Introducing Our First CHAIR...!

So today was monumental! We purchased our FIRST piece of furniture for our new house (which I will write about when we finally sign the lease). A knit dark gray pillow will be just the thing to complete it. Seriously, I am so excited about a summer of collecting ahead...

Alex.

I must admit a teared up a little when I was looking at old pictures of my brother. He turned sixteen last week, and it is crazy to watch the transformations that have taken place in his life! It seems like yesterday he was calling me "Anea" and saying things like "You best my buddy!" or "you scawed me hafe to deaf!" He was always running around, with his tattered blankets fluttering around his neck, chasing after the "bad guiz," that always seemed to attack our household in invisible ways. I remember growing up with the continuous "cling clangs" and "bang bangs" that would come from his room, when a full fledged battle was ensuing between his valiant action figures. Being the inventive creative children that we were, we were always making pulley systems across our street, building forts, constructing cars (or "pod racers") out of old refrigerator boxes, and embarking on plenty of adventurous romps in the hills near our house. He was so stinkin' CUTE when we were in the midst of an adventure! His eyes would grow big, he would shake with incredible excitement, and...grind his teeth :). Imaginative, heroic, creative, brave...and a defier of gravity (attempting upon multiple occasions to fly away in his buzz light year suit), that was (and still is) my little brother.

But amidst his thirst for adventure, bravery, and combating the evils of the world single handedly, he was always the most tender, sensitive, gracious, and conscientious of boys. He loved being cuddled, one on one time, and was always aware when people were sad. I remember multiple times where he'd lay his soft little hand on my mom or dad, or even (on occasion) us, his hen-pecking sisters, when in distress. He was known as the "ok" or "sure" boy as he most (hee hee) always carried a happy disposition in the obedience of tasks and general requests and he LOVED to make people happy. I never fully realized how gracious he truly was (and is) until recently, when I looked back on his little life and saw that he was always quick to forgive, make amends, and free me, and others, from our offenses. "That's ok Anea!" and we'd bolt off to play again.

He has grown all the more mature in these childhood traits, becoming a strong man of God, a defender of others and the truth, responsible and hard working, compassionate and forgiving, taller and TALLER, more humorous by the day, and so smart (smarter than me sometimes). He's even ok giving me a hug, or at least letting me "lean" on him. He is enjoyed by many, and even extends his friendship to the parents of his friends, in a very mature and confident, yet entertaining manner. He is a leader...a friend...and my favorite brother. The lady who wins his heart someday (way WAY in the future-day) will be lucky indeed! He doesn't call me "Anea" anymore, but has replaced one endearing term with another: "Ange"...I hope he calls me that forever.

All that to say, I can not imagine our family without him! He brings so much humor, fun, adventure, sincerity, and love into our lives and I am so proud of him. Now that my eyes are sufficiently dewy, Happy Birthday dearest of brothers! I love you with all my heart and can't wait to see what adventure the Lord sweeps you up on.

Mrs. Baranov

Today was my last lesson of the year from my dear Mrs. Baranov. Due to her great illness, I drove to her today in Santa Monica for my lesson. Although it was an exceptionally long drive, it was so good to see her, give her a farewell hug, and get her last little tid-bits of input before juries. It was also enlightening to see her charming, artful, oceanside home. She is such a beautiful, energetic, spunky, endearing little Russian and I adore her. Till autumn, Mrs. Baranov!

p.s. thank you for the pleasant *cough* little assignment for me to work on next semester. Chopin's Scherzo #2 is going to be a real breeze.

splendid today...why did you end?

Today was splendid...simply splendid. It was one of those days those indie girls who eat sorbet and cheese everyday and travel to Paris for the weekends experience. Alright maybe not that exotic but still...

Katherine and I decided to get away today, try a new coffee shop, and toddle about in Fullerton. After our failed attempt at dining in McClains (something about a "cash only" sign we saw a good seven minutes after perusing the selections), we went to our original, but slightly more pricey, choice...


Lets just say it was the right one and that that "cash only" sign fell out of heaven to prevent us from partaking in such a sub-par experience. The Cafe Veronese is truly the eclectic haven, run by Koreans, dubbed French, with mix-matched furniture and art everywhere, and crazy plants flowing out over your very heads as you ate. It was originally a house that was turned into a cafe, and I believe the owners live upstairs. It was quite charming and just kept on producing more little nooks and corners as we kept on exploring the garden.







I loved this shed/room! Random scraps of art and notes were pinned all over the walls, with low tables and cozy arm chairs for studying.


The food was pricey, but so delightful, and I could not get over the fact that they brought me my fruppiccino in a JAR...too good. It was perhaps the most carmelicious thing I have ever had.







After our delightful dining experience, we galavanted up the street stopping at a thrift store (with great success) and antique stores. This one antique store we went to (I forgot the name...and yet somehow I feel as though they are all simply called 'Antique Store') was so inspiring. Usually antique store shopping involves you becoming quickly overwhelmed with a bunch of old stuff that probably shouldn't be around anymore, let alone sold for $200, and, after a while, all looks the same. But this place was so useful, and the owner was so adorable! The store had hundreds of old post cards, beautiful jewelry, old pencil tins, adorable compact mirrors, and kitchen utensils. I could not get enough of this little jar with a strange lid that crushed nuts . Of course it had little roses painted on it...I mean come on! What's the good in a peanut cruncher without the roses, people?! Once we got in the car to leave, we looked at each other and said, "we're coming here every week"...and i really hope we do.

The night ended with a concert featuring Menaham Pressler, one of the greatest pianists in the world, alongside our superb faculty, in a riveting, chamber music experience. I was swimming through everything...



