Engagement Photos

Hi everyone,

I have the best intentions to blog quite a bit in the near future to update you on our wedding, honeymoon, and life in general. For now, I'd like to share a link with you of our engagement photos taken by Andy Donnan out of Augusta, GA.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! I'll be in touch soon!

http://www.donnanphotography.com/engagements/shannon-madison-engaged/#more-4393

As Lucky As a Clover

I stumbled upon this draft that, in life's business, I never got around to posting. I wrote it on 10/11/10 but still wanted to share it with you all.
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Last night, it was brought to my attention that today is 10/10/10. I thought to myself, this has to be a lucky day. Only occurring once every thousand years, this day must be as lucky as finding a 4-leaf clover! The only time I EVER found one of those was in the 4-H logo, though as a kid, I definitely wasted time searching for a real one. The 4-leaf clover is rare, thus leading us to believe it's lucky. This date, 10-10-10, only occurs once every thousand years, so can see why I think it would be so special.
But it got me to thinking about how life doesn't depend on finding a penny heads up, finding a 4-leaf clover, or all three components of a date being the same number. I think it's rare that people really get that every single decision we make is important, even something as small as whether or not we smile at a stranger. You want to be lucky? Be one of the few that takes these small gestures to heart. Treat every word you speak as though it can make a difference, because it can. Greet everyone with kindness, you never know what troubles they may be privately facing. Always be honest with yourself and others. Your experiences, even if you aren't proud of them, can help others. Besides, sharing your soul, well that's pretty rare too. Create your own luck in the decisions you make daily, and pass it on to others. Let your life be a living prayer and testimony for everything you believe in.
The bottom line is, you never know when the slightest thing you do may make a difference.


A clover is just a clover unless it has 4 leaves. But, though a clover cannot choose to grow 4 leaves, we can choose to grow into the person we want to be and the things we do are just one decision and action away, every second.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Dad Always Said..

Ever since I can remember, dad has always said, "Lord willing, we'll be there." or "Lord willing, we'll do (such and such)". Now I know why.

Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a

city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.

For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little

time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord

will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your

boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to

do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

-James 4:13-17

Folks, that's food for thought.

Sleep Paralysis

For years now, or since about 7th grade from what I remember, I have had frequent nightmares that are so frightening, they leave me fearful of sleep. No matter how hard I try I can't move, ask for help, or wake up. This happened again today and it was scarier than ever. I would try to scream for help but could never get anything out, I would try to open my eyes, but each time would prove unsuccessful yet at the same time, it felt like my eyes were already opened. It's like being awake in a nightmare, if that makes sense. I don't feel like I can really relay the fright and fear felt during something like this. So after this happened today, I began googling symptoms and discovered that there is a name for the condition: Sleep Paralysis. This article describes it well:
http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1740


This next article says that it most often occurs when lying on your back, which is my sleeping position whenever this occurs. It also encourages talking to others about it, so in case you've ever battled this fright, read this article which offers several prevention methods.

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/exchange/node/1740

-Shan

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

First Publication!

My first article has been publish to The Alchemist, Brenau's Online Student Publication I was previously telling you about! I have included the link below so that you can check it out if you'd like: My article is the 1o Tips on the bottom of the home page. In the future, I will be writing for the Arts & Entertainment section as well as motivational articles under Opinion & Editorial. Hope you enjoy!

http://intranet.brenau.edu/dnn/StudentServices/Alchemist20/tabid/408/Default.aspx

Just A Quick Update

In high school, I always loved to be active and take leadership in clubs and various activities so likewise, in college I wanted to do the same. Finding a way to be involved as an off campus student has not proven successful, until now! A week ago yesterday, I went to visit my college campus, Brenau University, and to meet with the editor of it's online publication, The Alchemist. Yesterday, I sent in my first 2 articles for editing and today, received wonderful feedback. I am officially a staff writer for my college's online paper, and I'm SO excited about it! They are currently working on improving the website and will be publishing sometime next week. As soon as they do, I'll be sure to post a link in case you're interested in reading.

More details to follow!

Madison and I have currently taken on a small side project, making guitar string jewelry, in which all proceeds go towards our wedding and honeymoon.

If you read my blogs, you're aware that my biggest goal in life is to make a difference. Today I'm offering you the opportunity to do the same. Purchase this set (earrings not pictured) for $20, wear it to promote breast cancer awareness, and 20% goes to Susan G. Komen For The Cure.

$20-

August means getting back in the swing of school, and getting back into the swing of school means that football season is beginning. Show your spirit for the Georgia Bulldogs with this $15 set. >>

$15-

Purple is royalty. A mysterious color, purple is associated with both nobility and spirituality.

$15-

This clear beaded bracelet with a wing charm serves as a reminder to always dare to chase your dreams. It's only when you chase your dreams that they're within your reach. >>

$15-

Shades of brown, bronze, and auburn are perfect for the upcoming Fall season.

$15-

For as the heavens are higher than the Earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. -Isaiah 55:9 >>

$15-

I love skeleton keys.

$15-

All items are limited in quantity. If you have any

questions or would like to place an order, contact me at shannonnorman@mac.com. I do accept PayPal. Please note: to have an order shipped to you, add $2 to the price listed for shipping and handling.