Change of Heart

It's something I don't often talk about around here, my faith. But I'm realizing that's a problem. It defines my life. Defines who I am. I'll start by saying that I believe in the Living God. One and only. He has drastically changed every aspect of my life, led my way, and shown me an incredible satisfaction in who I am, where I am and what I have. Something that doesn't quite fit in to a fashion blog. Coming back from my recent trip to Uganda, I've struggled in every way imaginable. Missing the people. Missing the country. Missing the incredible passion for a spirit-filled life that just doesn't exist in America. And it's all bringing me to the conclusion that my heart is changed and I'll never be the same. Ever.





My days are spent like never before. My desires are almost backward. And I crave the same for every person that I love. For every person that I see. God is incredible. God is good. And God has a spectacular plan. When I left Uganda, I knew I was going back. Not when or how, but I knew. After only being back for a month, I'm already on track to go back and the Lord has confirmed this path for me over and over.

All that being said, I came to the realization a few nights ago that I will most likely be poor(financially) and somewhat homeless for the rest of my life. Whether here, in Africa, or wherever else God leads, my heart is in missions and I can't imagine anything holding me back from that. And guess what. It costs a lot. I've stated before that I've never had a boyfriend/relationship and I now know that it's because I'm waiting for a man with a heart for missions as well. My desire isn't for a husband who provides financially, but spiritually.

I know this is probably starting to feel like my own personal journal, but bare with me. This is ALL to say that I've changed and so has my blog. This isn't a fashion blog any longer. Sure, I'd love to share clothes and fun ideas from time to time. But the focus is now on who I really am. Who I really love. What I really care about. I hope you'll stay along for the ride!

xo, Bruklyn

I Left My Heart in Africa

In my last few posts, I've talked a lot about "big changes". New job, vacation, kitten... honestly, I don't know what these BIG changes really were. I suppose they were all a first step to a truly big change. A life-altering trip to Uganda.



There is not an ounce of me that can truly describe what I experienced there. When people ask about the trip, I'm instantly overwhelmed with answers and emotions. The impact made on my life over a short two weeks couldn't be measured. Things that were once important have no pull on me. Hopes and dreams are gone. My heart wants nothing more than to be back there, but I'm learning to be content right here. Honestly, I'm struggling.







I look through these photos 15 times a day. I've got them framed, printed for an album, on my computer... there are TONS. I've become useless to the world! I think going back to work this week will help me re-assimilate myself, but I'm not sure I want to lose the feeling. I don't want to forget the people or the places. The lives. I know this isn't uncommon. People struggle with it daily. People in the group I went with are in the very same place. But what does one do? How do I maintain a balance of happiness here and my desire to go back? I need prayer, guys! I miss these faces...

Autumn is Here!!!

Hello ladies! Autumn is finally here and the cooler weather is fast approaching! I have a heap of beautiful dresses to photograph tomorrow for the shop and I am so excited to get back to work!



A beautiful friend of mine just bought a fantastic new camera and since she's still getting a feel for it, she asked if we could go out for a mini photoshoot. I took the opportunity to feature this gorgeous cheetah print dress that'll be coming into the shop very soon.





She did such a fantastic job with these photos that I didn't have to edit a single bit of them! It's probably the first time I've EVER posted unedited photos. Haha.




I can't wait to be back in the Etsy game! I've even got a couple of new blogs lined up :) See you all soon!
xo, Bruklyn

Back to the Books

"Every woman I've ever met feels it - something deeper than just the sense of failing at what she does. An underlying, gut feeling of failing at who she is. I am not enough, and I am too much at the same time. Not pretty enough, not thin enough, not kind enough, not gracious enough, not disciplined enough. But too emotional, too need, too sensitive, too strong, too opinionated, too messy. The result is Shame, the universal companion of women."

-Captivating

John & Stasi Eldredge

I was recommended this book by a friend of mine. It's by a married couple - Christian authors who created this novel for women and Wild at Heart, for men. I've not been able to put it down for reasons like the quote above: something so many women are feeling but not able to put into words. It's chalk full of lovely tidbits like that one and encouragement that you're not the only one feeling that way. It's really a great read.



That being said, last Sunday, Kala and I had the chance to drive around a bit and take photos for the blogs. It was such a beautiful day and we were determined to find an interesting spot for photos.



