One of the Patriots.

A friend of mine, Mary Claire Roman, is a talented photographer. I have a passion for costuming/ styling, which includes concept design, outfitting, hair, and makeup. I thought it would be incredibly fun if we paired up to create a photoshoot together, incorporating both of our talents and love for these creative arts. The following shots are the outcome of our collaboration. Our model and my best friend, Breanna Rathbun, was the perfect choice for the festive theme that I chose.


First, here are some images that led to my inspiration in the design of the shoot:










Here is the photoshoot:
Photographer: Mary Claire Roman
Styling/MUA: Me, Kourtney Jackson


























Keep looking out for some more collaborative shoots from Mary Claire and I in the near future!

Rock A Bye Baby.

For my Art & Design Major, I took the Drawing101 class last semester. Our final project had very specific, yet incredibly vague requirements: three separate pieces of separate mediums, all focusing on a new outlook of ANY topic. I actually really struggled choosing a topic. We were supposed to have chosen it near the beginning of the semester so that we could gain enough knowledge to really understand our topic. Some of the other students chose hypersensitive issues such as water pollution, the deception of the "American Dream", the seven deadly sins, and body image. I wrestled with topics that would interest me, but in all honesty, hypersensitive issues do not necessarily interest me unless they are about a moral issue. Even then, there was no way that I would have easily constructed visual art pieces from such ambiguous concepts. Ultimately, I chose the topic of abortion. I was not overwhelmingly looking forward to offending other's political or spiritual beliefs with my pieces, but we had to speak in favor of one side of the issue. Like any issue that is publicly debated, we come with our own preconceptions. Although, I attempted to look into the issue of abortion with more of an open-mind, seeking to find any kind of reasoning for upholding the benefits of it. With all of my research, I did not find any significant reasoning that made me want to advocate for abortion. It was actually quite contrary. Here are my final pieces:
Acrylic on Canvas 1
2
Charcoal on Canvas 1
2
Paper Mache 1
2
3

An Example, In Speech

I am one of several musicians at my church that assist in leading the congregation with worship music. We have been reading a book called "Worship Matters," by Bob Kauflin, and we gather together for lunch every month to discuss the previous chapter. It is a great time of prayer, reflection, and fellowship with other musicians and Christians. We met yesterday to go over the fifth chapter in the book, entitled, "My Life, What Do I Model?" It was a sobering discussion of the power of our careless words and actions. I was specifically challenged by a part of the chapter where the author points us to read James 3:8-10. It states:

"But no human being can tame the tongue. it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." James 3:8-10

The author then comments,
"He's right. 'These things ought not to be so.' But from the little I've heard and read, we seem increasingly comfortable with conversations that contain profanity and sexual innuendo. I've read blog posts by worship leaders that are slanderous and provocative. It could be an attempt to sound cool and relevant. Or it could be that we're just being foolish."

A bit later, the author continues, "It does mean taking responsibility for our words, written or spoken, and understanding that they influence others to fear God or ignore him. Jesus said we'll be held accountable for 'every careless word' we say (Matthew 12:36). That's why he wants us to set an example for others in our speech."

I'm learning again how powerful words can be. We have the choice to either influence people's lives in a positive way, or in a negative way. The sad thing is that when we are careless and don't make a conscience effort to tame our tongues, we are more likely to speak negatively than positively. That concept just reinforces the fact that humans are born sinners, and we NEED redemption. We are not naturally good beings, we have to work at it. So my sincere hope is that any of my words, whether in person, on facebook, or on this blog would be sound, gracious, truthful, and edifying. I am a broken person, full of flaws, but since I have been redeemed through the love of my Savior, I pray that my words will be made genuine and will be an overflow of my joy through salvation in Jesus Christ! I just thought I would share this with you.

A Blushing Bridal Shower.

My sister and I have been raised by a mother who loves to entertain. She loves to cook, bake, decorate, and design, which all come together fantastically when putting on a party. Us girls were taught from a young age the "appropriate" ways to host events, and with both of us adopting Mom's creative abilities, we cannot help but enjoy the gift of entertaining also.

My sister hosted a bridal shower for one of her closest friends, Lynsey, at the quaint condo that she shares with her husband. Kamden planned to decorate according to the theme she had chosen, based on the color red. She had stamped a red strawberry onto every invitation and also requested that every attendee wore a pair of red shoes to the afternoon get-together. I thought that was such a darling idea and as soon as my sister told me her plans, I instantly wanted to be put to good use.

Kam stayed within a relatively tight budget and managed to collect simple additions from discount stores, thrift shops, and the fabulous Trader Joe's that completed the "blushing" feel of the party. The sister of the bride, Kaylee, and I came the day before the event and assisted Kam with making some of the decor. Kamden had the best assortment of good things to eat, from a spinach salad with berries and cheese strata with ham and tomatoes, to lemon bars and a raspberry tart. Several jars and vases filled with vibrant Ranunculus flowers were placed throughout the kitchen and living room. Kam also requested that I take some photos of the event, and I was glad to be used in that way. After I found out that my memory card was missing from my SRL, I managed to take a few good shots with a simple point and shoot. It was a fabulous occasion. Here's a look at Lynsey's bridal shower:

A variety of little red candies for the party favors

Praying for the Lord's blessing over Lynsey and Jeremy's marriage

Hungry, anyone?

The lovely bride-to-be.





Kaylee (on left) creatively wrapped her gift to her sister.