The death of Google Reader, plus a move

Hi friends!
I've missed you!

Ah, this little blog, all mine for 6 years.  It had 3 titles, over 10 headers and many more template changes.  It evolved from stories of an unemployed college grad, a haven for wedding ideas, the joys of DIY and sewing, and lastly to adventures while living in Colorado.

And now, I'm not sure where it's going next, but I know that I need to take a step back and figure it out.  I want to find a more genuine voice and for whatever reason a new format seemed to be the solution.  The creative juices are flowing again!  I've been exploring Wordpress for the past month and eventually created a new space: https://mysimplestoryblog.wordpress.com/

It's a work in progress, some of the links don't work yet, etc., but I wanted to share it with you all before Google Reader dies (seriously, why are you doing this to us Google?). So bookmark my new space and we can still keep up with each other!  I'll be writing very soon, I hope. 

My love for Instagram is still going strong, so feel free to follow me there if you aren't already  @my_simple_story

The Coffee Shop Effect

There aren't too many things I love more than spending an afternoon in a coffee shop. 

I can't pinpoint exactly what makes my heart so happy; perhaps it's the combination of coffee aromas, quiet chatter, people immersed in books and newspapers, the lightening and artwork on the walls, and the quality of conversation when you're with a friend (it just seems better). 

Almost anyone can drink a cup of joe at home, but instead they make their way to a coffee shop, just like I did, to enjoy the experience of it all.  

2013

 via

A new year, a new set of goals: 

• Building off of my only goal last year, I'm going to raise my eating healthy objective to another level and commit to one new recipe a week.  In the last year, I've really been inspired by other vegetarians and their unique dish ideas (the best part about book club is the amazing food!).  I can't wait to share more 'In The Kitchen' posts with all of you this year. 

• Keep. Taking. Photos.

• Lastly, to be mindful of what makes me happy and to focus on those things.  It's easy to get distracted by all the negative; I plan to shed as much light as possible on all things good, if not only for myself, but for others too.   

Here's to a great year ahead!

Looking Back

I enjoyed going through old photo albums while I was home visiting last week.  I sure was a ham when I was a little one; I guess nothing has really changed. 

What do you enjoy to do when you go home?

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

It started snowing in the metro area late last night and has yet to stop.  It's a little winter wonderland outside and I couldn't be more excited about it.

We leave for Oklahoma pretty soon... it has some catching up to do if we're going to have a white Christmas this year.

Snow, snow, snow! 

28

(Beth Retro Photography)

Wow, a big hello to year 28!  This birthday really sneaked up on me, but in such a good kind of way.

This past year quickly moved along with very little change or big events.  Though it seems to have progressed faster than ever, without me even realizing.  Looking back and now really thinking about it, I feel that's a sure sign of happiness. When you don't even notice the seasons are changing because there's this magic in the air, and it's constant. 

Right now I can look into a mirror and know the person staring back; for this brief moment in time, I understand myself more than ever and especially know who I want to be and who I don't want to be. It's only me taken 27 years and I'm positive the clear understanding will be fleeting, but I'm quite okay with that.  Last year will be forever known as a time of reflection and realization of my true desires.  So as complicated as I think know I am, it's a really exciting time. 

Here's to 28, may it be even better than the years before it.  With that being said, it has some pretty. big. shoes. to fill.

Cheers.

A look back at 26 & 27

Searchers

"I am one of the searchers. There are, I believe, millions of us. We are not unhappy, but neither are we really content. We continue to explore life, hoping to uncover its ultimate secret. We continue to explore ourselves, hoping to understand. We like to walk along the beach, we are drawn by the ocean, taken by its power, its unceasing motion, its mystery and unspeakable beauty. We like forests and mountains, deserts and hidden rivers, and the lonely cities as well. Our sadness is as much a part of our lives as is our laughter. To share our sadness with one we love is perhaps as great a joy as we can know - unless it be to share our laughter. We searchers are ambitious only for life itself, for everything beautiful it can provide. Most of all we love and want to be loved. We want to live in a relationship that will not impede our wandering, nor prevent our search, nor lock us in prison walls; that will take us for what little we have to give. We do not want to prove ourselves to another or compete for love. For wanderers, dreamers, and lovers, for lonely men and women who dare to ask of life everything good and beautiful. It is for those who are too gentle to live among wolves."

