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!


Amanda

Of Cupcakes and Sprinkles

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! :)

Fine Print:  Anybody know a good cupcake recipe?  Life with Abibliophobia (that's me :)) is hosting a giveaway over at Defective Compositions. Go sign up. :)  Cupcake images not mine. Linking up with Kellie as we share our blessings.  

Tiny Record Book

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. 

Why don't you make one too? Or perhaps you would just like to have one already made and waiting for your happy things. If so, check out my etsy shop where you can order your own custom made tiny book. 

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. 

Today...

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! :) 

Literary Heroines

Blog questionnaires, I never do them. I'm always curious as to whether or not anyone really want's to read my answers. But this one, well, this one is all about literary heroines. I couldn't help myself. It beckoned and called to me.  So here you are, 23 things that I want to share with you, about everything bookish, and literary heroine-ish. :/  Grab a cup of tea, please, keep reading.

 1. Introduce yourself! Hi, I'm Amanda. I read, a lot. I collect books, the older and mustier the better. I wish I could write like Dickens, instead, well... I like tea, I'm normally covered in cat hair due to my cat, and I really like to buy earrings. 

Confessions... sigh

2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? A true heroine knows her weakness, a true heroine isn't afraid to lean on God and someone else for help. A true heroine has faith, love, and forgiveness. A true heroine stands up for what is right, even when she is scared to death. 

3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. Esther Summerson (Bleak House) I love how sweet and gentle she is. She is willing to give up everything for others.  Meg March, probably not the first person you would think of, but she is a true heroine. Lastly, Eurie Mitchell, in Isabella Alden's Chataqua girls series. 

4. Five of your favorite historical novels?  Hidden Hand, Mr. Standfast, To Have and to Hold, Anne's House of Dreams, Bleak House.  (Do I have to stop????) 

5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?  Hidden Hand- Capitola- I like a heroine who is not only heroical, but hilarious! 

Mr. Standfast- okay Richard Hannay is of course great, but I like Mary too.  

To Have and to Hold - can I choose the villain? He's like the BEST villain ever! Alright, Captain Percy, he is so.... perfect.

Anne's House of Dreams - Anne. :) 

Bleak House- Esther Summerson of course. :) 

6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? Hidden Hand - Black Donald- Old Hurricane comes in close. 

Mr. Standfast - Peter Pienarr- His fortitude and trust in God. 

To Have and to Hold - Lord Carnal - okay, confession, I love good villains! (I mean bad villains, really bad villains!) 

Anne's House of Dreams- Sorry Gill, I have to choose Captain Jim. :/ I feel bad. 

Bleak House- Mrs. Jellyby- I know she's only a minor character, but hey, she's my favorite! 

7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? London, buy books and drink tea.  

8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? Victorian and Edwardian times. The Mid-evil is close, and WW1, and the "modern age" of America, and ancient times and...

9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? Comical Recitation. 

10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? Anne. That would be fun. :) 

11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? Firmly decided. Chocolate is necessary to health and long life. I am positive Anne would agree. 

12. Favorite author(s)? Too many really- Dickens, Montgomery, Southworth, Stevenson, Verne, Alden...

13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? A friend. Adventures are always better with a friend. And lot's of extra suitcases for all the books returning home with me. 

14. In which century were most of the books you read written? 19th

15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is... Captain Ralph Percy. Not only does he have every attribute necessary: gentleness, love, strength, protectiveness, courage... He's also the best swordsman in the colonies, Plus he is pretty good at acting like a pirate. Can't beat that. 

16. Describe your ideal dwelling place. A tiny fairy-tale house, with lots of little nooks and crannies, a plethora of windows, a stone fireplace, and an English cottage garden. 

17. Sum up your fashion style in five words. Haven't found it yet. (I did it in four words! :) Okay really, whimsy, accessories,  casual, dark colors. 

18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? Yep, in a child's book I used to read, one of the main character's was named Cecilia.I couldn't pronounce it, so reading it was almost painful. 

19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...  Oh boy!  I love Villains! :) James Carker- from Dombey and Son. 

