Bec Hendi

2 Months Left!!

2011-08-03T09:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a super amazing job of keeping this blog updated. To be honest, we don't hear a ton from Becs. She is really enjoying her mission and meeting tons of amazing people. She has had a lot of success in Spain.
She gets released on September 21st, but my parents are going to pick her up so she won't be home for a few weeks after that. She has said many times that she has had such a great time that having to come home will be bittersweet.
She does have a new address, but the mission home address will always work, it just takes longer to get things to her that way. If you want her new address, email me or leave a comment and I will get it to you.

Sorry for the neglect

2011-03-05T20:53:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a while since I have taken the time to update Bec's blog for her. She has been in Zaragoza, Spain for the last 3 or 4 transfers and is having a great time! She says that Zaragoza is really beautiful. There are lots of amazing shops there, she said, but she hasn't had a chance to peruse any of them yet, unfortunately. The highlight for her so far has been a bus driver that has become interested in what they are teaching. She sees him almost everyday and is really hoping he wants to learn more about their message.
I haven't wanted to put her apartment address on here, but you can still write her at the mission office (it just takes longer for her to get those letters) or I would be happy to email it to you. Just email me and let me know you want it.
I would also love to post some pictures, but Becca hasn't sent me any since July, 2010. Hopefully I can get some soon!

Finally in her mission!!!!

2010-09-09T22:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone. It's Jill again, of course. Becca is finally in Spain and in her mission! In July the Bilbao mission (Bec's origional mission call) was combined with the Barcelona mission. So she is now in the Barcelona mission, but Bilbao is also a part of it. She may or may not even make it as far north as Bilbao. She is currently serving in downtown Barcelona. We just got an email yesterday and she sounds great! She was so super excited to tell us that she lives in an apartment and she feels a lot like she is in NYC, except for the fact that everyone speaks Spanish. She loves her area and her companion. Her mission president is President Hinckley's son and Becca said he is wonderful. So after almost a year of delays she is finally in Spain and is thrilled about it.
Her new address is:
Hermana Becca Henderson
C Calatrava 10-12 Bajos
Barcelona 08017
Spain

Going to Spain!!

2010-08-30T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's Jill, Bec's sister again. I have great news!! Becca is on her way to Spain today. We have no idea what her address will be there, but as soon as I get it I will post it. She is super excited that her visa finally came. I will get to talk to her on the phone sometime today-during one of her layovers, so I am super excited! She is doing great and is so happy to be going to Spain, even though she has absolutely loved Washington DC.

Update

2010-07-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!
I don't know how many people actually follow Bec's blog, but she asked me to update it for her with her address, just in case anyone wants to write her a letter. She is in Washington D.C. right now. Her visa still is in process so we don't know how long it will be until she gets to Spain. She is doing great and is really enjoying her mission!
Her address is:
5242 Lyngate Court
Burke, VA 22015
She says that she is super busy and hardly has time to write letters, but she will try her hardest to write anyone back that writes her. Adios for now.....Jill, her sister

TOMORROW

2010-03-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

Going to the MTC tomorrow.

There for 3 weeks, then off to Spain.

Adios.

patience.

2010-01-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

its something that i have had to work very hard at the past 4, going on 5, months. add one more month on top of that and you have a whopping

6 MONTHS

that have required and will continue to require more patience than..... something. not sure what. just think of something that requires lots and lots of forced patience.

thanks to really really great friends (one in particular and I think you know who you are, and selah! to you),

running,

a few journals,

the temple,

the beautiful literature contained in old books,

an edited copy of "love actually",

a wicked sewing machine,

music (especially you Damien),

sporadic improv and gaga in the basement,

and a few other simple blessings

i'm going to make it and will be more anxious than ever to serve the Lord.

i think he's trying to see how badly i really want to go on this mission.

well, it's going to take a whole lot more than a measly little 6 week delay and the worry of a denied visa to stop me.

i'm praying for softened hearts of those stubborn spanish government officials, and anyone is welcome to join in.

for now, i'm trying to learn to appreciate small towns (it's not working very well) and the simple life that doesn't include a raging schedule. and although i can feel my tendu slipping away as the minutes tick, its okay because i know i'm supposed to make this sacrifice for the one who gave everything to me.

so it's with patience that i will continue until that blessed day when i am finally walking the stunning streets of spain,wearing a mid-calf length skirt and shoes exclusively manufactured for comfort, and doing the hard work that i have waited so long to do.

a MUST see

2009-11-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

The best film of the year, hands down.

Actually, perhaps the best film of ALL TIME.

I have always had a slight obsession with MJ and this film topped it off.

