I don’t even know where to begin so I’ll start by saying ‘m deeply sorry for disappearing. My blogs mean the world to me, but 2021 kicked my butt. PERIOD. Drama went down at my retail job, & when I could no longer handle the stress mentally & physically, I put in my two weeks. The cherry on top of being unemployed was not getting a job I really wanted three months after applying. I made the decision to enjoy the last two months of the year & do something I never do: enjoy family time during the holidays! In typical Lauren form, I didn’t keep my promise. Well, technically my family did make some great memories in November & December. However, my workaholic tendencies reared their ugly head, & I worked myself into the ground. I’m so exhausted & need a vacation from my two-month vacation, as ridiculous as that sounds. Going into the new year, I have one potential job on my radar. I’m terrified & want to throw up every time I think about going through the application process again, but my sad bank account is pushing me forward. I have no choice! I have to get a job NOW. I’m feeling a fresh wave of nausea talking about this so let’s move on & take a look at what productivity I did manage during 2021:
• My college photography throwback series continues on Instagram; I post on Memory Monday, Take Me Back Tuesday, Wayback Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, & Flashback Friday.
Let’s take a look at the numbers: I ended 2021 with 488 art blog followers (down from 497), 475 lifestyle blog followers (exactly the same), & 322 subscribers + 154.3K views (up from 293 & 140,868).
I could let those numbers discourage me, but there were things in 2021 that were beyond my control. It wasn’t possible for me to be more active unless I wanted to make myself sick so, in the wise words of Elsa, I’m choosing to Let It Go. I’m currently looking for a work-from-home job which would give me more freedom to be creative on the side. If all goes well, you’ll hear from me again very soon. 💕
It’s a gross understatement to say 2020 was a rough year so I won’t say it. Instead I’ll look forward to the new year with cautious optimism & lots of prayer. Speaking of prayer, I recently heard Joshua Aaron’s Hebrew cover of the song The Blessing, & it is a spiritual experience. It’s the perfect prayer to lead us into the coming year so I recommend you find a quiet spot, close your eyes, & let the song wash over you. Wishing you & yours a healthy 2021! 💙
“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” ’ “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”– Numbers 6:22-27
Yevarechecha Adonai, VeYishmerecha • The LORD bless you and keep you • יְבָרֶכְךָ יהוה, וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ
Ya’er Adonai Panav Eleycha ViChuneka • Make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you • יָאֵר יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וִיחֻנֶּךָּ
Yisa Adonai Panav Eleycha, VeYasem Lecha Shalom • The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace • יִשָּׂא יהוה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ, וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם
Yehi chasdo aleicha le’alfei dorot • May His favor be upon you to a thousand generations • יהי חסדו עליך לאלפי דורות
Mishpachtecha viladecha • Your family and your children • משפחתך וילדיך
Dorotecha achareicha • Your generations after you • דורותיך אחריך
Rucho telech lefaneicha • May His presence go before you • רוחו תלך לפניך
Letsidecha achareicha • Beside you and behind you • לצידך, אחריך
Misvivecha belibecha • All around you and within you • מסביבך, בליבך
Hu itcha • He is with you • הוא איתך
Baboker uvaerev • In the morning in the evening • בבוקר ובערב
Betzetecha uvoecha • In your going and your coming • בצאתך ובואך
B’sivlotecha beoshrecha • In your weeping and rejoicing • בסבלותיך ואושרך
Hu itcha • He is for you • הוא איתך
Hu itanu im kulanu • He is for us, He is with us • הוא איתנו עם כולנו
• The world lost Kobe Bryant & his daughter Gianna along with Alyssa, John, & Keri Altobelli, Ara Zobayan, Christina Mauser, & Payton & Sarah Chester. Kobe was my favorite athlete & one of my biggest inspirations; I still don’t have the words to describe the deep sorrow I feel or how much I miss him. 💔
“The ABC Murders” by Agatha Christie ( ✔️ Clairvoyance – Read a 5-Star Prediction ✔️ Tome Champion – Finish One Book ✔️ Magi Might – Read a Book With Purple on the Cover )
Let’s take a look at the numbers: I ended 2020 with 497 art blog followers (up from 486), 475 lifestyle blog followers (up from 472), & 293 subscribers + 140,868 views (up from 274 & 121,601). I must admit those numbers are extremely disappointing & feel like a slap in the face after a year of work. Even though I wasn’t very active creatively, I put my all into every single blog post & video I produced. I’m letting my self stew in misery for a bit, but then I’m going to suck it up, hold my head high, & do better in 2021.Onwards & upwards! ➡️ ⬆️
📖 This Bible verse feels very appropriate after the year we just endured so I’m leaving you with Ecclesiastes 3:1-8:
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to break down and a time to build up; A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain and a time to lose; A time to keep and a time to throw away; A time to tear and a time to sew; A time to keep silence and a time to speak; A time to love and a time to hate; A time of war and a time of peace.”
