7 Quick Takes Friday, Volume 6

Click here to read the original post at ConversionDiary.com

*1*

I'm no Gleek, but Finn is my new "celebrity" crush (Finn's character, I know nothing about the actor). He's such a nice guy, I love his voice (of course), and I ... really applaud God's work with that kid. Typical me: he's Canadian. I should have known because he reminds me of Gilbert Blythe, my literary crush.

I haven't raved much about Canada on this blog, but it's a joke in my family: Oh Canada, you put a spell on me.

*2*

We needed a movie with a good message:

A Walk In My Shoes - 2:33 TRLR from Moms4FamilyTV.com on Vimeo.

*3*

You may have noticed that I added a new blog to my roll over there: From Punk to Monk is a blog written by "Homeboy McCoy," a self-proclaimed former "punk." He was in the fast lane as a musician and heard God's call to become a monk. He has a great voice (I have it on good authority that he has an MFA in creative writing) and some powerful insight.

Help a brother out...

*4*

Warning: Shameless self-promotion below (that's not true, I'm feeling plenty of shame for this):

I have another site and it features my jewelry business. As soon as I lasso some time, I will make some winter-friendly jewelry, but there are plenty of pieces on there.

My friends and family make fun of me because "Elizabeth changes her mind at least once a week" (as my cousin said Wednesday night). Jewelry making (not so much jewelry wearing, actually), drawing, painting, writing, reading, swimming, kids, God, Catholicism, and more -- I have a lot of passions. I can't help it.

*5*

As I mentioned last week, my class reunited at our 5-year high school reunion on Saturday. I loved seeing my former classmates and I had a great night out! We hopped around to a few bars, though I only planned on going to the first.

Let's just say I wasn't missing anything by not knowing the boys at the guy's school... I'm sure some of them are very nice and good guys (I met several), but overall... I wasn't missing much.

*6*

I am a terrible test-taker. I have always been a terrible test-taker. I will not go into my list of reasons why tests are terrible ways to measure aptitude. Last night, I took the GRE in preparation for applying for grad school... ouch.

I scored significantly higher on the math section. And yes, you remember correctly. I'm applying to ENGLISH graduate programs.

Some of the math questions gave the option to say, "Hey! There isn't enough info here to determine this!"

I wish the verbal section had that option. "Hey! I read a lot, but apparently never came across this word in my 2 decades of literacy. Give me a break, huh?"

*7*

I'm going to be a bridesmaid! You know that old "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" bit? Not me. I have been excited about being a bridesmaid forever. Yes, there is some responsibility and there will be some challenges to juggle, but I'm light on my feet and quick to solve problems. I'm so honored that my friend chose me to be with her up there on a big catalytic day in her life!

Earthy Autumn

Something I always look forward to for the Fall is the re-emergence of the flower child in everyone. I just got these new leaf shaped cut outs and I am so excited to use them! I HAVE A DREAM that someone who’s having a Fall wedding will order these with a little colored bead deco or chain.

Otherwise, there can be a lot of non-coordinated lovely ladies walking around with these as earrings, necklaces or bracelets. We don't seem to see as many weddings in the autumn.  Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (believe me, I will post about my love for this movie in the future) was my first exposure to the concept of a June bride. Fifty years later (or one hundred and fifty, depending on how you look at it) that's still the wedding season.

As a future Catholic bride (God willing) and quick, efficient organizer, I'm not keen on a long engagement. I would happily walk towards the tabernacle and my husband in crispy autumn. That was my inspiration for this Etsy "treasury." If you are unfamiliar with Etsy, shame on you. If you are unfamiliar with treasuries on Etsy, you're in for an addictive treat.

I prefer it here.

My sisters and I just got back from NYC a few days ago... I’d take a scene like this over a city skyline any day.

I love to travel (even to gross NYC), especially when it brings me to those little memories that barely matter today, but come back to me in 3 years. Traveling also means readjusting your creative juices. We passed by a few flea markets in NYC where I found a few one-of-a-kinders, such as the intricate metal disks found on my jewelry shop Web site.


Art-blasphemy it may be, but I really don’t like NYC. I feel dirty whenever I leave it and being around people who seem to get out of bed thinking, "How can I take life for granted and be as mean as possible today?" makes me feel gritty on the inside.