Saturday Smiles

It's late. The rest of the house is sleeping, but clearly not the rest of the world. Through my open bedroom window, I could hear the coyotes calling to each other a while ago, but they have long since hushed themselves to join me in eavesdropping on the nearby shindig. It's a rare occurrence to hear such a hullabaloo on a street inhabited exclusively by my family and retired couples; my best guess is that it's echoing down to our street from somewhere up the hill. If the music is any indication, they're re-shooting a saloon scene from an old western movie. The bass is plunking away with a tune I'm pretty sure is straight out of "Bonanza," and there is singing, shouting, and dogs barking. I can't help but smile at the sound.

But it's just been a smiling sort of Saturday! Other smiles were...

1. My new print from Kaytch, with C.S. Lewis' quote: "Courage, dear heart."

2. My wee rose bush! I thought I had totally killed it, and was so sad! But now, after a couple weeks of babying it, these tiny little leaves magically appeared. I'm ridiculously excited about them. Aren't they cute??

3. This new marking on my calendar! I get to go see my dear friend in 3 weeks!! She may have only been gone a short time so far, but I'm already missing her to pieces and glad to have a countdown!

4. The glorious warmth and sunshine today.

5. ...and getting to spend the lovely day with this wonderful girl!

What have your smiles been today?

Smiles for a Friday!

Lord's Lass will return to its regular programming next week. The AWOL authoress has been on spring break, and enjoying the delights of travel and sunshine far more than is good for her. Monday marks the beginning of schedule and order again. ;)

But in the meantime, here are some of my Friday smiles!

1. Flowers. Carnations, to be exact (my equal-favorite. with Gerbera daisies). Because they were a good price at the store and I couldn't resist!

2. New, super-comfortable, PURPLE Born shoes! :D

3. Chalk paint to give Dottie (new laptop!) a fresh & happy look!

4. Tulips blooming in the front!

5. Happy music!! {great for cleaning the room and getting projects done!}

6. This nearly-done project!

7. A week with weather like this....

...in which you can drive with the windows down...

...and music up...

...and freeze to death, but be completely happy...

...cuz the sunshine is warm, and it's only the breeze that's remembering winter!

8. Also food. The sugar-free chocolate cake Rachel made. Coffee with my cleaning-gang-girls at Old Town Battle Grounds. Fruit!! {no pictures, because these things don't exactly last long...}

What's making you smile today?

A Quick Note from a Mildly~Distracted Blog Negleter

Dear blog,

I have missed you! Rest assured, I am doing well, but am, quite simply, spinning out of Thanksgiving and into Christmas - just as I felt I was settling into the fall schedules!!

It's been a good couple months, though. In October, I ran the color race with Benj - a new experience, and one I definitely hope to have again! Additionally, the month held hikes, cider pressing, and a trip into Portland to visit Powell's with two fellow book addicts, JT and Jacob!

November (Yikes! Can you believe it isn't November anymore? Scary...) marked the beginning of the craziness fun. Our annual Girls' Weekend to the beach was, once again, "the best ever" (how can that be true every year? But it is...). I am sorry I didn't bring you along, but Mikaela brought One Bright Corner, so you can catch up with her there. Suffice to say, stormy weather, Bleak House, tea by the kettle-full, shopping, laughing, crying, and studying the Bible together combined to define our four days, and brought us home encouraged and refreshed (if a little sleep-deprived)! Then, of course, there was Thanksgiving! Cousins, gingerbread houses, hikes...we are just coming out of a special weekend, and find ourselves in December! Yesterday afternoon we went tree-hunting, and now our garage smells like pine and our house resounds with Christmas music!

 

Which brings me to today, the first Monday in December. There's my symphony concert coming up, a studio recital & New Year's ball to plan, concerts and parties to attend, friends to see, Christmas shopping & wrapping to do, Christmas cookies to bake, Christmas letters to write, and a miraculous event that happened quietly and virtually unnoticed 2000 years ago to celebrate with every thought and deed.

It's going to be a good month.

Watch-It Wednesday: Nothing!

I just got back from a fabulous day of babysitting some super-fun kiddos! What do you do for eight hours with five children, 10 & under? Oh, "Nothing!"

...which, of course, translates to "Have a Ball!"
Happy Wednesday!