Could the day have been any better? I don't think so. Three cheers for simplistic pleasures that pepper life with joy and a kindred friend to experience them with.

katie, calamari, and hagen daz bars

Saturday night, Shelby, Erica and I drove down to meet Katie at Balboa for dinner. It was tonic to my missing-Katie heart. How wonderful and refreshing it was to spend the evening with someone who is so thoroughly embedded in my childhood memories. Not only was it good to see her, but it was wonderful visiting Balboa again, a memory bearer for sure. As we slowly made our way up the boardwalk of the Island, enraptured by the sailboats, quietly lapping waves, and breezy New England-esque houses on the waterfront, I was so full of contentment, as the girls chattered on. We ate at a romantic Italian restaurant, split a few dishes, caught up on on everyone's life, and ended the night in the Stater Brother's parking lot, cuddled in the car, with Hagen Daaz bars. It was a breath of the past and quite lovely, really.

Snippets...

Home. Why is it so glorious? There is something so enriching and comforting about it. I had an extended weekend from school, due to some class cancellations, so I drove up Thursday night to spend it with my mom. The boys were in a hustle when I arrived, packing and collecting all of the traditional necessities for our yearly Lake Tahoe skiing expedition. Due to school, and Mom's new job, they were left to themselves (and Uncle John) for a weekend of manly adventures and daring stories, that I'm sure they'll later share with pride. Although I was sad I would be missing out on some endearing traditions, I was excited for them and looked forward to a peaceful stay at home, an adventure in its own way.

I love my men so much! Dad was bright and loving as he always is, making faces of pride mixed with little boyish excitement, as I walked through the door, applying his goofy hand gestures of love as he enfolded me in his arms and held my hand as we ran around on errands. My brother is growing so fast, in more ways than height (whew!). He is so confident, interesting, and funny...not to mention handsome. As he left Friday morning he gave me two hugs goodbye (not just one), an activity he used to shrink away from not too long ago. I love his quirky style...a little bohemian mixed with classic vintage (stop watch on a chain anyone?), and, not forgetting, his staple basketball shorts.

Anyway, they're off on their adventure and I am home with mom. Each night I stayed up late and chatted with my dearest friend. Refreshing and enlightening conversations about everything from room mates, to living situations next year, to God and His unfathomable majesty, to my future spouse, to music, to children and jobs, filled the family room and little restaurants we toddled around to. Fellowshiping with her helps me recognize a lot of the reasons why I am who I am. I inherited her passion for giving, pursuing, planning, and special-ifying things. She is such a good friend, full of initiative and thoughtfulness. I guess I didn't realize how special her gifts truly were, assuming all people were naturally thoughtful, pursuing in their relationships, and demonstrative with their love, until, as I grow older with more perspective, I now witness the ways my mom has not always been pursued or recognized (not always ill intentioned). Now I am also faced with similiar situations where I find great delight in giving, pursuing, and filling others, until I get discouraged with the rarity of such idealistic fellowship in return. But God has used these experiences as a "refinement" time, and Mom told me she is comfortable and confident with being a pursuer and enjoying people on the different levels of their friendship with her, not expecting in return. Interestingly, I feel the same way. If our dependence of happiness and security lies on people's assurance of us, or return of our love, we are merely robbing ourselves of the joy we have by giving to them in the first place. Praise the Lord that He does not somehow leave us to find our own way of fulfillment, for then we really would be

hopeless, and that He provides all that we could possibly need or desire in Himself. Everything else is just the cream!

Today we went to the Corner Bakery Cafe (one of my favorite little places to eat), made a quick stop at the beautiful store Anthropologie, and then I introduced her to one of the most brilliant films of the year, The Young Victoria. I love this film! Everything about it is so enchanting...the wardrobe, music, cinematography, Victoria's vivacious, bold, character, and Albert's strong, supportive one. What enraptured me the most is it is one of the examples of a British monarch actually loving and remaining faithful to the one they married (with all of the adultery, brutally arranged marriages, divorces, and other such scandals that have occurred in English history). Her fervor for her country, and his selflessness in joining her in its service inspires me and makes me want to read her biography and learn more about her beautiful rise to power, love story, and reign. And the heavy dose of Schubert (my favorite composer) made it all the more enjoyable.

I must admit, though, as I witnessed the opulence of the queen's life in the palace, I found myself quite glad that I am not so difficulty satisfied. Having just purchased a couple packs of old, brown, lined paper for lists and such, for Katherine and me, (from Anthropologie) I don't think I could have been more delighted! Little things give me great joy...I don't think I'd trade that ability for all of Buckingham palace.

This post had a lot of little snippets of ideas in it and I'm hoping to write more. I am in the habit of waiting for profundity to fall upon me before I write a post, which has led to my blog's emptiness, and am coming to realize profundity lies in little moments of God breathed life. Tomorrow I embark on another adventure...name: tackling Grandma's explosive, out of place, house, and putting it back to beauty in its newly renovated rooms.

Farewell dearlings! Call someone, leave them a note, or give them a hug to let them know you love them. You will be surprised how much more joy you might feel than even they do.

p.s. As soon as I order a battery for my camera you will be seeing quite a bit of photography. I want to integrate not just food for the thought, but food for the eyes.

hello.

My blog has been sitting empty for a while, and although I have begun several "rough drafts" to properly set the stage, all I really want to say is hello and welcome. Welcome to my cyber-space "sanctuary" (having just watched Limney Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events) within which you will find my testaments to this beautiful life and the Creator who brought it into existence.

As to the name, My Winged Roots, I felt it appropriate in light of the freedom I have in an ever binding faith. The same chains that tie me to the truth, liberate me in it. The same grace that bids me to pick up my cross and follow Him, bids me freedom from bondage. To serve Christ is to be free. And it is in pursuit of Him that I humbly present my questions, discoveries, and the notations of a heart that is being perfected.

Welcome to my blog!