Awareness

Hey guys! This blog post is a little bit more serious. I have been writing this post for a while, just havent published it because I didn't know if it was right, but I feel I needed to state all my thoughts about it, plus we all need a reminder to bring some humbleness to our hearts this holiday season. My little sister Shae was diognosed in Sept. with Wegener's granulomatosis. It is an incurable form of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) that affects small- and medium-sized vessels in the nose, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Due to its end-organ damage, it is life-threatening and requires long-term immunosuppression.

I stole that speal from Wikipedia. Anyways, really rare. My little sister is on dialysis 3 times of week, taking more meds then I thought possible for someone her age, and yet staying strong! Sometimes it is hard to see Shae like this, because she can't do the things she used to do like go to school, run in track, ect. Lately is has been really impacting me as I come across old pictures of her, from not that long ago, like this summer. Here are some of my little Shaelynn before she got sick.

Since she got sick it has meant many weeks in Children's Hospital for her and her mom. When I could I tried to get down there to spend so much time with her, and let her mother get some rest. The hardest part is the internal conflict she is having within her self. There are so many fears running through her mind, that I can't even imagine, and she is battling self esteem. She never really battles with it before, but since she has gained a little weight from her meds and body fluids it seems to be really effecting her! It is so hard telling someone they are beautiful and them still not believing it. She was one of my biggest supporters when I started SSS, and now its hard teaching her what she tried to help me teach. I know that Shae and Shari are thankful for my help and love, but I wish I could do more. I am sure that alot of people feel that way. I just think that if I didn't have the homework load I did, I could help more.

wiping her nose

studying my life away haha

helping her set up her tree in her room

her last visit to the hospital

I am only a little part in this journey, as her mom and Shae LIVE IT every day. Other then talk about it, all I can say is joining the Wagners warrior fb group and show support by wearing red on Wednesdays!
WG Warriors
Nobody knows how much Shae means to me. We are sisters, and just because we arent related by blood doesn't change her title to me. She has always been a playful youthful spirit in my life, and some how looks up to me, which means so much.
Keep Calm and Carry On,
Ciara

Its the most wonderful time..

OF THE YEAR!!!! Only 4 more days of school till my much needed winter break! It is almost Christmas, almost a new year, almost my birthday, and almost and adult! I couldn't be more excited! I thought this blog post would be some of my favorite winter must haves!

1. Solid Color Scarf; It seriously can go with anything, I love them, and they keep me warm. Sometimes I have a hard time doing different things with me till I found this site in Pinterest that teaches you 50 different ways to tie a scarf. Click Here for 50 Ways to Tie Scarves

 

2. Glitter Eye Shadow: I have been in love with this stuff lately. I think it all looks so pretty and flity, and festive at the same time. Just don't go over board. Nobody will think your cute, just tacky.

3. Pearls. They seriously go with EVERYTHING! That is the reason why they are my favorite. Think about it, no women is as classy as when she is wearing red lipstick and has a strand of pearls. In the winter they look cute on your ears, a ring, and a necklace.

 

4. Leggings! I seriously love my dresses, and the only way to make it possible to wear them in Colorado's winter without my legs going purple is with leggings. I only have a solid black and solid purple pair, but I wish I had ones with different patterns like these. Also, leggins and boots look cute together!

 

5. Lace Shirt and Dark Skinny Jeans I have been focusing mostly on accessories because that is how I make my outfits, so here is a must have that you can wear on its own. I love this together, and the reason why I say dark washed jeans is because light washed jeans scream mom jeans to me...and they are not as slimming.

 

One more thing, my friend Zach wanted to try making a You Tube show together, so here is our first episode out of many to come! Ciara and Zach Ep.1

Ciara

ONLY IF

you knew how loaded I am. School..well lets not even get me started. Life? crazy. Enjoying my Holiday season? not to the extent I would want to. I want to blog, why? BECAUSE I FEEL LIKE IT!
So...fashion. I am so tired every morning that I never get ready anymore. I used to LOVE doing my hair and makeup, but now I am just too tired, so I don't. Today I decided that was going to change! I feel good afterwards, and I end up enjoying it. Now I just need to WAKE UP!
Plus I got that boost after I checked out the 17 Guide To Style at the libary. I have been wanting it for a long time, and I ended up loving it! I know I take stuff too seriously, but I am tottally Indie/Girly Style. Such a hipster ;) hahaha

Anyways, I was googling for some "inspiration", and then some of...BETSEY JOHNSON! And here are some of my finds/WANTS!! And she has a key line! and we all know I LOVE keys.

