tink makes art

I’m heading out a bit early this week. Strouse and I are leaving for Aruba on Friday! We are only gone until Tuesday, so you’ll be hearing more from me mid-next week. Do you have any travel plans for the weekend? I love this scene from Armageddon when the boys start singing “Leaving on a Jet Plane.”

photo by vanilla_coquelicot

A decision I made a few years ago, unintentionally hurt a close friend and has since caused a great distance between us.

This is not my usual blog post, but as I sit in front of my computer ready to write, this is where I am in this moment. “tink makes art is a place to share my life and work as well as the things that motivate and inspire me.” This story is my life, which motivates me to be real and inspires me to be something more…

I never thought I would be on her non-friend list (or anyone’s for that matter), but, based on circumstances, I think I am. I attempted to set things right with her, move forward, and be on good terms again, but my apology and hope to rekindle our lost friendship was seen as a lack of self-confidence and selfishness. It hurts me that I hurt her and hurts more that she hasn’t and may never forgive me. I am truly sorry for how my decision affected you, how it hurt you, and how it has tarnished our friendship. I think about you often. I think you are an amazing woman. Creative, funny, kind, adventurous, compassionate, and beautiful. Still among one of the coolest girls I know. Friend, I am sorry…

Readers,
What would you do if you were me? What’s on your heart in this moment?
♥ tink

We hosted a clothing swap at our house this past Friday night, which ended up being a HUGE success and A LOT of fun! A couple friends and my sister helped with the set-up. We arranged ropes in the trees to hang shirts, sweaters, jackets, dresses, and skirts, leaned an antique ladder against a tree in order to place the pants over the rungs, and used a bird cage to display the jewelry. There were tons of clothes! I think everyone left with at least one thing, with most people leaving with a bag full, or, in my case, two bags full. Today, I brought the remaining items to the Durham Rescue Mission. A total of 12 large, trash bags and 2 suitcases full of items were donated estimated at a value of $600!

Sean, Me, Jennifer, Dustin, and Laura on the Red Carpet!

Last weekend I went to New York City for the Tribeca Film Festival. My friend Jennifer’s brother, Dustin Thompson, is a filmmaker currently living in Los Angeles. His film, The Travelogues, was accepted into the Tribeca Film Festival (the only experimental film in the Festival), so we, of course, wanted to go to check it out and show our support! Thanks to Dustin, we got into the Filmmakers Lounge, after parties, and a couple films. We were able to really experience the Festival and all that it has to offer! THANK YOU, Dustin!

In addition to all the Tribeca happenings, we also ventured on our own to explore all the New York Highlights. It was Jennifer’s first time to the city, and I used to live there, so I showed her all the ins and outs, including how to see the Statue of Liberty up close for FREE while enjoying a cruise on the water (How you ask? Staten Island Ferry.), where to find the best mango margarita and Mexican corn in town (Hint: Cuban), and why there is so much hype about New York manicures (Psst: They’re surprisingly, extremely affordable!). It was an AMAZING trip full of good friends-new and old-great food, and beer, and awesome weather! Here are some photo highlights:

After Party at the Soho Apple Store

My Favorite NYC Restaurant

Dancing of the Big Piano at FAO Schwarz

Beautiful Tulips in Central park

Jennifer and I on the Brooklyn Bridge

Stephen, Jennifer, and I on the Staten Island Ferry

Part of the Crew at the Filmmakers Lounge

"Just Like Us" Comedy Show, Doha Tribeca Film Festival (Vince Vaughn?)

Friends from my Hometown: Lacey and Stephen :)

Our Makeup Stylist, Troi

NYC Rain...

Shake Shack...YUMMY!

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I am having another clothing swap next Friday, May 7th, at my house starting at 7PM! The first was a success, but this one will include more people and be way more organized! I’m setting up my home like a thrift store, with clothing rods, jewelry stands, cute signs/tags, etc. Here’s the pitch:

Ladies and Gentlemen, Clean out your closets and bring your unwanteds (clothes, shoes, jewelry, home goods, books, and anything else) to the Clothing Swap! You will benefit by not only getting rid of the things you never wear or use but also gaining a bunch of new threads! All leftover items will be donated to the Durham Rescue Mission to help those less fortunate. We win, and they win!

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

RSVP on Facebook!

I felt a need to post a few words on forgiveness. Sometimes it is hard to forgive. Sometimes it is hard when you don’t receive forgiveness. Remember, we are only responsible for ourselves. Reach down and find you, and then be you.

“Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life.” Joan Lunden, in Healthy Living Magazine

“Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were.” Cherie Carter-Scott, “If Love Is a Game, These Are the Rules”

“Forgiveness does not always lead to a healed relationship. Some people are not capable of love, and it might be wise to let them go along with your anger. Wish them well, and let them go their way.” Real Live Preacher, RealLivePreacher.com Weblog, July 7, 2003

My boyfriend’s family was visiting for Easter; and, every time his mom comes in town, I am amazed by how much gets done around the farm. Projects that would take us weeks or even months to accomplish, she sees to completion in just a few days. It is truly impressive, and I am truly thankful! One project, yes, just one project, this weekend was building a chicken coop. A perfect Easter project, don’t ya think? We currently have 27 chicks but plan on keeping about 12 of them and selling the rest. Here is their new home…