linked

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I'm linking up with Sophia at My Happy Place.

a year gone by

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March 8th, 2011.

It's been just barely over a year since I posted on this blog for the first time. Since then, it's hard to believe how much has happened, how much I've changed. But much has, and so have I.

        I lost my dear cat, Ned, who was my Little Buddy, my furry friend.

        I met some of the most wonderful friends I've ever had.

        I started going to a new church which has been and indescribably precious blessing in my life.

There really is too much to relate, but in short, it has been a beautiful, blessed twelve months. I'm thankful for all of you who have started following me and supported my writing with your kind encouragement. I'm thankful for Hannah at Beauty Design Studios, who made this blog page so beautiful for me. I'm thankful that God gave me the gift of writing in the first place and that I can share my love for it with the world.

I'm thankful for all of God's blessings, and all of His blessings in disguise.

I'm thankful.

left behind ... a strange sunday

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Last Sunday, my family was going to my grandparents' house in Wisconsin to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the relatives. We took two separate cars to church, and after my mom and sisters left when the service was well over, dad and I stayed back a little while longer to talk to some of our friends. Suddenly I looked around and realized dad wasn't there. I stepped outside, looking for his car in the parking lot.
    It wasn't there either.

At this point, I was so grateful mom had left behind her phone so that we could keep in contact. I called Lilly (my older sister) on her cell, but she didn't answer, so I left her a message explaining my predicament. After hearing what happened, three different sweet people offered me a ride, and finally, after Lilly called me back, I arranged a ride to a friend's house which was nearest where my grandparents live, and my mom would pick me up from there.

It was a fun ride. We joked that I would have something to hold over my parents' head after today. Honestly, I was a little unnerved to be left behind, but I knew right away that my dad had thought I must have gone with my mom. It was definitely relieving to finally be reunited with my family.

The rest of the day was filled with delicious food, pleasant conversation, incredible weather, plenty of laughter, and a little bit of photography. The Lord certainly provided for me so that even though it was a strange Sunday, it was a good one in the end.

    I just hope it doesn't happen again. ;)

Cornutopia

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I just realized that I never finished this post from last summer! Crazy....



I had a fantastic adventure in July. It started out with that stressful racing about the house to pack my things together, and ended with a delicious pork chop stinging my just slightly cut upper lip. But it was one of the best days ever!

    My grandparents (on my dad's side) were taking me to the Cokato Corn Carnival with my great aunt and second cousins. I'd never been to any kind of carnival in all my days, so I was certain this would be great fun. And the best part? My best friend, Elaine --- whom I see only rarely because she's states away --- would also be there! I saw her once already this summer after what had been a two-and-a-half year expanse of not seeing her at all. (You may remember that post. It took me almost a month to finish writing it! But it's hard to relate the adventures of an entire weekend in any shorter amount of time.)

    It wasn't until I was at the door of my great aunt and uncle's farm when I was told that Elaine didn't actually know I was coming. Sweet, I thought, Now I can surprise her! It wasn't hard either because she was with one of her cousins on a couch, head bent over a cell phone --- I assumed they were playing some game intently. No heads moved when I stepped through the doorway, so I looked around nonchalantly as I sauntered casually to the couch. "What 'cha doing?" I asked. Elaine looked up, saw me, and jumped up immediately to give me a hug! Apparently, my great aunt had let on about a different cousin coming for the carnival instead of me, so as to preserve the surprise. I suppose that might be considered a fairly harmless lie.

    Elaine showed me all around the house and grounds because I hadn't visited the farm in many years. Her cousins (and my second-cousins), John-Eric and Adam, also joined us outside to walk through the cornfield.

    This was probably the greatest adventure of all.

    The rows of corn were tight, and the leaves on the stalks were near impossible to walk through without getting a good slap in the face. We walked a great deal with our arms forward as protection. Adam ran about mostly by himself. He had a miniature potato gun in hand and was taking great pleasure in sneaking up on the rest of us three and shooting at us. It wasn't painful, so it didn't really bother me, but I got the feeling that Adam's rambunctiousness wasn't as tolerable to the rest of my corn-exploring crew.

