random updates & happy things

Random updates:

1. Remember the "Bird Killed with Axe as Ostrich Watches" post? (If you're a new visitor, I think it's worth reading and watching the videos). After reading all of the thought-provoking comments, I decided to pull my head completely out of the sand and email Unilever. They actually emailed back and I just updated the post with their response and my thoughts on burying the bird.

2. Lent officially ended today and I can tell you that giving up my fear of photography for 40 days changed my life. I'm not sure if my photography has improved, but I've fallen in love with my camera. The whole world looks different. There's beauty everywhere I look. I'm still not experienced enough to capture it the way I see it, but I see it so much more clearly now. It's truly been a spiritual experience.

3. Also, I stuck to my Lent card commitment and I think I'm almost back in the habit (which was the point). I've had so much fun buying and sending cards. Right now, I'm loving the cards from Curly Girl Design (love her ultra-cool website too)! In May, Kelly Rae Roberts will also start offering cards based on her incredible art - can't wait!

4. Speaking of little notes . . . I've been leaving my hope notes all over town, but I just can't get any good pictures. I'm such a first-born-rule-follwer that I get nervous leaving the notes and by the time I pull out my camera, my palms are sweating. I've dropped my little point and shoot camera twice. I know that anonymously spreading hope is a worthy cause, but I'm not very good at undercover work. I'm the kid who almost had a nervous breakdown trying to make it back to base during hide-and-go-seek.

5. Last, and probably least due to frustration, the email notification for my blog isn't working. I know a lot of you aren't RSS feed people and I've received emails asking for a new email notification option. I'm working on it!

 

Happy Things:

1. Last weekend, my mom, Ellen and I went to a gourd painting class at Casa Ramírez - one of the best stores in Houston. The class was taught by nationally renown folk artist, Laura López Cano. It was a powerful experience for me. I've never painted anything in my life and I found it to be both terrifying and liberating. Laura and I had a wonderful conversation about courage and creativity (more to come on that topic).

2. My blog made the Squarespace Example page! I'm full of hee-hee-hee's and ya-hoos! I love Squarespace and highly recommend it if you're thinking about starting a blog. (btw - I still think "blockheads" is the perfect name for Squarespace junkies - their logo is a little green square). 

3. I was able to pull myself out of crazy-mother-vacation mode pretty quick and, after issuing several rounds of apologies, our trip to "Port A" was wonderful. We've been spending spring breaks and summers in Port Aransas for 20 years. We stop at the same little store on HWY59 to get kolaches and jerky. We eat at the same restaurants, fish and feed the seagulls from the same pier, and play on the same stretch of beach. New places are fun, but there is something special about tradition.

Yes, my sisters and I have the same feet.

Have a great Monday! If you have any random thoughts on the random updates or happy things to share, I'd love to hear from you!

Comments

[Lu]

You have one of the best blogs I have explored. Love it.

[Dawn]

I loved playing "catch up" with you and I'm glad you updated us on everything. Did you paint the lady gourd??? She is beautiful! I mean, it is something that I would buy you for your b-day - she is that great...i love the eyes. I am so proud to be your friend. I love the picture of you in the rearview mirror- very shuttersisters. Can you show me how to make the little links in my blog sometime???

[Elaine]

Well, I can't refuse your invitation to share random, happy thoughts today for several reasons, two of which are that I'm a blockhead, too, and before I read this particular post, I had been re-reading some of your earlier ones and having all kinds of random, happy thoughts because of this!

Hi Brené. I simply love everything about your blog. There -- I've saved myself writing and you reading several paragraphs of "yes, that resonates with me", "i have similar feelings" "thank you for leading the way and giving me more courage to be work on being more compassionate and connected","thank you for giving me an "A-ha" moment."

Overall, thank you for taking some of your precious time to share your life's lessons with us. Blessings to you and your family as you enjoy the rest of your Spring Break time together.

[carissa]

LOVE all your updates!

your pictures from Port A are super... really great... i can feel the fun!

how hip are those gourds! i want to try that! :)

yeah... on making the example page! your blog IS pretty dad gum fantastic! way to go! :)

[Amanda Mankin]

I have just found your blog. Ali Edwards' blog sent me here. Coincidentally my mother sent me your book last fall and I am amazed at the irony. It seems I am being told to pay attention to your message and passion from several sources. So thanks for having this blog, thank you for sharing your journey. It's great knowing we aren't alone in our fears or challenges or joys!

[Allison]

Your pictures are beautiful! Your Lenten promise was a gift to us all.

My dad grew up on a farm right down the highway from Prasek's, so those kolaches are a road-trip staple for my family, too!

Happy Spring! :)

[Beverly]

I, too, have been inspired by your art and exuberance for life as well as your continual quest for self-knowledge and growth. I started a long-held off art project recently, inspired by your brave foray into photography and your wonderful results. I say "inspiration," but I think on a deeper level it was a also about feeling a little envious that you look like you are having such fun while I seem to be toiling away, until I realized that I was the only one holding me back from living a fuller and more joyful life (okay and a book contract clock continually ticking in my ear). Thanks for being a wonderful role model, an authentic woman, fully herself.

Beverly

[Optimst]

Praseks.... MMMmmmm!