Beautiful Bloggers #1 // Danielle

Here is "the story" of one of my dearest friends, blogging buddies, and "sissies". I met Danielle through blogging a couple years ago, and had the incredibly blessed privilege to meet, stress, laugh, and play with for 9 days while working on Beyond the Mask. She is a beautiful person, inside and out! Her loving heart, passion for life, sunshiny face, loyalty, joy, mad photography skills, and all and everything that makes Danielle, well, Danielle--is truly inspiring to me. :) I love you so much, girly! Thanks for letting me interview you. (This, btw, Beautiful Bloggers--is a new feature that I'm really excited about! If YOU are interested in being interviewed on Rhapsody in PINK, please feel free to contact me!)

Introduce yourself, and tell us a little bit about your family, life, and home.

(Thank you so much Michaela, for choosing to feature me on your blog. I feel special)

If you were to have just met me, I would tell you that my name is Danielle, and you would notice that I give good hugs, enjoy meeting new people, and love to laugh and smile! :D I’m blessed to be the eldest of 10 soon-to-be-11 kidos. We yive happily ever after, togevah, on 7 ½ acres, with a few bunnies and chickens that the littles enjoy. We’re a family that is positively fond of game nights and radio theaters~ anything that draws us closer together. For myself, I enjoy playing my violin (especially the Ashoken Farewell)~ listening to good music~ art and calligraphy~ home décor & colors~ writing letters~ pretty journals~ all things photography~ scrapbook paper and stickers~ and a new one, working on movie sets. :D

How did you first get into photography? Do you have any tips you'd like to share with aspiring photographers? What are some things that inspire you (people, places, things, etc,) in your work? What is your goal (career?) in becoming an accomplished photographer?

 

Though I didn’t know I’d end up where I am today, I just really liked taking pictures, and my ‘eye’ for photography started to develop when I was about 16 or 17. A year ago for my birthday, my grandparents bought me my first DSLR camera, which I’d been hankerin’ for fer a long time. Since then I’ve taken 7 weeks of classes, and I’m currently taking a collage course, which has proven so far to be wonderfully breezy. I have the goal of starting a business in the new year, but we’ll have to see what happens. At present, I’m trying to build up my equipment and gain experience. Aaaannndd, while I have the microphone, *grins widely* if you’re interested, visit my fb page.

As far as inspiration, I dearly love Arielle Elise Photography. Did I mention Ah-mazing? I guess you could say that I endeavor to ‘copy’ her style. Her pictures just make me smile, and I want that for my pictures too. :D I could go on and on with tips and pointers, (and this is cliché, but true) but I guess what I’d have to say is that if you want it badly enough, and are willing to work for it, you can reach your goals.  And I’m still climbing. There are many much better than I, but I enjoy photography for what it means to me~ I like that others like my pictures, I like that I can capture memories, I like that God has given me a talent for it, and I’m glad that I can bless others with it.

 

How long have you been blogging? Do you have a favorite topic and/or post? What puts you in "the blogging mode"? In other words--how do you blog? Pop in earbuds, find a place to think in solitude? On a whim, specific topics, or other?

I have been blogging for close to two years now, in April. And I love doing it. The hard part for me though, is that blogging is always the thing that gets put on the back burner, if something else comes up or whatever. I’m constantly telling myself, “Well, I didn’t get to it today, but I WILL do it tomorrow”. I surly hope that I’m not the only one that struggles with this. And I wish it not to be so. I’m wreally pwromising myself to do better!

And yes. I do pop in earbuds and listen to music while I blog. That’s one of my favorite parts! I usually make myself a yummy cup of coffee too. But blogging on a whim is pretty close to how I do it. I just blog what Iv'e been thinking and doing, a favorite recipe, pictures, quotes etc.

I know (because I was there part of the time) that you worked in costuming for Burns Family Studios 'Beyond the Mask'. How would you, in a sentence, describe the experience? What are some especially good memories--a happy time, stressful time, or downright hilarious time? What did you learn from the months of living and working with a houseful of ladies? In what ways did you grow on your Spiritual journey?

