the first time he said the words

I'm trying to document beautiful moments from my life. This is an attempt at sharing one.

I was seventeen the first time a boy said I like you. He was twenty-one. It was a big deal. And up until he said those words, I was absolutely clueless as to what was happening.

We were working up at a summer camp, but hadn't met up until the last week of camp. I'd been hanging out with my campers in the field, and had decided to play a game with them. But I didn't know how to play it. I saw this guy nearby, called him over, and asked him to teach us. He did.

Over the week, we hung out a lot. I had a tough cabin that week, probably the toughest of all my five summers of counselling, so he was a good conversation when I had a minute.

As the week ended, our campers left, and as staff, we had to clean up the entire camp before we could leave. This was probably my most dreaded evening of the summer since I hate cleaning. I'd run the craft shed that summer so my job was to pack everything up and store it all away until the next summer. For some reason, he was keen to help me. I didn't mind, not just because I really enjoyed his company, but because he was helping me clean.

We finished cleaning, and everybody headed over to the main chapel area to watch the camp videos from the summer. Since he walked with me, it only made sense that we sit together. So we did.

Then the next morning, I walked from my cabin to the dining hall for breakfast. I can't remember if he was already there or if we'd walked over together somehow, but we went through the food line together. We looked for seating, but there was only one table with two seats, so we sat down. There was nobody else at this table. Over the next few minutes, various people came over, didn't sit down, but simply took the chair and sat elsewhere. It was so weird. This is so long ago that the memory is  fuzzy, but I remember one thing distinctly. My friend Justin walked in, looked at me,  and gave me the funniest look. I think it was right about then that I started cluing in that something different was happening.

As everybody started to leave, the guy told me he's love to hang out at the beach and chat. I said sure, but that I wanted to say goodbye to all my friends. I took my sweet time, as I do when I get in  conversation, and eventually, found him. Turns out he hadn't realized I was going to take so long, so we decided to just walk away from the crowds and find somewhere to chat.

We walked over, sat down, and it was quiet for a few minutes. I heard the lull of a golf cart coming by (the way of transport for many at summer camp), and I watched as the two camp directors gave us a grin, devising their own idea of what was happening.

Conversation happened, and he told me that he liked me, and wanted to get to know me. He also told me that up until earlier that morning, he hadn't realized that I was still in high school. (that is like the golden ticket to winning a teenage girl over. tell her she doesn't look like a high schooler) I was surprised, happily of course, and quickly told him that I didn't want to date him.

I barely knew him, and I was young, so I suggested that we hang out and get to know each other before dating. He was fine with that, and over the next few weeks, our relationship lived out a sweet little life.

There's one reason why I'm sharing this story of my first little relationship. I was watching the movie Safe Haven the other night, and there was a scene where the main couple danced to a song in a restaurant, through to a store nearby. It was sweet and cute, romantic and playful. The song is at the very top of this blog. You should listen to it. It's pretty!

And it reminded me of the most romantic moment in my life thus far.

One night, as boy was driving me home, Frank Sinatra came on the stereo. Boy took a right turn instead of going towards my house and parked in a parking lot. He restarted the song, and instructed me to get out of the car, and for the rest of the song, we danced in the parking lot.

It was magical and it was perfect.

The relationship, if one would really call it that, ended a few days later. And that is just fine with me.

Boys, take note: girls like me like when you do things like that.

What about you? What's the most romantic act of your life? I sure hope I get to have another one soon.

{a walk through} psalm 52

For it is good.

One of the most common lies that floats in my mind is did God really say . . . ? I've written previously how Satan isn't creative and pretty much is still using the same material as garden days. And yet it works, doesn't it?

I'll be confidently walking forward in something I've learnt about God and all of a sudden a thought floats through um Nadine, but is that true?

And so I'm learning to right in that moment, audibly say no, and to reflect on the truth that I know in my heart.

The truth that I know in my heart is that God is good.

refresh: blush edition

Well, hello. Welcome to my blog where I am UBER talented at makeup.

