Walmart's aisles are full of huge trees, and huge stacks of toys.
There are bows on all the streetlights and snow men in all the windows.
I've got all my ornaments ready, there are stacks of Christmas recipes on my pin-board. I have not one, but five Christmas mix Cd's, each song carefully handpicked. :)
Christmas is finally here. I love it. :)
People complain about Christmas taking over Thanksgiving.
But really, isn't Christmas the thing we should be most thankful for?
For some Christmas cheer:
> Make some fun little Christmas trees!
> Check out this recipe!
> And music, since we all need music. :)
Fine Print: Images / video not mine, could someone please make me that popcorn?
First off, be sure to mark your calenders all you fellow Whovians. For there is to be the greatest of earthly blog parties on October 22nd, at the blogs of Bramblewood Fashion and Day by Day. I personally, can't wait. I've got all sorts of stuff to share with you.
Thirdly, to all the lovely bloggers I follow, and to all of you who follow me. I am ashamed of myself, really I am. I have been slack at posting, and slack at commenting on your posts. I wish blogger could come up with something that would jot down what I was thinking. I've written hundreds of posts and composed thousands of comments in my head. I just can't get them all written out.
BTW, it is curious how the Liebster award started circulating through English blogs, it's actually a German blog award. Anyhow, I do hope that we have shared a few of our awards with them.
11 Facts about myself...
1. I'm an English Major, I'm using College Plus to get my degree. I want to be an English and writing tutor some day. For now I'm just a student.
2. Even though I still read an average of 6 books a month, I rarely pick up a book and read, I'm dependent now on audio books. I LOVE audible and Librivox, (if you were wondering).
3. I'm really bad at names. My brain doesn't retain a name when I meet someone, instead it has a habit of creating a weird story structure for them in my head. When I meet them again, all I can think of is my imaginary story of their life.
4. This is what I want to be like when I'm old and in a nursing home. I intend to have several of my friends admitted into the home with me, then we can giggle and get senile together. :)
5. I like to pretend that I'm a chef and show off my cooking skills. A couple of days ago I actually got my skillet to flame up as I flipped the food. My brother was in awe of my incredible skills. :)
6.I used to think that my vocation was theater.
7. I work for a Lawyer. The job definitely has it's perks.
8. I can't swim, only doggy paddle. My family thinks it's hilarious and they like to get me into awkward predicaments in the water, where I am at their total mercy. At which point they generally throw me a life preserver, and then laugh at me.
9.I love Cheez-its. (Which makes this photo adorable, even though I can't stand hamsters.)
10. I like my coffee strong. And never, ever, instant coffee please. That's just wrong.
11. For most of my life I have hated poetry, it wasn't until recently that I discovered that I actually liked it.
1. Rain or shine?
Rain, If I get to stay inside and read. Shine, if I have to go out. Too bad, there isn't an on/off switch. :)
2. What was your favorite cartoon / movie growing up?
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
3. If you could be any character from a book, who would you be?
Fog rolls away as I walk down the sidewalk, hands buried deep in my sweatshirt pockets, trying to wipe the fog from my brain. My puppy nudges me with his nose, asking me to walk faster... at six in the morning? this is as fast as I'm getting. I pass a home cloaked in complete darkness, everyone still sound asleep. Here is a home with a dim light int he upstairs window, the college kid who rents the upstairs bedroom is no doubt struggling to wake up - just like me. Another home with a dim light in the kitchen, I can distinctly smell coffee.
Every day I take this walk, three times a day actually. Same homes, same people. I've only lived here three months, but there is a lot you can learn from walking past peoples homes everyday. There is the older gentleman in the little brick house with the arched door. He's a bookworm, every inch of what I can see through the door is taken up with books, literally floor to ceiling books. There's the college girl, with her junker car, she's an exchange student -her accent is thick as she talks to my dog. There's the firemen lounging on their bench. There's the lady with the immaculate gardens, her refined bearing is coupled with a sweet smile. There's the little boy, no more than 11, head down his face is sad, but he always smiles down at my puppy.
At work I pick up the phone as it rings, our office is small, and I've quickly come to put a face to who I'm talking. She's a jolly little lady, she slips catnip to the office cat every time she comes in. She jokes with me as I set up an appointment for her, you'd never know from her voice that she has cancer. A lonely old man comes by to pick up papers, he lingers by my desk to chat. There's a young woman calling, her father just died, and as she sobs, she asks that we help her with his final affairs. Another lady blusters in and out, signing papers as fast as she can, her three year old grandson shows me his toy.
