Catching up.

It is safe to say I have been literally all over the place the past few months. I mean literally all over the place. Let me get you back up to speed and try again to make this a place that I love coming to.

- I got a promotion. A promotion that came with the cost of losing a really good friend/work buddy, who moved on to another state, but I am so excited about this position and everything that comes with it. 

- It keeps me busy, not just a little busy like I was before, but all out busy. Working all during the week, plus livestock shows, horse shows or other events on the weekends. Life has changed in these parts, but definitely for the better.

- Yoga has taken a backseat. Yes, I said it. My teacher training has come to a grinding halt. I couldn't do it all. It takes a lot for me to say it, but it is true. I am working on my own practice and try to get to local classes as often as possible. I miss it if I am being honest. I am trying to find the best life balance right now, and it is a struggle but something that I am happy to have to struggle for. I hope to pick it up again one day when I can fit it in too, but for now I am happy improving on my own and finding myself in between the madness.

- Eating vegan is no longer something I am striving for. Yes, it did a lot of good for me. Yes, I might try it again for short periods of time to jump start clean eating or just to re-boot, but I still stand firm on my belief of there is nothing wrong with a little meat now and then. There is also nothing wrong with not eating meat. Choices are what make this life interesting and eating as a strict vegan (which only lasted a short time) made me feel awful about myself when I slipped up with my eating or had a glass of wine. I didn't like the guilt that I was feeling towards food and felt myself slipping back into scary habits and thoughts. I still am trying to eat healthy foods mainly during the week and even mostly vegetarian during the week, but the weekends are not going to be restricted. Not large quantities but just not over-thinking every little bite.

- My family and Andy have been so patient with my adjusting. I know that things have been different and I have been MIA lately, but their understanding means the world to me. I know that eventually I will have a better feel for all of my work and my time commitments, this is just the jumping in part. 

All in all, I really couldn't be happier. I am happiest when I am busy. I love my job, the people that I work with and for, and the new people I am meeting every day. I am so blessed to have this opportunity and I can't wait to see where it takes me.

If you are reading this... thanks for not leaving me. I promise to be better. (or at least try)

xoxo

Montana

3 Years Ago.

As much as I love being in this place and sharing with the few readers I have, I realize more and more each day that this is a place for me. A place to share where I am right now, the moods I am in, whats going on in my life, my relationships, mainly so one day I can look back. This will always be here. 
This weekend, 3 years ago, something happened that I know changed my life for the better. I met Andy. 
It was a tractor pull with new friends, a few(or too many) drinks, a two-step lesson, followed by a Facebook message a few days later. Who would have thought that a tag-along like me would have met someone like you? 
So tonight, and pretty much always, I am thankful for you, Andy. Thankful for a chance meeting, thankful for tractor pulls, Texas country music, and new friends.
Life is better since Andy is in it. He is the calm to my crazy, the planner to my "i don't know", one of the best men I have ever known, and a friend that I never knew I could have. He knows when to hug me, when to give me space, and when to push into that space and make me a better person. He forgives me when I mess up, laughs at (with) me when I have a moment, is always down for dancing. He likes to go as much as I do, constantly ready for a road trip, and makes me smile every single day.
Andy has also made my faith stronger each and every day, his relationship with the Lord makes me want mine to be better and better. The good Lord knew what he was doing when he put Andy in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. I love him and the person he has made me. I know now how relationships should be.

I usually try not to get too sappy on here, and only God knows our future, but I couldn't be more blessed to have such a wonderful man in my life. I can only smile thinking about it. 

I'm Still Here... I Promise

I don't know why I can't get a handle on all this go-go-go stuff. I love it, that's for sure, but I just need to be better about scheduling what free time I do have, and not crashing on the couch to watch trashy television. I need some ideas about what keeps you other bloggers going, how do you get so much done, while still working a full time job? I am wanting to put more effort into this space, to make it something bigger, but it is HARD. 

photo from Aunt Debbie's birthday party. good times.

