Challenges

There are some issues that are weighing heavy on me this holiday season that I feel I need to address..

The Christmas season should be a time of cheerful giving filled with the nearness and love of close family and friends. This season should be the embodiment of us seeing the wonderful blessings around us and celebrating. Christ was born on Christmas day and thus began the greatest story of all time...

Looking back on seasons past, I always felt a overwhelming excitement. I used to love going out to shop for presents for my family and friends, donating more to people in need, and seeing the first snowfall innocently cover the dirty ground.. This year is different. Now I fear going out to the stores due to violent acts from fellow man, giving help to those who are only there to take advantage, and worry that the snow will storm to the point of hazardous conditions.

I am sure I am not the only one to feeling this way..

Both national and local news have given great cause of concern in the past couple of weeks and days. Also just being out and about seeing peoples actions have been unsettling. 

I am a closing shift employee. I have worked many holiday seasons, and I do not recall one in which I have stressed this bad. Every time I turn on the news or log on to social media I see local news stories of armed robberies and murders.. one of the most recent stories involves a local twenty-one year old closing shift employee of a pizza shop being robbed and shot. He did everything the robber told him to do and was still shot. He passed away at the hospital a little while after and the person who did the tragic act is still unidentified. 

These acts should not happen ever.. but this holiday season is tending to bring out the worst in people instead of the best.

I have seen more outrageous acts performed by people around me lately then I ever have in my entire life. What is it about this wonderful season that is bringing out the worst in people? Maybe it is the world itself.. 

There are so many examples I can state here of what is going wrong in the world right now. But instead I am going to turn it around and challenge you to make a difference: simply treat others the way you want to be treated.. pray continuously for everyone in the world.. bite your tongue and hold your anger.. always try to put a smile on your face.. LOVE OFTEN AND ALWAYS.

Are these small things going to drastically change the world? Probably not. But if everyone would actually try it would definitely be a better place right now..

Everyone have a blessed holiday season.. really count your blessings this year and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Layers

"I like the idea of the documentary as a portrait. There's not a chronological beginning, middle, and end structure. You build something in the editing room that's shaped by getting to know the person and digging deeper, unpeeling the layers of them as you get to know them."

- Spike Jonze

This time of year is always a busy time for me both mentally and physically speaking.. though this year has held a lot of differences compared to the years before it. I am learning that there are so many more layers to me than I could have ever anticipated. 

One of the first layers holds maturity. Every year it seems I am taking on more and more adult responsibilities. The layer's opacity is growing thicker now more than ever. Bryon and I are taking all the necessary steps we need to easily transition into this new chapter of our lives. Between the wedding, house hunting and other plans of our future this layer continues to mold me above all others.

Another layer holds creativity. As of late I have an overpowering want to create.. from photography to painting to crafts.. I have to be doing something. My brain is on overload and my hands restless. I am ready to take on projects at the drop of a hat just to satisfy this hunger within me.

Another layer holds charity. A big part of me is wanting to help others. I have been praying more than ever as of late. I pray to be spirit led and for God to light my path so I can easily follow. My heart has been breaking when I see others suffer for various reasons. Whenever I feel I can help, I want to help. I want to be driven to do good, and I want that to reflect so other do the same.

There are so many layers on top of layers that are making their presence more apparent in my life. It is a busy struggle arranging them lately, but a wonderful feeling all the same. 

The Last Day of Summer

The dawning of a new season has begun.. The warmer days are giving way to crisper nights as the sun sets  quicker and earlier on the horizon. The smells are transitioning; the scent of the leaves beginning to change upon the trees is simply intoxicating. New adventures are soon to be made. 

The last day of summer though was a wonderful journey all on its' own...

This past weekend my mom, dad, fiancé and I were invited up to Vermillion for a picnic with some near and dear friends. It was wonderful to catch up, talk art and do some photographing on Lake Erie.

