Nicki Metcalf

Brezinski Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T10:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Belated Thanksgiving! I must say I feel very blessed to be part of such an amazing family. Thank you to my Aunt Missy & Mike for hosting this holiday every year. It is something that has become very memorable. Love ya'll!

Beautiful.

I loved all the details around the house!

Uncle Bud taking on the hardest task- cutting the turkey.

Taking a little break before dessert.

I had one of each, no lie.

Brotherly love.

Our family loves animals and animals love us!

Aunt Missy showing us some tricks.

God's masterpiece.

Newest addition to the Virginia Tech Hokies.

Traditional family football.

Little kid toy.

Big kid toy.

This is Matt (my brother) and his wife Kim.

They were so cute I couldn't pass these shots up!

My beautiful cousins!

Precious.

Cute little finds around the house.

Black Swan Books

2011-11-27T11:10:00.001-08:00

I happened to take a bike ride and stumbled upon this sweet spot- Black Swan Books. I must admit, the dog caught my eye. How cool is it that his name was Copyright? His kind mother was the owner of the store and allowed me to take photos. You can find everything from vintage records to classic novels. It was a great find! After the bookstore I made my way to Starbucks for a little alone time. Honestly, do you think I would go anywhere else??

The owner was trying to get Copyright to pose for me. He wasn't feeling it.

Someone was working a little too hard.

The decorations put me in a warm, winter mood!

Journal + Green Tea Frap = Good times.

Sheylene's Apple Pie

2011-11-20T18:07:00.000-08:00

I happened to walk in on my roommate baking a delicious apple pie. For some reason I was so fascinated! You know- It was probably because the whole thing was made from scratch or maybe its just because I can't cook. Either or, I thought I would snap a few photos. The photos don't even do justice for how it tasted. Thanks Sheylene!

Cheap Finds

2011-11-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

Today I stopped by Diversity Thrift and found 2 amazing deals. I get so excited when I get good bargains! I was in need a light for my room and found this beautiful one for $20. I love the detail around the light. Then I found this Starbucks mug for $1. Ya'll know how much I love Starbucks!

Bragg Family

2011-11-17T14:37:00.001-08:00

Hello all! I wanted to introduce you to the Bragg family. I had the honor of spending the afternoon with this bunch in Maymont Park, Richmond, VA. The afternoon couldn't have gone better. Love you guys!

Noah & Ryan

Morgan

Andrew

Looks like Ryan is getting ready for the race.

Patience is a virtue.

Poor Morgan. Middle children get it worst huh?

Momma's boy.

Playtime with daddy!

I think I was boring Noah a little. He was ready to play.

Never a dull moment with this bunch!

You can see why they have the sweetest kids.

Kim & Calvin are the best parents.

In everything they do, they do it with love.

Jason & Megan Engaged!!

2011-09-19T13:31:00.001-07:00

Megan and Jason recently got engaged and they couldn't be happier. They are madly in love and too cute for words. I couldn't help but smile the whole time I was around them. Congrats you two!

Betel : Day 6

2011-09-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July was well spent in England....funny, right? We ventured through some really interesting neighborhoods and passed out flyers. The flyers get the word out that Betel takes donated, used furniture and refurnishes them. Betel then resells the furniture and uses the money to keep the organization up and running. They also have a gardening service to raise money as well.

The following night we went over to the guy's house where we had prayer appointments and a pizza party. They made us a 4th of July cake. Now if that isn't a sincere friendship between two countries after they part ways then I don't know what is. Okay, okay, the cake was actually made by an American missionary but still....

Debby passing out flyers.

We went door to door dropping off flyers in mailboxes.

It was honor to see the home of the man who

created my favorite Easter candy. I look forward to those eggs every year!

In need of a roommate? ;-)

On the left: An English mailbox.

On the right: A unique piece of decor hanging outside a door.

We need a few of these mailboxes imported.

No words needed.

Happened to run into this police officer in the park so I stopped to take

his photo (I loved his hat). He didn't mind, he was love'n life!

Why so serious?

We made friends wherever we went!

When the two of us get together the energy

level gets turned up a few notches!

Pizza party at the guy's house.

Too cute.

Happy 4th from England!

Some of the men we spent time with. They truly touched my heart.

Betel : Day 5

2011-09-04T16:17:00.000-07:00

On Day 5, Mary Alice & Kent took us to the Cotswolds and Stratford. If you aren't familiar with the two, let me give you a little history lesson. The Cotswolds are a section of England consisting of hills, and little villages. The buildings were built in the 18th-19th century so the architecture is quite old. Mostly built with limestone, the buildings have a very magical look to them. A new school was being opened so we ran into a lot of festivities.