When We Have Something Nice To Share

When I was a Little, Mama had a whole set of "Rules of This House" coloring sheets that my siblings and I were habitually amused by coloring. Many of those pictures, and the rules they accompanied, are permanently stamped in my brain - "When we make a mess, we clean it up," "When someone is sorry, we forgive him," "When we open something, we close it" - that sort of thing. We said them while we colored. We said them when mama would quiz us on them. And we said them when they gave us authority to get something from another person {ugly sin nature, I'm afraid - just goes to show that rules without a renewed heart won't get you too far!}. Anyway, one of the most-repeated rules was "When we have something nice to share, we share it," and it is in the spirit of this well-learned rule, that I share these things with you today:

 

~ A Laugh ~

 This picture...it just...I mean...the longer you look at it, the funnier it is!



Photo Credit

 

~ An Article ~

I was really impressed and encouraged by this review of the the 'Hunger Games'. Most articles I've read before either angrily ranted against the story, or mindlessly defended the entertainment of the tale. Douglas Wilson sensibly analyzes the novel and it's moral implications ~ certainly worth reading!

~ A Song ~

This song is "The Megs'" favorite song at the moment. She roams the house singing it, requests to listen to it, and lip-sings along while it plays. Good thing it truly is beautiful! :)

 

A lovely weekend to you all!



Life's Little Instructions

 

photo credit

From a list by one 95-year-old, William Snell, 1993 ~ These make me smile

 

~Sing in the shower~

~Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated~

 

photo credit

~Watch a sunrise at least once a year~

 

~Never refuse homemade brownies~

~Strive for excellence, not perfection~

~Plant a tree on your birthday~

~Return borrowed vehicles with the gas tank full~

 

photo credit

~Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them~

 

~Leave everything a little better than you found it~

~Keep it simple~

 

photo credit

~Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures~

 

~Become positive and enthusiastic~

~Be forgiving~

~Say "thank you" a lot~

~Say "please" a lot~

 

photo credit

~Wear polished shoes~

 

~Remember other people's birthdays~

~Commit yourself to constant improvement~

~Have a firm handshake~

~Send lots of valentine cards, sign them~

 

photo credit

~Look people in the eye~

 

~Be the first to say hello~

~Return all things you borrow~

 

photo credit

~Make new friends, but cherish the old ones~

 

~Keep secrets~

~Plant flowers every spring~

 

photo credit

~Have a dog~

 

~Always accept an outstretched hand~

~Stop blaming others~

~Take responsibility for every area of your life~

~Wave at kids on school buses~

 



Photo Credit

~Be there when people need you~

 

~Don't expect life to be fair~

~Never underestimate the power of love~

~Don't be afraid to say, "I made a mistake"~

~Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know"~

~Compliment even small improvements~

 

Photo Credit

~Keep your promises, no matter what~

 

~Marry only for love~

~Rekindle old friendships~

~Count your blessings~

 

Photo credit

~Call your mother

 

Photo Credit

And your dad, too~ 

Watch-It Wednesday: What Money Can't Buy

We all know that the best things in life can't be bought with money.
Yes, come along, nod your head - you know it's true.

...Unexpected smiles...

 

...Autumn colors...

 

...Late-night talks...

 

...Quiet moments when it's just you, God, and a star-filled sky...

 

...Sunshine...

 

...Every-day songs...

 

...Special memories...

 

...Rainy downpours perfect for twirling...

 

 

...and this song Daddy inadvertently discovered over Christmas break (to list a few). The more you listen to it, the more it grows on you. I will certainly be keeping Christmas year 'round with this song!

 

 

*sigh*

 

Isn't that beautiful? Like all truly good things, it cannot be bought for any price. (Seriously - but if you ever find I'm wrong, keep me posted!) So add it to your list of "un-purchase-able happiness", and have a lovely Wednesday!
 

On the Twinkles' Bedroom Door Tonight

Just one of a million reasons why I love having wee ones around. :)

Watch-It Wednesday: God Will Take Care of You

I saw this the other day on Jessica's blog and couldn't help but re-post it here. The wee man is just too adorable for words!

 

Tell me that didn't just put a couple cups of smiles and a spoonful of chuckles in your day! Chin up, and whatever you're doing, wherever this day takes you, remember: He will take care of you!