He is, without a doubt in my mind, the best entertainer to have ever lived.

And the best mover.

Ah, brilliance.

Currently All Smiles

2009-09-26T01:23:00.000-07:00

My new home in about 4 months. Too bad I have to wait so long.

You are so beautiful and I cannot wait to meet you,

Bilbao, Spain.

A Dedication

2009-09-22T00:32:00.001-07:00

I have to dedicate my post to a true original in every single sense of the word. I freaking love this gal for many reasons, such as these:

A. She loves to be upside down, which is one of my all time favorite orientations.

B. She shares my dreams for Beckon. Most may think I'm silly, but she understands and dreams big too.

C. She is the ONLY person I think I will ever know that fully understands what I'm thinking when I get dressed. (Why not dress in a "costume" when you go out?)

D. AND she agrees with me when I say that matching is lame and boring.

E. I appreciate her appreciation for my need to splurge on Marc Jacobs.

F. She loves San Francisco as much as me.

G. She also feels that searching for the perfect park is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

H. The dance parties in her room are killer.

I. She's a graphic designer and adores letterpress, which pretty much automatically makes her rad.

J. She was totally cavalier and cracking jokes as we searched for her stolen car.

K. She owns a pair of Louboutin's.

L. Her hair. I think I need not expound.

M. Patty Griffin has also captured her heart.

N. It's because of her that I find posters in my bed and taped to my sunroof. Oh Edward...

O. She has a skull on her dresser.

P. She can always find a time and a place to wear a cat/giraffe on her anterior.

Q. She's honest. No unneccessary fluff ever creeps out of her mouth.

R. She too must make frequent stops at Anthro.

S. She has a moustache ring.

T. She does things like this.

U. She shares my daily desire to eat Mexican food.

V. She knows what it feels like to have massive armloads of ugly sweaters and vintage shirts at Thriftown.

W. When she teaches in Relief Society everyone lets out a sigh of relief because we all know that we finally get a decent lesson.

X. She also prefers San Fran's chilly weather. You can't wear scarves in warm weather.

Y. She loves my lemon cake!

Z. If I were to pan out awards to people that I know, she would recieve the "coolest person ever" award.

Happy Birthday Aar. You rock my world.

Pleasure

2009-08-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

One word for the most incredible thing I have ever done:

Gaga

I think it's safe to say that I had never truly danced before I did Gaga. It's amazing how much you think you know until you do something and you realize you really don't know anything at all. Something as simple as "pulling your bones" makes so much sense. Separating your flesh from your bones brings about sensations that aren't felt by moving your muscles. It's astonishing how much you can discover if you think about something in a different way. If you understand what I mean when I say

"float"

"quake"

"find curves"

"slap"

then you are one of the incredibly lucky ones who has experienced the movement language called Gaga. If not then you must seek it out... even if you've never danced a step in your life. You will actually probably understand Gaga beter than I can when I have danced hardcore my entire life.

Thank you, sincerely, Ohad. You are brilliant.

Some may think this post is pure gibberish, but for me it is quite profound.

look for a little something plaid

2009-06-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

A sample of what will soon be my new collection.

And perhaps these as well, just because they make me happy.

A Must See

2009-04-16T17:37:00.000-07:00

I cannot get enough of this video and it has been this way for months. Perhaps my favorite youtube video of all time:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY

I love this demonstration of the universality of dance and movement. Literally nothing brings people together the way dance can. Regardless of it's simplicity, Matt's dance was brilliant and brought smiles to many. I only wish I would have thought of this first!

Kudos, Matt!

A few San Fran faves

2009-03-22T23:38:00.000-07:00

The largest and most magnificent thrift store I've experienced. My ugly sweater and plaid button-up collection is swiftly growing, thanks to this gem of a store. What can beat a vintage blouse for $2.99? I rest my case.

Vegan cuisine makes me quite happy, especially at this fatastic dive. Rarely can I order more than a few things on most menus, but here I will most likely taste everything before I die. I hope you're ready for some great vegan this summer, Mare.

The yoga studio that rocks harder than any other yoga studio. Flow yoga, pink walls, and my kind of music. Perfection? I think so.

I can't live without my frequent visits to local used bookstores. Bird & Beckett is the bomb. Bonus: They also sell vinyls.

A short walk from my house ending in a long walk on Ocean Beach. My afternoons with seagulls, sand dollars, and sea shells are surely some of my favorite.

So many favorites in this beloved city. This measly post doesn't even scratch the surface.

Auntie Becca

2009-02-23T17:10:00.000-08:00

My lovely new niece is here! Beautiful little Ivy Valoie Yost.