Stratford is the home of Shakespeare. Once we finally located the church where he was buried we had to wait because of a wedding taking place. Actually I didn't mind waiting, I enjoyed watching. The English certainly know how to dress for an event! The hats were exquisite! Most of you know I have a hat collection so to see the variety of upscale hats rocked my world.

I needed to exchange my money. I had never seen British money so

I was thrilled. Come on, you have to get excited about the small things in life?!

Celebration of a new school opening.The children attending the school

put on a performance before the ribbon was cut.

The lama on the right was probably the funniest looking animal ever.

It looked like a deranged, stuffed animal you might find at a yard sale. Lol.

Looked like an entrance into The Secret Garden.

Traditional Cotswold house. Amazing huh?

I must say their idea of scarecrows is definitely scary.

This church was insanely old.

Inside were more festivities and crafts for sale.

One of my many tea times on this trip. Our waitress was so cute!

Linda shared my love of tea. Oh how I miss her.

This team was different in so many ways but grew so close because of our same passion for Jesus Christ. These people will stay in my heart forever.

Cricket game.

There was another festival going on at Stratford. It was an exciting day!

The church were Shakespeare is buried.

The detail was amazing. I'm telling you, it's all about the little things in life!

As you can tell, there was a taller person in front of me during the wedding

but I managed to capture them the best I could. The wedding was such a site to see!

They were even more stunning in person.

There were so many beautiful boats there for the festival.

The view was like something out of a movie.

Lynette and I, loving life.

Betel : Day 4

2011-09-03T09:50:00.001-07:00

We started off the day with worship, which was phenomenal (every day worshipping with these ladies was awesome). We went to where the Betel guys lived and did some gardening then went to church where Carla spoke. Truly touching.

Betel ladies gett'n down on some Jesus! Very talented girls!

There is such an intimacy in worshipping God through music.

Sometimes I stop what I am doing and just watch. It makes me smile.

The jungle we were about to conquer.

Isn't Judy stunning??

Lanette taking notes. Girl you got this!

Hardworking girls!

My first time ever mowing a lawn. I found it exciting.

Stan was the weed-pulling master. Never stopped once.

Don chatting after weed eating the jungle.

Hard working Betel guys cooking us lunch after a long day outside.

Going to church, and listening to Carla speak (Carla is our team member).

Worship team.

God speaking to me after I couldn't sleep for days. Thanks God!

Betel : Day 3

2011-09-01T09:12:00.001-07:00

My body didn't adjust well to being across the pond so I had extreme jet lag for three days, resulting in no sleep. I took the day to stay back and catch up on my zzz's. I spent some time with the Betel ladies who cooked an amazing dinner!

Betel : Day 2

2011-08-20T09:34:00.001-07:00

After prayer appointments our team spent the afternoon with Kent & Mary Alice Martin (Head of Betel U.K.). We gave them gifts and then prayed for them. It was such a privilege to hang out with them. I saw unshakable faith up close. Although they have faced many challenges they continue to persevere. Their heart for Christ and the broken is an inspiration to all. My heart was touched in many ways.

Kent catching us up on what has been going on with U.K. Betel.

An amazingly powerful prayer time.

Child like faith, isn't that what it's all about?

Betel guys never get sick of soccer!

Stan spending time with the guys.

Girl time.

Pizza party for the guys on American plates. Hilarious.

Everybody was touched.

People receiving blessings in a fire tunnel.

Betel : Day 1

2011-08-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, sorry its been a long time since I have posted so I am gonna give you a little taste of what I have been up to every day. Starting with today!

God brought together a team of 11 of us to go overseas to the United Kingdom to work with an organization called Betel. http://www.betel.org.uk/ We spent 9 life changing days with men and women who were struggling with addiction problems but also many who who have won the battle over drugs and recovered. God made His presence known. Not only did God work in the hearts of the Betelitos but He rocked our team inside out. Again, to all who contributed financially and through prayer, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

3 words : GOD IS GOOD

This is our bus ride to the airport. Everybody was in a crazy mood!

Stan fully engaged in his book.

Everybody was sound asleep but me. So what did I do? I ate a huge

meal at midnight. You can imagine what curry did to my body at 12:00a.m.

Becky & John

2011-06-17T09:43:00.001-07:00

Becky & John are my dear friends who recently got engaged. I spent the day with these love birds in D.C. and saw how truly in love they are. We started the day off on the metro with a vintage look, then more modern/vintage, and ending with a more casual look. They did a great job. Congratulations Becky & John!

They had an audience!

Aren't they stunning?

These two are more then a couple, they are best friends.

Who says you have to be serious all of the time?

This couple is too cute for words!