An older lady sits all alone on a church pew, her face hard and resolute, I've seen her there every Sunday, always slipping out right before the service ends. An old man looks down at his hands as he walks away from the church organ, there is a tear in his eye as he flexes his stiff fingers. A girl sits alone, the only one from her family, brought by the church buss. She is uncomfortable and self conscious, her face generally hidden by a webbing of brown hair.
So many people that I bump into everyday. So, so many hurting people. People who need help, people who need help, but most of all? People who just need a friend.
Yes, they are lost and hopeless, and I may be the only Jesus they see today. But will they see Him in me?
This is why I am so afraid of Christian snobbery. Because snobbery keeps you so focused on yourself and on critiquing everyone else that you never see all the millions of people in the background. You are so zeroed in on being perfect, that you miss life. And all those millions of people? They keep carrying their load, and your disdainful look at their clothing only adds one more bitter drop to their cup.
I read this quote today, by a lovely christian lady, it echos the hurt that I have felt and have heard from others.
"And when I was the one in the throes of deep depression and illness, I felt like a leper no one would come near -- when I was the "least of these", where was Jesus with skin on? Where was the church?" ~Nacole
If people within the church feel that, what about people outside of the church? They are not some separate race of humans without feelings. They can see when we strain to avoid them. They know when we patronize them. They hurt when we fling sloppily veiled hints about what we think of them.
All those people. People in the church, people outside of it. They all need the hope of salvation. But they also need someone to show it to them. I want to be "Jesus with the skin on" to them. I want to be their friend. I don't have to live like them, or dress like them, or go the same places they go. I just need to listen, to care, to love them. He loves me, even though I am frail and weak, and generally falling face first into some mistake.
So to anyone wondering. No, I won't be a Christian snob, but I will be a Christian friend. That's all I want, just to portray Jesus to someone.
I'll talk books with the bookworm, I'll ask the exchange student how she's doing at school and if she needs helping finding anything in town, I'll swap recipes and cat stories with the lady from work, I'll stop and actually talk to the man who pauses by my desk, I'll take a plate of muffins to the woman who just lost her father, I'll try and say hi to the lady as she leaves the church, I'll stop and hug the lonely girl.
Not because I'm a polished example of christian virtue, but because really, I'm just like them, only I've found Jesus and He has given me Himself, and that includes His compassion.
"But When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."
So tomorrow, as I groggily walk down the sidewalk, I want to be Jesus to all the people I meet, because that's Christianity walking.
Fine Print: Quote not mine all credit goes to Nacole. Images not mine - Pinterest.
We've all met snobs. The people who think they are perfect, think they have the most superior minds, think they have it all together. The problem isn't really in the fact that they think they are so wonderful, the problem comes when they know that we, their lowly human relations are not perfect, neither do we have superior brains like them, and we certainly don't have it together. They are better than us, and they let us know that. We call them snobs in return.
You meet an awful lot of snobs in life. They seem to pop in every area, school, work, social interactions, goodness, I met an iced tea snob the other day in McDonalds. The sad thing is, one of the easiest places to bump into a snob? Church. Especially a conservative church.
Yeah, church. Now I am a conservative christian. I do not believe in avoiding church because of the stigma church people have gotten themselves. I just want to draw a little attention to the fact that, fellow church people, we are snobs. SNOBS. And we've gotta quit it.
I've been a snob, I see traces of snobbery popping up all through my past, and sadly, foreshadowed in my future. I used to think that I had it all together. I lived in the perfect family, I believed in purity, I prominently desplayed books by all the religious elite, I wore skirts at just that certain length on my leg, I never wore flashy jewelry, never watched TV, never attended a movie theater, I memorized long passages of scripture, I sang in the choir, I rigorously took notes during sermons.
Not that any of those things were inherently bad. But I was being a snob while doing them. You see I had some warped sub-conscious idea, that all those things made me better somehow. That I was cleaner than the christian rock singing, raccoon eyed, high heel clicking teen across the room.
I was never out and out taught that. In fact I was taught that nothing that I did, made me better. My Pastor tried to explain that no outward conformity changed how God looked at us. But the people I was surrounded with? They showed me something completely different. I don't think they meant to, I think it was something they didn't even realize they were believing. But slowly and surely, I was inducted in to Christian snobbery.
Things like movies and clothing had to be perfect, before each other. If someone actually watched a modern movie, it was kept as some sort of secret. Afraid, I guess that the other's in the flock would find out, and think that we were less spiritual. We cleaned things up to look great.