20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?  Elements of Style- Strunk and White,  Literary Taste: How to Form it,  Tremendous Trifles. 

21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? Outside in a flower strewn meadow. Laying out on the grass, with a picnic basket, some good books, a journal, and maybe even a friend. 

22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.  A floppy yet stylish sun hat, something that reminds you of the 50's (or was that 60's?)  Perhaps a bit of ribbon around it. 

23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. Going through one of life's biggest trials, the loss of someone very near and dear. 

24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently. Isaiah, the promises of God's faithful love are enough to take your breath away. 

Fine Print: Images Not mine. Linking to Accordion to Kelly for the Literary Heroines. Had much fun. Going to find the episode that Lucy and Ethel go to London, didn't know they had done that too. All the books I site are not exactly recommendations, some have to be taken with a grain of salt, a few with  a black permanent marker. 

2011

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...."

Could anybody else sum up their year this way?

For the past two days my google reader has been choked with post, everyone summing up their year. Giving statistics, their 30 favorite things, and the best of anything and everything of 2011.

My year? It was rough. Harder than probably anything I've ever faced. But it was also good. Because I have a big God. A God who can heal and help and hold when your entire world crumbles.

My stats? Let's see. There are to date 17 of ya'll who have been brave enough to push that follow button. :) Thank you.  There has been quite a number of you who are still lurking in the shadows.Thank you for sticking around, reading, and commenting.

Wanna hear a story?

We went hiking today. On a dirt trail. A trail that had been recently rained upon and was, literally, a mud path. The steepness of the path, made our slogging difficult. Most of the time we were forced to stay off the path. Sticking to the slippery but safer, leaf covered, forest floor. It was scary, and an adventure but we all loved it.

Anyhow, I slid and slipped along about half way before I discovered a thick, straight branch obsructing my path.  I grabbed it eagerly, well actually more like the drowning man and the straw. And, with the help of my trusty stick, I made it down as far as my family dared to journey. All the way I leaned on my stick. Stuck  hard into the mud, it held me steady, saving me from several slides. Without it, I would have been muddy, and perhaps hurt.

 I had to lean on that stick. I couldn't make it across that trail by myself and still keep my footing. I had to lean, to allow myself to trust in a rugged tree branch.

There is another fad going around this year. It consists of choosing one word, just one, to live by in the new year. As we reached the top of that hill I knew what my word was.

Lean

Just Lean.

I could struggle, slip and crawl through this next year. Trying to do it alone, and getting nothing but dirt and bruises to show for it. Or I could lean. Allow God to hold me. And   trust Him, He won't let me fall.

The path will still be hard. But I have a strong God to cling to. I don't have to go it alone in 2012. All I have to do is Lean.

A very happy New Year to you all. May you each have a year of growth in your knowledge of our great and glorious God.

Amanda

Fine Print: Image are not mine. And yes, I would love it if you pushed that follow button. : )

Chance of Snow...

The air is turning colder and colder. Every day the raindrops seem to thicken and struggle to become full fledged snowflakes. My hands are busy right now.  Creating, dreaming, imagining new things.

I cannot even describe how blessed I am with all I have been given. The possessions, the family, the resources. So many things given, I only fear that I return far too little.

Christmas preparations are up. So I can't share much on that subject due to the family reading. :) I'm taking lots of ideas from here and here. And really loving this series. Old Fashioned Handmade Christmas.


Just a few of my favorite things:

Old Christmas Tunes - everything from Huron Carol to White Christmas. :)
Hope of snowflakes tomorrow.
How good pizza tastes after almost a week of Thanksgiving leftovers.
Old gentleman in front of me in line (for said pizza) singing Have Yourself  a Merry Little Christmas under his breath with a voice that somehow reminded you of Burl Ives.
Furry cat refusing to step outdoors.
New book. :)
Book chosen for December's "Bookworm's Calendar"

Christmas trees in windows
Candy Canes
Carol of the Bells
Calendar filling with Christmas fun
Stockpile of gifts growing in my closet, making it difficult to move my clothes.
Fake snow to create snow globes, causing glittery messes in my room.
Cranberry Sauce for breakfast   every - single - morning. (I'd eat this for the rest of my life if allowed.)
Vintage mystery stories.
Christmas tree decorated with white and plum colors.
This Photo.


