11/24

11/24 by carolinegraces featuring cuff jewelry

11/23

11/23 by carolinegraces featuring a stripe tee

11/22

11/22 by carolinegraces on polyvore.com

Christmas Music 2011

Christmas Music 2011 by carolinegraces on polyvore.com

Oh, How Times Have Changed

The way children are raised and people are shaped in our community today are constant topics in conversation. Just a few weeks ago I was talking to my mom about whether or not to participate in a halloween event because of the way it would affect the children in our neighborhood. (It's called "Booing" someone. AKA leaving treats at the door after ding-dong-ditching them. Then they have to give two other houses treats. But that is beside the point.)
Also, recently an organization called I Am That Girl gathered a few women (Including Megan and Liz Mace and Sophia Bush who are all major influences in my life.. again beside the point.) and spoke at the white house about the importance of confidence in women and a healthy media environment.
The controversy is everywhere. And yet, it doesn't seem to be "controversial" that we all agree a change needs to be made. When 6 year olds are dressing like hookers and acting like pimps, I think it's obvious something is wrong. We all pretty much think that too, but very few people are acting on it, and that is where it hurts us.
I saw an article recently about an anorexic halloween costume. Anorexia is not something to joke about, and yet the costumes are being sold out. It's sick. The Media will support someone's decision in seeking help for an eating disorder, but turn around an state that someone else is putting on weight.
Excuse me, but why does that matter? I was raised with high standards. I believe knowledge is key and beauty is something that fades. Do everyone around you a favor and think before you contradict everything you believe in.
It's not just about beauty or the media either. What everyone from babies to adults are taught at home matters. If it's that taking abuse is okay or that you are not good enough, even the smallest things can effect our perception and therefore alter us as human beings.
A part of me wonders if these problems existed 100 years ago. When we didn't have so much technology and we spent more time with our family than anyone else, did it affect how we treat ourselves and others?
Maybe I am way off, but if we all just spent a little more time around love, I think the world would be a better place. We can do that by being with people that love us, doing things we are passionate about, or taking part in a random act of kindness.
We all agree things need to change, so change them. Just do it. You have the power. No matter your age, religion, size, or abilities. We can all make further changes in this world.
I'd like to live in a place that is better than in was 100 years ago, but so far all I see is that conditions are worse. You have power even if you don't realize it. Please be the change you want to see and set a good example. You can take part in a revolution.

Hope in Futures Unknown

William Ernest Henley

William Ernest Henley once wrote:
“Out of the night that covers me, 
Black as the Pit from pole to pole, 
I thank whatever gods may be 
For my unconquerable soul. 

In the fell clutch of circumstance 
I have not winced nor cried aloud. 
Under the bludgeonings of chance 
My head is bloody, but unbowed. 

Beyond this place of wrath and tears 
Looms but the Horror of the shade, 
And yet the menace of the years 
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid. 

It matters not how strait the gate, 
How charged with punishments the scroll, 
I am the master of my fate: 
I am the captain of my soul.” 


We all know this crazy world of social media that is only just beginning to blossom, so the concept of an "About Me" is familiar to most of us. My friend, Derek, wrote this in his:


"I believe in fighting hard for the things that mean something to you. Life has a way of throwing some difficult things your way to try to trip you up. You can either lie down and take it, or you can jump up and fight it. What can i say, I'm a fighter."


Poetry is a hidden love of mine, so personally, I'm a fan of the Old English, beautifully written, poem, but my point is feelings resinate for years after they are originally felt. Most everyone can experience the same emotion at one point in their lives. Derek and Henley said and meant almost the exact same thing. Obviously Henley never wrote an  "About Me" and My friend was restricted to a certain number of characters as he typed his words, however  they think some of the same thoughts. Henley wrote this poem on his death bed after his foot had been amputated. Even though Derek doesn't know that exact pain, he understands that pain is a universal feeling. This is proof for all of the doubters out there, that there is hope for our youth and our future. If a 16year old kid can understand and write about the same things an accomplished poet can, I think we might just be okay. After all, "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul" can apply to everyone that wants to change this world.


(I realize I could just have an amazing friend who is way ahead of his time.. Im okay with that too.)

A Bit of A Diary Entry

So I realize that this post will probably only make sense to about five people in the entire world, but that's ok. I need to get it all out because frankly, I'm busting at the seems! This is directed towards one person in particular. I hope you know who you are, cause Im not telling(;


There will come a day when I feel worthless. I will feel unloved and unlovable. I will feel ugly, worthless and unappreciated. I know this day will come at some point in my life whether it be tomorrow or in ten years. However, On that day, I'll think back. I will think to today. I will think to yesterday and I will think of you. I will remember how you saw something in me when I didn't know there was anything there and you went out of your way to show me it exists inside me. I will remember everything you've taught me. Beauty isn't in any other person's definition but my own. I am more than a single voice. I am a voice with power. That power can change the world and I won't stop until it does. When you put your entire heart into something it will more likely than not, succeed.
These are invaluable lessons and I'm so glad I learned them.
You restore my faith in everything good, and I hope I can do half as much for you as you do for me.