Krista Maurer

#reverb10: defining moment

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Krista

Day 29 of #Reverb10 // Kathryn Fitzmaurice prompts // Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year.

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It was mid-day. Autumn. I was sitting on the couch in the loft. Still in my pajamas. Un-showered, un-brushed, un-fed, un-everything. And I read the phrase, “You need to accept that you are grieving.”

What?

There was a physical reaction in my knotted back as I re-read it.

And the Burden lifted just a bit.

There was a reason for all that I’d been feeling.

There was a reason for my inability to “pull it together.”

I wasn’t crazy. I wasn’t losing it. I wasn’t doomed. It wasn’t hopeless. It wasn’t my fault.

It wasn’t my fault.

But more importantly, I could begin moving past it.

And in that moment, the grief began to let go.

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Visit the Shop for 30% off all rosette accessories.

Tutorial: Rolled Fabric Rosettes

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Krista

Good Morning! If you’re finding me through Good Things Utah … Welcome! My site is a mixture of life, photography, creativity, and faith. If you’re interested, you can sign up on the mailing list (over there on the right) if you’d like to receive periodic emails with new ideas, tutorials, recipes, and sale coupons. You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and the RSS feed here.

Today I demonstrated how to make these darling rolled fabric rosettes. They are so easy and quick! And once you get the hang of it, you can create dozens to adorn headbands, winter coats, earrings, clothing, pillows … anything!

And if you don’t want to make them yourself, visit the shop where all rosette accessories are 30% off through the end of the year (discount refunded after purchase).

Here’s how:

Supplies
fabric of any style, fabric glue, scissors

Instructions
1. Cut a strip of fabric measuring 1.5″ wide and about 2′ long. Adjust this depending on the size of rosette you wish to make. i.e. make the fabric strip thinner and shorter for a tiny rosette or fatter and longer for a large rosette.
2. Tie a knot in one end of fabric strip.
3. While holding the knot in one hand, dab a line of glue on outer edge (of knot) and wrap the fabric strip around the knot, twisting the fabric every so often, and securing it to the glue.
4. Continue in this manner until about 1″ of the strip is left.
5. Glue end of strip to underside of rosette.

All done! Now just glue it to a pin back or headband and you’ve got a brand new, trendy accessory!

#reverb10: achieve

Posted on December 28, 2010 by Krista

Day 28 of #Reverb10 // Tara Sophia Mohr asks // What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.

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In 2004, when I graduated from college and moved to grown-up land where you get an apartment in a city you’ve never been to before and pay all your own bills and start a 401K, I threw a party. Like I’ve said before, I think one of my finest talents is finding a reason to throw a party and this was no exception. And since all “good parties” need a theme, I happily branded this one: The “I Love My Life” Party. And I did.

I loved my big-girl job. I loved my little apartment with all its thrifted furniture. I loved my friends. I loved my new city. And I loved the bright future ahead of me. Everything was all shiny and glittery.

On the night of the party all my friends came. I wore the skirt and top I loved the most. We ate my favorite foods and talked about the best things in our lives. It was a grand night and added yet another reason to the long list of reasons to love my life.

It’s been 6 1/2 years since that party.

And somewhere along the way I stopped loving my life.

What do I most want to achieve in 2011? I want to love my life again.

It’s a loaded want, I know. And it depends on the internal as well as the external, I know. But if I could love my life again? Well, the stress and sadness and frustration vanish at the very though. I could be happy again.

And I know it’s possible. I’m not hopeless. Nothing is hopeless.

I really do believe that.

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#reverb10: ordinary joy

Posted on December 27, 2010 by Krista

Day 27 of #Reverb10 // Brene Brown asks // Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year?

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So much of this year was spent in numbness, however there are three moments that stand out above all others where, when in those moments, I felt a wash of emotion overcome me that was too big for my heart to hold. Three moments that were nothing big or grand, but were full of the joy and love and peaceful content that I want to be the rule, rather than the exception, for my life next year.

1. I know. I know. You’re sick of hearing about that night in the desert with him. But I always come back to it. My senses were so alive. And everything was so vivid–the colors, the light, the smells, the heat, the sounds. I can still see it. In all its vibrancy. If I had to chose my one best memory of 2010, it would be it. Click Here to Read

2. It was a reunion of sorts, with friends I struggle to find words to describe. We share a connection that’s deep and honest and so far below the surface, it’s almost hidden. And that evening we spent, after years apart, drinking up the mountain air, guitars in hand–with music, both spoken and sung–filled me to overflowing. I’ve come back to these pictures often since then and I think they’re some of my favorite (best) photos I took this year. They speak everything I felt that night. Click Here to See

3. I was just there to help her out, busily pushing buttons and recording their little voices, paying close attention to mechanics and levels, when the feeling in the room became tangible. I stopped. And I knew. What they were singing was true. I hadn’t forgotten it. Well–actually, yes I had. And I needed to remember. The tears fell and I wanted them to sing for forever. Click Here to Listen

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#reverb10: soul food

Posted on December 26, 2010 by Krista

Day 26 of #Reverb10 // Elise Marie Collins asks // What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul?

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In August Frit and I went to my South Carolina home … along with her whole family (all 23 of them) … to show them the island, soak up the sun, float in the ocean, and vaca the last steamy bits of summer away.

