green with envy // Green Wedding Shoes: Retro Thanksgiving Elopement

http://greenweddingshoes.com/retro-thanksgiving-elopement/

I know this isn’t revelation for some, but I’ve been noticing a trend of flashbacks to the 60s.

Big hurr. Fab prints. Famous cocktails. Glamorous movie stars. Sweet rides. The color brown. Elvis & Cash. Mad Men.

Dallas 60s, anyone?!

This shoot. Oh my goodness. Who wants to make my current photo dream come true?

Maybe I can get some help from the fabulous Meg B? ;)

P.S. I confess I have a handful of celeb crushes. This photo may or may not be from one of them:

brothers forever

Y’all might not need a kleenex for this post, but I will.

I’m kind of a mess right now.

I know we’re supposed to become more responsible as we get older and become real adults…but frankly, this stuff just plain stinks. Selfishly, I hate seeing one of my best friends move away. I’d rather keep my inner circle geographically close.

But I know the Lord has bigger plans for each of us. His ways & thoughts are far greater and holier than mine. I know He will use my brother & his family to accomplish great things in the Volunteer State.

Yes, I shall visit as often as I can.

No, I’m not crying.

(Ok, I lied.)

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 27:17; 18:24

Godspeed to my brother, sister, and niece! I expect frequent FaceTime sessions, k? (I’m praying for a Texas return. That’s okay to do, right?)

20120703-235159.jpg

remember when…?

My recent escapade to the capital of weirdness brought about an epiphany.

I wonder when I last used a film camera….

Believe it or not – my first camera was NOT digital.

Soon after I hit my one year anniversary with Walgreens, I got promoted from the customer service rep position to the photo lab tech spot. I touched film quite a bit. It always intrigued me. I never experimented with my own film, just the customers’. So when I left the lab, I basically lost all connections with the film world.

After being so heavily involved in the digital world with my Canon Rebel over the last several years, I have often wondered what it would be like to take up film again.

Well, it’s MY turn to play.

I can now say I possess a unit of total film delight – the Diana F+.

I plan on sending my first roll off to the lab soon to get developed & printed. (Theoretically, I could develop & create prints myself – I learned those techniques via the NYIP course. I would just need to rent equipment and stage a darkroom. Sounds expensive for a hobby though….)

When the prints arrive, pending they are not totally ruined in terms of exposure, I will display them in digital form here on my blog.

*crossing fingers*

My newest tag line, in addition to my favorite one from my good friend Marcia (“Just Wing It!”), is courtesy of the Lomography film industry:

Don’t Think. Just Shoot.

20120628-152115.jpg

Bonus Blog Friday | nothing beats going there

Back by popular demand is another round of photo safari goodness! *hooray!*

I had 4 major goals for this evening:

  1. spend “be still” time with the Lord
  2. run
  3. eat at Stubb’s BBQ
  4. fulfill a sweet tooth fantasy at Amy’s Ice Cream

I’m happy to say I accomplished ALL of my goals…and even walked away with a bonus feature – a vintage treasure, if you will. (Comment for a hint. Yes, I’m going to be vague again. If you read these side musings of mine and actually comment, then I must know you and love you dearly. I see so many hits on my blog, but not very much lovin’. It makes me sad. Think “Miss Hit-and-Run” – name that movie.)

Downtown. Nothing beats going there. (Shout out to Petula Clark!)

I hope you enjoy my Austin Evening Adventure! (Send love notes below. K? Thanks.)

20120622-235447.jpg

Sundrenched gorgeousness. If my life were all about running, I would move down to Austin in a heartbeat.

20120622-235503.jpg

I. LOVE. Texas. Sunsets!

20120622-235515.jpg

20120622-235527.jpg

This HAS to be a real life superhero comic book building. The guy on the bicycle is that one dude who changes into someone extra cool and does awesome things like saving children from burning buildings and ol’ grannies about to be hit by buses in the crosswalk off Congress & 3rd and customers who are slightly peeved that the barista failed to pour that one extra shot of espresso into their warm and toasty cup of delight. His name is Mr. Electric. Original, I know. But hey, it’s true.

20120622-235538.jpg

This. is. EPIC!!! MAJOR #WINNING!!! (Shout out to the Berg’s…who I still need to meet in person.)

20120622-235549.jpg

Who *is* that weird guy taking his own running silhouette?! Oh wait, I’m in Austin. It’s ok to be weird.

20120622-235600.jpg

20120622-235612.jpg

hehe…hehehe. Where is PETA when you need her?!

20120622-235624.jpg

Austinites love their puppies. And the puppies love to swim. How cute!