I won't think about that today... I'll think about it tomorrow. 

Life Lately - According to my iPhone.

 I totally meant to have this up yesterday, but my internet failed me. Completely failed me. Pray for the people I have to talk to about it. AT&T seriously hates me. My service is always down. #firstworldproblems I know. Just needed to vent. Here are some photos. It's all I got in me today.

flower and a sickly looking arm

outfit with my thrifted purse. (in love)

mothers day arrangements for sale at the farm stand

scary face. (mine of course)

big smiles for a little cutie

flowers by my talented mother. flower photos are my jam

small town festivals with happy friends

graduation parties for a sweet bestie

cattle crossing on a rainy morning

birthday lunch edits with this favorite guy of mine

braves game with the best family ever

and him.

Love you all. Happy Thursday! It's almost the weekend!!

congrats kelsey!

This is just one of those moments you want to remember. A moment in my storybook of life that I get to share with all of you. This girl with me above has been my best friend for as long as I can remember. I cherish her and every memory we have ever made. She is graduating Vet School today at UGA. I am so proud of her and all the hard work she has put into the last 7 years. 
Just a little tidbit, make time for those you love, those who mean so much to you, and those who have made a difference in your life. I know Kelsey Savannah Pruitt has in mine. Love you Savene. Love, Montene.

Currently

It has been awhile since I did a currently post, but figured there is no time like the present. What better way to catch up with my blog life than to share a jumble of things going on right now. 
Currently...

#smithsdotugaloo2013

...skipping yoga and having a beer on the back porch while writing this. Sometimes it's nice to take a little break and forgetting workout clothes at home this morning made just that exact thing happen.  ...getting used to my brand new haircut, let's just say sometimes you just need to trim off a few inches (or six). Outfit/style post coming soon.  ...loving Spotify, and Garth Brooks has been on repeat today. Not sure why but its been nice to hear some older country. Speaking of, country music is extremely disappointing. I might get quite a few unfollowers for this one, but Taylor Swift has got to go. Along with all the other poppie wannabes. I liked country when country wasn't cool. What happened? ...thanking God for unanswered prayers (thanks Garth). Let's just say it's amazing the moments you go through in life and think that this is it. The good Lord has much bigger and better plans for you, and I am so thankful to have been blessed in those moments.  ...excited for a date night with A. Moments with him seem to be getting better and better. I just am so thankful to call him mine.  ... looking forward to a weekend staying put. Don't get me wrong, I am a goer. But this weekend I am exciting about staying right here. Enjoying the beautiful weather and having a few drinks on the porch while cheering on the Dawgs.  ... missing my sweet family. Pretty fall days make me miss them so much. I know afternoons like this would be spent working, laughing, and just enjoying each other. Growing up is hard.
So there is a little currently for you... I am gonna go enjoy my beer. Blessed to be able to share with you all. ooo, Montana

fall is upon us.

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Don't you just love the way that sounds? Life starts over? I will be honest, fall isn't my favorite season, sure I love the cooler weather, but that only means that winter is coming and winter is not my favorite at all. I like to be warm, always. But I have decided to embrace the fall weather heading our way and this quote just says it all. A new season this year, a new season in life. 

Last night I realized that I was lacking the sense of adventure this year, that I might have had in years past. I have had a pretty great year don't get me wrong, but I want to do something that scares me. I want to inspire others and inspire myself to be better each day. I used to keep a "bucket list" of the things I wanted to do, and maybe that was what pushed me, but in the everyday hustle and bustle I have found it harder and harder to be led towards my dreams. I have decided to post that list here. Maybe going back to it will help me find my passion in life. I think it is so easy to get into the mind set that this is it. I don't ever want that mindset, I want to be pushed in life, I want to figure out my dreams and follow them, I want to inspire others to follow theirs.

