The Story - Comfort Food: Part 1

Danny sent me a text at 8pm on Thursday.

Sleep Over - my house

I had been lying on my bed, doodling in my notepad, grateful that my window faced west because I loved when my room became orange from the setting sun. It only lasted a few minutes, but I always felt especially creative afterwards.

I was about to ask permission to go over when another message came through.

Can you bring oreos?

This was more serious than I thought. Oreos were her go to food when she wasn't herself. She had dieted on nothing but them when preparing for our finals, or after losing the Regional Waterpolo Title. I knew there hadn't been a game and it was summertime, so no school or tests.

Before asking my mother, I called Megan.

"Hey Meg, did you hear about the sleepover."

"Ya, but I have to babysit tomorrow afternoon, and I don't want to be tired, so I might pass this time."

"She asked me to bring oreos..." I almost whispered.

"Seriously? Whats wrong?" Megan gasped.

"I was hoping you might know"

"Let me ask my parents & call you back."

We hung up and I sauntered into the kitchen. My mom was playing solitaire at the living room computer, next to the kitchen. Pandora was letting Michael Buble soothe a stressful day away.

"Hey mom, can I spend the night at Danny's tonight?" She turned around to look at me with tired, frustrated eyes. "

"It's the first week of summer, can't you spend just a little time at home first?" Doing what? Mom was here in the kitchen playing games, Marty was in her room practicing her guitar & writing song lyrics, Aaron was playing his PS3 on the TV, this was spending time together?

"I'll be home all summer," I smiled, now was not the time for sarcastic remarks, "and Danny kind of needs us tonight." She turned back to the screen & waved her hand, giving me permission.

Grabbing my makeup bag & throwing in my toothbrush, retainer, and contact case I headed out to my car. Quickly texting Danny & Meg that I was on my way over, but would be making a quick stop at the grocery store.

I stopped at the old familiar Save Mart. Red Aprons & name tags lined up at the registers. Smells like bread & stale milk. It doesn't take long to grab some packages of Oreos & some whipped cream before I am in line ready to check out. I'm admiring Carrie Underwood's new hair-do on a magazine when I notice Gavin. He smiles & continues bagging groceries for the woman ahead of me. After paying for my treats, Gavin grabs the bag & starts walking me outside.

"Are you following me?" I smile.

"No, I'm just picking up some of the carts in the parking lot."

"Always working?" I almost always saw Gavin there & he usually made sure to bag my items as we had casual small talk. This was the first time we ever talked outside of school.

"Saving up," he started collecting carts as we headed over to the car. "Where you headed?"

"Girls night out," I gestured to my baggy pajama pants & fluffy slippers. Gavin looked me up and down and laughed low. He smiled & nodded, heading off to grab the other carts scattered across the lot.

[to be continued...]

Encore

Set Fire to the Rain

Just if you are interested, this is another one of my favorites. I would die to see her live!

Someone Like You

I am in love with the soulful singer Adele. She's been around a while & I've liked her stuff, but this song really just makes you feel so much. I almost felt like crying after I heard it. She introduces it at the beginning, so go to minute 1:05 for just the music.

The Story - Shopping

I walked aimlessly down the aisles with my mom. I was bathing suit shopping. I hate to shop. Mostly because I hate my abnormal body. Nothing would fit. I had long since outgrown the trendy Juniors section of the store the other skinny shapeless girls my age shopped at and had been demoted to the Womens Section. Ugh. Mom jeans & non-flattering floral printed suits were lined up for me. Vomit.

"This isn't so bad," my mom said holding out a pale pink one piece with magenta roses. Into the cart went the suit, along with my dreams of being Homecoming Queen. My mom picked up on my dissatisfied glares at the article and point blank asked, "What are you looking for then?"

Something youthful, something bright, something thats not cut to make me look like I have recently given birth. But I shrugged and agreed to try it on. Along with the navy blue textured disaster & the black death.

"I promise they'll look better once you put them on."

They weren't any better. My boobs sat in the wimpy padded spots with no lift & my girl shoulders couldn't keep the long straps from slipping down my arms & possibly allowing for a flashing at the pool. But we agreed to sew the straps & settled on the pink. I hate shopping.

Birth of My Brother!

On this day 26 years ago my brother was welcomed into this world as my parents pride and joy... UNTIL I CAME ALONG 4 YEARS LATER! Kidding.


I remember all growing up feeling like we were so different. He was this older brother with dark hair & tan skin & I was his annoying younger sister who was blonde & pale. People were so amazed at how different we looked & how different we were because of our age difference. I always admired & loved him, like any loyal little sis, but knew he wouldn't be playing Barbie with me anytime soon.

