Palm Springs, Here I Come!

It's hard to believe people leave San Diego to go on vacation elsewhere but hey, I'm doing it. I think it's always a good thing to escape where you live, even if just for a day or two. To get away. To get a new perspective. To strengthen the love you have for your home and to find new places to love and experience.

Today, I leave for PALM SPRINGS!

Visiting Palm Springs has been on my Bucketlist and, finally, I get to spend some time there. In the 120 degree heat. That's right - one hundred and twenty degrees. I might just melt. The good news is that if I do, I'll be melting alongside some of my awesome blogger friends :) What would we all do without bloggy friends? Seriously. It's going to be a good weekend. Here are some things that I'm looking forward to:

1. My pool outfit and finally getting to wear the Hurley Record Scratch Bustier Top I've waited ALL year to wear! I had my eye on that bad boy for months and now it's all mine :)

2. Ever since I was a little girl, watching Pee Wee's Big Adventure, I wanted to see these dinosaurs!

3. Our resort - The Saguaro! Another place I have always wanted to stay. I mean is that outfit above going to match perfectly with my technicolor surroundings or what?

4. Mid-century Modernism at its finest. Are you kidding me? Really. It's like going back in time to one of my favorite eras. I am a sucker for mid-century anything!

Like this pretty home.

I can't stop swooning over the architecture. I even admit... I looked at real estate in Palm Springs. That's just how much I love Mid-Century Modernism! If I could ever go back and live in another time, that would be it! Cary Grant even had a home in Palm Springs. Double swoon. And Marilyn Monroe was said to vacation there :)

I am so very excited for this mini vacation. Not only because of the time I'll get to turn my phone off and just clear my mind and kick back but for the experience of it all. The trip back in time ;) The uniqueness that is Palm Springs!

Follow me on Instagram to follow along and Bloglovin' since GFC is going bye-bye this weekend!

Until next time...

Oh, June. Such A Month Full of Change.

June always seems to be a big month for me. At least between last year and this year it sure has been. Maybe it has something to do with my mom's birthday. June 24th. Maybe it subconsciously symbolizes re-birth to me; a celebration of a new year, new changes, new goals, halfway through the year.

Last year in June, I bought my first-ever brand new car.

That car is now on the opposite coast, with California plates, a few scratches and dings, and several thousand more miles. But it's mine and I still love it just as much as I did on that day above.

Last year, June was also the month that I decided to get back into acting.

It re-awakened my passion and helped me grow in something I loved to do so much. It reminded me how important it is to always grow yourself. There is always something else to learn; something to become better and better at. Never limit yourself.

This year, June was a huge month. Not only for my jewelry line, After Sunset, with my first-ever showcase but... for my life purpose. I knew I was supposed to move to San Diego and I made that happen back in December. But something finally sparked - [let me re-word that] - it had been sparking for a while, but now it finally ignited for good. My purpose. I had a couple more of those "fall nine times, get up ten" incidents that have been known to happen to me and finally, I woke up. No more slacking. No more self-doubting.  No more starting something and not finishing it. I've made a really important decision moving forward in my life, regarding my life purpose. And starting in July, my focus will be on that decision.

Stay tuned... :)

I Fought My Alter Ego And My Alter Ego Won

On Friday morning, not too many hours after my RAW showcase had ended and I went out with some friends to celebrate, I received a text from an old flame of mine asking me what I was doing that night. I replied with, "Sleeping, hopefully." I was exhausted and burnt out from all the preparation going into my showcase. I just. wanted. to sleep.

But then, my super extrovert, feel guilty if I don't say yes, personality comes out and next thing I know I'm on my way to Anaheim with my old flame from high school. Yes, high school.

We went to the LA Angels vs. Pittsburgh Pirates game! Our seats were pretty darn amazing if I do say so myself. We were in the dugout suites which meant we even had our own food catered for us. And... ice cream sundaes! There are few sports things I love more right now than going to watch a baseball game in person. Which reminds me, I still haven't posted about the Padres games I've gone to. Don't worry - I don't always travel up to Anaheim/LA to watch baseball.

Around the top of the 9th, we left and made our way down to Irvine since I had never before been to Spectrum. I had heard several other bloggers talking about the magic that is Spectrum so I'm glad we had the chance to stroll through it. It was a mix between Downtown Disney and a miniature Las Vegas. Minus the gambling. The "cinema" and carousel and ferris wheel were my favorite parts.