 Own my own actual shop/business.
 Go Skydiving
 Go on a trip with my grandparents
Ride a bull volunteer at a food bank during the holidays
Teach someone something I am good at
Dance in the rain with someone I love
Go to a Braves game
Live in a big city
Live at the beach
Buy a moped/vespa
Pay off my student debt early
Take a sister trip
Schedule one weekend a year with my girlfriends and keep it for at least 10 years straight.
Go to all 3 races of the Triple Crown
Cook an entire meal with things grown in my own garden.
Find a job that I love
Go to the airport and buy a ticket to the first place I think of
Travel somewhere by train
Live in a tiny town
Ride horses in Montana
Take a trip out West
Own a home
Own a horse and show again
go to California
be on television go to GA/FL Football game
read the entire Bible
go on a cruise
This list is by no means complete, but ever-changing, ever evolving. As for right now, I am about to get my day started. Blessed to hear the rain on the roof as I type this. Blessed to be in this spacing sharing my thoughts with you all. ooo, Montana

I want to...

I want to create, I want to inspire, I want to live. I want to be me, figure me out while being the best possible person I can.

It seems to be that my best words come at the weirdest times, last night when in the shower, I thought of the above. I just want to be me, to figure out my passions one day at a time. To understand where my heart lies and which direction the Lord is pointing me in. I want to live each day to its fullest, to make myself more aware of the pain and suffering around me and to do my best to bring a little joy to those that are going through those trials. My heart has been in a funny place lately, one where it seems content and happy with certain areas of my life, but lacks fulfillment in others. I have made it my goal to give more, smile more, and love more. To know that others out there have the same issues

I do, and that I have got it pretty darn good. I am blessed beyond measure. I know that. 

ooo, Montana

Moving out and Moving on

I wrote this post right before I moved out but had yet to share. It was in my drafts and just waiting to be published. I have since moved, but wanted to include my feelings during this time so that I may look back and remember. 
So here it goes, another adventure in this little life of mine. I am currently in the middle of packing up my little house and moving about 7 miles down the road. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know it isn't that far. But the memories of this little home I have created began flooding back the past couple of nights. Sometimes I find it so crazy just to think I have only been here two and a half years, yet others it is hard to believe I have been here this long. It seems like just yesterday I was leaving home, starting a completely different life for myself, becoming a grown-up, leaving behind a town full of memories and people that helped make me who I am today. It is the times when you are packing up that all the memories come pushing back into your brain. The ones of home and college, of growing and learning, of decision-making and decision-breaking. I went through some heartaches in this little home, right by myself. I did what I wanted here, I danced around in my underwear singing in a hairbrush, I have cried, I have been sick, heartbroken, crying, laughing, downing a bottle of wine just because, celebrated friend's marriages, gotten through bad relationships, and started the best one of all. All right here in this little home. 

july 2013

This home taught me so much, I learned about myself here more than anywhere I have lived so far and I was blessed to call this my home. Once again I am blessed to be here in this space and sharing my words with you. ooo, Montana

to create is to live

peach recipes to follow

After a weekend full of fun and sun, I came home to a box full of peaches. Peaches, I had bought last week for such a great deal and just couldn't pass up. As I stood in the kitchen, carefully peeling each one, slicing them into pieces and putting them into the freezer or to make jam, this thought ran across my mind. I like to create. I like to make things, from peach preserves to sewing a pillow, creating is where my heart lies most days. But in one way or another, don't we all just want to create? Create a better life for those that we have around us, create more things that bring us or our friends/family joy. Create this little space on the internet that we can call ours. Creativity is much more than being artsy or making something with your hands, its making anything that you can call your own. I want to create a better life for myself, one that is full of the things and people I enjoy, and I want to help those around me be there best creative selves. I am striving each day to make creative choices, ones that might seem different to those on the outside but are just right for me. I am hoping that the creativity in me inspires someone, either in my everyday life or here on the internet. Peaches... who knew they could spark such a thought? 

