Friday, April 9, 2010
Weather Woes and Other Such Things
Okay,
is it just me or does anybody else think that Indiana weather is the weirdest ever? Seriously, on Wednesday I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt, totally ready to go outside and wade in the creek or something, and then yesterday I had to pull out my fleece because it was so cold! This morning it was 39 degrees...I'm sorry, but that is just not acceptable. The poor daffodils are like, "What happened?!" I feel so sorry for them...they waited all year to be able to pop up out of the ground and show off their dainty yellow petals, and then, "BAM!" they get blasted with marble-sized hail and then shiver in the cold. So sad.
My sister Sarah is off at the Hoosier Horse Fair this weekend, where she will spend her time shopping, watching horse training clinics, doing 4-H stuff, and eating pork BBQ sandwiches. Meanwhile, I'm working at the shop as usual. Today we completely switched around the back room and cleared off two tables. Tomorrow will probably be more of the same. I finally have gotten confident with the cash register, and rang up two sales yesterday all by my little self. That may seem a small feat to some people, but for me, it was a giant leap for Hannahkind.
That's the basic update I suppose...unfortunately, I have yet to think of a thrilling topic for a post. BUT, eventually, one shall be thought of, and there will be an entire, creative, thought-provoking, amazing post for you to read. Aren't you excited? You should be. I am. And I don't even know what I'm going to write about yet!
Oh, did I mention I finished Sense and Sensibility a few weeks ago? Ah, lovely book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ooh, also, this is fun: I also wrote an article for the Miniature Gazette, a magazine for dollhouse miniaturists across America. I was told to write about myself...so I wrote a 2-page article about-- well, my 'journey in miniature' I guess you could call it. No pressure, right? So this will be my first time getting published! It's pretty exciting. I shall finally, officially, go from 'writer' to 'author'. The difference being, of course, that an 'author' is actually published. :) Well, I suppose that's all for now. I must now say farewell.
--Hannah
Friday, March 26, 2010
Ahhh, life. Such an incredibly interesting thing, isn't it? Yes, quite. One could write for ages on how utterly interesting it is. It simply boggles ones mind.
Yes, completely.
I say, I'm sure that anyone who has lived recently will agree with me that life is indeed quite mind-boggling and incredibly interesting. For those of you who have not had the joy of experiencing the joys of life, you have my pity.
Yeah.
Really.
Anyway.
So my amazingly ninja friend Jessi spent spring break with us. And it was pretty much awesome! We went to Jungle Jim's (Which Sarah kept calling Jungle Joe's) which, if you didn't know, is like a super-humongous absolutely gigantic------drum roll please-----------
*Grocery store.*
Weren't expecting that, now, were you? No, seriously, it's pretty crazy awesome. They have an entire olive bar, an entire section of just butter from all over the world, a ton of cheese, some bigger than your head, AND a Starbucks. And that's just the beginning. They have sections with tons of food each from a specific country. We went to Italy and bought pasta and sauce, cut through Mexico past this random talking robotic dude named Pedro, then stopped at England for some candy. Om nom nom.
Other fun activities during Jess' stay were camping out in our Mom's vintage trailer, which was freezing most of the time, cooking random yumminess, bowling, jogging, shopping, and totally rocking out to Barlow Girl.
Sadly, Jess went home today, and Sarah's off at Purdue for the State Hippology Competition, so all is quiet on the home front. So, until something else thrilling happens, I remain sincerely yours,
--Hannah
Yes, completely.
I say, I'm sure that anyone who has lived recently will agree with me that life is indeed quite mind-boggling and incredibly interesting. For those of you who have not had the joy of experiencing the joys of life, you have my pity.
Yeah.
Really.
Anyway.
So my amazingly ninja friend Jessi spent spring break with us. And it was pretty much awesome! We went to Jungle Jim's (Which Sarah kept calling Jungle Joe's) which, if you didn't know, is like a super-humongous absolutely gigantic------drum roll please-----------
*Grocery store.*
Weren't expecting that, now, were you? No, seriously, it's pretty crazy awesome. They have an entire olive bar, an entire section of just butter from all over the world, a ton of cheese, some bigger than your head, AND a Starbucks. And that's just the beginning. They have sections with tons of food each from a specific country. We went to Italy and bought pasta and sauce, cut through Mexico past this random talking robotic dude named Pedro, then stopped at England for some candy. Om nom nom.
Other fun activities during Jess' stay were camping out in our Mom's vintage trailer, which was freezing most of the time, cooking random yumminess, bowling, jogging, shopping, and totally rocking out to Barlow Girl.
Sadly, Jess went home today, and Sarah's off at Purdue for the State Hippology Competition, so all is quiet on the home front. So, until something else thrilling happens, I remain sincerely yours,
--Hannah
Monday, March 15, 2010
Ah. It has happened again. No inspiration. How sad. Well, at times like this, there is simply nothing to do but post an interesting photo and write a few random paragraphs about how interesting it is. Except for one thing: No interesting photos have been found recently. So, now what? Well, in such circumstances, one can only use one's imagination. This will be good for you, get those brain cells rubbing together after a winter of letting them sit idle...no offense, or anything. Okay, look at this amazing photo of beautiful English countryside:
____________________________________
*amazing photo of beautiful English countryside,
including a lovely English manor,
complete with a barouche in the courtyard.
And a pasture of horses,
and a wishing well,
with magical sparkles floating around it,
and also a rabbit hopping about.*
_____________________________________
I love that photo. It's just so awesome! The lighting is fantastic. The manor looks very Jane Austen-ish. Speaking of her, I've actually started reading Sense & Sensibility. I'm at chapter 10, and thought I was like reading super-fast and would be done in no time till I realized the book has 50 chapters. It's an excellent book though, as you probably have heard. Reading it makes me feel very literary.
In that photo though, it's amazing how much detail is in it. Like you can actually see Big Ben in the distance if you look hard enough. And if you look up to the second-story window of the manor you can see Cinderella hanging out in her room, listening to her iPod and brushing her hair.
Speaking of hair, I don't think I've mentioned on here that I am growing out my hair to donate to Locks of Love. I still have like four inches to go before it's long enough to cut and send, so I'll probably look like Rapunzel for a while.
Oh, and by the way, a barouche is a fancy four-wheeled carriage they had back in the day. (Jane Austen will totally improve your vocabulary; it makes me feel smart when she uses a big word that I know. Like 'sanguine' or 'acquiescence'.)
Well...that's all for now. Oh and I do have copyright on that photo, so if you copy it, you will be fined 133,986,586,695 hundred, 83,445,63 thousand million dollars. Just so you know. :)
--Hannah
____________________________________
*amazing photo of beautiful English countryside,
including a lovely English manor,
complete with a barouche in the courtyard.
And a pasture of horses,
and a wishing well,
with magical sparkles floating around it,
and also a rabbit hopping about.*
_____________________________________
I love that photo. It's just so awesome! The lighting is fantastic. The manor looks very Jane Austen-ish. Speaking of her, I've actually started reading Sense & Sensibility. I'm at chapter 10, and thought I was like reading super-fast and would be done in no time till I realized the book has 50 chapters. It's an excellent book though, as you probably have heard. Reading it makes me feel very literary.
In that photo though, it's amazing how much detail is in it. Like you can actually see Big Ben in the distance if you look hard enough. And if you look up to the second-story window of the manor you can see Cinderella hanging out in her room, listening to her iPod and brushing her hair.
