Engaging Photos

Engagement pictures.

They can be as cliche as ribbon cuttings, check presentations and politicians kissing babies.

Step 1: Place your left hand on the face of your fiance

Step 2: Gaze lovingly into each other's eyes

Step 3: Look serious, like you're seriously in love.

Step 4: Snap.

Step 5: Send out to 500 guests on sticky fridge 

magnets

yuck.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Engagement pictures can be as exciting, creative and refreshing as falling in love. It just takes  a little extra thinking.

Think outside the Tiffany blue box

Steer clear of matching white button downs and jeans posing on the beach. Engagement pictures give you an opportunity to express your personality as a couple--so keep it fresh and fun.

Megan and Anthony ran around like a couple of kids in the fountains. They had a lot of fun and it shows in their photos.

Try a different angle

Swingset pictures can look like this:

     cute, but cliche.

Or this:

Ah, to be young and in love.

The location stayed the same, but by changing the angle you create a more romantic, less picture already in the frame when you bought it, feel.

Show a little humor

Why so serious? Sure, planning a wedding can be stressful. But it's also a lot of fun -- so laugh a little!

Ask a friend

Splurge on a professional photographer for the wedding, but grab a friend with a good eye for engagement pictures. They know you and want to capture the true love in your relationship that they see everyday. It makes for a great wedding gift,  and trust me, it's a lot of fun. 

Congratulations Meg and Anthony. Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day. :)

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder?

After months without my laptop, I finally overcame the powers of Applecare and was reunited with my Macbook Pro. 

Separation anxiety sets in.

I know what you're thinking...

FOUR MONTHS.

No post, no letters, no voicemail, no tweets...not even a text to announce my blogging hiatus. I could tell you I wrote you 365 letters that you never got, but that would be lying. And my name's not Ryan Gosling.

But I'm back. And like old friends, I hope we can pick up where we left off.

As for me, I spent a beautiful summer in California, chasing waves and teenagers at my job with a local summer camp. 

Sky diving over California was the highlight of my summer, and one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.

Now, I am back in the state of Missouri where I am currently working as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian. The job, which has reminded me of my first love -- writing -- also led me back to the blogging.

Yes, I'm on a tractor in Missouri. But for the sake of transparency, you should know I cropped out the stilettos I was wearing. :)

I promise to never leave you again. No laptop estrangements, no weeks without calling, and no leaving you for someone else -- no matter how tall, dark and handsome he is. 

But if he wears Ray Ban Wayfarers, I'm not making any promises.

Forget fangs, it's all about the eye wear.

Man, it feels good to be back,

Voguerrilla

Hot Guys in History: Pat Tillman

In honor of Memorial Day, today's Hot Guy in History goes to Pat Tillman, a United States soldier who loyally served the United States Army from 2002 until his death in Afghanistan in 2004. 

Tillman, originally an American football player, loyally played for the Arizona Cardinals from 1998 to 2001. After the September 11 attacks, Tillman was offered a three-year $3.6 million contract to continue playing for the Cardinals, but turned it down to enlist in the United States Army. His brother Kevin, a college baseball player on the road to a professional career, joined him. In a series of controversial reports that, for many, undermined the Army's credibility, it was announced that Tillman died in friendly fire in 2004. However, the courage, integrity and honor of this young man, who put his life on hold to serve his country, is not up for speculation. 

Remembering you today, Pat Tillman. 

School's out for summer

Instead of staying in Missouri as I chose to do last year, I'm hitting the streets of Los Angeles this summer for three months of sun, sand, surf and style.

After making a quick run to Trader Joe's for some vegan-friendly Un-Chicken, real Hummus and delicious produce, I booked it to the nearest fro-yo stand for the delicious treat I've been craving for months. As I happily dug into my first bite, I started to ask myself the same question I answer almost every day at school, "Why did you ever leave California for Missouri?"

