Let the Good Times Roll

This past week has been great. I finally started training at California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) and I am on the floor as a server (again). I went through three days, back to back of training and then did a few shadow shifts, and now I am on my own. It's crazy how much it really is like riding a bike; everything just came back to me. Even though serving was not where I imagined myself post LiNK, I am still grateful for this job. I am excited to be making money again, and finally being able to save so I can MOVE OUT!

My friend Meleca has been so hospitable to Becky and I. We have been staying at her home in La Mirada. It has been such a blessing because it is saving me on gas and time. God is truly providing for me in the most unique ways lately! Plus, it's been nice being around Becky more and getting caught up with Mel too! I can't complain either because Jamey is only a few minutes away from here :) and then work is right up the road as well. Win-win!

Life has truly been smiling on me lately, and I am loving it. Summer is approaching, and that makes me one happy camper. Give me sunshine, or give me death, that's what I say!

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Here are a few things that have been making my heart smile lately:

                            

Water - I gave up drinking soda for a month and since then, water has been a good friend to me.

Jamey - He is such a joy to me and I can't get enough of him!

Becky - I have been so happy spending so much time with my best friend lately!

Spontaneity - I realize I am only getting older, but being spontaneous and adventurous should not be put to an end because of that. I am learning to embrace this more. In this case, it was an aimless drive filled with some random adventures, and singing of course.

I am looking forward to seeing The Head & The Heart on Monday with my Love! I can't waittttt!

[Brooke, I am stoked to see you and Matt too!!]

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What are you looking forward to for this week?!

XO

Brenda

Stopping to Breathe (Image Heavy!)

The last two weeks have been off-the-wall crazy.
Many, many transitions. So, unfortunately blogging was placed on the back burner.

But, I will say, I've missed it so much! I finally just got caught up on reading all my favorite bloggers, so I feel back in the loop of things. I love the blogging world :)

Here's what my life has looked like in a nut-shell: 

• I got rehired at CPK (but have yet to start, so hopefully that will be soon!)
• My wonderful mentor, Sarah, had an art show and I attended that. It was so inspiring to see all of her collaborative art work with Whitney and hear their hearts behind the story of "Be Brave". It definitely encouraged me to keep working at my art, and finding my inner artistic niche.

                          

• I've been waiting for The Head & The Heart to come through my area for quite some time now, and I saw that they had pre-sale tickets for a show in Santa Ana, CA in June. Soooo, guess who is going?! Yep! I am! [Brooke, it will be so great to see you & Matt!]

• My family and I moved from Long Beach, CA to Mission Viejo, CA. It was absolutely nuts, crazy and straight up chaotic. But, it's finally over. We had lots of help and that was a big blessing. Moving is quite possibly the worst thing in the world. Okay, I am being a tad bit dramatic, but if you've moved as much as I have, you'll relate.

• My long time friend, Jack married his bride, Dawn, this last Saturday. It was such a joyous day! Jack was glowing the entire time. I enjoyed being with some of my favorite people in one room, where we danced, ate amazing food, celebrated and smiled for hours. Watching two people in love, commit to one another in front of their loved ones is such a beautiful experience, and I am glad I could witness it.

                                        

             

• I got a Knott's Berry Farm Season Pass! Whoo-hoo! I have a Disneyland pass and I love going, but I am so excited to put this Knott's pass to good use!!

• My cousin, Nico, created this month-long photo challenge where you take a unique photo everyday. I figured I'd give it a try, especially considering he is my cousin and all... :) You should try it too! 

• My mom and I went to a "Wine & Canvas" event last night. It was so much fun. I definitely want to do these more often! You are a part of a group of people and there is an instructor who walks you through step by step how to paint a specific painting. Let me just say, I love painting, but I am far from being a professional and my mom? Well, I'll just say that I don't get my creative/artistic side from her... haha. But! This is just proof anyone can do this!

                          

Creative Challenge #26 (yes, I am still attempting to finish this!!)

                                   

& I will stop here. That was a mighty full update! Now that I am done with the big move and such, I will be better about keep up on this blog. I hope everyone out there is doing well!

XO

Brenda

Seasons & Tunes

I'm quite obsessed with this band called The Head & The Heart. [Brooke, I know you will agree!] A good friend of mine introduced me to them last year, and I instantly was hooked. It was not until more recently that I have actually listened to their full album, and my only regret is that it took me this long.

I think it's incredible how when we are going through specific seasons in our lives, that music can play such a key role. For me, music is more than just a tune or a list of words put together to make a song; music is a way for me to connect and see things in a different perspective. I can't completely explain it, but I believe music is a gift from God, and with that, it brings me pure joy.

There are several go-to artists that I have been listening to for the last several months. If you have never heard of them, I highly encourage you to give them a listen.

Bon Iver 

[especially his latest self-titled album]

Sleeping At Last

The Head & The Heart

For now, I will leave you with an epic video by TH&TH. This song in particular has brought me a sense of unique comfort recently. A mixture of the words, the sounds and the simplicity of it all, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

The Head and The Heart, "Rivers and Roads"

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What are some of your go-to artists right now?