    John-Eric drew in a clearing of mud everyone's initials: J - for John-Eric, A - for Adam, L - for 'Lainey', that is, Elaine, and K - for Katie. Altogether, it spelled 'JALK'. It is now a word that defines an adventure in a corn field, as might be seen a few years in the English Dictionary.

    I started talking about writing a story concerning cornstalks that come alive in the night (we noticed that each stalk had strands of root poking out that could be mistaken for plant feet, with great imagination.) So I dreamed up that the stalks with green feet were good, and the red-footed ones very evil. The leaves were like sharp swords. And who knows what they did when they walked around at night. I thought I'd write a book about it and call it 'Cornucopia'.

    I was leading the way back to the path home when Adam suddenly came running directly at me. With all of our own rustling, and the thickness of the leaves, I didn't see or hear him coming until it was too late. His forehead banged on my upper lip. I could feel my lip begin to swell up instantly, but through my dizziness I somehow managed to ask if Adam was okay. I didn't get a reply, not exactly. I just heard Adam laughingly say that he was really dizzy. I guessed that would probably be a yes, especially since even I was already recovering. A few minutes later, I rubbed my hand against my lip and it came back with a small orange streak. Well, if I was bleeding, there wasn't much I could do about it except get back home and have a first aid professional tell me what to do about it. So we pressed on. Elaine confirmed that I was bleeding and swelling a little and said that Great Aunt Anita would be able to take care of it. We came out of the cornfield with no further incident.

    When we made it back to the wide path back to the house, we found Stephanie (Elaine's older sister) and the some of the others come out to look for us; we would be leaving soon for the carnival. Our shoes were a mess of black mud so we had to leave them outside on the step. I was given some ice to put on my lip, and Elaine made us both a mixture of blackberry flavored lemonade and 7up. (Boy, that was good! It stung my lip a little, but made up for it in flavor. I'm a lemonade-fiend!)

    At the carnival, Grandma Mary and Grandpa Duane bought me a hotdog and nachos, and Elaine's dad bought everyone a slice of pie of their choice. (Elaine and I both had peach, which was, of course, amazing!) There were rides there, and as my grandparents had bought me tickets for them, we children immediately went on one. And everyone played several games of Bingo, but only three-or-so of us won something by the end of the day.

    Grandpa, Elaine and I shared a ride on the Tilt-a-Whirl, and managed to make it spin violently several times, to our immense gratification. We young ones went on the 'Gravitron', which my sisters and I refer to as 'the space ship ride'. What a struggle to lift one's arms, but even greater the head or legs! It was great! I could even feel my cheeks being pulled back a little. It took us a while to get our full feeling back from that one.

    We visited a book sale they were having at the library across the street from the carnival, and then went on a few more rides. Elaine and I went on a kiddy ride called Rock-Town with slow little carts shaped like the car from the Flintstones. Her dad took some pictures of us freaking out about how fast it was. The person directing the ride seemed to get a kick out of our enthusiasm.

    We had a couple of races down some slides, and as our last ride, Elaine and I went on the ferris-wheel. We were lucky enough to get the exact seat we wanted; the special one with a fake crow strapped to the backrest, his beak tipped upward regally. The height made me a little light-headed at first, but I came to enjoy the view.

    Elaine spotted a man wearing a guerrilla suit and some kind of Chinese robe and hat. He wasn't wearing a mask, but to be sure, he was the only one out there with such original attire.

    We played Bingo again, and then Elaine paid for the two of us to pitch a softball as hard as we could to see if we could reach the highest speed (and thereby win a prize). I got about half the speed Elaine did, but I managed to guess exactly the speed my ball was moving at on the third try, so the people at the booth gave me a can of pop. I needed that victory; I threw that ball like a true, dainty, skinny-armed girl. ;)

    After this, we stood in line for corn (the main reason we came, of course). The workers had a huge cage full of corn that they set in the most enormous "pot" of boiling water I've ever seen. Ah, that salt stung my lip a little, too, but --- naturally --- it was still delicious.

