Saturday, June 20, 2009

My anxious heart.

I move around. A whole lot. I crave change much more than I would have ever imagined. I'm working on patience, working on contentment, working on still. I had a great reminder today from this great lady. Oh Elisabeth Elliot, you speak to my heart. I highly suggest you check out her daily devo here

And in the musical arena I'm loving Jon Foreman's "Your Love is Strong". There's just something about Jons with no H. Check it out here.


Friday, June 12, 2009

Back in the saddle again...

Paper, paper, bring it on!  I'm working on a set of wedding invites for my buddies Ben and Kass. So fun!  Print, cut, paste...it feels good. Pictures to come...

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Oh Summer.

Summer is in full swing. McMinnville is raging hot and I'm pulling for some evening summer thunder storms - my favorite. Here's a pictorial whirlwind rewind of the last few weeks. 

My college ladies graduated from Linfield last weekend!

Miss Erika, fellow history nerd.  Way to be!

Meghan, the smarty pants McGee Sauce, ready to head to Cambodia!



Cait's big birthday bash celebration day #1!



Quick trip to Bend for Matt's 27th Birthday!

Cruise time in the charger, including car dance party, always a crowd pleaser.
Followed by lunch at Flatbread...

Matt got some great shots of Ben and Kass for their engagement photos and I got to be the "stylist to the stars" (mostly hair and wardrobe with a little photo assisting and spare camera holding on the side).
Sweet Miss Kass the bride-to-be

Ben, Matt & I

We should be models, I'm just saying. 
We've got the tall and short categories covered. 
And hey, don't we just ooze photogenic possibilities? 

There you have it...you're all caught up. I'm headed to Nampa this weekend to meet up with the NNU Crew for AnderJosh's wedding, should be a hoot and 1/2.  Enjoy the sun!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

It's a big day.

Western Oregon Waste recognized me as a  contributing member of society who pays her garbage bill.  They emptied my can today folks! It's a long story but let's just say it was getting pretty smelly in my garage. I was also running out of costumes in which to appear incognito when dumping at random apartment complexes. Thank you garbage man. 

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Battle of the brands.

vs.

Ok, I've always been mildly obsessed with frozen yogurt.  The lower calorie, better for you cousin of ice cream is amazing to me.  I love it's soft serveness, it's many favors and it's slightly tangy after taste.  I'm just a huge fan.  

This weekend was monumental for me in the way of frozen yogurt. I discovered Yo Cream. I've been a loyal Golden Spoon girl my entire life (it's my So Cal roots). And I ate more then my fair share while I was living in Cali a few years ago.  Golden spoon is always near the top of my "must haves" while visiting (second only to Coco's Asian chicken salad minus the chicken). But I must say I've found a new favorite. Sure I will say that there may be no real difference in taste but Yo Cream's got one up on Golden Spoon.  Let me explain.

I like to be in charge of my food. I've always been accused of having eyes that are bigger than my stomach, and that may be the case...but it's my case, I like to eat!  So, Yo Cream is the perfect place for people like me.  It's a SELF-SERVE frozen yogurt shop. Yep. You read that right. AMAZING!

I think the guy read my face when I walked in.  Pretty sure I looked like the chubby girl on Willy Wonka. He gave us a full tour. You serve yourself and then pay by the weight of your dish. Finally I can control the ratio of yogurt to sprinkles! There was a row of flavors to choose from, a stinkin' fruit and topping bar, a spinning cereal bar and biodegradable spoons!

I fully committed and got a punch card...so next time you are in the Portland area let's get together and get some Yo Cream.  The possibilities are endless...

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

This is exactly what I'm trying to figure out...thanks Picasso, buddy 'ol pal.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Project #184

New dining chairs!  I know it's about time I move on from the plastic IKEA chairs I've been using since college.  Madre and I found these great simple seats at a antique store in Sherwood and I'm eager to give them a facelift!  Stay tuned for the finished project.  

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Make my day.

Seriously after a long, stressful day, how can I not smile about this. Amazing! 