20120622-235637.jpg

This shot was taken SPECIFICALLY for the ever fabulous Ginny Corbett of Ginny Corbett Photography, forever friend of yours truly. #treesaresexyandyouknowit

20120622-235650.jpg

Every step we take is only by His grace. Each hurdle we encounter is meant to guide us to the throne to seek power from the only One we can trust to get us to the ultimate finish line.

20120622-235704.jpg

The runners of Austin thank you, kind puppy owners! :)

20120622-235716.jpg

I thought to myself, “Self, wouldn’t it be awesome to see a Saint Bernard?” Lo, and behold! It’s Beethoven himself! Made my day.

20120622-235727.jpg

Yeah, a warm Texas run wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Sir Hiss. He deliberately dodged. “Poppycock! Female bandits…what’s next?! Rubbish.”

20120622-235738.jpg

Hey, Swans! Where are your friends, Abigail & Amelia? ;)

20120622-235429.jpg

I am loving the new Nike+ Running interface! Works like a champ.

20120622-235749.jpg

For the record, I didn’t get a chance to see the sunset bats. But I did see a Batman-esque insignia. How neat is that?!

20120622-235800.jpg

BEST. BBQ. OF. MY. LIFE. Jalapeno Brisket = to die for. Go try it for yourselves and tell me I’m wrong. I dare you.

20120622-235814.jpg

The Capitol, nearly without a Moon.

20120622-235826.jpg

This place is weird. (Welcome to Austin!) I liked it a whole lot! These folks are champs. Flinging ice cream across the room like the Pike Place Market fish toss. Not even kidding. I got the Mexican Vanilla & Shiner mix. A-MA-ZING! I can see why this is a tradition.

20120622-235837.jpg

YUM-O!

20120622-235847.jpg

…and this is after 11PM. Yeah. It’s that good.

20120622-235909.jpg

This, my friends, is a grandpa photobooth. The FILM actually DEVELOPS inside the booth. No digital business here. LEGIT! I’m VERY pleased with the results, too.

Btdubbs – to the guy who owns that red & white motorbike which I saw getting smashed by a huge white Ford truck in the parallel parking spot off of 5th – I hurt for you, bro.

This was essentially my last opportunity, at least for this trip, to enjoy the local scenery. I had the time of my life. But I wish I had my favorite folks with me to share these amazing moments with.

Roadtrip anyone???

come on, baby! photo safari! (Austin style…meaning weird)

So, I had a change of plans. I decided to postpone my running until EARLY tomorrow morning (SO incredibly rare for me since I’m a night/midnight runner at heart.) I would rather not be attacked or kidnapped on the poorly lit (due to nightfall) 4.5 mile track between the hotel, river, and downtown. (Some of you follow me on Twitter & Facebook, so you should recognize the kidnapping reference from earlier…yeah….)

This wicked cool photo safari happened due to a wrong turn.

Seriously.

This is yet another time where I am amazed at God’s providence, even in the “little” things.

What you will see below is raw iPhone 4 footage…with camera shake and all. No editing (except for the two IG shots). Also, to keep the flow of this post easy on the eyes, I will refrain from posting text in between photos. If a message is to be shared, it will be in the caption box connected to the image.

Enjoy! And please leave me some love (a.k.a. comment, ask questions, share an Austinian quote (or Austenian…love me some P&P!), make me laugh, etc.) I LOVE comments! It pleases me muchly when I know y’all are engaged with my ramblings.

20120621-213549.jpg

First photo? Weird. Go figure.

20120621-213622.jpg

20120621-213641.jpg

I’d like to think her name was Helga, but alas, I forget her true name. So…Helga it is! This lady changed the course of Texas history. Let’s just say things went BOOM! And our capital is still in Austin because of it. Hooray!

20120621-213703.jpg

Another destination mug!!! Welcome to the family, Austin. :) @Starbucks would be proud.

20120621-213723.jpg

20120621-213752.jpg

20120621-213816.jpg

20120621-213836.jpg

20120621-213851.jpg

I want to see the Hitchcock film! Any of you film buffs out there recommend it?

20120621-213909.jpg

I would definitely categorize this as weird. They move. It’s gross. (This was a sushi bar. I love sushi. But this is too fresh for my taste.)

20120621-213923.jpg

20120621-214317.jpg

I was walking briskly passed this place for the Capitol when I noticed something incredibly cool in the window. What drew me in led me to the discovery of something very, very cool! Let me just say, my new enlightenment has led me to major excitement. So much excitement that I simply must share it with you. But you’ll have to come back soon to see the results in another blog post. I’m telling you…you cannot miss it!!

20120621-213941.jpg

I SO want to do this in my room. This is beautiful!

