Heading Home

So here I am, with news for you, that I am heading home...

I was accepted into the program I applied for and will be moving to the Okanagan this fall, excited and scared beyond measures.

 It has been a difficult few months, isolated in a new town with few friends, working and praying for what the future may hold. I have been on top of the world, singing and dancing while enjoying the West Coast waves, and I have also been in the dumps, wishing I had a friend to share in my adventures. Through it all, though, I have held close to family and have discerned where I am to be in the next year to come. I chose school. 

I love to learn and there is so much possibility in the unknown. I want to continue growing in my abilities and move forward in my ambitions.

 I am always scared of the future, but I keep reminding myself that I can't decide the future, I can only decide the here and now, so I must relax and focus on who I am today. 

If you have ever loved a place so dearly, you will know, because you continue to come back.

Here I go, taking the jump, and how I will land, only He knows... 

From Here On In

"There she goes... There she goes again..." 

Okay, so many of you close friends are probably wondering where I am and what I am doing, huh? Well, let me tell you. I am currently situated on an island in the middle of a kitchen writing on my blog. Oh, alright... The truthful answer is that yes, I am on an island, a little bit north, a little bit west, a little bit close to the ocean. You get the gist? Anyways...what am I doing? Well, funny you should ask, because these days not even my parents can answer that one! I have been spending the last two months in deep contemplation as to where the winds will blow me, and which of God's little sign posts I should follow. 

First and foremost you should know that I have applied to two different culinary schools, one close to home, one not-so-close to home, depending on your definition of "home". "Culinary school?" you ask. Well, yeah, didn't you know that I am a health-freak who loves to spend her free-time dancing to tunes in the kitchen and researching the healthier alternatives to practically ever recipe known to man?! Well, now you know. I like food. I like food so much, I want to make a career out of it. Obtaining a Red Seal is the primary focus of my ambition, but what I really want to do is spread the word of how important nutrition is. I have contemplated becoming a nutritionist or consultant, or maybe try my hand at horticulture, or I might even go into sustainability and crop management. Whatever I decide, I want it to be right for me when the time comes, so I hope you continue to ask me about it in years down the road, because who knows, maybe I'll have changed my mind again! 

So culinary applications are a thing, but have you heard I am also applying to take a year-long missions trip in Australia? This was a really sudden endeavor, but one that I have always had a hunch about, ever since I was a kid. I am drawn to proclaim the Lord's message and I also love meeting new people, so I thought, "Hey this could be for me!" I would absolutely love the opportunity to travel across the globe for a good cause and if I get accepted you might be hearing more from me, as I get quite excited about even the littlest things, like floss being on sale, for instance. 

Well, it's looking pretty interesting here folks. All I know for sure is that I still have a job and I still have God's love, so if all else fails I continue to work and pray for the future!

Ash 

My Face 

By: Ashley EM Higginson

 This face was splattered delicately by an 

artist who was not shameful to mix colours.

He took a blank canvas and decided to splash it with a constellation of stars, so it would shine for everyone, regardless of the hour.

By adding two deep oceans, the artist 

created an overwhelming wave of beauty.

He was very particular to create a blooming effect on the cheeks,

 which would brighten and wither with the seasons, 

the emotions, and the help of the sun.

The artist also took his talents to create from something as common as straw into golden locks that seemed to bounce to the harmony of the features.

Up-to-Date

So...as many have heard, I, Ashley the Adventurous, am declaring that I will not be pursuing school next semester, because I'm silly. No, because I am being logical. 

I will be taking next semester off to work a full-time job (where-ever that may be... outdoor store or health food store hopefully!), buy a car, and plan some backpacking trips. I went into university when really, what I wanted was to take a gap year and figure things out regarding my uber-bubbly self and what my attributes and interests could do for a future career. 

SIDE NOTE: So, I like the earth, art, sustainable living, food, and people....which got me thinking of going into geography and sociology. I'd love to be a promoter of a richer life, because too many people are struggling to find purpose and meaning, but are also looking the wrong direction. I want to steer people in the direction of health and the love of living that is found in running, eating fresh kale from the garden, recycling, buying local or second hand, or just learning how to reflect on their life through deep prayer. I believe that people have to first understand the earth (through geography) and then how they are related to their society (through sociology) to really grasp how they can make a difference in the world and find a personal satisfaction in other aspects of their lives. 

^ So there's my thoughts typed out, but if you really want to know what is really going on in the time ahead, send me a message or email me (ahiggs66@gmail.com), because I love interacting with people on a personal level! I will also be pretty free in the next months to come... after I finish my first semester of university...


PS: I am not giving up on school! I love it and have really learned how to learn, I am just postponing my education until next fall! STAY TUNED!

Love Is An Ocean

Love is like a wave,
Sweeping against the shores,
Carving mountains;
Chiseling the Earth's face.

Love is a reoccurring force,
Directed by the wind,
Carrying sailors back home;
Shipping hearts to familiar lands. 
  

Love is a vast distance,
Casting further than the eye can see,
At a distance beyond the horizon;
Unknown waters to the beholder. 

Love is like an ocean,
A refreshing plunge for the soul,
Taking a dip into new waters;
Tickling the heart like toes.

I Think It's About Time

So there's this movie about love...

It's set in the UK, it stars Rachel McAdams (our beloved Allie from the Notebook), and is about how one man's life is challenged by his ability to travel through time. Sounds good? Just wait.

{{Just a heads up: I have a knack for new styles and a habit of reordering my room every couple of months. I'm not quite sure if it's just me, but I feel renewed by every new movie I watch, because there are always little tid-bits that inspire me and the way I live my life. Whether it's the quirky and kind nature of the female protagonist or the collection of fishing poles lined up in the outdoor shed that no one would have noticed but me. I always pick up little pieces of the films I have watched and keep them stored in my heart for further use in the future.}} 

Firstly, the hair.

Women tend to go in and out of bangs and I, personally, have hated every moment of the little pieces dangling over my forehead. BUT, after seeing this movie, I have concluded that I am destined to get the cut, and get it soon! Super classy, I'd say.

She's honestly the most gorgeous person ever.

Then... The Dress.

Listen, I am a traditional person. I like black & white and believe in very classic things. Knowing me, you wouldn't ever think I'd say what I'm about to say... I wouldn't mind a RED wedding dress.

Yes, red.

Take a look for yourself... It's amazing.

{{The walk down the aisle}}

And... A humorous full-length view. 

Eighteenth Eve.

The last day of "Dancing Queen" and the number seventeen. It's time to sneak up the ladder towards the big 18. This past year has brought many smiles and good laughs, everything I needed for a fantastic grad year. Looking forward to tomorrow and the years to come down the road...