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*Note: I don’t like to label things as “trashy” because I consider that insensitive to both author & reader. I did a google search for “trashy YA” after both Twilight & Vampire Academy fell through, & this book popped up. I went with it because it was available to me on Scribd.
– N o v e m b e r 1 2 t h t o D e c e m b e r 1 1 t h –
*Note: Even though I didn’t win the Disney Plus Dream Job contest, I decided to continue with my 30-day marathon. You can expect a variety of throwback shows & beloved movies as well as my thoughts on the brand new app.
*Note: I worked most of December & got sick so some of my holiday content was SUUUPER late.
After my Disney Plus failure, I decided to get back on the horse & try again. I entered the CenturyLink Hallmark Movie Dream Job contest, and . . . I lost again. 😂 I made lemonade out of lemons & did a “25 Days of Hallmark” marathon. Each day I picked one old Christmas movie & one new one from a Kurt Adler advent calendar, amounting to 50 movies total. Enjoy!
Farewell to Carl Ruiz (chef), Carol Channing (actress & singer), Caroll Spinney (Big Bird & Oscar the Grouch puppeteer), Lee Mendelson (Peanuts producer), Luke Perry (actor), Gabe Khouth (actor), Georgia Engel ( actress), Peggy Lipton (actress), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Rene Auberjonois (actor), Rip Torn (actor), Robert Forster (actor), Russi Taylor (voice of Minnie Mouse), Ron Leibman (actor), Stanley Donen (choreographer & director), Tim Conway (actor & comedian), & Tyler Skaggs (Los Angeles Angels pitcher).
Let’s take a look at some numbers from the past year: I ended 2019 with 486 art blog followers ( up from 431 ), 472 lifestyle blog followers ( up from 420 ), & 274 subscribers + 121,601 views ( up from 244 & 88,153 ). To be honest, those numbers are disheartening. I didn’t see significant growth in 2019, & that is a knife to my heart. That being said, I accept partial blame. Even though some rough patches were out of my control, others fall on me. I felt unmotivated for most of the year which led to getting behind on work & producing content months after production. It was a quarter life crisis that really got to me, & I’m determined to be much better this year. This is a new decade, a new chapter in my life, a chance to refocus & reap more fruit from my labor. 2020s, I’m about to kick butt & take names. Watch out! 💥
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It is time to say goodbye to the past year and look ahead to a brand new chapter. Out with the old & in with the new! I know this has not been a great year of consistency on my blog, and for that I am deeply sorry. I can only promise to try my very best to do better in 2019 and move on. Walk with me down memory lane & see what my year looked like:
Farewell to Anita Shreve (author of “Stella Bain”), Aretha Franklin (singer), Barbara Bush (former First Lady), Billy Graham (evangelist), Burt Reynolds (actor), Charles Lazarus (founder of Toys “R” Us), Dorcas Reilly (creator of green bean casserole), George H.W. Bush (41st president of the United States), Jerry Maren (Wizard of Oz), John Mahoney (Frasier), John McCain (politician & Vietnam War veteran), Kate Spade (designer), Ken Berry (actor), Ed King (co-writer of “Sweet Home Alabama”), Luis Valbuena (baseball player, former Los Angeles Angel), Mike Taylor (Walk Off the Earth), Nanette Fabray (actress), Penny Marshall (Laverne & Shirley), Scott Wilson (Walking Dead), Sigi Schmid (former LA Galaxy coach), Stan Lee (comic book editor, publisher, & writer, co-created Dr. Strange & Spider-Man with Steve Ditko), Stephen Hillenburg (creator of Spongebob Squarepants), Steve Ditko (comic book artist & writer, co-created Dr. Strange & Spider-Man with Stan Lee), & Verne Troyer (Austin Powers movies, Jingle All the Way, & Men in Black).