Keep Calm and BLING ON!
Ciara

ART!

This past week the IB art kids took a trip to the Denver Art Museum. It was seriously so much fun! For some reason the buses were being used all day for a big event, so they approved for us to take the RTD, sounds sketchy for a school to let us do that, but hey its all good. We started off by getting some Starbucks once we got downtown, because you know we gotta fit into the art critique hipster look ;)

Now..what is the 'art critique hipster look'? Well it was me! hahahaha well i'm not kidding! Hipsters are often stylish, and know for some stereotypical fads, and I happen to love these fads. They thing is they wear all these fads at once...hahahaa. they LOVE barrettes! They love scarves...they love leggings..they love lace...hahhahaha. I'm not saying this is 100% true, but its the stereotype. OH! how could I forget the mustaches and ray band glasses. Only hot hipster guys have 'staches....kidding on the hot part. I brough fake mustaches and hipster glasses for us to carry around, which just made it even greater! Needless to say we had a fun time with the accessories! ;)

  

But through all of the goofiness, it was a lot of fun as a class to bond. The senior IB art students have created this bond that is too hard to describe in words. IDK if that is the way to put it, but its true. On the larger scale IB art as a whole has made some great bonds, and the art museum only helped that strengthen.

Senior IB Art Class of 2013 ^^

Seeing the Van Gough exhibit was pretty cool, because I got to see some of the pieces I have always seen or heard about. Starry night and such wasn't there but it was still pretty awesome! It is weird to think that he only started painting for 10 years prior to his death, and he could produce the amount and quality of work he did.
For some reason I just feel like the art world is for me. I have improved SO MUCH, like seriously I couldn't even draw before. Painting seemed monochromatic w/ no evidence of blending or shading. Now its completely opposite. That isn't even my medium and I see improvement. Photography has my heart of course! Honestly it is something about being behind the lens that makes me happy. I love how an object can capture some of the greatest moments that not even some memories can capture.
Sometimes I am my worst critic, and I doubt my level of skill. Family says I'm good, and friends alike, but we ALL think that our family and friends are obligated to do so. Everyone can take picture is my thing, and I don't know yet what seperates me from every other teenager girl with an istagram ( <-- hahaha) account, but maybe one day I'll learn.

Man I am typing a lot in this blog, but art is something I feel for. I love the atmosphere art evokes, and the way it makes me feel. It makes me want to go to Art school next year. I know that isn't realistic because it does cost a lot of money and that career is a gamble, but its something I think I want to minor it. It calms me so much, and why not do what makes me happy?! I totally see myself writing my children's book series with my OWN illustrations. That would be so cool, but is it just a fantasy, or am I even good enough to do that in my life. I can always have it be a hobby, but I want it as a lifestyle. Plus the way I look at it is God gave us divine gifts, and it becomes our responsibilty to share them with others. Man, this gives me so much to think about! As my spanish teacher would say, "yi...yi...yi"

This couldn't seem more fitting so;

xoxo,
Ciara 

CHRISTMAS CHEER!

It is my favorite time of the year again! HOLIDAY CHEER! I love it, and yesterday was my kick off for it. I spent a much needed day with my mom. I knew it was going to be a good day when Kosi started playing Christmas music and when the light rain turned into snow! My mom and I suited up, and headed for much needed massages, and then a little shopping in Littleton. All of our favorite antique stores have their Christmas things up to purchase! Nothing better then looking at vintage Santa with a cup of Starbucks in one hand.

I did get a lot accomplished from finalizing Shae's advent to everyone else Christmas gifts. YAY! but on that note....lets give people a reference on what is on my wish list this holiday season.