#crazyhappytiredoutofthisworldlacefabricsleepgranolabarlaughsmilemoviesmusicactorsfuntiredicecreamlightspeanutbutterwalksjoggsoutsidepicturesgraveyardseamripperlatenightsfriendsskype. How’s that? :P You’ll know what I’m talking about, but unless you’ve been there, there’s just some things you can’t explain. Plain and simple. Tears and stress one moment, and hysterical laughter the next. Emotions all over the place in one big mash up. There are so many special moments and memories that I will carry with me until my dying day. And I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat; not to erase the memories I already have, but to experience it again.  So I guess that’s to say, “I’m REALLY looking forward to next time”. 

Living and working with a lot of people in a small space may be hard for some, but at least this time ‘round I found it quite easy to adjust to. I’m a people person, and so I like that. It doesn’t really bother me I guess. But boy did we have fun! I can think of so many funny times, and ridiculous things we did, but it would fill a volume to type it all. Suffice to say, that if you ever have the opportunity to contribute to something like a movie set, you won’t be disappointed. There is one thing that I’m still trying to wrap my mind around, and that is that I got to work with the famous John Rhys Davies. It truly was amazing! 

And the Bible studies that we would have on Sunday evenings. Nothing compares to singing God’s praises loudly with everyone! That is the one thing I am very much missing. If only to be there and sing “All I Have is Christ”.  What a wonderful time.    

If you could drop everything and go anywhere in the world, where would that be? What would you do there?

Eventually, I’d like to visit Ireland, (from whence our family hales, among other places ;)) and a few other villages in Europe. But if I could drop everything right now and go anywhere, I’d come to your house Michaela! Surprising or no, I seriously would! We’d go out for coffee, browse a favorite bookstore, visit quaint shops, take a ton of pictures, and probably end up devouring some Lindor truffles. But we don’t want to give everything away do we? *wink*

How did you become a Christian? I'd love hearing your testimony!

Well, I haven’t always grown up in a Christian home. My parents got saved when I was 6-7. But when I started believing for myself and repented of my sins, I was 12. I started to read my Bible in earnest, and have loved it ever since. :D There have been those hard times, and I seem too often to get easily discouraged. But God gives grace, and He frequently uses my dear friends to encourage me. :D  

Do you draw inspiration from fictional characters? If you could compare yourself to any book-heroine, who would it be?

Honestly, I can relate the most with Much Afraid, from Hind’s Feet on High Places. Not necessarily with her character, but with what she went through. She’s not exactly my ‘favorite’ heroine though. I guess I would have to say that my fave is Libby Connors, from ‘Dawn of A Thousand Nights’.  She’s a pretty neat girl. :D 

What are some of your favorite pastimes and hobbies? 

. I have lots of those! ;) I love card making, teaching myself to play new instruments,  editing photos+coffee+good music, calligraphy and art, writing letters, growing flowers, making herbal concoctions. Embroidery, sewing, singing, all things violin, and all things photography. I also really enjoy walking through the home décor departments in stores and designing the interior of my house. Putting colors and pictures and furniture together = happy. ;)

Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

Yes! For Thanksgiving, we usually like to go all out and have all the special dishes. Day after Thanksgiving, we put up our Christmas tree, as a family. Then for family time on some evenings, we’ll all sit around the tree with hot cocoa & toast and reminisce about years gone by, telling all our favorite stories. And we always dip our toast in our hot cocoa. We spend Christmas Eve with my Grandparent’s at their house, and always really enjoy that. Then we all usually suffer through that night, trying to sleep lol. IF we make it until 5 in the morning, then we all get up and open each present one at a time, to make it last as long as it possibly can. :D Come New Years, we stay up until 12 am and snack all the way, playing games. This time of year is very special to our family, and we build so many heart strings. 