It has been a couple of years since I was last up there, and words cannot tell you what good it did for me to go back. Robert and Elaine Hughes are two very special people to me.. I call them my fairy godparents. I cannot begin to tell you how inspired I feel just being in their presence.

When I first came heavy onto the art scene out of high school, I had a very distinct vision and very vibrant images to express them. My dad was beyond supportive of helping me get the books and classes I needed to help expand my knowledge. He took us to the Triangle Institute in Pennsylvania for photoshop workshops and seminars. There is where he introduced me to Bob Hughes. 

Bob and I clicked as if we knew each other for years. We talked about art and life for hours that week. It was there he introduced me to PASO (Professional Art Specialists of Ohio) which is an affiliate of PPO (Professional Photographers of Ohio). My dad was past president of PPO so we always were at the conventions. So Bob told me I should enter my prints in their competition and see how I would do.

Entering my prints and joining in on the amazing group of artists was one of the best experiences of my life. Robert Kunesh and Miles Andonov were two other incredible individuals who I became close with (and I was so happy to see them at the picnic too).

Inspiration upon inspiration oozes from that extraordinary group of people.. I am beyond honored to call them my friends.

During the past couple of years I haven't been involved as much.. I have just sat back and soaked in the world around me. My vision has seemed lost, and I need that spark to ignite a flame of passion within me again.

Lately I have felt the burn again.. It is all coming back to me. Seeing the muses again this past weekend has definitely reassured me of that.. I need to be heard again. 

Fall is my favorite time of year.. I, like the trees, am ready to turn my leaves and fall off into something greater. The last day of summer was a major start to a greater transformation to come.

Timeless

It was my birthday this past weekend. 

I am now 27 years young.

Where the heck is all the time going?!

I have been looking back on old memories these past few weeks. I have browsed through galleries of images of times gone by and have compared them to my current state. It amazes me how much has changed yet how much has remained the same. People have come and gone, hair styles have changed from year-to-year and maturity has taken some form. But I am still me. I am evolving with the age and times while still staying true to who I really am. 

Maybe that is what "age" is suppose to do to you..You figure out the difference between the what you want and the what you really need...

Current example: I am engaged and sorting out the wedding plans with Bryon and close family. I am surprised at the traditional root I am wanting take. I don't want to be a Bridezilla. I don't want anything overly outlandish. I want something small and intimate. I am just so excited to start the next chapters of our life together! I guess when you are with the right person none of the materialistic stuff matters.. what matters is that oh-so-right feeling you get just being around one another. I am so fortunate to have that once-in-a-lifetime love!
Past example: If I were to have got engaged 6 or so years ago I probably would have wanted the ultimate princess treatment. I would have wanted something far different than your average wedding dress and a venue that would be able to give a feast to the stars! And there probably would have been no convincing me otherwise. It would have been more for show than feeling. ((I am thinking a lot more logically about things now that I am older.. haha!))

Past being another year older, I have been really busy as of lately. Being busy has it perks but also comes with its anxieties. I am trying not to be a worry wort, but it most definitely runs in my genetic engineering.

I have come up with a statistic for the way things have been going this summer: Out of every 5 situations the 1 bad situation overshadows the 4 good ones. I try to stay a very positive person, and sometimes tend to keep my head in the clouds, so when one situation doesn't go as planned I seem to dwell on it more than others. I keep praying and repeating this Bible verse though (God is GREAT):

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" -Matthew 6:27

I also thank God greatly for being with my mom the past couple of weeks. The doctors found some abnormally big nodules in her thyroid and throat and had to perform a biopsy. No cancerous cells were found! It was one of the biggest reliefs I have ever felt. She is truly my best friend, and to see her in pain and worrying has driven me crazy the past couple of weeks. But all is well now!

I volunteered for the Red Cross this past Monday at Northwest Church (my every other month routine), and I am proud to say we had over 80 people who came to donate. For every person who donated an admissions ticket to Cedar Point was given. It was a very rewarding experience to be a part of! I am really looking forward in the near future to do some new volunteer events around my area. I really feel I need to get more involved and help wherever I can.