Speaking of hair, I don't think I've mentioned on here that I am growing out my hair to donate to Locks of Love. I still have like four inches to go before it's long enough to cut and send, so I'll probably look like Rapunzel for a while.
Oh, and by the way, a barouche is a fancy four-wheeled carriage they had back in the day. (Jane Austen will totally improve your vocabulary; it makes me feel smart when she uses a big word that I know. Like 'sanguine' or 'acquiescence'.)
Well...that's all for now. Oh and I do have copyright on that photo, so if you copy it, you will be fined 133,986,586,695 hundred, 83,445,63 thousand million dollars. Just so you know. :)
--Hannah
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
This picture is entirely unrelated to the subject of this post; but it is just a seriously awesome picture. I couldn't resist sticking it on here. This is like a visual of the mood I've been in lately (weird, I know, but true). It's hard to explain. Like very happy and bright and unexpected. VERY unexpected. :)
The real subject of the post you are reading is this: The Screaming Clementines.
"What?" you may think, "The subject of small orange-colored fruit crying out in distress is quite out of character for this Author."
But I must explain myself. The Screaming Clementines is, in fact, a 'chick band' in which I, your humble Author, play/sing in.
Now you are quite confused. "I say," you might... (erm,) say, "How utterly strange. I never would have guessed that this Author would be the type to be in a chick band."
But I beg to differ. You will be quite surprised to know that not only do I sing and play guitar, but I am learning to play drums as well.
I can just hear you gasp. "No! What on earth has become of the world?! Where innocent, quiet little Authors go and learn to play drums! How absolutely horrendous."
But anyway, I really must go and stop daydreaming about how my fictional prim-and-proper Victorian followers would respond to my life. I do think though, that they would be quite horrified. But I shall return again soon. Farewell, dear readers,
--Hannah
Friday, February 19, 2010
Snowball fights, guitar lessons, and the woes of being a Bluestocking.
Okay, yeah I know I haven't blogged in a while because of...life.
But, I assure you my time not spent blogging has been spent wisely.
?
Yeah, anyway, I had a really long tiring day, that ended in an even more tiring snowball fight with my sister. We weren't angry at each other or anything it's just that when the snow melts enough to make snowballs, you have to have a snowball fight. It's pretty much THE LAW. I mean, I go outside, test the snow, it's nice and sticky--yes!--I look around, 'Oh look, there's Sarah', smack! Actually, my aim isn't the greatest, so the first couple times I pretty much missed her entirely.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tomorrow will be way fun because Sarah and I are starting guitar lessons again, this time from an amazing guy named Dave...he is an awesome guitar player. He tuned my guitar in about 30 seconds; IT WAS INSANE. Sarah is also wanting me to learn to play piano, so we can start a chick band...with Dave. :)
Other than that...not much is happening around here.
On another subject, you cannot possibly comprehend the abuse I endure day after day. My family is under the impression that my use of what somewhat superfluous words is humorous. Today I was in the back seat of the truck, trying to reach a bag in the front seat. I was about a half an inch from reaching it. "Fail," my sister with the large vocabulary said. "Hmph," I replied. "This coat is restricting the natural length of my arms." And for some reason my dear mother and sister thought this terribly amusing.
Hmph.
One would think they would have better things to do with they're time than ridicule my speech.
But most unfortunately, though this post in quite short in comparison to others, I must leave you now to go view a film with my lovely family.
Farewell,
---Hannah
But, I assure you my time not spent blogging has been spent wisely.
?
Yeah, anyway, I had a really long tiring day, that ended in an even more tiring snowball fight with my sister. We weren't angry at each other or anything it's just that when the snow melts enough to make snowballs, you have to have a snowball fight. It's pretty much THE LAW. I mean, I go outside, test the snow, it's nice and sticky--yes!--I look around, 'Oh look, there's Sarah', smack! Actually, my aim isn't the greatest, so the first couple times I pretty much missed her entirely.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Tomorrow will be way fun because Sarah and I are starting guitar lessons again, this time from an amazing guy named Dave...he is an awesome guitar player. He tuned my guitar in about 30 seconds; IT WAS INSANE. Sarah is also wanting me to learn to play piano, so we can start a chick band...with Dave. :)
Other than that...not much is happening around here.
On another subject, you cannot possibly comprehend the abuse I endure day after day. My family is under the impression that my use of what somewhat superfluous words is humorous. Today I was in the back seat of the truck, trying to reach a bag in the front seat. I was about a half an inch from reaching it. "Fail," my sister with the large vocabulary said. "Hmph," I replied. "This coat is restricting the natural length of my arms." And for some reason my dear mother and sister thought this terribly amusing.
Hmph.
One would think they would have better things to do with they're time than ridicule my speech.
But most unfortunately, though this post in quite short in comparison to others, I must leave you now to go view a film with my lovely family.
Farewell,
---Hannah
Saturday, February 6, 2010
While I'm Waiting...
Psalm 37:34 (The Message)
‘Wait passionately for God, don‘t leave the path…”
I really like that. Everyone always thinks wait patiently for Him. Patience, patience. There comes a time in everyones life when the word ‘patience’ just really loses its appeal. I mean, just look at the definition:
Patience.
1. Capacity for waiting. The ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to perservere calmly when faced with difficulties.
Nothing in there really looks…well, like something you would use in the same sentence as ‘God’. I mean, do we really want to say, “Endure waiting for God without getting annoyed”?
That just doesn’t sound right to me. Waiting for God shouldn’t be something you have to endure, but something you can actually enjoy. It should be something you can have peace through, not have to persevere through. But if you look at the definition of passionate…
Passionate
1. showing intense emotion: expressing intense feeling
‘a passionate speech on human rights’
2. enthusiastic: having a keen enthusiasm or intense desire for something
‘a passionate equestrian’
3. having strong emotions: tending to have strong feelings, especially of love, desire, or enthusiasm
‘a fiery, passionate personality’
Well, that’s more like it! Instead of waiting with endurance, wait with enthusiasm! Some of you may think, “What’s wrong with endurance?” but do you know what the very first definition of ‘endurance’ is? “The ability to bear prolonged hardship.” Hardship?! Is waiting for God hardship? It shouldn’t be! Getting your legs amputated, that is hardship. Waiting for God? No.
Okay, okay, I’m not going to lie. Waiting for God can seem pretty difficult sometimes…especially if it’s a long wait. And it totally doesn’t help when everyone is like, “Oh, be patient, be patient, patience is a virtue.” Because we’ve only heard that 600,000,000,002 times…
But had someone told me, “Oh, be passionate.” Well, that would have caught my attention, to say the least. People say, “Be patient,” and whether they know it or not, they’re really saying, “Endure delay without becoming upset.” Is that really helping? Waiting on God should be a delight, not a delay.
I think that about wraps up my sermon for the night…True, in some cases the word ‘patient’ cannot be substituted, but as far as waiting for God is concerned, I’ll be waiting passionately. <3
‘Wait passionately for God, don‘t leave the path…”
I really like that. Everyone always thinks wait patiently for Him. Patience, patience. There comes a time in everyones life when the word ‘patience’ just really loses its appeal. I mean, just look at the definition:
Patience.
1. Capacity for waiting. The ability to endure waiting, delay, or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset, or to perservere calmly when faced with difficulties.
Nothing in there really looks…well, like something you would use in the same sentence as ‘God’. I mean, do we really want to say, “Endure waiting for God without getting annoyed”?
