A First Kiss

I feel like I've been pretty lucky to experience some pretty epic movie-moment-like first kisses so far in my life. I've kissed and written poetry that involves "the kiss." So over time and reflecting back at these moments and writing about them, I have started to notice some patterns. There are differences in first kiss moments. Some of them you may have a pretty good feeling it is about to happen and it is just eased in pretty naturally. There is the kind where you are so into that moment, it's like everything and everyone else is non-existent. Then there are those moments where you may be unsure or you don't know how to go about it. It's kind of a funny little thing; the moments that lead up to the big one. I've written about different kinds of kisses I've experienced, but I wanted to write it at a different angle where I am detached and you can put yourself in it. Also, I hadn't written about this kind of lead to a first kiss that intrigues me. That moment when you are talking and don't even know what you are talking about anymore because you are so caught up in wondering if it will happen or not. Or if it's right or wrong. Or if that person even wants to kiss you back. I welcome you to experience this kind of first kiss. Maybe you have been this person before or you will at some point.

This Kind of First Kiss

There’s this awkward stare.

You are in conversation with the person

and you keep looking into each other’s eyes.

You wonder if this is the moment

and you wonder if the person staring back

is thinking the same thing too.

If they are, then it’s the moment, right?

But how do you know if they are thinking

the same thing as you?

Look for signs and maybe some cues.

They are staring too.

Oh, that was a small pause.

Does that mean something?

They keep talking.

You barely know what the conversation is about anymore,

but you keep it going.

Perfect. This buys more time to figure out if they want it too.

Keep staring and barely blink.

You don’t want to miss a beat

or the slightest hint that this might be the moment.

Maybe their eyes will let you know.

You say something and you don’t really know what it was,

but who cares anymore.

But really, who cares anymore?

They come closer.

You go closer.

Before you can even take a breath,

you feel their lips for the first time.

What were you doing all this time?

They must have wanted it too after all.

You take it in and keep your eyes closed.

Give them a break from staring.

No more staring tonight.

You’d rather have this moment all night.

A classic movie first kiss. One of my favorites. Notice the stare in the top picture. :)

A first kiss is a funny, thrilling thing.
Do you have any favorite first kiss moments?

Sparkle & Shine.
Rachel

glitterandthegirlygirl@gmail.com
@theglitterylife
@rachelnmsparkle

My Year In Pictures

As the end of the year is wrapping up, I like to reflect back on the year and look back at how far I've come, the cool people I met, the places I got to see, and neat experiences I was able to have! People know I love pictures and sometimes they are worth more than words as they say. So let me let the pictures do more of the talking in this post. As I was compiling pictures, I was reminded of what a huge year this was. So, welcome to my 2013. Better buckle up!

I went to the New Orleans, Saints vs. Kansas City, Chiefs game in the New Orleans Super Dome!

Had 3 poems published in our student literary journal at ESU

 Planned the Ambassador banquet

Saw Lady Gaga in concert TWICE.

 Finally conducted my first Guy Panel for BUILD Beauty and it turned out to be a success!

Did my first 5k :)

Went to Ambassador District 6 conference in Des Moines, IA.

Ventured to Toledo for the national Blue Key conference with Michelle and made a new friend from Georgia!

Started my new job in the Office of the President

 Became President of Blue Key and have learned the challenges and good feeling that comes with leading these student leaders.

Was the head chair of this Homecoming event that was one of the biggest challenges for me yet, but felt so good seeing it come together. 

Attended my first Sporting KC game

Got to see beautiful Golden, CO while at a Blue Key board retreat.

Took in the culture of New Orleans! Had to try out Bourbon Street :)

Became an opinion writer for the school newspaper. I get to do something I love.

Was crowned Homecoming Queen

And I got to share it with one of my best friends and another "Dotte Original" like me :)

Became a Face of ESU and part of the "I Am A Hornet" Campaign.

I had to get used to seeing my face just about everywhere.

 I even got to be on my own postcard that comes to life through augmented reality!

Oh, and there is a commercial too!

                           

There were so many things in between. A lot of ups and downs as it usually goes, but definitely a great year overall! What were some awesome things that happened in your 2013?

Sparkle & Shine.

Rachel

glitterandthegirlygirl@gmail.com

@theglitterylife

@rachelnmsparkle

Sparkle & Shine.

Sparkle & Shine.