Magical, right? I got home pretty late that night and the next morning, I had already agreed to going to brunch and the OB Street Fair with some girl friends. I had no idea at the time that it would end up being an all day, all night ordeal. What ever happened to getting some rest, Chelsea?! I tell you, when my extrovert alter ego comes out, she doesn't joke around. I did get to try some Kenyan vegan sambusa which was absolutely delicious and prepared me for my trip to Africa one day.

That night and the next day, it started to hit me pretty hard. Sometimes the pressures of living in a new city, wanting to experience new things, wanting to make new friends, all while dealing with life's disappointments, exhausting weeks, and continued efforts to be YOU leads to you not always being you. That's how we find ourselves, eh? And then on Sunday, I proceeded to answer "yes" to another invitation to be social. It was a lot more relaxed which was good and I caught some stellar views of the seals in La Jolla and the sunset :)

However, at the end of the night, I got attacked by a wave and quickly became a drenched, cold mess. Plus, I was still in a bit of a funk. I couldn't enjoy that sunset as much as I usually do because my mind wasn't all there. I've written countless times about how vital balance is in my day-to-day life as a single woman trying to find her place in this world. Within the past week, because of all the craziness and not saying "no" when I should have, I stopped practicing some of the greatest things I had been doing in my life. I stopped going for my nightly runs. I stopped meditating every morning. I stopped trying new healthy recipes. I subconsciously said, "no" to those very things that made my life so rich.

This might sound ridiculous to all of you social butterflies out there. Don't get me wrong - I made some awesome memories this past weekend and got some lovely pictures. But as an introvert, I refuel by spending time NOT being social. An article that I found here says it best: "Extroverts typically can handle several activities in one day or attend several events in a single week without having a complete meltdown. However, some introverts, like myself may have a "Jekyll and Hyde" episode if we do not take time to rest, recover, and refuel." I had a meltdown. I cracked. The more and more I agreed to, the more I tried to push myself to be social, the less "me" I felt. I fought my alter ego and my alter ego won.

You live and you learn, right? I've learned to really... like, really... start listening to my inner guide. If I'm tired and I just really need to sleep/meditate/go for a friggin' run alone, then the other things, no matter how much "fun" they sound at the time, need to get the "no." I keep telling myself this. And I keep letting my true, introvert self down. I will learn to maintain balance in my life. I will.

Where my introverts at? Has something similar happened to you?

My First After Sunset Showcase

Well, as many of you know, on Thursday I had my first-ever showcase! I was invited with my jewelry line, After Sunset, to be a featured artist in the RAW Artists event here in San Diego. Since I was invited back in the beginning of March, the show was constantly in the back of my mind. I had a lot of work to do to prepare. And, as always, I put a lot of pressure on myself.

My display and logo were the two biggest priorities of mine. I was back and forth to all the antique shops, thrift stores, and swap meets because my vision was to use antique pieces to display my accessories. Being unique was also very important to me while designing my display. I wanted something that was cohesive with the look and feel of my line while also being fun, practical, and different. For my logo, I worked with a wonderful designer who works with my dad and he seamlessly created my concept. Then, I worked with a local print company here in Ocean Beach to have my business cards printed and to get my logo blown up to poster size.

After that, all I had to do was make a ton of jewelry, head bands [that's right - head bands!], and my tissue paper tassel garland, pack everything up, and cross my fingers that it would all work. Here's the end result:

The bottles were all found in thrift shops or the swap meet and were either painted on the inside or spray painted to create the gold plated look.

I fell in love with the rare rose gold 1950's breadbox the second I saw it in an antique shop. I strung some twine around it and it ended up working out perfectly. 

Each of the frames as well as the tri-fold 1960s mirror were found in antique stores. I had always wanted a vintage mirror like that and finally had an excuse to get one ;)

I found this Mid-Century folding serving tray on Etsy and had to have it. It was actually the very first item of my display that I purchased and decided to continue on with the antique theme.

And there I am at the end of the night!

It was a long day. I was there from 3:00pm to nearly 11:30 at night but it was worth every second.

I met so many wonderful San Diego artists and we have made plans to collaborate with them soon.

It was such a great reminder to me of why I've chosen to be an entrepreneur. Because even after all the heartache, all the worrying, all the doubting, all the sleepless nights... when people tell you how much they love your work and your creativity, when you get to share your passion with so many people, that's when you're reminded. That it's worth it. That it does matter. That your hard work pays off.

I will be working on listing the new designs in the shop!

For now, buy your 4th of July Bracelet Trio before it's too late!

