Quotes from The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

People are capable of at a time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.

People learn early in their lives, what is their reason for being. Maybe that's why they give up on it so early too.

If you start our by promising what you don't even have yet, you'll lose your desire to work toward getting it.

Everything in life has its price.

Sometimes, it's better to leave things as they are.

When each day is the same as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises.

There is a force that wants you to realize your destiny; it whets your appetite with a taste of success.

God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens he left for you.

Everything you deal with is only one thing and nothing else.

You cannot trust a man if you don't know his house.

The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.

We see the world in terms of what we would like to see happen, not what actually does.

There were certain things one shouldn't ask about, so as not to flee from one's own destiny.

You must always know what it is that you want.

Beauty is the great seducer of man.

Every blessing ignored becomes a curse.

Sometimes, there's just no way to hold back the river.

The language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as part of a search for something believed in and desired.

To realize one's destiny is a person's only real obligation.

It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your destiny.

Whoever you are, or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe.

The Call by Regina Spektor

It started out as a feeling
Which then grew into hope
Which then turned into a quiet thought
Which then turned into a quiet word

And then that word grew louder and louder
Till it was a battle cry

I'll come back when you call me
No need to say goodbye

Just because everything's changing
Doesn't mean it's never been this way before
All you can do is try to know who your friends are
As you head off to the war
Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light

You'll come back when it's over
No need to say goodbye
You'll come back when it's over
No need to say goodbye

Now we're back to the beginning
It's just a feeling and no one knows yet
But just because they can't feel it, too
Doesn't mean that you have to forget

Let your memories grow stronger and stronger
Till they're before your eyes

You'll come back when they call you
No need to say goodbye
You'll come back when they call you
No need to say goodbye

Choosing a wedding dress

Wedding season is in full swing this year, with the greatest percentages of weddings taking place in June, July, and August. The late spring and summer months are popular for weddings due to a greater selection and availability of flowers, better options for outdoor venues, etc. One of the most important aspects of planning a wedding (for the bride, at least!) is finding the perfect wedding dress.

   













Traditionally, bridal gowns have been white, long, with veils, trains, and detail work. Today's brides have many more options as to shade (ivory, candlelight white, white-some brides even choose color accents and detail work), and length (tea length, anyone? How about knee length?). Veils are optional, with some brides opting for fresh flowers in the hair while others choose between blusher veils, shoulder, elbow, fingertip, waltz, chapel, and cathedral length veils. Tiaras are also popular, with or without a veil.

Current wedding dress trends include asymmetrical cuts-this can be achieved by gathered material up on one side (ruching around the waist), uneven neck or hemline, or bows/rosettes strategically placed. One-shoulder dresses are also emerging this year, probably due in part to Michelle Obama's gown at the Inaugural Ball. Simple dresses are also popular, which offers greater possibilities for accessorizing. And although long, elegant dresses will never go out of style, shorter dresses are becoming more popular, especially for destination weddings-think waves and sand.

Vintage styles are also gaining popularity, especially from the 1950's era. Birdcage veils and tulle skirts are two features of this style. Sheer elements are "in," whether it be the bottom portion of skirt, sleeves, or wraps, today's bride has the "light and breezy" option. While color for the bride used to be a big no-no, today's bride can accent her gown with colored sashes, colored detail work (beads or embroidery), bows (bows are popular now too), and more. If you want to stay traditional but still have color, having a big, bright, colorful bouquet is also a current wedding trend. What about sleeves? Although it seems like strapless has been the staple for the past several years, experts say sleeves are coming back into fashion-light or sheer fabrics in short or three quarter sleeves.

If you are planning a wedding in 2010, you'll have plenty of options to choose from as you shop for your dream bridal gown. From blusher to cathedral veils, tea-length to floor length with train, white to color, you are sure to find the perfect dress and be in style.

Refiner's Fire lyrics

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner's fire
My heart's one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin
Deep within