants that are a bit too long, but thank goodness for Dona.
Dona is our alterations friend. Since my mom is the reason for my short legs (thanks mom), we both benefit from Dona's skills.

Now, at this point you may have stopped reading or perhaps you're thinking, "wow, another pointless ramble," but stick with me. I have a point.

Dona is just one person on a long list of, seemingly, random, yet meaningful relationships that my parents invest in within our community. I have watched my parents minister over the last 23 years to people in our day to day lives. I'm not only talking about church people, family members, or homeless people. I have watched them invest in lives of the forgotten. I'm talking about people in the service industry.

Let me introduce a few to you:
Dona. Dona is an Albanian refugee. She has been in the USA for 10 years and she owns and runs her own alterations business. As most Balkan personalities, hers is one of strength and stoicism. She rarely smiles and rarely makes conversation, unless you are... a Wynne. I love watching Dona's face light up as she sees Janet's daughter walk in the door. This is because, though my mom is paying for a service, she is determined to serve back. My mom asks about Dona's life and well-being. She even keeps a present under the Christmas tree with Dona's name on it. She is more than a seamstress, she is soul.

Sam. Car buying is only fun for the soulless. Last summer when I got rid of my beloved jeep, I was on a search for a car. It was traumatizing. My sweet dad and I went everywhere, eventually ending up in Waco buying a car, but one the way we stopped at Sam's. Sam owns Cars-4-U, a small pre-owned car dealership in White Settlement. Sam is a jovial and kind person by nature, but he loves my dad! Sam remembered my dad from looking for a car for my brother a year prior. I remember watching my dad interact in a sincere inquiring conversation with Sam. No bells. No whistles. No scheming, just respect. Now, this may not seem ground breaking, but I just remember being refreshed that there are still real people in the world and I could tell that Sam felt the same way. He even begged my dad to return and let Sam heat the dent out of his front bumper, free of charge.

Ray and Elizabeth. Ray and Elizabeth own Capri's, an Italian food restaurant that my family adores (order the chicken lasagna). Ray is from Kenya. Elizabeth is from Tanzania. They bought Capri's about three years ago (I could be way off on that). We love Ray and Elizabeth. They are good people, but naturally, as a Wynne, we've got to take it a step further. My parents have invited Ray and Elizabeth as well as their son and Ray's mom, to our home to eat, fellowship, look at cows. They have invited them to church and made them the staple for Monday lunch after the Women's Bible Study. They have truly impacted the lives of this family

These are just a few lives touched and changed by Paul and Janet Wynne. I could go on and on about the City Cleaners folks, Pro nail, or the all of our teacher over the last 30 years. They don't do it to be noticed or because it's easy. They do it because it is the call of Christ upon their lives. So though I am doomed to hear for the rest of my life,

"You are just like your mother"

"That sounded like your father"

I will equated it with being found an exceptional servant and I will smile in appreciation.

I'm looking in on the good life i might be doomed never to find.

2011-09-22T20:29:00.002-05:00

On my way to get dinner (dieting blows BTW), I spent some time talking with God. You see, we haven't been speaking much lately. My silence isn't a result of a traumatic event or crisis of faith, but it's an occasional occurrence bred from some unknown source that I have repressed and buried so deep that I don't even know the root on a conscious level.

Anyway, I am driving along and asking God to allow me to rest in the knowledge that he knows my future. He knows when I sleep, when I rise, when I will get married, when I will settle down, what I will be doing next year, two years, 30 years. He knows. His omniscience is supposed to be reassuring, yes?

Well, as I began to just sit, I realized that the source of my recent resistance to prayer is that I KNOW God knows. I began to realize that I was bitter that God has my days numbered and planned and yet he is allowing me to sit here and stress.

So, since I've broken my silence, my metaphorical intestines revolted and a flood of word vomit spewed.

I want to know. I need to know. Why won't you tell me? Don't you find this a little mean? I don't get it. What's the harm in me knowing at least what lies ahead for me next year? I mean, how strange and creepy is it that someone knows you better than you? It's a little odd, you've got to admit.

On my way back home, I rolled down my window to share in the crisp fall breeze and the vivid colors of the sunset. The Shins New Slang played as the perfect soundtrack as the green in the trees contrasted subtly, yet beautifully against the darkening blueness of the fading evening sky, and a that point I began to rest in the knowledge that God knows my future and that was enough.

A Rule of Thumb (and fingers)

2011-09-18T22:00:00.001-05:00

This semester in Ms. Wynne's art class, I have decided to give my self and my students a little challenge.

The Challenge: Begin to tear down the walls of selfishness in middle school students (or rather middle school students who take art) and direct their focus to others.

I know... big challenge, but a worthy one I think.
As a means of fleshing this out I am beginning with projects concerning the self and expanding through out our community, country and, eventually, the world. We began the year and "Me" unit with making goals, which we wrote on cut out leaves and stapled to my tree over my door. These were goals we discussed and they thought over before writing down. the goals could be personal, academic, or relational. My heart soared as I hung the "leaves of change," as we called them. I began reading such inspiring goals like:
I want to stop fighting with my sister. I want peace in my home. I want to spend more time with my grandma. I want to pass. I want to be known as the best athlete. I want to make a friend.
As I read, I knew it was going to be a good semester and, thus far, I am right.
We have continued on with the "Me" unit by making large stippled fingerprints and, most recently word silhouettes, inspired by a word portrait I have hanigng in my classroom of President Obama.
For the Word Portraits, each student has to make a list of 50 adjectives describing his or her personality to fill his or her silhouette.
After re-teaching adjectives to (13 year olds!), I allowed them to use thesauruses to find more personally descriptive words.
One of my brilliant kiddos raised his hand and asked me to explain critical a bit further beacuase he thought that he might just be a critical person.
I told him that being critical means that you are judging people pretty consistently or you think you could live their lives much better than they could, even if you don't say any of these thoughts aloud.
The more I explained "critical" to my student, I realized, as I have so many times before, that
I am critical.
This is nothing new to me. I just forget it it's hold on me. When I am confronted with this little gem about my life, I am also reminded of what my mom used to say, "whenever you are pointing at someone else, there are always three fingers pointed back at you".
All of this to say, it looks like middle school students aren't the only ones who need to have the selfishness extracted.

With or Without You

2011-09-18T21:17:00.000-05:00

30. A photo of you when you were really happy

I watched the whole concert a little teary eyed.
<3

L is for the way you look TO me

2011-09-12T18:33:00.000-05:00

29. A photo of someone you find attractive.

Duh!

