My new blog has my favorite photos that I've taken the past month.
Enjoy!
Sarah Michelle.
17 December, 2010
New Photography Blog
I hope that you've enjoyed this blog! Times have been so crazy these past few months, and I've started a few new endeavors, one of which has been cosmetology school and the other, photography.
21 July, 2010
Shampoo-Bowl Confessions
I've been thinking about a phenomena closely related to airplane confessions known as
Shampoo-Bowl Confessions.
You know, you're sitting next to a complete stranger in the airplane and by the end of the ride they know deeper, more intimate things about you than your spouse, mother or closest friend.
Why is this?
I think it's so easy to spill everything because they are completely, unemotionally involved in any way to your life. They won't be involved. They will hardly remember you past baggage claim. It's an unattached, third party observer that acts more as a diary, just in person form. There is no judgement passed, and you are still socially acceptable since spilling now known intimate details.
The best part is... you'll never see them again. How cathartic an airplane ride can be, given your neighbor is a great listener.
As I'm about to enter into the culture of hair, nails and other fantastically shallow aspects, I realize that there's a lot more to this profession that I am increasingly excited about... and anyone who has had their head shampooed knows what I'm talking about.
Shampoo-bowl confessions.
I meet my hairstylist, whom I hardly know. It's a color weave, so I know I'm going to be approximately 1-1/2 hours with this individual. She sits me down in the hairstyling chair and we start our innocent small talk.
She asks me what I want done today. I begin to trust her. I listen intently to what she plans to do with my hair and pick the colors that I want done. Oh- and while she's at it, might as well add a trim because well, I trust that she won't take too much off the ends.
She starts, and our conversation gets to deeper subjects. Family, friends, work, and school. I begin to talk about things I would only write in my diary. Thoughts that may be mean, or suaded if I was in different company but are more free because she has no emotional or social tie to my personal life. She is only my hairdresser.
Then I'm in the shampoo bowl. It's a pretty personal thing, now that I think about it. I don't let just anyone shampoo my hair. The only other person that's washed my hair is my mother.
I feel trust, and I feel like I can tell my human diary anything. She is, after all, shampooing my hair. Confessions just spill out like word vomit. I can't seem to stop, and somehow I don't want to stop everything that I'm saying. All social filters evaporate. She has dozens of clients, and she may not even remember me.
I feel safe.
Conversation seems to flow. She seems to be asking the right questions and listening intently.
Well, in reality, I can't tell if she's listening or just concentrating really hard on cutting my hair.
Either way I feel better. I know that talking through it has placed my problems in the air and maybe I've found a solution or two in the process of cementing my thoughts through my monologue.
She's done. She styles it. A little poofy, and she may have back-combed a little more than I'm used to, but my soul is lighter and my mind confident in her ability not only as my hairdresser, but my personal psychologist. I think I'll come back to her again. Better leave her a good tip...
I fiddle with my hair and fix my usual part in my rearview mirror.
She was fantastic. I'll even recommend her to my friends.
Yes, shampoo-bowl confessions have quite the impact on the whole hair-cutting process.
I simply can't wait.
Shampoo-Bowl Confessions.
You know, you're sitting next to a complete stranger in the airplane and by the end of the ride they know deeper, more intimate things about you than your spouse, mother or closest friend.
Why is this?
I think it's so easy to spill everything because they are completely, unemotionally involved in any way to your life. They won't be involved. They will hardly remember you past baggage claim. It's an unattached, third party observer that acts more as a diary, just in person form. There is no judgement passed, and you are still socially acceptable since spilling now known intimate details.
The best part is... you'll never see them again. How cathartic an airplane ride can be, given your neighbor is a great listener.
As I'm about to enter into the culture of hair, nails and other fantastically shallow aspects, I realize that there's a lot more to this profession that I am increasingly excited about... and anyone who has had their head shampooed knows what I'm talking about.
Shampoo-bowl confessions.
I meet my hairstylist, whom I hardly know. It's a color weave, so I know I'm going to be approximately 1-1/2 hours with this individual. She sits me down in the hairstyling chair and we start our innocent small talk.