We ended up stumbling upon this fantastic old barn and headed up the driveway to ask if we could use it. The most wonderful older couple stepped out onto the porch and although the wife was at ease, Tom (her husband) wasn't so sure about us posting photos of his barn on the internet. It as all pretty adorable. He ended up letting us and then stood there watching us take pictures. It was so awkward we left quickly thereafter. Haha. It made for the perfect day :)


What I Wore:
Peter Pan Collar Blouse: Vintage
Shift Dress: Forever 21
Leather Belt: Thrifted
Saddle Shoes: Vintage

Hope to see you all soon! Hope all is well!
xo, Bruklyn

Where, Where, Where Have I Been?

Hello everyone! So good to be back! I've been on a semi-permanent hiatus for a while now, and I'm not making any promises about being back or not, but I've really been missing this world lately :) So many many things have changed in my life lately and I feel behind in everyone else's as well! This summer has been COMPLETELY packed. Between work, vacation and, well.... being outside, there hasn't been a whole lot of time for anything else. I even took a break from selling on Etsy for a while there.

In any case, I'm back for the time being. At least until I get completely overwhelmed again. Haha. Update me on your lives! What's been going on?! This is what I've been up to....

(Forgive the ensemble of Instagram photos. I brought my camera NOWHERE this summer.)


Solar Eclipse | Dog Walks

Baseballlll

Much Needed Vacation | Amazing Birthday

Disneyland!

Incredible Concerts | Beautiful Fireworks

Gipedo <3

New & Amazing Guitar | New & Amazing Couch

Recreating Childhood Photos

Best Friendssss | First Watercolor Ever!

My Sweetest Mollie Sue & Moses Baker

New Jewelry Designs


It's clearly been a busy summer for ME. Now update me!
xo, Bruklyn

Solar Flare

Hello all! My gracious, it's been a long time. As I previously announced (almost a month ago) I've had a lot of big changes in my life lately. Nothing too crazy, but life-altering, nonetheless. About two and a half months ago I finally gave up a job that could easily be viewed as a dream job. It was practically everything I could want... manager, buyer, graphic design, web editing, adorable boutique, creative freedom, etc. The only problem is that I was SO unhappy and couldn't shake it. I finally knew that I had to quit. There was absolutely no other option, so I did just that and I got hired as a waitress two days later! I work almost every day, and never have time for anything like Etsy, blogging or wearing cute outfits, but this weekend was a fantastic exception! This Sunday, here in Southern Oregon, was abuzz with the news of a solar eclipse! It was my day off and I'd been looking forward to it all week :) My best gal, Kala, and I set out to make the perfect day of it. We ate delicious food, played hours of arcade games (I won that awesome slap bracelet with my tickets), bowling, basically just had loads of fun, then went to the greatest park around to see the action. We went in completely unprepared, but saw a couple of folks who'd come down from Eugene and Washington with absolutely the perfect equipment for viewing. They let us borrow these little viewers so we could take in the entire eclipse! Once it was in totality it was viewable to the naked eye, but it was so fun to experience the whole thing. The colors were majestic! Kala and I also determined that eclipse lighting is, without a doubt, the best lighting for photographs. They all look like stills from a movie!

I was so excited to wear this adorable 50s dress I got on eBay just a bit ago. The down side of being a waitress is that I never get to wear my lovely vintage clothing any more. I've got a few select things I like wearing, but I'd hate to ruin one of my dresses for the sake of looking nice on the job :/ In any case, I'm so glad to join up with all of you again and I'd really love to make this AT LEAST a weekly thing. I'm going to try my darnedest, that's for sure :) How are you all doing?! What activities have been occupying you lately?? xo, Bruklyn

Film Photos

Hello all! In all this time that I've not had a computer, I've managed to store up quite a number of photos. These were from close to a year ago! I had just purchased a Canon AE-1, one of my favorite film cameras, based on the photo quality and the fact that I'd borrowed one a number of times before and had a fairly good grasp on how to use it. This particular day, my best girl, Kala and I set out on a little adventure in Jacksonville, an adorable little tourist town nearby, and she gave me a lesson!















Hope all is well! I've got some MAJOR updates in my life as of late :) Can't wait to share!
xo, Bruklyn