I end every blog post with these two words. I remember deciding that I wanted to end my posts with those words as my open personal statement. Something original and created from me. Nothing like XOXO – or Until next time! or Love, Rachel. This was going to be my own signature. I wanted to use it every time and this would be my way of having consistency and something expected. As I am constantly changing and evolving, this would stay the same.

I remember only once being asked, “What does sparkle and shine mean?” Where did it come from? I remember in high school when I was going through this phase of cutting out motivational quotes and words and putting them into journals that I had. A friend and I had a collection going of things cut from magazines at one point. There was an ad for Secret deodorant and it had a phrase that deemed, “When you’re strong, you sparkle.” It was then; I fell in love with this little simple phrase. It wasn’t long after that when I had the word SPARKLE cut from a magazine that became taped to one of the mirrors in my bathroom in Kansas City.  Years later, it’s still taped there holding strong.

So I fell in love with the word sparkle. I don’t remember the light bulb moment or what made me think of it, but somehow, someway I came up “sparkle & shine.” It was probably from a cheesy poem I was trying to sketch. I love alliteration and I loved how it rolled off the tongue. Then somehow it became a part of me. It wasn’t long before I started to randomly receive little pictures and sayings like “Never let anyone dull your sparkle” and “Keep calm and sparkle on” on my Facebook wall, through tweets and text messages too. I still get them to this day and I love it each time. Even if it is one I’ve seen before. It reminds me that it’s still standing and still part of me. I was especially reminded on my birthday when I read comments left by people that incorporated the words into their birthday wishes. I’ve received a couple necklaces that say “sparkle and shine.” I even have slippers that say “sparkle” on the bottom of one and “shine” on the other.” My mom got me a shirt that says it and a floating frame with it too.

Sometimes I feel that I am still trying to figure out this even deeper meaning for it, but in the end, they are words that represent me and my identity. Something simple that makes people think of me or maybe even remember me. Sometimes I may have to think back at the very beginning with that phrase, “When you’re strong, you sparkle.” When you are strong and confident, you illuminate---you shine.

What’s your motto or your words? What do you identify with?

This is my 100^th post. I can’t believe it. 100. My 100 goes to the words that have still remained over the years and become dear to me. Thank you to everyone that reads my blog. Whether it’s just one post, to some here or there, or all 100 of them. There are a lot of things going on. I have been doing a lot of writing and going through a lot of neat experiences that I can’t wait to share. So cool things to come! First, I started by changing up my layout. How do you like it? 

Here is to the next 100! Thank you everybody!

Sparkle & Shine.

Rachel

Let Me.

 One night, I think I just had this "let me" attitude. Just let me breathe. Let me write about him. Who cares? Let me walk. Let me do my thing. I started to write and eventually I was running with this fixed form and repetition. I decided to go with it and I actually like it.  Sometimes life gets overwhelming and I know I can find myself in this "let me" mindset. Let me write about anything. Let me chase my dreams, let me be human or simply let me be. This is my what I have so far. May do some revising. Because I seem to be enjoying that process now. Finally. So here you go, "Let Me."

Let Me

Let me breathe
fresh air.

Let me write
about him.

Let me walk
anywhere quietly.

Let me feel
and cry.

Let me love
without fear.

Let me fall
for you.

Let me chase
my dreams.

Let me see
the stars.

Let me touch
your face.

Let me hold
your hand.

Let me dance.
Let me dance.

Let me run
freely fast.

Let me cuddle
in blankets.

Let me smell
the flowers.

Let me smile
real big.

Let me capture 
this moment.

Let me laugh
so hard.

Let me scribble
blurred words.

Let me sketch
a poem.

Let me dance.
Let me dance.

Sparkle & Shine.

Rachel

@rachelnmsparkle

Feelings of Fiction

To all the girls that felt like they were led on or "played." When you fall for a guy that takes a step back without you. This one is for you.

Feelings of Fiction

It didn’t seem rehearsed
or like it was part of a script.
It didn’t seem systematic
or part of a scheme.
It didn’t look like a game plan
as if he strategized his every move.
It didn’t feel like some kind of perfected formula
or a recipe for disaster.
Maybe it was a chase; and I was to be conquered.
Or a competition and I was a prize to be won.
He didn’t look like an actor even if it felt like a movie.
He made it believable. Like he could go the distant.
I could have fallen for him, but his feelings were fiction.

Sparkle & Shine.