    I was really sad when we had to leave, but delighted to be able to bring home so many great pictures and delightful new memories. Sadly, I haven't seen Elaine again since that day, but I don't plan on leaving it that way, and certainly not for another two years!

Dopey's feather

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A few years ago, a friend of mine gave me a mountainous pile of yarn, including a kit for making a pillow. Well, I used the yarn that came with that kit for headbands and crocheted flowers, but I finally finished knitting a case for the kit's stuffing. I could hardly believe how squishy it was! It reminded me of that scene from Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, when the dwarfs fight over who gets to sleep with the only pillow, and end up tearing it in half and scattering feathers everywhere; Dopey the dwarf keeps one of these feathers, gives it a few pokes, and lays down to sleep peacefully. 

My pillow, affectionately dubbed 'Dopey's Feather', feels like what I imagine that feather must have felt like... just right.

eighteen

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I am eighteen.

It is... so strange to be considered an adult;
to know that I'm going to be able to vote for the next President of the United States;
to begin to learn how to drive a car.

It was my birthday on February 23rd,
a beautiful day in which I had a great time with my wonderful family.

God has really blessed me with so many years and people whom I love dearly,
and I'm excited to see how He is going to work this new year.

By the way, growing older is a lot of fun! ;)

Justin Bieber

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Justin Bieber.

I've heard about fanatics who would do anything for a ticket to one of his shows, and cry along to his music. (These are always very young girls, as far as I can tell.) And yet I've also heard of people (mostly boys, you'll notice) who absolutely hate him. What are their reasons? What's the deal with Justin?

(Personally, I think he's talented, although I am not particularly fond of his music; and I also do not hate him.)

Now, let's talk about fanatics. As my mom pointed out when I was discussing this subject with her, it is wrong for a person to idolize anything above the One God. (Exodus 20:3). It's sin, and I see it in Bieber fans. Yes, he is talented, but it's wrong to put him up on a pedestal. It's just music. He's just human. And, for goodness sake, he already has a girlfriend! If anyone is going to fill your heart and thoughts, ladies, let it be Christ. Whatever your do, don't waste the time God has given you simply daydreaming.

What about the people who hate Just Bieber? I can't say exactly what's on their minds or in their hearts, but it's obvious from how they react to the mere mention of the musician's name what they think of him. Hate is a strong word. A little too strong. Hate, according to God's Word, is on the same level as murder (1 John 3:15). I don't care what those people's reasons are for hating Justin Bieber --- it's wrong. I realize Justin is probably not the best role model, but to those who dislike him, please don't make him out to seem more wicked than anyone else; sin is sin, and we've all committed it, so let's not put others down for falling short of God's glory when we have done the same.

Whatever side your on, ask Christ to take control of your mind and help you make it to the middle-ground --- neither obsessive nor hateful. (And I mean all celebrities, now, not only Justin Bieber.)

And to those who already are in the middle-ground, kind of like me, keep praying for this boy. A worldly life is not a happy one --- we Christian's have learned and know that true happiness and joy are found in Christ alone.

Let's try to share it!

eat now

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My mom says that when my siblings and I were little 

and we wouldn't eat the rest of our dinner, she would say,

"Eat now, or forever hold your peace."

Now, hearing it and not writing it down was just too irresistible to think of.

I made a few different photos using this phrase so that I could share them all with you.

Take your pick, and enjoy!

abiding

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     I love my church.

    At our ladies' Bible study last night, I finally met one beautiful woman I've heard so much about; she touched my life by displaying naturally in all of her laughter and every sweet word the simple joy she has in Christ.

    I believe God is talking to me most about my selfishness. Everywhere I turn, no matter what I do, the Spirit warns me every moment of those little selfish thoughts and desires that put myself before God and others. Last night, I admitted this sin to the women in my dear small group, and was encouraged that the fact that I'm paying attention --- that I realize my selfishness --- is a good sign. Now, I just need to take it to the Lord in prayer and exercise the strength He willingly gives me to say NO to that selfishness.

