Urban Earth: 2012

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Cool Pots

Yes, I've been pinning on pinterest and have found lots of treasures. Below are some inspiring pots. I can't wait to get my hands into some clay!

Also, I've been honing my graphic design skills (yeah right) and I'm pleased to announce I have a new banner in my etsy shop. It's been a long time coming, but I finally have figured out how I would like to brand Urban Earth. I plan on giving my shop a complete transformation in the next couple of weeks. I am so excited! Check it out and tell me what you think!

XO,
Cat

Sunday, July 8, 2012

What's on Your Summer Reading List?

Summer is here and that means there is time to read some good books! It's been said that the only difference between who you are now and who you will be in 10 years are the books you read and the people you meet. So true! So that being said, I'm trying to read some good books this summer.

I just finished up reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. The book was very challenging and convicting. I would definitely recommend it but also to take it slowly. It's one of those books that is most beneficial if read over time so that you can soak it up. Be ready to make some changes in the way you think about your Christian life.

The second book I want to read is the Beach House by Mary Alice Monroe. This book is actually one that my book club at work picked out. I haven't been able to read it yet, but I hope to in the near future. I've already heard great reviews by all who have read it.

Unbroken is another book I have been anxious to get my hands on. I love the WWII era and am also intrigued by any real life story, especially stories of survival and sacrifice.

Next up is Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges. I have already started this and have been challenged to consider what sins I tolerate in my own life. I'm spreading this book out over the whole summer so that I can take it all in. Jerry Bridges is a great author so I'm sure this book will not disappoint.

Last but not least, I think I might re-read the Hunger Games Trilogy! Yeah, I've never re-read any book, but this was such a page turner. I managed to read all 3 in 3 days. I didn't even see the movies because I liked the books so much. I do think it is interesting that there is no mention of God in the books. It may not have been the author's intention, but I do think these books are a good commentary on what life is like without God. This trilogy isn't overly joyful, in fact I was disappointed with the ending, but how appropriate it was. Also it is an interesting satire on big government. I don't think these books should be read purely for entertainment purposes, but with your brain turned on. How do you like that for a disclaimer :)

What is on your list for the summer?

XO,
Cat

PS I have some pots fresh out of the kiln! Can't wait to get some pictures up and introduce you to Suzanne Vitti! She is a wonderful artist I have had the privilege of working with.

Friday, June 22, 2012

A Noisy Gong

Do you ever need this reminder? Sometimes I feel like I'm just a clangling cymbal. I don't always have the patience or kindness I need. This is from I Corinthians 13 and has been continually coming back to my mind this week. True love is a hard thing to live out, but I hope you are as challenged as I am by reading this.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never ends.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Treasured: World Traveler

Antique world map print - 25 x 33 " (large format)

Travel Journal, Vintage Hot Air Balloon, Wire Bound Handmade Notebook - 5.625" X 8.625"

Steampunk Antique Compass Image on Pill Box Pillbox Case Trinket Box Vitamin Holder

WWI Airplane Art Print on Dictionary Book Page

Go Travel Journal Medium Kraft Moleskine

camera tshirt holga yellow tshirt womens

Tall ship Lithograph Print (Fifth print in the series) (4 of 8 prints sold. They are going fast)

Textile block print stamp - Handmade - Wooden - Elephant - Home Decor - Living room - Wall art

Bon Voyage Travel Inspired Paper Banner Party Garland

Vintage Luggage at Madewell. 8x10 Photo Print.

Bracelet---antique bronze big Eiffel Tower & brown leather chain

Vintage Car - 8x10 Fine Art Print - Sorbet, Neon Pastel, Shapes, Prism - Citroen, European Car, Line Art, Mad Men, Retro Colors, Geometric

These photos are in honor of traveling in the summer. I think I may be slightly addicted to traveling.

There is so much in the world to truly enjoy and experience. My advice for the day: Don't EVER pass up an opportunity to visit a new place. Don't let fear of flying or fear of what may happen keep you from experiencing new cultures and meeting new people.

Have a happy Thursday!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

A quilt?!

I have all these friends that are making adorable quilts. I used to think that quilting was really old-fashioned or something that you reserved for your 60s. But with all these cute quilts going around, I thought maybe I should try my hand at one. I found some awesome vintage fabric that was my grandmothers. My colors are all shades of blue. Currently, I'm working on cutting out about 128 4 inch squares. I threw a bunch of material in the washing machine to get it clean and ready to go. Here is little peak at my progress!

These are some of my favorite materials in the quilt

I can't wait to see how it turns out. My goal is to have it done by the end of June. Think I can do it?

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

To the Other Side of the World and Back in 10 Days

WOW! It's so hard to believe I have been to Yap and back already! It was a wonderful trip! I was there for missions to help build a church building, but I was able to experience so much more than a building. The Island is so beautiful and exotic. The culture is unlike any other I had experienced (they still use stone money!). I want to share a few pictures with you before days go by and I get busy and caught up in other things.

The sunsets were gorgeous.

Fish is a staple on the island. This is some fresh fish I was partly
responsible for cleaning...new experience for me!

This is the current church building with the new building
going up in the background.

We saw rainbows every day. Not only are they beautiful, but a
reminder that God keeps his promises to us.

The guys beasted it! They had to pour all the cement by hand.
Not only was it a ton of physical labor, but try doing it in a sauna!

A view of the ocean

Breadfruit....um, I think I passed on this one. It's scary looking!

Wrecked Japanese Zero from WWII
hiding in the tropical undergrowth.

The Men's House in one of the villages.

Being outside in Yap is like being in a sauna all day. If you don't mind the heat, it's a beautiful tropical island to go visit. The smell of pineapple and other fruit lingers in the air and coconut trees sway along the beach front. The fishing is a guys dream come true! Most importantly though, God is at work here saving the locals. The baptist churches on the island are growing and it was SO exciting that I had an opportunity to be a part of this work.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Yap

In a couple weeks, I will be getting on a plane and heading to a tiny island called YAP! I will be going on a mission trip. Our flight is going to be sooo long, but I'm looking forward to meeting all kinds of new people, eating new food and stopping in Hawaii for a couple of hours (I've ALWAYS wanted to visit there). Now some of you may be wondering where in the world Yap is. Well here is a map:

As you can see, it is a little above Australia and beside Asia. All this preparing for the trip has definitely gotten me in an island mood. I found this great ukelele player named Jake Shimabukuro. You have GOT to check out his mad ukelele skills.

I know I have not been posting a lot here on the blog lately, but I wanted to give you a little peak into what is going on in my life!! I got a new little point and shoot camera as a gift from my sweet parents, and I will be sure to post lots of great pics.

Have a wonderful rest of your week!! Take one small risk tomorrow.

XO,

Cat

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Treasured: FOUND

In an effort to GET FOUND on the etsy success symposium, I created this colorful treasure of things I have found and have fallen in love with. They are so bright and cheery! You can click on any of the pictures and they will take you to the shop on etsy. I hope you enjoy :)