Wedding!! We begin to plan ...

I'm not sure anyone will care to read this, but now I have something else to blog about: Weddings!

Confession: I LOVE weddings. Always have. When I was little, I would dream of weddings and when I got older, I would plan weddings. Yes, I love all those wedding tv shows. I love 'My Fair Wedding' and 'Platinum Weddings' - and yes, even occassionally I will watch 'Bridezillas' :( (By the way, you all have my permission to slap the tar out of me if I ever get that bad). So, I'm legit now! I can plan with no guilt!
Now I have the guy:

Ahren and Me at the 'Midsummer' opening party

Just in case you are wondering: we're not sure about a date yet. It will be at LEAST a year, if not more. We're going to be working on saving, so we can have the kind of wedding we want, and not just the cheapest thing we can do.

With that being said though, we're looking at an early fall wedding. Something after the wedding season rush, and before the snow falls in MN. But we're unsure about this. Our biggest concern is that we have as much of our families there as possible. It really is very important to have everyone there.

Essentially, we are thinking: simple, classic, practical. Of course, with a dash of beauty. Of course, anything can change at this point, so everything here is just tenative. We're more concentrating on a conceptual look rather than just colors, but we do have colors picked out: emerald and purple. Granted those colors don't exactly fit with a fall wedding, but since leave colors are so unpredictable and we're still unsure about when we can do the wedding, we didn't want to plan around that.

Wanna see the visual concept? Here:

This picture has all of my favorite elements in it. What do I love about this? MUCH! I love the simple flowers, homespun country look of it with a touch of antique. Its soft and sweet and simple. I like the use of burlap and lace. Rustic, but chic, country and antique. My favorite flowers are alyssum, and I love the mason jars. They're cheap and fairly easy to find, and they can be dressed up with a little ribbon, or beautiful enough on their own. They're perfect for vases or candle holders, as well as other things:

I kinda LOVE the antique pictures in the mason jars, I don't know why, but something about this really struck me. Probably because I love antiques, and especially vintage pictures.

I love this idea of holding cards. A lot of what I like for this wedding has a crafty feel. I guess more accurate would be "something old into something new" Vintage is popular, and I love it! Kinda has a "good ole days" feeling to it.

Like? Opinions, please. I do welcome them. Especially later on in the post :D

Good news! I have had my first wedding wish granted. I only have 2 "impossible" wedding wishes - for now ;) And one came true! Long story short, I have an ex-roommate from college who is my best friend - although it has been years since we have seen each other and she lives in NY, I still REALLY wanted her to be my Matron of Honor. Ahren told me to take a chance, so I did, and she called, and we talked, and she AGREED! I can not begin to tell you how excited I am about that!!! Ahren was pretty ecstatic about it too. He was so happy for me - although he has never met this girl at all. Although, I am sure he has heard enough about her by now. So - YAY! With this addition, we are almost done with our wedding party. We're sticking mostly with immediate family, and a couple very dear friends. We're definately going for a non-traditional view of flower girl and doubling up in order to include both sides of the family. The ring-bearers are still undecided. We have 4 options, and need to narrow it down to 2. Mostly I just don't want to leave anyone out, or make anyone mad (parents or kids). So, I will announce that when we've made some decisions.

Now on to:

The Dress!! Here are some of the pictures I have come across. I don't think there is a single one I am 100% in love with, but I love them all in their own ways. Really, what I am looking at is something simple. Nothing fancy - no intricate beading and rhinestones. No trains, or a very short one. I don't want my dress dragging on the ground, and sometimes busseling the train can be a big pain. Big thing: need straps of some kind. Obviously, I need the support. Plus, I don't look good with bare shoulders, or almost bare shoulders. Spaghetti straps look terrible on me. Thinking of going with the tea length look, which is gorgeously vintage, and perfect for an outdoor wedding with a lot of dancing afterwards. My only worry with that is: what if I don't feel like a bride when I wear that? What if it just seems like any other nice dress I have? I have always heard that is the biggest worry that brides have. I always thought that was silly, and logically, it is. But sometime after this whole thing became a reality, logic took a flying leap out the door.

Again, please let me know what you think!

The Hemp dress - It's simple, and a little sexy with the low back and deep v-neck. At this point, I'm not sure about that. I'm not the sexy type - but the simplicity of the dress kinda off-sets that, so this type is still in the running.

The Quilt Dress - Again, simple but beautiful. I think this one is cotton. I love the bottom of this dress. It gives a little something to the dress without it being too intricate.


The Tea Lace 3/4 dress - another thing I am thinking: I'm not all that thrilled with my arms, so sleeves are a possibility. I like the 3/4 sleeve look. This dress has a lot of gorgeous lace - perfect for the burlap & lace aspect.