Yummy Yummy Yummy I've Got Love in My Tummy

2011-09-11T22:01:00.000-05:00

28. A photo of what you ate today.

I tried something new on my quest to eat healthier. I smushed (that's the technical culinary term) some steamed cauliflower and mozzarella in the bottom of the dish. I sliced some yellow squash and turkey pepperoni and put it on top. It was tasty. I call it Cauliflower Pizza. I'm sure it's not the most healthy it could be, but it's better than regular pizza, yeah?

I miss those lovely days of summer

2011-09-10T22:09:00.000-05:00

27. A photo from last summer.

Alabama, Arkansas. I do love my Ma and Paw.

2011-09-09T18:55:00.001-05:00

26. A photo of your favorite place.

Ah home, let me go hoooome
Home is whenever I'm with you
Ah Home, yes I am hooooome
Home is when I'm alone with you

25 down and 5 to go

2011-09-07T18:28:00.000-05:00

25. A photo of a night you loved.

This was taken my sophomore year with all of my best friends at the time. We made a cookie log (cookie log- bake an entire log of cookie dough w/o cutting it for about 8-9 minutes, then put a carton of ice cream on top and DONE). It was fun, even when our idiot friends came in and sprayed shaving cream everywhere, not realizing we were actually at THEIR apartment... boys.

24 Oceans

2011-08-24T21:19:00.000-05:00

24. A photo of you when you like the way your hair looks.

I have a love/hate relationship with my bangs. Currently, I miss them. (and yes, that headband IS for sale!)

The Future us Now

2011-08-23T19:50:00.000-05:00

23 . A photo of you today (Ha it's #23 on the 23rd)

OK, I've just taken a shower and I'm in my pj's watching a movie. cut me some slack.

Put Yo Hood Up

2011-08-22T21:12:00.000-05:00

22. A photo of your town.

The beautiful Fort Worth skyline reflecting over the Trinity River.

2-2... 1-1... 21

2011-08-16T17:24:00.000-05:00

21. A full length photo of yourself.

Halloween 2009

TWENTY Honey

2011-08-15T21:53:00.000-05:00

20. a photo of you doing something you love.

Hmmmmm... Jamming out... duh!

N-N-N-Nineteen!

2011-08-14T22:03:00.000-05:00

19. A photo of you in school.

Since I am lacking a scanner in my life, I do not have any photos of me prior to my digital camera, so here's what I got school wise.

Woof 18 Woof Woof

2011-08-09T17:55:00.000-05:00

18. A photo of your pet.

As most of my people know, I don't feel deeply for animals that aren't mine. This beauty is mine and I LOVE HER.

MINNIE

Sweet 17

2011-08-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

17. A photo of you having pure, unadulterated fun.

I love this picture. It was taken my freshman year during one of our girls nights in our dorm room. We all got ice cream and "watched" movies. I don't even know what actually happened prior to me spitting ice cream all over myself, but I'm sure it was fun.

Sixteen going on Seventeen.

2011-07-26T20:56:00.000-05:00

16. A photo of you at a party.

Oh ABC "frat" party. Good times.

Love the number 15

2011-07-23T18:52:00.000-05:00

15. A photo of you and someone you love.

We are family!

2011-07-22T23:35:00.000-05:00

14. A photo of you and one of your favorite family members.

Yeah right! I love all of my family. I would rather spend my time with my family than most of my friends. Soooooo....

Bestie 13

2011-07-18T01:30:00.000-05:00

13. A photo of you and your best friend.

This is my best friend, Tara. We are almost polar opposites, yet so similar. I've known her since we were in the nursery and she stole a bracelet from me. Her heart for the Lord and for people is inspiring. It's an effortless, life-giving friendship. I don't have many of these, so I cherish it. Currently, Tara is in Goa, India serving women rescued from sex trafficking. I've only heard from her twice, but I know she is being changed and being used. Per her request, please pray for Chini to come to know the Father as we do.
Our Favorite pastime: Margaritas at Fuzzy's, sushi and a movie, Ben and Jerry's
Our longest running tradition: Our Christmas Exchange
Our Common Addictions: Good music and Scarves

Me, Me, Me, Me, Me

2011-07-15T19:16:00.000-05:00

12. A photo of me

I believe this picture reveals so much...

Oh Thank Heaven, it's number eleven:

2011-06-29T20:07:00.000-05:00

11. A photo of your favorite movie(s).

Oh my gosh. This is just as hard as the band pics. Alright, here we go:
(Just to name a few)

Love Actually

It just makes me have girly butterflies and makes me feel like it's christmas.

The Air Up There

First of all, who doesn't love Kevin Bacon? Secondly, it's Africa and basketball.

Fight Club

Good book. Good movie. Hott guys.

I am Jane's favorite movie.

Garden State

Means more to me the older I get.

The Godfather II

Number one's good. Number three's alright. Number two is phenomenal.

Mean Girls

AKA the story of my life

Dumb and Dumber

The greatest

Tombstone

I'm ya huckleberry. That's just my game.

The Hangover

I cry laughing every time.

Number 10!

2011-06-07T22:25:00.001-05:00

10. A photo of you as a baby

I don't have any digital photos of me as a wee babe, but I do have some of me as a wee girl.

Here I am on Halloween with my baby bubba. I am donning a gypsy ensemble, my outfit of choice for many an All Hallows Eve.

Here I am in between my big sisters, rockin the bangs.

Photo de Nueve

2011-06-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

9. A photo of your family

I love my family more than most people. They see the best and worst of me. They love me unconditionally. They're hilarious. They're loud. They're fun. They're cool.
I like them.

#8

2011-05-30T19:53:00.000-05:00

8. Photo(s) of your favorite bands/musicians

Just to name a few:

The Who

The Killers

Mountain Man

Mumford and Sons

Paul Simon

Queen

Laura Marling

The Beatles

Coldplay

Adele

I love #7

2011-05-28T01:38:00.000-05:00

7. A photo of someone you love
There are so many people who genuinely fall into this category. Though I've never been able to fill this number romantically, I can fill it with friends.

Sexy Number Six

2011-05-26T22:38:00.001-05:00

6. A photo that makes you laugh

Sooo there isn't just one photo that makes me laugh, but one photo shoot. These pictures make me laugh looking at them just as much as when I shot them.
May I please have the pleasure of presenting the amateur modeling careers of Chase Brown and Mark Miller:
(on set location, Oahu, Hawaii)
[Needless to say, Mark got into way more than Chase.]