I went home last weekend to go to Jill's baby shower and the day before the shower, the little bun decided to come out instead! It worked out perfectly for me- I got there on Thursday night and she arrived on Friday. I'm telling myself that she came out 3 weeks early because she knew I was in town. You had better believe that I am going to be the raddest aunt there ever was.

"Whacky" Valentines Day

2009-02-14T23:50:00.001-08:00

I'm sure that all of you young marrieds had a lovely Valentines Day evening with your spouse, but I am absolutely convinced that none of you had a Valentines Day evening as exciting and entirely rad as mine. I participated in the 4th annual Great San Francisco Valentines Day Pillow Fight!Yes, it is exactly as it sounds... Hundreds of San Franciscans gathered together, whacking one another with pillows. We were all smashed together in a massive group and when the clock struck 6:00 PM, pillows and feathers began to fly like mad. I am almost positive I swallowed enough feathers to equal an entire goose. My favorite pillow fight confrontation was when I would turn to a complete stranger, look them square in the eyeballs, flash a sneaky smile, then whack them with my pillow. What a way to meet your neighbors, right? After a half an hour the entire plaza was filled with feathers and cotton. It was amusing to see people all over the city, on trains, in restaurants, in stores, etc., carrying pillows around prior to and following "the fight." I strongly believe that this is one of those instances in which I can slowly shake my head and proudly say, "only in San Francisco."

Aaren and I made our pillows symbols of love before we used them to beat the tar out of one another!

Oh, what a fantastic and original Valentines night.

Truly an "elect lady"

2009-01-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading "Beloved Emma" which is a life story of Emma Smith. I was humbled as I read about the quality of woman she was.

About Emma, Lucy Smith, Joseph's mother said, "I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year, with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done."

I can hardly fathom the incredibility of all that she endured, yet I have rarely heard of such charitable acts done by a single person. I deeply admire her strength and I am grateful to her for showing me the divine potential I have as a woman and a daughter of God.

Home Sweet Home

2008-12-19T17:07:00.000-08:00

I'm home for the Holidays and spending quality time with my family. It's a stretch to keep myself busy in Rexburg so I have a feeling that I will be discovering lots of new books within the next few weeks, as I am already on my third. It is nice to have a break from the chaos of the world, and it's especially lovely to be with those I love most!
I'm obviously no longer accustomed to this extreme Idaho cold!

Heavenly

2008-12-04T22:39:00.000-08:00

I feel the need to express the gratitude I have for this beautiful temple in Oakland. Every Thursday night is Young Single Adult baptism night. Perhaps my favorite night of each week.
Sheesh.... Talk about stunning!

Curtain Call

2008-11-11T16:25:00.000-08:00

As requested by Marilee Jean here is a display of my project from the weekend: full length curtains! They have been greatly needed for a good two months now because my neighbors in the rear can see directly into my window whenever they are enjoying a meal in their kitchen. It makes the whole privacy situation rather annoying, so curtains are a fine solution. The fabric is a little loud, but with everything that's going on in my room, it's expected. Britex Fabrics is now one of my new favorite places. Five floors full of all the fabric you can imagine.

Antique Addict Meets Urban Ore

2008-11-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

Last weekend my magnanimous roommate, Aaren, and I hit up a marvelous salvage yard in Berkeley called Urban Ore. I thought I had reached heaven! I could have wandered around in there for a good couple of days. It's completely full of cheap, beat up antiques, perfect for d.i.y. projects. We escaped with my car filled to the brim with some amazing items. My purchases are as follows:

My 1950's coffee table before

and after I got my grubby little hands on it. A touch of red paint and some decoupage techniques can bring a beat up piece of furniture back to life like magic.

My new plates to add to my mismatched dinnerware collection.

And last but certainly not least, my new antique Singer sewing machine.... that works! It's a rare beauty.

I highly recommend searching for a salvage yard near you. It will provide you with fantastic, cheap finds, and bonus... it's eco friendly. It doesn't get much better than that!

A taste of Brilliance

2008-10-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

This is what I get to do daily here at SFCD, thanks to Alex.

YouTube - "Careless" (Excerpt) by Alex Ketley

Bombastic Book Dos

2008-10-29T00:55:00.000-07:00

The

Bombastic Book Club

of San Francisco has come to a mutual decision on the next book we will be delving into:

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

by Jean-Dominique Bauby

Although this is only our second book I must say that I am appreciating my membership in this book club. I am expanding my literature choices beyond my Jane Eyre-like romance reads. The newfound knowledge is fantastic, but the meetings are perhaps the best part of the club: A night with my best gal pals in San Fran discussing books, life, dance, and eating homemade pumpkin bread, courtesy of Puff!