Things like this were said. "Hey, you've got to hear the new CD from the ---. It has a beautiful rendition
of "In Christ Alone". "Yes" someone would say, "but wasn't that song by a contemporary christian writer?" "Yeah, but they have cleaned it up, taken all the extra stuff out."
As if, some group could remove drums from a song and it become magically acceptable to God. Same words, same tune, just no drums.
Guys, that's snobbery. This idea that we have the corner on what's right and wrong, that we can determine how people should look, what sort of music pleases God. That we have the responsibility to keep people in line, and make sure that we are set apart Christians.
But you see, when God calls us out of the world, to be separate, He meant for it to happen in our hearts. Not just in out outward appearance, and the things we participate in.
Snobbery affects others. It drives others away. Not only will the unsaved and hurting people be forced away by your odd manner of life, and unusual clothes, they'll also flee from your condescending attitude. The sad thing, is, you probably won't even know that you have a condescending attitude.
Snobbery hurts fellow believers as well. It makes them either be fearful of appearing wrong in your eyes (so they'll cover up anything questionable, and become snobs just like you). Or it will make them run the other direction, and you'll heave a sigh as they leave and say, "poor things, they just don't understand. I'll pray for them." and you'll honestly attribute it to their flagrant heart problems. All that is really wrong is they are scared, and scarred from your snobbery.
Snobbery affect you too. You will slowly introvert, pulling inwards. Your efforts to keep up the front of perfection, even though something done almost entirely in your sub-conscious, will wear you out. You will stop growing, you will stagnate. When water stagnates, millions of bacteria breed, and the water becomes dangerous and deadly. That's how you'll become. And, unless you are shaken awake, you'll never know it.
It's a big problem, it's a serious problem, and honestly it's scary. I know I'm just a 21 year old, blogger with about 4 regular readers. But, I have seen where christian snobbery can lead. And I never want to be a chrisitian snob again.
You're going to see some things around here change. I'm not going to hide anything anymore. I'm going to openly admit things, things I do because I have asked God to show me if they are wrong, and so far He hasn't. I'm sure much of what I have changed and will change in my life will be attributed to "young Adult rebelliousness." Honestly, it's just an effort to survive, to see who God really is, without having to wear or do a certain thing to reach him. I'm not rebelling, and going for "easy-believe-ism" or "seeker friendly" Christianity, I'm just trying to get away from all of the extra.
>Yes, I do have TV. Yes, I do watch it.
> Yes, I do wear short skirt, jeans, high heels, jewelry, sparkly makeup, and fingernail polish, and Yes, I do follow some fashion trends.
> Yes, I do have the internet.
> Yes, I do listen to Contemporary Christian Music. And yes, after my Dad passed away, I found more comfort in those songs than in the old hymns.
> Yes, I will occasionally go to the movie theater.
> Yes, I do read books that are not in the Christian Genre.
> Yes, I do know a few pop songs.
And yes, I refuse to be a snob anymore. I'm not the greatest person out there. I fall into sin repeatedly. I admit that. You know, I have to admit that until God shattered my snobbish outlook on life. I never really saw myself as someone who was that sinful, or someone who really needed saving. It wasn't until the facade was stripped down, that I saw who I really am, a sinful wretch, naked before God. But someone who He loves, someone whose name is written in His very hand. I cannot begin to tell you, the immense joy and relief I have experienced as I let God take away everything that distinctively pointed me out as a hyper - conservative Christian.
I've probably ruffled a lot of feathers. I'll probably lose some followers. That's okay, I've already lost a lot of friends through this already. It's been quite the journey, but I'm not stopping, I'm going to let God strip away everything He wants to.
So, to wrap this up here is a song that paints a pretty good picture of Christian snobbery, and of the introverted people they unintentionally become.
But really, "What if there is a bigger picture, what if I'm missing out, what if there's a greater purpose I could be living right now, outside my own little world?"
Christian snobs, are well intentioned I think. In fact, I believe they don't even know that they are becoming introverted. They think that it's their job to hold onto others, to keep them in the dress code, and outline that they've created. They think that they are doing what is right, being safe. But God doesn't ask for safe. He asks us to live for Him, and for Him only, no dress code, no outline for life. He want's all of our attention, all of our love. He want's us to reach others, not force them away.
See? I'm not the only one who makes up book-affiliated words. :) Now try and tell me that you don't want a T - shirt with that on it.