There's a chance of snowflakes tomorrow. I'm eagerly waiting. How about you?

Fine Print: Images not mine. 

Thanksgiving

This is a day that gets zoomed by, overlooked in the rush between towards Christmas. Thanksgiving is no longer even advertised in Walmart, the focus all laying on the day after - Black Friday.

But you know, even though this day is often usurped for tinsel and glitter, there is something to remember in this holiday rush.

The reason we are thankful is because of Christmas.

Had Christ never come, bent and humbled to the lowest degree. Had He never been born in a filthy barn, surrounded by the lowest grade of society. Had He never lived a perfect life in a world of black sin. Had He never stretched Himself upon that cross, eternal-infinite God giving up His own life. Had He never stepped from the grave, alive in a place of death.

Had He never come, we would have nothing.

But because Light came into the darkness. Because Heaven came  to earth. We can rejoice.

There is so much to be grateful for. So many small things that we so often overlook. Our homes, our provision, our families, our government.

But lets not forget the big thing today.

Our God.

To whom we have complete access. To whom we no longer must cringe and keep our distance. But to whom we can freely run, into the outstretched arms waiting to welcome us, and rest, children in the arms of the heavenly Father.

God became man. So that man could see God.

 And for this we must be thankful.

Fine Print: Images not mine

Of Tea, Colds, and Word Counts.

I'm allergic to writing contests.

I'm sure of it now.

I was pretty sure last contest I did, now I'm positive. Every time I force myself to write I come down with something. Anything, a cold, a sprained arm, swine flue, malaria...  (Just kidding about that one.:)

Anyhow, this is the seventh writing contest I've done, and I had planned on doubling up on vitamins just in case something should try to attack my system. I was a day too late. Night 1 of Nano, I came down with a terrible cold. It's still hanging around.

Feel sorry for me please?

Anyhow, Nano update. I'm loving it, my word count isn't incredibly high, too much of a cold for that. But I am getting somewhere in my story. It's about time, I needed to get this story out of my system.

My room mate is still trying to understand the reason behind Nano. Poor cat.

Back to my cold, the cat has one too. We're sneezing together and pitying each other. She takes her medicine when I take mine. It's nice to have a companion in this.

So there's my life for this week. Between sneezing, writing, and drinking pots full of hot tea it's been a pretty good week.

How about yours?



Fine Print: Tea pot image not mine. Though I certainly would not mind having that little yellow pot on the second shelf down far right. :)

November

Frosty mornings.

Bare trees.

Shadows thickening as supper ends.

November is here.

It's probably my favorite month of the year, so full of excitement, and the pure happiness of holidays.

It's the month I set aside writing time to pound out a 50,000 word document. In the hopes that, after careful revision and polishing, a book will emerge. A book all my own.

It's the month of first snow, and return to all things warm, cozy, and comforting.

It's the month of Thanksgiving. That eager time of gathering together, to laugh and play, to remember old memories and create new ones, to thank the Father for a year's-worth of blessings. To feast, rejoice, and marvel at the goodness of God.

It's the month of preparation. Mysterious noises, conspiratorial whispers, lumpy burdens, plots, patterns, purchases. All the things necessary to create those delightful Christmas-morning surprises.

It's another month to learn, read, discover. Another month to deepen the relationships of family and friends. Another month to grow closer to my Heavenly Father who loves me and holds me.

November is here with all it's multitudes of blessings. And I'm so thankful!



Fine print: #87-97 of the multitudes I am counting. Linking with Multitudes for Mondays as well as Sharing the blessings over at Accordion to Kellie. Images are not mine.

Kaleidoscope

Shards of colored glass, a battered cardboard tube, circle of transparent plastic, all so small and insignificant.

But in reality, that's all I am.