A lot of big changes are coming my way, this 27th year of mine. I still have a lot go growing left to do. I am very optimistic though (and trying not to let negative things set me back). I put my faith and trust in The Lord above and continue to thank him everyday for the life I have. 

Cheers to my adulthood! 

Let the inspiration continue to grow! 

Transitional Summer of the Abstract Mind

"She made her way outside, brown eyes gazing upon the endless skies. To the left the sky was dark. To the right the sky was light. She took a deep breath and began to move forward, dead center between the conflicting clouds. Keys tightly gripped in her hands she unlocks the door to her car and gets in. 

Upon her lies destinations of unknown in any direction she so desires to choose. Her hand moves to the ignition and enters the key. The car starts. Rain drops begin to tap lightly upon the windows as the left side of the sky pushes its way towards her. Hands on the wheel and car in drive she moves forward, to the right. She doesn't want to get stuck in the storm. 

Pushing on the gas she drives in the direction of the light. Out of her rear view mirror she can see the clouds begin to trail behind her. She craves the light that is painted out in front of her. Her eyes move away from the darkness in the mirror and focuses on the the bright skies ahead. 

Foot on the gas she travels the road that leads to happiness with the darkness behind her. She vows to herself to always push forward even if she gets caught in a rain storm every now and then."

This has been a different kind of summer. The weather has been a endless roller coaster going from cold and rainy to hot and sunny. No in betweens. The physicality of it all has also ventured into my own emotional state. I have been going through rapid rivers of feelings that have inspired me as well as some that have pulled me under. I am going through a transition this summer. I am being forced to look to the future, and I plan on making it a bright one. New and amazing things are to come! I just need to stay focused and positive.

I think the greatest perk about these changes is that I have someone who will be by my side for the rest of my life. I am lucky to be engaged to the most amazing, caring man. Bryon is a Godsend. I cannot wait to marry that man of mine. We have begun the journey of figuring out the basic wedding plans, where we want to start a home and what we want to accomplish as a couple. It isn't easy. But it is good to know we have each other to lean on when things do get rough. Soul mateys for life!

My nephew is in town from Arizona. I LOVE when Gabriel is in town. He is like a little brother to me. He will be a senior in high school this year. It is weird to see the time go by so fast.. I remember the day he was born. It really puts life in perspective. Anyway, we have done a lot of cool kid stuff while he has been here, haha! It saddens me that he has to go back this Friday. I am one proud Aunt Abby though. He is such an awesome kid! I am blessed for the time we have gotten to spend with him this summer. And I am happy to know that he approves of Uncle Bry Bry! Buhaha!

In closing, this has been an up and down month both physically and mentally. From here on out I will be starting to drive further away from the storms. If a little rain catches me here and there, I will bust out an umbrella until I can make my way out. There is one big, crazy world in front of me and I am going to seriously begin branching more into it. 

I'm Engaged!!!

This past weekend marked Bryon and I's vacation getaway to Cedar Falls in Hocking Hills. We had been looking forward to this peaceful trip for months! I cannot begin to describe to you how perfect the weekend turned out.. Never in my life had I ever felt so calm, de-stressed and so in love. It was just he and I in the middle of God's beautiful creation. We had no cell phone service or distractions. It was simply rejuvenating.

We stayed in the beautiful Jasmine Cottage at the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls. It was our home away from home for the weekend, and we couldn't have been more excited! It was tucked in the middle of Hocking Hills Forest. The smells, noises and sights were enough to put our senses on overload. This was the perfect place for us to unwind and just get away from the chaos of everyday life.

Friday night he proposed. It is a moment every girl dreams about. I can honestly say, it surpassed any expectation I could have had.. In the cottage sat a journal on the shabby chic table when you first walk in. The inside cover read "Dear Guests, you are invited to share your thoughts and experiences, ideas and suggestions in the little book in prose, poetry or art. Please include your name, hometown and date of your visit. As this journal grows each guest will join with others in their sharing. Let Inspiration Bloom!!"