When we got older my friends were in LOVE with him, and came over just to chance run into him and ooohh and ahhh at his muscles. When I got to High School all my teachers told me how much they loved him and the senior girls were nice to me only because the recently graduated jock in my family tree.


Finally when I got to college, Michael offered for me to go on double dates with his buddies & him, began inviting me to hang out at his apartment & I began to realize that all these years of being told how different Michael & I were had really been a waste. We were exactly the same person, just male & female personifications of it! It was like discovering a twin or long lost friend you never knew! I never knew I could have this much fun with my brother.

So to wrap up, I am SO glad to have a big brother like him, and I'm so glad that he was born!
Happy Birthday Michael!

Back

This weekend Jon & I went to Anaheim to remember the life of Renee Rodriguez. I didn't know him for very long, but I was always so amazed at how loved & important I felt when I was with him. Like I was the favorite grand daughter-in-law, but thats how he made everyone feel. Everyone was Grandpa's favorite. I also got to spend the weekend getting to know so much of the Rodriguez side of Jon's family. Many of the cousins there I had never met before, and they were so warm & friendly. Renee Rodriguez had 5 boys & 1 daughter, and they have all had 4 (or more) children each, and many of those kids have had children of their own. So you can imagine the packed church, filled with these Rodriguez cousins, aunts, uncles, etc that joined together & remembered the wonderful man. I was so humbled at the love from all of them, and to know that I was now a part of this beautiful family. I think part of the Mexican heritage is the unity & importance of family, and I hope to perpetuate that into our lives.

Remembering Elizabeth

Elizabeth Taylor
February 27, 1932 – March 23, 2011

She was such a beautiful woman, and I just love how she knew the power of eyes. They're so beautiful! I can remember the first time I saw her in a movie, I just couldn't help but ask who she was, I was in aww of her.

The Story - Hired

Dear Lucia Ella Quinn,
We are pleased to inform you that we have carefully reviewed your application form and look forward to working with you this summer.
Sincerely,
Margie Leak
Manager of the
Nine Strike Bowling Ally

The Story - First Plunge

At four Daniella calls.

“Hello is Lucy there?” She says.
“Hi Danny.”
“Hey Lu. You ready?”
“Right now?”
“I’m outside.” she says it like I should have known it already.
“Um, hold on,” covering the phone I talk to mom. “Mom can I go over to Danny’s house?” she turns around from the chicken, oven-mitted hands on her apron covered hips, scowling at me.
“Honey, I could use your help with dinner. Besides it will be ready in an hour.” I pucker my lips and with my sweetest voice ask her pretty please.
“Alright,” she smiles at me. I run back to my room and grab my tankini, chap stick, mascara, some money, and my green purse. I kiss mom on the way out as she yells to eat dinner at Danny’s. “Not junk food!”

Megan was already in the front seat with her feet on the dashboard. Danny turns on the car as I jump in the back. “Cant Touch This” blares as we drive down the road to Danny’s house. She lives in the rural part of town near Megan in a normal sized blue house. Both her parents work and her house was usually quiet and deserted, except for her younger brother who was usually playing some video game in the bedroom. This Saturday was no different. Immediately we changed into our bathing suits and headed for Danny’s pool. Danny took the blow up recliner and I took the inner tube. Meg went right to the diving board and gracefully dove in, shooting across the pool where she succeeded in dumping Danny in. It was followed shouts and screams as water was splashed in our eyes and up our noses. Our laughing and yelling died to giggling and whining until we once again retired to our inflatable furniture and floated above the water. Danny’s tan body lay seductively on her plastic couch. Her brown hair in two braids ending at her shoulders. Meg lay on her stomach outside the pool, her slender arms dangling near the water, stroking its surface. Her legs were tapping to some beat and her brown curls lay in a mess around her face. I sat inside my pink inner tube, head and feet and arms sticking out while my butt cooled off in the water.

“Today is beautiful,” Danny said not opening her eyes. Meg and I nodded, looking up at the sky. Clear blue. No clouds. They were gone once spring was over, and that’s when the sun came out. Sun and heat, pounding down seven days a week, four weeks a month, six months of the year.
“Summer is so close I can almost taste it.” I said smiling, #4 swim everyday.
“I know,” Meg said sitting up and grinning. “I’m going to Pismo in July. What are you guys doing?”
“I’m going to do summer water polo and work at my dad’s office again.” Danny said with her eyes still closed. At the moment Danny looked like a harmless athlete, but when provoked her hard polo training was revealed and she was unstoppable.
“I’ll get a job.” I said.
“Where at?” Megan asked her brown eyes curious.
“I don’t know. Where are you applying?”
“I've already got a job, I'm babysitting the McKenneth's again,” Meg said lying back down.
“Where do you want to work?” Danny asked half asleep.
“The grocery store, the library, the bowling ally, the…”
“What about the bowling ally?” Meg asked. I shrugged my shoulders.
“You should do it.” Danny yawned.
“I’ll apply Monday,” I smiled #1 Get a job. Then I let myself slide through the bottom of the tube into the cool water. My first plunge into summer.