I've been being a librocubicularist quite a bit these past two weeks. Somewhere, within some friendly handshake, I received a horrid bit of bacteria. Said horrid bacteria, drained every bit of life out of me and left me coughing and sneezing my way through almost 2 entire weeks.
It was awful.
So, wrapped in my sweatshirt, armed with many books, and a pantry full of vegetable broth and Ramen noodles, I buckled down and tried to get better. It took several complicated crimes on my favorite mystery show, 2 audiobooks, 39 cups of tea, a can of paint, multiple episodes of Dr. Who, one furry cat, and precisely one and a half boxes of Cheez-its.
(Yes, Cheez-its are required when you are sick.)
But I am better now, and ready to attack life head on. :)
I'll be back very soon. Stay well, and take time to be a librocubicularist today.
:) Fine Print: Above image and word is not mine. Much applause to the brilliant genius who created this word. :)
I miss you. How have you been? I'm okay.
Well, not okay, more like trying to catch my breath.
Last year I had no idea that this would happen. I intended to be a vegetable raising, novel writing, piano playing, fun things crafting, blogging sort of girl for the rest of my life - or till I got married - whichever came first. But then, life went crazy, and nothing is what I had planned. I'm a totally different person, it's like I've been morphed into some other human being. I'm still trying to figure out where that person came from.
I catch glimpses of myself in the rear view mirror of my car, and struggle to realize that that person in the driver's seat is me. Me... the girl who was never, ever going to learn to drive. That person with the zebra striped phone to her ear, the earrings, the new haircut, the business suit. That's me?
I'm the girl rushing around her apartment kitchen, grabbing coffee, petting the cats, heels clicking, adrenaline racing, all to get to work on time.
I'm the girl typing up documents in a lawyer's office, answering phones (who'da thought... all my life I have hated phones!) chatting with clients, and puzzling over the intricacies of the law.
I'm the girl planning her first foray into college.
Can you see why I'm going crazy? Why I sometimes catch myself and wonder what the name of this new person is, and where on earth I disappeared to. I love all this new life, but a part of me still reaches back to the quiet country girl who had nothing more exciting to talk about than the deer who ate my beet plants. I miss that girl sometimes.
Maybe she hasn't completely disappeared. I catch glimpses of her occasionally. She's the one who loves to cook, who pins furiously in an attempt to satisfy her inner crafter. The girl who gets up in the middle of the night to jot down a plot for a novel. I still have a garden, even though it's shrunk considerably, (for instance: from 40 tomato plants, to 2). I still play the piano, though nowadays, I only have time for one song, played after I get home from work in an attempt to calm down from the bustle. I still read, even if only in snippets. And I still want to blog. At work, I have blog posts forever flitting into my head. (Not a good thing if you are trying to write a business letter to a client.)
So there you are my dear blogosphere. There is me all wrapped up in a confusing tangle, something like the gordian knot you know.
I hope this letter finds you well. Do tell me what is going on with you.
Sincerely yours,
Amanda
:)
Fine print: If you've read this far, the images are not mine, totally adorable though. :)
When I was little there was one night every summer that I would eagerly look forwards to. I never knew when it would come, or what I would be doing when it came. I just knew that once it started to happen the most magical night of all would be there, waiting for me. And, every year, sometime in June the night would open up.
Without any warning, a sparkle of yellow light would catch my eye, and then another, and another. As night would deepen there would be a great mist of yellow sparkles rising up from the grass. As they go higher their ranks would break and a million tiny fireflies would flash their tiny lights. Making the sky look like the stars were dancing, and reminding me of the falling sparks of a firework.
Until I was forced into bed, I would chase them, catching them in my hands, and watching as their lights would distinguish in the captivity. Slowly I'd pull my hands away, and as they firefly took off, watch his tiny light flash and glow.
What makes a firefly glow? Why does he choose to only sparkle in the night? What is the purpose for his light? I never could understand, but I knew that watching the fireflies I understood a very simple truth.
Night is dark, very dark in the summer. The firefly is just a tiny little insect, a very insignificant bug during the day. Alone, his light is not very strong. Yet, when joined together, a thousand fireflies can bring light and comfort in the dark night.
This world is big and dark and scary. It seems that the sun shines so seldom here. I feel so small and insignificant against it's heavy darkness. Yet, when I join together with a thousand other small insignificant creatures. We can bring light and comfort into the darkness.
The firefly must choose to light the sky. He must fly up out of the protecting grass and lend his light. A light that he did not create, but a light that was given to him for just one purpose, to sparkle in the darkness.