The Epitome dress - I'm kinda in LOVE with this dress. Especially with the concept of the colored petticoat. Won't that be awesome when I swirl on the dancefloor? It's got a gorgeous vintage look to it, tea length, lace, a dash of color. I've even seen a version of this with sleeves. One of my very favorites!

the simple with sash David's Bridal dress - this is my practical dress. Based on budget, this is one of my best options. Simple, with a dash of color and cheap. Problem: no straps or sleeves. Other problem: it just doesn't excite me. But that doesn't mean that this won't be it.

the Overly Elegant dress - Too much train, but it's so pretty! Again simple with only a floral bow and sash for decoration. It says elegant to me, but it also seems like it wouldn't quite fit with the rest of the wedding. Although, I will say this: goes wonders for the curves!

The Oddball dress - this dress took me by surprise. Okay, it's simple and there are straps, but I didn't think I would like something like this as much. I was not into the gathers with most dresses. It's too much of a fad, and most of the time, its just too much, and usually the gathers have rhinestone (again, something I didn't want) But this one didn't. Really, I don't know why I like this - and I guess I don't because: I LOVE it!

Well, I better quit for now. Look for updates and pictures as Ahren and I make some decisions. We'll also be looking for some imput too - so feel free to comment and let me know what you think about all of this. Suggestions are also welcome.

There is one more thing I should mention Ahren and I are thinking (we're not sure if this is appropriate or not) of asking certain family and friends to donate time and talents in lieu of gifts. Since we know that we're going to have to DIY for a lot of this wedding, we're seeing if anyone would be willing to pitch in. Like what? you ask. Like baking, photography, music, craft stuff (designing save-the-dates or putting together programs or favors) things like that. Do you think that is a terrible idea?

Okay - really, I am going to stop now.

'Til next time, then!

I was going to do this quietly, but ... I'M ENGAGED!

I know I am very behind and need to update with a lot of other things, like the first PBP show of the summer, where I am living at now, Stephanie's wedding, and a couple different other things, but I can't wait:

I'M ENGAGED!

I haven't been able to stop smiling since yesterday.

I actually have to get going to a meeting this morning, so I don't have time to write a full report, but here are the quick and dirty details:

went to Northhome to meet Ahren's grandparents who are visiting from Indianapolis. He took me on a walk to a little secluded wooded area and got down on one knee. To be honest, I can't remember exactly what he said. My mind was racing.

Of course, I said yes.

I don't think I will ever forget the look on his face. It was almost the same look he had on his face when we shared our first kiss.

You know the best part? Its not the ring, its not the idea of the upcoming wedding, its that he asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. He wants to share his life with me. I never thought I would be so lucky to have anyone want this, but someone does, and its someone I love very much. I'm so happy; I feel like crying!

One of my favorite lyrics from my favorite show says "to love another person is to see the face of God" It's true. In my love for Ahren, and in his love for me, I have found myself closer to God - and I can't thank Him enough for bringing Ahren into my life.

I promise more will follow, but I just need to get some work things done before I have the time to update everyone on the rest of it.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Photography from a visit to the McGriff's

Last Sunday and Monday I went to spend some time with Ahren at his parent's. Perfect country setting for some photography adventures. If you want a look at the rest of the album, head to Facebook to check it out. The ones I post here are less about the fun time I had, and more about the pictures I took.

HOWEVER ... indulge me one moment of personal:
This was truly a great experience. His family is so much fun. Ahren has 3 younger siblings, all of whom are lovely. The whole family seemed to take to me, and I'm beginning to get past all my awkward shyness and open up to them.

Ahren's sister took this picture of us ... :D

But the best part of the trip was just being with Ahren. We took long walks together around the property, and really got the chance for true heart-to-hearts. There were times when I would have to just stop and look at him for a little bit. I can't believe my luck, but more than that, I can hardly believe how much I love him. Part of this trip was an affirmation of sorts, a glimpse, if you will, at the future - and although it was not what I had always envisioned, it is beautiful.
Everything was just so simple and comfortable and easy - I hadn't had a day like that in a long time. Being with Ahren is one simple pleasure after another. I used to think that love had to be incredibly complex and complicated - but with him, it's not. It's powerful, but easy and natural.

Okay, back to the pictures. I will admit, I did doctor them a lot - mostly to get a little of an old-timely look to them. I don't know what, but something about that faded effect simply worked for these photos.

This path was on the back of the family's property. Something about it made me think of an old poem from school about the old path no longer taken.
This is one of the McGriff's neighbors, Ernie (I think). He was out fixing an old barbed wire fence with his wife, and he just looked the perfect picture of an old-school, hard working rancher.