At first, my initial reaction was "Well duh, the journalism school." But after two years in Missouri, my answer is loaded with so much more. I quickly learned that my heart never left California, a piece of it just wandered to the midwest. I will always have a soft spot for the ocean, laid-back chaos, fashion-forward streets and delicious restaurants that are open until 3 a.m. in Los Angeles. But, somehow, I now find myself missing Missouri. Why?

Let me count the ways...

1. Girlfriends

There are no cultural divides when it comes to best friends-California or Missouri I love them all. But, girls that can throw a football and still pick out a great pair of heels...that's some of midwest's best right there.

2. Sorority Life

Trust me, there's a lot more to it than pillow fights and pink greek letter decals on our cars. In the midwest, sisterhood means sisterhood. We work hard to make a difference in the community and each other's lives. Ok ok, we have a lot of fun too. :)

3. Midwest boys.

Did you know there are actually guys out there that open your car door (every door, actually), take you on real, romantic dates, know how to fix cars (not just their hair) and treat you like a princess. Who knew far-far away is actually in Missouri?

4. Country Music

Almost everyone in California swears that they listen to "everything except country." But between the intricate storylines and sing-a-long lyrics, it quickly became one of my favorite genres. I dare you to sing it at the top of your lungs in your car....pure bliss.

5. Long Drives

My best friend pointed out to me on our last Missouri roadtrip "Maybe people are nicer in the country because they get to see this every single day of their lives." There is something breathtaking about driving on a windy road, with lush green trees around you and the beautiful baby blue sky above. The skyline in California is beautiful, but scenic drives in Missouri are downright therapeutic.

6. Missouri Sunsets

My first Missouri sunset knocked me off my feet. Can you see why?

7. Sonic

When I'm in Missouri, I miss Wajoos and In-n-Out. But every time 2 oclock rolls around in California, I'm dying for Sonic Happy Hour drinks. Cherry Lime-Aid slush, anyone?

8. Barn Parties

Sure, LA boasts a great club scene, but you haven't truly partied until you go to a barn party. There's nothing like dancing under a tin roof during a thunderstorm. Don't worry, no animals here-- just watch out for the wild college kids.

9. Being in the Middle

Common sense, right? Want to explore the East Coast, race down to Texas for a football game, or take the college spring break mecca to Panama City Beach? Just find your car keys-- it's all in a day's drive.

10. Well, duh, the Journalism School

The Missouri School of Journalism is the first (and best!) school of journalism in the world. It could be in the middle of nowhere and I would still go there.

Oh wait...

Did you know procrastination is defined as a coping mechanism for the anxiety of starting a task.

you've got that right...

Just for fun...

Leather gets caught in a generation gap...

You don't need no reason or a three piece suit to argue the truth...

Our parents have watched us from the moment we entered the world, yet we often take for granted how well they really know us. My dad, who works on the Ellen Degeneres show, always texts me when a music artist reminds him of me. From Joss Stone to Joshua Radin, he is always spot on to my musical tastes. Today, he texted me "Brett Dennen." I whipped out my Sony Ericsson and responded:

"Dad, you have an ear for my taste, I absolutely love him. His video, Ain't No Reason, changed my life. It's amazing."

My dad responded, "I showed him your text, he said 'that's cool.'"

After I squeeled in excitement, I decided to log onto YouTube and watch the video again. For once, an artist of our generation is speaking truth through his lyrics. Everyone needs to see this video. So, I'm asking you to take 3 minutes and 20 seconds out of your day. It might just inspire you to use the thousands you have left to inspire change.

Brett Dennen Ain't No Reason Video

There ain’t no reason things are this way.

Its how they always been and they intend to stay.
I can't explain why we live this way, we do it everyday. 
Preachers on the podium speakin’ of saints in seance,
Prophets on the sidewalk beggin’ for change,
Old ladies laughing from the fire escape, cursing my name.
I got a basket full of lemons and they all taste the same,
A window and a pigeon with a broken wing,
You can spend your whole life workin’ for something
Just to have it taken away.
People walk around pushing back their debts,
Wearing pay checks like necklaces and bracelets,
Talking ‘bout nothing, not thinking ‘bout death,
Every little heartbeat, every little breath.
People walk a tight rope on a razors edge
Carrying their hurt and hatred and weapons.
It could be a bomb or a bullet or a pen
Or a thought or a word or a sentence.