I must choose to rise up out of my safe hiding spot. I must choose to use the light granted me for what it was meant for, a small sparkle in the darkness. It's my choice, but it's also my highest calling, and the only place where I will find happiness.
Follow the fireflies!
Fine Print: Images not mine but are from Pinterest .com
My boxes are quickly emptying. My walls have gone from dirty white and sage green, to butter yellow, turquoise, and a nice sandy brown. My furniture is set up, and I've cooked my first meal in my new home (hot ham and cheese sandwich... how grand) My cat has established her new favorite places, and my tiny deck garden has been planted.
It's finally starting to feel like home. I'll have to show you all pictures. :)
By the end of the week I should have internet at home, farewell to my iced chai latte. :(
(By the way, you who have not yet stepped across Panera's doors, go, do it! It's great. :)
I haven't got anything profound, or exceptionally interesting to say. I really just popped in to say that I miss you all, that I've got 800 blog posts in my reader, and that I'm really going to miss the latte's.
And perhaps, since I haven't got anything to say, why don't you all answer a question I've been wondering about.
I've finally got all the boxes moved, many of them unpacked even. I've got the first days of work tucked under my belt, and I've finally found a chance to sit down and connect to the internet. The sad thing is, I still don't have internet at home so I'm forced to sit and sip Iced Chai Tea at Panera Bread in order to write to you all.
Isn't that sad?
So, it won't be long and regular posting will be back. And I promise for all you all who I follow, my google reader is chock full of your posts, and I'll be reading them soon. :)
Thanks to all the new followers and comment writers! I appreciate it, and can't wait to get to know you all some more!
My coffee cup is empty and I have only 2 minutes more of internet time, so, until I order another Iced Chai Latte, I must bid you farewell.
Talk to you soon!
Amanda
Fine Print: Image not mine. Wish I had a dress like that to wear to Panera. :)
Monday, April 23, 2012
I'm guest posting today over at Beloved Star. I've loved reading Nela's thoughts over the past year, and was thrilled to be included as one of her guest posters. Check out her blog, and don't forget to look at some of the other guest poster's blogs. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
After my last post, I thought it might be fun for all of us to swap some tips on how to fill bookshelves with treasures. I'll share my favorite ways if you all promise to share some of yours. :)
1. Determine what sort of books you want to collect and treasure.
If you are looking for modern books, you'll probably look for them in different places than vintage.
2. Keep a list of books you really want. That way when you are in a bookstore and the sheer mass of titles is overwhelming, you can just look for the titles you want.
3. Train your vision to be eagle sharp. If you are already an abibliophobiac like me, you don't need any help here. Your inner instincts already send of alarm bells every time you see the spine of a book.
Places to look:
1. Yard sales. Look under the tables, under home decor clutter in boxes, under stacks of magazines. Books put out at yards sales are generally dirt cheap and negotiable. If there are several books in a box of books, offer to take the whole box for a price you name. Often the seller will be glad for you to just haul them away.
2. Goodwill/thrift stores. Don't just assume that there are only trashy romance novels at these places. Often I have been surprised to find real treasures on their shelves. Again, these places are generally extremely cheap.
3. Flea markets. Sellers will often negotiate on price, especially if buy in volume. A tip: don't act overly excited. You've got to be a little crafty here. Flea Market Sellers are sharp business men, don't let the overalls and beard deceive you. Name your price, (reasonable of course) and then act as if it doesn't matter a pin to you if you get them. Acted excited, and they'll know you'll purchase them no matter what, and will neither lower the price and may even attempt to trick you and raise it.
4. Antique stores. My favorite and where many of mine came from. Often Antique malls are loaded with books tucked away in little corners. Some antique dealers know the worth of their books and their prices are super high. Make sure that you aren't paying more than you need to.
5. eBay. That's right. eBay is an excellent place to buy old books. Since it's an auction you can generally offer your price, and since old books aren't really going to good currently on the market, you'll get it. Make sure you factor in the shipping price when you think of how much you want to spend. This is where I got all of my first edition Elsie Dinsmore's.
6. ABE books. Great place for modern or vintage. Careful that you know whether the book you are buying is paperback/hardback.
7. Amazon. They don't always have the lowest prices, but you can often find good deals on modern books here.
8. Library sales. Old books and good books = no longer needed in the library. Many libraries have a shelf set to the side of books that you can buy.
