Solo.

Have you ever been to the movies solo? I've always wanted to see what it's like. Would I feel lame? Would I feel cool? Would I react the same way to jokes or emotion as with someone else?
Well, the suspense I put myself through is finally over. My questions were all answered.

Does going to the movies ever make you feel "normal?" It does for me. (haha) I feel the same way about eating at Subway locally or abroad. I don't know why, but I was this way even when I was in New York alone. It was comfort to go to the movies and do something "normal" since everything else felt unnatural. The first week I was living in NY, I went straight to the movies. It comforted me that the popcorn would taste the same. (haha) It comforts me that Subway tastes the same everywhere.

Yesterday I braved my insecurities and was super excited about going to the theatre alone. Up to the counter, "One for All About Steve, please." Okay. I'm committed. I'm going in alone. Maybe they think my "friend" is inside waiting for me. Up to ticket man, "Hello doll." (oh no! he knows I'm alone) Such a bizarre experience. I find the theatre and I am all alone inside. Granted, I am a little early. I was so excited about the thought of having the whole room to myself. I could sit where ever I want. I could *snort when laughing. Whatever! But then I realized "Wait Kristine, you're early. People will walk in." (sigh) And they did.

I didn't enjoy watching a movie alone as much as I hoped for. (once past insecurities) I didn't laugh as much which was really disappointing. Granted, the movie has parts I could do without either way.

I'm glad I finally put those questions to rest. Would I do it again? Probably, but more because it's my only option - not because I favor it.

Have you ever been to the movies alone?
Try it. It's bizarre.

All for now.
Pray I find friends. Quickly. We were not made to live life alone.



*i do not snort when laughing.

the other T state.

Dear Readers,

It's tough having a blog! If I don't keep up with it regularly I feel like I must back track to catch you up - and I don't have time for that! :) I'm going to attempt to avoid details and hop around instead. We'll see how that goes. Surely you will stick around either way.

In honor of Tennessee, I googled their state song, but it was long and boring so I opted out of sharing it. I then decided to check out our TEXAS song, surely it's better, and well we really are proud Texans. Okay, okay ... here is Tennessee's song. I can't imagine the tune to it. I will have to google that later. (for Texas fanatics, i knew part of the song, just not the whole thing).

Tennessee living is going well. It's a little less sleep, but I'm drinking Starbucks regularly and going strong! :) The days go by so fast. I've been here almost 2 months I believe. Nathan, whom I care for, is a sweet boy. He is almost 10 weeks and makes my heart happy. I am learning so much from him about myself and even the Father/Mother heart of the Lord. His spirit is so calm and refreshing.

I also get to hang out with Nathan's sister, Anna. She's a hoot! Our time together is usually spent watching "coo coo's" (blues clues), playing outside, tea party or having a dance party! I'm enjoying getting to know her at this age when her personality is blooming.

Last week was really enjoyable. Jess came to visit us for the week, which Anna sure enjoyed the new company. It was great to see them together as Jess cared for her the first 6 months (correction - 10 months) of Anna's life. We went hiking, had a picnic, ate at fun restaurants, etc. So good to have my best friend here.

I ventured up to Piggott, Arkansas for the weekend with Jess to visit her grandparents. Such a cute, very small, town. Coming back, I took a somewhat different route. In 4 hours I drove in 4 states! Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee. How crazy is that?!? You can't drive out of Texas in 4 hours.

I will be in Texas this weekend which I am looking forward to. I'm sure I will forget that once I feel the HEAT, but it will be nice to see my folks and sister before she has Emma Grace. I also really miss having a dog to play with, so seeing MINE will be oh so good!
Whelp ... I think that is all for now. Here are a few pics of Poppins life.

ciao.

s c o t l a n d .

i saved a bird.

I know .. I know. Pictures soon. I barely downloaded all of Scotland yesterday.

Life is pretty good in Tennessee.

See you soon.

Ewe & Me

I'll tell more later, but here are a few photos and blurbs for now.

Suitcase made it on the plane. (phew!)