That just doesn’t sound right to me. Waiting for God shouldn’t be something you have to endure, but something you can actually enjoy. It should be something you can have peace through, not have to persevere through. But if you look at the definition of passionate…
Passionate
1. showing intense emotion: expressing intense feeling
‘a passionate speech on human rights’
2. enthusiastic: having a keen enthusiasm or intense desire for something
‘a passionate equestrian’
3. having strong emotions: tending to have strong feelings, especially of love, desire, or enthusiasm
‘a fiery, passionate personality’
Well, that’s more like it! Instead of waiting with endurance, wait with enthusiasm! Some of you may think, “What’s wrong with endurance?” but do you know what the very first definition of ‘endurance’ is? “The ability to bear prolonged hardship.” Hardship?! Is waiting for God hardship? It shouldn’t be! Getting your legs amputated, that is hardship. Waiting for God? No.
Okay, okay, I’m not going to lie. Waiting for God can seem pretty difficult sometimes…especially if it’s a long wait. And it totally doesn’t help when everyone is like, “Oh, be patient, be patient, patience is a virtue.” Because we’ve only heard that 600,000,000,002 times…
But had someone told me, “Oh, be passionate.” Well, that would have caught my attention, to say the least. People say, “Be patient,” and whether they know it or not, they’re really saying, “Endure delay without becoming upset.” Is that really helping? Waiting on God should be a delight, not a delay.
I think that about wraps up my sermon for the night…True, in some cases the word ‘patient’ cannot be substituted, but as far as waiting for God is concerned, I’ll be waiting passionately. <3
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
On the Subject of Abnormal Normality
WARNING: The following post you are about to read may be surprisingly different from previous ones. With this knowledge, you may proceed to read this post. You have been warned.
There are numerous reasons why this post shall be different. Reason Number 1 would be that, considering the number of my followers consists of about 4, all being closely related to me, I should have free rein with my writing regardless of whether or not the topic is popular and/or politically correct. (Strike terror in your heart?) I should be able to state my opinions bluntly, without fear of some random person reading it and being offended.
Because honestly, what are they going to do?
Sign up to follow me, write a nasty comment and then not follow me anymore? Well, my friend, comments can be easily taken care of by that convenient little 'DELETE' button, which I have the power to control. (Moooowwaaahhahhhaha!!!) And secondly, I say without fear that the majority of people in the world are much too lazy to do such a thing. Should someone actually perform the above-mentioned scenario, I would most likely congratulate them on their achievement of overcoming the general slothfulness that so often ensnares the hearts of the people on this Earth.
Or else I would simply chuckle, press the before-mentioned legendary 'DELETE' button, and go on with my life and my writing.
Perhaps you are wondering what caused this sudden, wild, rebellion that is so uncharacteristic of your quiet and polite Author? Well, the answer to that could be many things. In fact, I had planned to start this little 'rebellion' as I imagined that you might call it; weeks ago. But the main reason I chose this early morning is that at present I am quite angry, which in my mind is the only state of mind one can have when starting a rebellion. Of course, mine is righteous anger, which I'm sure is a quite different emotion then those who rebelled before me.
But I shall not say what is the cause of my anger, but only go on the explain Reason Number 2 of this change.
You see, any normal, average, fearful and quiet person can write details of their normal, average, fearful and quiet life. But everyone else has a life just as normal. So what's the fun of reading about a normal life, when it is no different from your own? But there are some distinctly abnormal, unique, courageous, and magnificently noticeable people out there. And likewise, because of their singular personalities, the lives they lead are equally abnormal, unique, courageous, and noticeable. I can see you thinking, 'Man, I wish I could be one of those people. I wish my life were like that. But I'm just average, like everybody else'.
So now I am going to contradict myself. You see, there are very few of those unique and noticeable people in this world. But everyone is unique and noticeable. Confused? Well, let me explain. We are taught that normality is something to strive for. That if you don't want to be looked at funny or talked about too much, you should be normal, just like everyone else. But let's see the very first definition of 'normal':
1. Conforming to the standard or common type; usual, not abnormal, regular, natural.
Do you see that? Conforming to the standard! To 'conform' means 'to act in accord with the prevailing standards' or, 'to be or become similar in form, nature, or character.'
What I'm trying to say is that everyone is unique, or abnormal. But then the world tells them, "You have to be normal, or people will look at you funny, and talk about you behind your back". So they conform to the standard and become like everyone else.
But tell me, when did being abnormal become a bad thing? Why is it an insult to have someone say, "Oh, she's not normal."? If someone said that to me, I would say "Thank you! You're right, I'm abnormal." Because if being normal is conforming to the standard, being abnormal would be setting the standard. Am I right? What's wrong with that? And yes, if you're abnormal, people will look at you funny and talk about you behind your back. But in my experience, they look at you funny because they're trying to figure out what makes you different. What you have that they don't. And when they talk about you behind your back they're saying, "What is it about her that makes her stand out?"
It just seems so funny to me and yet so sad that people don't want to be abnormal, but then, living they're normal lives, they wish that they could have an interesting, adventurous life. But adventurous lives are for adventurous people. And adventurous people are the ones who escape what's normal.
Now I want you to notice something I wrote up there. One of the definitions of 'conform' is 'to act in accord with the prevailing standards' Do you see that? Prevailing standards. In this world, the standards are prevailing. The standards are becoming dominant, the standards exist everywhere, the standards are becoming superior, and the standards appear to be the most important.
But whose standards are those, God’s or the worlds? If the prevailing standards are the standards of the world, then as far as I'm concerned, the standards can go jump in a lake.
Inside everyone there is a unique, abnormal, noticeable heart. But the world will try to cover it up with standards and fear. Fear is always at the core of everything. If you can overcome fear, you can overcome the world.
There are those few who take the step, receiving that stamp of abnormality for all to see. But they are the ones who, straying from the standard path, find the most beautiful one. And though that path has many obstacles and setbacks, we realize that every obstacle we can overcome and every setback makes us stronger. The standard path is wide and easy, and the one we choose to take is narrow and difficult. But without difficulty there is no change, and without change, there is no growth.
So many people are stuck in the standard, with fear barring them in. Us abnormal ones have a job, breaking down the barriers that hold them back, helping them escape. In doing this, the world may think that we are the villains, breaking its fugitives out of jail, and daring them to think for themselves. But the real villain is anyone or anything that keeps someone from reaching their full potential, abnormal as it may be.
Those who keep people locked in the standard are operating in fear. Fear that, should they're prisoners escape; they might do bigger and better things then them.
And so now I say to you, overcome the fear. Dare to go down the narrow path. Escape the ordinary. Become abnormal. Deny the standard. Be yourself. Be free.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; (KJV)
There are numerous reasons why this post shall be different. Reason Number 1 would be that, considering the number of my followers consists of about 4, all being closely related to me, I should have free rein with my writing regardless of whether or not the topic is popular and/or politically correct. (Strike terror in your heart?) I should be able to state my opinions bluntly, without fear of some random person reading it and being offended.
Because honestly, what are they going to do?
Sign up to follow me, write a nasty comment and then not follow me anymore? Well, my friend, comments can be easily taken care of by that convenient little 'DELETE' button, which I have the power to control. (Moooowwaaahhahhhaha!!!) And secondly, I say without fear that the majority of people in the world are much too lazy to do such a thing. Should someone actually perform the above-mentioned scenario, I would most likely congratulate them on their achievement of overcoming the general slothfulness that so often ensnares the hearts of the people on this Earth.