Cinco de Photo

2011-05-23T20:07:00.000-05:00

5. A photo of you.

This is a photo of me taken by my bestie, Tara, during our long lasting Christmas tradition.
Ever since I got my drivers license, we have celebrated Allie and Tara's Christmas Tradition. Our tradition schedule goes as follows:
1. Eat sushi.
2. Get Starbucks or ice cream (depending on the TX weather)
3. Open presents in the parking lot.
4. Drive around looking at Christmas lights.
There's not a lot to it, but it's our tradition.
The other thing I like about this picture is my bangs. My bangs and I have a love/hate relationship. I love the way they look. I get them. I grow them out. I hate them.

Quatre

2011-05-22T21:30:00.000-05:00

#4: a photo of the last place you went on Holiday.

I last went on holiday to this lovely city... New Orleans. What a crazy, unique place, rich with history and culture. Not to mention the fact that NOLA has the best food and music in the world. I got to go with this quirky couple:

It was one of the best vacays in a long time and with two of the best hosts too. For more NOLA picks from my trip CLICK HERE.

The Third Day

2011-05-21T09:52:00.001-05:00

3. A photo that makes you happy.

This picture makes me so happy. This is Lefdo. We were in this particular village for a week and a half. There was no electricity, so sleeping outside, we rose and retired with the sun.
Every morning, without fail, this little baby boy would walk straight to me (with no pants) and I would hold him until the sun was beginning to set and he would go home. None of the adults in the village knew where he was from and all I knew was that the kids said his name was Lefdo. He was precious and laid on my chest just like the picture. One day I even made him smile. On our last evening in the village, we stayed up after the sun went down and fellowshiped vis the light of the full moon. All of a sudden, while we are standing around talking, I feel this little tug on my skirt. Lefdo had left his home (wherever that was) and found me. We spent one last evening together with him falling asleep in my arms, until one of the village members said that she would find out where he lived. I couldn't talk for almost a day after we went back to Burkina, for fear of completely losing it.

D-D-D-Day two!

2011-05-20T17:50:00.000-05:00

2. Your facebook profile picture.

The two main men in my life. Let's go Mavs!

And away we go...[Day One]

2011-05-19T23:40:00.000-05:00

1. A photo of yourself a year ago.

It is surreal to think that this time last year I was matriculating college and preparing to experience a turn in my short little scene of life [SEE: this blog post]. My expectations for where I would be in a year are... yet to be fulfilled, but there were new outcomes that I couldn't have anticipated. I suppose I'll most likely be saying the exact same thing this time next year.

Spiritual Eating Disorder

2011-05-18T23:30:00.001-05:00

[DISCLAIMER: this is in no way intended to make light of actual eating disorders]
I feel a victim to a spiritual eating disorder.
I starve myself of the word, genuine fellowship with believers, prayer, and discipleship.
For periods of time I lack all required divine nutrients to even survive.
It effects my mood, my energy, and my strength and when I am at the terminal stage of my disease, I cave and begin to feed.
At this point, I am ravenous. I am a holy glutton. I gorge myself on scripture, service, community, until I must loosen my belt of truth. At my fullest, I purge. I begin to spew my spirituality on anything and anyone who crosses my path. I did not pace myself and allow my food to nourish my soul. I didn't seek guidance in my digestion. And it repeats in a vicious cycle.
It's as if I suffer from bullet wound that I continue to put a bandage on and hope for the best.
It's like I'm running a marathon on a treadmill.
It's like I'm a broken record, that's never going to be fixed.

All of this self-awareness, yet I feel a bit freer than I have in a while.
It feels good to be breathing air again.

I just want someone to say to me...

2011-05-09T22:50:00.000-05:00

I'll always be there when you wake.

When I grow up I want to be a forester

2011-04-29T17:58:00.002-05:00

I had a student ask me the other day..." Ms. Wynne, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
I first laughed, then thought for a second and said, "... I don't know."
I mean... I'm just a kid.

Quick thought

2011-04-16T10:22:00.000-05:00

[This ramble is brought to you by: You Know It Ain't Easy]
Perhaps the reason I don't pray expectantly is because I am praying to myself of whom I do not expect much. I must learn to direct my prayers to a God who awaits to do God-sized wonders. I must relinquish this illusion of control that I have created and pray expectantly to a God who exceeds all expectations.

Allye Weekend 2011

2011-04-11T18:16:00.001-05:00

Sunday morning concluded Allye Guthrie Weekend 2011. We had a good time and, more importantly, I think Allye did too. I like her a lot and these folks feel the same...

What's Donna Summer said backwards? SUUUUMER DONNA

2011-03-23T18:29:00.000-05:00

Rob Bell. John Piper. Heresy? Arrogance? Marketing genius?
For an eloquently written perspective:

CLICK HERE

The Bright Baby Eyes of the Chickadee

2011-03-20T20:03:00.000-05:00

I've been considering the birds lately, as suggested in Matthew 6: 25-34 (See also: the namesake of this blog), and I am trying to trust in the omniscience that he possesses, this omniscience we are told to put our trust in.
I believe my real struggle is not my untrust (spellcheck is hastily informing me that this is not a word, but you know what I'm sayin) of God's omniscience, but, in fact, the complete trust in this illusion I've created for myself about my own omniscience.
I am 100% knowledgeable about almost everything. If I'm unsure, then I'm also really great at B.S.ing. I have pretty decent ideas. I have wonderful plans for myself... and for others, for that matter. And this is where I put most of my trust.
So as I consider the birds, I am trying my hardest to trust in the God who actually knows everything. The God who has no need or reason to B.S. The God who has authored my days before I ever trod on this soil. The God whose plans surpass any "good idea" I could ever scheme.
So as I consider the birds, I will try and trust in their God, in my God, in the God.

Back to life. Back to reality.

2011-03-18T01:20:00.000-05:00

Best Spring Break in awhile! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

Imgointanewah'leens

2011-03-13T17:36:00.000-05:00

In 24 hours I'll be here:

With her:

To visit him:

SPRING BREAK 2011!!!

3 Days, 60 Miles, Sore Feet, Good Cause

2011-02-26T11:47:00.001-06:00

My sister and I are walking 60 miles in november for the Susan G Komen 3-Day. To do this, we must raise $2300 EACH! If you would like to donate to our funds go to the website. Click on "Donate to participant" and type in either Alexandra Wynne, Lauren Henderson, or team The Wynndersons. Thank you in advance. I think it is going to be so challenging, but what a great cause!

