Making the right decision

I never wanted to go to Weber. But everyone I knew was going to Weber. It was expected. It's a fine institution that's affordable and close to five minutes away. There was nothing I disliked about WSU at the time, I just knew without a doubt that I was not meant to be a wildcat.

As a WSU alumni, my dad did his best to persuade me to live at home and eventually become our family's next WSU graduate. As I sat down for dinner one evening, I was greeted by a stack of purple papers, declaring what a fantastic communication program Weber has. I read them, I took it in. I even took a class or two of concurrent enrollment from WSU my senior year. I tried to like Weber, I really did. It just wasn't for me.

As our senior year rolled to a close, my friends and I buzzed with the excited chatter of college life. Even so close to graduation, I had no idea where I would attend school in the fall. I had been accepted to Weber and Utah State, and I visited the campuses of the University of Utah, BYU and Utah Valley University. I was in a constant prayer, it seems, pleading with my Heavenly Father to lead me in the direction I needed to go. But even as I crossed the stage of Ogden High and left its' walls forever, I didn't have an answer.

It was August, I believe, before I finally made the decision to attend Dixie State College. Things didn't fall into place, that's for sure, but I felt somewhat good about it. If you can actually feel good about leaving home and moving across the state, that is.

My mom was supportive of my decision, and she made the trip with me, helping me unpack and taking me to dinner. But all too soon, I was left in St. George, Utah alone, without a car, without a job, and little money to my name.

At the time, I was excited to begin a new life in a new place. Now, I am in awe of my bravery.

What was I thinking? For a girl who usually needs a solid plan to run her life, I don't know how I was comfortable with such a big step, all on my own. I guess I was either really confident, or really stupid. I've been told I'm a very ambitious and self-reliant person. The decision to move my world across the state to create a new life for myself must have taken a huge amount of faith.

When I moved so far away from home, I guess I had come to accept the fact that Heavenly Father wasn't going to drop me a map with my path marked in red ink. Sometimes it is up to us to make a decision and have the faith that everything will work out exactly as it should.

And it has. I was blessed with a scholarship that helped pay for school. I was blessed with people who have influenced and shaped my life. I was blessed with experiences that have caused me to learn and grow.

Maybe He knew I'd make the right decision. Maybe there was no right decision. Maybe I needed to learn that no matter what decision I make in life, He'll still be there.

No matter what.

From drab to fab...

Chair #8 only took a few hours of my lovely day off.

Blessed with my mom's habit of clipping coupons, I scored this playful fabric for a mere $5 a yard. Since it was the last bit of fabric on the bolt, I was granted an additional yard for half that price.


When it comes to close-ups, my camera doesn't do so well. The green leaves in this photo look army-green, while in person this fabric is a green-apple shade. I have always been drawn to pure colors, and the vibrant blue and green on crisp white was no exception. I thought the whimsical design of the fabric complimented the playful line of white 'buttons' along the base of the seat.

Kicking the kickplate was definitely a must.

At first I planned on ripping the studs out of the chair. But on second thought, why not leave them? They give character to an otherwise plain jane of a chair.


My work came screeching to a halt when I suddenly ran out of paint. I figured I would be unable to sleep that night with an uncompleted project wafting through my mind, so I trekked out to Home Depot for a second time that day.

This chair would be an adorable accessory to a kitchen, where friends and family could sit and visit with me while I fix dinner.

My latest and greatest...

When I pointed this chair out to my mom, she shook her head and continued on looking for better pieces of furniture. But I lingered around this $5 baby, unable to leave it among it's ugly peers at the DI.

But at the end of the day, my mom and I stood back to take in the enormous transformation that had taken place in just a few hours. "You've got vision," she said.

That's the best compliment she could have given me.

Call it vision, call it hope, call it whatever. But sometimes I get stuck on these ugly chairs that I simply can't walk away from. Maybe it's potential I see peeking through stained fabric and scratched exteriors.

But so far my 'vision' has not failed me. I have completed seven chair-refurbishing projects, and with the completion of each one I gaze on, completely pleased with my work. My brother Joel continues to ask me if I'll sell the ugly chairs I keep bringing home. Yes of course, if I can let them go that is...

I'm so happy with my elegant damask-covered chair. For now, it's my latest and greatest.

Summer goals a success

In May I created a detailed list of goals for my summer back in Ogden. I'm a very goal-oriented person, and summer break is no exception. I had spiritual, financial and extracurricular goals that I wanted to meet over the span of four months.

So with WSU classes officially starting tomorrow, I guess that would make today the final day of my summer. I copied those 25 goals from one of my very first blog posts, and pasted them here, eliminating the goals I did not meet.