9. Used book stores. Warning: if you are looking for vintage books here, be careful. Used book sellers know what they are doing, especially if a book is a first edition. The prices may be super high. However, some are negotiable, and some of the stores work on a credit system. (You bring in your unwanted books, they "buy" them, and whatever those books were worth you get in credit from the store. )
10. Friends. Once friends know that you collect books they will be constantly asking if you want their old books. Accept them, keep what you want and send the rest away to goodwill. :)
Fellow bookworms, I have done the nearly impossible. I have boxed all of my books up. Enshrouded in cardboard, secured with heavy duty tape. They now stand stacked in the corner of my room. I miss them already.
I love to study bookshelves. If you would happen to invite me to your home, you would catch me surveying your shelves. You can learn a lot about someone by scanning their bookshelves. Personality traits that would probably have taken years to discover, literally jump from the pages of their books.
I've never taken the time to step back and analyze my own shelves. Not until I started to pack all my beloved treasures.
There was the collection of tiny miniature vintage books. Many of them as old as 1860-70's. Most of them created as rewards for children in Sunday School. One of them still bearing a note from the teacher, imploring "Henry to read and not forget while enjoying the stories to see the lessons inside. "
There were the tattered children's fiction books. Many with math problems worked on the flyleaf. A few with notes from Father's, Mother's and best friends.
A history of English literature, written in 1910 comes off the shelf next. Inside, in a neat feminine hand are notes, questions, and ideas for writing assignments. I don't know who G.V. was, but I believe she and I are kindred spirits.
Next I pull out a beautifully bound, Sermons by D.L.Moody. In original edition, with lovely silver leaf lettering. But it wasn't it's age, or it's innate beauty that makes me love this book. It's the bullet hole in the corner. The story behind it, I'll never know, I can only imagine.
Classics come off one by one. Ugly books with dearly loved stories, and tea stains to show their love. There is a handful of writing help, their new covers contrasting to all the vintage books. Several of my old journals go into the box. Scraps of notepaper flutter as I open several books.
My original edition Elsie Dinsmore's are packed with care, their embossed pansies (which Finley begged the publishers to put on the books) still lovely even after their long life.
There are books on screenwriting. Books on how to grow corn and beans. Craft books, decorating books, an English/French dictionary. A brand new girls devotional books side by side with a cookbook well over 100 years old.
The last box is packed and taped shut. Every box holding the evidence of who I am, and what I love.
'ello chums! (Be sure to read that in your best British Accent)
That better?
So, life has taken a sudden and wee bit unexpected twist. My residence is about to change. Quite exciting actually. Prepare for several posts on fresh paint, moving trucks, and cardboard boxes.
Also I'm looking for work, and getting ready for college this fall. : ) Life is an awfully big adventure right now. :)
But, I'll try not to disappear anymore. Even if it is only little tidbits of moaning on how little cardboard boxes can hold.
Oh, one more thing. Whatcha think of the new look? Isn't it cute! Qui created it for me, thanks again Qui, I love it! :) If you all are reading in a reader you've got to come check it out. :)
Oh, and there is a new blog button over there on the sidebar if you'd like to update it. :)
Oh, and there will be a book coming for this month's Abibliophobiac's Calendar.
Oh, I think I had better stop. : D
Fine Print: Images not mine. Would love to own a print of it though. Perhaps for my birthday? hint.. hint... :)
Most people probably get a mental image of a leprechaun when you mention that name. Perhaps a few remember the flat, icon painting of him, with a sad face, big eyes, and a shamrock pinched between two fingers. But who really was St. Patrick?
Patrick actually isn't Irish, he was Scottish. Of his early teen years he openly admits that he turned his back on Christianity. It wasn't until he was captured and taken as a slave to Ireland that Patrick was forced to turn and cling to Christ. As a humble slave- shepherd, Patrick spent hours alone, these he filled with prayer, and a longing for freedom.
Patrick eventually escaped, but he did not leave Ireland for long. He returned and stepped into the shoes of a previous Irish missionary. With his knowledge and experience with the Irish, Patrick knew how to teach them. He is considered the father of Christianity in Ireland.
The words are a reminder of how our Savior is always with us, and how we can stand in Him. check it out! :)
Wrapping up our Irish blog event, I wanted to share just a few fun Irish things.