Tag from a fellow Textface

2008-10-13T00:52:00.000-07:00

I have received a tag from Mrs. Eeliram Killpack. The objective is to list 6 random facts about myself. Here goes:

Un- I love to parallel park. Crazy, I know. The satisfaction brought on by a superb parallel parking job is a beautiful thing. I love squeezing into a tight spot and fitting like a glove.

Deux- One of my biggest pet peeves: Those obnoxious rip-out magazine subscription forms that are practically overtaking magazines these days. They make it difficult to keep the magazine open and they always fall out. I despise them! I must go through my mag before I begin reading and rip them all out. If I don't, they can ruin my whole magazine experience.

Trois- My grandma gave me her wedding ring for my 16th birthday and I wear it each and every day of my life. It's lovely.

Quatre- My most recent obsession is Oikos Honey flavored Greek Yogurt. I must have at least one every day.

Cinq- I can't sit still. Literally. Every time I sit down I rock back and forth without noticing. I get called out on it quite frequently. (ahem, Mrs. Miller.)

Six- Today while I was writing in my journal I stopped to think for a few momentos about what I was going to write and I began chewing on the end of my pen, as I so often do, and it exploded in my mouth! My tongue, teeth, gums, and lips were completely blue! It took about 3 long brushings to get the blue out. My hands are still stained blue. Moral of the story: stop chewing on pens because ink doesn't taste too good and it's hard to get out.

Your turn Melissa, Jenna Kay, and Ria.

Preserving the Divine Institution of Marriage

2008-10-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet Elder Ballard has asked that as young adults in the Church we do all we can to use the technology we are so familiar with to share our position, as well as God's position, on the issue of preserving the divine institution of marriage.

To trifle with marriage is not according to Heavenly Father's plan, and yet, men are taking it into their own hands to determine what is the correct definition of marriage. This November Californians will vote on a proposed amendment to retain or alter the institution of marriage within California. Even if you do not live in California please help in any way possible to keep marriage the divine institution that God intended it to be.
"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity." -The Family: A Proclamation to the World-

Vote YES on Proposition 8 everyone!

http://www.protectmarriage.com/

http://www.preservingmarriage.org/

Great Anticipation

2008-10-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

I must verbally express the excitement welling up in me for General Conference that will be taking place in approximately 3 days time. The opportunity to listen to words of God from the mouths of his prophets... What a blessing! I'm also looking forward to watching this blessed event in the comfort of my lovely sister's living room, spending quality time with her, her little bun, her 3 dogs, and my mom. The weekend cannot arrive fast enough!

Book Club Member

2008-09-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

My roomies and I are starting a book club! I've invited my fellow conservatory dancers to join and my roommates are inviting a few friends, so we're going to have a nice little group. My darling roommate, Britt, selected our first book:

The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman.

I've never before been a member of a book club, but I've always wanted to. I guess some dreams do come true.

For you, Mrs. Ercanbrack

2008-09-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a constructing description as well as some more pictures of the contraption above my bed just for you, Melissa:

Step 1: Saunter into your backyard or a nearby field and and gather up a group of stray branches.

Step 2: Cut many 3 inch wide strips of tissue paper in the color of your choice. Lengths may vary.

Step 4: Twist the strips of tissue paper about every inch and a half.

Step 5: Cut squares of green tissue paper and glue your long (in my case pink) strips of tissue paper to the center of the green squares and twist to form a peak in the center of the green square.

Step 6: With a hot glue gun, glue all of the green peaks to your branches in any desired location.

Step 7: Cut strips of tulle according to the number of branches you have- I recommend white if you have a white ceiling so they won't really show- and tie the strips of tulle to center of the branch so it will balance properly while hanging.

Step 8: Stick a thumb tack through the top of the tulle strip and tack to your ceiling!

I hope this description is clear. Just shoot me with any further questions. Happy d.i.y.ing!

Laughing Lotus

2008-09-17T22:54:00.001-07:00

So I've been a yoga fan for quite some time now, but I've never experienced it like the yoga offered at Laughing Lotus. I'm convinced that this is the cutest yoga studio in all the world. There's a studio in the West Village in NYC as well as one here right in the heart of San Fran.

This is not just any old yoga. This is FLOW YOGA. Often in yoga class I get a little bored when teachers have you hold poses too long. I'm a tad on the fidgety side so flow yoga is just what I need. You're moving the whole time and there's a fantasitc playlist in the background for your eardrums to enjoy... and not that gross yoga music that some places make you listen to. No, this is actually good music.