Reflecting on the good times I've had these last few months has helped to alleviate the grief that passes over me each time summer comes to its' end. It's been a good one, and I know this is exactly where I'm supposed to be.

Here are my successful summer goals of 2010:

1. Watch the 4th of July fireworks over the Statue of Liberty...IN PERSON.

No, I did not actually see the fireworks OVER the Statue of Liberty. Instead, I watched the Macy's fireworks over the Hudson River, with the Statue on my far left and the Empire State Building on my right. Close enough, I figure!

3. Learn how to re-cover furniture from the all-knowing herself: my mom.

I completed this goal 100%. Over the four months of summer, I recovered a total of eight chairs, and I have three more in the process. These projects have been a great opportunity to pursue a fun hobby and learn a useful skill, as well as spend quality time with my mom.

4. Eat my first philly cheese steak...in Philadelphia!

Seriously how can anyone go to PA without trying a genuine Philly cheese? Jason was all too eager for me to have this experience. ;)

5. Treat myself to a pedicure. Who couldn't use one of those?

I think I enjoyed this treat much more than I should have. But hey, summer is an essential time to get a pedicure, so I wasn't complaining. Pedicures are now my reward for good behavior. To say the least, I'll be made of sugar and spice and everything nice!

6. Read the Book of Mormon.

I'm really happy with my commitment to this goal. It's difficult to focus on the scriptures when school is in session, so I'm happy I've formed a steady habit over the summer that will continue into the school year.

9. Buy clothes that make me look professional. No more t-shirt and flip-flop business.

This picture doesn't do me any justice, but I really have been changing my wardrobe. Besides the fact that my job as a receptionist requires a professional exterior, Express, New York and Company and H&M have been my most-visited-stores this summer. I'm replacing high-school t-shirts with button-ups and collars. Much better. No more college kid grunge, I'm professional woman.

10. Take my siblings on individual outings. Joel wants to be my friend, and that won't last for long.

With three other siblings to battle for attention, I think Joel really favors alone time. On my lunch break one day I told him we could go anywhere he wanted to eat. I gave him a list of pricey options, but in the end his top choice was still Arby's. So we collected our milkshakes and curly fries, and he was happy as a clam. Those small things mean a lot to kids, and that's something I definitely need to prioritize. After that, I made sure to invite my youngest brother on chair and paint-hunting trips at DI and Home Depot. He was pretty okay with that. :)

11. Take every service opportunity that comes my way. Especially focused on my grandma.

Grandma doesn't like pictures much now that the chemo has had its' way with her. But I made sure to make plenty of trips to see her this summer to dust her house, clean her bathroom, or just to visit. I spent a few days accompanying her to chemo or infusion treatments at the hospital, not because she needs the help, but because I know she needs the love and support. My whole family pitched in to move her and my grandpa to an assisted living home, and I know that she is incredibly grateful for the small services that we all need to do more often.

12. Put a significant amount of money in savings. Caution- expensive future ahead!!

I have significantly curbed the amount of spending I was doing there for a while. Now, I eat out less, shop less, and drive less. With larger paychecks than Texas Roadhouses' wimpy tip share at my fantastic new job, I am able to deposit my earnings in savings for those expensive bills that will soon roll my way.

14. Purchase a pair of B-A nude pumps.

Sadly it nearly took me all summer to find a pair of nude pumps that absolutely blew me away. But at last my time came. I know this picture doesn't do these babies justice, but I feel super sexy when my feet are all dressed up in these. While they are not completely nude, the almond shade will allow me to wear them clear into Autumn. I am in LOVE!

15. Study the April conference talks.

Jason and I started reading the conference talks together over the phone, but eventually my family decided that we would study the different talks for FHE. Each Monday we read and discuss what each topic means to us. It's a great way to follow the counsel of our prophets, and gain insight on a topic that you otherwise wouldn't read/study.

16. Take Preston and Joel to the nearby water parks. I'd probably enjoy it more than them.

Yeah this was a selfish goal. While I did take my siblings with me, I'm probably the one who had the best time. Waterparks are bomb!

17. Eat plenty of strawberries, hamburgers, watermelon and corn on the cob.

In terms of food, I enjoy summer food to its' fullest. In addition to burgers, watermelon and corn on the cob, I stressed fresh-grown raspberries, cherries, pineapple, ice cream, popsicles, dutch-oven cooking, etc. Almost every summer food you can think of!

18. Show Chris all the good things Northern Utah has to offer.

Chris and I only had one date together before he returned back to our beloved St. George. So I explored Northern Utah on my own. ;) I forget all the wonderful places that are right at my fingertips when I'm living back in Ogden.