July 30, 2011 - Becky & John start their life together,

and take on the world as one.

Daniel Snyder

2011-06-01T06:14:00.001-07:00

Daniel was amazing to work with. Not only was he handsome, but was also extremely funny. He has a theater background, so he easily became each vision in my head. Daniel just graduated from James Madison University and is about to take on the world. Best of luck Daniel! You are going to do great!

Carly

2011-03-16T05:41:00.000-07:00

Hi guys! This is Carly, an extremely talented, musical theater student from James Madison University who will be on Broadway one day - it's a given. Not only is she gifted in in acting and singing, she is absolutely gorgeous. No matter the road Carly takes in life I am sure she will be successful. Enjoy the photos!

Divine Encounters

2011-03-08T07:10:00.000-08:00

I felt very inspired to post a blog today on this necklace piece. Take a closer look and you will find its a heart with a cross carved within it. I pulled it out of my purse to show it to a friend and my heart sank as I couldn't find it. By the grace of God it was under my car seat. This wooden pendant is very symbolic and special to me. I believe God speaks very loudly to me through crosses and hearts; its His way of symbolically saying, "I love you so much & I am here". Every time I encounter a heart or cross in front of me physically I can't help but smile because I know how much my Heavenly father appreciates me.

I delivered food to this table at work (I'm a waitress) and this older gentlemen was wearing this piece on a string of hemp. It caught my eye and I told him how much I appreciated his necklace. Without hesitation He took it off and handed it to me and said, "Its yours." I was beyond touched. Not only did He not know me, He gave me a piece of his own artwork that He carved. Divine encounter? Heck yea. God always wants to speak to us, and grow close to us. Never ignore the nudging of your heart - its God.

Alex Rice

2011-02-20T18:37:00.001-08:00

I had a blast spending the day with Alex Rice at the Joshua Wilton House. She is such a natural beauty & definitely model material! She did a fantastic job and we couldn't have found a better place. I have never been to the Joshua Wilton House and when I went in my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe how old it was, yet very elegant. It complimented Alex's classic look perfectly. If you get a chance stay the night, or grab dinner. You won't be sorry. Again, thank you to The Joshua Wilton House for allowing us to use your space!

Aspiring Actress-Part 2

2011-01-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

Hi friends! I am back again with the beautiful Brittany Young. If you remember, I recently posted some images of her out in the woods looking gorgeous as ever. These are her recent headshots and all I have to say is, "Get ready Hollywood!"

Friends Forever

2011-01-17T13:28:00.000-08:00

"Together forever, never apart. Maybe in distance, but never in heart.”

This is a blog dedicated to my two best friends: Michelle Shepherd & Ashley Fant. I shot these photos at Bisset Park in Radford, Virginia. The day before New Years Eve we each wrote a letter about 2010 and where we want 2011 to take us. They are sealed in an envelope waiting to be opened next New Years Eve. These girls have been there for me through thick and thin. We have laughed hysterically and shed a lot of tears. You both are so dear to me and I love you with all my heart!

Love you gals!

Divine Encounters

2011-01-11T11:21:00.000-08:00

In order: Deserae, Rose, Annette, Emily

As everyone knows I am a huge fan of Barnes and Noble. I spend most of my free time there journalling, editing photos, reading & meeting people. I recently went a few days ago and happened to glance over at this girl with a cross tattoo on her ring finger ( God is really good at getting my attention with visuals, especially cross symbols). Listening to a little of their conversation I realized this group of girls were having a Bible Study. I couldn't help but to go over there and join them. They each told me about themselves, and where God was taking them on each of their journeys. They asked if they could pray for me & with no hesitation I let them do their thing. Its amazing how the Lord spoke through each of them to say just what I needed to hear. It was completely a "God Moment" that I was there in that place, at that specific time. Thank you Deserae, Rose, Annette & Emily for sharing a little piece of your testimonies with me. Your encouraging words truly touched me.

Lastly, whenever you feel that urgent pull towards something or hear that voice inside of you don't ignore it. God is speaking. Its up to us to tune in and follow.

Brittany Young: Aspiring Actress

2010-12-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

Brittany Young is a current JMU student who wants to pursue a career in musical theater. I had the honor of hearing her sing and the girl has a gift! Not only is she a talented singer & actress but extremely beautiful. Britt is definitely going to go far in this world and I am thrilled to be a part of her dream!

Bridal Portraits: Kim Dowdy

2010-11-19T09:44:00.001-08:00

This beautiful bride is my new sister in law, Kim Dowdy. Kim & I got together before the wedding to take her bridal portraits. They were shot in Blacksburg, Virginia at St. Mary's Catholic Church. With the wedding being over I can finally show you these beautiful photos. Kim looked stunning!

