_ the guy checklist _

I think just by being a girl, and having lots of friends that are girls, you tend to have a lot of conversations about what makes a good guy.....and oh boy, do those conversations range in content between one girl to the next. I actually find it super fascinating. (Okay, yes, frustrating sometimes). But I've noticed a change in those 'other' things that I look for in a guy. So many girls have this laundry list of things they want this perfect future guy. ..which seem to range from minute impossible details to semi-practical ones. (must have six pack.. blonde.. brown hair... flannel... suits... sporty... musical... businessman.. must be able to be making a lot of money plus know how to build anything and everything.. must understand women ..ha, nice try.) It think for Christian girls, this does not differ all that much, except it tends to be spiritually oriented.. Exhibit A? Look up "Things Christian girls look for in Christian guys" ..what pops up is hilarious. I just happened upon it. Don't know what I didn't find it earlier. Entertaining. I did not mean this to be a long post.. but I had to list some of them...

"Handsome, for me personally it has to go at the top" / "Musical - or at the very least isn't tone deaf and can keep rhythm" / "A bleeding-heart romantic" / "I watch how he is with kids and how he acts around his friends...like does he act the same around them as he does when he's with me." / "A guitarist or multi-instrumental" / "Someone who is VERY affectionate and romantic, as in cuddling, holding, etc.Of course in a non sexual way." / "Blue eyes and hair that kind of covers the eyes" / "education is a MUST" / "NOT lazy ( I could quote sooo many verses)" 

I could go on and on.. some of them are just so entertaining. but lately? I think I've simplified mine to a few things:

Love of Jesus. 
Kind Eyes.
Honest Smile.
Strong Hands. 

..so what do you look for? I'm curious.

_new york is snow-less_

I swear I must bore people to death with all my mentions of weather, but I'm from Minnesota, and that's perfectly normal in that setting. But today, I hear all this talk of snow, snowstorms, shoveling, a White Christmas.. snowflakes that stay on your nose and eyelashes.. you name it. Killing me. New York is snowless. Snowless. It is December, and it's almost in the 40s and grey and devoid of snow. So here are some snowy pictures to help me pretend it actually looks like winter outside.

isn't this one gorgeous? this artist creates elaborate patterns by walking in the snow. 
 

If it were snowing right now.. i would totally be that dog. jumping. for. joy. ..and probably hoping for an impromptu snowball fight.

...but as my dad says, "Faith comes from God, ..so does snow."
Thanks, Dad.

Happy Sunday everyone.

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_ antlers & flannel _

Of my saved images and things the past couple days, there seems to be a pattern of flannel and antlers. Seems I'm missing my sister. Good thing I'll be seeing her sooner than later. Love ya, Rach. Good luck with finals :)

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_wes anderson films_

I think I may have been introduced to Wes Anderson films pretty late.. I don't think I saw the Darjeeling Limited until my freshman year of college. I think it caught me off guard at first. And then I realized that his films are the kind of quirky, insightful, raw films that I love. The fact that the sets and costumes and every little visual detail is just perfect helps to. But seriously, what's your favorite?

and a favorite rushmore-inspired video by a favorite band.

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_black & white favorites_

I seemed to find a lot of favorite black and white photos this week. Thought I would share a few :)

1,2,3,4,5,6

happy monday!

_ women in menswear _

I must admit, I am a big fan of menswear. I love that tailored, fitted, structured, detailed look. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of lace and some girly things, but something about a good blazer or bowtie or brogue catches my eye and makes me grin.

layers, yet still petite and a bit feminine. 

in what is typically a very masculine hat.

classic 

lauren remington platt seems to be an expert at this

with color

i adore this tycoon neckwear

_ desiring wisdom _

I've been doing a lot of thinking about what it really means to be a woman, one that is respectable and honorable. As a good teacher once said, "Anytime you are not around gospel friends or listening to a sermon, you are being surrounded by lies about where your identity, your worth comes from. It is so easy to lose track." Sounds harsh, and it doesn't mean we should lock ourselves in a box or only be around 'safe' 'christian' friends... all the more reason to be in the world. But so easily girls can get distracted and think that their worth comes from their looks, from a boyfriend, from grades, from how many friends they have..

But when I read Proverbs 31, I am comforted and challenged to be a woman of courage and strength. To be someone who's identity is set squarely in the God that she loves and that loves her completely. That is an identity no one can take away.

A wife of noble character who can find?
 She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, 
all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family 
and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 
She sets about her work vigorously;
 her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
 for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; 
she is clothed in fine linen and purple
.Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, 
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; 
she can laugh at the days to come. 
She speaks with wisdom,
 and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;  
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”  
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
 but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
[proverbs  31:10-31]