2015: A Year in Reflection

2015 will be over in eighteen days. EIGHTEEN DAYS.

How crazy is that?!?! 

 It seems like literally just yesterday that I was reflecting on the events of last year...and now THIS year. Speaking of which, this year has been an interesting one for me. A lot of new tests and trials throughout the year, but laughs and smiles to balance them out. It hasn't been a great year for my health, but I keep hoping and praying it will turn around and I'm crossing my fingers that 2016 may finally be the year! ;)

Here were some highlights:

As you can tell, most of these are Living Waters related things: it was another fantastic spring, summer, and fall at my most favorite place on earth. Whether it was kayaking Labor Day Weekend with Nicole, my impromptu birthday party during Columbus Day Weekend, or saying goodbye to my old home...the girls dorms (RIP), it was a blast once again!

But the others include my spontaneous trip to Boston in September, Superbowl (AKA the snooze fest) with Miah (bottom right corner), and I can't forget anything and everything that had to do with my favorite guy, JB.

I don't really have any resolutions for 2016 (I wouldn't be able to keep them anyways...), but I wish you all a safe and happy New Year! 

- Laura xx

HAPPY 1-YEAR!

Well, technically the anniversary was yesterday, but who's counting? ;)

Overall, I can say it's been a wonderful year since I started this blog. Full of...*interesting* times...but nonetheless, good.

I don't think I have too much to say, but to thank you scattered readers who might once in a blue moon read this blog! Even if it's not a regular read for you, I enjoy writing it for you all! Hopefully over the next year as I get a new camera and perhaps a website, this blog can expand and become more of a constant thing for me. (and perhaps for you too!)


Onward and upward, my dear friends!!

Laura xx

Five Movies Which I Can Watch Over and Over!

If you did not know, I'm a film junkie...so these are five movies which I guess you could qualify as my favorites!

1. The Princess Bride

Is this really a surprise? Definitely my all-time favorite film, this follows Buttercup as she fights her controlling fiance so she can marry her "twue love." ;) If you're looking for a movie that could be in many genres, this is perfect! (By the way...I can literally quote the entire movie. Just ask my family!)

2. Sleepless in Seattle

Part 1 of my movie OTP- Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. This definitely is a tear-jerker as Sam is a widower finally looking for a new love. Annie has overheard him over a radio program and she gradually falls in love with him...while pondering her relationship with her fiance. So cheesy and cliche...but lovely.

3. You've Got Mail

Part 2 of my movie OTP- Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. (First of all, this movie has a FANTASTIC movie soundtrack and supporting cast, as does Sleepless in Seattle.) But anyways, this was in the heyday of the bursting internet (actually the year I was born....kinda sad), and Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly meet over the internet, but don't know each others names. As it turns out, they are rival business partners...and it just turns out really funny because they're in love with each other...but hate each other at the same time! 

3. Bridget Jones's Diary (and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason):

OKAY FIRST OF ALL, COLIN FIRTH AND HUGH GRANT. Need I say more? Just kidding, but this is a relatively new favorite series for me. I think I watched them for the first time over February break? I don't know, but I became obsessed with these movies. Based loosely on Pride & Prejudice (AKA pretty much my favorite book besides the Bible), this follows 30-something Bridget Jones on her quest to find a sensible man. Chaos ensues when she wins the heart of Mark Darcy (Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Grant), who are rivals. Hilarious movie, and basically I feel like Bridget Jones 99.9% of the time. (PS, who DOESN'T love Colin Firth? Ughhh!)

5. Clueless:

As if! ;) Honestly this is another movie I can actually quote word for word. If you've never watched Clueless (which you must if you're a teenage girl, it's like a rite of passage), it's based off of another Jane Austen novel, Emma (another favorite of mine!!). In a sense, Cher is well...clueless! It follows her as she tries to constantly improve the lives of others around her, while she is not paying enough attention to things in life involving her. By the way...Paul Rudd plays her charming ex-stepbrother Josh...it's wonderful. ;) 

Honorable mentions: "13 Going on 30", "Sabrina" (1995 version), "While You Were Sleeping", "Runaway Bride", and "The Cutting Edge". 

