Becca's Train of Thought

Young Soul

2011-02-19T00:29:00.000-08:00

So, I'm not really one of those snobby people to do book reviews, and I didn't just read Catcher in the Rye, but I just have rerealized what a great book it is.

That feeling of trying to hold on to innocence in a world where growing up is pushed upon you so quickly. It just captures how I feel about my life looking back on it so far. I've been chasing freedom through trying new things trying to get my fix on new feelings and excitement. But when you're little everything is the world is so new and intriguing and exciting.

Some people describe themselves as having an "old soul" or a "new/young soul" or whatever. I feel that I am the type of person who is a young soul. I feel like I can only learn from experience or the hard way. The song New Soul by Yael Naim depicts this perfectly.

I've been chasing freedom, but when I think back and try to think of the times when I felt the absolute free-est, I think of my youth. And not really entire stages or whatever, but almost photographic memories. I remember a sunny Sunday afternoon at our old house. Me and my sister had gotten McDonalds for lunch and the toy we got in our Happy Meals was a bubble maker thing. I remember running through the sunny yard making ginormous bubbles that looked like big shiny clear worms. It was bliss. So careless, so happy, so free from worries or any troubles. Everything was right in that moment of time.

I have other memories that depict this perfect feeling as well, but that is just one of them. I don't really know what I'm trying to explain here, except maybe that blissful feeling of freedom that everyone encounters in their youth. Growing up is not an easy thing to do. I understand and accept that I have no idea really what life is about or what I'm trying to accomplish in this lifetime that I have here on earth, but I guess that is the beauty of it. I suppose I just want to make as many memories like the one above as I can. I would like my life to be full of experience. I want to live on the edge and take things one step at a time. I feel like no one should waste their life planning it away, but just live it now. Things work themselves out. I feel like life is just this big adventure. I'm eager to see what is lying in wait. I suppose that's what keeps me going. You never know what will happen next.

And I don't regret any of the people I've met, or the places I've been, or the circumstances that have happened to me. Everything that I've experienced is what makes me the person I am today. And everyday I change more as I experience more things. It's like evolving. The ever changing present. It's a beautiful thing.

I'm not sure if there is a point to this blog entry or not, but I simply felt inspired to write. That's the only time I can write. I guess I'm just trying to let people into my mind a little, share some of myself and my experience with life. I feel like if I don't share it then there's no point to growing and learning things.

I just like this picture. My floral tights, yellow clasp chain purse, boots, and off the shoulder top.

haha, just thought I'd share.

with love,

Becca

These days I seem to think a lot

2011-01-21T02:48:00.000-08:00

So I've been having many nostalgic feelings lately. I don't like to really talk about very personal things on here, but let's just say there was a tragedy in the extended family. One that can't be undone. It made me start to think about and realize some things.

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We all go through that time in life where we hate our parents. Correct?

Well for me that stage was like from the time I was 10 till like last year. I've realized actually how lucky I am to have a good family now.

My sister and I have always been close, but ever since this summer, I feel like me and my mother have a new understanding. We used to bicker nonstop. I guess I've just realized that life is too short to not get along with people, especially family.

And I've realized, when it really comes down to it...

family is about all you have.

For me anyway, my family are the majority of the few people I feel like I can trust in life. I know this is not always true. And I feel like I got pretty lucky.

After all, you are pretty much bound to your family. By name and blood.

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So this is my big life lesson/epiphany of the moment I guess.

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I'm fortunate to have a loving, supportive family.

Some people don't really have that and I find it extremely sad.

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LOL

here is our latest family photo! photoshopped by my sister. :)

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Floral skirt was a Christmas present from my sister, my mom's vintage burgundy leather cowboy boots from the 70's, burgundy clasp purse was a Goodwill find and I think the little shirt was as well.

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Also! I rearranged my room and sort of decorated. You can sort of see in this picture below! I love the mirror which was my grandma's actually. And tree wall decal. Beatles poster. ducky pillow etc. :)

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Haha, I didn't really know why I kept this blog up at all, I guess it was more for my own sake, but I would like to thank my readers...the few that I have!

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Love always,

Becca

I think I am slowly becoming an emotionless robot...

2010-12-29T16:57:00.000-08:00

It's become strangely easy for me to cut ties with people in the past year or two. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Of all the people I've come to know this far in my life, I feel like only a small fraction were really even worth getting to know. Most friendships formed were temporary and meaningless. It feels almost good to get rid of the ones that don't matter. Like I don't even get that "ripping the band-aid off" initial sting anymore. It's like just one of those things I've learned through out the years: People come and people go. 'nuff said.

And I don't think I know how to trust people anymore. I don't really trust anyone with the exception of a select few. I don't really consider this bad, but simply a necessary thing.

And also, it's strange to see people you once knew becoming something ugly. I feel like the majority of people I once knew have become alcoholics and/or drug addicts. I condone of having fun every once in a while, but on a nightly basis it becomes a little excessive and very destructive. It's sad to see these people waste their potential. The truly sad part is how they see this life style as a positive thing and as something worth praising when in reality, they are going nowhere with their lives. It's upsetting to me. And I feel like I almost got sucked into this fantasy world of forever partying and so called "fun". There comes a time when we all have to grow up, but I suppose some people never do.

I don't want to throw my life away. I want to enjoy life. I want to be happy. And I've realized, most of these people don't even seem happy.

I don't know. I know I feel the happiest when I'm being productive, making things, creating. It's like I could erase all these people from my past and feel nothing. Is that bad? I could've gone without knowing a lot of people. It almost feels like a cleansing experience to get rid of the people who don't matter. I want to surround myself with good people who are actually worth knowing. I feel like it's time for a Facebook friend purge. A delete button frenzy. Congrats if you make the cut.

