My Next List

The fun things about this outfit:

Bracelet - Free, Pants - Thrifted, Shirt - Thrifted, Wedges - Target

I know it's hot every summer, but I always forget.

I'm just over here in the Great Northwest, chillin' in the rain for 9 months...

Then BAMMM!

It's 84 degrees outside. 

All that to say... I've found that I'm running out of tank tops.

And in an effort to keep you on your toes, I will now start on a complete topic change:

I had a pretty darn productive weekend! I marked everything off my list except 

two thing. The only problem is that those two thing encompassed all my 

household tasks and so my residence currently looks like five 3 year olds are 

running a circus here... and no 3 year old has ever even been in here... sooooo yep. 

That's going to need to be at the top of the next list I make, right above 

"Buy More Tank Tops"... and I should probably do that pronto.

Proverbs 6:6

Go to the ant, O sluggard;
    consider her ways, and be wise.

Better Than The Movie: It's a Real Thing.

 

The fun things about this outfit:

Dress - Old Navy Sale!, Shoes - Ross, Necklace - Free

Do you ever get to that point where there are so many things on your To-Do list that you really start leaning towards the thought that none of them matter, let's just sit down and read Harry Potter?

Yep, life is feeling a little like that lately. Fortunately, I've been able to keep on task...

But let's be honest... I actually am busting my way through this Year Three book!

Yea, you read right! I'm reading the third Harry Potter book. My goal this summer was to get through 2 of them, and as a non-reader type this makes me very proud to be able to say I'm almost done with the third... And it's only July!

If you're a reader, you probably say this all the time. 

But if you're like me, a non-reader, screen time type person, you probably hear this all the time.

"The book is WAAAAAYYY better than the movie!!!"

If you are my kind of human, you hear this and scoff. 

"Who cares." 

"The movie was great." 

"Shut up, you book worm! Your making me feel unintelligent."

But over the past year (literally starting on my last birthday, July 21,2013),

I started reading... and kept it up.

It all began with a little Chronicles of Narnia that was a surprise package 

in the mail from the Cali guy I started telling you about HERE.

I'd started the series and got stalled when I couldn't find the next book.

We'd just begun talking and I never would have expected this little mailbox treasure.

I finished those quickly, and with a growing love of holding a book in my hands 

and having my eyes roll along the hills the words on printed pages were creating. 

So now, as I have officially ended the Chronicles and 
begun young Potter's journey through wizard school, I am finding myself saying....

Yep, you guessed it...

"The book is WAAAAAYYY better than the movie!!!"

I'm joining that band wagon people. Slow down a bit so I can jump on!

Anyone reading any books lately I should read next?

I'm scared to say, but I think I'm making a list.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The NEW Song that Never Ends

Fun things: I did a couple DIY refashions this weekend.
1. The flair white jeans I skinnied last summer... now shorts.
2. The long sleeve I haven't worn since 2009... now a tank.

Maybe you've already seen these photos, 
but if not don't forget to follow on instagram @patternedlove

As elementary, middle, and high schools let out in mid June, 

drivers everywhere stopped having pity parties and started having dance parties 

in their cars as they did NOT have to drive 20mph anymore for some ridiculous 

length before and after the school grounds when they're already late to work.

And with these series of events, adults everywhere start seeing youngsters 

in stores, on sidewalks, and in coffee shops in the MIDDLE OF THE DAY. 

To some adults it's annoying, but in my opinion this makes for many 

wonderful people watching experiences (in a totally NON-creeper-ish way).

As I checked the mail a few weeks back, I paused to thumb through 
and find anything that anyone might possible have sent for me. 
Nothing... but what's this? A faint voice in the wind?

Yes, the neighbor boy...

What's that? Is he singing?

Yes! That is without-a-doubt a little 7(ish) year old singing at the top of his lungs.

But wait... what is that lyric I hear?

He has made up a new and original song 

that for the past 5 WEEKS has not left me alone... 

it echos over and over and over in my increasingly annoyed, 

but initially laughing mind.

"IT'S SUMMER!

I'M GUNNA DO WHATEVER I WAaaaaaNT!"

"IT'S SUMMER!

I'M GUNNA DO WHATEVER I WAaaaaaNT!"

"IT'S SUMMER!

I'M GUNNA DO WHATEVER I WAaaaaaNT!"

"IT'S SUMMER!

I'M GUNNA DO WHATEVER I WAaaaaaNT!"

There is a strange tune. He made it up... It wont leave me alone.

I cracked up at first. In fact, I literally laughed out loud 

as I went inside chanting with him. 

But at this point, it's officially an anthem in my head that wont stop.

So currently the only appropriate actions is clearly 

to choreograph an entire dance number 

and enter as an act in an upcoming talent show!

Psalm 108:3-4

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;

I will sing praises to you among the nations.

For your steadfast love is great above the heavens;

your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.

A Love of Mugs and Muggles

The fun things about this outfit:

Shoes & Bracelet & Shirt - Thrifted, Necklace - HandMeDown from Mom, Jeans - Old Navy

This may have absolutely no relevence to you right now...

But I love mugs! 

I just love them.

I'm not a glass or a cup kind of girl. I like drinking from mugs!

(and straws but that's a different story)

I'm not sure where this strange love started, or how and why

it had developed, but alas, it has. 