She asks me what I want done today. I begin to trust her. I listen intently to what she plans to do with my hair and pick the colors that I want done. Oh- and while she's at it, might as well add a trim because well, I trust that she won't take too much off the ends.
She starts, and our conversation gets to deeper subjects. Family, friends, work, and school. I begin to talk about things I would only write in my diary. Thoughts that may be mean, or suaded if I was in different company but are more free because she has no emotional or social tie to my personal life. She is only my hairdresser.
Then I'm in the shampoo bowl. It's a pretty personal thing, now that I think about it. I don't let just anyone shampoo my hair. The only other person that's washed my hair is my mother.
I feel trust, and I feel like I can tell my human diary anything. She is, after all, shampooing my hair. Confessions just spill out like word vomit. I can't seem to stop, and somehow I don't want to stop everything that I'm saying. All social filters evaporate. She has dozens of clients, and she may not even remember me.
I feel safe.
Conversation seems to flow. She seems to be asking the right questions and listening intently.
Well, in reality, I can't tell if she's listening or just concentrating really hard on cutting my hair.
Either way I feel better. I know that talking through it has placed my problems in the air and maybe I've found a solution or two in the process of cementing my thoughts through my monologue.
She's done. She styles it. A little poofy, and she may have back-combed a little more than I'm used to, but my soul is lighter and my mind confident in her ability not only as my hairdresser, but my personal psychologist. I think I'll come back to her again. Better leave her a good tip...
I fiddle with my hair and fix my usual part in my rearview mirror.
She was fantastic. I'll even recommend her to my friends.
Yes, shampoo-bowl confessions have quite the impact on the whole hair-cutting process.
I simply can't wait.
15 July, 2010
In my Distinctive Mind
I am Emotional but it makes me passionate.
I love Collecting Coffee Cups. And I adore Herbal tea.
History excites me.
Why can't everything smell like Christmas?
I Sing in the Shower: a lot of Country, sprinkled in Musicals.
I Laugh at what no one else sees.
Let's go D.o.w.n.t.o.w.n.
See the Old Buildings,
walk barefoot,
Take a Picture or 2 or 3..
Bring Time.
That's all we're going to spend.
I love Collecting Coffee Cups. And I adore Herbal tea.
History excites me.
Why can't everything smell like Christmas?
I Sing in the Shower: a lot of Country, sprinkled in Musicals.
I Laugh at what no one else sees.
Let's go D.o.w.n.t.o.w.n.
See the Old Buildings,
walk barefoot,
Take a Picture or 2 or 3..
Bring Time.
That's all we're going to spend.
25 April, 2010
To All Women that Inspire Me.
My Kate
ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING
She was not as pretty as women I know,
And yet all your best made of sunshine and snow
And yet all your best made of sunshine and snow
Drop to shade, melt to nought in the long-trodden ways,
While she's still remembered on warm and cold days-
My Kate.
Her air had a meaning, her movements a grace;
You turned from the fairest to gaze on her face;
And when you had once seen her forehead and mouth,
You saw as distinctly her soul and her truth-
My Kate.
Such a blue inner light from her eyelids outbroke,
You looked at her silene and fancied she spoke;
When she did, so peculiar yet soft was the tone,
Though the loudest spoke also, you heard her alone-
My Kate.
I doubt if she said to you much that could act
As a thought or suggestion; she did not attrat
In the sense of the brilliant or wise; I infer
'Twas her thinking of others made you think of her-
My Kate.
She never found fault with you, never implied
Your wrong by her right; and yet men at her side
Grew nobler, girls purer, as through the whole town
The children were gladder that pulled at her gown-
My Kate.
None knelt at her feet confessed lovers in thrall;
They knelt more to God than they used- that was all;
If you praised her as charming, some asked what you meant,
But the charm of her presence was felt when she went-
My Kate.
The weak and the gentle, the ribald and rude,
She took as she found them, and did them all good;
It always was so with her- see what you have!
She has made the grass greener even here with her grave-
My Kate.
To be remembered in this way!