    One of the ladies in my small group handed out a small devotional to each of us called "Abiding in Christ" by Andrew Murray. I'm so excited to begin reading it! It has a devotional every day for thirty-one days, but I don't think I'll be able to wait until the beginning of March to dive in. *wink*

In our study we talked a great deal about that popular phrase 'let go and let God'. It's absurd. Obviously there are times when we need to wait for God, but it's foolishness to sit still with a devil and his demons at our backs, never sleeping. God doesn't do every for us; we're not mean to cruise through life. Life does not become easier being a Christian; if anything, it grows more and more difficult. (More joyful, to be sure, but much more difficult.)

    God has told us the things we need to do through the prophets, apostles, and our brethren of the early church --- that is, in His Word. Now, let's not use Grace as an excuse for continuing in sin. If anything, the sacrifice Christ made for us and every hourly blessing our God still gives --- and not one of these blessed things we deserve --- should motivate us to serve Him all the more! Let's not waste a moment of the time He has given us. (My apologies for rambling; I just get so excited!)

    It's so good to be motivated.... Now all I have to do is close the laptop, get out there and get to it, always abiding in Christ.

    Once again... I love my church!

prayer of a broken soul

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Prayer. It's more than just asking God for things, but that seems to be what I most often turn it into when I bow my head. Sure, I say, "Thank you for this day" or if I'm about to eat "Thank You for this food", but what does that signify? If my heart isn't truly thankful, I'm merely breathing out thoughtless words that get stuck in a passing wind of thought, are swept away, and disappear.
    Also, if I've learned anything about prayer, anything I offer to God without having sacrificed something else for it is potentially worthless. If all the time I give to God are leftovers, a little bit of free time to spare, it's not worth very much. On the other hand, if I give up that time I was hoping to watch Pirates of the Caribbean to get down on my knees, fold my hands together, and push everything out of my mind but my God, that would be worth a little more. Deciding to not go to that late-night party in order to spend the last hours of the day with God --- this too is worth something. Not only do these things honor God, but they help the Christian grow. I've found that the less time I spend on me and the more on God, the better off I truly am: I can respond to my sister with patience and love, when I would normally brush off her questions or suggestions with curtness and frustration; I can jump up from what I'm doing and oblige my mom's request to do my daily chores with a bright smile on my face (and yes, this too would otherwise be quite impossible). Mundane things are not so disgusting when the blood coursing through working hands comes from a heart that is full of Christ.

Thy hand is on the sickly one

The one who doubts and fears

Your hand is gentle 'pon the weak

'Wilst wipes away their tears

In Your own good and perfect time

Cure every hurt You will

And bring to life the souls of which

Hearts beating have grown still.

As the deer panteth for his drink

Of waters pure and sweet 

Our hearts all long to see Your face;

The God-head one day meet.

The vastness of Your glory, Lord

Expands beyond the skies;

Amongst the wonders of the earth;

And all things 'fore my eyes.

Your mercy I do not deserve

Nor breath, nor steps, nor days.

For grace from Christ's most precious blood

I'll give You endless praise.

eleven things tag

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{ via Google.com, just because he's so CUTE! }

I was tagged by Sarah Elizabeth at oh, restless bird
Thank you again, Sarah!
  

1. What is your favorite breakfast food?

Scrambled eggs or French toast.

2. What is your least favorite food? 

Hamburger soup. Bleh...

3. If you had to pick the worst color you could wear, what would that color be for you?

That dark green-blue color.

4. What is your favorite genre in books? 

Fantasy, fairy-tale, sci-fi, mystery.

5. What is your least favorite genre for movies?

Horror, no doubt about it!

6. When was the last time you gave someone a hug?  Who did you give it to?  

I hugged my mom about an hour ago.

7. When did you last see a sunrise? 

A few days ago =)

8. Can you say the alphabet backwards?

VERY SLOWLY... yes.

9. Where do you live? (again, no addresses please!) 

I live on the Boarder of White Bear Lake and Hugo, MN

10. Are you married or do you have a special someone? 

  No, but I'm waiting for God to bring His own choice into my life... patiently, hopefully waiting.

11. Do you have any pets or wish that you did? 

  I have two fish and one plump cat; the latter follows me around the house until I stay with her on my bed, where she falls asleep and twitches while she dreams.

