New Year--Still Glittering

Two years just went by since I started this blog. What a couple two years and this coming year won't be any different. Last night, I brought in the new year with a couple of my best friends, Jade and Anna, at a new place I had never been. I was able to break in my fabulous new heels and be with them surrounded by lots of people which was a new experience for me. I've never really had any big plans for NYE so it was nice to venture out and do something new!

As for resolutions, I don't know how I feel about the word resolution, but, I do rather enjoy goals and dreams and things to strive to be. I know Anna and I are about to tag team to be in the best shape we have ever been in. It will be a tough road, but I don't think we have ever been this motivated together. This year will rather be not so much about resolutions, but crossing off things on a huge to do list that includes, graduating, finding a job, and a place to live just among other big events that will be happening in my last semester at ESU. So I think that will be enough to keep me occupied!

If I do have a word for this year, it will be change. I will be graduating from a place that stole my heart and I have made home for 4 years. I will be getting a job and transitioning to live in a different place. I go through these phases where I like to change things up and they usually coincide with semesters and seasons. I am definitely in that mode right now. I have gotten a lot of new things and refreshing just about everything. I even deleted every picture/video off my phone the other night and redid my music library on it. This gave me 5GB of storage of free space again. Needless to say, it was a good feeling! Starting fresh and getting motivated for this year is what I am doing. It will be a roller coaster type of year, but I am going to try to be as positive and happy as I can be in this process! Why be anything different from that?

Just a little bit ago, I remembered I wrote myself a letter last Janurary 1st. I read it. I kind of teared up. I am glad I did it. I plan to write another letter tonight to open next year. :) Anybody else do that? Anybody want to try it this year?
                                                                        &&&

So hello, 2014. My name is Rachel. Nice to meet you. We have a lot to accomplish this year. :)

Ready to accomplish things even if it's in sparkly heels:)

NYE Night with Jade & Anna

Sparkle & Shine.

Rachel

Red lips & heels. Be Bold. Sparkle & Shine.

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