This is the second of my early morning posts, and I am starting to get the hang of it. So blessed to wake up each day to pour my heart out onto these pages. ooo, Montana

Starting Over...

Once again I am back staring at this blank screen trying to figure out the words needed to fill these pages. Words usually flow easily when I am not staring at this page but once I end up here they just stop right before they come out of my fingertips. 
So here it goes again, after almost 4 weeks without home internet, I got the break that I needed and have taken on a new perspective for this whole blogging thing. And it is starting today. Today as I sit on the back porch of my newly moved in house, my blogging will be different. Sure, I plan on sharing my outfits and things that I love but I also plan on sharing my thoughts on struggling to find my place in this world. From my ups and downs, highs and lows, I want to get it out of my brain and into this blank page. So to start it off right I would like to introduce myself.  

So I guess I will start with me. 

-First and foremost I am a Christian, yes I struggle with my exact beliefs and how it all fits together, but I also have faith that the Lord is watching over me, he sent his Son to die for me so that I may be born again. Yes, I sin daily, I make mistakes, I think things I shouldn't, but at the end of the day I know He is there.
-My family means everything to me, we are a little weird, we are a little crazy, but we are a family. As I have gotten older, I began to realize that everyone has things about them and their families that are different, those that seem perfect aren't and those that seem to be hanging on by a thread can usually hang on for a while. And while I once thought that we were the weird ones, we might all just be weird, just weird and different in our own ways. I am learning that love keeps everyone together.
-I am a talker, I like to speak to everyone, from the cashier at the grocery store, to the guy walking down the street, I try and make it a point to at least say hello, most times I even strike up a conversation. I just like to know about others, to know that they are okay, at least in that moment, and speaking to them usually shows me that. 
-I am indecisive. My Mama and I decided we would call it multi-faceted, because it sounds better. It probably sometimes comes off like I am non-committal or something like that, but I just like to think it is because I haven't found my niche yet. I haven't figured out that one thing that makes me tick. I am determined to reach it, to pull it into my arms and trust in my heart that I have found my thing, until then I will be multi-faceted.
-There are moments in time that I just like to stop. I make it a point to thank the Lord for those moments. I pray right then and there and tell Him thank you. All different things make me stop in those moments, from the most perfect sunset, to a sweet, sweet moment with Andy, to the times when my family is all gathered together and things seem like they couldn't get more amazing. I live for those moments.
-I like to dance, I am not usually very good at it, and only think I get better after a few cocktails, but I sure love to do it. I like to dance at weddings, at the bar, in my car, at home with Andy, and even by myself in the shower. I tend to think that dancing makes it all go away. It will always bring a smile to my face and a little two-steppin can turn my mood around in a nano second. ...
This list could easily go on for pages and pages but I think I will stop there. These are the first ones that come to mind when thinking of interesting (or uninteresting) things about myself. I like to read these kinds of posts about others, so I figured some may like to read these things about me to. I saw a bit of advice on a blog I read, "write a blog you would want to read", although now I am not sure whose that was on, so if you know please leave it in the comments. 
Anyway, I am back, and at a place of starting over once again. Blessed to be in this place, and blessed to find the words to fill these pages. ooo, Montana
linking up with Shanna.

Feeling: Like an Idiot

Let's talk about the time it rained everyday for about two plus weeks. Let's talk about the time when I was too preoccupied with thinking of other things, like packing, selling my furniture, moving, etc... to roll the windows up in my car. Let's talk about the time I walked outside and my mouth dropped open and I physically couldn't get my top lip to meet my bottom. 