Um, I mean, I'm trying to learn a bit more about wearing makeup better, and for some reason I'm also sharing that with the internet.

So.

You know that moment, when a girl's Mom takes her to the makeup counter and teaches her the way?

I never had that moment. My Mom is the best mom I ever could have been given, and teaching me about makeup was never high on her list. I wore, overwore, underwore, and all things makeup throughout the years, and I'm just recently feeling like I'm in a better flow with makeup.

Today I'm sharing about my new blush routine.

Foundation. Powder. Blush. Mascara. basic and beautiful.

A few weeks ago, I went on a search for blush. After reading the Refresh book and seeing how easy it is to make your cheeks look pretty, I was determined! I've got a natural redness to my skin which has meant for most of my life, I've worn minimal blush, simply because I didn't need to. I went into one store and the lady was not helpful. She basically told me that because I had pink understones, I had no hope for blush.

Um. no.

So I popped over to the Bay, and walked to the clinique counter. I knew I'd be paying a bit more money, but I also figured they'd probably listen to me and hopefully do a demo. I was right!

The girl working was super helpful. She found me product that worked with my face, and even tried two types of blush on me so I could see the difference. I walked out with new product, and feeling like I could actually get 'er done.

I walked away with new foundation, blush, mascara, and a fun illuminating cream. The last two pieces were freebies she added in. I know she was upselling and treating me well so I'd come back, and she was successful because I'll go back to her counter again.

The look is still really simple. But I feel pretty, which makes the day seem a bit brighter.

Foundation (alabaster). Blush (precious posy). Mascara (top & for the bottom). Liquid Illuminator. Powder.

Now, let's all let out that chuckle we held in. I'm wearing my glasses like a necklace. awkward.

Next week, I'll shared some awkward selfies of me with lipstick on. You're welcome in advance for that. Unless I chicken out, which is quite likely.

What's your beauty routine? Do you have a way to make your eyes pop? I don't want anything crazy, but if you've got links to pretty eyes that are REALLY EASY TO DO, then I want 'em!

{a walk through} psalm 51

Before this study into Psalm 51, I'd never thought about how verse 13 goes along with these verses. I would sing the classic song, and had the words memorized for verses 10-12, but never verse 13.

But verse 13 really is the best part because verse 13 is when God gives us our task, and that task is the same for all of us - to teach everybody else about Him.
 
  

life lately

I'm linking up with Blair again this week to share a glimpse into life lately!

First up occured a few weeks ago. I was prepping for worship team at my sister's place and she pulled my niece right on up to the piano to distract her while she did dishes. And then, instead of doing dishes, she took pictures and videos of us having fun! It was a really precious time for me.

The internet remains a sweet place for me. I've been having a lot of fun writing, both for here, for naptime diaries, and for some stuff coming up! I'm excited about the opportunities coming my way! I got to do a vlog interview with Moriah recently which was really fun! Did you check it out?

 I'm continuing to love the Influence Network. I love that once I've taken a class, I can take it again and again and again to gleam more wisdom. You can also listen to a lot of the talks from the Influence Conference last year. I've listened to a few and have been super blessed!

And then of course, video chats! Where would I be without those? I feel that once I've chatted with somebody in that face-to-face form, all of a sudden they get a new space in my heart. Don't get me wrong, I love all my twitter friends and blog friends, but I've got extra love once I've heard somebody talk to me.

The one pictured is with my sweet friend Virginia! She cooked dinner, ran after her kids, changed them out of their suddenly soaking clothes thank you automatic sprinklers, and we chatted life. I love that online friendships ARE real life.

On June 14th, I had the opportunity to play a role in a fundraiser for friends who are planting a church. The night was a great success and it was extra special to have my Mom and sister there to cheer my work on and support my friends!

On Saturday night, after work, I went to my sister's and hung out with this little princess. Oh man, I love this princess. She makes me wish that my other siblings lived closer so that I could go on walks with all of my nieces and nephews. For now, skype will do.

We went for a walk and just chatted. I mean, I chatted.