The Story

I wrote this in High School, however, I still think its a fairly good story. I'm going to start posting the bits that I have on here, and you guys can tell me what you think. There are big chunks of the story missing, but I figure now is as good a time as any to start this up again. So some of these may be older, some newer, all hopefully will combine together to eventually make a book.

Just FYI, its loosely based off my own life, mostly my two best friends Sam & Anna, whom I grew up with. Enjoy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *


The summer of Lucy’s seventeenth year was the same as it had been every other year, aside from the fact that she could now drive and had her own job. She had been preparing for her three month break since Christmas. Her summer was short and simple and consisted of ten things she wanted and was going to get done:

1. Get job
2. Convince mom I need a car
3. Take road trip with Danny and Meg
4. Swim every day
5. Fit into size 6 jeans
6. Get Boyfriend
7. Become a real artist
8. Get cell phone
9. ?
10. See dad



Its hot… so hot. I can feel the sweat slowly sliding down my back. Once again we turned off the air conditioning to save money. Its not helping that mom is cooking chicken. On a Saturday morning two weeks before summer the temperature already is over 100 degrees. My shirt is moist and heavy. It sticks to my chest and legs as I paint my toes bright red to match my fingernails. I keep checking the clock, 3:13…3:14 …3:16…
I blow my nails and lay flat, letting my body heat spread in hopes that I will cool off. My soft long, thin hair stays on my neck and forehead. 3:23. I sigh and sit up, searching the floor for my drawing pad. Bingo. I open my latest sketch. Soft, graphite lines reveal a shoulder, a chin, a nose. My step-sisters face, Marty. Her full name is Marthiellus Ruth Grant. She’s named after both her grandparents. Her mom isn’t a creative creature & didn’t quite understand what she was getting her daughter into by naming her after the ancient women. My picture doesn’t give her credit though; she is fiery and sweet, smart yet bold, she smiles while glaring… somehow, I have to portray that through my picture. When I learn how to do that, I will be an artist. #7. Next to draw is her eyes, they are like almonds, her small brown eyelashes soften the shape and her eyebrows define them. I am just working on the second eye when someone knocks.
“Who is it?”
Aaron, my eight year old brother peers into my room. “Mom says she needs you.” I glance at my drawing. Sighing I close the book and head for the kitchen. She wants to teach me to cook, I’m sure.

Bonsai

My sweet husband has recently gotten a new hobby. I think hobbys are so wonderful because you are able to learn/develop a talent & you get to create something! On Saturday we went to a green house & fell in love with the beautiful bonsai displays.

When we got home though, Jon created this...




I can't wait to see what other beautiful bonsai's he will design.

30 Day Challenge Over?

So my picture challenge is over! What a blast it has been! How weird to think that 30 days have gone by so quickly... so what will I be doing next? Who knows? I love the free feeling of this blog. I am able to post whatever I am thinking about, or doing, and just feel good about it. Watch out world, because you'll be getting more posts, just you wait & see!

Day 30 - Someone you miss

My sweet Grandma Westoby.


She lives in California & I rarely get to see her. She is the most amazing woman, multi talented in art and so very loving. Every morning she gets up to feed the pig, chickens, cats, & dogs on the farm at my parents home. She likes to wear blue. She looks just like my little sister. Hearing her say "I love you" is the most sincere expression you'll ever hear. I love her, and miss her very much.

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile

This picture makes me smile because its of our Disneyland Day! AND because my camera is coming to me! It turned up in Rachel's car! Hidden away but found!!!! I am just so happy to see this colorful picture of people I love! This doesn't even include all of my family! If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what does!

Day 28 - Something you're afraid of

Heights

I don't know what it is, my stomach just lurches to my toes when I lean over a bridge, when I see someone base jump, bungee jump, or sky dive. But, luckily its not paralyzing. I can usually get on the roller coaster, or get to the top floor of the building just fine.


But this picture just scares me! These were men working on sky scrapers in New York. I don't care what I was being paid, I couldn't do this.

Day 27 - Yourself and a family member

Where to begin... I think this is too hard to pick just one... but I guess I will put one of the ones I have seen most recently soooo....