Lastly, I just want to thank you all for your support. All of your encouragement helped tremendously! I hope After Sunset continues to grow and that I can continue to work with so many wonderful people around the world. Much love to you guys!

June 24th

June 24th.

It will always be my mom's birthday.

I could feel it quickly approaching this year - the second June 24th without her.

A day that used to be full of happiness and celebration.

Birthdays aren't the same anymore.

Especially not this one.

Not hers.

Because instead of presents, special dinners, and an ice cream cake,

we are only left now with memories.

Memories of her. Memories of us. Memories of all the birthdays we got to share with her.

But tonight, she won't be blowing out the candles and making a wish.

But today will always be her birthday.

I love you, Mom.

Sending lots of birthday hugs and wishes up there today!

--

The first June 24th without her.

The same picture was used because it just captures her spunk perfectly.

It's Time For the SD After Sunset Debut

Today is the day I officially debut my jewelry line, After Sunset, to the San Diego community! The RAW Artists event I was invited to be showcased in is tonight! I still have a couple last minute things to do and then off I go to set up and prepare for a big night.

I'm probably most nervous about the set up because it's a lot for me to do alone between all the unloading, heavy lifting, back and forthing, and parking in dark garages Downtown. Oh, the joys of being a single business owner.

But really what I'm most nervous about is the response I'll get from local art and entertainment lovers. Jewelry is very competitive and during this first year of After Sunset, I've promised myself to never stray from my own style and taste just to follow certain trends. But I've enjoyed the process of brainstorming and creating and working with customers.

I've put blood, sweat, and tears [many of them] into After Sunset, especially for this show in particular. There was a point last night where it was difficult to see any of the floor in my living room among all the beads, wire, and display items I had everywhere. My house has been a jewelry and headband factory since March. I have burns on my fingers from gluing myself one too many times. Pricks in my hand from sewing and a scar on my pointer finger from chopping into it with scissors on accident. Take that for handmade.

I've learned a lot about myself through this process of running my own jewelry business for its first year. And I'm still learning. I'm still seeing where this goes. But I sure have learned a lot thus far.

I have no idea what to expect tonight. I'm grateful for friends and co-workers who will be there to support me. I'm grateful for those of you reading this now who have reached out to me via text, Twitter, Facebook, and email to wish me good luck. It means the world. Really. I'm also grateful for my business partner and helper, Stella. She loooves working with tissue paper...

I'm proud of the jewelry that I've created and I'm nervous yet excited to finally share it with fellow San Diegans. And maybe, just maybe, I'll start to see more and more After Sunset pieces throughout America's Finest City :)

That's all for now. To follow along throughout the day tomorrow, be sure to follow @ShopAfterSunset on Instagram :) Hasta la vista!

Officially A California Girl

Warm sun shining down on me, soft breeze in my hair, staring out at the swaying palm trees. No, I'm not at the beach. I'm at at the DMV. Waiting with about a dozen other out-of-staters for our cars to be inspected. The DMV is a place of frustration, impatience, and anxiety. Yet, here I am. Just letting it all be. This is a part of the process. I made the choice to move here. So many people complain about the taxes in California. And the ludicrous fees required to register your car here. Gulp.

But I chose this.

In life, we have to make sacrifices. If we want something different, we have to be willing to change. Nothing comes freely. But as I wait in a long line before waiting in another long line and then paying hundreds of dollars, I remember why it's worth it to me. Why it's worth it to follow my heart and live in the place that makes me come alive.

After finally getting my car inspected and exchanging conversation with the clerk about the differences between California and Virginia, I made my way inside where I missed my number being called by one. I was B125 and as I walked back through the door, "Now serving B126 at Window 23." You're kidding me. I felt my blood start to slightly boil but I knew to just breathe. It would be okay. I stood in line... again... to get yet another number and luckily only waited fifteen minutes before proceeding to pay a couple thousand dollars. Gulp.

Then I was told I'd have to exchange my Virginia plates in order to get my California plates. But I didn't bring my friggin' toolbox, I thought to myself. Not to worry. I asked the man for a screwdriver and marched out to my car, got down on my hands and knees on the scorching pavement and realized this screwdriver was not going to do it. I waited in line again, and exchanged the screwdriver for a wrench, marched back out to my car and onto the pavement. The bolts would not budge. Cue the sweat dripping down my back. Certainly this was not my typical trip to the DMV.