First off, for anyone who loves Irish music, check out this. Just about any Irish or Celtic song you can imagine is in there, with the melody and chords written in. I've almost worn out my copy! :) (Fake book definition: Sheet music that contains, lyrics, melody, plus letters for the chords, basically to save room so that more songs will fit. ) :) (Click image to purchase)
The Claddagh ring. This ring is of Irish origin, and is used to show loyalty or faithfulness, either between two very close friends, or as a token of love, or even marriage. Click the image below for a lovely sterling silver, made in Ireland. :)
And of course Irish music. Here are my lists of artists, understand that you still have to be careful, unfortunately I cannot absolutly recommend any of these, but for the most part their songs are great. High Kings Lisa Kelly (of Celtic Woman) Orla Fallon (Of Celtic Woman) [Each of these women have their own CDs] Charlie Zahm (offers a mix of Irish, Celtic, and Irish influence American Folk, He also does maritime [seaman] songs *grin*) Irish Tenors (More operatic than traditional) John McDermott (Of the Irish Tenors) (actually a Scot/Canadian that sings Celtic, however his soothing voice is too good to pass over. :) Irish Rovers (with the exception of some of the songs, this is a traditional Irish group, complete with real accents :)
(I've also heard a lot about the Chieftains, but have yet to listen to anything other than their instrumental music, which, I must say has been great!)
Thanks to all who linked up! Feel free to add a few more links!
Fine print: Image at top not mine, images of products, and the names of artists are links, I will make a commission if you purchase those items, however if you use my link you'll also find the best price I could hunt up. :) Works for both of us! Again, I do not totally and completely recommend any of the Irish groups mentioned above, caution and discernment must be used, as in any search for music.
I don't know when I first fell in love with Ireland. Probably the first time I heard the accent or listened to some of the folk music.
When St. Patrick's day rolls around every year, I always wish that there was a different focus to the holiday. It's not really about leprechaun's or pots of gold, or luck. It's about the rich Irish history and it's influence on America. It's a story of a remarkable missionary and his affect on a nation hostile to him. So this year let's make this a St. Patrick's day celebration to be remembered.
Ready to join in the party? Write about anything Irish, (well, keep it appropriate) Share a recipe, tell us about your favorite Irish music, Irish history, or Irish customs. Go ahead link up your blog posts, visit each other's blogs, leave comments. Let's make this fun! To give ya'll a little more fun there will be a surprise giveaway, the more you link up, and share this blog event, and leave comments, the more chances you'll get to win the giveaway! :)
Be sure to grab the blog button on the sidebar! :)
Life with Abibliophobia (that would be me) is hosting a giveaway over at Defective Compositions. I've thoroughly enjoyed her inspiration challenge, you should check it out! The giveaway closes March 9, so you'd better hurry up! :)
Also announcing my own blog event, to which you are all invited.
I love Ireland, and have declared myself Irish, (still working on the brogue). :) I'll be sharing some of my favorite Irish things, from music to recipes.
Interested in joining me? For all you Irish wanna-be's, I'll be putting up a linky on March 16 you can all link up your Irish themed posts. These could be recipes, fashion, history, culture, music, or literary. Basically anything and everything Irish. :) Grab the button from the sidebar!
Interested in sponsoring a giveaway for this blog event? Contact me here.
Fine Print: 1.) feel free to steal my blog button, the more the merrier. :) 2.) No go sign up for that giveaway!
I like cupcakes. I like them to be moist and sophisticated, bursting with flavor and fascination, and topped with mounds of gourmet icing and lots of sprinkles.
Basically, I have the ideal cupcake in my head. I've never tasted it before, I've never seen it, but it is real and it is something that I will some day discover.
Today was not that day.
~sigh~
I measured, whisked, and baked. I carefully cut off the tops, and filled them with fluffy strawberry cream. I carefully matched each cupcake top to it's original owner, and carefully sealed in all that strawberry goodness. Vanilla butter-cream icing was carefully swirled on top. Then, because cupcakes no matter how gourmet, are still just cupcakes, I pulled out the bag of sprinkles.
My little sister and I are firm believers that sprinkles are necessary to life. We have a pact: I bake, she sprinkles. It's her domain, her sphere, her outlet of creativity. And she's really good at it.
The cupcakes were good, they were cute, and definitely edible. But my quest must continue. Someday when cupcakes are about as popular as fondue or aspic, I'll discover the perfect recipe.
Until then I'll keep measuring, whisking, and baking. My little sister will keep sprinkling. Because, after all, baking cupcakes is an adventure, and sprinkles are to be enjoyed. Perfection isn't the goal, enjoying creating is. Now go forth and create something! :)
My eyes opened, a warm paw patted my cheek. Brown, cat eyes looked into mine, impatiently begging me to wake up and replenish her food bowl. Soft sunlight spilled into my room, making visible the floating dust particles, like sparkles.