BRIT!


What an amazing person!!! I can't begin to tell you about how much I love her! Having one sister was what I ALWAYS wanted, little did I know that each of my brothers would bring with them another sister! I can't wait to meet my future sister-in-laws because of how much having her has blessed my life.

She is the most caring person I know, always wanting to include others & standing up for what is right even if it makes a situation awkward. So very motivated, going back to school & support my brother in all that he does. She just gets me and makes me feel valued & special, which I know is how she makes others feel. Always wants to do what is right, and isn't afraid to let you know if you have messed up, which is something a true friend does. I could go on and on and on, but that would be a very long post. I love Brit, end of story.

Day 26 - Something that means a lot to you

Gestures of Love


My life has lately been filled with gestures of love from those around me. Be it sweet birthday wishes in a quick text, tulips from a friend, hugs when something is lost, a blog post that makes me feel warm fuzzies, someone finding lost items, or new down comforters. I named just a few of the people who have given me gestures of love in the past couple of days, and there are more that I can't even begin to thank. You should know who you are, you have all made my days better with sweet smiles, quick "i love you"s, opening the door for me, or just offering me a tootsie roll. I love you, and those small gestures mean a lot to me.

Day 25 - A picture of your day

Saturday March 12, 2011
DISNEYLAND DAY!

I was so excited to post a picture of my day, because I was at Disneyland with my family for our favorite family trip, the second weekend in March. We get all prepped for the trip with weekly trivia questions & friendly competition HERE. I was so excited & I took lots of wonderful pictures... sadly, I lost my camera on Saturday. I have cried about this, and come to peace with it. Luckily a lot of the family took photos, so as soon as I get those from them, I will post it here. I'm sorry about the lack of photo today.

Day 24 - Something you wish you could change

The distance between places! It makes me too far away from people and places I love!

Day 23 - Your favorite book

The best book I ever read was "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. It inspired me, calmed me, and made me remember why books are a blessing. Just a few of the quotes that moved me....



The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And, if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children. Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity.


The future belongs to God, and it is only he who reveals it, under extraordinary circumstances.


Everything has been written by the same hand.


When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.


Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You've got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense.


One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.


The wise men understood that this natural world is only an image and a copy of paradise. The existence of this world is simply a guarantee that there exists a world that is perfect. God created the world so that, through its visible objects, men could understand his spiritual teachings and the marvels of this wisdom.


All people who are happy have God within them.

Day 22 - Something you wish you were better at

Follow Through.

I am so full of creative ideas & I get so excited for these projects, but they end up... unfinished. Its depressing to see folder after folders of incomplete drawings, doodles, stories, etc.

Day 21 - Something you wish you could forget

Bad Hair

On my 16th birthday I asked my mom to get a perm. I had always wanted beautiful curly hair, so this was my chance. So she made the appointment, and although I smelled like eggs, I couldn't be happier. Sadly, my hair was not quite what I had envisioned. I was a frizzy, thin haired looking mess that no amount of moose could tame or make look fuller. I was disappointed, extremely, but I felt that my fate was still salvagable... then the unthinkable happened. The fact that my hair had been highlighted blonde, combined with the killing power of the perm solution, fried my hair. Instant mini mullet mohawk on the top of my head. I unfortunately do not have photos of that lovely do, but here are some from that same time.

[shudder]


This is when it started to grow out so I could straighten it more easily... still so gross

Together In Paris

I finished this in less than 24 hours. I told myself to have fun, not to stress it, if I messed up this picture, I could draw another one. So I did. First I doodled, then I painted, then I colored & viola! Total time: 2 hours







This was all inspired by my conversation with Brit. Jon said it felt very chic and like it looked my style. Well if thats my style then I'll own up to that!

Traveling

So after I posted about wanting to travel Europe, my cute sister-in-law Brit sent me an IM stating that she wanted to join me on my trip. So I began envisioning our wonderful trip:

me: I can just imagine us, drinking coffee (yes I would drink European coffee at least once) at a cute cafe just down the street from the Eiffel Tower. Both of us in cute flats & A-line skirts, reading novels & just breathing in the sweet air, filled with cakes & bread. O i am wanting to go right now!

Brit: oh my gosh you need to write a book about your European dreams!!! That sounds amazing!!!!!! Seriously divine!!! Makes me want to go pack my bags this very second

me: I know! I just feel like we'd have so much fun in Europe, being cute american girls with little scarfs around our necks, just eating eclaires & learning Italian, French, or Spanish. Maybe even a little Greek!

