Art Museum in Port Elizabeth

While living in South Africa, in 2015 my dad went to go preach in a place called Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It's about 9 hours, by car from Cape Town, where I lived. The drive was okay, I am not a fan of long car rides, though having a phone with games and music... helped me survive and sleeping was probably the best part.  We went to preach for Pastor Andy Anderson, and the revival went pretty great! Well we were there Pastor Anderson's wife, Heather took me to a Art Gallery, and an Art museum, I am really into art. Art is so beautiful, is just wow. I think it's amazing how people just use their imaginations, to create ART. Art to me, is just so amazing and beautiful, so much color, even if its black and white, or photography, its creative, and it really makes you think someone actually took the time, to do something they love, it's inspiring. Anyway, going to both of those was amazing, I've never been to any kind of museum, so that was a blessing especially because I got to meet the artist who painted some of the paintings in the gallery. Well, I was allowed to take some pictures, and just the art is really amazing and exquisite! Check it out!



This picture, I love the most because it could have a story behind it. Every piece of art does. Photography is art too! The depth, of the picture, how the fire looks and different shades of red. It's a beautiful picture.



A portrait



Made with Paint and Water Colors



I met the artist, who painted this.. This picture was very detailed. You wonder how he did it, He explained that its actually all paint, and he has a specific paintbrush or tool that he used, It took him 14 hours to paint this. I love it because of all the color, and it's different from your usual Picasso Art. It's truly beautiful.



At first I thought this was a fish, but the women in Africa depending on where you live, but they were their traditional dresses. This is a piece of art made with strips of paper, and some paint. If you look really close you can see a lady, dressed in her traditional dress, and their dresses are so full of color. They are truly beautiful. I'll post some pictures of Africa soon.



This one is interesting because it looks like it was painted right, No! It's actually made of newspapers and magazines. It's different, there's no specific image, or design that is visible but just the idea of someone making this out of strips and pieces of paper and all that is just really creative and is just one of those wow moments! WOW!

I will upload more pictures soon!

 

Happy New Year!

Welcome to the new year of 2016, and Happy New Year to all! How was everyone's Christmas? My Christmas was nice, first time I spent it without my parents was pretty different and will be hard getting used to. I did spend it in ABQ with my grandmother and my two uncles, and with more family I haven't seen since I was little. We had turkey, corn, mashed potatoes, and all that good food! It's was very cold too, was expecting blizzard conditions, so this girl got stranded in ABQ... so that was great, not! Though was nice to spend time with my family, and have a few laughs, a lot of candy canes and a couple pieces of pumpkin/sweet potato pie! So it is a new year, hey? Does anyone have any new year's goals, resolutions, like a new years bucket list? Email me some, at ashleyisland97@gmail.com and I'll add it to the post I'll make about my New Years To Do List.  You know a lot has changed since last year, one is me moving back to America, getting a job at Wendy's, trying to as independent as I can... hmm and just a lot. I've made a lot of memories, last year. Some good and some bad... I know that sometimes our years, won't be perfect but hey.. I'm grateful because through it all, I had my family through it all and without them I wouldn't be the girl I am today, yeah I have a ways to go when it comes to growing up and learning things for myself but hey, We all as teenagers have too. Well, I will post when I can...I wish I could all the time, but with my paycheck I can't afford a laptop or a computer. So when I do post, it will be worth reading. Well I hope you have a wonderful day, and you know what this year make it count. Do something different, Go experience some new things, meet new people, and through it all Keep Serving God. God bless you guys!

Ashleigh

An Early Birthday Present

Well, It's been a really long time since I have posted anything of BFA, my apologies. Been kind of busy, and distracted. To actually have time to post, or even be online is limited...Though a lot has happened since I last posted, and there will be pictures included, so buckle up...and Here we go! 

So for those who know me, or for those who don't my Birthday is coming up. I'm getting old, it's scary. Just kidding, though turning 18 isn't that life changing. Ever heard the saying that " AGE IS JUST A NUMBER" Well, in a way it is except when your age catches up to you. Anyway, so I'll be turning 18, and so on May 19 - We had plans to go to the butterfly gardens that they have here, not to far away or so I thought. We left around 9ish.. and left :) One thing you should know about me is that I don't like driving for long hours, in the car... especially if we are passing by cows, sheep, and horses, and huge plains... though it was cool driving up this huge hill. Anyway, so we drove and drove, and after what felt like two hours or three. We got to a little town, and my parents were looking for a house - " Look for York Road" and I did, sooner or later we found York Road, and I was confused. So we pulled up to this house, and I was curious to why were there, so dad got out and said that he was to pick up something here. So he left, me and mom were in the car waiting, then i saw a guy carrying a husky puppy, I was freaking out... ( I really loves puppies, especially huskies, though any puppy or dog gets me happy) So I wanted to go see if the lady that sold the puppy has anymore huskies. So I got out, ran..slowly into the yard and then I saw them... 3 super little yorkie pups. Oh my goodness! They were cute! Me, being a girl was very excited and fell in love at first sight. Dad, was talking to the owner, and then mom came...and I was holding a pup...and mom said HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Wait, What?! Yup, so I got a puppy for my birthday ( Wanted a car but hey next time lol ) So I picked the smallest one, and we left - Drove back to our part of town, bought some delicious apples, and went to the dentist, then to church ( Band Practice, Oh I'm learning the piano - It's so cool our band practice, has a drummer, a guitarist, a bass player and two pianists) Anyway, so after practice we went home, and little puppy... was welcome to her new home! ---- She is 7 weeks old, and she is really little. We really have to watch where we step, in case we accidently step on her. It's so weird to see a dog so little walking in our house, anyway... Here is a few pictures of her! :) All I know I'm in love with her, even if she likes to wake me up at 1am to sleep on my bed...... hmmm? 