In other news........
I got new boots. It was my Christmas present to me. :)

And Someone commissioned this painting from me! It's my first sold painting. Becca Kinkoph original! haha :)

And I also painted this! Just for fun though, it wasn't sold.

color my life with the chaos of trouble

2010-10-06T21:54:00.000-07:00

mmm, comfy sweaters, cozy scarves, and coffee. i love fall.

don't mind the over flowing trash cans. pay attention to that delicious leather vintage coach purse i found at the goodwill. i love camel brown leather in the fall. camel brown boots, camel brown purse.

so i've been really into photo-editing stuff lately. this is my latest creation. i'd like to think if i did live in my own little world, it'd look a bit like this. it makes me think of the belle and sebastian song that says: "color my life with the chaos of trouble"

i think that quote describes my life pretty well.

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so i'm thinking i might change my major. not really sure what i want out of life yet, but i supposed i'll know when i find it. i guess i'm still searching. i feel like things are changing so quickly, it's hard to keep up. before i know it everything's going to be past tense, so i suppose i'll revel in it while it's happening. enjoy the moment. there's this matt and kim quote i like a lot:

"thinking about tomorrow won't change how i feel today"

basically that's how i feel right now.

I'm going to start painting again, i miss it.

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With love,

Becca

Original Becca Kinkoph Paintings. help me pay for college!

2010-09-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

~~5x5 acrylic painting~~

~~"be free"~~

~~$20.00~~

(sold)

12x16 Decoupage Collage

"the world at large"

$30.00

~~16x20 Acrylic Painting~~

~~"summertime love"~~

~~$45.00~~
(sold)

16x20 Acrylic Painting

"swirly tea cup"

$45.00

16x20 Acrylic Painting

"a tribute to Mr. Troubles the schnauzer"

$50.00

16x20 Acrylic Painting

"happiness is free"

$50.00

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All prices are negotiable from the amount listed.

if you'd like to help me pay for college, just contact me via facebook or email me at

www.rdkinkoph@bsu.edu

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I'm also going to post up some pictures of some jewelry items that used to be in my online store which I will also be selling. :)

BECCA NEEDS MONEY,

so if you like anything or want to discuss price just let me know!

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Always with love,

Becca

sometimes I wonder

2010-08-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

In my crappy non-air conditioned dorm in LaFollette complex of Ball State University, I find a new level of responsibility and freedom. These two things unfortunately seem to go hand in hand. With more freedom comes more responsibilities and I somewhat hate this fact.

responsibilities responsiSHmilities.

that's what I say.

Sometimes I wish things in life weren't so complicated. I feel that things have gotten so complex that I don't even really know what I feel or think anymore. I guess living in the moment is key, and that's one thing I've always had trouble doing. I worry too much about the future, but this summer I've realized a lot of things. I guess they could be summed up in these 4 things.

1. Live and let live: you can't change people so don't waste your time. Conflict isn't worth it.

2. No regrets: you can't change the past so you might as well consider the good AND bad worth it. if not as a learning experience, then a good story or chapter in life. The tough times add character I suppose.

3. Don't wait around: life doesn't find you, you must seek it out. find the good things and revel in them no matter how simplistic they may seem. Live it up, be free.

4. Happiness is found within: the imperfections and hardships you go through don't determine my state of happiness. I do.

Another picture from Brayton Hall room 820. Isn't our bird theme sweet? I think the bird decal mirror sticker thingamajigs are my favorite with the christmas lights adorning the northeast side of our room coming in a very close second. I guess I'll get used to living in this small room.

I don't think I'll ever get used to the strange occurrence of time though. It's weird to think I was once just a kid with dreams of being an adult and now I am one. I'll never get over how quickly time flies by.

And sometimes I wonder if I'm making the right decisions with my life. I wonder what my future holds and if I'll ever be completely content with my surroundings and the world at large. probably not. I wonder if I'll look back on my life and wish I'd done things differently. sometimes just I wonder. I can't help it.

I wonder what it's like to be an old person, just because I feel like I've seen a small glimpse of what they must feel. I don't have my whole life ahead of me now, I have a lot of life left, but I've lived almost a good two decades already. Time, it's crazy.

Also, I wish I knew all the answers. Sometimes I just wish I had a "life" traffic director telling me which things to let go, which way to head, when to stop, when to slow down. I guess that's part of that whole self responsibility thing that I despise so much. It's probably time for me to be my own "life" traffic director I suppose. Growing up is so weird. I don't like it.

So I had to stay at my grandma's house for a few days two weeks ago. There's something about her, and her house, and seeing her, being around her. It sort of freaks me out. She never changes. She's perfectly content with the mundane little activities that collectively make up her life.

reading, getting the newspaper, gardening, reading the newspaper, more gardening, going to the library, eating sugar free ice cream and taking vitamins. going to church. simplicity.

but even as boring as her daily activities are, she still seems to hold so much wisdom. I love my grandma, and I wonder sometimes. I don't really know what I wonder about. I guess just her life in general. She was in the air force, she had friends, she traveled. I guess I wonder what she thinks when she looks back on her life. Does she feel like she did it right? Is she happy where she is now?

I don't know.

I think I have acute anxiety.

I worry too much
and I ramble.

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just sort of speaking my mind I guess

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love always,

Becca

another day

2010-06-24T23:33:00.000-07:00

vintage coach bag that I thriftily found at Goodwill a while back, new lace up/peep toe/camel brown heals from charlette russe, dusty blue studded t-shirt (I'm on a big T-shirt kick lately. esp the big plain comfy ones, or the V-neck kind with the lil front pocket), and skinny jeans with studs on outer seam.