Galati Family

2010-11-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Sorry I haven't been very up to date on this blog. I have been working on some side projects. I was privileged to spend the day with Beth Galati and her beautiful family. I met Beth at my current Church- Aletheia. Beth is an amazing woman of Christ & mother of four who has inspired me greatly. The portraits were taken in Mt. Jackson, Virginia. We had a blast. I hope you get a little taste of what this awesome family is like!

Mommy's kisses are the best!!

All of Beth's children adored their mommy.

The kids had on the cutest outfits from J Crew.

Great choice Beth!

Taking time to reflect.

Cutest kids ever!

This family couldn't have made the day more fun. Thanks guys!

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

2010-08-01T18:46:00.001-07:00

I was told Starbucks had a rival here on the West coast- Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. You KNOW I am a LOYAL customer of Starbucks but eh, I gave it a shot. Well heres my review : The customer service blew me away, tons of friendly people. The iced hazelnut latte with soy was much better then Starbucks. Now, the Green Tea Frap was a big thumbs down, you know where my heart stands :-) Great experience - hit it up if you are on the West coast.

In & Out

2010-07-31T10:42:00.001-07:00

I finally made it to In & Out Burger. We don't have this on the East coast so going here was quite a treat. My aunt informed me that everything there is made on the spot, fresh. Mmmmm. I was really dig'n the fries. They weren't too greasy, very soft. The coolest little secret was on the bottom of the drink cups- John 3:16- For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Pretty spiffy.

John 3:16

Thumbs up, good stuff!

This face is priceless.

Mission accomplished.

Orange County Fair

2010-07-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I am a HUGE fan of fairs. I absolutely love the energy, vendors, petting zoos and yes you guessed correctly - FUNNEL CAKES AND HOMEMADE LEMONADE. I waited all year for these two amazing food items and sadly did not get them on the 4th of July (the vendor ran out and nearly broke my heart). Being in California I went to the Orange County Fair and FINALLY got my funnel cake and lemonade. Not only did I get what I waited for all summer but I also got to hang out with some amazing people. Thanks Lauren for having me, I enjoyed spending time with you, your brother, and sister!

Worms eye view - welcome to my life. Btw, the

lemonade was fantastic!

Dream come true.

The big cheese. Woo hoo.

You are looking stunning ladies!

Mad skill.

Craft time! Oh I miss those days...

Best tea party ever, should of been there for this one.

This little tike was looking to feed some animals

at the petting zoo.

This lady was so cute with a rad style. Loved her!

God Speaks Through Books & Music

2010-07-25T14:33:00.000-07:00

Last week (again behind on blogging) I went to Newport Beach to just enjoy the sun and read. I am currently reading Soul Cravings by Erwin McManus. I recommend it to everybody. Christian or not. The author travels deep within the soul of man and discusses what the soul yearns for. The book will really speak to you!

Following the beach I went to hear Brian Gentry play in the Upper Room. His band is called Marvin & Gentry. Led by the Lord and Influenced by such artists as Simon & Garfunkel you can only imagine how amazing this band is. Check out their bio and music on http://www.marvinandgentry.com/

Orange County Art Museum

2010-07-24T15:13:00.001-07:00

Last week I went to the Orange County Museum of Art. I took my camera and the lady at the front desk told me that I could only take photos of the installation at the front door - 100 Pounds of Clay by Charles Long. That is exactly what I did! I was more intrigued by the creatures everyone else had made then creating my own. I even made two

new friends in the process!

Zoo of creatures.

One of my favorites!! Call me a hippy but I love the world!

I kind feel bad for it.

MASTERPIECE

Sawdust Festival

2010-07-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

If only it would have fit in my suitcase!

I ran into Patrick Moran as he was working on this piece. How lucky was I?

Art was everywhere, even on the meters!

Last week I went to the annual Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach. It was absolutely amazing! There were so many talented artists and craftsman from all over southern California. You couldn't walk two feet without something catching your eye. Below are some of the artists I really enjoyed, check

out their work!

michaelphillipsart.com

fnikolaie.com

moran784.com

Faces of LA/East Hollywood

2010-07-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

At Sweeny Todd's Barber Shop these guys know what they are doing!

Please come back to Virginia and make my favorite drinks for me?

This girl was so adorable and had a lot of spunk!

McDonalds gave up on kicking these guys out.

Venice Beach

2010-07-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I am here in CALIFORN-I.A. My first major stop was Venice Beach. Thought I'd share some of my photos with you, enjoy!

"Venice Beach is a combination of the tacky, the mindless, the ironic, and the novel." -Freelance Dionysian