Rachel

@rachelnmsparkle

Tangles

The church sign that I pass pretty much every day on my way to and from the campus said, "Let God Unravel The Tangles Of Your Life." This one stood out to me and I kept visualizing different things. I have been in sort of a funk in various areas of my life. And sometimes I can't help but feel some tangles in my life with everything that I am involved with and all the people I have been blessed with to have in my life as well. I wanted to write a poem in relation to that sign. So I welcome you to read, Tangles.

Tangles
I rolled around in mud.
I was covered in dirt.
I was hurt.
My body was bruised.
My heart was scraped.
God picked me up
and showered me with blessings.
He shampooed me with friends and family
and conditioned me with tough times.
He scrubbed though my worries.
There were bubbles filled with laughter.
He rinsed off the negativity.
I was wrapped up in a warm towel of faith.
My fears started to go away.
He had a wondrous brush.
One that gets all the knots out.
He ran it down my wavy hair--
brushed through my rough patches too.
But He made sure to be gentle with my tangles.

Photo taken in Emporia - November 4th

Sparkle & Shine.

Rachel

@rachlnmsparkle

Midnight Madness

With it being Halloween, I had this poem in mind. I first sketched it a couple weekends ago randomly. It turned into something I really like. So have a good Halloween, a safe time and a fun night! Even under the stars in the midnight madness. :)

Midnight Madness

You can text me

and I’ll text you.

You can flirt

and I will too.

The stars are out

and I’ll play with you.

Will you play with me too?

Let’s explore something new

in this midnight madness.

We can talk about

anything and everything,

laugh until our stomachs hurt.

We can share our biggest dreams

and you can tell me your fears.

Let your fingers brush through my hair

and slide them down my waves.

Take in the silence like

how you want to take me in.

Touch my hand nervously

and I’ll gently touch yours.

Look me in the eyes and

make me want to kiss you.

But I’ll wait until you do.

I’ll wait until you do.

In this midnight madness

under the stars with you.

Sparkle & Shine.

Rachel

Homecoming: The Fashion

When I was nominated for Homecoming Queen and looking over all the things I would have to dress up for because I was now a candidate and everything else with Blue Key, I knew I was going to have to get all my looks straight and really strategize.

I went shopping with some of my favorite ladies and Dillard's treated us well! I was able to get my formal gown and 2 other dresses. They had a really great clearance sale going on! 

This post is all about the fashion I got to have fun with during Homecoming week. It involved 5 different pairs of high heels, 3 dresses, and 1 fabulous pencil skirt and blazer I like to work!

A shoutout to Sammie & Anna for helping me get the look I wanted just right by letting me know what they thought looked good and what didn't work!

Tuesday - Meet-N-Greet

I decided to go with the pencil skirt and black closed toed heels for this. I love how my legs look when I wear heels and thought I'd highlight them for the Homecoming Royalty Meet-N-Greet if I were to be in front of students for hours. I love this outfit because I like the professional and dark look that gives it an edge. I always feel like a Kardashian in this outfit because they are always about the dark colors! Shoutout to T-Wash for the awesome black and bright pink outfit :)

Thursday - Hayes Lecture 

The day look...

During the day, I would be meeting with Gary and taking him to his leadership class workout. I wanted to look professional as I was escorting him around campus and representing Blue Key in the leadership class. I bought these fabulous closed pointy toe heels from Payless that Monday and I fell in love. My feet, not so much since I got some wounds from them wearing them for the first time! I like the cheetah print because it gives it a pop of my personality in a professional look.

The night look...

After the leadership class, I did a quick outfit change! This dress was the one I originally fell in love when I got my Calvin Klein dress last spring, but it was $150 which wasn't going to happen. Then I found it and in my size for just $20! Meant to be? I love how fun this is. It's so bright and a couple of my favorite colors! I paired it with my bright pink open toed heels to pop with the pink accent. I also loved the blocky navy blue dangly earrings to go with it. I also had a bracelet that had the blocky pink accent to go with the earrings. They were from Icing by Claire's. This was for an event that would include a fancy dinner with important people and then speaking in front of hundreds of students so I wanted something professional, but fun!

Friday - Blue Key Initiation & Reunion

The Blue Key initiation and reunion was another event that I needed to be professional and fancy for. I went with the black and off white dress. I put them with some strappy black heels with some rhinestone front straps. Loved how I felt in this dress. I liked the thinner straps in the back. Couldn't forget to wear my Blue Key pin with it too! Also, this dress demanded my hair down and curly :)

Saturday - Homecoming Parade & Football Game

It didn't take me too long to pick this dress. I loved that it didn't focus so much on my boobs. I also liked the elegant flow of it and that it was black. I also love the straps and back that are filled with jewels to give it that extra sparkle and "wow" factor to represent me. The little rhinestone touch below the bust was also a nice subtle touch. I needed to wear my hair up somehow to show off the straps and back of the dress. I went with a simple side ponytail. The earrings were beautiful layered rhinestone studs. I wanted to keep it clean and simple as not to distract from the beautiful dress!

