Human-The Killers

I dance, therefore I shall Romp. 

My obsession with ROMPERS began when they started popping up in trendy stores and boutiques. Browsing the rack with Robyn (I honestly do not like to shop. So I love to have Robyn, my wildly imaginative, confident, petite mother along for the journey) I show her a romper. I say, "Oh my, this is just too cute". Robyn's response is predictable and true. "Try it on, you can pull off anything you wear, if you wear it with confidence". I have heard this little phrase my entire life. She is right. Always right. People who think they can not pull off a certain trends are silly. Put it on and ROCK it. Well this very first romper I tried on, led to many rompers to follow. My recent purchase of a red, strapless romper is sure to be a favorite, and probably an over-worn piece in my closet. My romper obsession appears to have planted itself in my heart and no matter what store I am in, my romper radar is in full force. Some of my favorites:

Anthropologie.

J.Crew.

Urban Outfitters.

Robyn's philosophy to clothing shopping and rompers is the same one she shares for life plans and careers. She was that mom to tell me I could do anything I wanted to do, and she actually believed it to be true. 21 years of life later, experienced some ups and downs, disappointment and heart break, I have felt like this sense of endless opportunities is not true. I am very blessed that this summer I have had a few weeks with Robyn. She has shown me once again that I am more capable than I know I am. I have more potential than I even imagine and I can change the world. 

I don't know where my life will lead after college, but I do know that with the support of Robyn, I will romp all the way to my destiny. 

-SJP

Welcome to my Silly Life

Summertime is here.

I have been home for 6 days. 

I will be home for 11 more. 

This is just not long enough for me. But at the same time it is too long. For the first time in my life I feel like I have two lives, and they are both happening simultaneously, but yet worlds apart. I love my family. I adore them, they get me.love me.understand my weirdness and quirks. But my second home is now Knoxville, where me and my friends  call home base during the school year. This summer most of my bffs (except the lovely Marta) will be in Knoxville. I want to be there just as much as I want to be at home. But while I am home for 11 more days I am taking advantage of every moment.

My sister and I are quite the pair. Basically, we are our parents. Weird, easily amused, and quirky. So far this summer we have visited an Alpaca farm. Yes, live alpacas. An animal that appears to be a cross between a poodle and a giraffe. Cute and cuddly. 

Some people may be wondering why in the world we would go to this, but in our lives this is nothing new. We can now add this to the list of rando adventures. Goat Festival, Moon Pie Festival, Holiday World, Watermelon Festival, and the list could go on and on. We eat this kinda stuff up.

Last night I was reminded that even though not everyone has had such a colorful upbringing, there are the rare treasures that can relate to such unique family relationships. I was at dinner, just sitting there listening to someone talk about their life. His family has potbelly pigs, his sister chose for her wedding camo suits for the groomsmen(yes, camo like hunting), and he has run with the bulls. I'm sorry? Is there really someone out there who matches my family's oddities. Possibly even find the quirkiness, charming rather than strange. Endearing rather than "tooo much". Little reminders that show me my strange little family and my silly life will one day be just what someone is looking for gives me a sense of security and comfort. I thank Jesus everyday that I am blessed with my quirky family. I can't wait to see where we all end up.

-shelby jordan payne

A Picture Says A Thousand Words

"Every Story has an Ending, but in Life Every Ending is Just a new Beginning."

-SJP

Run for the Roses

I got the fabulous opportunity of going on a very spur of the moment trip to the derby.  The Kentucky Derby. This was not my first rodeo in the realm of horse races, but this is the Derby of ALL Derby’s and

 I was so excited.

Marta, Anton and I just playing around.

The day was great. I am not a betting woman so I left with the money I came with, but loved watching some win big and sad to see some lose with equally large amounts.

The boys waiting to place their bets!

The people were wild and outrageous. People dressed up,dressed down, and dressed in costume.

Some young lads dressed as old men.

The weekend was quite an adventure!

-SJP