One of my biggest weaknesses is that I take on more than I can handle, and it never ends well. In the beginning, I view it as simply being efficient. Why not take a bunch of extra classes to get them out of the way? Why not take on a few small, but time consuming jobs even if they kind of overlap? I say “yes” because I don’t want to pass up any opportunities or miss out on life. In my leadership class a few months ago, we talked about how there can be a hidden meaning in inefficiency. Jesus did inefficient things all the time, and it didn’t mean that time was being wasted. It just didn’t yield immediate visible results.

What does it look like to enjoy summer for all that it is? I’m not sure. I think it looks something like being thankful for specifics daily and spending quality time with Jesus outside in my backyard. Having plans and following through (whether it involves making something, reading something, or spending time with someone). But also, not having plans and being okay with that.

My mom and I went to the festival in Santa Rosa yesterday and had a fantastic time. Was it worth all the money it cost to get in? Kind of. I’m glad we went :)

I bought a few headbands and a sarong, which I will probably use for decoration rather than clothing:

The main reason why we went was to see Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, and they were amazing. I love Jade’s voice so much. Alexander wore his usual strange dress thing. They were a loving group of talented people and I’m happy that I finally got to see them.

Sorry about the quality, these are all from my mom’s phone.

For the remainder of the time, we just walked around. I used to go to festivals like these when I was little, so it felt like home :)

We found this New Tree chocolate. Sooooo good. I love the variety and so-called health benefits (anything can sell me when it comes to chocolate). We bought lavender milk chocolate. I didn’t tell the lady selling it that I actually have gotten the same chocolate from Walmart. That’s okay. Maybe it isn’t **Very Special, Very Rare** (cafe joke for my Jessup friends!), but at least it’s accessible :)

Finally I can say that I’m thankful that I grew up going to reggae concerts! …even though I can still only handle it in small doses. And I’m thankful for a mom who will dance to my favorite music.

A week ago, I was browsing on Bloglovin’ and I noticed an advertisement for the Get Your Paint On Summer 2011 course. I’m surprised I even saw it because I was 300 blog posts behind. I will catch up soon! But anyway, first I disregarded the class… but then I felt pressured. I don’t really know how to paint. At all. As much as I would like to just improvise and paint abstract things, I can’t even really do that. I need to learn some technique.

So, I signed up! It is an online course and will be led by Lisa Congdon and Mati McDonough who are artists and illustrators from San Francisco. Please go look at their work. It is bright, colorful, and alive :)

by Mati McDonough

by Lisa Congdon

The course is five weeks long and it starts tomorrow! Each week, we’ll go through a certain format that looks something like: reading assignment, inspiration related to the topic, interview with an artist, weekly wrap up, and assignment due date. Hopefully I can stay on track :)