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mmm, clothes are fun. :)

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with love,

Becca

new beginnings

2010-06-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

So, I finally added onto my tattoo. Unfortunately i had a bit of a bad experience though. I went to the same place I'd gone to before, Artistic Design, because they're certified and what not. However, the guy apparently dug way far into my skin so it scabbed over really bad. Also, they didn't tell me anything about how to take care of it. I even asked and they were like, "yeah, just put lotion on it." assholes. so, it started to hurt really bad and i had some tattoo knowledgeable friends look at it. They said it looked horrible and I needed to keep it moist and what not and how it was going to scar and be faded. Which really scared me. So i went to a different tattoo parlor. They were so much more professional and even gave me a pamphlet on all the right types of lotion and ointment. So, now I am nursing my poor little birdy tattoos back to health. Hopefully it won't scar up too horribly. I'll have to get them touched up for sure though.

Also, at the end of the school year there is always a huge art show. I got to be in it and demonstrate oil painting, had my own little table and everything. :D It was fun.

Then came Graduation! AH. and my open house was today, quite a success I might add. We had a chocolate fondu fountain and everything. I just felt so weird at graduation though, it really did not sink in and still hasn't really. I guess when I go to college in the fall it will HAVE to sink in. lol.

This was at the Egyptian, a hookah bar in Broadripple. Went with some friends a week or so before graduation I think.

HA! andddd, I finally got my macbook pro. LOVE. It's true love. I never knew there was such a strong love until I got this computer. It's like a best friend, pet, and lover all in one. Ah, technology is grand. So I took this picture with good ol' mac. The little vest thingy though? you can't see it very well, but i made that. It was a cardigan but it just looked funny, so I altered it into a nifty little vest. You like? I like. :)

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I know it's been a while, but if I do have any readers left...

thanks for reading lovelies.

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With much love,

~Becca

Snow Snow, Go Away

2010-02-09T20:08:00.000-08:00

THE STORM. It arrived last week, deposited it's fluffy white matter, and has yet to leave. I ask myself this: What ever happened to Global Warming?? This year has definitely deminished that myth. Although the cold, wetness is a bit miserable, there is beauty in it. I came home one day and there were little birdy foot prints all along my porch. :)

The sunshine was trying to peer through a little bit.

And this is my painting that I finally finished. It pretty much parallels the idea I want for my tattoo. Hahaha, funny story. My old washed up art teacher pretty much told me that it's not REAL art. I know she's just a crazy old lady and everyone told me not to listen to her, but it just made me so mad. I put a lot of time and effort into that painting and it means a lot to me and for her to just say it wasn't anything hurt. BUT, whatever. Not that her opinion really matters anyways.

I also found out that I'm accepted to Ball State and I have to get a portfolio together to be accepted into their art program. I'm double majoring in Apparel Design and Fashion Merchandising and then minoring in Photojournalism. I figure with that kind of schooling I could do a variety of things. Best to keep the options open.

Have a lovely, snowing week! depending on where you live.
love, Becca

vintage love

2010-01-26T20:00:00.000-08:00

So I have this love of thrift shopping. I call it love, others might say addiction, or obsession. I don't consider it either of those though. I lovee to look through the little junk sections at Goodwill and other thrift shops. A while back I found this adorable little tea cup. :) I love it. It just looks so antique-y with that shabby chic touch.

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Along with the tea cup find, I pretty much hit GOLD.

Vintage is good; Vintage Coach is gold, especially when found at Goodwill for like 20 bucks.

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There is a God! and he loves me I guess.

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Oh wait, did I say two vintage coach purses? My mistake.

TWO vintage coach purses! count 'em.

Well, here they are:

beautiful buttery smooth leather...

mmmm...

The little green one was just so cute.

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Best thrift shopping day of my life.

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just thought I'd share. :)

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with love,

Becca

Inspirational person of the week: Audrey Hepburn

2010-01-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

Even when I was a kid, I always remember having this wonderful fascination with Audrey Hepburn. Not the cliche kind where people only see her as an icon, and not just a sense of admiration, but almost like I knew her and could relate.

I think it all started when I was a little kid staying at my grandma's apartment with my sister. We'd stay up late and watch Audrey Hepburn movies: Breakfast at Tiffany's, My Fair Lady, and the one I remember the most, Funny Face.

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Audrey Hepburn was always one of my grandma's favorite actresses. Watching those movies with her is one of the only vivid memories I have left since she got bad. My grandma has Alzheimer's disease now, and isn't really all there. It's weird seeing her like that, because it almost seems like she's always been like that, even though I know she hasn't. I feel like I'm forgetting all the real memories I have with her. And that's one reason I love Audrey Hepburn movies.

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So I guess the movies hold a certain sentimental value too. And the thing I like about all old movies- how you feel like nothing could ever go wrong, you feel warm and cozy inside, everything so simple and black and white.

I think she's wonderful! I just absolutely love her. Everything about her.

She was classy, chic, and surprisingly down to earth.

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I think what I love most about her though is that she just seemed like an everyday normal person. Someone I could meet in real life. She didn't let Hollywood go to her head. I guess she was humble. yeah. And I like that. I think it's incredibly important to be humble.

So whenever I have one of those days where I feel like nothing is right, I come home, make some tea, and watch my favorite Hepburn movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's.

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"Nothing bad can happen to you in a place like Tiffany's"

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Thanks for reading, and have a lovely day! :)

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Love,

Becca

a much needed new post.

2009-10-17T19:34:00.000-07:00

So... a LOT has happened in the last month. I finally got the first part of my tattoo. :)

Eventually I will get the birdcage with the door opened in the center of my shoulder blades with a ribbon around it that says: "All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to be free." And some more birds, but this little bird is a good first start.

