Magic Carpet

You pick me up to go for a ride
And tell me its gonna be a surprise
I smile 'cause I know how you do
You never make plans and I don't have a clue
Where we're going

We're heading downtown but you still won't say
And then we pull into a parking garage
Ascending upwards to the topmost floor
You slide in a spot and then open my door.

And now we're here
Yeah this is where we are

// We're sitting pretty on top of the city
Watching as the world goes by
And oh, I wouldn't want to spend today
In any other way
And oh, it just feels so right
Beneath the stars with you tonight //

I don't understand it
I couldn't have planned it
But once again my cares fall to the ground
The sparkling lights below and the stars up above
You've taken me on a magic carpet ride

Now that we're here
Yeah this is where we are

// We're sitting pretty on top of the city
Watching as the world goes by
And oh, I wouldn't want to spend today
In any other way
And oh, it just feels so right
Beneath the stars with you tonight //

On my magic carpet ride
The world seems so small from this new height
I don't want to come back down to the ground
But I know it can't last forever...

Back at home you see me to the door
Now my dreams are filled with fresh memories
And I can't wait to make more

..................................................................................

The beauty in the ordinary. The simple things. This is the magic of ordinary days. When the people in your life can make your day just by spending time with you, then you have relationships that you can treasure. Make lasting memories, and take the time to invest in the lives of those around you. Our life is so fleeting, and the moments that we have with our loved ones should not be taken for granted. Live each day to the hilt.

image credit: mcxlphotography.com

All That I'm Asking For

And so my freshman year is drawing to a close. Looking back, in spite of all the stress, ups, downs, highs, lows, I can see how my character has been shaped. What I've experienced, the things that I've been through, and the journey I embarked on has given me wisdom and knowledge. I have learned so much over the past months, and not just scholastically. Just living life day to day gives me a wealth to glean from, and this year was no exception.

I have been challenged to push past boundaries and to take my creativity to new levels. I made decisions and have had to deal with the repercussions. What I am taking away is lasting, and the lessons I have learned were 'life lessons.'

It seems strange to think that I have invested a year of my life, and I always in the back of my mind ponder the question: was it worth it? Rhetorical, yes. It was not a waste.

The support of my friends and family was invaluable. You know who you are: I could not have done this without you. For your prayers and encouragement, thank you. To Lifehouse: It was wonderful to listen to your songs driving to and from school - your lyrics never cease to amaze me. Inspiring and right where I am, your albums have become a part of me. Christ, who has never failed me. You have been faithful to see me through every 'crisis' and situation. I rest securely in you.

And for those of you who have no idea what this is about - sorry. The posts will change, I promise. I just have to get through these final weeks. Fun things are in store.... Meanwhile, enjoy the bonus track from Lifehouse's new album Smoke & Mirrors. Just so you know, their album is amazing.

Blyss Animatic

After long last, and having geared up for this all semester, I have put together my very first animatic in After Effects. I can honestly say that a lot of thought and effort was invested in this little two minute production. For what it is, I am rather fond of it. If I had taken more time, I am sure I could have refined it. But it is a sweet story, it reflects what I wished it would. True love, sweet and simple.

Tides

Your eyes are the first that I look for
When I waltz into the room
Your smile can light up my day and my world
Yeah you know that its true

// I've never felt this way before
I can't explain or rationalize //

But just like the ocean's tides
I feel you pulling me under the surface
Are you doing it on purpose?
You're making it hard to breathe...

And I don't know what I'm feeling
And I don't know what I want
And I'm dazed and confused
So completely bemused by you.

Trying to sort things out somehow
Wanting you to carry me away...
Please don't ask me what I'm thinking
Because I don't know what I should say

// I've never felt this way before
I can't explain or rationalize //

But just like the ocean's tides
I feel you pulling me under the surface
Are you doing it on purpose?
You're making it hard to breathe...

And I don't know what I'm feeling
And I don't know what I want
And I'm dazed and confused
So completely bemused by you.

I need to know - Would you stay with me
Even in the face of a raging storm
When the waves crash over our heads
Will this last? What are we holding onto?

Just like the ocean's tides
I feel you pulling me under the surface
Are you doing it on purpose?
You're taking a hold in me...

Those Days...

You know those days when you have so much to do, and seemingly not enough time to accomplish everything? And the feeling that in spite of it all, despite every obstacle and in the face of all the impossibilities, it will turn out right in the end? That is where I am today. And so I will plod steadily onward, all the while keeping the end in sight. Because this too shall pass. In time...

Lifehouse's Crash and Burn has become my theme song for finals.

Signing out until I can find something interesting to say...

April Showers

It is so cliche to say that April showers bring Spring flowers, but it happens every year. I finally took the chance to capture some of the beauty that is all around me, and have uploaded some of my favorites here to share with you all. More to come later ... meanwhile, bask in the glories of Spring!

Stop the Clocks

Where have the days gone? They have passed, and I have grown, older, stronger, wiser. My words are few, but I see much. What I ponder in my mind shall stay there. I dare not voice my thoughts. Sacred secrets, like chambers to which I hold the keys. I unlock only the doors that I wish to open.

Tonight

The brilliant sky
Is fading to grey
And I stand here now
I don't know what to say
But I know your presence
Surrounds me
Though how I can't define
So I wait for You to call me
Yeah I wait for the divine

Come reveal this mystery
Teach me Your new melody
Start another symphony tonight
Whisper softly in my ear
Speak the words that I should hear
Envelope me tonight
Hold me tight
Never let me go

I wish that I could stop the clock
And make time stand still
Oh I know the years will pass me by
But God You never will
'Cause nothing compares to You
Who can comprehend
All that You do
If I had a million years to try
Would I succeed
Would You open my eyes?

Come reveal this mystery
Teach me Your new melody
Start another symphony tonight
Whisper softly in my ear
Speak the words that I should hear
Envelope me tonight
Hold me tight
Never let me go
Don't ever let me go

On a Clear Day

It is official. Spring is here. As I spun around today, reveling in the brilliant sunshine and warmth, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face - nor did I even attempt to try. After experiencing the chill of winter's harshness, I am more than ready to delight in Spring's embrace.

I have Spring fever, and a bad case of it at that. I find that I am distracted, and am not concentrating on my studies as well as I think I ought to be. Thankfully, I carved out some time in my day to take a pleasant stroll downtown by the serene waters of the Canal. I soaked up the sun's rays and took snapshots with my sister's new Lumix camera. And to make my day even better, I was accompanied by a group of wonderful friends. I love spending time with them, because we always have adventures. I live for adventure.

So in spite of the craziness of school, work, and all those stellar projects that I am juggling this semester, I am so grateful for the moments when I can let go of the stresses and cares and just breathe. And enjoy life. Thank Christ for friendships and gorgeous days like this one!