Ahren's little brother picked this dandelion for me, and I couldn't help but put that bright yellow up against the faded wood of an old birdhouse.

There is something just wicked about this tree.

Okay, here is an odd thing: I once watched a tv special about the building of America, and found out that barbed wire truly changed the face of the country. This baffled me, and since then, I have been fascinated by the symbolism of it - so naturally, I had to get a picture.

This is Ahren's littlest sister, who is quite the squirrelly character. She had a lot of fun climbing up this tree.

I had to include this picture in this post - this is Socks, the rock star duck. Note the incredible Mohawk. And trust me, he had the attitude for it too.

Ahren's little brother. Little guy, big personality!

Ahren giving his siblings a ride on the little horse cart.

A couple pictures of Ahren on one of our walks together.

I love him so much.

Updates, reviews, and more ... oh my!

Oh, where to begin? I know it has been awhile. (You know, it seems like I start almost every blog with that lately ... or not so lately, as it goes.)

Here's what you missed on Teej's Life:

Teresa's living in Bemidji, Mn, at her friend Sarah's house (for now) and working at Lueken's Villiage Foods North as a Cashier/Bagger/Service Counter/Bookkeeper, or as she likes to call it FESA (Front End Super Associate). She's making fair money, but with all the bills she has to pay, she's not actually making much ... oh well, that's life. In February, a boy that she kinda liked at work got her some flowers, and they started dating soon after. She met his family, and he's met hers, and no one got hurt, so that's good. For as little actual time as they have been together, they're pretty serious about each other, and it's a for sure that sometime down the line there will be wedding bells. Speaking of wedding bells - they are pealing, but they're for Teresa's sister, Stephanie, who will be marrying Christopher Manikowski on May 28th. Teresa is a bridesmaid, and she was asked to make a speech at the reception. She's crazy nervous about that, and has no idea what to say - suggestions, anyone?? Coming up soon, Teresa will be starting work at the Paul Bunyan Playhouse for the summer (which she has done for the last 6 years), but this might be her final year, and she's starting off the summer more than a little disappointed at taking a step backward in her job as she won't be able to Stage Manage a show this time. Major bummer, but what can you do? Despite that, the summer looks like it is going to be amazing.

And now you are caught up. At least, I think you are.

Here is where I insert a review of sorts - something to deflect from me for a little while:

The Fast and the Furious (all 5 ... yes, all 5!) So, I didn't think I was going to like these at all. Really. I am not all that into cars (mostly because I know NOTHING about what makes a car awesome. I mean it, when it comes to cars, all I know is how good the body looks :S) But, Ahren is really into cars and these movies, so I thought: what the hell, why not? Well, they aren't all that bad, actually. There is a story there. Nothing drastic or dramatic, but entertaining. Design is pretty great, considering most everything is about the cars. Although I will say this: the type of people they portray as being into cars are almost all alike: sluts and gangstas. At least, all but the actual main characters themselves. I was more than a little turned off by that kind of thing. But, it's a guy movie, so what did I expect? Booty shorts, cleavage, cars, muscles, and money. Anything I miss? Hmm - don't think so. That aside, I did enjoy the movies. I wouldn't watch them everyday, but once in a while. Acting wise: it's okay. Least Favorite: I would have to go with ... okay that one is actually tricky. I don't think I have a least favorite. They all kinda fall into a : 'meh' catagory. Just there, okay, but nothing amazing. However my Favorite: by far, number 5. No kidding, this movie is GREAT (as far as these movies go). It's like 'Ocean's 11' meets street racing, add a little bit of 'The Untouchables' and some of 'The Fugitive' combined with 'Rambo'. Seriously, I know that is a lot to take in, but trust me, when you see it, you'll get what I mean. #5 is by far the best. I loved it! And if you go to see it in the theatres, stick around - don't leave as soon as the actual movie is over, you'll miss a little bomb they drop on you. Totally caught me and Ahren off guard. Overall, the collection gets about a 3 1/2, but the last movie alone gets a 5 star salute from me.