19. Do 5 things I never thought I'd do.

I definitely did a few things I could never have foreseen.

20. Go to Central Park, in NYC!

Yes I did go to Central Park while I was in NYC, but since it was a night visit after seeing Wicked, (LOVED btw) I did not get any pictures. I'm hoping to visit the famous park again soon, hopefully on a beautiful Autumn Sunday.

21. Read, read, read. The classics, gospel doctrine, self-help, financial mumbo-jumbo...

Okay forget the self help and financial blah. This summer I didn't read anything that could 'help' me, persay, but I did read a handful of really fun books. I read the Hunger Games series, and I am counting down the days until the newest book 'Mockingjay' comes out. I also read 'The Traveler' as a recommendation from a friend. And as a huge fan of Dan Brown, I finally got around to reading 'The Lost Symbol,' which has got me wondering why I didn't pick it up sooner. 'Eat. Pray. Love.' was my favorite this summer, and I finished it barely over a week prior to the movie coming out.

22. Somehow pay Jace back for all that he's done for me.

Okay I don't think I completed this goal, but I had to show pictures of the incredible roses he sent me! On terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days, Jason is excellent at making me feel better. On two occasions he had a dozen roses delivered to my office, and a much-appreciated gift card to Cafe Rio on another day. He is INCREDIBLE at taking care of me and making me feel loved, even from thousands of miles away. There's no way I could completely accomplish the goal of paying him back. No way. You should see all that he does when we're actually in the same state!

24. Work on my blog!

I think my blog skills have done a 180 with a couple months of pracice on blogger. I finally feel like I kinda know what I'm doing. And for the most part, I can actually post a few pictures!

25. ENJOY MY SUMMER BACK AT HOME. :)

Needless to say, I think that I have throughly enjoyed my summer back home.

12 Summers

Every summer I get the same phone call. "Shannon? It's Bee. Meet at the rock?"

It all began in Mrs. Blair's second grade class. Bonita moved around a lot growing up, and among homes in Iceland, Texas, Las Vegas, Asia and California, she lived in little ol' Ogden, Utah for a short time. In an effort to make her feel more at home, her grandma Michelle asked me to befriend Bee. A social butterfly like myself didn't need to be asked twice.

Bee didn't finish second grade with me. Before I knew it she was moving again. It was probably a traumatic experience for me, as I've lived in the same house all 20 years of my life. But for Bee, it was just another city, just another move, just another friend. Or so I thought.

She came back every summer to visit her grandma, and to my surprise, me as well. I was given no notice to when she would be coming, but I always got the same call. "Shannon? It's Bee. Meet at the rock?"

The rock was actually a large boulder, sitting smack dab in the middle of a lawn, halfway between Bee's grandmas' house at the bottom of Darling street and my house at the top of Darling street. We declared that our meeting spot, because it was supposedly the fairest distance for both of us to walk. For some reason we disregarded the fact that Bee had to trek uphill and I didn't.

Our summer days always followed the same pattern.

One day was always spent at Lagoon, tickets and food always on grandma Michelle. Year after year I would plead with Bee to ride the coasters with me, but she very rarely would. Instead, we rode the colorful skyride across the length of the park over and over again, calling to cute boys riding by, "What's your number? My friend likes you. Can she have your number?" We were entertained for hours.

Another day was spent at the Ogden Golf and Country Club, where we had an exclusive pass thanks to her golf-loving great grandma. But forget golf, we'd don our newest bathing suits and lay by the pool, talking about school and boys in between fancy tricks off the diving board and trips to the snack shack for chicken tenders, fries and Cokes. Our order was always the same. Funny, I can still smell the chlorine and feel the bumpy cement under my water-wrinkled toes.

As most teenage girls do, we'd spend hours upon hours at the mall. Bee's grandma always loaded her up with cash for new school clothes, so as Bee picked up new Adidas and Nikes, jewelry and skirts, I would follow along, carefully selecting items that fit in my earn-it-yourself budget. It seems Bee always had a new Louis Vuitton purse and shiny new bracelets or earrings, and I tried to keep up, saving my money for weeks in advance of her arrival. While her taste was more bold than my conservative Utah style, we both bought matching charm bracelets that we wore for years, collecting oodles of charms to add to our matching wrists.

When we weren’t out and about, we spent long days at grandma Michelle’s watching Spongebob, That’s so Raven, or our favorite movie, Anastasia. We would rewind it watch it over, then rewind it and watch it again, singing along with our favorite songs. When creativity striked, we would gather deep shades of pink and red out of her grandma’s bathroom cupboard, and retreat out to the patio to paint our nails.