Me, the real me, holds the battered cardboard tube that is this present life. Inside it rattles the colored glass pieces that make up everyday. All those tiny, insignificant pieces and parts of my life.

I look through and see nothing but blurred and dim shapes in the darkness. He tells me to point it towards the light. For it's only by His light that I can see life properly.

I point the cardboard upwards and see it. A pattern. A beautiful mosaic made up of all the pieces of life, sparkling and brilliant.

But then He takes hold of the cardboard tube and shakes it gently. And I cry because my pattern is destroyed. But I look again, and see a new shape, a new beauty greater than the one before.

At times I forget to point the tube towards the light, and I lose sight of the beauty of the pattern.

Sometimes I pull back and pity myself. I wish I was something more than a collection of broken glass and worn out cardboard.

Sometimes I try to keep Him from shaking my life. I wildly clutch, attempting to save the pattern that I think is the most beautiful. Unwilling to wait and see what He creates.

I must be still to see the picture. I must keep myself pointed towards the light, letting it illuminate this great puzzle of life. I must allow Him to shake and move and jostle, knowing that He does all things well.

Because life's a kaleidoscope, and He's the Master artist.

Fine Print: Original idea by a dear friend, pictures not my own. 

Pieces

They were beautiful lengths of fabric. Each one carefully patterned, colored, and woven. They were perfect, solitary and in no need of any other help.

In another basket were apples. Each one with superb red and green swirls, each one sweet and crunchy. No defects, no imperfections, perfect just like they were.

Or so they might have thought.

To the fabric came a heavy pair of scissors, slicing and chopping. Within moments the entire length of fabric was reduced to pieces. Short, awkward, triangular, wrinkled pieces. It no longer was perfect on its own. It was ruined, torn and left scattered.

To the basket came a sharp glittering knife, cutting them into small pieces. The delicately colored skin was peeled off and thrown away. All that was left was chunks of bare apple, fast turning brown as time progressed.


All that was left was pieces.

Life's like that. For a time you think you are perfect, completed, a beautiful creation. The life you live in is carefully constructed, colored, and loved. Then along comes something, sickness, death, change. And your life is torn apart. Chopped. Scattered. Sliced. Ruined.

And all that's left are pieces. Tattered shards of no use but to remind you of who you used to be.

But the story for the fabric, and the apples isn't over.

To the fabric came someone, the same someone who had held the cutting scissors. Carefully, with patience and skill, she gathered up the pieces and one by one fit them back together in new ways. From under her hands came a piece of beauty and perfection, far surpassing what the fabric had been before. An entirely new length of fabric, which all the tiny pieces joined to form.

To the apples came a chef. And slowly, and meticulously he formed and mixed and molded. And when he stepped back there, in the place of the broken pieces, was a creation of perfection. Simple, yet beautiful, an object to be enjoyed by many. Every piece of broken apple lending to the perfection of the whole.

Without the scissors the fabric could have never become a quilt. And without the knife the apples could have never become a pie.

Without pain, struggle, change, I will never become who I was meant to be. You can never become who you were meant to be. There will be times that your life may seem ruined. Times when you are left standing surrounded by the broken pieces of your life.

Just wait.

The Master Creator, He who perfectly formed all things, is at work. Carefully, gently, He will reassemble the pieces into something better, something beautiful.

Just wait and see what comes out of the pieces.

Fine Print: Picture of fabric pieces is my own, all the rest are not mine. 

NaNoWriMo

Who is doing NaNoWriMo this year? I can't wait, I have two full stories outlined and ready to go, hopefully one will be a complete rough draft by December. :)

For the uninitiated, NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. Basically, you attempt to punch out a 50,000 word novel in one month-November. That being probably the second most busiest month in the year. (At least for me :)   


Last years NaNo worked well for me. I got my book done, and have been working ever since on editing it to a point that is acceptable to read. :) (When they say rough draft, they mean rough draft)

So who will be doing it this year? Any first timers? What's your genre? Will you be writing in first person or third person? What do you do to get ready for writing your book?