Give me to the rambling man

2011-02-19T10:38:00.000-06:00

I went to bed with a headache, slept with a headache, and, SURPRISE, woke up with a headache, but regardless, it was a lovely morning. I made some croissants and sat on my porch and did my Bible study in the most gorgeous weather.
I'm going through a Max Lucado study on Ephesians. I just started last week, so I'm still in the first 14 verses of the first chapter which is beginning to establish our identities as believers. We have been "lavished" in God's grace, we have been adopted as his children. These are sweet sweet truths. In Max's commentary on the subject of grace, he appeals to the readers who struggle in accepting grace from God. This is not a struggle for me. In fact, it's quite the opposite (see Grace Whore). One of the questions in the study asked something along the lines of who has taught you about grace (who being humans). Immediately, I wrote "Mom and Dad". As I began to write and unpack my answer, it became so obvious to me that the reason why I am able to accept grace so freely is because I have never been denied it... by anyone who matters.
I am free as a bird around my family, which seems like a lovely thought, but let me put it into context for you. I am unfiltered, unashamed, and quite selfish around my family. I feel so safe and secure in their love for me and in their abounding grace that I let it all hang out. Yet... grace.... upon grace... upon grace. My Parents have four children and we all act this way and yet... grace... upon grace.... upon grace. They work as educators (which should speak for itself) and yet... grace... upon grace... upon grace. They have served NBC for over 20 years and I've watched them extend grace upon grace. It's not necessarily because they are extraordinary superheroes (but I mean, let's be real, they are), but it's because they allow their extraordinary God to flesh himself out in their lives again and again by means of grace.
So I told Max about my parents and their constant example of grace. Now my grace whorishness is of my own doing, but my familiarity of grace has much to do with the parents my God has allowed me. And as I know this is your homepage, so you'll most likely read this, Thank you mom and dad for making it easy to receive this righteous grace as well as showing me how to extend grace, upon grace, upon grace to others. xoxo

Another Day, Another Dollar

2011-02-19T00:06:00.000-06:00

Today I made my first sell on ETSY.
I covered my hallway in the beautiful handmade butterflies of my kiddos.
I enjoyed some righteous sushi and MK tinis with my sista, Jammie.
I got almost caught up on my six weeks grades.
I somewhat successfully began my clay unit in advanced art... here's hoping next week continues as planned.
And now I'm going to try and figure out taxes... wish me luck.
Cheers.

A slice of humble pie... but no Valentines.

2011-02-14T19:48:00.000-06:00

Last night, as I was volunteering as a munchkin wrangler at church, I experienced my worst rejection to date.
Gathered around a table learning our Bible verse for the evening, I look at little Caden, a 6 year old in the class and say, "Caden, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Will you be my Valentine?"
Caden looks up at me with pitiful eyes and said, "...weeeeell, I really only go out with my girlfriend."
One of the older 6th graders, then, so graciously pointed out "OOH Ms. Allie, you just got rejected by a 6 year old!"
And to add insult to injury, my little Casanova comes up to me later in the evening and pulls back his shirt sleeve, revealing a bicep as big as my wrist and says, "You know how I get these? ... Taebo."
Needless to say, I wasn't wooed by anyone this Valentine's Day, but it's still one of my favorites.
Whether you're fortunate enough to have a soul-mate or your kickin stag-style, I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!
xoxo

Friday Five on Saturday (better late than never): Bleach-Balls-Books-Bangs-Ballads

2011-02-12T22:16:00.000-06:00

I realize that it is Saturday and not Friday, but this Friday Five is just fashionably overdue.
It's been such an odd last couple of weeks. My routines have been thrown off a bit, but in the best sort of way. I've had 5 collective days off of school (paid vacay), done some reading, creating, organizing. All in all, it has been a pretty productive and entertaining couple of weeks. All of this leads me to my Friday Five...

Top five recent Discovered/Rediscovered Loves:

1. Oreo Balls! I made oreo balls for my small group and my friend's birthday this week and I forgot that I love them... too much.
Most people call them oreo balls, Tara calls them moose poop, so we compromised with: Moose Balls.
No matter what you call them... they're divine.

2. The blessed smell of bleach. I cleaned my apartment today and used bleach. Most people, normal people, hate the smell of bleach, but loooove it.

3. Betty Paige Bangs... OK well not quite, but I did but my bangs again. Oh how I missed them.

4. Laura Marling has been on repeat in my brain, on my ipod, and in my itunes alllll week. Girl crush for sure! " I'm sorry to which ever man should meet my sorry state, watch my steady lonesome gait and beware." mmmmmmm

5. I started a new book this week, Choke by Chuck Palahniuk. I'm not sure what my deal is with authors named Chuck. I forgot how truly disturbed he is, yet Palahniuk is such a phenomenal writer. It's (obviously) not as good as Fight Club, but quite interesting.

Well there you have it, my 5 loves of the week. It's not Friday, but it's Saturday... almost as good. Cheers!

Oh Captain, My Captain

2011-02-10T21:42:00.000-06:00

Emphasis, as a principle of art, is creating a focal point. It's what the artist wants you to get from his piece. It's why he created the piece. It's what he hopes you walk away with. Sometimes it is blatantly obvious and sometimes it takes some searching.
Today we learned about emphasis. We looked at some Vermeer and some Lautrec and searched for the possible emphasis' in pieces like "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "At the Moulin Rouge". Color is an effective way to create emphasis and a prime example of this is in Schindler's List.
We talked about the Holocaust. We talked about the depravity of man. We talked about the reality of the horrors of humanity's past. They were silent. They were respectful. They were 12 and 13 no longer. For 45 minutes today, they were adults. They answered questions thoughtfully. They took in stories and displayed genuine empathy. They made me so proud. I challenged them and they rose to the occasion.
Emphasis, as a principle of art, is creating a focal point. It's what the artist wants you to get from his piece. We are God's emphasis. We are his workmanship. I'm thankful for days like today when I am able to appreciate his artwork.

