Quotes for a Thirsty Soul: The Sequel

A couple of years ago, I wrote a post entitled Quotes for a Thristy Soul. I had been in a very busy and hectic time of my life, and hadn't had time for any creative projects, or even time for sitting quietly and reflecting on life and God. It had me feeling drained and disheartened.

 

This summer has been very exciting and busy! I've been nannying for my aunt's four kids, and which requires a lot of energy and awareness, while preparing for school and going on several weekend trips to visit my boyfriend and various family members.

 

I am relearning the importance of intentional rest and reflection. These quotes have popped up along the way, and I thought I would share them with you in a magnificent sequel! I hope they are as refreshing and thirst-quenching for you as they were for me.

 

 

 

 

And one last piece of encouragement... ;)

 

 



 Here's to aspiring after depth, never settling for less.

 

Love,

Brie

 

Motivational Monday #8

 

This is something I have needed to be reminded of a lot lately. God's love is stronger than any I could hope to understand. <3

 

My Favorite Blog Posts This Week

I haven't checked in on my favorite blogs lately, so when I looked yesterday I found a ton of really fantastic posts! They are way too amazing to keep to myself, so I thought I would highlight some of the best. These have not all been posted this week, but I discovered them this week, so it still counts. :P

The first is "Writing on the Web" on The Daily Simple. In this post, Aubrey writes about some lessons she has been learning concerning her writing. She has some really great ideas. I was reminded that writing should not be stressful, and sometimes it's better to leave something half finished and come back to it later with fresh eyes.

"Can You Read Emotions? on A Cup of Jo. This was so fascinating! "New studies have found that if people read literary fiction for even a few minutes (as opposed to popular fiction or serious nonfiction), they perform better on tests measuring empathy and emotional intelligence." I also took the quiz that finds out how well you can pinpoint people's emotions just by seeing their eyes, and got 30/36.

"Work in Progress" on Vintage Lolipops. This blog is where artist Bella Harris shares updates on her artwork. She is such an amazing artist! I'm completely inspired. This "work in progress" is so wonderful. Here is another one of my favorites from her.

"Photo an Hour" on The Dainty Squid. This is a project I have been thinking about doing for a while now. Maybe sometime I'll have to try it! Too cool :)

"Our Home // kitchen before and after" on Delightfully Tacky. I'm a huge fan of their kitchen. I love chalkboard painted walls any day. :) Plus, her entire blog is amazing, so you should check it out!

"Art Journaling" on Everyday is a Holiday. This couple does various forms of art for a living, and I was super inspired by all these art journal pages! I follow them on pinterest as well, and they post a lot of cool stuff.

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Quotes for a Thirsty Soul

Hey there! Life has been so crazy, with graduation and exam prep and planning for the move to Nicaragua, that I have been terrible at posting regularly. I've had so little time for anything artistic, that I feel drained! There's only one way to fix that! This time, I decided to share with you some quotes that I really enjoy. They resounded with me so much, that I hope to print them out and put them up in my room. It's nice to have that daily reminder of what really matters, even if you don't look at them every day.

P.S. Stay tuned! I'm planning something super exciting for the next post! :)

Slam Poetry

Poetry is awesome.

I know there are those of you out there begging to differ, claiming it's boring, outdated, and frankly a waste of time. Well to you I say, "Humbug!"

I've recently become aware of a new genre of poetry called, "spoken word poetry" (or "slam poetry"). It's so cool! It's modern and edgy for those who like the newest, coolest thing out there. It's got deep and resounding messages (for the most part, I guess it depends on the poet) for you who like deeper connections and other forms of poetry. I really like it, myself. I tried my hand at it a few times, and posted one here. 

Spoken word poetry is so impactful, because of the strong words, rhythm and passion that goes into every syllable. It moves you, gets you really thinking, gets to the root of humanity. I love it! I don't think something like this can be fully explained, because it affects everyone differently. How about I just show you, and you can find out for yourself?

Sarah Kay- If I Should Have a Daughter

Phil Kaye- Repetition

Propaganda- G.O.S.P.E.L.

Why I hate Religion, But love Jesus

Sarah Kay & Phil Kaye- An Origin Story

These are just a few of my faves. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! After watching them, let me know what your response was. Do you enjoy poetry as a whole? If so, what is your favorite poem? I look forward to hearing more from you! :)

Today the Easel, Tomorrow the World!

I've always been super fascinated with street art. I don't know about you, but when I see a really well thought out mural, or even graffiti, I can't help but appreciate it. There was a quote I once found that says,

 

"It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or carve a statue, and so make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look. To affect the quality of the day- that is the highest of arts."

 

That was said by Henry David Thoreau. I actually used this as a theme for another post I wrote called, The Guerilla Artist. If you end up enjoying this post immensely, you may wish to explore it.

Anyways, I've been scouring the Internet, looking for some of my favorite specimens of this art form. There are some really funny ones, but also some that make you stop and think. Both are amazing in their way, and affect the quality of the day, which is why we make art in the first place, am I right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are just a few of the absolutely epic art that people are out there making. Isn't that incredible? One day you may see one as you go about your regular business. It's inspiring. I'm definitely going to find a way to do this too. Just to make some stranger's day. :) Also, If you come across a cool art display or make some street art of your own, feel free to send it my way!