I am officially going nuts. I left my windows down in my car last night when we got about an inch of rain. I mean it was pouring down. I even made comments to Andy about how much it was raining. And did I think about it raining in my poor, poor Edna? No. H.E.C.K. NO!  Here's hoping my Thursday get's better. I will not let a soaking wet car get to me. I am looking at this as a positive thing. Edna got that much needed bath that I have been putting off for weeks, plus she is getting detailed as we (or I) speak. Today I will have a very clean car when it is all said and done.  Crazy girl out.
<3 Montana

life in the present moment

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To say I might be obsessed is an understatement, my recent yoga classes have taken me over. Body, mind, and spirit. I am so happy to have found Allie, my instructor, as she guides me through this new journey of figuring out the lengths to which I am able to push myself. 

It is going to be hard for me to describe what my recent feelings about this new found love are, but I am going to try. Even before classes begin I am eager to get going, to feel the stretches, and to find that small spot between too much and not enough. As I enter class, I get to see the new familiar faces that I have come to know so much better, new friends, new yogis. And when we begin, I truly find myself only focusing on the present moment. The moment that I am in. It seems so easy during yoga to let go of the bothers in my head, to focus, and to find myself easing my mind of the days worries. I work harder each day to push myself a little more, to bend a little deeper through the forward folds, to hold a headstand for just a few seconds longer, to push through a shoulder stand, and just to grow with each class. When the class itself ends and we ready ourselves for shavansa, it is then that I find a greater inner peace. I am working on closing off my mind more at that point, to focus on my breath, and to find that spot where your mind is solely on the moment, but that is where I struggle. And when we are finished, I leave with a great relaxing feeling covering my body. I feel worked out but relaxed. Truth be told there are some moments during the class that I get jacked up, I want to dance to the music and I find myself tapping my toes to the sounds coming from the radio, I love these moments too, but it is the relaxation at the end that I feel most comforting.

I can also feel my body changing from the classes I am taking, my arm strength has improved tremendously and I feel my core tightening, while I am also becoming more aware of the way that my body pushes through the poses. I make mental notes to not cheat myself out of the moment, to make the most of each move, and to remember that in order to grow in my practices I must push myself daily. 

All in all, I feel so thankful for these random hours during the day. The ones that I always come out of feeling relaxed, more fit, and with a clearer mind for the rest of the day. Have any of you tried yoga? Does a certain type of exercise fit your personality more? I feel so thankful to have found something that I truly enjoy doing.

<3
Montana

oh yeah, if you are ever in the area or currently live in Madison and have been thinking about trying a yoga class, be sure to contact Allie through her website. She is seriously the best.

wandering

Source: soul-surfer.tumblr.com via Montana on Pinterest

my mind wanders continuously these days, from one idea to another. my problem has never been a lack of ideas, its more about finding one that i am truly passionate about and sticking with it. i wouldn't say that i am lazy, i just haven't found "my thing" yet. i don't struggle in the day to day, but it is the bigger picture that i have trouble with. i want to find that one thing that i am passionate about, the one thing that i cannot wait to get up and do each and every day. i want to find one thing that makes me excited, generates more and more ideas, and gives me happiness every time i think about it.  this might sound awful, but i am so jealous of those people that know. the ones that have careers that they love, or love raising their family. i hate the word jealousy. but the truth is, that what i am. i am working to combat that today and now more than ever. 

thankful thursday

it has been quite a while since i did a thankful thursday post and it is something that i def need to get back to. i try to think of things every day that i am thankful for. to remember how blessed and lucky i truly am. this place on thursdays should be somewhere that i write it all down.  i am thankful for: the sweet sweet man i have in my life. i couldn't be more proud of him lately for starting this business. go here to check out all his great shirts for that special guy in your life, heck even get one for yourself.  the family i have been so blessed with. yes i talk about them alot but they mean so much to me. seeing them over Christmas reminded me of how close we all are, no matter the circumstances. the growing faith i have that each and every little thing is gonna be alright. yes, we may go through things, yes they may be tough, but in the end you just make the most of it, learn that life and the Lord only gives you what you can handle. the food, roof over my head, car to drive, job to go to, shower to bathe in, and all the little things i get so caught up in that i forget to be thankful for. i am so blessed and so grateful to be so fortunate.

games, a stabbing, and a BEAUTIFUL mantle.