Her Name is COOKIE!

She loves to sleep, alot!

She chews on everything!

I'm serious, she chews on everything she can sink her tiny teeth into toes, fingers, computer cords, shoes. She loves to play, though her energy is limited lol she sleep a lot...and then she is hyper when it's time to go to bed. Typical Puppy...?

{ I caught an.. Octopus! }

While living in Cape Verde, And living about a 15 minute drive away from the house.. Didn’t mean we never went fishing. In my experiences at a young age..Which is 12-14.. We would go fishing..I would barely catch one fish.. And it’s Rainbow Trout. My parents, would get bites, fish..and stuck ;) I gave up.. I wasn’t good with patience..lol. So after that.. I kind of thought fishing was really boring. And I just didn’t like it. And I stuck to that.. “ I don’t like fishing. “ Now my Dad..is a whole different story. My dad LOVES fishing. Don’t believe me.. Well I have a few facts that will prove it!

1. His Suitcase says “ I rather be fishing.”
2. His collection of Fishing stuff.. rubber worms..and stuff ( I have no knowledge of the proper names. )
3. His interest in fishing.
and finally number # 4!

4. We would go fishing so much in Cape Verde.. I actually liked it! lol

Living in Cape verde, We would all go as a family.. To certain spots..That we liked :) Now, where we would fish..had little tide pools.. with fish, Sea urchins, Slugs..( eww! ) and crabs! :) And of course rocks, coral, . ect. I still didn’t having the patience to stand there..And wait for fish to eat my worm on the line..So my mom and dad would fish..Well, Me.. The Bait Catcher.. chased fish around the tide pools, in the freezing cold water. ( We would go early in the morning, When the sun wasn’t burning us..and the tide was low.)

When we first went fishing in Cape verde.. Guess what we saw! A BLOWFISH!..You know those fish.. who look normal..but then they puff up..with spikes all over them! It was awesome! :)
Anyway.. Once Upon a time..just kidding. We went on our family fishing trips..again! And I had my bucket, and net that my dad made :) And went looking for fish bait! :)

I went looking for fish..And I was looking in the tide pool..When I saw what I thought was a rock MOVE..But since Rocks don’t move.. or squirt ink..I freaked out!..The octopus..moved his legs..Reminded me of a spider..Anyway. I was soooooooooo excited..I had to tell my mom! “ Mom!"- said loudly which of course was hushed because I was scaring the fish.. lol.. So I caught the octopus..even if he/she.. kept squirting me with ink..or trying too.

I showed my mom, She was surprised just like me..though I was more excited! I went to go show my Dad..And He was like Wow! :) So I put him in my net.. Here’s a picture!

Can you spot him..? Here;s a hint..Camouflage! 

How cool is that!!!

When I put him in my bucket with the little fish I had caught..for some reason..My fish were disappearing..? HE ATE MY FISH?! lol Which was annoying.. but cool.. :) That is something I will never forget! :) Well here in South Africa..It’s time for bed! So goodnight WORLD :) Have a great day/night. Will be posting more pics from Cape Verde..Mañana ;) ( Tomorrow) :)

~ Ashleigh ~

~ Had fun at the Barnyard! ~

Hey my friends & fellow Bloggers! Sorry, I haven’t posted.. I have been a bit busy.. ;) Being in two bands, being homeschooled, and church ministry will keep you busy! Anyway, I recently had a sleepover with my two best gals, Jayda & Tarryn! There is a reason why I them crazy, haha And maybe that’s the reason we like to hang out :) We had pillow fights, we laughed till our ribs hurt, and then we went to sleep! lol But the next day..was interesting, fun, weird, tiring, and cool! Jackie, ( Jayda’s Mom) Took us girls, and her two daughters to this place not far from their house called the Barnyard.. It’s a petting zoo.. but not your normal animals.. well at least not for me :) Let’s see they had Chickens... ( Don’t pet them..) They had an African Grey Parrot! ;) They had, Goats... Emu’s, Ponies..and ( shocker) Alpaca! o_o  and you would never guess what we were feeding them.. POPCORN!.. haha! :D I had fun!

This feathered guy, is a bully.

Yes! I’m an Alpaca!

Lil Pony :) 

What’s up Duck? ;) 

Mr..Emu!