I poured Bryon and I a glass of wine and grabbed the journal. We sat down in the comfortable rocking chairs with a cute table and lamp resting between them. We sat our glasses down and I began to read through the entries of the past. The journal was filled with peoples heartfelt entries about rekindled love, anniversaries and more.. I began to read them out loud, emotion filling me with every sweet written word.

I became so engrossed in the reading that I did not see Bryon rise from the chair and grab a little black box from his bag. The next thing I know I am looking up from the book and down at the man of my dreams, kneeling before me and asking me to marry him. Happiness hit me at full force. Tears fell from my cheeks, and finally I was able to tell him a million yes's! Nothing has ever felt so right in my life.. he is my soulmate without a doubt in my heart.

It was the most perfect start to the most wonderful of weekends! We hiked some trails through beautiful caves and waterfalls, had a relaxing couples massage, ate fillet at a five-star restaurant and simply relaxed in our cottage! It was a weekend I will never forget.. the feelings, the emotions and the LOVE! 

Before we left, there were only a couple more pages left in the journal. I wrote our entry and finished the book..

"There is a perfect time and a perfect place for everything. This weekend has been the perfect definition of that statement.. It began as a weekend getaway; a de-stressing trip away from the chaotic world around us. I wish I could bottle up the wonderful feelings this trip invoked. Love cures a magnitude of sins, and now my heart has been complete and fulfilled. Cozy, I sat upon the rocking chair with my eyes upon this very book. I began to read the experiences aloud to my better half seated in the chair beside me. I was so engrossed in the raw, human emotion that took place upon the pages that I did not see my lover rise and grab something from his bag. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I continued to read the endless tales of love out loud. Little did I know I was about to experience these emotions at full force. I looked up to see my man down on one knee, a little black box in hand. My heart leaped from my chest as he asked me romantically will you marry me? I began to cry. Yes escaped me more times than I can recall. I cried tears upon tears of happiness, knowing this was met to be. My love story is just beginning as this book comes to an ending. What a perfect way and a perfect place for this all to happen. We have experienced so much joy within this cozy retreat at Cedar Falls. I can honestly say it has been the best weekend of my life. From just relaxing here in the Jasmine Cottage to hiking through God's beautiful creations.. I found myself stopping due to tears of joy that would overcome me. We experienced the wonders of Ash Cave and the tranquil beauty of Cedar Falls. We shared a fab couples massage at the Spa and ate like royalty within the restaurant. We simply enjoyed nature in its truest form and ended up starting a new chapter in our lives. I am engaged to my soulmate.. I couldn't have had a more perfect experience of this moment in time if it weren't for this very place. I wish everyone who stays here the happiness I have felt this weekend. This place is a little slice of Heaven on earth.. always been open to love!! Bryon, I promise to love you forever. -Abby"  

Zoo

This past weekend, Bryon and I had a date at the Akron Zoo! We walked around for about 4-hours just enjoying the great 70 degree weather and the amazing creatures around us. If you are from around the Akron area, I highly recommend the Akron Zoo. The renovations they have done are wonderful! Great entertainment and affordable prices all around. We enjoyed ourselves more than we expected we would.. The animals were, for the most part, very active. The banana split Dip'n'Dots were also a plus! 

What can I say, the both of us are just big kids. That Saturday at the zoo just fed into our vast imagination and need for a small adventure!

The Mushrooms of the Sea.

"Jelly Fishing, Jelly Fishing, Jelly Fishing!" -Patrick and SpongeBob

Giddy up.

"Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made"
-Genesis 3:1

H00ter!

I am LEO, hear me ROAR!