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

All About 'Cha - Part II

Photo Credit

Hello, dears! Long time, no see! I'm finally home from an amazing week-and-a-half of vacation, and have been spun around to start planning for one of the bestest weekends of the year: Family Camp! A couple of us had a planning session with Pastor just this afternoon...no surprises that it's gonna be another rad Labor Day Weekend!!

So, at some point I'll let you all see pictures and hear about the family vacation.

Not because you are dying to hear all about it, but because this blog doubles - er, triples - as a journal and scrapbook for me (as well as, you know, a letter to you guys every now and then).

HOWEVER, in a desire to have no loose ends flapping around here, I'm first going to finish up Miss Jo's wonderful blog tag, and call a few more of you to join the fun!

Here goes Part II:

1. Cherries or blueberries?
Blueberries! Cherries are fine - I love all sorts of fresh fruit - but you'd definitely see me making a bee-line for those delicious, pit-less, blue bundles of yummy.

2. Vanilla or chocolate?
Ice cream - vanilla.
Everything else - chocolate.
The ice cream can have chocolate syrup on it.



Photo Credit

3. What is your favorite song?
This question is just wrong. A favorite song? Really? Can't do it. I was just listening to Michael Card, so I'll say "God's Own Fool", but...I like a lot of other songs, too.

4. What is your favorite activity?
*Hears Brian Regan's "Is this a good activity??"*
Er...

I like reading. I like playing music. And listening to music. Talking. I like friends. Shopping. I like clothes. And antiques. And jewelry. And... Dancing. I like dancing. Baking. I like food....

Seriously. Who has a "FAVORITE, above-all-else" activity?

5. Have you ever left the country you live in?
Twice! (How spoiled am I??) When I turned 15 I got to go to upstate NY w/daddy, and we went over to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. When I was...16 I think...I got to go to England with my aunt. London, Oxford, and Bath, for anyone who's wondering. Walked the fav walk of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Dressed in Regency attire for a JA festival in Bath. Walked along the Thames at midnight. Went to an Agatha Christie play. Shopped some amazing outdoor London markets.

...sorry, where were we?

6. What is on the floor of your closet right now?
If I listed everything, you'd get bored. And maybe disgusted by the sheer amount. So, briefly: shoes, shoe boxes for OCC, two boxes of books ('cause I'm out of book case room), yarn, a stool, a roll of brown paper, and, *ahem* plenty more.

7. What did you do last night?
I really like this question. Not because I have an amazing answer, but just because it's fun and kind of unique.
We (as in, the quartet) played lobby music for the "Royal Rosarians' [long story - don't ask] Knighting Ceremony" and went to Carls Jr for french fries (thanks, Ben!). Later, I visited with friends, showered, and read Little Dorrit. :)

8. What are you most afraid of?
I don't know. I'm not really afraid of much. Becoming numb to the Holy Spirit. Change - loosing touch with people I love.

9. If you had the option, would you choose a fun drink or an edible snack?
Fun drink. Love yummy drinks. 'specially fruit-flavored ones.

10. What is your favorite day of the week?
Wednesday. It's my day where I have no obligations - I go over to Grandma and Grandpa's to craft w/Grandma. Also, it's the middle of the week! If it's been a bad week, I only have two more days to live through, if it's a good week...every day is my favorite! :)

Photo Credit

11. What is your favorite breed of dog?
I don't...really know dog breeds. I like bigger dogs that don't smell. :p

12. What is your favorite genre of literature?
Hmm...that's a toughy. Historical fiction, anything C.S. Lewis (he wrote several different genres), fairy tales (unashamedly), history shtuff, and any genre with interesting information in it (as opposed to...boring information).

13. Diamonds or pearls?
Pearls, I think. Although, I have a lovely ring, and pair of earrings (both from my dad) with tiny diamonds which I love. Mostly, I don't like big and chunky of either. :)

14. What is your favorite type of flower?
I love flowers. All flowers. I suppose if I was pressed into choosing, I would choose pink roses.

Photo Credit

15. What is an item on your bucket list?
Hehehe - I didn't keep one for a while, but I'm beginning to think I should! One thing: bonfire on the beach, 'til long after dark, singing and talking with good friends.