*

James Kavanaugh, There Are Men Too Gentle to Live Among Wolves

Wishing for Rain

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A typical rainy day gives me a great excuse to drink a cup of hot tea, listen to chill music, slow down and reflect.

So far, all this sunshine we are blessed with here in Colorado makes it quite hard for one to sit inside and do just that.  I'm finding it near impossible to slow down here. 

I never would have thought that one of the things I miss most about Oklahoma is a good rain storm.  We are departing from the "rainy season" here and I find myself wishing, hoping, for just a few drops to fall from the sky.  

Not Quite A Yogi

(via)

I really enjoy yoga.
And thus far, I've only taken 10 or so classes, so I'm still very much learning.

But there was a Groupon last month for spin and yoga classes at a studio called Breathe. And so far my friend and I have only taken spin classes (which really kick your butt!).  So we decided to go to our first yoga class last night.

We both tried Yin Yoga for the first time, which is a type of yoga where you hold the positions for a longer amount of time than Flow Yoga, which is a little more common. And we really lucked out because we were the only ones in class.  
  
It was really tough!  But so rewarding.

Our instructor was great; she explained each position, why inverts are so important internally and externally, she laughed with us when we absolutely couldn't hold positions for as long as she wanted to, we were definitely in this together.

She said every time you go to your yoga mat, it takes courage.  Courage to work with a new instructor, courage to do what is asked, courage to push through the (sometimes) pain, and courage to find an inner strength.  And it really spoke to me. 

(via)

Afterward I felt strong,
And accomplished.
Rejuvenated.
Calm.
And happy.

I'm not quite a yogi, at all, but I'm sure getting there!

Life lately, according to my iPhone

Left to right:  red, white and blue scooters spotted on the 4th of July, scene of a quiet evening, "you rang?", dinner at Rio Grande, inspired to purchase Instant Love from this video, the first doughnut shop I found since moving, new life in our apartment, group bike ride (the new penguin horn makes me smile uncontrollably), and a beautiful purple sunset.

These little snapshots are almost always my favorite.  They take minimal thought, just a quick click on the iPhone, but somehow develop such a unique story.  I love it. Hello, my name is Kendra and I'm addicted to Instagram. 

Let's be friends: @my_simple_story

Turban Headbands

A few weeks ago I was loving these turban headbands from Dottie Adele.  So much, that I purchased a couple! 

I'd say it makes for a pretty cute way to manage my unwashed hair.  That might seem gross, but I promise your hair will be happier if you don't wash it every single day (Real Simple Magazine told me so). And now there are comfy headbands to keep anyone from knowing anyway!

PS  looks like Valerie has a couple turbans left in her shop if you want to snag one up for yourself!

Sounds like hallelujah for the first time

Maybe it's pessimistic of us, but my friend Sam and I have a theory that Wednesday's are going to be difficult, maybe even down right awful, every week. Okay yes, it's definitely pessimistic, we're working on it!  But there seems to be something about the hump day that is always problematic. Though I do my very best to defeat this theory of ours. Sometimes I win, and sometimes I loose.

Today, it's about 2:30, and I've made it thus far with minimal bumps.  I consider that winning, don't you think?

There are a few things keeping me in good spirits; the two biggest would definitely be the tunes of a mix CD from one of my favorite Oklahoman's and these lovely images I've pinned recently:
  

all found here: http://pinterest.com/goofyken/

Each inspires me in a different way;  all good, all encompassing, all very real. It makes me laugh a bit at how a few pretty images and a great song can really turn an okay day into a great day.

Perhaps the excitement of seeing Hunger Games tonight for the second time is helping a little too. 