As any grandma does, it seemed Michelle was always feeding us. As I pass by her home every day on my route to work, I remember summer days of grilled hamburgers, freshly stirred Ovaltine, and bowls of chips and salsa.

Bee and I have more memories together than any other childhood friend of mine. But as summer approaches with its’ lengthy days and warm nights, a worry always creeps across my mind. What if this is the summer we grow apart? Bee and I are opposites in every way, from the way we look to the way we act. I’m tall, she’s short, I’m white, she’s black. I’m religious, and she’s not, she’s funny, and I’m not. The miles of distance between us suddenly echoes miles of difference between us.

So last weekend when my mom tells me Bee is on the phone, my heart begins its’ race. But as I hear her voice as I have so many times before, I know everything is just as it should be.

“Shannon? It’s Bee. Let’s meet at the rock.”

A refreshing look at pictures

Yard sales: A dangerous location for individuals who tend to accumulate useless junk.

However, with recent trips to nearby yards mid-Saturday, my definition has abruptly changed.

Yard sales: A convenient place to find inexpensive pieces of junk that can be fixed up and prettified.

In an effort to chase down ugly chairs, I made my rounds to neighborhood yard sales a few week ago. Armed with a wad of tens and a cold Coke in hand, I perused golden placemats, dulled jewelry and neatly folded t-shirts. My excitement heightened, however, when I came across a box of old picture frames. I had recently been inspired by a new way to display pictures from one of my favorite diy blogs.

I was thrilled to find two matching gold picture frames in mint condition. The sweet old lady following me around told me to name my price, so I offered $3 for each frame. I left her yard with an armful of purchases and a smile stamped across my face, excited to begin my next project.

I'm obsessed with Tiffany blue lately, so when it came time to paint you can guess what color my fingertips were stained.

Big difference huh? I adore the frame. The texture gives it personality.

Since my first frame turned out so well, I made a second one. My mom had the tall frame laying in a pile awaiting a future at DI. I painted it much rougher than the first one, accepting chips and uneven color, while the first one was babied- doused in paint and carefully treated.

I took my favorite pictures and attached them to the chicken wire with wooden clips covered in strips of little-girl fabric.

It's no accident my frames match the table I finished a few weeks ago. When I have a home to decorate one day, these will go well together in a guest or little girls' room.

Remember how I bought two frames? Well my mom bought these genuine postcards of Rome from a consignment shop when she was visiting me in St. George back in December. She wanted somewhere to display them, but hadn't found anything she liked. I showed her the chicken wire idea, and she got right to work after I did. Unlike me, mom kept the original color to match the gold frames hanging in our living room. I think the metallic looks outstanding against the rustic pictures of old Rome.

Who knew a yard sale could bring so much fun?

A Labor of Love

Another project has come and gone. This time, a fancy lattice-back came through my hands. Although it sure wasn't fancy at the time...

It was sitting by itself when I first stumbled across it, lonely and pathetic with missing chunks and the frame itself falling apart. It was coated in filth at the time; sticky who-knows-what and dirty who-knows-why up and down it's disappointing exterior.


It sported no price tag, so I wandered off to find a DI employee. It must have been one of those days. He barked at me that I must be blind, that of course there was a price tag. But when he could not find one himself, he declared the chair a heighty $20. However, upon remembering its' much lovelier sister sold a week ago, he demanded $25. Was a falling-apart piece of junk worth $25 to me?


I carried the chair up to the front of the store, where I got a second opinion on the price. The middle-aged woman working the register said the sister chair was sold in mint condition and that this one had been passed by due to its' poor condition. After checking with a manager, she blurted, "4 dollars!" I whipped my card out before she could change her mind.

"Call it a labor of love," she said.

And indeed, it was. With each and every refurbishing project I complete, I am reminded just how important it is not to judge exteriors. Beneath the aged and filthy appearance is a beauty that simply needs to be uncovered.

With a little bit of help, dents were filled and edges and corners were smoothed. Then fresh color and beautiful new fabric was applied to the once-broken lattice-back.

I was obsessed with these screws. Found holding the cushion into the frame, these old screws reminded me of little keys. Unique little beauties.

The espresso shade I originally painted it lended a sparkle to the already elegant chair, but I eventually settled with this shade. We'll see if I still like it in a week. Maybe black instead?

What was once ugly and alone is now gleaming with pride. It now sits among my museum of also-furbished chairs with plenty of company, just waiting to be adored and appreciated.

It always is, a labor of love.