What are some of your must-watch movies?

Laura xx

Summer: My Reflections

Man, you guys, I have to be honest...this summer was hard.

After six weeks at Living Waters, I'm STILL not used to my immediate family working along beside me. It was just an odd summer...but I was supported by SO many people, who I am beyond grateful for.

While the summer was tough on me emotionally, it also opened me up. It was WAY beyond my comfort zone to be completely alone at LW, but I learned how to cope. I was kind of babied when my family was there, so I had to learn to fend for myself. (Which is sad because I'm almost 17; I should know how to fend for myself.) It also was a cruel reminder that I'm not serving people, but the Lord. I felt that God was pulling me away from camp along with my family, but I've now realized it's the complete opposite. I needed to be there to he could mold me into a stronger person and bring me out from that tight comfort zone. (My wonderful two staff bosses, Shauna and Allie were also tremendous helps in figuring that out. Shout-out to them!) And so of course I bawled my eyes out the entire way home.

But this is not the end!!

I still have numerous weekends to soak in the last bits of Living Waters, and my fellowship with the people there. And to my utter relief, it is looking up that I still get to work there again next summer. So cheers to a summer well spent, and cheers to my junior year of high school starting tomorrow!!

          - Laura xx

Blogs I LOVE!

To all of the...I don't know, perhaps five people who actually read my blog...these are blogs I highly recommend!

1.) Lucky Day Blog

Who DOESN'T absolutely love Shelby Revis?! Her blog is probably my favorite fashion blog, everything she puts on is splendid, and I love seeing her Disney Style especially! Check her out for great style tips, and adorable, preppy clothing!

Link: http://www.luckydayblog.com

2.) Skye Marie

This girl hits close to home, literally. Skye is a good friend of my friend Adrianna, and she runs this spiritually challenging blog. She speaks the truth in love, and her posts always cause you to really about your relationship with Jesus. I so admire her for her courage to stand and proclaim truth!!

Link: http://www.skyemariegraham.wordpress.com

3.) Southern Belle in Training

Another Maine blogger, and she's a gem! I highly suggest you check out Annalise's blog! She is a Maine girl transplanting herself down in NC for college, hence her title. She recently got to visit France and her escapades are always fun to read about. She also is a Christian, and her faith plays a major role in her blog. 

Link: http://www.southernbelleintraining.com

Do you have any fashion/lifestyle bloggers you particularly enjoy??

Laura xx

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge: Style Icon

If you didn't already know, I have a fondness for the English Monarchy. Ever since I was probably about four, I've grown up reading biographies on numerous members, and particularly idolizing the Queen, but mostly Diana, Princess of Wales. So naturally, when the engagement of Catherine Middleton to Prince William was announced in November of 2010, I was amazed by her beauty and elegant style. In the five years since, I just have loved watching her and William, and her style for all the events she attends.

Here are a few of my favorite looks!

This gorgeous dress is by Jenny Packham, a favorite of Catherine's. I especially love this dress as she wore it for a her return to society after giving birth to the adorable Prince George. Sparkles are my favorite, and the color just compliments her skin tone and hair, and the dress itself accentuates her new curves.

ICONIC. This Issa blue wrap dress was, of course, worn to William and Catherine's first appearance after announcing their engagement in November of 2010. Almost immediately this dress was sold out and crazy sought after....for good reason! Still a favorite of mine.

Favorite casual outfit she's worn, hands down. I LOVE the fact that she wears jeans on numerous occasions. This is just a beautiful, classic, and professional outfit she wore to a sports event. She's won many similar outfits, including one just the other day, one of her first outings after giving birth to Princess Charlotte in May. (Link: http://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Prince-George-Kate-Middleton-Polo-Match-June-2015-37699219#photo-37699219)


Do you have any favorite outfits of hers? I just LOVE seeing what she wears! Have a fabulous week, y'all!

Laura xx

IT'S HERE!

The time has come, thanks be to God, that I am off to Living Waters in just a few short days. 