Or else I would simply chuckle, press the before-mentioned legendary 'DELETE' button, and go on with my life and my writing.
Perhaps you are wondering what caused this sudden, wild, rebellion that is so uncharacteristic of your quiet and polite Author? Well, the answer to that could be many things. In fact, I had planned to start this little 'rebellion' as I imagined that you might call it; weeks ago. But the main reason I chose this early morning is that at present I am quite angry, which in my mind is the only state of mind one can have when starting a rebellion. Of course, mine is righteous anger, which I'm sure is a quite different emotion then those who rebelled before me.
But I shall not say what is the cause of my anger, but only go on the explain Reason Number 2 of this change.
You see, any normal, average, fearful and quiet person can write details of their normal, average, fearful and quiet life. But everyone else has a life just as normal. So what's the fun of reading about a normal life, when it is no different from your own? But there are some distinctly abnormal, unique, courageous, and magnificently noticeable people out there. And likewise, because of their singular personalities, the lives they lead are equally abnormal, unique, courageous, and noticeable. I can see you thinking, 'Man, I wish I could be one of those people. I wish my life were like that. But I'm just average, like everybody else'.
So now I am going to contradict myself. You see, there are very few of those unique and noticeable people in this world. But everyone is unique and noticeable. Confused? Well, let me explain. We are taught that normality is something to strive for. That if you don't want to be looked at funny or talked about too much, you should be normal, just like everyone else. But let's see the very first definition of 'normal':
nor⋅mal
1. Conforming to the standard or common type; usual, not abnormal, regular, natural.
Do you see that? Conforming to the standard! To 'conform' means 'to act in accord with the prevailing standards' or, 'to be or become similar in form, nature, or character.'
What I'm trying to say is that everyone is unique, or abnormal. But then the world tells them, "You have to be normal, or people will look at you funny, and talk about you behind your back". So they conform to the standard and become like everyone else.
But tell me, when did being abnormal become a bad thing? Why is it an insult to have someone say, "Oh, she's not normal."? If someone said that to me, I would say "Thank you! You're right, I'm abnormal." Because if being normal is conforming to the standard, being abnormal would be setting the standard. Am I right? What's wrong with that? And yes, if you're abnormal, people will look at you funny and talk about you behind your back. But in my experience, they look at you funny because they're trying to figure out what makes you different. What you have that they don't. And when they talk about you behind your back they're saying, "What is it about her that makes her stand out?"
It just seems so funny to me and yet so sad that people don't want to be abnormal, but then, living they're normal lives, they wish that they could have an interesting, adventurous life. But adventurous lives are for adventurous people. And adventurous people are the ones who escape what's normal.
Now I want you to notice something I wrote up there. One of the definitions of 'conform' is 'to act in accord with the prevailing standards' Do you see that? Prevailing standards. In this world, the standards are prevailing. The standards are becoming dominant, the standards exist everywhere, the standards are becoming superior, and the standards appear to be the most important.
But whose standards are those, God’s or the worlds? If the prevailing standards are the standards of the world, then as far as I'm concerned, the standards can go jump in a lake.
Inside everyone there is a unique, abnormal, noticeable heart. But the world will try to cover it up with standards and fear. Fear is always at the core of everything. If you can overcome fear, you can overcome the world.
There are those few who take the step, receiving that stamp of abnormality for all to see. But they are the ones who, straying from the standard path, find the most beautiful one. And though that path has many obstacles and setbacks, we realize that every obstacle we can overcome and every setback makes us stronger. The standard path is wide and easy, and the one we choose to take is narrow and difficult. But without difficulty there is no change, and without change, there is no growth.
So many people are stuck in the standard, with fear barring them in. Us abnormal ones have a job, breaking down the barriers that hold them back, helping them escape. In doing this, the world may think that we are the villains, breaking its fugitives out of jail, and daring them to think for themselves. But the real villain is anyone or anything that keeps someone from reaching their full potential, abnormal as it may be.
Those who keep people locked in the standard are operating in fear. Fear that, should they're prisoners escape; they might do bigger and better things then them.
And so now I say to you, overcome the fear. Dare to go down the narrow path. Escape the ordinary. Become abnormal. Deny the standard. Be yourself. Be free.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; (KJV)
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Merry Christmas!
As time may not be found in the near future to write a Christmas post, I decided to take a break from wrapping gifts and do it now.
However, what to say regarding Christmas in this post has yet to occur to me. Oh well, I'm just going to go with it, and perhaps inspiration will come.
Christmas is a glorious time of the year. The atmosphere of it is fantastic, all cozy and bright and warm and fuzzy and colorful...The adjectives are endless.
Christmas trees aglow, fires crackling in the hearth (Or in our case, the wood stove), packages all wrapped up in green and red paper and tied with a bow, snow-covered trees, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and time to sit and contemplate the mysteries of life. Like how they should spell 'marshmallows' with an E, since everyone pronounces it 'marshmellows' anyway, and mellow is totally the mood you're in when you drink hot cocoa, so it would have a double meaning.
Anyway, this usually would be the time when I'd stop and be like, "But you know all those things are nice, but the real reason for the season is Jesus". Which is totally true. People saying 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas' kind of annoys me. Also, people being all like, "Well, he wasn't even born on December 25th" kind of annoy me as well. I mean, it's not about celebrating his actual birthday, it's celebrating the fact that he was born at all. That he, knowing what his future would bring, came down to earth as a baby, to save us, the sinners. To grow up to be nailed to a cross by the people he came to save. But then, he had VICTORY over the grave! He overcame death itself! And he's coming back again, riding on a white horse. How awesome is that?!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"--John 3:16
Merry Christmas.
However, what to say regarding Christmas in this post has yet to occur to me. Oh well, I'm just going to go with it, and perhaps inspiration will come.
Christmas is a glorious time of the year. The atmosphere of it is fantastic, all cozy and bright and warm and fuzzy and colorful...The adjectives are endless.
Christmas trees aglow, fires crackling in the hearth (Or in our case, the wood stove), packages all wrapped up in green and red paper and tied with a bow, snow-covered trees, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and time to sit and contemplate the mysteries of life. Like how they should spell 'marshmallows' with an E, since everyone pronounces it 'marshmellows' anyway, and mellow is totally the mood you're in when you drink hot cocoa, so it would have a double meaning.
Anyway, this usually would be the time when I'd stop and be like, "But you know all those things are nice, but the real reason for the season is Jesus". Which is totally true. People saying 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas' kind of annoys me. Also, people being all like, "Well, he wasn't even born on December 25th" kind of annoy me as well. I mean, it's not about celebrating his actual birthday, it's celebrating the fact that he was born at all. That he, knowing what his future would bring, came down to earth as a baby, to save us, the sinners. To grow up to be nailed to a cross by the people he came to save. But then, he had VICTORY over the grave! He overcame death itself! And he's coming back again, riding on a white horse. How awesome is that?!
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"--John 3:16
Merry Christmas.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
There's something so final about finishing something.
After months of practice, rehearsals, and preparation, our choir preformed the before-mentioned Christmas Cantata.
And it was a success.
Maybe not a complete success, like absolute perfection, due to some technical difficulties, but all things considered, it was quite nice. As for my solo...well, it was, to put it simply,
INCREDIBLY FANTASTICALLY AMAZINGLY UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem. Or so I've been told. By numerous people. Like, a lot of people. Tons. Anyhoo, after the two performances, we had some dinner with my friend Jessica at a local Mexican restaurant. And right now I'm watching the Tye Tribbett 'Stand Out' concert DVD. Oh, and if I'm not allowed to say that because of some copyright thing, I'm totally sorry. Please don't sue me.
