Welcome to the World, Baby Girl!

I think it's time to officially welcome me to the 21st century. It's been a big week for me--a computer AND my first Photoshop attempt. I'm just so tech-savvy now, I can hardly believe it. Really though, the above is my first attempt at Photoshop. I've never touched it until tonight. Well, actually last night, I opened it, scratched my head and closed it. I was so intrigued by it though, that today I declared my new curiosity to Kevin. He told me to search online for some free brushes, and free brushes is what I found. Laugh if you want to, but the above picture took me QUITE some time to do.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about how to decorate the apartment Kevin and I will be moving into at the end of summer (or early fall). He is very much a no frills kind of guy, and that's exactly why I love him so dearly. My inner female, however, wants to decorate. Both of us love the color brown, so I think we can reach somewhat of a compromise. While browsing Etsy, I've seen a lot of different vinyl wall stickers listed, and I must say I want one, or five. What's even better is that Kevin likes them. This one is silly, but absolutely adorable:



Doesn't it make you want to hug your wall?

"... and still I feel so warm inside."

You know, now that I have a working computer AND a fabulous camera, I should be able to post my OWN pictures. Should. We have been transferring pictures from my camera onto K's computer, and of course, he has my camera cord. Not that I have any pictures to post, but still!

Truth be told, I haven't been in a creative mood lately. My life has been consumed by books, t.v. and sleep. My days have been going as follows: wake up, get dressed, go to work, come home, make dinner, change into pj's and hop into bed with a fantastic book. It sounds wonderful and relaxing, but let me tell you, it leaves you feeling empty. So, in the likeness of Cara, I am going to make a list. It's a list just for Cara, since she is my only reader. Hi Cara! Here goes!

Christen's List of Things She's Loving as She is Typing This


1. The Hungry Girl cookbook. I've been a longtime subscriber to her daily e-mail newsletter, so I was ecstatic when she came out with a full-length cookbook. So far I've made two recipes from this and they have both been fantastic.


2. Booksfree.com is my new best friend. It's like Netflix, but for books. With the subscription I have, I pay $14.99/month and can have 4 books out at a time. I managed to read 3 books within a week and am about to start my fourth. That's just about the cost of a new book, so in my mind, it's a bargain. Sure I could go to the library for FREE, but i'm LAZY.



3. Not only do I love The Weepies' new album, "Hideaway," I love the album artwork. I think of The Weepies as an "aww" band. Their music just makes you say "aww" and evokes so many warm and fuzzy feelings.


4. And I am digging these little friends. I loved them when Alicia made her St. Lucia dolls, and I love these that were made by Jenny. In fact, I'm going to attempt to make some of my own this week. I have the clothespins ready to go (in assorted sizes, might I add. Fancy.), I'm just waiting for the correct lighting to work on them. The sun is still going down, so my room is a soothing orange tone. Soothing, but not very work-friendly.

Because I don't have the patience that Cara has, (since she is a mom and all), I'm going to leave my list at 4. I like 4. It's a nice even number. Don't you think?

A Screen Porch Summer

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.

-Albert Camus

We are all searching for something. No matter how far along we are in this journey of life, there is something that we are each still looking for. Each time we finally grab it, we cross it off the list and tuck our new finding into our heart, adding yet another layer to the person we are.
What is it that I have been looking for? Words, can do it no justice, but I can try. I have been yearning for a spark--something to make me feel more alive. The work day can become monotonous, no matter how much you love your job, and it can become easy to lose track of yourself. What is it that gives you that spark? What gives you that glimmer of life in your eyes?
With summer approaching, I couldn't help but rack my brain, trying to recall my favorite summertime memories. I can't recall one single memory, but I can remember specific feelings. Clean, brightly-colored vintage sheets. Spending most of my time outdoors, making do with whatever was out there. Pretty sundresses with matching sandles.
I've always had a sort of "alter" life, much like a superhero has an alter ego. There have been times where I long for the ability to relive my childhood, with the same people but in a different location. I'm not convinced that i'm a city girl. My heart aches when I read books that take place in small towns, complete with their traditions and gossip. A lightning bug and a screen porch would make it heaven.
So, why the name "A Screen Porch Summer"? It is a feeling, an emotion, that burns deep inside of me. Though I can't spend my days frolicking through the sprinklers, I can keep the feeling of summertime inside me. It's hard to explain, but it's who I am.
With a computer with an internet connection at home, I'm back to the blogging world. And since I am back, I thought I'd start with a book recommendation. We all love books.

World of Pies by Karen Stolz made me feel that little spark. Plus, I finished it in a day. The perfect way to begin my summer reading!