33 Ways to Stay Creative

From "The World's Best Ever", http://www.theworldsbestever.com/2011/06/06/33-ways-to-stay-creative/

 

Alright, I'll be honest. Writing blog posts is a lot harder than I originally thought it would be. At first I had all these lofty ambitions of writing inspirational pieces that thousands upon thousands would read and be touched by. It seemed terribly exciting and I never dreamed there would come a day when I would face the infamous "writer's block". I sat in front of a blank page for years it seemed, scheming and scheming until I could scheme no more, but I couldn't think of one good thing to present to the world. I knew I needed to, but I began to dread writing posts. However, here I am, determined to write despite the complete lack of inspiration that I started out with.

I was so starving for inspiration, it seems, that I have resorted to writing a post on my relationship and viewpoints on it. I originally found this list when I was adventuring with Stumbleupon a while back. It really resonated with me, because I've found many of these techniques on my own without being completely conscious of the fact that I had. As I was reading the list I kept thinking to myself, "Hey, I do that!" For instance, I used to free write A LOT. Most evenings I would write to God about the day and things I had on my mind and things I felt he was saying to me. It was a way for my prayers to be more focused. I didn't realize that's why I found myself more inspired and creative. Now I'm thinking I should really get back into that!

I really value journalling, and I would encourage anyone and everyone to keep one. Not only does it keep you creative, but it also helps to keep you balanced, in my opinion. It's very therapeutic to be able to release emotions and stress in this way. If you can write about it, and get it all out, then you can spend less time thinking about it over and over again and spend more time working around it and living joyfully! Plus, it doesn't necessarily need to be an every day thing. When I first started journalling when I was really young, I thought to myself, "Okay, this is the week I write every single day, without fail. I don't care what happens I WILL write in my journal!" This system just didn't work for me. I know that for many other people, forcing themselves to write every day keeps them challenged and goal-oriented, and that's great! Go for it! But for some people this just adds unnecessary stress. Too much stress is the enemy of a creative mind. So go with the flow! Also, it you were to look through my journal, you would find more than just mundane posts. You would find lists (#1!), and drawings, and random ideas (#30!). Nothing is too crazy or abnormal to put in your journal. It's your place to relax and communicate whatever your little heart desires. And also, in case you haven't already noticed, this post is definitely breaking the font and text size rules! Yay for creativity! (Actually, I just don't know how to make it look like it usually does, but hey! We'll go with it!) Stay creative, my friends!

The Guerilla Artist

 

This has got to be the collest quote ever!  I love the idea of making art more than just some lines on paper; allowing it to leap off the pages and become tangible. "Paint the very atmosphere", that sounds so noble! Art is something that not every feels they can relate to, so it's something special when you take it out into the world and show them that art is so much more than they think. Art is exciting, inviting, and captivating! It reahes into your very core and relates to you in a way that nothing else can. Art is all interpretation, and though it helps to find out what the artist's take on it was, the true function of art is to reach you where you are.

If art is meant to reach you where you are, why not take it to where the people are?? I recently found this book called, "The Guerilla Artist". I haven't actually gotten around to purchasing it yet, but it sounds fantastic! It looks like it is meant to inspire you and give practical tips to "paint the very atmosphere". It's called "street art", and I've always been a big fan of it. Yes, some may call it graphitti, but I call it genius! They take ordinary walls, mailboxes, street markings, etc... and make them awesome! It's such an unexpected surprise that I dare liken it to random acts of kindness. Oh how wonderful it must be to be that artist, nd know you've brought a smile or chuckle to an otherwise glum day, whosever it may be. So yes, this is on my wishlist for sure. And if anyone buys it, please let me kow what you think of it! I'd also love to see what fantastic art you've been creating, whether it's street art or canvas art or a sketch or a fabulous recipe, or photography or a song or whatever! There are tons more ways you could create something, so if you're reading this I am speaking to you.

Something Special

When I grow up,
Or maybe just right now,
I want to have that special something.

You know what I mean,
You've seen it before.
When someone loves without limits,
Instead of looking for the door.

When he smiles and he means it,
Or you never see her mope,
It's intriguing and it matters.
It brings others hope.

When I look in the mirror,
That's what I want to see.
I want to live fearlessly,
With my arms open wide,
Ready to catch any speck of good that comes my way.
And when I catch painful wounds in my hands,
I want to be strong enough to stand,
To fiercely determine to open again.
And when troubles pursue me,
Like thieves in the night,
I will never, ever let go of hope.

I want to be quick to forgive you,
Quick to reach to you,
Quick to go an extra two miles for you.
I want to steal away the burdens,
Leaving joy in it's place,
Turn that frown upside down,
On every possible face.

The shadows,
They'll run when they see me come near.
'Cause I'm leaning on God!
They have reason to fear!

I want to earn your trust,
And be ready to do my part.
Have the wisdom to wait,
And to know when to start.

I want to know the story,
Every story,
Behind every tired face,
I want to be there, when the world turns away.

Return slaps with hugs,
Tears with tissues,
Lies with truth.

I want to be able to honestly say,
I can laugh at the times to come!
'Cause I know if I fall,
My Lord will catch me.
If I cry,
My Lord will love me.
If I die,
My Lord will not hide
His tears of joy
When He runs to me and says,
"Welcome home! I missed you."
That is something pretty special.

*^this here is my attempt at spoken word poetry. Trust me, it sounds a lot better when it is performed. Haha, but if you want to see some real spoken word poetry, look up Sarah Kay on YouTube. Her stuff is amazing! Especially her, "If I Should Have a Daughter". She performs it during her TED talk. Very cool :) Here's a link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0snNB1yS3IE