There Ain't no reason things are this way.
It's how they always been and they intend to stay
I don’t know why I say the things I say, but I say them anyway.
But love will come set me free
Love will come set me free,I do believe 
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set me free, yes.

Prison walls still standing tall,
Some things never change at all.
Keep on buildin’ prisons, gonna fill them all,
Keep on buildin’ bombs, gonna drop them all.
Working your fingers bear to the bone,
Breaking your back, make you sell your soul.
Like a lung that’s filled with coal, suffocatin’ slow.
The wind blows wild and I may move,
The politicians lie and I am not fooled.
You don't need no reason or a three piece suit to argue the truth.
The air on my skin and the world under my toes,
Slavery stitched into the fabric of my clothes,
Chaos and commotion wherever I go, love I try to follow.

Love will come set me free
Love will come set me free, I do believe
Love will come set me free, I know it will
Love will come set me free, yes.

There ain't no reason things are this way
It’s how they always been and they intend to stay
I can't explain why we live this way, we do it everyday.

Taking a Lemonade Stand

Everyone knows the old saying-when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I love the idea of finding good in the midst of evil, turning the sour into sweet and rising from the ashes. In fact, by this point in my life, I should probably invest in opening my own stand.

When my best friend and I went to her great grandmother's funeral, for example, we left disappointed by the sermon that focused on her death instead of highlighting her vibrant life. 

Vowing to celebrate our own lives, rather than dwell on the sadness of that day, we vamped up our makeup and hair and had a photoshoot in Jefferson City.

As we ran around train tracks, skipped in front of the capitol, and enjoyed delicious vanilla cokes from a local pharmacy, I learned that life is too precious to limit to one eulogy muttered at the end of a funeral procession. I want to write my personal eulogy on the life of every person I meet. Rather than leave a list of achievements, I want to leave a legacy of laughter, a history of warm smiles, a soundtrack of singing off key in the car on road trips, and a gallery of captured moments-including those we snapped on that eye-opening day.

And, once again, I was reminded that my best friend is my juicer-- she can't keep the lemons from coming, but she is always the first to help squeeze them when I don't have the strength to on my own.

love you, Sunshine.

America's Best College Town...

Panama City Beach.

If those three words don't invoke great memories, you can blame it on whatever you poured in that Collector's Edition Spring Break Big Gulp. From the white sand beaches and gorgeous crystal blue water to the late-night dance parties and infamous MTV appearances-the Florida city has become more of a rough in the crystal than a crystal in the rough. But for the millions of students that flock to the hot spot each year, it's the perfect place to get away from college-or enjoy it in its most concentrated form (that's 100 proof, for you frat boys).

Last week, I decided to jump on the bandwagon and escape to 80 degree weather. Growing up in Los Angeles, it was my first warm weather mecca to the gulf of Mexico. But after a freezing winter and far too many midterms, I was ready to break out my flip flops and drop an umbrella in my tropical drink (rather than huddle under one on the Mizzou campus). 

My three best friends and I bunked up with the men from our favorite fraternity on campus, FarmHouse. At first, I thought I would spend the week wading through beer bottles and avoiding keg stands. But, I was pleasantly surprised to find how fun it actually is to travel with guys. Less drama, more room for my over-packed suitcases, and an enlightening look into the male world. They may live off Cheez-Its and Pizza Rolls-but you might be surprised to find that they also fold their clothes neatly into their suitcase, throw spontaneous dance parties and listen to Taylor Swift when they are getting ready...sorry boys, the secret's out.