My lovely mother and I went to Vegas to visit my sister

a while back and we all three went to see Love... the cirque

amazingness featuring Beatles music. In the gift shop, I totally

purchased a mug. It's huge and awesome... 

but the next day we hit up a local thrift store... 

and I found this gorgeous turquoise mug for only about $1 

and I purchased that bad boy too... Love it just as much!

(after I washed it).

Next week I am about to unfold the story of the best mug I have ever

held in my hands in my whole life. You wont want to miss it!

It's getting a little bit crazy up in here, and I might as well

tell the world because life is just that strange and beautiful sometimes.

P.S. I've set a goal for myself to read at least the first 2 Harry Potter

books this summer (big deal because I'm not a reader by any definition of the word)

.... and I'm Nailing It... halfway through book 2 and can't put it down. 

Maybe I should start setting more lofty goals! 

But hey... Muggle goals... whatcha gunna do?

James 3:17-18

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, 

open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Revive my Soul

The fun things about this outfit:

Shoes & Dress - Clothing swaps, Necklace - Free, Belt - Thrifted

Well it's been a whirlwind of a weekend, that may or may not be

expounded upon in the coming weeks. But It was a wonderful one, too!

One of my the most relaxing parts of the weekend was a couple hour

chunk I spent with another lovely human, just laying on a blanket in the sun.

Soaking up some rays, reading some books, 

*cough cough*

Painting my nails.

It was wonderful & relaxing. I'm realizing as life speeds up 

more and more as I get older, that I really have to cherish these 

moments of calmness and ease when the arrive.

Soak them in like water to a sponge, so that during those crazy times,

those rough time, and those pull-you-hair-out-with-a-smile-on-your-face time

I can just rely on that restful water I've absorbed and look forward to the next refill.

What a perfect segue into two verses, that remind me of where the true rest is found!

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to me, all who labor and areheavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls.

Psalm 119:25

My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!

Ate the Whole Thing

The fun things about this outfit:

Dress - Target (uber sale), Necklace - Free Bin, Blue Shirt & Earrings - Thrifted

The Northwest likes to rain just when all us natives get our hopes up that 
summer had started, I take every ray of sun with every ounce of seriousness... 
aka... Soak. It. Up. 

With the sunshine comes to light a certain little love of mine 
known as FRUIT! I didn't even think to snag a photo of what I really 

looked like prior to these photos but I did snap one of the proof.

I ate an entire cantaloupe.

Yep.
 Is that considered a confession when you eat something in its entirety?

Well, I confess then! 
Because that cantaloupe and I became real friendly, real quick!

I snuck it onto instagram in between bites as I sat on the 
porch loving the warmth that can never outstay it's welcome!

I believe the word I'm looking for is "basking."
Yes, I was basking in the sun, cantaloupe in hand, 
not a care in the world moment.

Thank you Lord for the Sun!
Thank you Lord for Cantaloupe!

Quick side note before I share some scripture that I was loving today:
I have now typed cantaloupe incorrectly in so many different ways that
I think my computer just rolled it's eyes at me 
while it put that dang dotted red line underneath.

Romans 12:17-19

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the 
sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, 
for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 

Clothing Swap Score

The fun things about this outfit:

Boots - Target, Purse - from Basque Country, Necklace & 2 Gold Bracelets - Thrifted,

Leggings & Sweater - Clothing Swap (aka - free), Tank - F21

Well, as the sun comes out, giving smiling rays to tanning wonders everywhere,

the great Northwest didn't want us to forget where we've planted our roots.

And thus, It gave us a bit of rain these past few days. 

So while people everywhere are sporting tank tops, I'm just over 

here in Oregon sporting my tribal print sweater that I just picked 

up in a clothing swap. I've pretty much wanted one of these all year. 

Being a thrifty type of a gal, I couldn't bring myself 

to pay anywhere near what I saw them selling for. 

Oh thank you sweet patience.

P.S. Tomorrow I'll be sharing a recipe for the first ever effort to 

regularly share something other than outfits. Get ready for the Tastiness!

This Psalm was preached yesterday at church. 

I wanted to share a couple verses from it today.

Psalm 34:17-18

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears

and delivers them out of all their troubles.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.

Bring It On

 The fun things about this outfit:

Dress & Sandals- Target, Belt - Thrifted, Shirt & Bracelets - HandMeDown, Necklace - Free

So I love the rain and all (Yay Oregon), but when that summer-time sunshine shows

it's long lost rays, I'm ready! I love that, in the heat, I can toss a dress on and

somehow look like I put way more effort into my attire than if I wore a jeans/top

kind of combo (which for the record, I'm running out of original combo's there).

So bring on the sun!

Bring on the dresses!

And I guess, bring on blogging on a regular-ish basis again!

The verse I have for you today is important. I'm not the best at memorization.

(Flash back to every high school test I broke a sweat during)

I mean, I've had some really bad lyrical mistakes that I'm still not sure I'll ever live down.

I only know a handful of movie titles or actor/actress names. 

I think I know a total of 6 people's birthdays without the help of good 'ol facebook.

So... when I decided I wanted to memorize some scripture...

let's just say it exactly how it is. 

It Did Not Happen.

So I've enlisted a friend, who jumped at it when I asked if she'd be my

memorizing buddy. And below is where we are starting! Feel free to join!

And now, I guess,

Bring on the Memorization.

1 Corinthians 10: 12-13

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, 

and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation 

he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.