Brit: oh my gosh that would be so SO fun!! And I love the idea of a-line skirts - it's just perfect, with scarves. Oh dear! We would have to take so many pictures

me: I know! We'd have all kinds of photos of us next to cute little french women with their wares they sell at markets & of the painters on the streets! I can just imagine it!

So here I am, daydreaming about the smells & sounds of other countries while I'm stuck here at work answering phones with a stuffy nose, saying "Thank you for calling Heritage Makers, this is Savanna. How may I help you?"

Day 20 - Somewhere you'd love to travel

Europe

I think its obvious why I want to visit Europe, I mean, its simply beautiful & so full of history. To look at things that were built thousands of years ago, just boggles my mind. Here are just a few of the places I would love to visit.

Stonehenge


The Colosseum


The Pantheon


The Eiffel Tower


And still more! Ooooo to go and travel, to hear other languages spoken, to see the original copies of art I've always admired, just to experience life in other parts of the world, to feel miles away from where I am now... would be such an adventure.

Day 19 - When you were little

Now I don't know what you're thinking, but I think I was just about the darn cutest little blonde hula girl there ever was. I mean, look at my coconut bra!

Day 18 - Your biggest insecurity

Everybody has insecurities, but I try not to think about them, or linger on them, because that doesn't help any of us see that we are children of God. To be insecure is to lack of confidence or assurance, or to have self-doubt. So why would I want to give you an example of one of my biggest insecurities? I guess to show that I'm just like everybody else, that I can feel inadequate, and that I do not always remember that I am daughter of the divine. But, also to remind you that accepting/realizing your insecurities gets you one step closer to overcoming them. So here it goes:

My Weight


I am a fairly confident woman, with a healthy outlook on my body. But weight has been bothersome. I do believe I am working towards a more healthy lifestyle which makes me feel better about myself every day.

Don't linger on your insecurities, remember how wonderful you are! And if you don't remember, ask those who love you, and I know they'll remind you what an amazingly beautiful person you are!

Day 17 - Something that has made an impact on your life recently

ART

I don't know why, but I have realized my innate desire to draw & doodle my brains out! Jon has been so supportive of me, buying me colored pencils, paint brushes, art pads, and oil paints. He's just the sweetest spouse. I have been putting off drawing because I can't leave my art out. Sometimes you need to be able to do a little work, and let it sit, coming back to it later with fresh eyes. We unfortunately live in a small one bedroom basement with a very very small table which serves as counter space + our dinning table + our desk for computers & work + anything else we need a table top for. So this limited space does not allow me to leave my work out for days at a time until I'm ready to leap back in again.

This has been a challenge.

I think I've figured it out though. I've been trying to do just a little bit of art every day. Whether it be writing in my journal to doodle the events, or using my colored pencils on a paper drawing, or pulling out the water colors for a quick picture. So I guess the thing that has made the greatest impact is the realization that I can contribute to & grow my talents in small ways, not just in huge projects.

So here is one I colored the other night. Just a mermaid, it wont take too long to finish her.

Day 16 - Someone who inspires you

My Aunt Jackie

She's really just been an amazing inspiration lately. She's just has the most positive outlook on life. She's determined to make the best of any situation & always encourages me to not give up on things I love. She's sweet to everyone she knows/meets & always makes you feel loved & special. She has this way of telling stories that makes it so that you can't help but laugh! I love the hilarious things she tells me about my mom. Everything about her just shows how enthusiastic she is about life & how much optimism she has no matter the challenge.


This Aunt Jackie, me, and my mom in our Easter bonnets.

Day 15 - Something you want to do before you die

Service Mission for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Jon. We may not really be this old, but I would like to think we'd still look that adorable :)

Day 14: Someone you couldn't imagine your life without

Jonathan, my husband


Honestly I couldn't be without him. He's all the things I need, logical when I'm all emotions. Sweet when I'm all whine. Muscle when I'm all whimp. He's my handsome man & I can't imagine life without him. I can't believe we'll have been married 3 years this August.

Three things that have changed from having Jon in my life:
1. Sleeping - I hated having someone close to me when we were first married, but Jon forced me to let him hug me while we slept. Although that took a while, I can't imagine a night without him now.
2. Eating Out - Jon has taught me how to appreciate food & being served. I can't go out to great food without wishing Jon was there to enjoy it with me
3. Driving - since we've been married I've really come to appreciate sitting in the passenger seat & not having to stress about the thick traffic.

Jon's taught me so much. About growing up and being responsible, about working together as a team. He's brought me closer to my Savior, and has been such an example of endless love for family. He will be there at a moments notice for anyone who needs it. He is the patriarch of our little family, and he loves me eternally. I never understood how much love can grow for one person until I had him.