Todd (my escort) wanted to match me and he coordinated well with all black and a black and gold bow tie to compliment it and stand out. It represented Emporia State well and made us look sharp together. :)

My nails were done with a gel color. It was OPI - Big Apple Red. I thought a bright classic red would go well with all the outfits. It would especially be a nice pop to formal black dress. :)

But I really think the crown was what completed the outfit on Saturday :) Beautiful and went so well with my dress! Thank you all for the love and support! :)

Sparkle & Shine,

Rachel 

@rachelnmsparkle 

Liebster Award

This is a nice change up for my normal blog post! Eden Tullis, a fellow Hornet and blogger, nominated me for the Liebster Award! Thank you for doing this :) Her blog can be found here --> Life Scribbler

And what is the Liebster Award? It's an award distributed by bloggers for blogs with under 200 followers. Supposedly, it started in Germany, as a way for readers and bloggers to discover new blogs to follow. It connects the blogging community and helps web surfers expand their horizons!

 

The Rules:
1. Choose 11 other up-and-coming bloggers and link to them in your Liebster post.
2. Answer the 11 questions the previous blogger set for you, then create 11 different ones for the bloggers you will choose.
3. Let those bloggers know you nominated them.
4. No tag backs. No mulligans. No puppy guarding. Okay, just don’t tag the person who nominated you.
5. Display the Liebster logo. 

Here are the questions that Eden posted for me to answer!

1. What makes you feel most alive?

Butterflies in my stomach

Laughing uncontrollably with friends

Going on a run

2. Favorite season and why?

I can never pick one! I love them all for different reasons.

3. Sweet or sour?

Sweet for sure!

4. What's your favorite meal to fix, and where did the recipe come from?

Chicken gumbo. It’s one of my favorite meals my mom makes and she gave me the recipe. It’s one of the very few meals I know how to make so far!

5. What are five things you are grateful for?

My family

My friends

Being able to go to college especially at ESU

Every opportunity I have been blessed with that has taught me things and helped me better myself

My ability and love for writing especially poetry which is something we may need more of

6. Would you rather read or write?

Write. I love writing and creating. It’s easier for me. I also don’t have much time to read and have a hard time getting into it when I can find little time. Sometimes bothers me!

7. When and how did you start blogging?

It was January 1, 2012 when I created my blog and made the first post. It was shortly after going through a tough breakup that I wanted to start a blog to document the new and exciting experiences I was to have. I wanted to write about things girls could relate to and I would eventually learn that boys have gotten things out of my writing as well which has been a neat feeling to have.

8. Who inspires you?

My family and friends. Also, celebrities that are artistic and creative that make an impact. Then the people that I may get to work on things with such as projects, events and more. Just about anyone can inspire me in some way even for the littlest thing.

9. Who is your favorite fictional character? (TV, movies, books)

The casts of Sex & The City, Friends, and Desperate Housewives. I especially like the Sex & The City and Desperate Housewives women because I love being able to relate to them in various ways and taking things from them that I can try to apply to my life. I love Carrie Bradshaw and her career in writing. To write about life like she does would be a dream job for me! I love how witty and strong these ladies are too J

10. If you had $100 to do anything with and it didn't have to go towards necessities, what would you do with it?

I really need some new tennis shoes. Wouldn’t mind some new clothes or a new watch. Also, I’ve wanted to get a case and sleeve for my Mac!

11. Favorite condiment.

Ketchup and mustard for sure. But I would like to note that I used to hate mayonnaise, but now I finally like it and have been putting it on sandwiches!

I don't know too many people with steady blogs, but I will choose to nominate this one cool chick I know named Fallon! :)

Fal Finds Happiness

My questions:

1. Channing Tatum or Ryan Gosling?

2. What's your drink of choice?

3. Dream job?

4. Why did you start blogging?

5. What's you favorite part of blogging?

6. Cold or hot weather?

7. Favorite color?

8. Top 3 music artists?

9. What book would you recommend to a girly girl?

10. Favorite quote?

11. Favorite Taylor Swift song?

Happy blogging!

Sparkle & Shine,

Rachel