"Any day spent with you is my favorite day. So today is my new favorite day."
-Winnie the Pooh

As we went from exhibit to exhibit, I couldn't help but wonder in a Twilight Zone kind-of-way: are we attractions to the animals as they are to us? We are on the one side looking in on them while they are on the other side looking out at us.. reversing roles, I bet we are equally fascinating to them as they are to us. What a fabulous, trippy world we live in!

God Bless You! Smile!

It was just an ordinary Tuesday night. I had just clocked in for my shift at the Dollar Tree with my same old numbers typed into the same old time clock. Ahead of me was a typical night of cashiering, stocking and clean-up. Everything routine and nothing new and exciting. 

The first customer that came up to the register was a middle aged man, possibly hispanic, with a wonderful smile dressed in a simple t-shirt and jeans. I returned a smile and said "Hello! How are you?" 

He tried to speak but no words escaped him. He just gave me a wave of his hand and continued to smile. I returned with a thumbs up, realizing he could not talk and started to ring him out.

He payed, I handed him his bags and told him to have the most wonderful of nights! He nodded and pointed to the receipt paper and pen beside me. I tore him off a piece and handed him over the writing utensil just as another customer started to put their items on the register.

He put up his index finger to indicate he needed a minute and moved over to the register behind me. As he wrote, I took care of the other customer. He waited till I was finished and handed me over the receipt paper.

As I looked down at the paper, my heart lit up. It stated "God Bless You! Smile!" with a cute little picture drawn beside it. He smiled as I told him how much I loved it and how it had made my day! I told him to have a blessed day and waved with giddy. He nodded, waved and went on his way.

Though he couldn't speak, his message was great. God Bless You. Smile.. the physical evidence of seeing it on paper had more volume and impact than just simply hearing the words. It truly did make my night better having someone write down something so meaningful and true and handing it over to me.

So now I share it with you. GOD BLESS YOU! SMILE!

I hope this brings something bright into your day. Share it with others and spread the joy that is God's love and the little miracles that happen that can make all the difference. 

The Reveal

As of late, Spring has definitely been keeping me a busy bee. I have been buzzing through the town with my head in the clouds.. This floating sensation could possibly be from the astronomical pollen count and my inability to get oxygen to my brain from all the sinus pressure.. Time has just seemed to go in a haze, and summer is just right around the corner. Spring time has revealed to me subtle as well as bigger changes that are going on in my life..

For one, I have decided to not enter any art shows this coming summer and fall. I need to reinvent myself.. I feel as though I am a caterpillar going through the incubation period in a cocoon. I am working on hatching out and showing my true colors. A lot of realizations have brought me to this.. I have so much more growing to do (as we all do in this life). I am going to do everything in my power to expand my mind and skills so I can continue my art in a caught-up, more clear state of mind. I am extremely lucky to have the support of my family and friends.. They are a continued inspiration to me. 

Speaking of inspiration, my beloved Bryon and I have recently celebrated our one year anniversary. I cannot believe how powerful our love has grown since our first date. In some ways it doesn't feel like it has only been a year that we have been together.. I feel more connected to this man than I have with anyone else. My life truly started the moment we began.

I am beyond excited to see what our future brings.. We are going to be taking a little vacation next month that we are both looking forward to. A weekend getaway in Hocking Hills. We will have our own little cottage in the middle of the serenity and peacefulness of the great outdoors! I couldn't be more excited to escape for a couple days with my partner in life. Expect a lot of pictures from this little getaway!

I have also decided to finally jump on the healthy food and work-out chain. My self image has been a little down lately. I am still trying to shake off some leftover winter blues as well. Spring is definitely a transition period in both the physical and mental state. I am positive though. The sun will shine and everything good will happen in time.

Also, God is great. He continues to reveal to me miracles and beauty everyday through the little things and the big.. My heart is forever thankful for his love and mercy. 