A Two Headed Goat! . Just Kidding ;)

 It’s so weird feeding goats.. Because they lick your hand..hehe :).. But all in all I had a cool day at the  Barnyard.. though I had to run away from the chickens.. they were chasing me!! :o.. But It was funny! :)

Anyway, Goodnight..Everyone around the world!

~ Ashleigh ~

~ Life is Better at the Beach ~

We went to most peaceful place, and my favorite place.. The Beach. Have I ever told y’all how much I love the beach.. I mean I love it. It’s so peaceful.. I honestly didn’t enjoy living on an Island ( Cape Verde ) , but The only thing I loved about it all..was the ocean. The ocean itself it Amazing, You might even call it “ An Amazing Creation “.. Well here is what amazes me about it.. *Whispers*.. Everything! haha :) But to be completely honest, The ocean.. Have you ever thought about it.. All the Fish, sea creatures, sea anemones, everything..every speck of sand, every sea shell..every little crab. God made. :) It’s unbelievable..but it’s truly beautiful. The ladies from church went to the beach, And I of course tagged along.. I got to see a star fish..They were pretty gooey..but seeing something so cool is unbearable lol. I loved that I got to be with the ladies, and Jayda.. but I truly loved just being at the beach.. Watches the small waves crash..feeling the cold wind..( Though..Heavy wind isn’t very enjoyable.) But I stood there..looking at the ocean. I felt peace.. Though I was standing alone..It gives me time to think stuff though.. but I really do love..LOVE the beach. Anyway..Me and my parents went to the beach a few weeks ago, and even though it was seriously windy..it was still beautiful. I took some pictures too! Hope you like em!

                                   Mom’s Foot Prints in the Sand

My Mom walking by the ocean 

I’m in love with the ocean <3

Hey, lil bird

The End!

P.S: If you guys, have amazing pics that you took..of your family vacations..or whatever..and you want to share em. Leave a comment below..and I’ll share em!

                      { Beauty From Ashes }

~ Finally..I'm finally Free ~

Some of may think I don't know what this world is like.. But I do. I know what kind of influence this world can have on you.. How do I know? I hear so many testimonies, about how God changed so many peoples lives, Some were Drug dealers, some have been in Jail, were Criminals.. and more. But for those of you who don't believe in God..or just think that people are making up stories.. They aren't.. And Proof that God is real.. He changed my parents lives, and he has changed mine.

You may think " Well, You're a Pastor's Kid." I'm here to tell you.. My past may not be terrible as some, but I felt guilty, hurt, lost, alone..in this world. I gave some many teens advice for a lot, Forgiveness, Suicide..but I felt like a bad example when I couldn't forgive myself, and when I felt like committing suicide. I couldn't forgive myself..why? I tried my best to be, a good girl in church.. But after one mistake..one big mistake..I have been living with that scar.

I messed around sexually with one of my best friends, We were both young..but I knew what we did was terrible.. I couldn't forgive myself..at all. I apologized to her so many times, but even when she said she forgave me, even when I asked God for forgiveness..I couldn't forgive myself.. My friend Danny, was right. I was holding on to my past.. And holding on to it.. Was tearing me up.

I still have the scar..But you know what.. I have never felt so free in my life.. Here's what happened.

~ February 15, 2014 ~

I had just finished practice.. Freaking out over a song ( Mostly because I was singing by myself).. My band leader, Kyle walked up and asked me to do my testimony.. I can honestly say my heart stopped..Fear flowed in..my heart and mind. For two reasons:

1. I don't share my testimony often, Because I'm ashamed..
2. Because I was so scared..to even know..that everyone would know, I was scared to hear what they had to say..after they found out.

Kyle said.. God asked him to ask me.. I sat there praying my heart out..Almost crying. I dreaded sharing my testimony..For some crazy reason..I told Kyle " I will share my testimony". And when we finished singing " Price Tag " .. It was time for my testimony.. I was nervous, but you know what.. after sharing it.. I was really emotional, No matter how much I tried hiding it. I went in the Sanctuary..and cried at the altar.. because like I still scared..but I felt free. I don't the burdened anymore.. Jayda said Maybe It was time for me to let go.. And it was..

If you are a Pastor Kid, or Just a normal person.. Don't ever think you have to be perfect.. don't let your life..your past pull you down..don't let it tear you apart..Do it, not because I asked you..Because you need to. I been holding on to my past to long.. I let it tear down..and I'm still trying to get back up.. God loves you more than anything.. He sent his son to die for you. Out of conditional LOVE.. Don't ever give up your life, just because its unbearable.. because you know what.. God loves you, He is always with you..and even when things are going bad..He's always listening..He's always there..

If you ever need anything, Yes..You can talk to me..But God is the one who can help the most. :)

I'm still nervous to share my testimony..but I'm happy I did..because I can finally smile..and say I forgive myself :) And " Best Friend" I hope you do forgive me, I should've been a better example to you. And I apologize.

Well that's all for today! Have a great day :)

~ Ash ~