I Won't Let You Choke On The Noose Around Your Neck

2011-02-07T22:48:00.002-06:00

"We have the cure for the cancer of the soul and we put in a can and bury it in our gardens."
-John Burns, the first person I've ever met who has such a sincere and life changing burden for the eternal condition of his fellow man.
I envy and covet the passion John has for his people. England, the birthplace of our "Christian nation," contains less than 2% self proclaimed Christians. He sees this and it moves him to action. Yes. This is the natural progression of things, right? You see a problem. You have the answer. You fix the problem.
I see the problem. It is staring me dead in my face everyday. It stares at me through the eyes of the people I adore. It stares at me through strangers. I see the problem. I know the problem. I know the answer. I have the answer.
I take it, put it in a can, and bury it in my garden.
What is wrong with me?
This is not a new revelation to me. I've always known this about myself. I am embarrassed to lay out the Gospel to my friends. Rubbish. Complete rubbish!
What is wrong with me?
I'm sure many people would say, "Oh, you're not alone. I feel the same way. Just do your best to show the love of Christ."
OK... well I'm not. I am not doing my best. Even if I were doing my best, my righteousness is as filthy rags. I'm not questioning the value of grace, but confronting an issue that I may never conquer, an issue that lies in the depths of my wicked heart.
The stakes are so high. I am gambling with people's eternity. Why is it so hard?
I am willing... I think. I am able... with help.
So WHAT.... IS.... THE ....DEAL?
If I had the cure for actual cancer I would tell EVERYONE!
I would call hospitals, clinics, TV stations and provide the cure for everyone. I would go to great lengths to make sure it was evenly distributed to all nations.
I will click "publish post" in a minute. This blog will post. A handful of people will read it. Some may identify. Some may think a thought or two. I'll check back tomorrow for comments. Life will move on. Will I change? I know the Gospel won't, will I? Will this get easier one day? Will I let it?

Meanwhile, I pray that you are being much more generous than I in the matters of eternity entrusted to you.

Frozen Friday Five: Who throws a shoe? Honestly!

2011-02-04T18:53:00.000-06:00

So I've successfully made it to day four of the "Big Freeze of 2011" aaaaaand since I know you're all dying to know what I did today, here it is...

Top Five Things I Did Today:

1. Left the house!!!! I didn't care where I went or what I did, but I had to leave, so I went to the place that has it all...

and then proceeded to spend way too much money on things I do not need. Typical.

2. Watched two works of cinematic genius:

3. Made Soup. I just started putting stuff in and nothing ruined it and this = success!

4. I made some tasty cupcakes (Almond-Coconut-Chocolate-Chip-pudding).
They don't look too pretty and they're a little burned on the bottom, but not too shabby I'd say.

And I found some pretty cute taste testers:

5. And now I'm spending the evening eating pizza and watching a movie with these knuckleheads:

Happy snow days to ya.
Cheers.

Big Gulp, huh? ....Welp, See ya later.

2011-02-03T21:31:00.001-06:00

Winter break: Day 4?

No Line on the Horizon AKA Day 2 Inside

2011-02-02T15:12:00.000-06:00

Snow day number two...

(I miss human interaction)

I finished a book:

(Good read if you're lookin for one)

I started another one:

I made this:

(I don't think you can really see it, but it's there)

I cut my finger and then realized that I have no first-aid anything:

I watched the Breakfast Club:

Took Out my trash and nearly busted it:

And now it's 3:10 PM...

What a Blustery day...

2011-02-01T14:09:00.000-06:00

Cooped up in the house.

Eating.

Watching movies.

Facebooking.

Reading.

No school.

Occasionally opening the front door.

Quickly closing it.

Good day.

My icy little porch.

You Know It Ain't Easy

2011-01-30T20:14:00.000-06:00

There seems to be a bridge I cannot gap between what I know and what I believe. I suppose one might call this figurative chasm... well, faith. I lack in faith.
My faith is so weak. I know Jesus. I know him to be real. I know him to be very capable. I know him to be kind and gracious. I know him to be my savior. These are unwavering truths that I know with certainty (which must require faith, right?). Where my belief becomes so lacking is when I pray. I know that God is able to do far greater things than I could ever imagine, but I'm not sure that I truly believe he will. I intercede on the behalf of others, but I rarely expect anything. My query is why do I not pray expectantly? If I know that he is able, then why do I not believe he is willing? What does this say about what I believe about God? It seems such a shameful thing to admit that I am a failure at faith. Sometimes I can talk/write/think my way to a conclusion or solution, but all that I can conclude is I am struggling with my unbelief. Oh God, oh God, help my unbelief.

A Mixed Tape Para Te

2011-01-20T20:12:00.001-06:00

I can't actually make you all a mixed tape/CD/iTunes playlist, but if I could...

Side A:

Track 1- Building a Sorrowful Loveliness- Telecast

Track 2- The Book of Love- Peter Gabriel

Track 3- Complainte de la Butte- Rufus Wainwright

Track 4- Blackbird- Sarah Mclachlan

Track 5- Fool That I Am- ADELE

Track 6- Ah-La Song- Joe Purdy

Track 7- When I Grow Up- First Aid Kit

Track 8- How'm I Doin'- Mountain Man

Track 9- Zebra- Beach House

Side B:

Track 1- Black Grease- The Black Angels

Track 2- After Hours- We Are Scientists

Track 3- Slow Life- Grizzly Bear

Track 4- It Ain't You- Howling Bells

Track 5- Deep Red Bells- Neko Case

Track 6- Dancing On Your Grave- The Cave Singers

Track 7- She Moves in Her Own Way- The Kooks

Track 8- Howlin' for You- The Black Keys

Track 9- Blood- The Middle East

Track 10- Drunk- David Ramirez

Enjoy your hypothetical mix!

Friday Five... On Saturday... Again

2011-01-15T12:14:00.000-06:00

My class is only a semester course for my 7th graders so I've received a whole new batch of youngins. 120 new names to learn. 120 new minds to mold. 120 new creatures to train.

I've only had them for two weeks so far, but I think it's going to be an excellent semester.

So this week's Friday five is....

Top Five First Spring Semester Moments:

1. Art is subjective. I always try and start out by explaining to my kiddos that they never have to like what we look at in my class, but they must articulate their objection and provide a valid reason (i.e. "I don't identify with the content," "The color scheme is too warm," etc.) They are never allowed to just state that something is stupid or ugly.

Anyway, in class last Friday, one of my girls raised her hand and said:

Ms. Wynne, yesterday my sister and I were watching The Rugrats on TV and my mom came in and said, 'I hate that show. Those babies are so ugly.' Soooo I told her that Ms. Wynne said that you can't make a statement like that without having a valid reason why... she told me I was being rude and sent me to my room.