Okay, yeah so this may not be as philosophical and literary as I said it would be, but honestly, compared to the highlighter-and-fingerless-gloves analysis that was my last post, this is like Plato. So what exactly should I make the point of this post? I suppose I could head towards cheesyville and talk about what I've learned through this latest Cantata experience. Well, that sounds like fun, so here it is:
The Elite List of Things Learned by the Author Through the Act of Singing a Solo in a Christmas Cantata and Singing in a Christmas Cantata in General and Other Such Things:
After months of practice, rehearsals, and preparation, our choir preformed the before-mentioned Christmas Cantata.
And it was a success.
Maybe not a complete success, like absolute perfection, due to some technical difficulties, but all things considered, it was quite nice. As for my solo...well, it was, to put it simply,
INCREDIBLY FANTASTICALLY AMAZINGLY UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ahem. Or so I've been told. By numerous people. Like, a lot of people. Tons. Anyhoo, after the two performances, we had some dinner with my friend Jessica at a local Mexican restaurant. And right now I'm watching the Tye Tribbett 'Stand Out' concert DVD. Oh, and if I'm not allowed to say that because of some copyright thing, I'm totally sorry. Please don't sue me.
Okay, yeah so this may not be as philosophical and literary as I said it would be, but honestly, compared to the highlighter-and-fingerless-gloves analysis that was my last post, this is like Plato. So what exactly should I make the point of this post? I suppose I could head towards cheesyville and talk about what I've learned through this latest Cantata experience. Well, that sounds like fun, so here it is:
The Elite List of Things Learned by the Author Through the Act of Singing a Solo in a Christmas Cantata and Singing in a Christmas Cantata in General and Other Such Things:
- Well, I learned to stand up straight and sing through my diaphragm. Which totally requires more effort but also totally works better.
- Not to a wear a turtleneck when standing closely together under hot lights in a building full of people. And especially not to wear a sweater over the said turtleneck.
- That in cantata's and in life, there will be a times when you are recruited to do something, and other times where you recruit someone to do something. But usually more in cantata's then in life will you be recruited to assist a little drummer boy in putting on his costume.
- To know you're part so well that you can do it calmly even in the midst of chaos.
- You never know who may be in the audience who could get you a record deal. ;)
- Always smile. Even though you may not know it, someone is probably watching you.
- Be strong and courageous. Speak positive things into existence.
- Don't scratch your nose when you're being videotaped.
- Don't scratch your nose during you're solo.
- Don't scratch your nose when you think people aren't looking, because someone totally is.
- Don't scratch your nose. It just makes things easier.
- Be proud of yourself when you do awesome.
- Do awesome.
Well, Tye Tribbett is over and it's 11:11. Make a wish.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
The Post Without a Title as a Title Could Not be Thought of at the Present Time.
With consideration to the time and date of the previous post written on this blog, it has occurred to the Author that regardless of inspiration and/or urgent information to be written, it is my undeniable duty to write another post at this present time, as in future days/weeks/months time may not be found to do so. Therefore without further ado, and slight hesitancy, I present to you, my noble Reader, A New Post.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
I knew this time would come.
The time where I have time to write a new post, the desire to write a new post, the little text box in which to write the new post already up on the screen, but not a tiny smidgen of the above mentioned 'inspiration and/or urgent information to be written'.
And while it's not like nothing has happened in the past weeks at all, I would hate to bore the reader with news of my adventures cleaning the house, reading, taking care of our horses, or daydreaming aimlessly of things you would not understand. Not to imply that you have a lack of understanding, rather that there are things in my mind that no one but I could possibly understand.
I suppose I could catalog the list of foods eaten on Thanksgiving.
Or I could journal my thoughts on the weather.
I might lament the fact that our telephone is acting quite rebellious.
I could comment on the idea of *Insert idea here as one could not be thought of by the Author*
Perhaps I could compose a poem on my lack of inspiration.
Or not.
This is turning out to be a very silly little post. And the sad thing is, I'm actually going to have to post it.
"........."
My hands are very cold at present. They often are when I type. In fact, my mother knitted me some fingerless gloves so they would be warm. But they're in a basket by the front door right now. I don't want to go up and get them. Oh well. Guess I shouldn't complain then.
I wonder who invented highlighters. They're very nice and yellow. Except for the green and pink ones. Those are not yellow. What exactly is a highlighter anyway? I mean, I know what a highlighter is, but what is the actual highlighter made out of? Highlighter juice? From the neon coconuts in Guatemala? I'm totally going to Google that in a minute.
You know, this totally would be the one time my Mom tells somebody "Go look at my daughter's blog, she's so intelligent". And then they see me rambling on about rebellious telephones, fingerless gloves and highlighter juice.
If your reading my blog for the first time, please don't think I'm some weirdy. Really, I'm not. =D
Anyhoo, hopefully this is enough randomness for one day/post. I can't believe I'm actually going to post this. Whatever. I solemnly swear to follow up this post with something awe-inspiring, philosophical, and literary. You have my word. Farewell,
---Hannah
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
I knew this time would come.
The time where I have time to write a new post, the desire to write a new post, the little text box in which to write the new post already up on the screen, but not a tiny smidgen of the above mentioned 'inspiration and/or urgent information to be written'.
And while it's not like nothing has happened in the past weeks at all, I would hate to bore the reader with news of my adventures cleaning the house, reading, taking care of our horses, or daydreaming aimlessly of things you would not understand. Not to imply that you have a lack of understanding, rather that there are things in my mind that no one but I could possibly understand.
I suppose I could catalog the list of foods eaten on Thanksgiving.
Or I could journal my thoughts on the weather.
I might lament the fact that our telephone is acting quite rebellious.
I could comment on the idea of *Insert idea here as one could not be thought of by the Author*
Perhaps I could compose a poem on my lack of inspiration.
Or not.
This is turning out to be a very silly little post. And the sad thing is, I'm actually going to have to post it.
"........."
My hands are very cold at present. They often are when I type. In fact, my mother knitted me some fingerless gloves so they would be warm. But they're in a basket by the front door right now. I don't want to go up and get them. Oh well. Guess I shouldn't complain then.
I wonder who invented highlighters. They're very nice and yellow. Except for the green and pink ones. Those are not yellow. What exactly is a highlighter anyway? I mean, I know what a highlighter is, but what is the actual highlighter made out of? Highlighter juice? From the neon coconuts in Guatemala? I'm totally going to Google that in a minute.
You know, this totally would be the one time my Mom tells somebody "Go look at my daughter's blog, she's so intelligent". And then they see me rambling on about rebellious telephones, fingerless gloves and highlighter juice.
If your reading my blog for the first time, please don't think I'm some weirdy. Really, I'm not. =D
Anyhoo, hopefully this is enough randomness for one day/post. I can't believe I'm actually going to post this. Whatever. I solemnly swear to follow up this post with something awe-inspiring, philosophical, and literary. You have my word. Farewell,
---Hannah
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Here it comes!!!
Goodness gracious, it's almost Thanksgiving!