On to other things: How about this: Ahren. Yeah, things are GREAT. I can't even begin to describe how good things are between us. After the summer is over we are going to be moving in together somewhere. Probably an apartment in town (for work sake). We've grown so close so quickly. I am completely in love with him. And, although sometimes I have to pinch myself over this, he is in love with me. I can not believe my luck. I don't deserve this, I know it. But I know that love is a gift from God, and I am treasuring it, and doing my best to deserve it. We're completely devoted to each other, without being overwhelming. We've gotten past the overtly giddy stage (almost. I mean, there are still times when he walks into the room and I get this ridiculous smile on my face), and now we're just utterly comfortable with each other. We've gotten approval from both our immediate families. Come Steph's wedding, he is going to be meeting a lot of my elongated family, and I couldn't be more excited about that. We're just waiting for the summer to begin. Just being able to get out more, and we both get to introduce each other to our passions: Cars for him, and theatre for me - and what is even better: we're both excited for that. I can not wait for him to take me to our first dirt track race, and he actually wants to jump right in and help out at the playhouse. I'm so lucky. He is the greatest thing to happen to me. He's always there when I need him, and most of the time, he is always there when I just want him to be there - and he doesn't mind that. Last night, I was feeling terrible, and he stopped over after work. He just came in, gave me a kiss and a hug and stayed with me. We cuddled together - something he actually doesn't mind at all - and there we were, just in each other's arms. It was bliss. Pretty much every day with him is.

Okay, okay, enough gushing, I guess. Just so you know, I could say so much more. :D

Other thing: health. Going through some problems again. Same thing as before: some gallbladder problems. Can't eat after a certain time, can't eat a lot, lost a lot of my appetite. But this time, I had Ahren. No, I am not back to gushing, I'm serious. His dad went through problems with his gallbladder, and Ahren shared some suggestions. Papya. Apparently it is great for your digestive system. Enzyme tablets after every meal, and juice occassionally. It's not a miracle worker, but it certain helps A LOT! I'll look forward to when this starts to go away again. It's more under control than it was before. but it's still there. Another small thing Ahren introduced me to: the hot towel. No kidding, I didn't think about this before. I don't have a heating pad, and I needed one the other night, so Ahren grabbed my towel and threw it in the dryer for a little while. Oh My Gosh, it was AMAZING! So soothing,. Eased my tense muscles and the pain. Didn't end it, but certainly allowed me to relax a lot more. So, word to the wise: hot towels do wonders.

Shoot ... I had a lot more to say. But time is running out and I have to get ready for work. More on that later, I am sure.

Sorry to leave you so soon! But, hopefully I will come back soon with a better post that is less update, and more current substance.

Love and Hugs!

Teej

review: The Uninvited (1944)

I was just flipping through the channels before starting a movie I was decidedly not all that interested in viewing when I stumbled accross TCM and something about this movie description caught my attention. So, I figured, why not? and settled in for a Black & White classic. Always a good choice. It was nominated for an Oscar for B&W Cineamatography - so if nothing else, it would be a gorgeous film. On top of that, it was a B&W classic scary movie. Can't go wrong with that. And I didn't. This movie did not disappoint at all. Let me tell you: this is how good horror movies are to be made. Not blood and gore, just good old fashioned freaky! The story centers around a brother (Ray Milland) and sister (Ruth Hussey) who stumble accross an old abandoned home on vacation. They fall in love with it, and decide to buy it. After some initial thwarting from the owner's granddaughter (Gail Russell), they indeed become the new owners. Little did they know that they got more house than they bargained for. Something is not right about the house - and after the obligatory refusal of belief, they discover the secrets of the past and the reason why the animals won't go upstairs. First let's say this: it is a gorgeous film. Beautiful shots, and some pretty cool special effects for the time. The design of the entire film is wonderful. What impressed me most was the ability of the set and costume/make-up designers to tell you something with their work. When you watch the movie, pay close attention to the studio the first time you see it. There indeed is something chilling about the room. It's just an empty room, but there is something about it. You know there is something about it without knowing why. THAT is amazing design. As far as costuming/make-up goes, they did a fantastic job with the Mrs. Holloway character. As soon as you see her, you know there is something about her. Something not quite ... well, you'll understand. Despite a little corniness in the very beginning, you quickly get into the story and enjoy the subtle comedy as much as the thrills and romance of this film. There are only two not so great things about this film: #1 - the Broadway Musicalesque type ending where everyone is paired off. Now, don't get me wrong, I love Broadway Musicals - oh boy, do I ever. But in a movie like this, throwing a couple together at the end of the movie for happiness sake is just ... odd. Said couple is only shown alone together once before, and while they do hint at a possible romance, the sudden pronounced marriage is a little ... odd. It doesn't REALLY bother me, but it just doesn't fit quite right with the tone of the film. #2 - the not so flattering hints at homosexuality. Let's just say that one of the characters is not so pointedly lesbian. And also kinda crazy. They make her look psychotic in her affection for her friend. Maybe I was just reading too much into it. All in all, this was a WONDERFUL film. I would definately add it to my permaneant collection. 4 and 1/2 out of 5 stars