As most of you know, I have been in Aberdeen, Scotland for a little over a week now. It has been such a sweet time being with Jess here. The air is refreshing and so is her company. Thankfully the days have gone by slowly. Hopefully the weekend won't zoom by.

My ride. :)

A bit winded, but I made it. "Am I really here?"



I love the clouds here. They are more defined and when the sun comes through them ... amazing.

Jess and me after visiting with the Smiths the day I arrived.

Good way to keep me awake for the rest of the day.

We've gone out on a couple of adventures which is always fun. I couldn't tell you every place without a photo so you'll probably see some more photos later once I get back to the states. Our days have been filled with laughs, catching up, a few good tears and some more laughs.

This photo was not planned at all, but came out so well.

Me and Jess while out exploring with Susie.

Me and Jess with her house in the background. ;)

Thankfully it hasn't been as cold as I expected. I've mostly used my rain jacket or brown sweater above. It's a welcomed break from the 105 degrees in Texas! While here I've gotten some work done as well. Jess has been finishing up an assignment for school, so I've made use of the time. Check out my photo blog if you get a chance. I am so thankful for the Lords timing on coming. It seemed so impossible! Though we have [attempted] to balance work and play, it's been so encouraging being with someone who knows my heart better than I do at times. I've missed the days of living together, so this has been a nice treat. (sigh)

Well, I think this is all for now. I head back to Texas Monday evening and camp out in London airport until Tuesday morning. I arrive to Houston at 3 PM I believe and transfer airports arriving to Corpus Christi at 7:50 PM. 3 days later I begin my drive to Tennessee.

Hope all is well. I'll be back soon enough.

Cheerio! (as they say here)

Across the pond.

Scotland's next Top Model: Jessica Heaton.

... haha!

Sadly I cleaned out my laptop and this is the

only photo I have of you on here.

My heart is full of joy that I will be seeing my best friend very soon!!! Tomorrow I am off to Scotland. I'm sure I will blog about our adventures while away. I am so looking forward to being with someone who knows me so well.

Maybe I will come back with an accent. Or better yet a mate. ;)

Goooooooodbye Texas!

news flash.

Hello fans. You may not comment, but I know you are out there!

I can't believe I am stopping what I'm doing to blog, but I need a break and I realized earlier in the week that I haven't blogged in a while. Lots has changed since my last post and more change is near. So sit back, relax and lets catch up!


If you ever asked me how my job was going, you would usually hear me hesitate as I tried to figure out nice things to say. (Unless you caught me on a bad day so I let you have it!)I was working at a photography studio that was emotionally and spiritually draining. I'll spare the details, but for many reasons I decided to quit a few weeks back. Such a huge lift off my shoulders. I wish I could say I just sat at home and vegged on TV, but I had plenty of other work to keep me busy.

I've done a couple of photo shoots: bridals (will post after the wedding Saturday), a wedding and maternity. All good fun. Editing has kept me plenty busy. You can check out Scott and Deanna's wedding on my photo blog. I was pretty happy with the day. I think I drank 10 bottles of water that day. No lie ...

Tomorrow I leave for Houston to shoot a wedding Saturday. Pray it all goes well. I will stay in Houston until Tuesday when I am off to the land of bagpipes:aka Scotland! I am so excited and can't believe I will be visiting my best friend Jessica for about 2 weeks. It will be so sweet to see the land she loves. Of all the countries I've been too, this time, my mom made me PROMISE that I will return. She must know something about Scotland that I don't ...

I will return August 4th and sleep until the 7th when I will begin my drive to Clarksville, Tennessee. My first stop will be Fort Worth, Texas to pick up my co-pilot Ashley! So excited about our road trip!!! I mean, hellooooo I will be jet lagging and she will be sleep deprived from grad school finals. We're a great team! We will split up the trip to be safe.

Whelp ... I think that's all for now. Sleep is calling. I will probably blog while in Scotland.

I'll post bridal photos on Sunday or Monday. Be on the look out! I was really happy with them.

Hope this song blesses you.
Cheers.