Here I was, what seems like days ago, wondering if I could find time for a Halloween post (That would have been interesting) when all of a sudden here we are, well into November! Thanksgiving is coming up, then Christmas is just around the corner! But you know what's even closer? The Christmas Cantata. Which means, my SOLO. And that, my friend, is a scary thought. Another scary thing about Christmas coming so soon is that I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet. None at all. Which is totally out of my character. Last year, I started shopping in August. Weird, I know. But maybe that's it. Maybe I'm just now becoming normal and shopping at a normal time of the year. But whatever.
So Thanksgiving is almost here. And since everyone else does it, I guess I'll make a list of what I'm thankful for:
Here I was, what seems like days ago, wondering if I could find time for a Halloween post (That would have been interesting) when all of a sudden here we are, well into November! Thanksgiving is coming up, then Christmas is just around the corner! But you know what's even closer? The Christmas Cantata. Which means, my SOLO. And that, my friend, is a scary thought. Another scary thing about Christmas coming so soon is that I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet. None at all. Which is totally out of my character. Last year, I started shopping in August. Weird, I know. But maybe that's it. Maybe I'm just now becoming normal and shopping at a normal time of the year. But whatever.
So Thanksgiving is almost here. And since everyone else does it, I guess I'll make a list of what I'm thankful for:
- An incredible Savior who loved me enough that He died just so I could be with Him.
- Everyone in my family, even those I haven't seen or spoken to in years. I'm thankful for you all.
- All my amazing, funny, crazy, wonderful friends!
- Books. All those Egyptians who invented hieroglyphics, and all those monks who had to sit and copy books all day long. I salute you.
- Trees. They have more uses then a Swiss Army knife. It's awesome.
- Humor. The ability to laugh. It's one of those things we take for granted.
- Good food. That's something you become more thankful for around Thanksgiving
- Spell Check. Because otherwise you'd be all like, "Tanks giving what?"
- Indoor plumbing.
- Multicolor-striped, knee-high toe socks. No joke. They are amazing.
- Life Jackets. For those of us who can't seem to float.
- A sister who works at a bakery and brings home doughnuts.
- People who spell the word 'doughnuts' with the appropriate number of letters
- Good movies to watch on rainy days.
- Music.
- Fog, early in the morning. The coolest thing ever.
- Cute, fuzzy animals. The kind that make you go "awww!"
- Polite people.
And the list could go on and on and on and on and on and on. (And it kinda did already, didn't it?) But that's just the way I am I suppose. But I'd like to add, that if I have any new readers/followers, I'm very thankful for you too! Aww, isn't that nice? But anyway, I will write more later!
Happy Thanksgiving!
---Hannah
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Time Flies...
It's funny how time slips by.
I always find it hard to believe that its been over five years since we left the city and moved down here. It's weird looking at pictures from a year ago and saying, "Man, I look so young there!" It seems to me that every year goes by faster, more stuff to do and less time to do it all. Time in general is just a very strange thing.
It just doesn't seem normal for a girl my age to say, "Remember back in the day..." and yet I find myself doing that more and more lately. I'll have sudden deja vu and remember things from my past that I'd thought I'd forgotten. Sadly no brilliant and philosophical memories, but rather things like the kind of yogurt I used to eat when I was little. :)
If you were hoping the brilliant and philosophical thing, you might as well stop reading. I just needed something to write about and that's a good excuse for a flashback. And though my memories of things like two flavors of yogurt in one cup may seem a bit superfluous, I assure that back in my day, two-tone yogurt was the coolest thing ever.
And there I go again. 'Back in my day...'
Seriously, if I start going on about having to walk 24 miles to school uphill both ways and having to do my homework on a shovel, please stop me.
But even though 'my day' really wasn't that long ago, it was definitely a lot different. After all, Pluto was a planet back then. 'Yield' signs were yellow. And vampires were actually scary, what a concept. Ferbie was an amazing scientific discovery. And we actually survived without Hannah Montana. We watched actual cartoons, like Recess or Doug. We rode our bikes. We climbed trees. We ate mini corn dogs. We went rollerblading.
And we lived to tell the tale.
Life was so much simpler back then. It seems as though with every generation comes more technology, more inventions, more opinions, and more things that are supposed to help you deal with the more technology, inventions, and opinions. It's a vicious cycle.
So in an attempt to make sense of all this gobbledygook, I say all of that to say this: Don't complain that life is too complicated. Because someday you'll look back and say,
"Life was so much simpler back then..."
-- Hannah <3
I always find it hard to believe that its been over five years since we left the city and moved down here. It's weird looking at pictures from a year ago and saying, "Man, I look so young there!" It seems to me that every year goes by faster, more stuff to do and less time to do it all. Time in general is just a very strange thing.
It just doesn't seem normal for a girl my age to say, "Remember back in the day..." and yet I find myself doing that more and more lately. I'll have sudden deja vu and remember things from my past that I'd thought I'd forgotten. Sadly no brilliant and philosophical memories, but rather things like the kind of yogurt I used to eat when I was little. :)
If you were hoping the brilliant and philosophical thing, you might as well stop reading. I just needed something to write about and that's a good excuse for a flashback. And though my memories of things like two flavors of yogurt in one cup may seem a bit superfluous, I assure that back in my day, two-tone yogurt was the coolest thing ever.
And there I go again. 'Back in my day...'
Seriously, if I start going on about having to walk 24 miles to school uphill both ways and having to do my homework on a shovel, please stop me.
But even though 'my day' really wasn't that long ago, it was definitely a lot different. After all, Pluto was a planet back then. 'Yield' signs were yellow. And vampires were actually scary, what a concept. Ferbie was an amazing scientific discovery. And we actually survived without Hannah Montana. We watched actual cartoons, like Recess or Doug. We rode our bikes. We climbed trees. We ate mini corn dogs. We went rollerblading.
And we lived to tell the tale.
Life was so much simpler back then. It seems as though with every generation comes more technology, more inventions, more opinions, and more things that are supposed to help you deal with the more technology, inventions, and opinions. It's a vicious cycle.
So in an attempt to make sense of all this gobbledygook, I say all of that to say this: Don't complain that life is too complicated. Because someday you'll look back and say,
"Life was so much simpler back then..."
-- Hannah <3
Saturday, October 24, 2009
An Important Lesson and Update
I am quite upset with myself.
I, the one who hates to see a story unfinished, has neglected to write on here for not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR months! All I can say is it's a good thing I don't have many followers, otherwise I'd have a mutiny on my hands.
But what excuse can I give? I could say that my last post was quite true and that summer was incredibly hectic and crazy. But we are now well into the month of October, which, as you know, brings us into the season of Autumn, which is much less hectic for the average person. So with no excuses I can only let this post be a lesson to you; a lesson in forgiveness.
As a general update, life is as crazy as always. Practice has been going for a while now for the choir's Christmas Cantata. And you would never guess who got the solo---yup, Hannah the Soloist, that's me. I guess that's better then dancing--but that's another story.
The Great American Novel is still in progress, though still at the 'almost done' stage that it's been in for about a year. I know what's going to happen, I just don't have that much time to write. I'm not deprived of writing, though. I couldn't stop if I wanted to. As long as I've got a notebook (of either the paper or laptop variety) I'll be writing.
I'm still singing with the Youth Group; amazing the congregation with my skills of singing harmony. Oh well, that dream of being a pop star was pretty short-lived. Besides, Hannah Montana totally stole my name...
And that about wraps it up for now. I'm proud of myself for finding the time to write this. I'll try my best to continue posting all my new adventures and discoveries. Speaking of which, I'm totally addicted to recording my voice on our camera and then speeding it up so I sound like the Chipmunks. Three words: Coolest. Thing. Ever.