Want to join in? I'm tagging YOU!

farewell to thee, Picnik

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{ taken this summer; edited yesterday via Picnik.com }

Apparently, my favorite photo-editing site, Picnik, is shutting down April 19th.

Upside? 

They're letting everyone use their premium features for free until that day arrives!

Enjoy the magic ASAP, and don't forget to spread the word!

Like Lucille Ball...

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{ http://www.creativejourneybyginny.blogspot.com }

Summer Lily

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Blogging Epiphany

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"Several months ago, I decided that I wanted a change. Blogging had become a numbers game, only posting to see numbers rise and gain a follower or two. I was constantly comparing myself to other bloggers who seemed to have it all together. I was jealous of the way their words flowed and how perfect their photos looked. I wanted their life. Their story. But that’s not what blogging is about. Blogging is a way to capture the life that you are living. To share about your life at the moment and post about what’s on your heart. It doesn’t matter what kind of camera you own or the clothes that you wear, it’s about sharing your passion with others just like you." - Maggie June at Bliss

Wow. I couldn't have expressed it better. That would be the beginning my blogging experience in a nutshell. I felt small, like a fresh green leaf amongst a vast tree full of bright and beautiful budding flowers. But it's easy to see all of those flowers and in trying so hard to be just like them, stunt my growth as a little green leaf.

I can learn from others, but just emulating their work will not cut it. My purpose at Thirst for Purity is to show the world how God is working in my life, to proclaim His Gospel, to express the desires of my heart throughout each new page of my life, to let people see things the way I see them through the magic that is words.

One foot forward

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I can read a verse a thousand times, but it seems everything comes together best on Sunday morning. My pastor is incredible --- honestly, every week the sermons just get better and better! ;)

He spoke mostly about the church and the way God intended it to be, according to clear verses in His Word. 

It was positively wonderful! 

There was one thing he said concerning fellowship which hit me like a boomerang gone wonky: "Talk to one another; speak to one another... you shy ones!" Everyone laughed, but it is so true --- week after week for some time, I've stood by in the corners, just watching all of the happy faces pleasantly when I should have gone out on a limb, risked the possibility of a few mumbles from my clumsy mouth, and tried to get to know those beautiful people. As soon as pastor said to do it, to pray to God for strength and get out there with the rest of my church family, I resolved not to let this Sunday go by without opening my mouth.

It was exhilarating, standing there with people I had never met, finally saying hello and offering all the small talk I had too long been holding back. My church is filled with such wonderful people! I wonder how I couldn't stand up and speak to them before....

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

"Delighting in worldly things--effectually prevents our delighting in God. Therefore it is often the case, that the Lord strips us of these things, or incapacitates us to enjoy them--in order to bring us back to delight in Himself." -James Smith, The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble

How precious a reminder!

One hour ago, I was just about done practicing the piano and wanted to sit down to play a little Spyro the Dragon on the PS2 for awhile. Well, I'm sure there's nothing wrong with playing games on occasion, but I kept thinking about what my pastor said this morning about prayer; to start small, if you must, but to be able to say one day in the future "I am devoted to prayer".

    So I took a deep breath, turned away from the TV set and sat down with my prayer journal and pen. I wrote down all of the little things I had heard that morning --- oh, she has laryngitis, I'll pray for her voice to return; oh, they just got back from their trip, I'll thank God for keeping them safe... and so on.

The point is, it's so easy for worldly things to get in the way; even simple, harmless little things like playing PlayStation. But when those suchlike things are so prevalent in our lives that a huge struggle has to take place, it would be a good time to at least take a break (if not remove that distraction entirely) and rediscover what is most important.

And believe me, it is so refreshing, so freeing... and so worth it!

"Good Reads"

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I've read so many great books this year! Some of them were entirely new to me, while a few others are old favorites. I can't get enough of good fiction that makes me think (as a writer), and I'm trying to invite new "reads" to my extensive book list. The last two you'll see below here are nonfiction as well as amazing first-timers I would in no way be sorry to read again!