Let’s take a look at some numbers as inspiration for the coming year: I ended 2018 with 431 art blog followers (up from 357), 420 lifestyle blog followers (up from 346), & 244 Youtube subscribers / 88,153 views (up from 188 & 72,815). I look forward to growing my internet family in 2019. Onward & upward! ➡️ ⬆️
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Some of you may be sorrowfully singing “Where are you Blooogmaaas??” Apologies for my sudden exit from the festivities. I had to work every day leading up to Christmas, and most of my time at home was spent relaxing and sleeping (in between uploading pre-filmed Youtube videos & reading to reach my 2017 goal). I hope you enjoyed what I was able to post in December. If it makes you feel a little more warm & fuzzy on the inside, I will be doing a Christmas do-over in January to make up for my low spirit during the actual holiday season. Basically I’ll be catching up on all the cheesy movies I didn’t watch. Moving on to the subject at hand. The new year has arrived so it’s time to take a look back at the past twelve months:
Farewell to Adam West (Batman), Christopher ‘Big Black’ Boykin (Rob & Big, Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factory), David Cassidy (Ruby & the Rockits), Della Reese (Thats So Raven, Touched by an Angel), Don Rickles (Toy Story franchise), Heather North (Scooby Doo franchise), Jerry Lewis (Martin and Lewis), Jim Nabors (The Andy Griffith Show, The Carol Burnett Show), June Foray (DuckTales, Looney Tunes, Mulan, Rocky & Bullwinkle), Mary Tyler Moore (The Dick Van Dyke Show), Peter Sallis (Wallace & Gromit), Rose Marie (The Dick Van Dyke Show), and Sir Roger Moore (James Bond franchise).
The numbers aren’t why I do what I do, but it’s inspiring to see how far I’ve come. I ended 2017 with 357 art blog followers, 346 lifestyle blog followers, & 188 Youtube subscribers (72,815 views). I hope to add many more to my internet family in the coming year. Onward & upward! ➡️ ⬆️
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• I celebrated the one year anniversary of my bachelor’s degree – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/college-graduation-one-year-later/
– October –
• CBS cancelled “Stalker” and broke my heart – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/05/09/rip-stalker/
• I visited Orlando, Florida, and Disney World for the first time with my family:
• I was finaly able to say “I’m feelin’ 22” – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/11/06/im-feeling-22/
• I got a job!! (my first job in retail) – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/11/07/may-the-odds-be-ever-in-your-favor/
– December –
• A mass shooting occurred in my state – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/12/05/why-i-pray/
• I witnessed my first crime – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/12/17/merry-christmas-ya-filthy-animal-blogmas-2015/
• This blog passed the 200 follower mark – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/12/01/blogmas-day-1-210-followers/
• I found out Michael Flatley is coming to California – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/12/05/lord-of-the-dance-blogmas-2015/
• I saw “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” and it was everything I expected and much much MORE – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2015/12/26/merry-force-be-with-you/
• I reached 15 subscribers on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCic1VLw_OuW2fzDQ88oi_AA
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Farewell to Chris Carney (husband of actress Tiffany Thornton), Dean Jones (Jailhouse Rock, Monkeys Go Home, Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style), Donna Douglas (The Beverly Hillbillies), Jonathan Crombie (Anne of Green Gables trilogy), Maureen O’Hara (The Parent Trap), Omar Sharif (One Night With the King), Sir Christopher Lee (Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit trilogy), Stuart Scott (ESPN anchor), and Taylor Negron (So Little Time).
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Because I love Christmas, December is somewhat of a comfort zone for me. After the holidays end, I find myself coming off of a high and getting anxious in the face of a new year spread out in front of me. The unknown scares me beyond words, but life goes on. 2015 was full of major life changes, and I hope to settle down and find normalcy in 2016.
Happy New Year readers! :)
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January 24 – I went to The Roadshow with my mom and best friend Lydia; our favorite bands were We as Human, Third Day, and Skillet. Afterwards we had a late night dinner at McDonald’s. Fun times! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTJkvirgnbI –
March – I started my internship with Shakar Photography. I loved working with my boss Ambreen, her husband Shalin, and her other assistant Kayla. I not only met new friends but also experienced my first Indian wedding. This is a job I will never forget! – http://shakarphotography.com/# –
May 1 – God performed a miracle, and I passed my driving test. Bonus: I still HATE driving!!