All the way from Peru!  Kai is now showing me up in his Spanish speaking skills...we've come a long way Bubba!  I sure miss you, can't wait to see you in January! 



Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A work in progress...

Project #183.2 
I can't keep anything the same for too long.  Here's the latest design venture. Simple. Good. A work in progress. 



Monday, April 6, 2009

Oh Blog...

...I have neglected you. I have been working, not living. I've been forgetting the funny, not letting you in on the moment and I apologize. I promise I have not forgotten you. 

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Just a shameless plug, no big.


I'm so blessed to be as busy as can be in this time of crazy economic hullabaloo.  As some of you know, I've started a new job (added to the old job) at a flower shop here in town.  I'm having a blast and learning a lot not only about Quickbooks but also about flowers!  We've started a blog here to get Poseyland online and in blogsville.  I'm excited to research and write about flowers, weddings, special events, etc.  Also, check out the Poseyland website here where you can order flowers online and ship them anywhere!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Some got it, some don't.

I love photography, but I am so not a photographer. Last weekend Jenna and Jeff (the cousins) stopped off in Mac town for a visit on their way to WA.  Jenna is one of my favorite photographers.  She's got this great eye and confident unique creativity that I envy.  We spent an evening with Jen and her camera. There was lots going on with lenses, flashes and F Stop, you know, things that I've only heard of in Jack Johnson songs. Good times, amazing family. Here's a few of my favorite shots. 

The Rooftop

Caity Cat,  Jellybeans & tots

Cemetery Trees

Schenck + Baitx makes Clayton legs


Saturday, March 7, 2009

So Good!

Pantone color chips are one of my favorite things. I love color, I study color. Today I came across artist Tim Fraser Brown. Check out his work - Manetone.  I love it!


It's his depiction of Manet's  "A Bar at the Folies-Bergère" and it's made entirely out of Pantone color chips.... genius. 

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Tax Attempt.

I'm attempting to complete and file taxes on my own this year.  I say attempt due to the fact that I am intimated beyond belief.  It may be due to the fact that I have an overactive imagination combined with watching entirely too many Lifetime movies.  I see this scene over and over of the the cops breaking down my door and hauling me away while all those I love watch from a distance.  Innocent tax fraud, it gets the best of 'em. I know, I'm ridiculous.  

So today I was searching for an "important papers" file that I have been unable to find since I moved.  I found it, in my closet under a pair of jeans that haven't been worn in who knows how long. Really, that's a logical place to put it. Taxation information station can progress.  What's really great is that in the file was old tax documents, important car stuff, my birth certificate and...

...the instruction manual to my coffee maker.  

Obviously, it's that important. Bah.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

It's been a long time comin'.

Whenever I hear the phrase "it's been a long time comin'", I think of my friend Liz.  She is easily one of the funniest people I know.  Liz and I met in 1999, during our freshman year at NNU.  We like to joke now about how our friendship started and truthfully, she is a great friend.  But at the time, I was mostly interested in her friend Jeff. See, she was that cool girl who was friends with all the guys.  I'm not going to say it's the only reason we became friends, but that may have had a little something to do with it.  Funny thing is, she married Jeff!  Anywho, in the midst of all our crazy college years Liz became one of my best friends. 

In college I had a few amazing pairs of overalls.  Yeah, I said it, overalls.  I LOVED them.  Sure, some of you may be getting instantly defensive about their obvious lack of fashionabilibty. (Is that a word?) But let's stick to the context of the story.  It was 1999 folks and we were in Idaho. Come on.  Here is where I should state that I realize that I wore overalls,  shortalls, and caprialls (yes, that is also shorts and capris with "alls" built in) far too long.  Far too long, like they were probably way out of style.  I think I got rid of my last pair in 2003.  I like to think I rocked 'em.  It may have something to do with my height, I mean, I  am short, it's cute (ugh, I hate that word) and I could pull them off.  So don't hate.