The yoga experience that I'm looking most forward to will occur on Friday night: Midnight yoga with live music! My roommate and I are itching to check it out. This is like a little yoga fairytale!

I Heart S.F.

2008-09-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

San Fran is amazing. I've only been here a week and a half but it already feels like home. After 4 hot years in Arizona and 4 steamy summers in NYC I'm still trying to get used to the cold. Don't think that just because I'm in California I'm basking in the California sun... no, no... there is California weather, and there's San Francisco weather. To survive in San Francisco weather you must be bundled at all times. At least I finally have an opportunity to wear my many scarves that I love so dearly.

I love my house and the majority of my 5 roommates. Being right on top of one of the many hills here I have a sensational view from my bedroom window that includes a large San Francisco valley, a Nordstrom, and the Pacific Ocean. What could be better? Maybe being able to see directly into the window of an Anthro at all times.

Not only am I living in one of the greatest cities in the US of A but I am also in the presence of two of the most brilliant dancers/teachers/artists in the world: Summer Lee-Rhatigan and Alex Ketley. I can't begin to express my gratitude for the blessing it is to be one of the 14 dancers that gets to work with them each day. Talk about inspiring!

Each day I wake up finding soreness in my muscles and bruises all over my body, thanks to Alex, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Life is grand here at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance!

Go Roddick!

2008-08-31T21:31:00.000-07:00

For my last night in the Big Apple my lovely mom and I were able to attend the US Open! My mom has been an avid tennis fan for many, many years and as I grew up watching tournaments with her, her love rubbed off and now I am obsessed. We had a tremendously fun time.

From our fantastic courtside seats we witnessed Lindsey Davenport get creamed (bummer)

but then we got to observe the cunning Andy Roddick play a great match and triumph on his birthday. Of course, that was after he threw a temper tantrum and broke 2 of his racquets because he wasn't playing too well at the beginning of the match.

Despite the fact that we suffered through two rain delays and didn't end up arriving home until 3:00 a.m., it totally rocked! Unfortunately I have to watch the rest of this grand slam from the comfort of my own home.

Sad News

2008-08-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Someone has made an offer and is buying my lovely Tucson condo. There are so many precious memories in that place. The "College Mansion," as Logan called it, will no more house the previously inseparable duo: B. Hendi & E. Baum.

I have to return to Tucson in a couple of weeks to pack up all of my stuff, which is going to be quite a painful feat. In memory of the terrific sanctuary of Elle and Bec:

There were many evenings spent in this front yard reading, watching movies from Casa, talking, washing cars, doing cartwheel races, etc..

There is absolutely no way of trying to explicate the time spent within these colorful walls. 3 1/2 years full of memories!

Arts and crafts were obviously a significant occurrence in this house, as mostly everything was either homemade or handpainted! Home decorating is a major obsession of mine.

Many, many sleepovers in my bed. I think we even slept 5 people in there once!

As I am moving to San Fran in a few weeks I can directly relate to Jojo from the Beatles song "Get Back" :

"Jojo left his home in Tucson, Arizona

For some California grass."

I'll Miss You!!!

New Blogger!

2008-08-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

After many days of admiring Marilee Jean's impeccable blog I decided to jump on the blogging bandwaggon. I know that I will spend far too many wasted hours on here because I am merely extending my obsession with journals and journaling to the World Wide Web.

To commence what I'm sure will be a plethora of oddball posts I must say why I love NYC.

First and foremost is the fact that I can purchase fresh flowers weekly because a bouquet of flowers in the Big Apple is only approximately $7-$12. It's fantastic! My current bouquet: yellow daisies.

I am slightly obsessed with the West Village. Yesterday I spent a large portion of the day in the West Village and Chelsea.

I added to my already tremendous journal colletion by purchasing a gem at one of my favorite stores on planet earth, ABC Carpet and Home. (the center one is my most recent gem.) I spent almost 3 hours in that beloved store!

I love all of the one-of-a-kind shops in this city. Yesterday I moseyed on into one of those ritzy boutiques in the West Village where they pick out things they think you would like and practically force you into trying them on. Then the mirror is outside of the dressing room where the sales person is waiting to tell you how "fabulous" you look. Well, she weaseled me into purchasing this stunning Taka top. Oh well, at least it's pretty.

The unique bakery's are endless. I went into an adorable bakery/shop called Three Tarts where I found my first plate to begin my mismatched plate and dinnerware collection (once again, inspired by Mare.)

I could go on forever with the millions of reasons why I adore this amazing city.

Thank you, New York City. How blessed and grateful I am to know and love you!