Ha ha they DO listen! Go figure.

2. Last Thursday I am standing at the front of the class lecturing when one of my sp ed babies yells out BITCH shortly followed by oooooooooooooooo SHIT. It was only by the grace of God that I didn't miss a beat and just kept on talking. The other kids were wided-eyed, but handled very well. I was proud.

3. The same student chucked his glasses at me. At a loss as to what to do with this student, I decided to try our luck with play-doh. It was magic! He sat there quiet for the first time, calm for the first time, and I was stoked. From now on, we come in, we get play-doh, and we're good to go. No more bitch shit glasses throwing

4. I started figure drawing/ portrait drawing with my 8th graders this week. We began with 30 second gesture drawings then progressively moved to 1 min poses, 2 min poses, and 5 min poses. I asked for volunteers and only got one brave student (who really just loves the attention). He eventually got on my nerves so I was the model. I stood up on my desk in front of the class and did a series of poses and told them the thinner they made me look, the higher their grade. It was funny to watch them all work from that angle, especially my fav autistic student who was so mad about the assignment that he just sat there and glared at me until I told him to try his hardest.

5. I got a sweet e-mail from a mom yesterday telling me how much her son is enjoying my class. I'm not huge on the words of affirmation, but it's nice to hear occasionally.

Cheers.

To dance upon injustice

2011-01-13T22:09:00.000-06:00

I love that my job allows me opportunities to address evils before they are embedded into the very beings of my students.
I had to yell at a kid today. I suppose I didn't have to yell, but I feel pretty OK about it.
He was taking advantage of someone who was inferior mentally and socially. What in our carnal nature finds this OK? Why are we so quick to prey on those who are weaker than we?
When I saw this, I snapped.
In the hallway, I laid into this kid.
"The world is cruel enough without us adding to it.
You will not disrespect anyone in my classroom.
You know exactly what you did and that it was not OK.
I like you.
I like having you in my class.
This can be a really fun semester... or this can be miserable, it is completely in your hands.
I want you in here, but if you can't straighten up and treat people with respect, I won't allow you in here. "
When I was through, his eyes had welled up a bit.
Distracted by the cruelty of man, I had forgotten what a little girl in Germany reminds us of, "In spite of everything, I still believe that people are good at heart."
As I looked at him and tried to affirm him before we returned to the classroom, I was hopeful that he will at least think before he takes advantage.
We have wicked hearts, but I believe that God is constantly at work within us. He is molding us and drawing us to himself. Some of us pull away. Some of us run away. Some of finally crumble in sweet submission.
If my students walk away with nothing else, I pray that it is an authentic love for Christ and a genuine hatred for injustice... you know, just small goals.

Friday Five (First One of the Year)

2011-01-07T17:39:00.000-06:00

My word. I do not remember the last time I did a Friday Five! This week was exhausting (and it was only a three day week) and on the way home I unwound with a little John, which got me thinking, "boy, i love John Mayer," which leads me to my Friday Five...

Top Five John Mayer Songs

Now, as we all know, Continuum is one of the best albums ever. It's the perfect combo of heartbreak and hope, so naturally, most of my selections are from that album. Lots of people hate John Mayer, but I think he's an incredible musician and he's a fox.
Alright, drumroll please...

1. The Heart of Life---- sweetest little rifts I ever did hear. It makes me believe that there is more goodness in this life than bad, which I suppose is the meaning of the song.

2. No Such Thing----- The first John Mayer song I ever heard. After hearing this little ditty, I was hooked. Plus, there's a large nugget of truth to this song.

3. Perfectly Lonely---- Story of my life? Yes... well some times it's minus the perfectly, but for the most part I've always been quite content in my singleness. My plans rarely ever include a significant other, though I'm not ruling out the possibility.

4. Stop This Train------ I feel like every graduation or major life even should have this playing in the background. "Stop this train. I want to get off and go home again." It's one of those songs that resonates with the human soul because we have all felt like our life is one speeding train that will never slow down until it stops.

5. Slow Dancing in a Burning Room---- One of the best imageries! I've seen a lot of slow dancing in burning rooms.

Honorable Mentions:
-In Repair
-My Stupid Mouth
-Love Song for No One
-Dreaming with a Broken Heart
-John's cover of Free Fallin' (I'm sorry Tom)

It's going to be a full weekend, but a good one. I hope yours is too.
Cheers.

That's What They Say

2011-01-04T23:23:00.000-06:00

My life is scrutinized by a a very opinionated audience with incredibly high and unattainable expectations.
They seem to be under the impression that my life is an interactive presentation and they are always prepared to render assistance.
These people make it virtually impossible to take a chance, perpetually reminding me that I may fail and suffer shame.
They consistently recall past expeditions that have ended in social tragedy.
They seem to be quite concerned with other audiences' opinions of me.
They are always quick to offer perspectives concerning the decisions I should make, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
Though I believe their intentions are somewhat respectable, they are often unwarranted and self-serving.
Their expectations are unattainable for any human being and they are relentless in my upholding them.
They are always watching and always judging.
No decision I make is ever right. I can always do better in their eyes.
They are loudest when I am yearning for silence. They are mute in my need of affirmation.
My life is scrutinized by a very opinionated audience of one with incredibly high and unattainable expectations.
I am my own audience. I am the performer and the critic. I am acting and witnessing an endless comedy of errors.

The Listography of 2010

2010-12-31T15:56:00.000-06:00

Books:
-About A boy
-Killing Yourself to Live
-Twilight
-New Moon
-Eclipse
-Breaking Dawn
-Vixen
-Speaking with Angels
-Matt and Casper Go to Church
-Love is a Mixed Tape
-Forgotten God
-Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist
-Eat, Love, Pray
-And the Hippos were Boiled in their Tanks
-Glass House

Concerts:
-Vampire Weekend (Beach House and The Greatest)
-Ghostland Observatory
-Elton John and Leon Russell (The Union)
-John Mayer
-Chris Norwood (As Fast As Horses)
-Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar (not death cab but still righteous)

Jobs:
-Middle School Art

Degrees:
-Art Education class of 2010

Travels:
-Colorado
-Haiti
-Hawaii
-Disney World

New Apartment:
-I love my little garage

Church:
-Love spending time with my high schoolers
-Love my small group

Good year. Looking forward to the next one.

Hopefully I won't have to spend the night in an airport next year though...