I went around Indy a couple times this month as well. On one adventure me and a friend went to Broadripple. We saw this butterfly and I snapped a picture. Awesome photo skillz. :) Haha, I don't know, I thought you guys might like it as much as I do. I was quite impressed with myself.

One night I went to the hookah bar in Broadripple with some friends. The place we went to is called the Egyptian and has lots of sexy Arabian waiters. :) It turned out to be an eventful/crazy night. After the hookah bar, we left and got a little tipsy, well maybe a lot tipsy. Some lessons were learned the hard way (by me face-planting into the pavement, yeah, definitely the hard way) and I've decided NOT to drink too much of anything that tastes that horrible for a very long time. Hahaa, yeah. :) However, the beginnings of the night were splendid and spent with good company.
And I got these new boots! I love them so much. I'd been wanting some camel colored boots for a while now, and I finally found them in Charlette Russe, on sale for $20. There is a God! Someone actually commented on my facebook picture saying how they loved them, so I told them where I purchased them and I guess she was buying them online that instant. I kind of laughed.

But that's pretty much it for now. I wanted to show you guys my dress I made out of an old lady ugly dress I found at a thrift store, but I don't have any good pictures of it. I'll show it to you eventually. It's very cute. :)

with love,
Becca

Yesterday is just a memory, tomorrow is never what it's supposed to be

2009-09-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

So the Kinkoph house hold has been under a lot of stress lately. Issues, and such. Some big changes are occuring and I believe for the better. Sometimes for things to become better, you have to hit your lowest point first, then it all goes up from there. Me and Rachel have been visiting a lot of parks lately, just to chat and take pictures (and get our minds off things). Nature can be so relaxing. There's nothing like deep heart felt conversations out in the middle of woods or by a creek. Hopefully we can go camping some day, I've actually never been! The whole bug thing seems like it would be a pain in the ass, but I could deal. :)

So today, we went to Beech Grove park. Sometimes we just drive around until we find something. The other day we found this very lovely park with trails into the woods and a big creek.

Some of Rachel's awesome photo-skillzz. Nature is so calm and beautiful. It just makes all the stress in life melt away. I recomend a visit to your local park if you haven't been lately. It's a nice way to spend an afternoon.

We tried to skip some rocks, but FAILED. Except for once. My rock skipped 3 times and I was so very proud. :)

P.S. I LOVE the boots SO much! Not the most detailed picture, but they have 3 little buckles on the side and are a dark slate grey. Target. I. Love. You.
:)

I guess I'm just glad I have my sister in my life. I can't imagine having gone through everything with out her by my side. She's more than my best friend, because she's my sister. We'll always have each other, in everything. Even when times get pretty tough like they have been lately, I'll always be there when she needs me, and I know I can expect the same from her.

http://rkinkoph.blogspot.com/

haha, there's Rachel's blog if you feel like creepin' on her.
I'm sure she'll appreciate it. :)

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thanks for reading lovelies

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always with love,
Becca

Just some food for thought: "You were only waiting for this moment to be free"

2009-09-08T20:18:00.001-07:00

What is it really to be free? Will one ever find genuine freedom in this world we live in?

The pursuit of happiness. To me, happiness is freedom.

The unattainable. Something is always going to hold us back, to tie us down.

I've been chasing it all my life, ever since I was a little kid, I remember staring up at the sky, getting lost in the stars, hoping with all my heart that I might just get sucked up into the vast ocean of twinkling lights above me.

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Wishing always for something more.

The unattainable. Always wanting what I don't have.

Maybe to be free is really to realize you will never be free.

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To accept life as it is, as it comes, flying at you one day at a time.

Acceptance: nothing will ever be what you want it to be, nothing will ever go according to plan.

To stop hoping the unimaginable will happen, because in reality it certainly never will.

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Maybe to be free is to "just not give a fuck."

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I agree, there is something very wrong about this statement, and previous ones, but there's also something that makes perfect sense in a bitter, cruel, real way.

The freedom of not letting society affect you.

because I want to beat society. I want to overcome it, to come out on top.

Everyone is so caught up in worrying about the future.

Maybe freedom is simply living in the moment.

To soak it up all while you can and you revel in that moment while you can, not worrying about tomorrow or the next minute, because that moment will be over in a second.

Just like that.

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Maybe freedom is that moment.

Because, for that one moment, nothing mattered, nothing could harm you, nothing could ever fuck up that moment in time.

Immortal.

Infinite.

Perfect.

And I don't want my life to pass me by.

Maybe, I have finally found in my own way finally how to be free, even if just for a moment, because I will never really be free at all, except in that moment.

"And you were only waiting for this moment to be free," -The Beatles

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hope this isn't too obtuse, or too depressing.

I just had that compulsion to write what I was feeling.

I included some of my photography that has of course been photoshopped a bit.

Thanks for reading.

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love always,

Becca

I tell tails tall as cliffs, but the Margot show is not one of them!

2009-09-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

So... for any of you Margot fans out there, I'm sure you will appreciate this. I was lucky enough to get to go to see Margot (and the Nuclear So and So's) at the Buskirk something rather theater in Bloomington! It was by far, one of the best concerts/shows I've been to yet. Great energy from the band and audience. I love it because they're actually from Indiana, so their songs have references that only a Hoosier would be able to appreciate in full. It makes the whole experience so much more personal.

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Sooo....who better to see one of your mutually favorite bands with than your best friend. :)

This is Christine and me. I've known her since I was a wee child and would be utterly lost with out her in my life.

pretty much front row. :) unfortunately we were situated directly next to the amplifier. I thought I was going to go prematurely deaf in my left ear.