Liz was constantly jealous of my "oves" as we called them.  And they were one thing that she couldn't borrow due to our height difference so she was always on the look out for her own perfect pair.  I should say that not all overalls are created equal.  I'm not saying that they do wonders for your girly figure but there are some that are better than others.  I think there are three important factors to consider when looking for overalls.  

1. Length of straps to the length of your torso.  This is important because you don't want the "bib" to hang too low and get all caught up in your chest region.  Sure, argue with me that you don't have boobs, it doesn't matter, if it hangs below your boobs and you don't have any it only draws attention to that fact. If you do have a large chest and the "bib" is lower then them that could possibly be one of the most awkward things I've seen. So, make sure that the straps are a good length or that they have ample cinchability. You also don't want to have to cinch them too high, causing you to get "chocked out" by your bibs.

2. The side area of overalls can be dangerous, make sure that where they button on the sides is not super low.  This may not be such a problem today but back when I was wearing them our shirts were shorter, often this made the possibility of exposing a couple inches of side skin a big risk.  Sure, its nothing too revealing but I think it may be semi trashy. I'm thinking that in the early 90's when overalls were popular the bodysuit was a great way to avoid this problem. But unfortunately the bodysuit's popularity was short lived. (Maybe due to the fact that their level of discomfort cancelled out the level of the overalls comfort, therefore making the entire ensemble a wash) Also, the gap in the side of your overalls is something you should consider.  I don't know about you, but I'm not a big fan of others being able to see down the side of my overalls to my ankles.  

3. The butt.  Let's admit it, a flat butt is not made for overalls but even the best booty can be completely lost in them.  It's not a good style for anyone in this department.  This is where you just do your best and swallow your pride. It's a small sacrifice to make for comfort.  

Liz and I searched for three years for the her perfect overalls.  I can't even count how many pairs she tried on. Nothing was right. Then when we all returned to campus for our senior year there she was...Liz...in overalls.  She'd found them.  And when we greeted each other her first words to me were, "It's been a long time comin' Melis, a long time comin'."  And I had to agree, she had found the perfect pair. She had done me proud. Those darn things really were "a long time comin'".  Liz left for Costa Rica a few days later to spend the fall semester abroad.  When she got back I asked her about her overalls.  She told me that she gave them away to her host sister.  WHAT!  Yeah, she really did. But let's be honest, at that point none of us should have been wearing them anymore. 

Yesterday I had a "long time coming" moment.  I purchased a french coffee press.  I'm addicted to the beverage and the fact that I have not owned a french press until yesterday may shock some of you.  I love it, it's amazing, and no, I am not sending it to Costa Rica, EVER!
Oh, it's perfect! And the best news...I don't have to worry about what my butt looks like in it! I would trade the perfect pair of overalls for a great cup of joe any day! 

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Ode to my Madre

Madre and her girls

Oh sweet Madre.  You really are my favorite.  I miss you.  Darn those hours between us. 

Today I took a little trip to the County Courthouse.  I walked from my office in the freezing cold, nearly got ran over by a guy on a razor scooter and had to deal with the crazies at the bus stop. I was freezing, and flustered, and creeped out.  I entered the building and there is was, the smell of my Madre (she has worn the same perfume my entire life).  You never know when you're going to find it!  Today, Yamhill County Courthouse smelled of comfort, of my madre's perfume. What a weird place to find it, but I'm sure glad I did!

Love you!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Goodbyes.

I'm not good at goodbye.
I ignore the feelings and they creep in.
I push them deep until they spill over in one big, snotty mess.

Today I had to take Tracy, Tyson and Kai boy to the airport. They are going to Peru...moving, far, far away for two years. My mind and heart are running a gamut of emotions. How do I adequately describe the contrast between what I'm feeling?  

More on the Smiths and their general amazingness later. But, for now please pray for safe travels and such!

I miss you guys already!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Really?

I find this a little concerning. 

I enter a public restroom, a women's public restroom mind you, and wait in line. For a while. And then out of a stall appears a completely average looking woman.  I mean, she could be your mom, my mom, anyone's mom.  Point is, based solely on her appearance I have every reason to think that nothing is out of the ordinary with the lady. So I enter the stall that she just vacated to find...