But those of you who don't know me as well, you may be wondering, what does this girl do at the summer camp for ten weeks? What even IS this camp?

Well, let me tell you folks, that place is my second home, literally. Based on weekends, and the ten weeks during summers...I've spent approximately two out of my seventeen years of living JUST at Living Waters, so it is a big deal to me.

Living Waters Bible Conference is located on East Grand Lake in Danforth, Maine. It's been around since 1970, and my family has been camping there since...well..1971 I think? If you want more info about its history, as well as more info you can head to http://lwcamp.com

But anyways...it's the place where I get to really slow down and be with God for a short chunk of time. I mainly waitress, become a maid on weekends, and basically make sure everything is prim and proper so guests and campers can have a fabulous time during their week! I'm under the direction of my dearest staff bosses, Shauna and Allie (shout-out!!), and besides working I get to attend chapel twice a day where some of the most amazing men of God preach the Word every night. Sounds fantastic, doesn't it?

IT IS!!

You get to live amongst fellows believers, and be a part of a place that furthers God's kingdom. Heaven on earth, essentially. So there's a little info on my life during the summer. I think I have some posts scheduled over the next few weeks on here, but otherwise you will not see me. ;)

Make sure you watch my instagram to see how my summer progresses. Enjoy the warm sunshine, y'all!

Laura xx

Summer Essentials

As you all should know, I love things that are girlish and mostly preppy, but classic. So when it comes to summer, even when I'm working at Living Waters, you can find me in these things of which I deem essential.

1. Striped, knit tops.

I'm a sucker for a good 3/4 sleeve length, striped top. I actually have about twelve different ones in my closet. This specific one is from JCrew Factory (link at the bottom), but normally I get mine from Target or Forever 21. Even if it's warm they're normally breathable and super comfortable to wear all day long. 

2. Chinos

I despise jean shorts. Don't know what it is, but I refuse to wear them. So normally I pick up a couple of pairs of chinos from Old Navy every year. They are just so comfy, and they don't stick to you, so I really enjoy wearing them. I do get the five inch ones though, as they're modest as they can be without becoming bermuda shorts, which I also don't really care for. (Once again, these specific ones above are from JCrew Factory, link below.) 

3. LILLY PULITZER!!!

Well, that thumbnail is the best I could get, but what would summer be without Lilly Pulitzer?! I have to admit, I'm mourning some of the great patterns from last summer (ie: Jellies Be Jammin', Lobstah Roll, She Sells Shells), but at least they did a re-do of Tusk In the Sun, so I'm a happy girl. Yes, the apparel can be horribly expensive, but that's why you get it on sale *wink-wink*. At the end of the summer and winter, they have an After-Party sale, so that's a really good opportunity to get any pieces you want at a MUCH better price. Or if you go to any Signature Store (Maine girls, the closest is Pink Tangerine in Kennebunkport), they ALWAYS have a sale rack. 

4. Jack Rogers

If you know me, you know I practically live in my Jacks. Honestly they are the most comfy pair of sandals I have ever worn. You do have to break them in, which can be hard, but I love them. Now, you may be asking, "You pay $120 just for a sandal?!" NOPE. If you really know me, I never pay full price for ANYTHING. In June, they sell them for about $88 on Nordstrom, but a really good deal is to go on Country Club Prep and use a code to get a discount. E-mail one of my favorite bloggers, Daria Smith at xcgal98@gmail.com for 20% off and free shipping!!

Links: shirt: https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/knits_tees/Classic_Stripes/PRDOVR~C4239/C4239.jsp?color_name=stripe-ivory-navy // chinos: https://factory.jcrew.com/womens-clothing/shorts/5inch/PRDOVR~21760/21760.jsp // dress: http://www.lillypulitzer.com/product/dresses/the-shift-dress/delia-shift-dress/pc/38/c/312/8102.uts?swatchName=Pop+Pink+Tusk+In+Sun+Middle // shoes: https://www.countryclubprep.com/collections/jack-rogers/products/hamptons-navajo-sandal-in-platinum-by-jack-rogers?variant=1221569233

Laura xx

In Remembrance

Yesterday, my mother, brother, and I went to assist my grandparents with putting flowers on great-grandparents grave.