We parked behind the venue (and I am SOOO glad!) because we ran into a couple of the band members on our way to the car!! EEP! I'm sure I thoroughly made an ass of myself in front of this lovely stud muffin, but oh well. :D

me- "Oh my god, I think that's them!" So we walked up and did what any fan would... asked for a picture! me again- "Not to be obnoxious, but could I get a picture with you?" I thought I was going to die.
They're very down to earth people though. He was really nice and asked my name and such and then told me his name (which I need to look up, because I was so giddy I can't remember what it was!)

I love the keyboardist. She was adorable. And of course Richard... he could be as filthy and as wasted as he wants and still be the most attractive thing on the planet.

(which, he was wasted... and filthy... but I still think I am in lovee!)

So basically, I've turned into a giddy little school girl all over because of this concert. I have listened to nothing but Margot since the concert, and if you don't know them:

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PLEASE look them up!
it's for your own well-being,
trust me.

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their albums:
Animal
Not Animal
and the best: Dust of Retreat

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for more info on this lovely band just visit this link: http://margotandthenuclearsoandsos.com/

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always with love,
Becca

It's been a while... so sorry!

2009-09-04T22:07:00.001-07:00

Oh boy. So I have been swamped with homework as the new school year has start now. I'm taking 3 A.P. courses (Government, Art History, and English) and it is proving to be a very difficult task. I've had NO time to blog; I've had NO time for anything... even sleep! But, as a diligent student, I've set my mind to get good grades and not succumb to senioritis. It will be difficult, but I can do it! I think.. I hope.. :) College admissions, and such, are pretty exciting. It's so odd to feel so old. I've been around for almost 2 decades now... I'm practically a senior citizen, well maybe not, but it certainly feels like it.

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So anyways, I've decided it was REALLY time for me to update my blog (err, seeing as it's been... oh dear... a month?). Sorry! School take priority though. Haha! Not that I really have any constant readers anyways.

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(the BEFORE)

oh my!

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But I decided to put this little tid bit up. I found this skirt at... you guessed it... your favorite thrift store and mine, GoodWill! It was ugly but I saw the potential, took it home, sewed it up a bit, and ta-da! --A chic, cute, and unique skirt! Belted, and worn with my favorite grey cardigan and a grey wife beater.

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(the AFTER)

oh my!

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Haha, sorry about the horrible washed out pictures... But you get the gist of it.

thanks for reading lovelies...

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with love,

Becca

Today's Adventures.. and Awesome Finds!

2009-08-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

So, I was supposed to go to the IMA today with my sister as a late B-day present, but unfortunately our plans got rained out by a tremendous thounder storm. :c

But! the day turned out fun anyways. We watched movies until the thounderstorm/tornado had passed and then decided to go to the downtown mall. Then.... we failed to find a free parking space, hydroplaned (which really shook up my sister), and then proceeded to travel down a road that we didn't know. LOL, but it was fun exploring. I took some pictures, but they suck. We ended up out in the country somewhere, all the houses were cute and had little gardens.

SO THEN... we went home.

and stopped by Goodwill on the way!

I love Goodwill and found some cool shiz today.

Cool item #1

Super cute vintage-esque purse! It definitely looked like a thrift store find, which is why I liked it.

Cool item #2

Awesome puffy shorts! I'm sure there's a real name for them, but I don't know it. They make me think of nautical nonsense or something. Hahaa, or else Miss Muppet pants. Eeep! I love them. :D

Ahh, and I always find a way to sneak my jewelry in here! ;)
See the necklace? Yes? It has a bow that ties on the side. Made by me! If you would like to buy it just let me know, I'd be happy to sell it. However, it's not currently in my store.

~~~~~~~~~~

So yep! I also got a couple cardigans and drapey shirts. I got almost 10 items for under 16 bucks. I love me a good bargain. Thrift stores/antique shops are always adventures. I love searching for those treasures and you know they're a one of a kind find. :)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sorry IMA, maybe next time.

with love,
Becca

Senior Photots Part 1

2009-08-03T22:11:00.000-07:00

Pink wall!

I love the effect Rachel did on this one!

again... the pink wall! I love it!

weeping willows in Franklin Park. pretty pretty..

I like this one a lot!!

props to Rach for taking some awesome photos. :)

Walkin' the dog.

^This one is Rachel's fav. She loves my chiseled cheek bone. :)

Love the willows! We got eaten alive by mosquitos though! Omgooosh, it was horrible!

^This one is my personal favorite. I love it.

~~~~~~~~~

All these photos were taken by my sister, Rachel. Check out her blog for more cool stuff.

http://rkinkoph.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~

with love,

Becca

Flapper Inspirations

2009-07-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

So I'm utterly in love with the whole 20's vintage look/style.

Maybe it's spawning from my interest in old people. I don't know.

I know these pictures suck since I had to take them myself,

in my poorly lit room and small mirror, but just bear with me.

I found this tulip skirt at a cute little boutique in Broadripple.

I'm in also in love with these little boutiques everywhere,

Mmm! especially this place called the Girly Chic Boutique!!

It has the absolute cutest interior!! I'll put up some pics...

The place is covered in chandeliers and floral wallpaper. There was even a vintage sofa that looked like it was straight out of the movie Marie Antoinette. This whole place looked like it was straight out of that movie. I am in lovee!

I hear this lady owns her own bakery too! How cute!

But, I found this Flapper esque headband in a secret sale section at Khols. I don't usually shop there, but ever since they aquired the Vera Wang line... I'm in love! And yes, the headband is Simply Vera by Vera Wang. I love her stuff. It always has a little something to make it unique and stand aside from the norm. She's probably one of my favorite designers.