After buying Panamaniac cards that granted us admission and specials to the best bars and clubs in town-we were ready to conquer the strip. After dancing until my legs ached, I realized that the only difference between a night in Panama and Los Angeles is the footwear. Don't bother packing heels, just shake the sand of your flip-flops on your way into the bar. And the next day, slip into a sundress and enjoy a relaxing day on the sand. The water may send you running up the beach, but the volleyball, tanning, and continuous music will keep you jamming on the sand until sunset. We even packed guitars and spent hours singing to our favorite songs right on the beach. 

There may not be a university in sight, but Panama City Beach is no doubt a college town. We even cheered Mizzou to the Elite 8 with other fans. With 18 to 24 year olds running all over the city, Panama allows you to escape class and enjoy college. Just add water. And for goodness sake, sunscreen.

FEATURE: Hot Guys in History

While I typically like my men older (say, 1800s), I made an exception for this week's hot guy in history. From fabulous parties to diminishing party lines, President Barack Obama isn't just making waves in Washington, he's frolicking in them--shirtless (ah).

oh, yes he can.

Four days before the 2008 election, I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Obama campaign. Loading luggage on and off the campaign plane felt like walking the red carpet to five college students in Missouri. I spent hours picking out my outfit, making sure my hair was just perfect, and hoping for just a glimpse of the presidential candidate. While Obama delivered a moving speech to a large crowd of Columbia residents, we rushed to return luggage to members of the traveling press core at a nearby hotel. Somewhere between a suitcase and a garment bag, I found myself sitting around a table with the creme de la creme of journalists. I peeked over the shoulder of Scout Tufankjian as she edited pictures for her book, Yes We Can. I predicted the future of journalism with a reporter from Newsweek. 

And I'll never forget driving Chief Campaign Strategist David Axelrod and MSNBC Political Correspondent Richard Wolffe to a bar downtown for drinks. I was in my own journalism fantasy world. 

We woke up to the sunrise the following day to load the luggage back onto the campaign plane. With the possibility of meeting the future president in our minds, we checked bags like we were handling gold. Search dogs sniffed every piece of luggage before it was sent on to the jet. The sun was directly overhead when I saw the heads start to turn.

A motorcade approached the airport with more SUVs than you see in traffic on the 405. My friends and I stood opposite to the press core, waiting to meet the future president. His SUV stopped directly in front of us, and we waited to meet him while he talked on his cell phone. It could have been his wife or his campaign strategist on the phone, but it was at that moment I knew he was the real deal. The hand motions and facial expressions he used for millions of people were the same for just one. When he was finished talking, he hung up the phone and opened the door. His energetic presence was intoxicating-everyone's face, from his fun-loving assistant Reggie to a Fox reporter, lit up in smiles, his jacket lightly waved in the breeze, and he walked directly up to me. I've never felt so starstruck in my life.

Obama: "I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

I'd wait for you all day, Senator Obama

Me: "Hi! I'm Catherine. It's such an honor to meet you Senator Obama." 

Obama: "It's nice to meet you, Catherine. Are you all journalism students?"

What a handshake...

Us: "Yes we are!"

Does this mean you want to sit down for an interview later?

Obama: "Thanks for your support. We're really going to need you guys in the next four days."

For what? Dinner? A date to the inaugural ball? Oh right, our vote.

It didn't take much effort to smile for the picture we took with him. I took a deep breath as I watched him board the plane, feeling like a new age truly was upon us. This man, who delivered goose-bump raising speeches, met me like an old friend. To me, his warm handshake delivered a stronger message than all of his speeches. When I looked at the picture as his plane flew into the distance, I found the answer right above our heads: Change. I'd seen it plastered across tshirts and bumper stickers, but here, with his warm smile and relaxed stance, he whispered it gently. As I scribbled in the bubble next to his name four days later, I realized that he didn't just need us, we needed him. To him, change isn't just a noun that defines alterations in foreign policy. It's a commanding verb that sweeps through each of us. I'm ready for it. Are you?

September 31, 2008.