...the toilet seat up. 

Yeah, really.

Weird, I know.

I have no idea what's going on in there, I'm just saying, looks can be deceiving. 

And me, being the weird, analyze and remember everything girl that I am ponders this little fact and thinks, "huh".

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Today...


Today the heart of God is an open wound of love. 
He aches over our distance and preoccupation. 
He mourns that we do not draw near to him.  
He grieves that we have forgotten him.  
He weeps over our obsession with muchness and manyness. 
He longs for our presence. 
- Richard Foster

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Mission: Half


Ok, here's the deal: I happen to own a few pairs of shoes. Alright, to be honest it's more than a few. And it seems as though I wear the same pairs over and over, leaving a closet full of great shoes that at one time or another I just "had to have". But really, I don't need half of what I have. So, I decided to get rid of half. And I want to encourage you to think about it, what can you split in half? It's not about passing shoes on to my mom, or my sis or my nieces, they've got plenty. But I've come across this organization Soles 4 Souls that take new or gently used shoes and get them to peeps that really need them. How rad is that! If you feel so inclined check out their website here and see how you can get involved. 

Join me on Mission: Half and get creative about giving!

Friday, February 6, 2009

Vacation Letdown.

I'm in vacation letdown mode. I love it, I hate it. It's good to be home, but yet so nice to be away. Last weekend I was in Sunriver/Bend for our annual Youth Staff Retreat. This was actually my first time in Sunriver and I had a blast and a half. Here's a few pics from the trip.

At the Bend Brewery...Besties!


Shooting with the ladies


Public bridge stretching


Kass! Man, I love this girl!


Team Bold & Jelly!


Park time with Ben, Kass & Matt


Check out that view! We had amazing weather all weekend!


Chillin' with the lodge mascot. No big.


Ah, Cait.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Whatcha Doing Wednesday?


I've got an idea...How about you rock your face off!
Come check out CHASE THE AGE in concert @ Union Block!

Wednesday, 01.21.09 @ 7:00 p.m.

It's free, and it's going to be a blast and a half!

Tyson and Daniel will be playing some tunes from their debut album and presales of the new CD will be available.

I'm loving Chase The Age (and not just because they feature two of my favorite drummers!) To check out their website and learn more click here.

See you there!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Resolutions. ugh.

I'm not good at 'em. Honestly, I have never really been stoked enough to think it through and follow through. This year I thought that I would try to stop hitting the snooze button. It stuck, but then magically somewhere around day 10 I relapsed.

Resolution, done.

So here we are, January 15th and I think I'm ready to make a new resolution.

I, Melissa I. Schenck, resolve to only read one book at a time. I promise to finish, in it's entirety, each and every piece of literature I begin, prior to starting another.

There I said it, I declared it on the world wide web...no going back now. I am notorious for reading 12.5 books at once. Ask me what I'm reading at any given time, and I will gladly throw you a list that I've been working on for a while (due to my ADD reading style). This resolution proves to be extra difficult as I have recently acquired a rigorous reading list including, but not limited to:

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Bird By Bird by Anne Lamott
In The Name of Jesus by Henri Nouwen
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Searching For God Knows What by Donald Miller
Etc., etc., etc. (Thanks Matthew!)

It's going to be a challenge my friends, but I'm up for it. Time to get my read on!

Cheers!

2009 - what the?

Seriously. The holidays are gone (despite the fact that my neighbors still have their Christmas lights up and on 24/7), and now half of January has snuck by too! Last weekend was one of much fun and little sleep. A few of us planned a "Faux Prom" fundraiser for Tyson, Tracy, Abby and Daniel before they all head out to Peru. It was a blast and a half to say the least. We transformed Ben's shop into "Peruvian Nights 2009" complete with Prom photos, flatbed trailer turned stage, delightfully tacky decorations, legit tunes and yummy color-coordinated desserts!



It's a revolution...and we're starting one mailbox at a time.