So. You love Adventures in Odyssey (because you and Rebecca are the "Odyssey girls" and because you are amazing like that.) Tell the world who your favorite character is and why--I'll pretend I don't already know.
Lol, Jason is my most fave. There are others of course, but I like him best. Apparently I’m not the only one *winks*. I like him because I think he's a realistic character, (more realistic than Eugene? Not that Eugene isn't realistic, I just haven't met anyone quite as eccentric!) and I like all the adventures he has as a secret agent. Besides that, I just like his voice. :P 

 

If you could step back in time and have lunch with any historical person, who would it be? 

Oh I don’t know! That’s a hard choice~ but it’d probably be someone like Bell Boyd or Antonia Ford; both southern woman spies in the American Civil War. I think that would be very interesting, hearing their stories and all! Though, I might just change my mind and go with a WWII fighter pilot. I’d like that too! 

Tell me about some of your favorites? Movie. . . book. . .food. . .season. . .

Books: (btw, terrible question to ask someone who loves to read ;)) Nothing beats an old book, which has stood the test of time and remained a treasure. My favorite? Nevah. I like them all! :D We’re reading ‘Fair Margret’ right now, and it has proven to be excellent, even in the first two chapters. Movies: Beyond the Mask of course! Well, when it comes out that is. :D Currently, it would have to be Courageous. Being able to personally hear Steven Kendrick speak about movie-making for the glory of God, I have a new appreciation for the films they’ve done! Food: Chinese! Lately I’ve been craving orange chicken and Panda Express. So good! Season: I’d have to say summer. And fall. Summer because of the lovely warmth and gorgeous sunset-light in the evenings. Fall because of the beautiful bright colors, perfect for delightful portrait taking. Also the crisp, chirpy air and clear blue skies.
What stand-by passages in scripture help you cope with tough situations?

I have particularly come to love this Psalm. It has been such an encouragement in these dark times! I’m in process of painting it on canvas for my bedroom wall.

Psalm 20

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee;
Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.
Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.
Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright. Save, LORD: let the king hear us when we call.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? (besides being married.) Do you have any plans to continue working in the Christian film industry?

Anything. As long as I can see my BTM friends again. Lol, just kidding!  I’d love to work on many more Christian film sets, and even be more involved in other departments besides costuming!  I’d also like to see myself successful in my photography business, and a few other things.

If I came to visit you, what are some of the things we'd do together? Where would you take me, what would we see, what memories would we HAVE to make? (good idea to start planning early, yes?)

:D If you came to visit, we would have a big sleepover, and snuggle under piles of fuzzy blankets while we ate chocolates and drank sweet & spiced chai tea~ we would text each other from across the room~ we would stay up late and listen to our favorite music, radio theaters, and AIO ;)~ I’d take you for a spin around town in my slick ride, ( our 15 passenger van :D) and we’d end up going shopping at all the wonderful stores, buying each other gifts~  we’d dress up in all our period costumes and spend exorbitant amounts of time doing each other’s  hair and watching youtube tutorials  to make sure we got it just right. Then we’d go dance on the green, and have a big photo shoot~ And when you leave, I’d go with you so I wouldn’t die of missing you! :D

One of your passions is playing the violin. What are some favorite pieces?

Well I've had classical violin lessons for a few years now, but my very favorite pieces to play (and forever will be), are fiddle pieces. Ashoken Farwell, Red Haired Boy, Black Nag, Maiden’s Prayer and etc. I also really like to play hymns in a fiddle style. And Irish fiddling!!!

Who inspires you most in life? How would you like to inspire and impact our world?

I’d have to say that I am inspired daily by my parents, sisters, and closest friends. Lately though, (since we’ve been listening to ‘The Hiding Place’) I’ve been very inspired by Corrie Ten Boom and her sister Betsy. Their heroic courage in the face of such evil is invigorating, and I admire their faith. I’d like to impact the world by raising a Godly offspring, and witnessing to those around me through word and deed! I also aspire to glorify God through my blog, and tell of His marvelous works!

Danielle (aka, Dani Marie) blogs at Love Lifted Me, where her writing is an online journal to express her thoughts, aspirations, and life. But mostly, she wants it to reflect her heart and love for God and her family. She hopes that as you read you'll be encouraged and edified.