And now it's time to share the fun! For this set of questions, I'm tagging:

Miss Kaytra from Scraps of Reality (when, of course, you get your life back :p)
Miss Lauren from One Bright Corner
and
Lady Kirsteen from Life in My House Full of Boys

Can't wait to hear All About 'Cha! :)

All About 'Cha - Part I

Photo Credit

Good evening, everyone! A little while back, Miss Jo from Alphabet Soup tagged me to do a fun blog questionnaire! The procedure is quite simple, and one with which I'm sure you're familiar...answer the questions, pass 'em on to some cool bloggers, follow the fun! Because it's quite a long list of questions, I've decided to divvy 'em up into two different posts, and tag a different blogger (or set of bloggers) for each set of questions. Ya ready? I am! So let's go!

1. What color are your socks right now?
As amazing at it is, I'm not wearing socks right now. I usually am, but it's been lovely and warm (which means high 70s here in the Northwest) so I didn't need 'em today. I am wearing purple nail polish, though. :)

2. What are you listening to right now?
Maddy explaining the hairstyle she's giving me, and Megs singing a call to play "Hand and Foot".

3. What was the last thing you ate?
Dinner. And it was delish! Chicken, broccoli, and quinoa. Quinoa = yumminess. :)

4. Can you drive a stick shift?
*ahem* I can get from point A to point B, in a car with a stick shift. Not quite sure that's the same thing as driving...

5. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Hmmm...Robyn I think.

6. How old are you today?
Seriously? Is this a make-people-feel-old question?? Ugh, fine. Here it goes. 21 years, I-don't-care-how-many-months-and-days.

7. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Not a huge sports fan here, people. I like to play soccer, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee...so I don't mind watching those. Oh, and figure skating/ice dancing is amazing to watch. :)

8. What is your favorite drink?
Can't choose. At all. I love yummy drinks, and I usually try a new one each time I go somewhere. Most common non-water drink? Tea or "DDP" (diet dr. pepper). Drinks I crave? Juice and smoothies. Drink that makes me all creamy and happy? Hot cocoa. And I could list others I love...

9. Have you ever dyed your hair?
*ahem* yes. but it didn't work. 'nuff said.

10. What is your favorite food?
Everyone knows chocolate is in a girl's food pyramid.

11. Do you sing in the shower?
Haha! Actually, no, I don't. And it is because, ever since I was little and first heard someone joke about it, I never wanted to be caught doing it... :p

12. Favorite day of the year?
My fav day used to be the first day in Sun River (our annual family vacation spot). Although we don't go there any more, I think it still would have to be the first day of family vacation. :)

13. What is one place you want to visit?
IrelandIsraelScotlandFranceAustriaSwedenSwitzerlandNewZealand. :D

14. What was your favorite toy as a child?
You know, I really don't know. I can remember favorite books, favorite movies, but favorite toys... Probably either my Kirsten doll, or "Callie" (a stuffed calico cat).

15. What is your favorite season?
Whichever one I'm in the midst of! Spring for the rain, the new flowers, and the pretty color of the clouds. Summer for the warmth, the sun, all the games you can play outside, and the pretty color of the sky. Autumn for the leaves, fuzzy boots, chunky sweaters, long walks, and the pretty color of...everything. Winter for steamy mugs of tea, having to bundle up, and the delicious abundance of rain!

So, now it's your turn! I do here by tag:

Miss Kayleen from Only God
Tante Jen from Four for France
and
Miss Mikaela from One Bright Corner

Of course, if you decide to take up the challenge without being tagged, let me know! I 'd love to read your answers! :)

Psalm 24

 The earth is the LORD's,

   and all its fullness,

      The world

        and those who dwell therein.

For He has founded it upon the seas,

And established it upon the waters.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD?

Or who may stand in His holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart,

                                                   Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,

                                                                                                                 Nor sworn deceitfully.  

He shall receive blessings from the LORD,

     And righteousness from the God of his salvation.

          This is Jacob, the generation of those who seek Him,

               Who seek Your face.  

Selah

Lift up your heads, O you gates! 

And be lifted up, you everlasting doors!

And the King of glory shall come in.

 Who is the King of glory?

The LORD strong and mighty,

The LORD mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, O you gates!

Lift up, you everlasting doors!

And the King of glory shall come in.

Who is the King of glory?

The LORD of hosts,

He is the King of glory.

 Selah