l'amore mi ha ispirato per vivere.

I am feeling... inspired :] Today the sun came out to play and let me use it's light to paint. It took a dive through the transparent greens of young ferns and danced along the luminous threads of the spider's home. It was warm against my pale skin while my feet felt cool among the leaves and dirt. Each ray of light were like strings attached to my soul, lifting it ever upward and out of a quiet lull. It all was so refreshing :] 

I was then further inspired by each of the following...

This wonderful song my love showed me. Push play, but I warn you, you may get stuck in a routine of pushing play again and again after each time the song ends. ;]

This lovely blog post that my friend wrote on Beauty. If you need an motivational boost, give it read. <3




The many beautiful words from the love of my life that have taken up permanent residence in my heart. God has truly blessed me with an amazingly loving man :}

And these beautiful pieces of art. Enjoy, friends and be inspired :]

Mon-artifice

Psychiatrique

DarkGomo

Supermalade

Oer-wout

The humble beginnings of a vegan, gluten-free adventure.

Hello all you lovely people! Today's post is dedicated to a special friend of mine, Nannette Minley. I met this beautiful lady a couple of years ago as I pulled into the parking lot of a church in Arizona. She literally ran up to our car, wearing the biggest smile, to greet me :] Now a marriage, a big move, and a huge leap of faith later, she is courageously starting her own organic food cart, The Crue Cart (c). In her words, "think of a hot dog stand that serves vegan, gluten-free, organic and local-when-possible snacks instead." I think it's brilliant, and I'm oh-so excited.

Now here's where you come in and make a huge difference in the young stages of what I know will become a wonderful success. Nannette and her husband, Garrett (Gary is what I call him and he has an absolutely infectious laugh), have been incredibly smart and resourceful so far, but still need that extra "oomph" to get started. 

They are currently asking for donations to meet a humble goal of $200. With 17% of this already met and 37 days left until the deadline, Nannette is counting on the those who are willing enough to give even just $5. The smallest donations make a big difference and it won't go unnoticed. For every person who generously gives, a voucher will be given! "From free vegan and gluten-free cupcakes to stellar swag bags, the prizes will be glorious." Sounds like a good deal to me.

So if you have some spare change laying around or are feeling extra giving, why not support my dear friend? And if you really can't spare a dime, send a link back to this post to everyone you know. The more support the better!

PLEASE DONATE HERE! :]

I truly admire Nannette's go-getter attitude and self motivation. She's one of the rare entrepreneurs who actually makes sure that what they set out to do becomes a reality. It's really very inspirational :] Now check out some of Miss. Awesome Baker's works of art...

Sweet Potato Gluten-Free, Vegan Doughnuts! Yum :]

Sprawghetti. Healthy yellow squash dressed up as spaghetti! 

P.S. What do you think of the new layout? I was a little overwhelmed by all the pink, and I think this matches nicely with my new site layout :]

knick knackified.

I'm a little obsessed with this "Obi Wan Kenobi of painting's" work at Knack Studios. She takes boring furniture and gives it a story. I want to buy an old vintage home and furnish it completely with her pieces! *drool*

The handles are little roses! <3

<3 <3 <3

twentyeleven.

Hello new year, I open my arms to you gladly. Twenty-ten, you did not treat me as well as I had hoped, but still blessed me in deep ways. This previous year was probably the most challenging for me, but I'm noticing now that new growth is springing forth from the ashes, stronger and wiser, and I'm so excited. I have big plans for this year and I intend not to let myself down!

I've already started on a year-long photography project (which you may follow here on Lauren Elise Photography on Facebook), the classic 365 day project, a photo a day. I have tried to stay committed to this one before and failed miserably, because my heart was not completely in it, but this time is different. I'm tired of not finishing things I start and putting what I'm passionate about on a back burner. So *deep breath* here goes, something!

I also intend on accomplishing all of the following

• Develop a passionate, unrelenting fire for my Jesus... and do something with it to change lives.
• Get it tip-top shape while eliminating any unhealthy lifestyle choices.
• Extend my creativity into as many mediums as possible.
• Take piano lessons, or teach myself, and lose myself in the music.
• Sing much more often and much louder.
• Go on adventures, real ones.
• Smile, every day. :]

I pray your new year takes you into unexpected and beautiful places! We only have this one life, and I refuse to waste any more of it. <3