20120621-214003.jpg

20120621-214038.jpg

20120621-214057.jpg

My IG friends will remember this post. Isn’t our Capitol the most beautiful one ever?!

20120621-214112.jpg

REMEMBER THE ALAMO!

20120621-214135.jpg

The House of Representatives

20120621-214150.jpg

Every little detail in this building was so well thought out. I’m impressed.

20120621-214208.jpg

The Senate

20120621-214227.jpg

Another IG post. I’m definitely purchasing this for myself on Instacanvas. A must-have art piece for any Texan!

20120621-214245.jpg

This guy is a Rangers fan! #WINNING

20120621-214302.jpg

I am in love with this. Can I take it home with me, please? Thanks.

20120621-214424.jpg

20120621-214441.jpg

My boss doing double duty with his precious children. They’re getting so big. Time flies way too fast these days.

Peace out!

…and keep your eyes peeled for a SUPER EXCITING post in the near future.

Would y’all like a hint?

If so, ask for one in the comments section below and I will reply with a juicy tidbit. ;)

1k | one glorious journey

I passed THE mile marker recently.

ONE THOUSAND

Instagram posts!!! :D

(Shameless plug – follow me on Instagram: @jmhansen)

Here is my very first IG post (according to Statigram). I’d say the timing is basically perfect because I’m about to make a trip to Austin. Of course, this means I shall be making a very necessary stop in Waco at my favorite coffee house on the planet – Common Grounds!!!

As I scroll through the now 1,000+ IG posts I’ve made over the last year or so, I am amazed to see where the Lord has taken me. So many real adventures. Hard times. Joyful memories. Life lessons learned. I’m so unworthy. This post truly fulfills the purpose of this blog – Beholding HIS Glory! I pray that, however long I have been given to live out my life here on earth, I will use my every waking breath to honor and magnify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here’s to the next thousand!

Soli Deo Gloria

FW Zoo Run 10k: prep mode

Here it comes. The Fort Worth Zoo Run Timed 10k! (Incidentally, I’m really hoping we can do a local Michael Scott’s Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race For The Cure someday soon.)

100 miles and counting! (2011-2012)

How am I preparing for my 2nd 10k…which starts at 7AM? (yeah…AM, not PM. on a Saturday…. I’m crazy.)

  • Panic. (kidding…sort of)
  • Sleep.
  • Eat.
  • Practice run tomorrow.
  • Playlist creation. (I’m in a 60s & 70s mood this week. Pretty sure I’m gonna add The Mamas and the Papas & ABBA to my 10k playlist. *born in the wrong decade*)
  • Life evaluation. (how’s THAT for deep?!)

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
1 Corinthians 9:24

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1

I must finish…before 1:25 hits the clock.

Pray for me. ;)

Running with friends + food + fun at the zoo. Does it get any better???

My running buddy and fellow Firefly!

e-session sneak peek // Austin + Nicole

this gorgeous post is long overdue. I’m gonna keep the verbiage brief on this peek:

  • I love working with people who are willing to do just about anything to get that one shot
  • One of my favorite shots EVER is from this shoot – for real! (see last photo; Nicole, feel free to steal! ;) )
  • My traveling companion, Mr. Red Angry Bird, made his very first cameo in this shoot (you shall see him in future shoots, trust me)

now for the good stuff! (full post coming soon)

*TOUCHDOWN DANCE*

McG Family Christmas Portraits

Mack & Chelsea, of McGowan Images, grace my blog once again with their model presence. Remember Johnny & June? My ROCKSTARS are back! This time they brought their offspring (also ROCKSTARS, as seen here)…and the family fluffy pet, Gertie! Of course, I basically had the time of my life. Any time spent with McG is well spent. I love them to pieces!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

A very Merry (Flame Retardant) McG Christmas to y’all!

Thank you, Mack & Chelsea, for sharing a December Saturday morning with me. Y’all mean the world to me – great mentors & awesome friends! I can’t wait until my next adventure with McG.

Zach Guillot: pray and give

within 6 Degrees of Separation: Me – Coworker – Coworker’s Grandson (classmate) - Zach Guillot

Zach is entering his second round of chemo on Friday (12/16/11) because we still don’t have a confirmed donor…please pass this along if you can…! Thanks. Julie/mom

PLEASE HELP FIND A MATCH FOR ZACH!