Hahaa! And Betsy Johnson, just because she is sooo crazy!

Oh... and see that necklace?? Yes, it is an old school bicycle! I made it and it is for sale on my artfire store. So... if you're interested and absolutely love it, go ahead and check it out.

http://beccabookie.artfire.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~

with love,

your favorite little jewelry designer...

Becca

Free as a bird

2009-07-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Free as a bird,

it's the next best thing to be.

Free as a bird.

Home, home and dry,

like a homing bird I'll fly

as a bird on wings.

Whatever happened to

the life that we once knew?

Can we really live without each other?

Where did we lose the touch

that seemed to mean so much?

It always made me feel so...

Free as a bird,

it's the next best thing to be.

Free as a bird.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So... there's a new tattoo I want. I've decided upon a birdcage with the door open and a little birdy flying free. For people who know me, the reasons are obvious. But for everyone else, I'll fill you in.

~~~~~~~

Basically, I've led a sheltered life. My parents were and are ultra conservative and I never got to get out much as a kid. I always got that sense of being in a cage, especially when my mother wouldn't let me attend other little kids' birthday parties just because she didn't like their family. I guess she was just doing what she thought was best, and trying to protect me. But I just wanted to be free. I'm a free spirit, a free soul. There's no keeping me back, because I will just find a way out, a way to be free. Free as a bird.

~~~~~~~

Haha, and so that's why I want this tattoo. It's very fitting, actually it fits me like a glove and I'm in love with this new idea. I can't wait to get it! I'm definitely going to brainstorm and tweek it a little bit. I was thinking maybe lyrics from above song (just the free as a bird part) like on a ribbon or something. I think I like the cage in the center of the back though. But I definitely want a different bird than the one in this picture, and maybe bigger.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I would love any input! So if you have any photos that you think would look good or go well with please send them!! All feed back is welcome! :D

Love, Becca

There's a story behind everyone.

2009-07-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

So there's this old man at my work named Lloyd. His occupation is Meijer Greeter. Yes, I currently work at Meijer and hate it. I sell credit cards and hear I'm not too shabby at it either. It's horrible, I've really wanted to quit from the first day I clocked in. I feel like I'm in a relationship that I don't know how to end.

I just need to BREAK UP with Meijer.

(lol, this is not Lloyd, but it looks like something he'd do)

But anyways, this guy Lloyd. A delightful old man with a story behind him. That's what I love about old people, there's always a story behind them. A life, living breathing history ready to tell a first hand account. The sad thing about Lloyd is he has Alzheimer's. This disease just keeps coming back to haunt me and bite me in the ass. I HATE it, it's truly one of the most horrible things I can even imagine. My grandma also suffers from it, but that's a WHOLE other story in itself.

But Lloyd. A dear old man with a story, a life story. Most people at my work don't give him the time of day and think he's incredibly annoying. I confess, I've been guilty of getting a little annoyed with him at times. Especially when he starts his rants about Jesus. But I can deal with it. After all, my parents are pretty religious and I grew up in the church although I have my own suspicions of God and the afterlife.

But Lloyd, he finally remembers my name now and repeats it to himself every time he sees me. Lloyd, he's worked at Meijer for almost 14 years and every time he sees me he repeats my name followed by the story of how his parents best friends were named Becky and Frank. They had no children. I know this story well. Sometimes he sings to the customers. Almost every time I see him, he asks if I know Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Then he sings a song by them. I know this song well. "Only you can make my dreams come true, only you... blah blah blah."
Then he sings another song. It's funny how his train of thought always travels the same path. He's quite predictable. I know this path well. Everyday when Lloyd walks into work, he carries his trusty umbrella and flashlight, "Just in case," he says.

One time he couldn't find his umbrella. The sun was shining brightly. He decided to go search the other end of the store. A good 30 minutes later he finally returns, with umbrella in hand. He chuckles and tells me he left it at home. Lloyd resides in the apartments next to Meijer. Silly Lloyd. He's such a character. He could've got fired for that.

Today I decided to talk to Lloyd. Ask him some questions, find out his story, his living, breathing, 1st hand account of history. Somewhere on that predictable train of thought, the tracks led Lloyd to tell me about each of his siblings. He listed them off on his fingers, one of which is partially missing. A story behind this nubby, nailess finger. Of course I am going to ask.
I was hoping for a war story, but in reality he lost it while working in a factory when he was like 15. "Be careful when working with that dangerous stuff," he warns me. Oh, I will Lloyd. I will.

Anyways, I was interested in the subject of his brothers and sisters. I asked him if they were still living and he had to struggle to remember. He then proceeded to list them off on his fingers a couple more times before answering. The oldest two had died; this much he knew. He had to flip flop between who died first though. A little thing like this is extremely difficult for Lloyd and he loses focuss simply because he forgets what he's talking about. But after telling me their names he says his sister visited him not to terribly long ago, when in all honesty it could've been years. Lloyd doesn't really know the difference anymore. "And what about the youngest brother," I ask him? "Oh my brother? Hmm, oh, he's dead. Yes, he died I think." A very matter of fact statement. Poor Lloyd. He only has one sibling left out of the original 4 (2 brothers & 2 sisters) and I think she lives in Texas. I can't be sure.

Then that made me wonder, does he have kids? A wife? What did he do before Meijer? All these mysteries which would seem simple questions but in fact are difficult for Lloyd.

Oh Lloyd, what a character.