    ~The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale~

This is my favorite novel of all time! Based on ideas derived from a fairytale by the Brothers Grimm, it is about a princess who does not seem fit for royalty --- she is a klutz, is very shy, and does not have any close friends.
    Ani, as she is called, is sent away by her sixteenth birthday to marry a prince in the neighboring kingdom in order to gain peace concerning a dispute over some unclaimed land. She is sent from one adventure to the next: falsely accused, sought out by a murderer, and now very far away from all familiarity and everything she once held dear.

    This is a tale of magic, destiny, hope, and love. It is technically part of a series called the Books of Bayern, but is so fantastic, so original, so classic, that it is perfectly wonderful just on its own. I have personally read it four times, own a hardcover copy because my mom sweetly gave it to me, and am going to continue to read it over and over again!

    ~Enna Burning, by Shannon Hale~

This is the second of the Books of Bayern. Its protagonist was Princess Ani's new friend, Enna, a forest girl who loses her brother to some mysterious obsession with fire.
    I found this book to be intriguing at a high degree, just as magical if not more than The Goose Girl, although a little more predictable. The ending did, however, catch me by surprise, and although it was not exactly my favorite book, it was very exciting and full of inspiration. Actually, I liked it a lot!

    ~The Frog Princess, by E. D. Baker~

Ever heard of those stories where girls would kiss a frog so that they would turn into a twist? Well, this story is told a little differently. This is the book on which they based the Disney movie "The Princess and the Frog". When Princess Emeralda finds a frog in the swamp who claims to be a prince, she agrees reluctantly to kiss him and turn him back. But when she does, something altogether unexpected and frighteningly wrong happens; she herself turns into a frog!

     I loved this tale, although it was obviously written for a younger generation. It made me think about magical possibilities, and I love books that do that! Now here's the most interesting part: I found it on the shelf because I liked the cover! I believe that today, one really can judge a book by this method!

    ~Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J. K. Rowling~

After seeing all of the movies repeatedly, I finally decided to sit down with this and see the magic from J. K Rowling's personal perspective. I really loved it! The style of writing was easy to read --- I believe the first one was meant for younger children --- and having enjoyed the movies already, the excitement of the ending had me captured. (Also, I tried to read much of it aloud according to the way the actors sounded in the movie.) I plan on reading the rest of the series --- that is, as soon as I've finished off some of the other books on my ever-increasing reading list.... ;)
    Favorite quote: "There are some things you can't share without ending up liking each other, and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them."

    ~The Healer's Apprentice, by Melanie Dickerson~

I had hardly any idea what to expect from this novel when I first picked it up. I learned of it from Sarah Elizabeth, the brilliant writer behind oh, restless bird (formerly Daughter of the King). From her, I understood that it was a retelling of the famous Sleeping Beauty tale. The truth is, it wasn't what I expected. It was even better! I had no idea it was written by a Christian woman, and was delighted to read a fairytale that honored my God.
    I loved how realistic and believable all of the characters were, and especially how they made their decisions based on what was right and not on what they felt. It was truly inspiring, intriguing, and it has been put high up on my favorites list. Really, this is one that I would love to own and read a hundred times!


    ~The Hiding Place, by Corrie ten Boom, with John and Elizabeth Sherrill~ 
This is the true story of the Christian heroine, Corrie ten Boom, who experienced the effects of the German invasion of Holland. She and her whole family, along with many friends, were put in prison for helping or showing kindness toward Jews. The book is an account of the fearful trials she endured, as well as the grace which God showed her throughout all of her struggles.
    This is a book which I would recommend to anyone --- it is not only touching, but inspiring; inspiring to live for Christ in such a way that not even persecution and death can destroy hope of something far greater than mere  freedom --- a life with God in heaven.
    This is my favorite quote: "There are no 'if's' in God's world. And no places that are safer than other places. The center of His will is our only safety---" -Betsie ten Boom

    ~Hope Rising, by Kim Meeder~

This book was incredible. It's the first horse story I've ever read where there isn't utter selfishness or rebellion, where there is faith in God, and where everything that happens is completely true and not a work of dramatic fiction.
     And it is so beautiful!
    There is an astonishing, delightful number of secret metaphors in this book, so sweetly flowing with the rhythm of each short account, so that one nearly misses them altogether. This book gives the reader hope and clearly shows us the fact that with God, all things are possible; that miracles do happen; and that dreams really do come true. ♥

God bless and Happy New Year!