WHO IS ZACH?
- Zach is 7 years old and attends 1st grade in Dallas. He is missing his two front teeth and needs a bone marrow donor for the holidays!
- He was a grand marshal in the 2010 Children’s Medical Center Parade in Dallas…you might have seen him on TV
- He is well known at Children’s Medical Center Dallas for chasing nurses through the halls dressed as Batman, Superman and Ironman and for riding his big wheel through the halls at top speed – all while undergoing a intense chemo. He also loves nighttime lightsaber battles with his nurses! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWM5iDEqS0g&feature=related

ZACH NEEDS YOU TO ENTER THE BONE MARROW REGISTRY:
- Zach was diagnosed with AML (a type of leukemia) in February 2010 when he was 5 years old. After undergoing 3 intensive rounds of chemotherapy, he received a bone marrow transplant from his brother, Jake, then 3 years old. Zach returned to school, required no medication, and resumed all the activities a 6-7 year old enjoys. He was doing extremely well, and we were beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel! Then, a week prior to Thanksgiving 2011, we received the devastating news that Zach’s leukemia had returned. Although it is a very uphill battle, Zach is a very strong little boy. His best hope for a cure, according to doctors, is another bone marrow transplant (ASAP!), this time from an unrelated donor. Seems that his brother’s marrow may have been “too perfect” of a match and did not recognize and destroy any hiding leukemia cells as was hoped.
- Zach is currently a patient at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas. He will re-enter the hospital this Friday to undergo his second round of (relapse protocol) chemotherapy.
- See Zach’s story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxS3j9F7QJ8 AND http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3WEARpm6qE&feature=related

HELP IS URGENTLY NEEDED:
- The Guillot family would like to request the urgent help of the entire community. We are asking that everyone go to https://www.dkmsamericas.org/register as soon as possible and consider registering online as a potential bone marrow donor.
- We are also asking everyone to spread the word to friends, family, co-workers, and their neighborhood about Zach’s situation and ask them to consider joining the registry as well. Please consider e-mailing your contact list and/or posting to your Facebook page. Young people 18 and over (college-aged and twenty-somethings) make premier donors, so we are requesting focus on this group as well.
- If anyone is interested in organizing a Bone Marrow drive to register donors real-time, the swabs collected can be overnighted/expedited to the registry. Please contact Amy Roseman at amy@dkmsamericas.org or 646-530-2911. Amy assisted us in Dallas with a marrow drive – she can supply the swabs and support services if you can supply the volunteers! Attached is a slideshow: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/PH9Rg9Ks.
- If you do not meet the age or health requirements to be a donor, you might consider donating to DKMS (https://www.dkmsamericas.org/register) to help pay for processing swabs, as they are offered FREE to everyone but cost $65 each to process. AND you can help spread the word!

WHAT IS A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT? WHY DOES ZACH NEED ONE?
- Zach has a blood cancer, leukemia, so his bone marrow is creating defective blood cells that effectively “crowd out” his normal blood cells. His bone marrow needs to be destroyed and replaced with healthy marrow. A bone marrow transplant involves destroying the patient’s bone marrow with strong chemotherapy and simply infusing them with a bag of healthy marrow (or stem cells), similar to a simple blood transfusion. Amazing simple. Amazingly complex! Zach requires no surgery for this procedure. It is a tough process and can involve some scary complications, but it can also be a lifesaver and a permanent cure.

HOW DO I ENTER THE REGISTRY and WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BEING A DONOR?
- Entering the bone marrow registry is EASY, PAINLESS and FREE at https://www.dkmsamericas.org/register. Answer a few health questions and receive a free cheek swab kit in the mail – that’s it! You will swab the inside of each of your cheeks for 10-15 seconds (2 swabs) and return them via mail to DKMS.
- Donating bone marrow involves some screening bloodwork, a checkup/physical, and a health history-type questionnaire. 80% of bone marrow is donated in a 4-6 hour outpatient procedure similar to some blood product donations (no surgery, no bone cracking!). You can learn more here: http://www.dkmsamericas.org/educate . All expenses related to the donation are covered…there is NO COST to the donor!
- Donating your bone marrow is as significant as donating your heart, kidney, or liver to save someone’s life! However, bone marrow donation is a simple, outpatient procedure…your bone marrow completely regenerates (like your blood) and side effects are generally minor.

FOLLOW ZACH’S STORY and JOIN HIS TEAM:
- On Facebook “ZachAttacksLeukemia” – “LIKE” our page
- Visit https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/zachguillot/createorsignin
- Read more (but this article states, in error, that a donor has been found…a donor has not been found): http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/dallas/headlines/20111209-boy-still-seeking-bone-marrow-match-inspires-drive.ece
- TV story: http://www.the33tv.com/about/station/newsteam/kdaf-bone-marrow-drive-for-zach-draws-hundreds-story,0,2941184.story
- Brad Sham announces Zach’s drive before the Cowboys game on the radio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw2n2YVqO8c&feature=related

Blog at WordPress.com.
Theme: Esquire by Matthew Buchanan.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 1,221 other followers

%d bloggers like this: