So back in Nov. I had just gotten back into town after being gone almost the whole fall. I heard there was a Carrie Underwood concert coming through Spokane in Feb. She is probably my favorite female country artist, and I just adore her. I really am not star-struck by celebrities and I certainly do not worship them! I find that strange and unhealthy for people to love someone so much that they've never met and probably won't ever meet. But I do think Carrie Underwood is a beautiful girl inside and out. I love her music, style, and I love that she shares her faith. And honestly, she's the only artist I've ever said I'd like to meet one day. I don't know why, and I don't even know what'd I'd ask her, lol.
Anyway, by the time I heard about the concert, there were no tickets left, or that is, that I could afford. The concert was selling out, and fast. So, with the busy holiday season approaching and much other more important things in my life going on, I put it aside. Even though it's someone I'd LOVE to see in concert, I decided it wouldn't be worth it unless I had great seats! The cheapest tickets at that time were incredibly expensive. (For me, during Christmas. ;)
Fast forward to Feb.
The day before her concert, I heard on the news, followed up by Facebook friends, that Underwood was hanging out in downtown Cd'A, and shopping in stores I go into often. Just two mins from my home. I was so sad I wasn't downtown, and was jealous that so many others got to just "run into her" in shops. But I never have moments like that. Haha! I was sounding a little selfish, but I was so jealous!
I checked for last min tickets online and I couldn't even find any. So once again, I gave up. I just decided to wait to see her another time, and it wouldn't be the end of my life.
Thursday morning, day of concert, I received a text from a someone about how TicketsWest had released some open seats for sale. I looked online, but it didn't list anything. And for a sold out show, I figured if any tickets opened up, they'd be gone in a flash. Well, about 4ish hours later, I left work, and heard on the radio that tickets were still available. Not really believing it, I went ahead and called TicketsWest, and 2mins later, had confirmation that there were floor section seats available for about a third of the original price. I was stunned, and hurriedly called my sister. I told her, asked her if she'd want to go with me, waited while she called her husband (to figure out kid details) and called back to reserve the tickets. Then I rushed through the rest of Costco, (where I was buying them over the phone, while trying to pick out avocados) hurried home, changed clothes and headed back out to meet my sister and head to Spokane.
We had a blast! It was a really awesome concert, well put together and well done by Carrie herself. She is one artist who can really perform great live! I sang along to the songs, took a bunch of photos on my iphone, enjoyed being with my sister, and enjoyed a beer. (What?! It's a country concert, ya gotta have at least one! ;) our seats were on the floor section, but back a ways. They were good seats, but me being short, I still had the unfortunate view of a few very tall people that blocked the center stage :/ but it don't ruin my night. Because, really, I was just happy that I was able to be there.
So why was I so stoked?! Why was I freaking out when I realized I was actually going? It's just a concert. It's just another famous singer, with talent and good looks. Why do I care so much? I guess I've gotten pretty excited at most concerts I've attended. Probably because where I live, we don't get too many big events through town. And even less that you're able to attend, or want to attend. But still, why was it so exciting and so fun?
Here's what was going through my mind at the concert, after, and today.
Humans just have a natural instinct to get excited when there are a few thousand other people excited about the same thing. If one person is, it builds and builds. (See my post from fall 2012 about excitement building up)
I still don't think it's healthy when I see 14 and 15-year-old girls practically crying just trying to get an Instagram "like" from their favorite celebrity. It's weird and sad.
Maybe it's because if you don't know Jesus, you long to adore something so big and so great. It's in our nature. We were created to be in the image of Christ. So we all want to worship something and someone. (I just won't raise my kids believing that a celebrity has that much meaning in their life.)
But I do understand how it's fun to just enjoy being that excited. I really appreciated it last night during the concert when Underwood spoke of some of her songs changing peoples lives and how that meant so much to her...followed by her two songs that describe God in our lives. {Jesus Take The Wheel & Temporary Home} Underwood is not quite as outgoing about her faith like some. She's honest about it but doesn't make it a huge priority to let it be known loud and clear. I would appreciate it and like her that much more if she did. But, she doesn't lie about it, and I can appreciate it for that much.
I was standing there listening during one of the songs, and just started watching other people. I looked all around me. The Spokane arena, full. And everyone was cheering, yelling, singing, screaming... I thought *Wow.. What it must be like to stand up there, being so well known, and having an arena with a few thousand people screaming for you. How do you even begin to comprehend that?" And this is just one stop on her Blown Away tour. Multiple cities...tons more people. Then I thought *I wonder how God feels when a huge group of people are worshiping him* I have been to Creation, a Christian music festival, a few times. And it was amazing to look around and hear thousands of people singing a worship song together, to Him.
But even if it's not a few grand, if it's just your church of a couple hundred? He still hears. And if it's just you by yourself? Yeah, He still hears it. And I'm willing to guess He loves it just as much. ;)
As a believer in Christ, I want to express my excitement and love for Him like so many people express for so many celebrities. Sure, its pretty fun to meet a movie star, or get backstage tickets to a concert of the biggest band of 2013, or even become the winner of one of the big TV singing contests. But no matter how big that person might seem now, they are still nobody compared to Jesus, and they will mean nothing when we come face to face with the God of the universe. (I'm not trying to make that sound so unpleasant. It's just the reality of it.) He does love us, even though we are small specs. So why not let Him know you love him back? Because unlike Miss Carrie Underwood, God actually hears you tell Him. She's sweet but she can't be everywhere at once, talking and listening to everyone everywhere, all the time. ;)
t.
Showing posts with label Spokane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spokane. Show all posts
Friday, February 22, 2013
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
I'm So Blessed To Have Lived Here.
Everyone is always asking each other, "City or Country?"
Ok, sure, most people either live in a city, or out in the country. But we all know that there are plenty of towns that are neither. And not every city is New York City. But not every town is a one stop light so-small-you-know-everyone kind of town. There is an in between, or even a few. My town, is one of those in between ones. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Most people not from here can't even pronounce the name correctly. (It's French, btw, for Heart of an Awl.) Anyway, I happen to think it's one of the best places on Earth! Really, the whole Northwest is quite a beauty. But let me give you a look at just my hometown.
I love to visit big cities, take in the mass amount of people, advertisements, sky scrapers, and taxi drivers. However, the traffic gets old, the people get annoying, and there's just so much, too much, everywhere you go.
Out in the middle of no where, I find myself loving the peaceful, quite, and serene life, surrounded by the mountains, trees, and the wild life. However, it has it's downsides, like the amount of time driving, the thought of no one near in case of emergency, and the grocery store is just a bit too far away for my taste.. for a quick fix of chocolate.
But here at home, I'm perfectly happy. Cd'A is not huge, we don't have sky scrapers, or even many 4 story buildings at that, we don't have every fancy restaurant chain, or a big shopping mall, and we certainly don't have bad traffic. (That's my favorite part.)
The Panhandle of Idaho:
We are content with what we do have. Because what we do have is beautiful! We have many natural big lakes, mountains, and ski mountains, and we have four seasons. Sure, not every year we get four perfect equal seasons.. some years we don't get very much snow, and some years, our spring gets ignored, and a long winter jumps to summer. But for the most part, we pretty much have it all. And there's just something so nice about having each season. There's more to enjoy. :)
Downtown Cd'A:
Our downtown is not where our big businesses are arranged, but where our tourists (and yes, we get lots of tourists,) gather most. We have a tall hotel, The Coeur d'Alene Resort, that over looks Lake Coeur d'Alene, the marina just below, the public beach and a few parks, and then a main street, called Sherman Ave., that is the place to be. Local shops with clothing, home decor, or touristy things line Sherman Ave. alongside cafes, bars, coffee shops, and a moose or two.
Summer Days:
In the summer time, downtown is full of people, young and old, tourist and local. Tubb's Hill is next to downtown and it's covered in hiking trails and large rocks to jump off of into the lake. The main park is covered with kids, birthday parties, concerts, and picnics. There are boats all over the lake, and even a floating plane.
Special Events:
Every summer, we have what we call "Art on the Green." It's an open to public festival for artists to showcase their work. But because it's such a big deal, and everyone gathers downtown for it, Cd'A has a large amount of vendors who set up all the way from Sherman Ave. (which is closed off during the weekend) down to and through the park, and across to North Idaho College's campus (which is where the real art is located.) People come down, walk through the tent set ups, and shop a bit, grab food or a refreshment drink, and just hang out. It's very fun, and there are always lots of people, free concerts, and fun activities.
Random fact:
I like to tell people about our city's fascination with floating objects... ;) We have three main floaters: The longest floating boardwalk in the country, a floating restaurant (that has the best ever lobster bisque,) and the famous Floating Green! An actual (playing) part of the Cd'A Resort Golf Course.
Winter Season:
In the winter time, it's a whole new feel. People tend to migrate in the cozy coffee shops when the weather starts to cool. But the best night of all, (I think it's my most favorite night downtown,) the city, and some friends from near by, all gather downtown. It always happens the day after Thanksgiving. A Christmas parade marches it's way down Sherman. Everyone is there bundled up in warm coats, hats and gloves, while the kiddos watch for the parade partakers (normally local businesses, churches, and City of Cd'A officials) as they sing, dance, march or just wave. After that, everyone walks just past the street, and gathers in front of the Resort, with hot chocolate in one hand, and a ready-to-be-lit-candle in the other, we sing along with carolers (on mics) and sing Christmas songs. Finally, as the last song is about to begin, everyone lights their candle, and we all sing Silent Night together. It's pretty amazing. Once the song has ended, we count down from ten, and a huge firework production, out over the lake, begins. They play Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music, and we all "ooo" and "ahhhh" together. As soon as the fireworks have blasted their last, over 1.5 million lights appear down the whole boardwalk, and the trees along the main streets, and a big tree on top of a main building comes to life. It is the largest on-the-water resort holiday light show in the country. And it's a special treat to see! The Christmas lights and decor are up for the whole season to enjoy.
We also get to enjoy what Spokane Washington, just a good 40mins away, has to offer. It's a bigger city, with better shopping and a beautiful fun view of the Spokane river (which flows out and from Lake Cd'A). They hold fun events, including the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the nation, called HoopFest. But you can just Google Spokane if you must.
I'd rather spend my time writing about my favorite hometown, and why I love it here so dearly. There is so much to enjoy here, (Oh! Did I mention we have NO poisonous snakes?!? It's PERFECT here.) and if you are from here, then you know exactly what I'm talking about! ;) I love to travel, and I do often. I love seeing other cities, and enjoying what they have to offer that we don't, but no matter what, at the end of the day, I'm always happy to come home. :)
t.
Ok, sure, most people either live in a city, or out in the country. But we all know that there are plenty of towns that are neither. And not every city is New York City. But not every town is a one stop light so-small-you-know-everyone kind of town. There is an in between, or even a few. My town, is one of those in between ones. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Most people not from here can't even pronounce the name correctly. (It's French, btw, for Heart of an Awl.) Anyway, I happen to think it's one of the best places on Earth! Really, the whole Northwest is quite a beauty. But let me give you a look at just my hometown.
I love to visit big cities, take in the mass amount of people, advertisements, sky scrapers, and taxi drivers. However, the traffic gets old, the people get annoying, and there's just so much, too much, everywhere you go.
Out in the middle of no where, I find myself loving the peaceful, quite, and serene life, surrounded by the mountains, trees, and the wild life. However, it has it's downsides, like the amount of time driving, the thought of no one near in case of emergency, and the grocery store is just a bit too far away for my taste.. for a quick fix of chocolate.
But here at home, I'm perfectly happy. Cd'A is not huge, we don't have sky scrapers, or even many 4 story buildings at that, we don't have every fancy restaurant chain, or a big shopping mall, and we certainly don't have bad traffic. (That's my favorite part.)
The Panhandle of Idaho:
We are content with what we do have. Because what we do have is beautiful! We have many natural big lakes, mountains, and ski mountains, and we have four seasons. Sure, not every year we get four perfect equal seasons.. some years we don't get very much snow, and some years, our spring gets ignored, and a long winter jumps to summer. But for the most part, we pretty much have it all. And there's just something so nice about having each season. There's more to enjoy. :)
Downtown Cd'A:
Our downtown is not where our big businesses are arranged, but where our tourists (and yes, we get lots of tourists,) gather most. We have a tall hotel, The Coeur d'Alene Resort, that over looks Lake Coeur d'Alene, the marina just below, the public beach and a few parks, and then a main street, called Sherman Ave., that is the place to be. Local shops with clothing, home decor, or touristy things line Sherman Ave. alongside cafes, bars, coffee shops, and a moose or two.
Summer Days:
In the summer time, downtown is full of people, young and old, tourist and local. Tubb's Hill is next to downtown and it's covered in hiking trails and large rocks to jump off of into the lake. The main park is covered with kids, birthday parties, concerts, and picnics. There are boats all over the lake, and even a floating plane.
Special Events:
Every summer, we have what we call "Art on the Green." It's an open to public festival for artists to showcase their work. But because it's such a big deal, and everyone gathers downtown for it, Cd'A has a large amount of vendors who set up all the way from Sherman Ave. (which is closed off during the weekend) down to and through the park, and across to North Idaho College's campus (which is where the real art is located.) People come down, walk through the tent set ups, and shop a bit, grab food or a refreshment drink, and just hang out. It's very fun, and there are always lots of people, free concerts, and fun activities.
Random fact:
I like to tell people about our city's fascination with floating objects... ;) We have three main floaters: The longest floating boardwalk in the country, a floating restaurant (that has the best ever lobster bisque,) and the famous Floating Green! An actual (playing) part of the Cd'A Resort Golf Course.
Winter Season:
In the winter time, it's a whole new feel. People tend to migrate in the cozy coffee shops when the weather starts to cool. But the best night of all, (I think it's my most favorite night downtown,) the city, and some friends from near by, all gather downtown. It always happens the day after Thanksgiving. A Christmas parade marches it's way down Sherman. Everyone is there bundled up in warm coats, hats and gloves, while the kiddos watch for the parade partakers (normally local businesses, churches, and City of Cd'A officials) as they sing, dance, march or just wave. After that, everyone walks just past the street, and gathers in front of the Resort, with hot chocolate in one hand, and a ready-to-be-lit-candle in the other, we sing along with carolers (on mics) and sing Christmas songs. Finally, as the last song is about to begin, everyone lights their candle, and we all sing Silent Night together. It's pretty amazing. Once the song has ended, we count down from ten, and a huge firework production, out over the lake, begins. They play Mannheim Steamroller Christmas music, and we all "ooo" and "ahhhh" together. As soon as the fireworks have blasted their last, over 1.5 million lights appear down the whole boardwalk, and the trees along the main streets, and a big tree on top of a main building comes to life. It is the largest on-the-water resort holiday light show in the country. And it's a special treat to see! The Christmas lights and decor are up for the whole season to enjoy.
We also get to enjoy what Spokane Washington, just a good 40mins away, has to offer. It's a bigger city, with better shopping and a beautiful fun view of the Spokane river (which flows out and from Lake Cd'A). They hold fun events, including the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the nation, called HoopFest. But you can just Google Spokane if you must.
I'd rather spend my time writing about my favorite hometown, and why I love it here so dearly. There is so much to enjoy here, (Oh! Did I mention we have NO poisonous snakes?!? It's PERFECT here.) and if you are from here, then you know exactly what I'm talking about! ;) I love to travel, and I do often. I love seeing other cities, and enjoying what they have to offer that we don't, but no matter what, at the end of the day, I'm always happy to come home. :)
t.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Wedding Bliss
This summer, I was interning with Alisa Lewis Event Design + the Attic, a vintage rental company. And it was a blast! I learned and experienced so much! Here are just a few captured moments of why I absolutely love what I do.
All photos are from my iPhone. For all photographer's work, credits, and more, check out the Attic
All photos are from my iPhone. For all photographer's work, credits, and more, check out the Attic
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