-Sarah Michelle
13 April, 2010
I LOVE LIFE
Life Isn't About Finding Yourself. It's About CREATING Yourself. George Bernard Shaw
I am SO excited to start the newest chapter of my life...
It all begins MAY 1, 2010.
Stay tuned.....
Sarah Michelle
11 February, 2010
Due for a Post
Hey Everyone!
I know that I've been due for a post lately, so I'm going to post some pictures from recent weekends.
Enjoy!!
I know that I've been due for a post lately, so I'm going to post some pictures from recent weekends.
Enjoy!!
----x--- X ---x----
----x--- X ---x----
----x--- X ---x----
----x--- X ---x----
----x--- X ---x----
Sarah Michelle
03 February, 2010
Confessions of a Serial Dater
I cannot pinpoint the moment I began to pay attention to the opposite sex. However, when I was a little girl I remember being really curious about relationships. Disney movies were a favorite viewing choice in my home and I couldn’t help but notice that every one of these couples lived happily ever after. Moreover, the idea of a Prince Charming fascinated me and I have been on the search for one of my own ever since. I believe this was the foundation of my current predicament.
Eventually, as I matured past Disney movies, I observed my parents who have been an anchor to the reality of what constitutes a functional, blissful relationship. They have been able to live ‘happily ever after’ for a little over 25 years.
I took upon myself the goal to be just as happy and functional at an early age. Of course I couldn’t be in a relationship by myself, so by deductive reasoning I knew this meant that I needed a boy- not just any boy, but my Prince.
Through the years I have made dating an art, yet I remain single. This is because I have become a professional “Serial Dater”.
Having two older brothers afforded me the opportunity to take mental notes on the qualities they enjoyed in women. They spoke of how women look best with qualities such as only a little make-up, clean and fragrant hair, a great smile, and confidence. They also talked about what they enjoyed on their dates, like when a girl opened the car door for my brother from the inside after he had let her in. I really treasured the advice, and I hung onto every word my brothers spoke because I admired them. The last thing I wanted was to be a nuisance to them or any boy who had ‘Prince Potential’. Plus, they are boys. They know what they are talking about; so I let them unknowingly guide me in the “how to catch my Prince” quest.
I remember a book mentioned by one of my brothers that focused on winning friends and influencing people. I read only the first few chapters, but it gave me some great insights on how I can be a likable person. This information has been particularly great because it has been a key factor in how I get a boy’s interest. I learned about asking questions, because people like to talk about themselves. When I get a boy to open up to me, I know I’ve got his interest. He is pleased that someone is interested in him and begins to feel interested. This is when the game begins.
Most everyone who has dated has heard of the “Dating Game” but few people actually know much about the game, particularly the unspoken rules. A serial dater knows all the rules. The Dating Game is challenging because of the unspoken rules and one has to be very alert in order to avoid mistakes. These mistakes happen usually without cognizance, and consequences include a bad impression and/or no subsequent dates with the same individual. Unfortunately, one does not know all the rules at once. It is a long process and takes many date interactions before one gets familiar with the rules. In high school I became very good at getting a boy’s initial interest and so by employing the skill over and over I was able to gain a lot of dating experience and gradually became very familiar with the unspoken dating rules. I made tons of mistakes. One mistake in particular was calling a boy right after our first date. I not only called, but I am pretty sure I texted him several times as well. I was viewed as desperate and clingy and in spite of a wonderful first date I wasn’t asked on another. Why? It’s because I didn’t wait for the unspoken grace period!! A lot of the Dating Game involves a grace period because one doesn’t want to come off too strong in the beginning of a relationship and scare the Prince off. I have since been careful to let the boy call or text me first.
All girls approach relationships differently, but they can be categorized into girls who just can’t obtain dates, girls who are “one of the guys”, girls who have steady boyfriends, and then there’s my category- the serial daters.
Being a serial dater is not a position for pride. I know there are plenty of girls that wished they knew the secrets to the Dating Game, but it’s been more of a detriment than a blessing. I am unable to make a relationship last past 3 weeks. This is because 3 weeks is about the time it takes for one of us to lose interest. The relationship does not progress because I do not let it. I cannot let one relationship progress above another- it’s not the way serial daters work. A serial dater maintains control in the game and a way to keep control is to make sure all prince potential is treated equal. This is where the conflict comes in, because I’m supposed to be looking for my Prince! If I treat all of the boys equally, how will I ever progress far enough to know if one is my Prince?