I'd also like to give a shout-out to my friend Emily; looking at her blog was really what got me writing today. Thanks for the inspiration!
Well, time flies and there are horses that need fed--I'll write more in the promising light of a new day. AKA, whenever I'm not incredibly busy. Double AKA, it might be a while before I post again. :)
I, the one who hates to see a story unfinished, has neglected to write on here for not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR months! All I can say is it's a good thing I don't have many followers, otherwise I'd have a mutiny on my hands.
But what excuse can I give? I could say that my last post was quite true and that summer was incredibly hectic and crazy. But we are now well into the month of October, which, as you know, brings us into the season of Autumn, which is much less hectic for the average person. So with no excuses I can only let this post be a lesson to you; a lesson in forgiveness.
As a general update, life is as crazy as always. Practice has been going for a while now for the choir's Christmas Cantata. And you would never guess who got the solo---yup, Hannah the Soloist, that's me. I guess that's better then dancing--but that's another story.
The Great American Novel is still in progress, though still at the 'almost done' stage that it's been in for about a year. I know what's going to happen, I just don't have that much time to write. I'm not deprived of writing, though. I couldn't stop if I wanted to. As long as I've got a notebook (of either the paper or laptop variety) I'll be writing.
I'm still singing with the Youth Group; amazing the congregation with my skills of singing harmony. Oh well, that dream of being a pop star was pretty short-lived. Besides, Hannah Montana totally stole my name...
And that about wraps it up for now. I'm proud of myself for finding the time to write this. I'll try my best to continue posting all my new adventures and discoveries. Speaking of which, I'm totally addicted to recording my voice on our camera and then speeding it up so I sound like the Chipmunks. Three words: Coolest. Thing. Ever.
I'd also like to give a shout-out to my friend Emily; looking at her blog was really what got me writing today. Thanks for the inspiration!
Well, time flies and there are horses that need fed--I'll write more in the promising light of a new day. AKA, whenever I'm not incredibly busy. Double AKA, it might be a while before I post again. :)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Summertime
It has been a while since I have posted any new posts, but with good reason: last week was so hectic! Sunday through Thursday was VBS, Friday was a shopping trip and sleepover at Debbie's house, Saturday was the Father's Day Hoedown (which was a great success), Sunday was church and Youth Group, and the rest of the week was spent recuperating. So you will pardon me, I'm sure, for my lack of updates.
So with VBS out of the way, it's time for a nice, relaxing summer!
Yeah right.
There's CCFC projects, church projects, our brother Nick coming over, the county fair, The National Miniature Convention in Indianapolis, horse shows, dog shows, a possible trip to Tennessee, and right in the middle, my birthday.
True, all the events listed above are fun, and I am looking forwards to them (well, most of them...), but the fact remains that all of those things and more, to be squeezed into less then three months, will provide a very busy, and most likely chaotic summer.
Right now we are in a momentary lull, with nothing happening for a while. But one of those days on the calender, circled in ominous black pen; when it comes, so will all the others, practically at once, pressing down upon us like a massive ocean wave, trapping us under the crushing black waters, until finally we surface, gasping for air as the winds grow chilly and the leaves turn orange at summer's end.
Ahem.
Anyway, most likely I will continue having trouble posting frequently on here. Hopefully, though, I'll find some interesting things to post about. I'd rather read one fascinating, awe-inspiring, amazing post a month, then an every-day account of me being bored and unable to think of something to write about. But with all this stuff going on this summer, I'm sure I'll think of something.
I love summer. Regardless of the lack of relaxation time, the heat, and numerous biting insects,
summer still remains on of my favorite seasons. Let's throw in a dictionary definition, just for fun:
sum·mer [súmmər]
n (plural sum·mers)
1.
warmest season: the warmest season of the year, falling between spring and autumn. It runs from June to August in the northern hemisphere and from December to February in the southern hemisphere.
2.
warm weather: the warm weather associated with the summer season
3.
period of great happiness: a period of greatest happiness, success, or fulfillment in the life of somebody or something
4.
year: a year, especially of somebody's age (literary):
a man of 70 summers
Hmm... I think there's some stuff they didn't cover here. I mean seriously, when someone says 'summer' do you think, "The warmest season of the year, falling between spring and autumn"? Let me add a bit:
5. A time for activities such as camping, swimming, playing beach volleyball, reading on the front porch, walking around barefoot, catching fireflies, eating watermelon, celebrating the 4th of July, having picnics, watching fireworks, going to the county fair, roasting marshmallows, driving with the windows down, eating Popsicles, going to family reunions, wading in the creek, playing Frisbee, and much more.
There it is. Summertime, in a nutshell. But now I must leave you, faithful reader, for other things must be done. But I shall return in time to write again.
So with VBS out of the way, it's time for a nice, relaxing summer!
Yeah right.
There's CCFC projects, church projects, our brother Nick coming over, the county fair, The National Miniature Convention in Indianapolis, horse shows, dog shows, a possible trip to Tennessee, and right in the middle, my birthday.
True, all the events listed above are fun, and I am looking forwards to them (well, most of them...), but the fact remains that all of those things and more, to be squeezed into less then three months, will provide a very busy, and most likely chaotic summer.
Right now we are in a momentary lull, with nothing happening for a while. But one of those days on the calender, circled in ominous black pen; when it comes, so will all the others, practically at once, pressing down upon us like a massive ocean wave, trapping us under the crushing black waters, until finally we surface, gasping for air as the winds grow chilly and the leaves turn orange at summer's end.
Ahem.
Anyway, most likely I will continue having trouble posting frequently on here. Hopefully, though, I'll find some interesting things to post about. I'd rather read one fascinating, awe-inspiring, amazing post a month, then an every-day account of me being bored and unable to think of something to write about. But with all this stuff going on this summer, I'm sure I'll think of something.
I love summer. Regardless of the lack of relaxation time, the heat, and numerous biting insects,
summer still remains on of my favorite seasons. Let's throw in a dictionary definition, just for fun:
sum·mer [súmmər]
n (plural sum·mers)
1.
warmest season: the warmest season of the year, falling between spring and autumn. It runs from June to August in the northern hemisphere and from December to February in the southern hemisphere.
2.
warm weather: the warm weather associated with the summer season
3.
period of great happiness: a period of greatest happiness, success, or fulfillment in the life of somebody or something
4.
year: a year, especially of somebody's age (literary):
a man of 70 summers
Hmm... I think there's some stuff they didn't cover here. I mean seriously, when someone says 'summer' do you think, "The warmest season of the year, falling between spring and autumn"? Let me add a bit:
5. A time for activities such as camping, swimming, playing beach volleyball, reading on the front porch, walking around barefoot, catching fireflies, eating watermelon, celebrating the 4th of July, having picnics, watching fireworks, going to the county fair, roasting marshmallows, driving with the windows down, eating Popsicles, going to family reunions, wading in the creek, playing Frisbee, and much more.
There it is. Summertime, in a nutshell. But now I must leave you, faithful reader, for other things must be done. But I shall return in time to write again.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Blogs I Follow
Greetings, Readers.
First of all, I apologize for not writing any new posts for such a long time. But sometimes, the way life is, when you get a free moment you just want to sit and do nothing instead of thinking of something original and nice to write. And life has been very busy lately. But that's not what I'm going to write about...Not today, anyway.