1. This won't happen but a new camera! I may have to wait a while for this, but one day I will get it. I want a nice camera that I can use to take my photography to the next level.

2. I want some kind of portfolio to store my art in, but I also want someone to buy my membership to be apart of the Traveling Sketchbook. It is where they send you one sketch book, you fill it out, send it back, and it gets added to a library of other artist in the project so there is always documentation on art.

http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

 

 

3. I want a pair of Toms, and I am being legit. I want some really bad!!!!! Of course sparkly because they will Shimmer Sparkle and Shine!

4. Some books; either What Would Audrey Do? or the Post Secret Books

5. Last but not least! Money for my Senior Trip to Florida this summer! 

Well that is all folks! I am about to go hang with my little sister and mother from another mother. FULL OF MORE CHRISTMAS CHEER!!!! 

 

Ciara Ann

Halloween

Spending my last Halloween in high school was a bitter sweet occasion. It is weird to think that it is another way that I will have to grow up for next year, but then I started thinking about it. Halloween is the ONE day a year where you can be something different, for some that is a slut (marissa hahaha) and for others a kid again. Just because I won't be in High School doesn't mean I still can't have innocent fun, I may not be able to go trick or treating but they will be many other things to do!

A highlight of my Halloween was my costume, I was a mild sauce from Taco Bell. Since Taco Bell is our restaurant of choice (hahaha) we couldn't think of a better costume. As dorky as this sounds I have always wanted to do group costumes, but I never had the right people to do it with. Another reason why I love my friends.

Ciara

October..madness! (2/2)

As I said last time, my days have not only been school, but friends as well! I have hung out with my closest friends a few times this month, created memories, laughs, jokes, ect. Here are some of the memorable nights.

First off is celebrating Abby's birthday! I think Katy Perry's Last Friday Night perfectly describes that night. We got all dressed up and ventured around the town, #yolo

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Second off is Ashley's birthday, but she has those pictures. I finally got to give her the All Time Low ticket I got her! That is exciting, and the concert is this Wednesday! There was also trunk or treat yesterday..but she has those pictures too!

Then there was the big football game (I25 Bowl). We played our rival Northglenn High School, and we lost, but it was an amazing loss! Both teams played their heart out, and it was seriously back to back touchdowns, and you had no idea who would win the whole time! It was a blast! 

I am very thankful that I have had time to do all these things with my friends. I have a feeling that I won't have any regrets about not doing the things I wanted to do or not spending enough time with the right people! On that same note, sometimes no matter how much you try, it is hard to spend time with people you care about. Some of us have jobs, other friends, clubs, ect. that I feel prevent things from happening unintentionally. There are 3 boys who I love every so much, that are just growing up too and facing life. They have jobs, friends, and a dating life! Trying to see them seems impossible but the good thing about family is that they are always there, I have now and all eternity to spend time with them!

Keep Calm and Carry On,

Ciara 

October...madness (1/2)

Man, October is constant go go go! I'm seriously staying up till the wee hours of the night, and i'm not kidding. I have even surprised myself that I can stay up that late. I feel like Dorthy in the woods, "Math, Spanish, and biology! Oh my!" Its crazy, then lets add in the whole extended essay factor, and how it is due in like a week. Somehow, in between this madness I have managed to have some fun! It is homecoming, friends birthdays and Halloween! Lets do this post about homecoming! Spirit Week was a blast as normal! 

Monday was mismatch day

Tuesday was super hero day, we were the powerpuff girls!

Wednesday was twin day! and the power puff game, were seniors dominated! 

Friday was trojan spirit day!

As a last minute decision I decided that I did not want to miss my senior homecoming, so I went with a different group of friends other then my normal crew. I am so glad that I did because I had a blast and I would have regretted it if I didn't! Marissa was kind enough to have us over for an after homecoming get together.

The girls, and may I saw that we look beautiful!

The group!

My awesome friend who was kind enough to be my date!

The after homecoming gang! 

Keep Calm and Carry On,

Ciara