Color

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My room is a splashing hurricane of color --- a kaleidoscope of God's glorious rainbow --- the color wheel of wonder that would be much-envied in my childhood. I have mixed, hardly matched, and am still slowly-but-surely adding to this magnificent little square space I affectionately call 'bedroom'.

I found my dream bedspread on sale at WalMart --- four different shades of blue and green circles on one side, neon green on the other. It most delightfully contrasts the overwhelming pink on my walls and in my wardrobe.

My darling Princess Pumpkin (also referred to as Plumpkin, Flumpy-dunk, or 'our fat cat') loves to share my bed in the daytime while I read. I really don't think that she cares a cat's whisker about what colors my room consists of, but she seems to really like it in there.

If I had had mine own way, my whole room would be cool colors, particularly blue. But as it was, I selected five visually-satiable colors that matched some already-made curtains mom had intended for the room practically since we moved in: desert gold, pale tan, disco and princess pinks, and lavender. The colors have become a little (as mentioned above) overwhelming, so I've been calming it down with blues and greens. Emily even painted my closet trim blue for me. Now, as it turns out, the curtains cannot be found, and so my mom says I can get new ones. Now I can have even more blue in my room!

I would actually love to paint my walls a dark grey to contrast the crayon-box colors of everything else in the room. I've learned so many incredible craft ideas from Pinterest that I can't wait to get started on, and all of these will also add some pizazz to my room. {click the provided link to check out my ideas!}

Once I get around to it, I'm going to crochet myself a rug to cover up the matted-down grey carpet. (There's only one book I have found so far in all of my local library that has a rug pattern. Wow.) And guess what color it's going to be? That's right, blue.

There's also the dream of getting the trim up, the new white door, buying new carpet, and locating a cheap but still eye-pleasing desk lamp. Before any of those can come, however, I shall make myself thoroughly content. 

My room has never looked this good, this ME. ;)

Upon the Ice

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So far, I've been babysitting regularly for about four or five months, now. It's been a challenging experience from which I have learned so much. And today, I and the boys I care for went down to the lake for ice-skating. 

I'm no great skater myself, but it was still a blast. I tried to go as fast as possible without losing my balance --- not very fast --- and the boys were chasing after each other and their hockey-playing friend (who is actually quite good).

I was exploring a large crack in the ice when I realized that one could see how deep the ice was according the the crack, for it went all the way through to the cold water underneath.

I showed the boys, who immediately proceeded to attempt to hammer a hole in the ice with a hard stick. They couldn't get very far. Not only was it cold, and the ice very strong, but the layer on which we stood was over six inches thick.

We were observing another area where two cracks ran over each other in an X, when we heard a deep, quiet boom. That's the only way I can think to describe how it sounded when the ice shifted slightly under our combined weight. I knew it wasn't enough to send us into the icy water, but natural fear and caution drove me to persuade the boys to move nearer the shore, just in case. It was exhilarating.

After this adventure, we returned back to their house --- for not only was it dark, but we were growing cold --- and played games after a hearty meal of pepperoni and sausage pizza, along with mugs of hot cocoa.

It was a very nice day.

Waluigi

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This afternoon, I spent a few hours at a friend's house --- someone I now only rarely see, and have missed immensely --- and spent at least two of those hours playing Mario Kart with her and her sister! Having only played it perhaps once in my entire life before, I obviously wasn't very skilled. I was almost always in last place, but I still enjoyed it. I was Waluigi.

The coolest Wii character I've ever seen, he made us all laugh with his vengeful "I'll get you next time!" and his disgruntled, "Ah, Waluigi lose... IMPOSSIBLE!"

That, along with a delicious lunch, gift-exchanging, and simply talking every ones' heads off made for a great time with my buddies! ;)