I was frustrated but determined. You got this, I kept telling myself. A group of people walked behind me and the man said, "Turn it the other way." Apparently I was screwing the bolt tighter. Nice work, Chels. "Ah, thanks!" I responded. Back and forth to the front and back of my car. Finally, the bolts started to move and in the back of my head I kept thinking how I wasn't even halfway through the DMV process and I had already been there for two hours. I got all the bolts out except for one. I tried and tried and luckily, a sweet passerby said, "Need some help?" Bam.

I marched back inside with black hands and feet [classy, I know] and waited in line yet again. "I love your blouse!" the clerk told me as she called me up. It put a smile on my face. I can honestly say I've never met so many friendly DMV clerks in the countless DMV offices I've been to. She gave me my new, shiny, California plates and I tried to contain my excitement. I walked over to the final line where I would take my picture and do my best at passing the written test [that several friends had told me they failed.] I turned in my test and waited.

I felt like I was waiting for my SAT results.

Finally my name was called and I received the news, "You passed! Congratulations!" And, to top it all off, my driver's license photo is probably the best one I've ever had. Bam.

Four hours and a couple thousand dollars later, and I finally have my California plates and driver's license. I'm official. My dream is really a reality now. I know it may seem so small and probably a little lame to some of you but getting those plates, being an official resident of The Golden State, was a dream of mine for so many years. It reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I know there will be sacrifices and hardships but eventually, as long as you keep trying, the bolts will finally loosen and it will be so worth it. And in the meantime, you'll have sunshine to keep you company and a few friendly strangers who give you hope until you get where you wanted to go :)

I Know My Dream Will Take Me There: Africa

I naturally have very strong intuition. There are several instances where I've out-of-the-blue felt deeply that I was supposed to do something or go somewhere. Lately, I haven't been able to shake several feelings. One of them specifically is totally so out of left field that I can't ignore it.

I keep feeling like I'm supposed to go to Africa.

I know what you're thinking. Africa?! I thought the same thing too at first. However, when it just wouldn't go away, I started thinking more and more about it and looked into what it would be like to travel to several countries there. I am so very intrigued by that continent. It is so rich in cultures that we really only know so much about. In my first job out of college, I worked for an international organization whose primary function was to reduce world poverty and grow economic stability. One of the biggest departments I worked with was the African department. People from third world countries such as Sierra Lione, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon. They were some of the friendliest, happiest people I've ever met.

Not to mention, Africa has beautiful landscapes and animals to take in and observe. I can't even imagine the experiences I'd be able to take away after spending time there.

Cape Town, South Africa

Baobab Trees in Madagascar

[Tanzania]

I get goosebumps thinking about being there in real life. Interacting with the people, the tribes, seeing the animals in their real and true habitat for once. Watching the sunset over the Sahara. Just feeling the spirit of Africa. Like this...

The girl singing is named Ann and she lives in the Flying Kites Home [a residence in Kenya for orphaned and abused children.] I watched this video several times. The first time, I couldn't stop smiling. To see the joy these children have while dancing and singing, knowing their conditions. *0:57 is my favorite part* The second time, I just cried. For the same reason. Seeing their joy and realizing the lives they're living. These children are beautiful little souls.

I spent a good portion of this weekend reading all about the different countries in Africa. The cultures. The animals. The poverty. The hope. I don't know why I'm being pulled toward Africa - whether I'm meant to work with sick cheetahs, spend time with orphaned children, or just experience all that is Africa. I don't know when I'll go. All I know is that I'll go there. I'm going to Africa.

As the children say, "I know my dream will take me there."

Have you been to Africa?

The Retweet That Meant the World

I had the longest post I've quite possibly written typed up for this but decided I just wanted to keep it simple. For the past two and a half years [and even before that] I have started my day everyday by reading The Daily Love email that I subscribe to. If you don't know already, The Daily Love is based around a blog/daily inspirational message written every single day by a man named Mastin Kipp. He uses real life experience and quotes from many motivational leaders and authors and speakers from around the world to help convey these messages of love to us. Well, yesterday, this happened:

Mastin and The Daily Love literally helped me get through the two most difficult times of my life. It made me re-evaluate my thoughts. My attitude. My perspective. And my true purpose here in life. The Daily Love was the beginning of a new phase of my life where I made it a priority to understand myself on a much deeper level spiritually and mentally. That phase still continues today and it will be an ongoing process as I journey through life and accomplish my dreams.