I think serial dating stems from insecurities. I have a great fear of letting someone get past the first, second and even third date only to find out I am not their Princess. Being a serial dater is a weakness.
I don’t know how I became as literate as I am in such a subject as dating, but I realize that progress can be made towards an actual relationship. Progress will come as I focus on becoming literate in relationships and as I forget about the dating game, no matter how entertained I am by it. I also have to realize that there is no perfect Prince. In remembering my parents relationship, I know that it has involved sorrow, disagreement, and life hasn’t always been perfect in their "happily ever after”. But their relationship is functional, and they work together for their happiness.
I realize that a relationship is a risk. To be truly full of joy and in love I run the risk of being totally heartbroken because I know that my chances of finding Prince Charming in the first deep relationship aren't good. A relationship must be so much more fulfilling than this game I play, no matter the heartache that may accompany it. Moving to the next level takes a move that I am willing to make. It is a leap of faith as I declare a silent challenge to one boy that must outlast the rest. I hope he can rise to the challenge and succeed, because being a serial dater shouldn't be a permanent situation, rather groundwork to a better one. I will maintain my silent challenge and my Prince may never come, but I think I'm closer than I've ever been before to my happily ever after.
Sarah Michelle
Eventually, as I matured past Disney movies, I observed my parents who have been an anchor to the reality of what constitutes a functional, blissful relationship. They have been able to live ‘happily ever after’ for a little over 25 years.
I took upon myself the goal to be just as happy and functional at an early age. Of course I couldn’t be in a relationship by myself, so by deductive reasoning I knew this meant that I needed a boy- not just any boy, but my Prince.
Through the years I have made dating an art, yet I remain single. This is because I have become a professional “Serial Dater”.
Having two older brothers afforded me the opportunity to take mental notes on the qualities they enjoyed in women. They spoke of how women look best with qualities such as only a little make-up, clean and fragrant hair, a great smile, and confidence. They also talked about what they enjoyed on their dates, like when a girl opened the car door for my brother from the inside after he had let her in. I really treasured the advice, and I hung onto every word my brothers spoke because I admired them. The last thing I wanted was to be a nuisance to them or any boy who had ‘Prince Potential’. Plus, they are boys. They know what they are talking about; so I let them unknowingly guide me in the “how to catch my Prince” quest.
I remember a book mentioned by one of my brothers that focused on winning friends and influencing people. I read only the first few chapters, but it gave me some great insights on how I can be a likable person. This information has been particularly great because it has been a key factor in how I get a boy’s interest. I learned about asking questions, because people like to talk about themselves. When I get a boy to open up to me, I know I’ve got his interest. He is pleased that someone is interested in him and begins to feel interested. This is when the game begins.
Most everyone who has dated has heard of the “Dating Game” but few people actually know much about the game, particularly the unspoken rules. A serial dater knows all the rules. The Dating Game is challenging because of the unspoken rules and one has to be very alert in order to avoid mistakes. These mistakes happen usually without cognizance, and consequences include a bad impression and/or no subsequent dates with the same individual. Unfortunately, one does not know all the rules at once. It is a long process and takes many date interactions before one gets familiar with the rules. In high school I became very good at getting a boy’s initial interest and so by employing the skill over and over I was able to gain a lot of dating experience and gradually became very familiar with the unspoken dating rules. I made tons of mistakes. One mistake in particular was calling a boy right after our first date. I not only called, but I am pretty sure I texted him several times as well. I was viewed as desperate and clingy and in spite of a wonderful first date I wasn’t asked on another. Why? It’s because I didn’t wait for the unspoken grace period!! A lot of the Dating Game involves a grace period because one doesn’t want to come off too strong in the beginning of a relationship and scare the Prince off. I have since been careful to let the boy call or text me first.