On more media terms, I am excited about Florence and the Machines reveal of their new album "How Big How Blue How Beautiful" next month! Florence has released three incredible songs/videos from the album in the past couple months, and I am in utter awe! Never has an musical artist impacted me as much. Her albums are candy to my ears! In interviews she discusses how this album is all about her going through major transitions in her life.. this album is going to be her most personal yet, and from what I have heard it is also going to be her greatest work to date. So, needless to say, I am truly looking forward to this masterpiece!

In closing, the next couple months I plan to expand my knowledge, understanding and charity in new ways. I have, what I hope to be, wonderful ideas with good intentions: the big reveal is soon to come. In the end I hope to reveal a better version of me. Stay tuned..

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go...” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

The Coast

The coast came to me, happening on no particular day or time. It just appeared, bringing upon me a vivid vision of myself finally at ease. The waters came at me with a peace I thought I had long forgotten. The mystery of where it came from remains unsolved. The only certainty is that the coast flooded into my world, washing away all impurities within my soul.

One day I stood staring at my reflection in an antique mirror, gold and rusted with an ornate frame. A small frown formed upon my lips as the thought occurred to me that perhaps I was trapped in a reality where the world no longer held joyous spontaneity. I was living my life day-to-day, letting it flash before me without experiencing the true joys of life. It was at the moment the waters began to gush through the mirror. The water flooded through my reflection and the waves swallowed me whole. Where it took me, I couldn't say for sure. I did know one thing though: I never felt so alive.

After several moments of drowning darkness, my eyes were opened. I sat comfortably in the backseat of a moving car. A jeep perhaps, from the size and shape of the windows. I peered out the window, the glass half way down, to see if I knew where I was at. The light outside spoke of twilight. The sky glowed a pinkish-purple that sparkled above endless rows of forests and sands. Nothing seemed familiar. The road on which the vehicle traveled on was a smooth dirt path, perfectly parallel with the otherworldly horizon that took form around me. Someone was driving, someone I couldn't see and knew I did not know. Although unfamiliar as it all  was to me, I felt safe and secure as we traveled to destinations unknown.

As we traveled, it was almost as though I could leave my body and watch myself in real time. I watched myself go through the motions while at the same time go in and experience it first hand. I looked so beautiful, pure. My hair was in place, but not too perfect. It held an effortless ease that bounced softly with every warm passing breeze. My skin glowed, not too white and not too tan. It was a healthy, natural shade. A pair of blue jean capris and a white tank with an indie band design clung comfortably to my figure. My feet were bare and propped up close to me as I sat there in the backseat.

I glanced out, watching the scenery flash before me. Through the trees I saw sparkling glimmers of light, a peak of what was to come. A song began to play in the background, a sort of 80's-esque alternative beat. I had never heard it before it, but I liked the sound. The trees soon began to fade in their numbers and before I knew it, I had arrived at a coast.

The music still rang in my ears but was now accompanied by the sound of waves crashing softly on the shore. The car came to a complete stop by the sands. I could see there were others on the beach, random people with blurred faces. Their body languages spoke to me of happiness though. In between all the motion of  blurred clutter was a distraction of red sparks in the distance. A large fire called to me of comfort. It was then a small smile appeared over my face.

I was traveling back and fourth through an outer body experience; a 

lucid dream of calm and tranquility. The faceless driver got out of the car and opened my door. A hand was offered out to me, but no face to go with it. I reached out my right hand, accepting the help and without hesitation I stepped out. My bare feet touched the crisp sands below. I felt as light as a feather. The music grew louder and my body moved slightly with the beat. The soft hand glided gently out  from beneath mine. It was then my smile widened as I began my journey down the coast and to the flames that danced against the ocean waves.

A wonderful breeze brushed past me. In the twilight sky endless stars blinked with infinite possibilities. I rushed forward, the warmth of the fire igniting a hidden joy within me. The smell of the salt off the water and the warmth in the air was perfect. I continued to the coastline. I began to move with an abstract grace with the music, the sea as my partner. I had no vision of all the other random people. It was almost like they were never there to start. I was alone, without the feeling of truly being alone. My movements were now more free. Nothing could stop me as I danced and twirled through the sands that felt like clouds beneath my feet. Time seemed to have no meaning for the sky remained the same. I was perfectly at ease, lost in that Heavenly place in my mind.

