It's the little things

Today I was off work and the weather is great! I started my day off by going to the Arboretum for a jog/walk. I ended up running most of the trail, surprising myself. I would give anything to be able to run everyday like I did when I ran track and cross-country. However, because of my flat feet I easily get shin splints. But today, I ran almost two miles without hardly any pain! It felt soo good. I absolutely love running alongside the trees and birds flying around. God has created the most beautiful things and I take them for granted everyday.

I worked a little more on a painting. Forgive me for the quality of this photo...but I will post the final products when I finish.

With this painting I have contemplated juxtaposing it with the green figure. The green figure shows a sense of timidness and something hidden while the orange and red figure shows more confidence.

Other little things that I enjoyed today:

-making a strawberry banana smoothie for lunch
-talking to my mamaw on the phone
-talking to someone about a job!
-making iced coffee
-going to teach art lessons
-the fact that I'm going to Chile verrryyy soon :)

Piercings and Bike Rides

Last night I went out with my roommate and her friend to get piercings! Well, nothing too crazy. They both got their industrial and I got my tragus pierced at Bleed Blue downtown. I had been thinking about getting it done for a while and they told me about going so I said sure!

This is my face preparing for the needle! Hahaa.. this was just being silly. It actually didn't hurt too bad, especially after getting allergy shots every week. 

Blair took a picture of the final product. I love it! I forget it's there sometimes though so it'll take a while to get used to. Fun little escapade. 

This morning I woke up and made some whole-wheat waffles for breakfast. Yum. Then, I lathered on the sunscreen for a great bike ride. The weather is perfect! There's a slight breeze and the sun is out. This is my favorite part of the year when it finally starts getting warm. Time for more freckles to pop out!

Working on these paintings

I've been continuing my figure studies. These two aren't quite finished...there's something missing that I haven't figured out yet.

Watch out Chile: Yo Vengo al Tiro!

It is official! I bought my ticket Friday to leave for Chile the first part of July! Now, it is becoming more real for me. I can't even describe how excited I am for this trip. I went to Chile two years ago and stayed about a month. Even though I wasn't there for too long I still miss it sometimes. I absolutely love the country and the people I know there (one in particular). I'm looking forward to meeting all of Claudio's family and friends I have heard so much about. I hope to travel around and go places I didn't go the last time I was there. There are also some of my friends that I hope to see that I haven't in too long! It will be a great trip and I am counting down the days. Seven weeks!

Buena Vista Social Club

I just watched "Buena Vista Social Club" on Netflicks. What a great documentary! If you like Latin jazz or just any jazz, you should definitely check it out. This was filmed around 1998 in Cuba and brings together many musicians of Cuban jazz. The American guitarist Ry Cooder is there in Mexico, playing along and recording the group's music. They also travel to Amsterdam to do a show. I love this music! There's just something about the music that is filled with culture and passion of the people. I would love to travel there someday just to experience it for myself.

Can time go a little faster?

I'm so ready to go to Chile!! I'm counting down the days, just eight more weeks. I've been waiting since December, and it feels like such a long time. Then again, time has gone by fast. I think the idea of time is just something weird and I can never grasp it. I don't think it will truly hit me until I officially buy my plane ticket, which will hopefully happen soon.

I'm glad the weather is nicer these days because it makes for better days. When I'm feeling down, at least I can get some endorphins from the sun to cheer me up! I went on a ride on my bike this morning and yesterday morning. I love going in the morning when it's still a bit cool outside. It's such a great time to talk to God without any distractions. I don't know what I would do if I wasn't able to talk to Him, it helps so much.

Things in life continue to go along with uncertainty. I'm still not sure about what's going to happen when I get back from Chile. I do know one thing though, God has some sort of plan and I know it will be for the best. I have to continually remind myself of this so I don't get too stressed out. I just think about this time last year. I was graduating and had no clue what I was going to do. I spent most of the summer at home working, still looking for a job in Lexington. Just when I was about to give up, it all worked out.

So, I just try to take each day and make it the best I can by listening to God and doing things that will make me feel like I'm doing something with my day. It's the simple things in life that get me through the day.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo

To celebrate this magnificent day I have posted this epic photo of myself overlooking Saltillo, Mexico. Just soon after this was taken, I shot off into the city landing in KY...well not really, but that would've been pretty cool. For those of you who don't really know much about 5 de mayo, it's ok, it can be used as another excuse to go have a couple margaritas. Viva México!

In other news, I am applying for a job in which I would get to teach Spanish-speaking immigrants English! Please pray that I can find whatever it is God wants me to do this fall, I think this would be a great opportunity for me. 

Enjoy this day and hope you get to celebrate it with a margarita at your local Mexican restaurant ;)

Working on more figure studies

I'm starting some more figure studies, particularly sleep positions right now. I did this one yesterday in oil, as you can see it's still a little wet. I want to explore movements of the body related to dealing with issues in life. I talked about this earlier in my blog if you want to check it out.