September 22 – My wisdom teeth were removed. Not too bad!
September 29 – God performed yet another miracle, and I graduated from The Art Institute of Dallas with honors. My degree was bachelor’s, my major was photography, and my portfolios were conceptual (Nymph) and landscapes (Deep in the Heart) respectively. – https://laurenmichelelifestyle.wordpress.com/2014/09/20/lauren-michele-photography-portfolio/ –
October 5 – Greg Laurie brought Harvest America to the American Airlines Center in Dallas. It was a fun night with my mom. – http://harvestamerica.com/ –
November 5 – I turned twenty-one. So much power, so much responsibility!!
December 2 – My family lost a very dear friend, Shelly Bowles. It was sad for us to lose him, but he is in Heaven now with no more cancer.
Sadly, many notable people passed away in 2014. I would like to take this time to remember them, specifically those who influenced my life in someway: Ann B. Davis (Brady Bunch), Casey Kasem (Original voice of Shaggy Rogers), Christine Cavanaugh (A Flintstone Family Christmas, Aladdin, Babe, Darkwing Duck, Dexter’s Laboratory, Hercules: The Animated Series, Recess, Rugrats, The Powerpuff Girls, The Wild Thornberrys), Chuck Smith (Founder of Calvary Chapel), James Garner (Elderly Noah, The Notebook), Joan Rivers (Fashion Police), Maria von Trapp (Inspiration for Sound of Music), Mickey Rooney (National Velvet, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Black Stallion, Night at the Museum), Norman Bridwell (Creator of Clifford the Big Red Dog), Philip Seymour Hoffman (Hunger Games), Richard Bull (Nels Oleson, Little House on the Prairie), Robin Williams (Aladdin, Hook, Mrs. Doubtfire, Night at the Museum, Noel), Russell Johnson (The Professor, Gilligan’s Island), Shirley Temple (Heidi), and Sid Caesar (Coach Calhoun, Grease).
I am not on for making resolutions but what the heck!! In 2015, I would like to…
1. Get a job (preferably one involving lots & lots of books)
2. Pay off some of my college debt (A scholarship falling from heaven would be nice)
3. Blog more consistently (I am trying!)
4. Write a book (Already started)
5. Get back in shape (the “Freshman Fifteen” has got to go; it is time!)
I made some very realistic resolutions, most of which I really need to accomplish. It will be fun to come back on December 31st, 2015, and discuss what I accomplished. I hope you all have a very fun & safe holiday.
Happy New Year readers! –Lauren Michele :)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35
Chanukah Sameach readers!! In honor of the first night of Hanukkah, I want to give you a VIP tour through my favorite Jewish holiday. If you did not read my post last year, here is the story of Hanukkah: The Jews were, at one time, oppressed by a Greek king; he killed Jews, outlawed their religion, and defiled the temple, their place of worship. Despite their small number and “underdog” status, Judah Maccabees and his army were successful in their rebellion. The temple was restored, and a celebration took place. There was only enough oil to light the temple menorah for one night, but the lamp miraculously burned for eight straight nights. That, ladies and gentlemen, is why we celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights.
Read or recite the following:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, Asher kideshanu b’mitzvotav, Vitzivanu, L’hadlik ner shel Hanukkah – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who made us holy through your commandments and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah lights
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, Sheh’asah nissim la’avoteinu, Ba-yam ha-heim, Ba-zman hazeh – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who performed wondrous deeds for our ancestors in those ancient days at this season
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam, shehecheyanu, v’ki-y’manu, v’higiyanu, lazman hazeh – Praised are You, Our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has given us life and sustained us and enabled us to reach this season (“The Hanukkah Blessings”)
I hope you have enjoyed Hanukkah 101. Now go make latkes and play dreidel. Stay kosher readers!! (See what I did there??)
– Lauren Michele :)
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ ” – John 8:12
Good evening readers! I am not really in a blogging mood tonight. However, I wanted to let you know that I am participating in Blogmas 2014 on my art blog for the next ten days. I am calling it “Artmas.” All of the art will be Christmas and/or winter related Here is a link to my first post: http://laurenmichelephotography.wordpress.com/2014/12/16/artmas-2014-danbo-the-robot/ If you would like to read posts related to art year-round, subscribe!! I will be back tomorrow. Stay merry readers!
– Lauren Michele :)
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso
Lauren Michele ❤️ 