My book genre is undecided, principally because I can't decide which one to work on. : /   Either historical fiction, or historical/ science fiction (old school scifi, like the Jules Verne kind, not fantasy). The only thing I have decided is that it will be in first person. Which for me is easier to write. : )

Things I have done to get ready are: Outline my ideas for the books. For me that looks like a very loose timeline of events. I've also pulled pictures that will help me with the scene and setting.

 I've taken each main character and figured out his likes, his dislikes, his talking style, his actions... One fun thing I have done this year is model each character off of a certain classic writers' writing style. For example, one character will be like Verne's typical MC's interested in learning, observant, quiet, under the authority of the other(s), and in the end assuming command. Another will look more like Doyle's typical scientist/detectives, brainy, quirky, blustering when excited, in command, disdainful of everyone else. :)

So here are the questions for you. How many will be doing NaNo this year? How many of you are interested in posts/discussions on writing?

Hoping that all of you have a day filled with rest and autumn-y pursuits. Applesauce making is the plan for me today. :)

Amanda

Fine Print: Photo not mine. Would love to have a turquoise typewriter though. :) 

Sunrise

4:00 a.m. I find myself sitting up, my body tense, adrenaline pumping. The nightmare fades away slowly from memory, and I realize that it's happened again.

I'm reading 4:00 a.m. on my alarm clock, for the fourth night in a row.

Disgusted with myself. I drop onto my pillow and try to force sleep.

Doesn't work.

I retrieve my mp3 player from the floor and adjust my pink headphones.

5:00 and the crooning of John McDermott hasn't gotten me anywhere. I shut the player off before Danny Boy comes around one more time.

The clock ticks on at a crawl. 5:05:55, 5:05:56, 5:05:57.

My mind is flooded with thoughts. Plans, aspirations, to do lists, fears, worries, hurts. Tears trace down my cheeks.

6:00 I'm standing in the kitchen with my cup of coffee. Watching something, under normal circumstances, I would never have seen.

The sunrise.

Warm, creamy, swirling away the weary darkness of night, and holding out the joy of day.

Splashes of light, painted by the Father of light. He who is light. A brief foretaste of what a life of eternal brightness will be.

It almost makes the exhaustion worth it.

The realization of a truth comes like a beam of sunlight. Someday, the long night of life will swirl away in an even more glorious brightness. Awed by the splendor, I hear my favorite verse repeating over and over in my mind.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning"

Fine Print: The pictures are not mine. But I thank the talented photographers who captured them.

I'm a Procrastinator

A very bad procrastinator.

Ya'll are shocked right?

I'm generally considered a hard worker. I do what needs done, and, more often than not, get it done before my deadline.

But the well kept secret in my life is -

That I wait until the very last-est moment to do it.

If I don't want to it. It can wait. : / Take right now for instance. You see, I have a deadline coming up. A children's writing assignment. 500 words, nonfiction, subject of my choice, age level of my choice, choice of a prospective children's magazine to pitch it to.

I don't want to do it. I don't know why, it's the only project thus far that I get to choose everything but the word limit and the genre. But I still don't want to do it.

Yesterday I did everything but research for it. I cleaned, I made myself a schedule, I printed castles onto vintage book pages (must show you soon). My procrastination carried over to today. It's only 8:48 this morning and I've already put off my research repeatedly.

I put it off when I gathered my breakfast of steaming coffee, and a cinnamon muffin. Then delicately swirled Nutella onto the latter. I'm putting it off right now as I write. And, don't you think I ought to write in my journal, put together an inspiring soundtrack, and dress in my best imitation of Beatrix Potter before I pull out my research material?

Alright, I've written myself into a repentant attitude. I'm off to work.

-After I refill my coffee cup.

"Never put off until tomorrow what you could do today" -Thomas Jefferson.

Note - If you too are a procrastinator, check out this book. It may make you think twice about putting off. I should read it again - soon.

Fine Print: Picture not my own. This post is part three in a series of posts featuring "outtakes" from real life. Things you wouldn't normally admit on your blog.