I am not sure how much time had passed, if any. The music slowly began to fade out. It was then I stopped and stood perfectly still, breathing in the fresh air and staring out at the endless abyss of sea. Everything began to move forward and away from me. The coast was slowly drifting away, but the feelings still remained the same within me.

The darkness came back for a few more quiet moments. Then there I 

stood, looking in an antique mirror, staring at my own reflection 

looking back. The coast had drifted away and was physically no more. As I stood there staring at myself, a smile formed over my lips. The coast was gone, yet it was not. The memory left an indent within me. I can know the peace I felt on the coast. My soul will always be a ship at sea, searching for that coast that inspired me to find the happiness within the depths of my heart...

Spring into a New Season!

Fluttering through and away the busy days of my youth...

It has been a very long winter. Through the downtime of this season I have concluded that all I wish in the not-so-distant future is this: to live a life where the grass is green, the birds always sing and the most complicated event is the desicion in how I want to spend time with the people whom I love.. Of course, I want a little adventure story to be tossed in once in awhile for good measure! Now that we are on the brink of the new season, the possibilities of growth seem endless.. The sun will begin to shine brighter and the outside world will once again become our playground.

Spring is the perfect transition period for new beginnings...

A childlike excitement always fills me this time of year. It is like we have rested in a wintery slumber to be awakened into full bloom. We have Spring cleaning, Spring break and the glory of Easter in the next coming weeks. 

Spring cleaning is like getting rid of excess baggage. As much as I dislike having to clean, being able to open up the windows and fill the rooms with fresh air while ridding myself of the junk is a weight off my shoulders. I tell you what, I am going to have one epic garage sale this year.. 

Then there is the concept of Spring break. Well, I am going to try and get a break at least. Being an adult and working can put a damper on things, but I am determined to make some time. Life is too short. I am hoping to have a few small adventures with my soul matey, Bryon. We are coming upon our first full year together in the next month, and  our love couldn't get any sweeter!

Then there is EASTER! The glory of Easter.. every year I seem to have my eyes opened wider to the bigger picture of this amazing day. Our Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice is the most important moment in history. I am ever thankful for the love of God. In my goal to continue my spiritual growth, I have taken Lent more serious than years before. I have a book of daily prayers (thanks Bryon) that I reflect upon every night. I have also taken up more random acts of kindness and have tried to stick with meatless Fridays, etc. I have enjoyed the experience greatly, and I plan to continue forth with these habits for the rest of the year. Why just stop at the end of forty days?

Also, I never thought I would say this and actually be excited, it is baseball season! I have had my eyes opened to the fun and excitement of the ball field! Bryon has purchased us season tickets to the Akron Rubber Ducks games. After forcing myself last year to go to a couple games, I have decided I am a fan of this sport. I am into it! Yes, you heard right: Abby likes a sport. I have learned you can't knock it till you've tried it. This was one event that I ended up liking more than I thought I would. So, GO DUCKS! Whoop!

I am hoping to post more personal stories and thoughts soon. Now that Spring is upon us, I know there will be many to come! It is time to wake up from hibernation and experience the world with the wonderment that was missed during the cold days. 

Keep your eyes open and see the world change around you in the next coming weeks.. and grow with it. 

Young Blood

I am a volunteer for the American Red Cross. 

Every two months I help with the local Blood Drive held at Northwest Church of Christ in Tallmadge. It is a wonderful, rewarding experience that I always look forward to. I am usually in charge of running the computer and checking in the donors. I work along side the Charlie's Angels: Beth Grace (extraordinary event-coordinator), Pat Jeffery (canteen boss 1) and Nancy Townsend (canteen boss 2). I cannot forget to mention our Bosley: Mark Hooverman (master chef).