I have mentioned my new meditations that I have started and lately, instead of praying for certain things that I think I want, I have been asking the Universe to take me where I need to go. In just this short amount of time compared to the grand scheme of things, I have felt so much better connected to the Universe as a whole. I have been hearing the messages I've needed to hear. And then Wednesday night happened.

I'll skip all the details but just know that Wednesday night is what inspired that tweet that I sent out. I had experienced such a spiritual moment while hearing something in his talk that I had been needing to hear. I kept thinking about how I wanted to write Mastin an email, thanking him. I wanted so badly for him to just know that that one talk resonated so deeply with me. But before I could even start writing that email, the Universe did its work...

To me, this wasn't just about the fact that he retweeted me. It was about the bigger picture again. It was about the Universe. At a time of such uncertainty in my life, this was the Universe's way of saying, "I hear you. I love you. I support you." That one single tweet I sent out turned into a short conversation that I'll always remember. And now Mastin knows how grateful I am for him, for his message, and for his courage to follow his true purpose.

Strengthening Yourself for the Hills of Life

Upon moving to San Diego back in December, I knew I wanted to make these days and years moving forward the best years of my life. Spiritually, mentally, and physically. I have been focusing a lot on my fitness and recently started a new 40-day meditation. I found places here in San Diego where I feel most inspired and make it a point to go there often.

I used to be the girl who hated running. Dance was my sport of choice so I was accustomed to a fast sprint of cardio and action-packed variety with stunts and tricks. Doing the same motion repeatedly and for a long distance just didn't strike my fancy. Ever. Until I moved to San Diego. It started with that one day back in January when I surprised myself by saying yes to running through Torrey Pines. I felt inspired and motivated and wanted to push myself again.

I later went for my first run through the legendary Balboa Park. A simple walk through Balboa Park is enough to inspire me, no matter how many times I've been. But to zoom over the bridge, past the San Diego Zoo, around the "Tree of Life," and then to finish my run by sitting there at the Lily Pond, reflecting on life and the beautiful place where I live... now that is inspiring. It clears my mind every time and it became something that I needed. I couldn't stay away and you can tell from the racerback tan lines that have appeared on my back and won't go away.

But the inspiration doesn't stop there and this is where I get to the point of this post. I don't need to run somewhere where my feet touch the ocean. I don't need to run past the one and only San Diego Zoo. Lately, I've been going for runs in my neighborhood and the solace I receive is amazing. To do something as simple as running through the streets where I live and to receive the peace and clarity and happiness that comes from something so very simple... how could I ever ask for more?

It hit me really hard on Tuesday night. I was nearing the last leg of my run, listening to P.O.D.'s "Alive" on repeat, running through the streets of a city I had only dreamt of living in years ago. And here I was. My home. My place. My streets. I was reminded back to 2002 when that same song was my ringtone. Back when ringtones sounded like video games. I thought back to the girl I was then. And then I thought about the woman I am now. Maybe not much has changed on the outside other than my hair color but I knew how much had grown on the inside; how much had been solidified and strengthened. And as I was running along a path that was 75% uphill, it reminded me how I got where I am today. Not only am I living in my dream city, in a neighborhood with palm tree lined streets and views that overlook all of the valley, but I am living a life of happiness. Even after all the hills.

I got where I am today because I changed my thinking. I consciously made the decision to live a life of happiness, of positivity, and of prosperity. And I have to make that decision again and again everyday before my feet hit the floor as I get out of bed. Just like when I'm running and I see a hill approaching. I have to consciously tell myself, "You got this. Keep going. Push harder." And I look down at my legs and I see the muscles in my very own legs. I see their strength. I see their tone. And I remind myself it's because I've been pushing myself that they've strengthened so much more. But the greatest feeling? The greatest feeling is when I get to the end of my run. I am drenched in sweat. My legs feel like jelly. My heart is pounding. But I feel amazing. Because I can look back at every single one of those hills I conquered. Every single time I thought, "Dang, I'm tired" or, "Man, my hips hurt" but didn't stop.

It's not physical endurance that matters. It's mental endurance. Because the mental endurance is what gets us through the hills of life, no matter what they may be. Make the decision everyday to be strong.

DIY Gold Plated Glass Decor

My big jewelry show is a week and one day away! I have been busy creating new designs but one of my biggest focuses has been on my display. I knew I wanted to have an antique theme and have gone on several antique adventures to find the perfect pieces. I'm so excited to share my final display with you but today, I have a fun and easy DIY!

Today, I'm going to show you how to make stunning Gold Plated Glass out of plain glasses and jars that you either have laying around or can find at any antique store, thrift shop, or swap meet!