As you most likely can see, situated on the right side of the screen before you there is a list, the title being, 'Blogs I Follow'. So it is about these blogs that I am writing about today. The newest blog I'm following was created today by my sister, Sarah, AKA Hoosier Horse Girl. You will find our writing styles quite different. Sarah will be posting a lot of pictures, something that I don't really do,
1. Because I write so much that it doesn't seem like I have room for pictures,
and
2. Sarah usually beats me to posting pictures, so it would be silly to have the same pictures of two sites.
Anyway, check out Sarah's blog, just click the link on the right.
The Homeplace is our family business in Plainfield, Indiana. The Homeplace has dollhouse miniatures, antiques, and country gifts. My mom is in charge of this blog, and does an excellent job. Drop by the shop in person sometime, we'd be glad to have you. (unless you're some evil person trying to stalk me...we wouldn't be glad to have you then) Visit the site by---you guessed it, clicking the link. The graphics on The Homeplace blog were done by a friend, Aya, who has the other blog I'm following:
StrawberryKoi Vintage. It's all about vintage clothes. It is way awesome. Aya posts very frequently, and includes darling pictures of all her vintage outfits. She also has Youtube videos on how to do vintage hairstyles. If you like vintage in any way, shape, or form, you must click that link on the left and visit.
But that's all for now. I promise to write more!
First of all, I apologize for not writing any new posts for such a long time. But sometimes, the way life is, when you get a free moment you just want to sit and do nothing instead of thinking of something original and nice to write. And life has been very busy lately. But that's not what I'm going to write about...Not today, anyway.
As you most likely can see, situated on the right side of the screen before you there is a list, the title being, 'Blogs I Follow'. So it is about these blogs that I am writing about today. The newest blog I'm following was created today by my sister, Sarah, AKA Hoosier Horse Girl. You will find our writing styles quite different. Sarah will be posting a lot of pictures, something that I don't really do,
1. Because I write so much that it doesn't seem like I have room for pictures,
and
2. Sarah usually beats me to posting pictures, so it would be silly to have the same pictures of two sites.
Anyway, check out Sarah's blog, just click the link on the right.
The Homeplace is our family business in Plainfield, Indiana. The Homeplace has dollhouse miniatures, antiques, and country gifts. My mom is in charge of this blog, and does an excellent job. Drop by the shop in person sometime, we'd be glad to have you. (unless you're some evil person trying to stalk me...we wouldn't be glad to have you then) Visit the site by---you guessed it, clicking the link. The graphics on The Homeplace blog were done by a friend, Aya, who has the other blog I'm following:
StrawberryKoi Vintage. It's all about vintage clothes. It is way awesome. Aya posts very frequently, and includes darling pictures of all her vintage outfits. She also has Youtube videos on how to do vintage hairstyles. If you like vintage in any way, shape, or form, you must click that link on the left and visit.
But that's all for now. I promise to write more!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A bit about Where I Live...
Hello again my fellow blog-readers.
I decided to write today about where I live, since it's a pretty interesting place.
Brown County Indiana, the Hills of Brown, the home of Abe Martin and T. C. Steele. A place where good, country folk live, people who want nothing more then to sit on their front porch and watch the world go by, read The Brown County Democrat, and admire the fall leaves. Now, to be a true Brown County citizen, you must:
The Secret Drawer at the HobNob is just another one of those little things about Brown County that I love. There are so many things, but mostly I love that it's so everybody-knows-everybody. I see people I know in the paper, walking around town, in a high school play, at the county fair...
And you would not believe how excited people get down here get about things like the annual 4th of July fireworks show, the Kelly Miller circus, even the sock factory (You know the brand of socks 'For Bare Feet'? Yeah, they come from here).
Of course, I can't talk. My family practically threw a party when we got our first manure spreader.
But that's Brown County in a nutshell... a pretty big nutshell, I know, but I'm a writer, I can't help it. But alas, the sun sinks slowly in the west and my time for blogging ends.
I decided to write today about where I live, since it's a pretty interesting place.
Brown County Indiana, the Hills of Brown, the home of Abe Martin and T. C. Steele. A place where good, country folk live, people who want nothing more then to sit on their front porch and watch the world go by, read The Brown County Democrat, and admire the fall leaves. Now, to be a true Brown County citizen, you must:
- Have attended and/or participated in the Annual Outhouse Races, the most thrilling sporting event of the year.
- Own a 'Beautiful Downtown Bean Blossom' T-shirt from the IGA. (Check out their Facebook page: just search 'Beautiful Downtown Bean Blossom')
- Learn to say 'crick' instead of 'creek'. I don't say it like that, but people will think you're a tourist if you don't.
- Have attended and/or participated in the annual Spring Blossom Parade
- Have attended the County Fair
The Secret Drawer at the HobNob is just another one of those little things about Brown County that I love. There are so many things, but mostly I love that it's so everybody-knows-everybody. I see people I know in the paper, walking around town, in a high school play, at the county fair...
And you would not believe how excited people get down here get about things like the annual 4th of July fireworks show, the Kelly Miller circus, even the sock factory (You know the brand of socks 'For Bare Feet'? Yeah, they come from here).
Of course, I can't talk. My family practically threw a party when we got our first manure spreader.
But that's Brown County in a nutshell... a pretty big nutshell, I know, but I'm a writer, I can't help it. But alas, the sun sinks slowly in the west and my time for blogging ends.
Monday, May 4, 2009
First Post (How Original)
So, this is my first blog post. I am in awe of myself for actually creating something online. But if you are some random person viewing this blog, please know that it will not contain me just saying to myself, "Oh my gosh, I just changed the template! Yay me!"
In the future, when I figure all this out, I will most likely include:
In the future, when I figure all this out, I will most likely include:
- Movie reviews
- Book reviews
- And just the retellings of all my adventures and escapades here on the farm.
Well, it's not really a farm per se, just some acreage in the country with a farm-like atmosphere created by various livestock as well as barns, beehives, et cetera. However, the dictionary definition of a farm is:
farm [faarm]
n (plural farms)
1.
agricultural land and buildings: an area of land where crops are grown or animals are reared for commercial purposes, together with appropriate buildings
2.
place producing particular animals or crops: an area of land or water where particular animals, birds, fish, or crops are raised for commercial purposes (usually used in combination)
a trout farm...
So you could call it a farm. But that's another thing you should know: I give dictionary definitions... a lot. I love the dictionary. I consider myself a Bluestocking, which you probably guessed considering the title of my blog is 'Life of a Bluestocking', unless you thought I was referring to someone else. Which would have been silly. And considering you are reading this blog, obviously with some intrest, you are most likely a bluestocking yourself, or else I know you personally and you're reading it because I told you to. However, if you do not know what a bluestocking is, let me pull out another dictionary definition for you:
blue·stock·ing [bl stòking](plural blue·stock·ings)
n
a term for a woman who has intellectual, scholarly, or literary interests
At the literary gatherings held at the houses of fashionable mid-18th century hostesses, it became the custom to wear casual rather than formal dress. In the case of gentlemen's stockings, this meant gray worsted (called "blue" at that time) rather than black silk. This lack of decorum was disapproved of in some quarters, and one Admiral Boscowan dubbed the participants the "Blue Stocking Society." Women who attended the gatherings thus became known as "Blue Stocking Ladies" (even though it was men who had worn the stockings).
Interesting, isn't it? But, I better wrap this up, I need to go do dishes. I promise to write more later! So... I guess that's it!
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