I had not been to that cemetery for a while, so it was nice to go. (Even though my grandparents' headstone is already up...and they're still alive. That freaked me out.)

My great-grandmother, Laura Vida (McCrum) Garrison, was the youngest of 14 children. (Now her family owns the biggest potato farm in Maine. Go County Super Spuds!!) In 1935 she married Stanley Elwood Garrison, and they had my Nana along with her brother Wayne, and sister Karen (who unfortunately has been missing for quite some time). I honestly don't know that much about Grammy Laura, other that she went to be with the Lord at the young age of 50 from cancer. But my Nana always talks about how much she loved her parents. My mom, along with her cousin Tracey were the only two grandkids to not meet her, so naturally, my mother wanted to name me after her. It was a close call when her cousin's Gregg & Heidi named their daughter Olivia Laura, but Mom got her way.

I didn't even know until a few years ago that Stanley had re-married after Grammy died, but I guess I just need to be more curious! I'm really looking forward to meeting them both because I guess I really loved to hear people talk about them when I was little. My only great-grandparent on both sides of my family that I ever got to meet was "Grammy Lunn", or Irene Agnes (Gee) Lunn. I grew up spending a lot of time with her, and it was hard to see her go in 2012...but she'd already lost her husband and a daughter, so I know she was happy to go. But they've all really been on my mind this weekend, as obviously it is Memorial Day. I hope my kids are thankful for their great-grandparents as much as I am. (Especially since my maternal grandparents practically were a second pair of parents.)


Have a blessed day! (And thank you to all who have fought to keep our country free! Especially my Papa and Uncle Mike!)

Laura xx

Changes

Change is not my friend.

If you know me at all, you know that I am a very headstrong person, and I am extremely set in my ways.

Well, this summer has thrown me a curveball.

If you didn't know, these past ten summers my parents have volunteered their entire summers to serve the Lord at Living Waters Bible Conference. (Five summers ago, I began working there as well.) Living Waters has since become my home. It's in the family as my grandfather has been on the board for 43 years, and my Uncle Mark speaks each summer, along with extended family doing music occasionally. To put it into smaller terms, camp is pretty much my life, and I love it.

This past year has been quite hard on us, and so my twin brother has firmly set down his foot and refused to LW with us this summer. So...mom is most likely to stay behind in Fort,  with my father and grandparents coming weekends and occasional days. To be frank, I hate this. So many nights I have cried out to God wondering why he seems to be moving my family away from the place and people I cherish most dearly. I am, of course, working the full summer like I normally do, but I just can't face the differences that will be so evident. My family is known for working at camp...and I feel almost embarrassed that this is happening to us.

Really this post is a call to prayer. Could you pray for me, as well as my family in the coming months? I still cannot process the thought of us going in a different direction. I know I need to expand my horizons, but camp is where my heart is 24/7. So I'm just really struggling with this. I thank you in advance from the bottom of my heart.

WHAT?!?!?

                                                 (A picture I took at NBBI in February)

                                                 

Is it really March already?

I think I just completely missed the first two months of the year. (Not a bad thing though, it's been wicked cold up here.)

Life has just been crazy busy up here, and I cannot say that it has been the easiest lately. I think I've written about this before, but winter is a hard time for me. I feel like I'm stuck in a slump for the entirety of it (which so happens to be about 5 months for Mainers).

And that's why I love March!!!

March is just always a good month for me. It still snows, it's still cold. But there's a hope.

The hope that April will bring spring with it.

A favorite passage of mine in the Bible is Ecclesiastes 3. In it, Solomon reminds us that there is a season for everything. Also, my favorite verse in it:

"He has made EVERYTHING beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to end." (verse 11)

Isn't that such a hope? Even though it seems like winter may never end, God will be melting the snow, raising the temperature, calling back the birds from the south, and giving us wonderful greenery in just a matter of months. Isn't He so good?!?!



I hope that raised your morale, because it raised mine!


Laura xx