I found out he has 3 children. He never told me about his wife, maybe I'll ask again next time. I found out he lives with his daughter, I suppose she takes care of him. Keeps him on track. oh Lloyd, how funny you are. I found out that before he worked at Meijer he sold religious books. For his entire life, he sold religious books! He graduated high school and went to a religious college. I asked him the name but he said he'd have to think about that. He really wanted to be a minister, but he needed money so he sold books. This explains the Jesus rants. He loves to tell this one story about how he believes Jesus sang on the cross. I know this story well. I found out that his parents raised him in some weird cult like church that met on Saturday instead of Sunday.

Oh, poor Lloyd. Poor, poor God-fearing Lloyd. From his drippy nose and furry ears, to his age spots and orange dollar store bought bifocals. It's a sad story kind of. I found out that he went door to door selling weird bible books about a denomination that met on Saturdays. He wanted to be a minister, but instead he ended up going door to door just to make ends meet. And then when he couldn't make ends meet anymore, 14 years ago, he applied at Meijer just to make those damn ends meet again.

From his singing, to his bible selling, to his nubby index finger which holds his trusty umbrella and flashlight. There's a story behind everyone. You just have to take the time to listen and ask. Lloyd's story is more sad than monumental but it deserves to be told the same as anyone else's.

I hope someday when I'm old, I have a freaking good story to tell. I hope someone will take interest in mine and learn from it. I hope I achieve my goals. Lloyd wanted so bad to be a minister... I just wish he could've been a freaking minister. I hope to God that I don't have to sell books when I truly wanted something else.

Poor, silly Lloyd. Poor silly old fart.

Take a Chance on me?

2009-07-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

Hello friends, sorry its been a while. I haven't had internet connection in quite sometime, unless you count the stealing of the neighbors internet which is really pretty touchy and loses connection every couple minutes.

So I've been thinking lately, and I think I really would like to pursue a career in the fashion industry. It's really what makes me happy. I would put up a picture for you of the plaid pencil skirt that I made from scratch, but I'm lacking my camera cord right now. I was pretty proud of myself. It was the first thing I'd ever sewed from scratch. Of course I'd sewed things before, but it was mainly just altering stuff that was already made. But this skirt looked sharp, let me tell you. I wore it with my Steve Madden heels and a tucked in black top.

But I was thinking, and I really think that is what I want to do with my life. Maybe not "fashion designer" but maybe a stylist? I'm good at picking out outfits? Some people do that for a living, right? Like what's their face on What Not To Wear. They basically just pick out outfits. I would love to do that, well and I already do for most of my friends. I just have a knack for knowing what looks good on some people.

My sister wants me to get one of those bodice things to sew on. I think they are silly. I want to start taking sewing classes or something now. I just don't want to regret not doing what I love. It's silly, but I got all this from watching the movie "The Women." It was actually an alright movie. But the point is, when Meg Ryan hit rock bottom and then she ended up making her own line of clothes which was what she'd always wanted to do but never had the chance. I don't want that to be me. I want to take that chance when it comes and if it comes. I want to do something I love and that I am actually good at.

P.S. This makes me laugh:

P.S.S. Buddy Holly makes me giggle:

FUN and Juicy NEW jewelry!!!

2009-06-06T01:28:00.000-07:00

Necklace # 1: Leafy Long Necklace

can be worn multiple ways!

wrapped around twice or...

just long and pretty!

Necklace # 2: Candy Owl Necklace

(sure to add some indie "flavor" and vintage "sweetness" to your wardrobe.

soo deliciouss!!!

features:

owl charm,

button/feather charm,

"wish" charm,

and heart/lavender bead charm

Necklace # 3: Juicy Leaf Necklace

had detailed metal findings on either side of clasp

close up of leaves!

the whole juicy effect..

:D

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

if you are interested in purchasing any of these items then just go to

http://rkinkoph.etsy.com

or just leave feed back for me on here if you have any comments or ideas!

with love,

~Becca

Tea! a drink with jam and bread

2009-05-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

The original tea-drinkers!

Here is a simple recipe to make chai yourself at home. This is what you will need:

1 1/2 cups of water

1 1/2 inch stick of cinnamon

8 cardamom pods

8 whole cloves

1/4 inch fresh ginger root (sliced thin)

2/3 cup of milk

6 teaspoons sugar

3 teaspoons of Darjeeling Tea leaves

Place water, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger in a pot and bring to a boil.

Cover and lower heat to low setting and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add milk and sugar and again bring to simmer.

Next, add the tea leaves, remove from heat and cover.

Let steep for 3 minutes and strain.

*last step: drink, relax, and enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

recipe compliments of: http://www.2basnob.com/

visit their website for more recipes on coffee, tea, wine, and more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

with love, Becca

possible new header?

2009-05-06T20:27:00.000-07:00

What do you think??

I photoshopped it a bit and made the clouds all swirly and whimsical looking. I don't know if I should change the name of my blog to Concerto for Thought or not. I kind of like it, since I play cello and all, but

anyways... tell me what you think!

Should I change my banner, blog name?

~~~~~~~~~

sincerely,

Becca

Rain drops on roses, and whiskers on kittens...

2009-04-29T18:57:00.000-07:00

"Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens!

Brown paper packages tied up with strings;
These are a few of my favorite things!"

~~~~~~~~

Ahh, I love that song! So, last night I had a big hankering to watch that movie and I did. :) I love the beginning, but when it gets into the war part, yawn, big yawn! I think it should end right after they get married.

~~~~~~~~~

However, there is a point to this blog, even though it currently seems otherwise. I wanted to put up some of my old photography pictures from last year, but since I did not have a blog last year they shall be old ones now.

I make frequent visits to my friend Ashley's house who lives in little ol' Fountain Town, and I love Ft. Town. Everything is so old and creepy, but in a cute antiquey kind of way.

~~~~~~~

That's Ashley's cat up there, and a wild rose in her garden.