2010-12-21T10:31:00.001-06:00

I believe in free will.
Right of the bat, half of my friends would have tuned out, but it's the truth. I believe that God has given us the opportunity to choose.
This gift terrifies me. It terrifies me because I know the wickedness of my heart. It terrifies me because I make the wrong decisions on a daily basis. It terrifies me because it's the same story for the rest of humanity.
I realize that the gift of salvation is made sweeter and richer as a product of free will, but what murders my joy in this revelation is that so many of my friends will make the wrong choice. They will never choose Christ. They will never choose peace. They will only ever search aimlessly for the very thing they have rejected.
As I stated recently, my heart has been ladened with the souls of some of my friends. It is ever so frustrating to watch people run the opposite way of life. It is even more frustrating when they run with such fervent hostility. I simply keep reminding myself that no one spends that much energy on hating something, unless they are truly seeking for something. I suppose that as long as they are searching, there is a door of opportunity. I just wish I were a better doorman.

2010-12-09T20:56:00.000-06:00

I am weighted by the reality of the lost. I am ashamed to admit that this had not been a reality for me for some time. Though it is in deed a heavy load to bear, I find it refreshing to my soul. It's almost the sensation I would imagine gives validity to the concept of "it is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all," if that makes any sense at all.

I find myself begging for the souls of those around me. I find myself pleading that Christ would idiot-proof my interactions with these people. How sweet to know that their fates do not rest on my abilities, but on the work of the spirit through me or others.

Every night, I have found myself again and again praying the same prayer, yet there seems to be no redundancy, but only earnest longing.

As I said, I receive comfort from knowing the divinity of Christ, but also a tinge of helplessness in knowing that I cannot do it of my own will.

I don't know what I just wrote, if it makes sense, or if it is worth a read, but my heart is heavy with the sweetest of burdens.

Home Sweet Home

2010-11-26T18:15:00.000-06:00

I finally moved in.
Here are some shots of the clean parts:

Cliche Thanksgiving Post

2010-11-21T21:08:00.000-06:00

I am thankful

... that Christ saw fit to save my wretched soul and though I choose creation over the creator and trade ashes for beauty, He seeks me. He zealously pursues the affections of my heart.

... for a family who loves me, puts up with me, supports me and for a family who I genuinely adore and cherish spending time with.

... for the handful of my life giving soul-friends.

... for a job that I enjoy more than I hate and for students who enjoy me more than they hate me.

... for a week off from said job and students.

... for my cute little apartment.

... that God rose the sun on my dark night of the soul.

... for my small group.

... for books, music, art.

All in all, I am a person with much to be thankful for.

Bathroom Stalls and Parent Calls

2010-11-04T21:18:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I have made it to the end of my second six weeks of school. It seems to have gone by quickly, but ever so slow. I'm feeling a bit more like a teacher and less like an impostor. I've officially made it on the boys' bathroom wall, so I must be doing something right. More of my kids like than hate me. I only had one failure this six weeks. My unpleasant e-mails and calls home have decreased. There are only two more weeks until Thanksgiving break (or 15 days to be exact). I think I'll make it.

On another note:
-Kat Von D is in Dallas tonight and though I did not get to see her, I am proud to be in the same metroplex.
-Austin and Santino are having their last road trip tonight. I am truly distraught.
-Tomorrow's Friday. Hallelujah.
-It's cold. Holla.
-Jillian Michaels has been kicking my butt. She's such a jerk.
-I looooove my small group.
-I'm moving into an apartment in 2 weeks. Whoop.
-I go to bed at 10:00 every night. Lame.

xoxo,
Gossip Girl

Don't Cry Over Ripened Milk

2010-10-24T10:25:00.000-05:00

As I poured a glass of skim milk this morning with a stamp that read, "best by Oct 24," I realized just how much I've grown up. The fact that I'm drinking milk on the "best by" date, tells me that I'm taking more risks. I never used to drink milk if it was anywhere close to the "best by" date. I've also become somewhat more comfortable with confrontation, thanks to contact with my wonderful student parents and currently, I'm hope-planning a trip to Europe with one of my peeps (holla). So basically I'm a "best by" milk drinking, European traveling confrontational risk taker, but honestly that's as risky as it's gotten.
The additional reality that at 10:00 PM I begin to shut down also tells me that I am growing up. Don't get me wrong, I can still sit by the lake til 1AM or go to midnight openings, I'm just sayin that Imma feel it the next day. This morning I skipped church to go to the doctor and filled out my own insurance, with my name as the insured... I'm tellin y'all, I am grown.

Well, that is all.

Pickle Parties, Harry Potter, Red Ribbon Week, ...the usual

2010-10-18T21:07:00.000-05:00

Hmmmm... I don't really have anything profound or amusing to write, but I really wanted to update.
So here's your update (for those who even care or read this for that matter):
-My 7th period FINALLY got their pickle party. It was indeed a success and my room smelled of vinegar for the rest of the day.
-I mastered the cuff! I finally figured out how to make a cuff bracelet and they look pretty cute, if I do say so myself. It's all a part of my Fall 2010 line of jewelry by Alexandra Louise.
-I took engagement pictures on Saturday (not mine, I was just the photographer). They were an adorable couple. It's fun to photograph the smitten.
-I'm watching Harry Potter 3 (it's my fav). R.I.P. Sirius
- I've been going to a small group on Tuesday nights. I've enjoyed it thus far and really hope to build relationships with the ladies in it. I'm really hungry for relationship.
-I may be able to move into my sister's apartment in December.
-I'm a little embarrassed that I am soo excited for Red Ribbon Week next week. We get to dress up everyday and there is a door decorating contest, which I totally plan on dominating.
-There are only 8 school weeks until Christmas break, but who's counting?
-Chili Cook Off this weekend, holla.
- I gave up reading Eat. Pray. Love. I didn't like it, but I'm reading a great Nick Hornby now.
-Bought the Noisettes CD. It's mint.
Well if you're still reading at this point, then you must truly love me and for that I thank you as well as apologize for this pointless blog.
May the road rise to meet you.

The Very Best Beach House for a Vampire Weekend

2010-10-07T01:03:00.000-05:00

Tonight Tyler and I belatedly celebrated his matriculation at a Vampire Weekend concert.
I'm not sure what it is about concerts, but the tools always seem to show up.
You have...
the crowd movers: "Oh, is that them over there?" (as the muscle their way through the crowd to the front center in search of their long lost and incredibly fictitious pals),
the oh so fashionable girls who just happen to be superb dancers,
the couples who paid $40 bucks each to stand there sucking face and groping one another,
the openers or people who just came for one of the opening acts, but insist on staying to belittle the "mainstream sellouts,"
and the out of placers, these are your awkward old people and small children, whom you look at anxiously whenever the band sings an off colored song or drops a four letter bomb.