Here is a little bit of random for your Wednesday. I promise to be back to Crockpot Wednesday next week, I haven't used one until today for a little bit. But expect a full report and a recipe next week. Can't wait til then?? Check out these for now.

I cannot, I REPEAT, cannot stop playing Bejeweled on my phone. It is seriously a problem. Who knew that matching up different colors could be so fun. I try everything I can to just play the occasional game every now and then, but once I start I. MUST. PLAY. MORE. Does anyone else have this issue??

I finally ordered something different at the Mexican restaurant the other night. For anyone that knows me, I always get a Mini Taco Salad. Every time. I always want to mix it up, and I am pretty good about branching out and trying new foods, but don't mess with my Mexican. Don't tell anyone, but I ate there 4 times last week. Shhhh...










Last night, while working on a Christmas order. I finally sewed through my finger. That's right. That darn needle on my sewing machine stabbed right through the side of my finger. It bled some, but I think it was more the shock of it than anything. I kinda have been waiting on it to happen. A year and half that I have had my machine, I made it a long time I think.







My Mothers fall mantle, yes, I know Christmas is coming but this was our mantle for Fall and I just can't get enough. Those colors go perfect with the picture and I can't wait to have a house that I love enough to decorate. Renting puts so many limits on your decorating and I really want to paint my entire wood paneled house. Until then, I will have to just lust over my childhood home.








Until next time folks... Have a perfect Wednesday!!

Linking up today:
also with Jamie.

Red and Black all over.

Dress: Gap// Belt: Thrifted// Boots and Socks: Old Navy

GO DAWGS!

The above was my weekend.

In other news, lets discuss all the craziness that has been going on in my life lately. I am still stuck in my rut. Still trying, hoping, praying for a way out. Still trying to figure it all.

Hence my lack of blogging lately. I have found it a little crazy that any of you really like to read about what I do on the weekends or what clothing choices I would make if I had an unlimited budget. Do you really all enjoy that??

I started this blog with the hopes of figuring out what things I like and don't like. What do I want to push further with in my life, but lately I have seemed somewhat overwhelmed. Not enough time to do the things I love, see the people I love, or write down things I love. 

I am making a promise today to get back to the things that I love, to figure out this crazy life, and to enjoy every minute.

Thank you all for being patient with me.

If you don't already... 

follow me on Instagram.

BULLDAWGS, POT-BELLIED PIGS, AND NO PHONE

Just a little weekend in pictures for ya.

Friday night was spent with all things FALL. These things included pumpkin wheat beer, pumpkin carvings, and candy apples. We even had chili dogs for dinner. That giant pot of Crockpot Chili sure lasted the whole week. (look out for the recipe tomorrow)

Saturday morning, like all mornings I had to work, but was treated to a yummy brisket sandwich by a co-worker. The afternoon was spent resting and catching up with some sewing projects. I finally finished a Christmas order. That night we went to the Liberty Truck and Tractor pull, where I assisted Andy in selling t-shirts(only one). I also got to meet a pet pot-bellied pig on a leash named SaraBeth. She was hilarious and her owner even more so.

 PLUS THE GEORGIA BULLDAWGS KICKED SOME GATOR TAIL THIS WEEKEND!!

Sunday had no pictures, but after Sunday school we went with a bunch of friends for a late Birthday celebration for Andy. The boys rode go-carts all afternoon, while the girls played arcade games. I also spent almost an entire day without my phone because I left it at Andy's. I have to say, it was pretty nice. I hate that we all get so wrapped up in technology sometimes and it just makes perfect sense to take a day away from it.

What did you do this weekend? 

Is everyone ok from Sandy?? Thoughts and prayers with everyone in her path.

linking up with