My interest in volunteering for the American Red Cross began a couple of years ago. I had always been an avid donor through High School and into my earlier twenties. My blood type is O Positive, which the majority of the population has. Type O is often in short supply and highly demanded in hospitals. 

So why am I such an avid supporter? The statistics speak volumes:

• 1 pint of blood can save up to 3 lives(we have 10 pints of blood in our bodies. When we donate we give 1 pint).
• 5 million patients in the US need blood every year
• Less than 38 percent of the population is eligible to give blood and less than 10 percent actually donate each year.
• Only 7% of people in the US have the Universal donor blood type, O Negative
• Blood cannot be manufactured; it can only come from volunteer donors.
• Every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion

I unfortunately stopped regularly donating my blood due to one isolated incident that involved me fainting.. My bad though! I did not have a sufficient meal before hand. Ever since that day my donations have been limited. In replace of me not supplying as much blood, I decided to donate my time in helping with the effort (I thank Beth Grace for presenting with me the opportunity). Being involved behind the scenes has given me a greater respect for the American Red Cross and everyone involved. Now, more than ever, people are in need of blood. 

The blood drive at Northwest Church of Christ is one of the bigger Red Cross events in the area. From being behind the scenes and learning more about the process, it is startling to know how many people cannot give blood and how those who can donate do not. What bothers me, from volunteering over the years, is that out of an average of 30 donors, usually only 1 person of my age range donates (18yrs-30yrs). The other 29 donors are usually older in age (40yrs+).

This leads me to believe that the younger generation doesn't realize the value of this vital experience and the incredible statics behind it. There is so much healthy Young Blood out there, but not enough of the younger crowd is donating it.. 

Yes, they do have blood drives at local high schools and colleges (which is wonderful and how I was introduced). I am not by any means saying young people do not donate. What I am saying is that if you don't bring the blood drive to the younger crowd, many of them will not go out and make the effort to donate in their free time out of an act of goodwill and kindness. 

You can save 3 lives. That is kind of a big deal!

There are so many regulars that come in to donate. Looking at some of the their history, select donors have given almost 200 times. Putting it in perspective, that is about 600 lives that have been saved over the years. These people set fourth a habit that has benefited many and is truly rewarding in its own right. I have no doubt these people will donate till they cannot donate no more. 

What worries me is when the older generation fades out, our generation won't have the same drive to keep donating. We are the future. We need to do what we can to help others. Whenever you donate anything to someone in this life, you make things a little easier. The less we donate in these times, the more our world suffers. We need to all strive for the better of community and family to make the world a better place.

Giving blood is giving life. We are so technically advanced in the healthcare field, but we do know one thing for sure: we cannot manufacture blood. If someone needs blood, it has to come from us directly. Blood in general has a very symbolic meaning in the ways of life and religion. In religion, we drink of the blood of Christ to cleanse us of our sins and give us everlasting life. In the same way we should willingly sacrifice some of our own blood to help thy neighbor.

There are even more perks about donating through the American Red Cross than just saving lives though.. Every 56 days you are able to donate, and every time you donate they give you a mini-physical. They check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin levels. This is useful in letting you know if there is a problem. 

After you donate, your blood is put through numerous tests to determine if it is safe to use. They must test your blood for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infectious diseases. If there are any problems, they will get a hold of you and let you know.

Also, after you donate, it is free meal time! At Northwest Church of Christ, the amazing volunteers supply everyone with a very satisfying meal (chili, soup, veggie trays, chips, cookies, pop, coffee and many other goodies) as well as company. If you need anything, someone is there by your side.

My wish is that more people my age and younger will give extended thought to the bigger picture and develop more donating habits. Greatness can only be created when a solid effort is made. I suggest anyone interested in an organization to: research, pray and find what calls to you in an effort to help. Every time you help just a little, greater good is being done! All you have to do is find the time and means in doing so. 

For extended information about the American Red Cross, visit the link below:

http://www.redcrossblood.org/