Minus the crowd, it was a decent show.

The Very Best opened for
Beach House, who opened for
Vampire Weekend
They were all quite mint.

I did, however, come to the depressing realization that I am getting too old to stay up late and to buy general admissions/ standing room only tickets. I know that I am destined to be sore and tired tomorrow. Ah c'est la vie.

Opps...I did it again, but I'm a stronger and lucky slave for you, so hit me baby one more time.

2010-09-28T19:47:00.000-05:00

Glee + Britney = GENIUS!!

My Weekend in Bullets

2010-09-27T21:39:00.001-05:00

-Buying wedding gifts
-Eating pizza
-Emergency appendectomy
-Hospital til 3AM
-Sleep in
-Feed Tyler lemon ice
-Drive to Gatesville
-See old friends
-Witness matrimonial bliss in progress
-Drive to Temple
-Runaway Kenzie
-Kidnap Tommy with Ju
-Visit a "little place in town"
-Cloves
-Lake
-Creepy Crawfish man
-Boathouses
-Rating women?
-Sweet prayers
-Drive to Fort Worth
-Shower for a wedding Shower
-Drive to Aledo
-The Gathering with Jessi
-Mellow Mushroom
-Sleep

Friendly Friday Five

2010-09-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

OK I know there are still three hours til Friday, but I'm still going to post my FRIDAY FIVE!

So here it is, Five things that I am looking forward to:

1. Having a nice lie in. I am exhausted and sleeping in sounds divine.

2. Seeing Lindsey, Allye, Julie, Alyssa, AND Jessica all within 24 hours of each other. I love all of these ladies. Plus, I love the challenge of finding room for everyone to sleep at my hiz.

3. National Day of Peace on September 21st. I'm having my kiddos make pinwheels for peace and my advanced art kids get to decorate the sidewalk with chalk... but don't tell them, it's a surprise.

4. Art show on Saturday night with, apparently, $1 jello shots?

5. FAAAAAALL!!! I cannot wait until I walk outside and get a little chill. Oh glorious scarves, cardigans, and boots, how I have missed your presence in my wardrobe.

Cheers and
Happy Friday

Two Steps Forward... One Step Back

2010-09-15T16:53:00.000-05:00

My classroom flooded.
My classroom flooded... again, on Monday.
My classroom flooded... again, on Tuesday.
Class in the library.
The talking DOES NOT STOP.
30 Failures.
Angry e-mails.
Eye rolling and head bobbing.
Hallway visits.
AP visits.
fuuuuuun.

One the other hand:
Notes on my board that read: "Art rules" or "Ms. Wynne rocks"
Hugs.
Supportive e-mails.
High fives in the hallway.
Smiles.
Inside jokes.
Reaching one who no one has ever reached for.
Investing time, tears, years of my life.

I suppose even if it's two steps forward and one step back, at least I'm moving.

Mommy, WOW! I'm a big kid now!

2010-09-07T22:40:00.000-05:00

When I grow up I want to...

and...

But I mean really that's all

Welcome to the Jungle

2010-09-06T22:17:00.000-05:00

Back to my cheeky little monkeys tomorrow...

Carly Simon wrote that song about me.

2010-09-01T22:45:00.001-05:00

In a failed attempt to devise some clever analogy for what I am lacking inside, I discovered exactly what I am lacking inside. I have recently found myself without that insatiable lust for Jesus. I have "satisfied" my flesh's concept of feeding the Spirit, but truthfully, I have not stopped in the past few weeks long enough to truly allow my soul to mingle with the Spirit inside me. This, of course, grieves Him and thus me for He is a part of me. Without fervor for the Word and for quality time with my creator, it just doesn't happen. You only spend time on things that you care enough to spend time on... ouch. Stings. When I consider how my time is spent, it's shameful. It's quite repulsive to tell you the truth. The testimony of my time only reveals that I am selfish, vain, and extremely lazy. It produces a selfish, vain, lazy human being and in the end, who wants to be around that. Hmmm, I'm a mess, always have been... mostly likely always will be. I have taken comfort from Deuteronomy 4:31a tonight.
"For the Lord your God is a merciful God."
Why? I don't know.
How? I don't know.
I'll take it though. This selfish, vain, lazy human being will humbly accept mercy from a merciful God and try once again for righteousness, while inevitably failing before she begins.

The Kids are Alright: Friday Five

2010-08-27T20:04:00.000-05:00

This Friday Five is looong over due.
I've just completed my first week as a real live, grown-up teacher. I teach 7th and 8th grade art, year 8 and 9 for all you Brits out there. It's been an adventure. I have a lot of boys. All day I have 7th graders and then I cap off the day with 31 8th graders. The 7th graders are really 6th graders in a different school. They get lost, they are overwhelmed, half of them sit terrified, and the other half are trying to "make a name for themselves," but at the end of the day... I love those little hooligans.
Thus inspires this week's Friday Five...

Top Five Moments of My First Week in Middles School:

1. The sheer joy when I explained to my 4th period that there are no assigned seats in the cafeteria like intermediate school and you can, in fact, sit anywhere you want. There were actual high fives and fist pumps at this.

2. The origami pencil that a student made me.

3. Every morning in the hallway when kids come by to show me what they drew last night.

4. The Pickle Treaty! My 7th period had been acting up, so I decide to make a little treaty of sorts. I explained all of my expectations and challenged them to meet them for the rest of the week (Thursday, Friday), then they would get a special treat on Monday.
Me- "What treat would you like?"
Class- "To watch a movie"
Me- "Yeah right"
Class- "A pizza party"
Me- "Alright, let me restate... what kind of candy do you want on Monday?"
Class- "King sized candy bars"
Me- "OK I'm just going to bring a bunch of different pieces of candy"
One Kiddo- "Ms Wynne, I don't want candy. I want a pickle."
Me- "Alright, I'll bring J----- a pickle and everybody else candy."
Class-" I want a pickle too"
Me- "Does everyone want a pickle?"
Class- "Yes"
Me- "...OK. If you're good tomorrow and Friday, we'll have a pickle party on Monday."
... Well the pickle treaty was broken the next day and followed by a silent class period, but it had a good run.

5. The Weekend. I love them... but I love to leave them too.