#62 Get Inspired

I really think that today, with our access to the Internet and the world at large because of the Internet, we've become obsessed with the world outside of ourselves. We're obsessed with the fact that there's a huge world out there, full of inspirations and untapped potential, and there is, really. But I think we've forgotten that some of the most inspiring people in the world are those closest to us. We don't need complete access to the world to be inspired. For a long time I've cited Pierre-Auguste Renior for his beyond amazing artistry and ingenuity of style, of course, Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy as inspirations of grace and poise, F. Scott Fitzgerald as the greatest American writer (in my humble opinion) of all time, and used more Eleanor Roosevelt quotes than I can even count, and while all of these are valid inspirations, I've learned that true inspiration comes from someone who makes you want to be a better version of yourself. I think that kind of inspiration especially comes from those you have a personal connection with.

Enter Carolina Villarreal, one of the most talented artists that I know. This post was originally going to revolve around her artwork--and probably turn out to be a product placement type thing--but I think (I hope) she'll like the direction I took this, because knowing her, this is exactly the kind of thing that resonates with her. Inspiration. Caro and I went to the same high school so I've been seeing her artwork in art shows, in cafes around town, and on Facebook for a long time now. I've always been impressed with her artistic ability in general and especially with her ability to create an image that encompasses her thoughts so perfectly. Caro has a beautiful outlook on life and the world around her, and it shows through her artwork. She truly is inspired by life, and I think that's an amazing thing. Before I wrote this, I asked her if she would make something for me that was inspired by my blog and this is what she came back with:

Amazing isn't it? She was able to capture me and everything I am so perfectly that it brought happy tears to my eyes. It meant the world that she was able to find inspiration in me and use me to create something wonderful that I will always cherish. I am constantly awed by her ability to see people and life and interpret the two in a way that is strictly hers. What takes me an entire blog post to say takes her one piece of art to say, and that inspires me. 

And then there's Francis Rodriguez. My soul sister, one of my biggest inspirations. Other than being a beautiful person and beautiful soul in general, Francis is one of the most beautiful dancers I know. For awhile I'd been thinking about writing about this concept of inspiration coming from the people closest to you strictly in relation to Caro, but when I went to Francis's dance recital last night, I knew I was exactly right and that's what I had to write about. Seeing her dance with such grace and beauty brought me to tears. If you know anything about me and Francis, you'll know she's like another little sister to me. Seeing her dance made me so proud and it makes me want to make her proud of me that same way.   I could honestly talk about how amazing of a person and dancer she is all day. In my life, she is one of the people who most make me want to be the best version of myself, and seeing her dance reminded me of that. 

Caro and Francis are just two examples of the many beautiful people I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by in my life who inspire me and make me want to hone my talents and wholeheartedly be who I am. While we all have the same Renior, Audrey, Jackie, F. Scott, and Eleanor, we all have our own Caros and Francises. They are the kinds of people who most inspire me, and I'm sure if you think about who you surround yourself with, you'll find several of them in your own life. And how lucky we are to have them.
Morgan

#61 Summer Kickoff

In honor of the beginning of summer, the completion of my first year of college, and the success of having not been overcome by the infamous Freshman Fifteen, it's time to celebrate! And what better way to do that then with food? I know, I know, why would I celebrate not gaining weight with food? Because what kind of celebration doesn't have food involved somehow? Yeah, I can't think of anything either. Today's recipe of Strawberry, Brie, Basil, and Honey Crostinis comes courtesy of one of my best friends Souther, the one who made these for me in the first place! No doubt it was a recipe she found on Pinterest (I mean isn't everything cool these days found on Pinterest?) and used me as a guinea pig to try.

Needless to say they were amazing and I am now completely obsessed with the strawberry and basil flavor combination. It is beyond perfect for the summer months in my humble opinion. And if you know me at all, you'll know that I am also completely obsessed with cheeses. But not the typical American, Swiss, colby jack. No, more like havarti, muenster, sharp cheddar, gorgonzola, goat, and brie. Especially brie. See I grew up in a household that loved strong cheeses. It was pretty much in my DNA to like different, obscure cheeses. Probably because my family is made up of wine aficionados, and, I mean, what else would you eat with wine? So of course when I heard there was brie in this, I knew I would love it. Then came the strawberries, and the love doubled. Then the baguette, love tripled. The basil, love quadrupled. Then came the honey, and I was shot over the edge.

They completely lived up to my palate's expecations and went even beyond when I saw the recipe and realized I could make it myself. You all know I'm not the best cook in the world by any means, but when I saw this recipe I knew that even I could do it, and I did! I have to say they look really pretty, but that's probably because of Olivia's photography skills! I would recommend this recipe to anyone, especially those who need to expand their cheese tastes! Now let's start summer with a good taste in our mouths--literally! Time to celebrate the completion of another school year. And if you're not in school, time to celebrate a really good snack!

Here's how you do it:

Ingredients: (makes 12)

• 12 thin slices of French baguette (sliced on diagonal)
• 4 oz. brie cheese (light if you're a freak like me!), cut into 12 slices
• 6 medium strawberries, sliced
• 1 to 2 tsbp honey 
• 4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced 

Or, there's always the option to make as many as you can until your bread or brie runs out, which is what I've done whenever I make these!

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Lay the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Top each piece of baguette with a slice of brie cheese
3. Bake in oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, 5 to 6 minutes
4. Top each with 2 slices of strawberry, as much or little honey as you like, and a few slices of basil. Serve

Told you it was easy enough that I can handle it!

Big thanks to Souther for the recipe and Olivia for the ever-fabulous photos!

Cheers to the beginning of summer!

Morgan

#60 Quote for Your Thoughts?

I come to you today bearing only some of my favorite quotes. I'm currently studying for an Information Technology test, and as I went through my study guide, I came across the section about social media and blogs. Of course, this made me feel guilty for blatantly abandoning you all. I would give you a real post, but frankly, this is all I can handle right now as far as time--and I won't like, this post was pre-created for a day like this that I knew was coming! I know part of blogging is dedicating part of your time to, well, blogging, but I've been completely swamped lately. I hope y'all understand! I'll be back soon, hopefully in full swing! But for now, enjoy some words of wisdom from the greats.

"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of it to anyone else."
-Charles Dickens

"I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life. I’ve learned that making a “living” is not the same thing as making a “life.” I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back. I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
-Maya Angelou

"I am driven by two main philosophies: know more about the world today than I did yesterday and lessen the suffering of others along the way. You'd be surprised how far that gets you."
-Neil deGrassee Tyson 

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
-Marianne Williamson

"You'll do it. Despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you're going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It is the only good fight there is." 
-Charles Bukowski

"A book can teach you, a conversation can assure you, a poem can seduce you, a genius can inspire you, but only you can save yourself."
-Anthony Anaxagorou

Also, I encourage you all to visit White Paper Quotes on Tumblr. It has been one of my favorites for awhile now and it has something for everyone! Read that while I'm being a negligent blogger! :)

Morgan