There was something distinctly happy about waking up today. Not that I wake up grumpy or sad every day, just that today I was happy. Perhaps it was the lovely evening I had before sleep. An evening full of new library books, Charles Dickens, and happy music. Maybe it was the remembrance of the red winged blackbird and the robins I had seen the day before.
The happiness has continued all day. The sun is bright, the daffodils are bursting their little green heads through the ground. There is a hum of new life, new hopes, new dreams. Not to be poetic, but it is a simply lovely day. Spring seems to be a reality now, just sitting right around the corner.
Not every day is a happy day. There are way too many depressing days. That's why when I saw tutorials for tiny books I knew I had to make one.
Well, come on, it's a tiny book, that alone makes it something necessary. :)
I decided to combine it with a necklace, like those tiny necklace charms, only mine is a real book.
Now here is how this tiny book necklace ties in with my happy day. There are exactly 100 pages in my book, that's just enough to write 200 happy things. It will be my new remedy for sad days, a constant reminder that life isn't always as crummy as it can look. I call it my "Record" book, in which I record all those tiny things that make like bright.
Fine Print: Images are all mine. Don't mind if you use them as long as you provide a link back to me. Linking up with Defective Composition's Inspiration Challenge. Check it out! Now go take a walk in the sunshine and list some of your happy things.
I've always loved the people who can take magazine clippings, glue them all over their walls and it all look so lovely. I've always wanted to be brave enough to try it.
I've been stock piling photos, old maps, quotes... for years and didn't know how to display them.
I've been on places like Pinterest and collected numerous lovely pictures, clippings that I wish I could see more often. Photos and "things" that inspire me.
I've wanted to do something with all the adorable scrap-booking embellishments my siblings bought me.
I've always wanted to join one of those contests where you showcase projects you have created due to internet inspiration.
Well, today all my dreams melded together and came true. :)
May I introduce the ultra easy, just add glue, eclectic's inspiration board?
I took an old picture (one of those pictures that are printed directly onto the wood back.) The picture itself, had too many paint scrapes to enjoy. So, armed with a sander, and a vacuum cleaner :) I removed the old picture and left a clean canvas.
With a stack of photos, maps... my little trinkets, and a can of spray adhesive (BTW, I LOVE spray adhesive.:) I concocted this.
I like it. : )
Have some craft projects that you've been inspired to complete recently? Do you have a list of craft projects you would like to complete in the near future? Join me this week as I delve into turning some of that internet inspiration to usable, enjoyable items. I'll be trekking along with Eyebright from Defective Compositions, as she hosts this lovely party.
Let the crafting begin! :)
Fine Print: Images used on my project are not mine, all rights go to the creators of them. I in no way would want to take away from these creators their rightful credit, this is not a piece of art, or something I will be selling, it is a temporary inspiration board, and the photo elements are filling the same purpose as magazine clippings would. Also note that if I said anything unusual in the post, understand it is very, very early in the morning and I cannot sleep. Perhaps I'll find something else I can glue...
Today I just want to write. I want to cover blank pages, and white computer screens with letters and words.
Honestly, this is an odd feeling for me lately, in fact I haven't really wanted to write for month's now. I'm not sure what prompted me this morning. I think it was hearing this as I opened up a blog to leave a comment.
There is something about the Beatrix Potter soundtrack that just forces you to want to write. :) (Go listen to it, I think you'll agree)
So I gathered all my supplies: typewriter (Okay, I wish, really I grabbed my laptop) my pink journal, my favorite pen, a cup of lukewarm coffee, and my writing buddy- Tabitha Twichit. (That would be my cat) :)
I'm still not sure what I'll write about:
a journal entry,
a short fairy tale,
or a mystery...
perhaps I'll begin my historical fiction book.
Whatever I do, I intend to fill pages and pages, and enjoying every minute of it! :)
What will you write today?
Fine Print: Images not my own. Imagine life in a house made of a pear! :)
An exhausted butterfly struggles from it's broken chrysalis. It must learn to feed this strange new body, it must figure out how to move those damp wrinkly wings. It must make friends with a body and a world terrifyingly new and strange. I am the butterfly, and this is my journey.
Lights, music, decorations....
. They don't always have the lowest prices, but you can often find good deals on modern books here.
(of Celtic Woman)
(Of Celtic Woman) [Each of these women have their own CDs]
(More operatic than traditional)
(Of the Irish Tenors) (actually a Scot/Canadian that sings Celtic, however his soothing voice is too good to pass over. :)
(with the exception of some of the songs, this is a traditional Irish group, complete with real accents :)
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