You know, just maybe.

Here's to a great Wednesday, for everyone.  ::clink::

Why hello, bright red pants.

We ventured to the outlet malls this past weekend during Valerie's visit, and let me tell you, they are too close for comfort!  When I lived in Oklahoma, we had to drive down to Texas to hit a good outlet mall, though right before I left, Oklahoma City scored their very own.  Point is: outlet shopping was never convenient (which was great for my checkbook)... until now.

We spent hours shopping.  It was awesome.

And somehow I left with only one little bag, filled happily with these bright red jeans from GAP. 

Even though I already own canary yellow pants, I was a tad hesitant about these. But with a little inspiration help I've found around the web, I think I'm going to rock me some red pants!

What do you all think about the bright colored jean trend?

Life lately, according to my iPhone.

Left to right: I made hot pot for the first time and it was delicious, lil' cuties, "is your beer frozen? no, is yours?", kit-tay in the window, Zia looks about like I felt for 2 weeks, sunning plants, stripes & floral's, date night, new short 'do.

Anyone else Instagram?
my_simple_story <-- that's me.

Or follow along here: http://clickclickcamera.tumblr.com/

It's simple math

I've found the perfect formula made up of glitter nail polish and an old man sweater (with stripes!)
that will create a foolproof great day.  How can those 2 things not make you happy?!

Feeling under the weather this past week... it's the simple things in life, yes?

happiness.

Birthday Weekend

Around our house, we have birthday weekends.  And I have to say, my first birthday celebrated in Colorado was pretty grand.  Friday night Ryan and I went to a fancy-schmancy work party (free food? okay!).  Saturday morning I had an early birthday brunch with some friends, a bit of relaxin' at home, then off to the alumni bar to watch our alma mater kick some bedlam booty!  It.  was.  awesome.  Sunday, we tried out a new church (thanks to the neat blogging world - Hi Hannah!), I grabbed coffee with a friend, and that night we made cookies and listened to Christmas music; all during a mini blizzard!

I'm very grateful for the friends we've made here in Denver.

And my far-away friends and family whom I miss dearly made me feel so loved.  It was a great day, indeed.

27

(photo by Beth Retro Photography)

Twenty six has been quite the year of big events and wonderful surprises!

  
We quit our jobs, packed up our belongings, and moved to a brand new state -- the location of our dreams really.  I was baptized in a church that will forever hold a place in my heart, received a camera in which I found even more passion for photography, met new friends, celebrated our one year wedding anniversary, traveled the states, and experienced so. very. much.
 

This year required me to have great faith; it was a year that really pushed me to let go.  Ultimately to find that I will always have an amazing family by my side, friends who support and love me unconditionally, and a generous husband who never stops believing in me.  It was a challenging year, but also one of the most rewarding.   I'm so blessed.  

    

27, my new friend, let's see what you got...

Where you will find me at parties

..pretty much!!
Meet you in the kitty corner, Carol.

(via)

Carded

Finally got a new library card! That's right, a library card before a new state driver's license... Priorities.

It's only the second card I've owned since my early reading days in elementary school, when I was fighting so hard to fill up my Book it! pin for a free mini pizza.

Anyone remember that reading program with the psychedelic Pizza Hut pin that changed colors when you moved it side to side and had little gold stars at the top?

Clearly it was important to my little self, I still remember it so vividly.

Back in 20

Around 11:45 today, I realized I forgot my lunch at home and immediately felt bummed.  I love brown bagging it, so I can sit in my little office, "work through lunch" and leave early.  It's the best!

Or so I thought...

Knowing nothing about my surroundings, I asked around the office for some eatery recommendations within walking distance, and set off. 

Look at all the beauty I found on the way!   

The sun is shining, students out and about on campus, laughter, puppies, the wind blowing my hair around into a mad mess.  It was ah-mazing! And completely worth the extra 20 minutes I'll stay at work today.

So, I've now decided a bit of time each week out of the office is the really the "best".