All girls approach relationships differently, but they can be categorized into girls who just can’t obtain dates, girls who are “one of the guys”, girls who have steady boyfriends, and then there’s my category- the serial daters.
Being a serial dater is not a position for pride. I know there are plenty of girls that wished they knew the secrets to the Dating Game, but it’s been more of a detriment than a blessing. I am unable to make a relationship last past 3 weeks. This is because 3 weeks is about the time it takes for one of us to lose interest. The relationship does not progress because I do not let it. I cannot let one relationship progress above another- it’s not the way serial daters work. A serial dater maintains control in the game and a way to keep control is to make sure all prince potential is treated equal. This is where the conflict comes in, because I’m supposed to be looking for my Prince! If I treat all of the boys equally, how will I ever progress far enough to know if one is my Prince?
I think serial dating stems from insecurities. I have a great fear of letting someone get past the first, second and even third date only to find out I am not their Princess. Being a serial dater is a weakness.
I don’t know how I became as literate as I am in such a subject as dating, but I realize that progress can be made towards an actual relationship. Progress will come as I focus on becoming literate in relationships and as I forget about the dating game, no matter how entertained I am by it. I also have to realize that there is no perfect Prince. In remembering my parents relationship, I know that it has involved sorrow, disagreement, and life hasn’t always been perfect in their "happily ever after”. But their relationship is functional, and they work together for their happiness.
I realize that a relationship is a risk. To be truly full of joy and in love I run the risk of being totally heartbroken because I know that my chances of finding Prince Charming in the first deep relationship aren't good. A relationship must be so much more fulfilling than this game I play, no matter the heartache that may accompany it. Moving to the next level takes a move that I am willing to make. It is a leap of faith as I declare a silent challenge to one boy that must outlast the rest. I hope he can rise to the challenge and succeed, because being a serial dater shouldn't be a permanent situation, rather groundwork to a better one. I will maintain my silent challenge and my Prince may never come, but I think I'm closer than I've ever been before to my happily ever after.
Sarah Michelle
21 January, 2010
Do We Understand PTSD?
I am in shock right now.
My uncle, Patrick Lamoureux, has PTSD. This isn't what has thrown me into shock. I am shocked because I am just now realizing how serious this condition is to our veterans. If you click on my title, it links to a blog dedicated to my Uncle and his story.
I was on my mission when this tragedy occured, and I remember hearing only brief parts of the story. Today I actually took the time to read the stories and watch videos on YouTube.
I can't believe something like this has happened so close to our family, but I'm praying all the time for my Uncle. I hope that the website link helps you understand a little bit more about PTSD and it's potentially devastating consequences.
Let us educated ourselves on PTSD and help our Veterans!!!
Sarah Michelle
My uncle, Patrick Lamoureux, has PTSD. This isn't what has thrown me into shock. I am shocked because I am just now realizing how serious this condition is to our veterans. If you click on my title, it links to a blog dedicated to my Uncle and his story.
I was on my mission when this tragedy occured, and I remember hearing only brief parts of the story. Today I actually took the time to read the stories and watch videos on YouTube.
I can't believe something like this has happened so close to our family, but I'm praying all the time for my Uncle. I hope that the website link helps you understand a little bit more about PTSD and it's potentially devastating consequences.
Let us educated ourselves on PTSD and help our Veterans!!!
Sarah Michelle
20 January, 2010
Back Into the World... Yet Not of It.
I'm BACK!
...and it's different.
Wow, has the mission changed my perspective on life!
December 5, 2009 I was released from my calling as a missionary in the Idaho Boise Mission.
I can't believe how short it was... even though the first 2 months felt like 6, as I continually gave myself to the Lord and His work, time flew.
So, here I sit. I have come back to Southern Utah University (woohoo!) to finish my degree.
Life is definitely different now. I feel older, for one. I have joined the unorganized club of returned missionaries, and I am experiencing what we call "Transition".
Transition is a strange word that we use to describe the almost excrutiating process of going from full-time servant of the Lord to... mantle-less, tagless,
regularity.
The rigorous hourly schedule is no longer a part of my world, nor are District Meetings, Zone Conferences or President's Interviews.