Whilst home, there are lots of things I “have to do”: go to the beach, visit so-and-so, ride the boats with the padre, etc. And scattered throughout that list are all the restaurants I need to frequent–i.e. the places that make my favorite foods. Namely, all the Southern fixings and all the fresh seafood that I can’t get in Utah.

That week in August was filled with hush puppies and macaroni & cheese and key lime pie and pecan pie and fried fish and shrimp and italian ices and crab cakes, crab cakes, and more crab cakes. My favorite.

It’s a different way of life, and a different way of eating down there. And no matter how long I’m away, as soon as I cross the bridge, I settle into it like the heat of the Southern sun on glistening skin. Which is to say, the crab cakes feed more than my belly.

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On Christmas Day in the Morning

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Krista

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#reverb10: photo — a present to yourself

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Krista

Day 25 of #Reverb10 // Tracey Clark prompts // Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.

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This’ll be short and sweet cuz … HAPPY CHRISTMAS! From me. To you.

Speaking of.

This is me:

Taken May of 2010, by moi. I wanted to learn a bit more about my camera’s settings that day, so I turned the camera on myself and held a mini-photo-shoot. I’m in my bedroom, on my bed, by the window. (To see more from that photo shoot, click here.)

It’s crazy to me that this picture was taken only seven months ago. It’s crazy how life can flip turn up-side-down (name that show!) in only seven months. How you can be so peaceful, happy, and content–like I was in that picture–only to find that you’re so-the-opposite less than a year later later.

But like I said yesterday. The light is coming.

And in fact, it already did come. The light, with a “big L”, came 2000 years ago as a tiny babe in a manger. To bring hope and life and light–all the things I need. And He will come again. Just–and especially-when we need Him.

Merry Christmas my friends. May you receive all the light you seek this Christmas season.

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#reverb10: everything’s ok

Posted on December 24, 2010 by Krista

Day 24 of #Reverb10 // Kate Inglis asks // What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?

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It wasn’t a moment really–nothing that could be pinpointed and circled in red, or earmarked with a Post-It–but more of a general sense that has come slowly. Over the last few days.

And though still not fully audible, the voice inside says, “the light is coming.”

Happy Christmas Eve my friends.

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Christmas Gifts for YOU! [Christmas Music]

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Krista

I know a lot of really talented people, particularly musicians. It’s one of my favorite things about my life–getting the inside scoop on new indie music from fantastic up-and-coming artists. So today, when I heard my friend Ryan‘s cover of Silent Night, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I had no idea I could love this song any more than I already did, but this version is without comparison. It’s the most moving musical experience I’ve had in a while. Ryan’s voice is like butter dripping with black forest honey. And as if it couldn’t get any better, not only can you listen to it, you can download it for free…

HERE

You’re welcome. And merry Christmas!

#reverb10: new name

Posted on December 23, 2010 by Krista

Day 23 of #Reverb10 // Becca Wilcott asks // If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?

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Remember when Phoebe changed her name to Princess Consuela Banana Hammock so Mike tells her he’s going to change his to Crap Bag? “First name Crap. Last name Bag.” haha I still laugh out loud when I think about that episode.

When I was a kid, my pretend name–you know the one I always used when we played Barbies or house–was Sam. Short for Samantha. After Alysa Milano on Who’s the Boss?

Gosh. This is a hard exercise. Maybe because I’m not understanding the point of the question. It seems silly. I mean. I am who I am.

Although … sometimes I would like to be someone else. Someone different. Maybe that’s the point. Who would I like to be?

Oh! I know! Pick me!

I’d like to be the old me. The me from like 2003 to mid-2005. Those were my favorite years of my life so far. By far. I think that’s when I was most balanced and had it most “together.” And I was hot back then. I mean, not that that’s important. But dang. I really did look good.

Actually I’d just really like to be the real me. The ideal me. The me I know exists, but labors to break free. The me who’s confident. Sure. Full of direction and purpose. Active. Strong. Steady. Kind. Generous. Patient. Soft. Sparkly.

That’s the real Krista.

I’m pleased to meet you.

(Although Bianca would be a fun name for a day, dontcha think?)

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#reverb10: travel

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Krista

Day 22 of #Reverb10 // Tara Hunt asks // How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

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Travel in 2010 began in February with a trip to North Carolina/Tennessee for Catie’s funeral. That was a pretty awful trip, and though it was wonderful to see all my college girlfriends again, I wish the reason for a reunion had been pina coladas on a beach in Mexico and not the death of our dear friend. After the burial in TN, I flew to South Carolina to visit the family since I was so close.

May brought the fellah back to Utah for the summer and with that–a reason to go to Saint George (southern Utah) to see him. But that ended in June so, well. That was that.

In August, Frit and her entire family (25 in all) went to my island home with me for a week. We spent seven days on the beach, rode all the boats, took a day trip to Savannah, ate at all my favorite spots, and soaked up as much sun as humanly possible. It was a great way to end the summer.

In November I drove to Arizona with Mindy to produce her benefit concert. It was a great show and while I was there I got to see my sister and her stomach round with child.

Next year? … who knows. I’ve always wanted to do the west coast highway from CA to WA and I’ve been wanting to see Mount Rushmore. If either of those are to happen, I’m going to have to schedule a bunch-o-photo shoots and sell a whole lot more illustrations. (hint hint) [grin]

And of course the top of the list always remains the same … the beautiful, the dreamy, the romantic lights of Paris. Always Paris. Someday I’m going to live there for a spell. I’ve just got to.

What was your best vacation this year? Where would you go if you could go anywhere?

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