In Case You Haven't Noticed, I Love This Dress...

So, the other day I was driving through downtown Boise with my family. We happened to pass Anthropologie, which I had never dared enter before. But I know from interviews with Lou Erich that many of Quinn's wardrobe pieces come from there. I was just about to spring this little factoid on my less-than-interested family when I saw it: Quinn's New York dress. It was right in the front window! I vowed to return at a later time and scope it out...

I finally made it back Tuesday after my college orientation. I figured I deserved a reward after making it through THAT ordeal! I went in and found the dress almost immediately. Now, I did not plan to actually buy it--I figured I'd try it on, take a picture in the dressing room, and call it good. But it was love at first sight! I'm not much of a girly girl, but I love a good dress, and this is an AWESOME dress...much prettier in person than on film. All of the white detailing is actually embroidered, and it has TULLE under the skirt, for crying out loud! I love how it flares out when I spin around. And yes, I have spent a considerable amount of time twirling around in it. :)

I had a really interesting time with the staff, too. The gal that was helping me mentioned that they were all obsessed with that particular dress and she asked what had drawn me to it. I asked her if she watched Glee and she got all excited and fluttery and squealed, "This is Quinn's dress!" I told her THAT was exactly what had drawn me to the dress, and we had a fun little conversation about the show and the adorable cast. I told her that I'd just been to see them and she was so excited, especially because it turns out that Darren is her favorite. Then I went to check out, and the girl at the counter exclaimed, "Oh, it's Quinn's dress!" We had a little fangirl exchange, and I went on my merry way feeling invigorated for having spent a bit of time with some gleeks "out in the wild" so to speak.

And with that, I promise to never speak of this dress again. Thank you for indulging me!  :)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

You're the Inspiration...

This is not strictly Glee related, but the impetus sort of is. Several days ago, Warbler Curt Mega posted a video in which he asked for help with a "collaborative project". He wants to know what inspires people, and encouraged everyone to share. Sooo...

I garden. I'm a bit of a hobbit, actually. I love the sunshine and the trees and the feel of grass and soil between my toes. I'm obsessed with seeds. Everything I plant, I start from seed. Because there's nothing like the thrill of seeing that little green head poking out of the ground. The birth of potential!

I love that the outside appearance of a seed is not a reliable indicator of the potential within.

I love that although the potential is there, a seed won't grow unless it is planted.

I love that simply planting a seed isn't enough. Diligent nurturing is required.

Every time I watch a seed sprout, I wonder, "How did all of that get IN there?". And then I stop wondering and just marvel.

Seeds are a metaphor for everything beautiful--love, friendship, faith, hope, knowledge. Even the individual. Anything that starts small and grows strong with care.

Watching my seeds grow makes me think about myself and my potential. Because, what's IN there? What will I be when I mature? Will my roots be strong? Will I bloom? And while I'm busy cultivating  myself, what can I do to encourage the growth of those around me?

I like to think that there's something amazing inside me. Something you can't see just by looking at the surface. Will I ever reach my full potential? Will you reach yours? What are we meant to be? Let's tend to each other and find out together. :)