My meals are not taken care of by the Relief Society, and I don't have any kind of income every month. (I'm working on it!)
I don't have a mission credit card to pay for the gas I would need for the car I don't have anymore.
I miss having my companion. I miss experiencing life x2! (it was especially helpful for journal writing, which I'm slacking on now) and I miss being able to UNLOAD all my doubts, fears, and concerns to an empathetic ear. I miss someone telling me it's going to be okay. I miss it all.
But, you know what? I miss the adventures with the people of Idaho the MOST.
Idaho may not sound like anything spectacular, but it is where pieces of my heart now lie. It's incredible how much devout service towards others has completely changed my life- and left me wanting more. I gave my life in service to my Lord, and I have since found it.
I found my life on the mission. I found my purpose. Yes, I do miss all the 'perks' and even the blasted morning schedule!
I think that during the transition, it's normal to miss all of these things... but the key to a great transition is using the mission as a springboard to the rest of my life.
It wasn't the best 18 months of my life.
It was the best 18 months FOR the rest of my life.
Now it's time that I used the mission as a foundation!
I see the world through different eyes. I see the world through more spiritual eyes; eyes that show understanding in our purpose in this life.
I continue to fall short of what I learned as a missionary, but one thing I will always take with me is a love for everyone around me. I will serve others until the day that I die! And even then, service doesn't stop there!
I am and forever will be a missionary from the Idaho Boise Mission. I'd like to think that I am transitioning well-- and a good transition consists of putting to good use the skills I gained as a missionary. These skills include using time wisely, waking up early, teaching effectively, and most importantly inviting others to come unto Christ.
I am a member missionary- and I'm grateful that I'm back, and that it's different.
Sarah Michelle
...and it's different.
Wow, has the mission changed my perspective on life!
December 5, 2009 I was released from my calling as a missionary in the Idaho Boise Mission.
I can't believe how short it was... even though the first 2 months felt like 6, as I continually gave myself to the Lord and His work, time flew.
So, here I sit. I have come back to Southern Utah University (woohoo!) to finish my degree.
Life is definitely different now. I feel older, for one. I have joined the unorganized club of returned missionaries, and I am experiencing what we call "Transition".
Transition is a strange word that we use to describe the almost excrutiating process of going from full-time servant of the Lord to... mantle-less, tagless,
regularity.
The rigorous hourly schedule is no longer a part of my world, nor are District Meetings, Zone Conferences or President's Interviews.
My meals are not taken care of by the Relief Society, and I don't have any kind of income every month. (I'm working on it!)
I don't have a mission credit card to pay for the gas I would need for the car I don't have anymore.
I miss having my companion. I miss experiencing life x2! (it was especially helpful for journal writing, which I'm slacking on now) and I miss being able to UNLOAD all my doubts, fears, and concerns to an empathetic ear. I miss someone telling me it's going to be okay. I miss it all.
But, you know what? I miss the adventures with the people of Idaho the MOST.
Idaho may not sound like anything spectacular, but it is where pieces of my heart now lie. It's incredible how much devout service towards others has completely changed my life- and left me wanting more. I gave my life in service to my Lord, and I have since found it.
I found my life on the mission. I found my purpose. Yes, I do miss all the 'perks' and even the blasted morning schedule!
I think that during the transition, it's normal to miss all of these things... but the key to a great transition is using the mission as a springboard to the rest of my life.
It wasn't the best 18 months of my life.
It was the best 18 months FOR the rest of my life.
Now it's time that I used the mission as a foundation!
I see the world through different eyes. I see the world through more spiritual eyes; eyes that show understanding in our purpose in this life.
I continue to fall short of what I learned as a missionary, but one thing I will always take with me is a love for everyone around me. I will serve others until the day that I die! And even then, service doesn't stop there!
I am and forever will be a missionary from the Idaho Boise Mission. I'd like to think that I am transitioning well-- and a good transition consists of putting to good use the skills I gained as a missionary. These skills include using time wisely, waking up early, teaching effectively, and most importantly inviting others to come unto Christ.
I am a member missionary- and I'm grateful that I'm back, and that it's different.
Sarah Michelle
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