Oh!! In fact, my header on here was even taken in Ft. Town.

That's me on the train tracks. :)

look familiar?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Well, here's to amateur photography! I just love snapping pictures for the fun of it. I see something beautiful and I try as best I can to capture it. My aim is to inspire and be inspired.

~~~~~~~

Have a lovely day! [if you're not, then.... "Simply remember your favorite things...And then you won't feel so bad!"] :)

~~~~~~~

with love,
~Becca

more cutesy stuff in the etsy site

2009-04-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

So my sister is basically a crafty genius. She did some more flea-marketing and found some not so adorable stuff and turned it into precious-ness.

~~~~~~~

This wall plate is actually made entirely of wood. It was plain and wood colored when Rach bought it, but she brought it home and turned it into this! She used acrylic paints in a cute pastel theme. I absolutely love it! I wanted to keep it, but she said no. :)

~~~~~~~

J'taime Paris!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's the other little gem she found. We have this thing for owls. I guess it kind of started with my mom back in the day. She collected owl stuff and we still have some of her relics around the house from the 70s.

But Rach found this plain wood owl and once again worked her magic. Using acrylic paints in the same pastel theme as the Eiffle Tower plack she made a little cutesy masterpiece.

~~~~~~~~

for more etsy stuff visit our site:

http://rkinkoph.etsy.com/

interested in rachel's work? visit her blog at:

http://rkinkoph.blogspot.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

with love,

~Becca

My Tambourine Man

2009-04-12T19:06:00.000-07:00

I am in love with this man. I don't care what anyone says, I love his voice along with his lyrics. I've been on a real Bob Dylan kick lately; I don't know what it is, but his music soothes me. I really want to see that movie that came out a while ago that was like kind of a tribute to him even though he's still living. It's called "I'm not there." Rachel saw it and said it was pretty good. If Bobby D. wasn't so old, I would gladly marry him and have babies with him in a heartbeat. He's just one of those rarities in life that has stood the test of time. He's classic, and he's even in my goddamn U.S. history book. He may be an aquired taste, but I think everyone should at least try to enjoy some Bob Dylan. It would do the world some good.

~~~~~~~

Haha, so I've got to entangle my jewelry ideas into this blog post somehow. I'm actually considering making a Bob Dylan inspired necklace along with some other classics such as: Buddy Holly, Kurt Vonnegut, Andy Warhol, you know, all the cool old farts. Rach and I have some tiny thumbnail sized picture frame charms. I think we could incorporate something pretty cool into some necklaces that way.

~~~~~~~

yours truly,

~Becca

New Necklace Arrivals!

2009-04-11T19:25:00.000-07:00

Here they are! The necklaces you've been waiting for! I call this one the Free Wheelin' necklace.

This is the one I had trouble with. The freakin' magnet beads just didn't work out so I had to take them off. But I think it looks pretty good as is. I call it the Silver Bliss necklace. Birdies and trees, feathers, and pretty beads. What could be better?

~~~~~~~

with love,

~Becca

Etsy Originals

2009-04-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

"A little birdy told me..." necklace

Consists of a precious vintage birdy charm my sister found at a flea market.

I added the feather charm and hand-crafted the chain out of wire and mix-matchy beads.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22304744

~~~~~~~

Eleanor Revamped vintage necklace

This is one of my favorites. It also consists of some good flea-market finds by the lovely miss Rachel. :) I took the charm off of the one antique necklace and used the Marvella beads from the other one. Mash them together and we get this adorable vintage-love child necklace!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22131859

~~~~~~~

Black and Gold necklace

This elegant Black and Gold necklace is entirely handmade, even the diamond pendant. We used a special recipe to make the bead and then baked it to create the stone like pendant. Then painted it gold. :) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22577805

~~~~~~~

For all these and original artwork and nicknacks please visit me and my sister's store at:

http://rkinkoph.etsy.com/

I'm hoping to have some new jewelry up soon so I'll keep you posted. Also if you have any ideas that you would like to see brought to life feel free to request a type of necklace or earings or anything! I'd be happy to fulfill any custom orders for you!

with love, from your favorite little jewelry crafter...

~Becca

Vague Thoughts

2009-04-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

There were a lot of things going through my mind today. I finally saw the curious case of Benjamin Button and it was pretty intriguing. It made me think a lot of my grandma who has altziemers disease. It's just so weird the similarity between birth and death. There's that perfect time right in the middle, the prime of your life, but it only lasts so long. And then everything goes down hill again. You spend your whole life waiting to grow up and then you grow old. I've spent most of my life wishing I was 18, to make my own decisions and get away from my mother. Now that 18 is only 3 months away, it's getting a little scary. I'm not so sure I want to grow up anymore. I'm afraid it'll pass me by and I won't make anything of it or of myself. I guess everyone gets this feeling sometime in their life. And then I see my grandmother, she doesn't even know who she is anymore. She has no clue what's going on around her. She can't even look back and recollect on her life. She doesn't remember. I think that would be the worst. Worse than not making anything of your life--not remembering it. Too bad we can't just freeze time in the perfect moments, the ones where everything is just how it should be. The ones where you wouldn't change a thing. But no matter how perfect any moment is, no matter how well we plan on remembering it, even your memory isn't always safe.

Newbie

2009-04-03T23:15:00.000-07:00

So I decided to put another social networking site under my belt. Blogger.com has just been added to the list. Basically, I just wanted to expand my horizons, but also I wanted to shamelessly whore me and my sister's etsy site: http://rkinkoph.etsy.com
I hate the feeling of a new social networking site, you just have to get used to it, but it never fits right at first. So I'm trying to get used to blogger.com. Just ignore this post, because I really don't know what I'm doing yet.