I mocked up some of the glass items to figure out which colors I'd want to paint which color. [Note: There will be a Part Two to this. I'll show you how to easily turn glass vases into any color you want using acrylic paint!]

Here's what you'll need to make your Gold Plated Glass:

+ Any forms of glass bottles, jars, bowls, etc. (I found the vintage sundae bowl at Goodwill and found the bottle at the swap meet.)

+ Gold Plated Metallic Spray Paint (I picked a Krylon Premium fast-drying spray paint from Michael's)

Here's how you do it:

+ Find a well-ventilated area to set up.

+ Cover your surface to protect it from any additional paint.

+ Hold the can about a foot away from the glass and in slow motions back and forth, apply thin coats until the entire glass is covered. Keywords: Thin coats.

+ Allow the glasses to sit for however long your directions recommend (Mine said to wait 10-15 minutes but really they were dry in almost 5!)

And that's it! This was honestly one of the quickest and easiest DIY projects I've done. A little spray paint went a long way and now I have a bunch left over for more glasses and jars! Let me know if you try this out :)

I can't wait to show you how I end up styling these with my After Sunset jewelry! I'm very excited to see the final outcome on the night of the show. Happy DIYing!

Oh, Summer Television

I remember back in the day when there weren't over a million TV shows on throughout the year, TV just kind of stopped once Summer rolled around. Which meant staying out late to play outside and catch lightning bugs. Now, there are so many shows on TV that they all take a hiatus midway through one season instead of breaking for the entire Summer. I suppose that's okay with me now... ya know, now that I don't have any lightning bugs to go catch.

I'm not sure if you know this already, but I am a huge Pretty Little Liars fan. Huge. It's really the only series TV show I tune in to anymore. So, let's talk about what I have been DVRing and then let's talk about what's really important here: PLL. Because the new season starts tonight!!

On my DVR:

+ The Real Housewives of Orange County - How could I ever live without this show? It better not go off the air. Ever. I mean, how could they ever run out of content? Did anyone else want to cry during that tender Tamra/Gretchen moment last night?

+ Dance Moms - As a former competitive dancer, this used to be my life. Okay, it used to be my mom's life. Just... not nearly as dramatic.

+ The Voice - I'm a big-time fan of this one too, although, I must say... I'm not totally digging this season because I'm just not that into country. Can I just vote for Adam?

Look at that face.

I'm in love with this man.

+ The Bachelorette - Duh. Loving Des so much more than Emily. Just sayin'

+ The Real World: Portland - Yes, I am the only person who still watches The Real World.

+ 90210 - I am still in denial that this show was cancelled after five years...

AND...

+ PRETTY LITTLE LIARS!

Will we actually find out who A is? Or shall I say, "Red Coat"? I have no idea what thrills and shocking secrets and twists to expect this season. All I know is that this show has yet to disappoint me in its first three seasons.

If you don't watch this show already, hop on over to Netflix and start watching NOW! All three seasons are up so there are no excuses ;)

Where are all my Pretty Little Liars? Who will be tuning in with me tonight??

#gotasecretcanyoukeepit

Hope for the Helpless

Friday night, I sat with tears streaming down my face. I read a story about the hundreds of horses in Oklahoma that were killed because of the horrible tornadoes. Hundreds of them. A rescuer described the scene as they arrived saying he will live the rest of his life trying to get those images out of his mind. I just can't. even. imagine.

Then, because my heart was already broken, I jumped on Facebook to check the latest news from Central Oklahoma Humane Society. There are still dozens upon dozens of animals separated from their families and left without homes. My heart breaks for every single homeless animal in the world. Every time I walk into an animal shelter, I think about their stories. Where they came from. What they've been through.

And then I think about the animals in Central Oklahoma. I think about their itty bitty hearts that must have been beating out of their chests during the fury of a storm as massive and deadly as those that ripped through their town. And then I think about the aftermath. Thank goodness they were rescued. But what must be going through their minds now? Where's my family? Will they ever come get me? Where am I? Where's my home?

As I write this, each of those animals above is still waiting for their family to find them. Some of them may never be reunited.

For those of you who want to help, I still have a few Glimmer of Hope bracelets left in my shop. Right now 50% of the proceeds are being donated to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society to help every one of those animals above and the hundreds of others still needing food and shelter... and love.

And then I just realized this post resembles that of an ASPCA commercial. Cue the Sarah McLachlan...