2015 goals

1. Read my bible every single day.

     It is really embarrassing to admit that I haven’t ready my Bible anywhere near how much I should have this year. It’s embarrassing that I let it slip until it wasn't a priority. I made other things way more important and Bible reading was pushed to the back, for times when I wasn't busy, or didn't have a good book to read. I am not at all proud of this, but I'm being honest. This year I am purposing to read my bible first thing every day, if possible, even before I get out of bed. (Because if I get out of bed first and go down stairs, more likely than not, I won't be up to my room where my Bible is and where it is quiet, until nearly lunch time, and by then, I'll probably be working on Lunch, and then school and laundry and reading a book… and it just won't get done.) I know it’s pathetic of me, and  I am purposing to change that. 

2. Become more intentional with the books that I read.

     In January of 2014, I decided to challenge myself with a rather large reading goal of 150 books. As of today, I read 162 books this year, and it makes me incredibly happy to know I read so much and actually completed my goal. But, although I read a ton of absolutely amazing books this year, I also read a large number of what I have come to entitle as filler books. You know the type, they’re the ones that are written horribly, are less than interesting, and have incredibly stupid characters, but there is a good moral to the storyline so you read them to give your brain a break, because sometimes we all need time without having to think and dig for truths and information. And this year I read more than my share of filler books. So in 2015, I hope to read only great books, and I have decided, (this is monumental,) that if I don’t love a book, I am going to put it down. I have always had the mindset that, as long as I’m already this far into a book, I might as well finish. And I’ve finished a ton of stupid books that I’ve hated. So I give myself permission to put books down and not finish them. And for the record, I’m giving myself the same reading goal of 150 books. :)

3. Learn to save Money

     This seems like such a simple thing. How hard can it be to not spend money… haha. I really struggle with seeing the cash in my hand and needing to spend it. And it isn’t always on huge things all at once. It’s stopping for coffee way too often, and grabbing another pair of earrings because they’re kind of cute, but probably won‘t wear often enough to justify the purchase. The little things really add up. I want to learn that having money saved away is good and have it stored for times when I need it for essential things. (Like vet bills, and car insurance, and electricity bills, etc.)

4. Exercise and drink water regularly.

     I am really not an exerciser. I struggle with making the time to go out and walk or be in my room for an hour to walk in place to a video. And lets not talk about water, okay? Alright, Fine. I don’t like the way water tastes. Is that super weird? I never really have, so I don’t drink a lot of water. I consume large amounts of tea and coffee, and drink water occasionally. I’m the girl who will realize as she’s climbing into bed that she should probably drink at least one glass of water for the day… and  I think both the water and exercise issue explain a lot of why I feel super lousy and get sick seriously all the time. It is time that I work on drinking water and becoming physically fit. Plus, Hannah gave me a super cool water bottle for my birthday and it’s pretty awesome. You push a button, and the straw pops up so you can drink, and then you can push the straw back down into the lid to store it, and that basically is the best feature ever. I may have pushed that button way to many times…

5. Compose an entire piece of music.

     I don’t know how this is going to work. I don’t have the programs, or the knowledge, or even the ability, really, but I have dreamed of composing a piece of my very own music for far too long, and I think it is high time to start working on making my own music.

6. Walk a Marathon

     this really goes with the exercise and water thing. Hannah and I are planning to walk a marathon together at the end of February

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7. Skydive

     I’m terrified of heights. In fact, standing on balconies is really hard for me, and so is going down lots of flights of stairs. I’m terrified of falling. Even jumping into a swimming pool is hard for me. But I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of jumping out of a small airplane and seeing the whole countryside panning out around me, and then floating gently down to earth suspended from a colorful parachute. I already have a list of people who want to go as well, and I am really hoping to accomplish this crazy dream this summer.

8. Create a wardrobe that I love.

     I’m not going to lie. I am really, really picky when it comes to clothing. And a lot of the clothes that  I have are stuff that I’ve had for a really long time. So, slowly over 2015, I would like to redo my wardrobe with essential pieces that I looooove. 

9. Get up earlier.

     I never set my alarm clock unless I’m going somewhere fun, or going somewhere important, (like a job or trip or something along those lines.). I rely on my mother to send various little children up at whatever hour she deems fit to wake me up. And most days, she doesn’t wake me up until 8:30+. Which is incredibly sweet of her, but I need have my own schedule, and be a big girl and get up early to get things done, like reading my Bible and exercising and getting the laundry done before breakfast. I’m goal and list oriented, (hence this list of goals…) and I have found that making to-do lists that I can cross out makes me incredibly happy. But I usually don’t get everything done. Getting up earlier will give me 1-2 ½ more hours to work with every day. (lets see, that means 1- 2 ½ less hours of sleep…  ahh, I can handle that. :)

10. Travel somewhere.
I don't know where. I don't know when. But I know that I want to travel at least someplace during 2015.

I want to wish you all a very Happy New Year. I hope this year is full of joy, special people and many wonderful memories. I am still quite shocked that 2014 slipped away so very fast, but to be perfectly honest, I am really glad that twenty-fourteen is over. It wasn't the best year for me. So many huge changes happened, and I wasn't the person or Christian that I should have been, and I am really ready to grow some more and move past all the depression and lack of joy that I felt during this year. 

Bring it on, 2015. I can't wait to make memories and live life vividly and to the hilt this year. I have many plans, hopes and dreams and I am excited to see what God will bring into my life during this next year. 

i would love to hear some of your favorite memories from twenty-fourteen if you care to share in a comment!

she's kind of adorable.

ramblings // catching up on life

a totally unrelated but beautiful photo. :)

i.      hi. remember me? i'm the girl who sort of writes this blog... yah. all my good intentions for blogging get thrown out the window and i find myself realizing with regret how long it has been since i sat down at my little computer and updated my little space on the interent. it's been almost a month. but it has been a rather busy month, and i shant apologize because, well, life happens. i'm here now. :)

ii.     Lydia is doing stupendious. She is shooting up like a weed and shall soon be taller than me and I'll probably end up being the short one of the family... She's well over six pounds, I believe, and is eating like a little horse, and we're all still fighting it out over holding her and feeding bottles. Mom has volunteered to wake up whoever wishes to hold her when she has her two hour awake time in the middle of the night but so far nobody has been that desperate. :) 

iii.     my brother and his amazing wife have been staying with us for the past almost two weeks. It's been super fun, and i've really enjoyed getting to know my sister-in-law better. (although it's still weird to realize that i have a sister-in-law.) they moved into their apartment today, and I am officially sad, but they'll only be an hour (depending on that darn inconvenience entitled "traffic.") away, and i have been invited and intend to visit. ;) 

iv.     i got a second set of piercings this week. I plan to wear sparkly studs with all my earrings because it's fun, and cute, and who doesn't like extra bling. :) I've been thinking about it for quite awhile. (more like trying to convince my mother that it will be pretty and a good idea. ;) and it made me incredibly happy to finally do it

v.     Andrew arrived last night. i'm looking forward to visiting this week. we don't have anything really planned, but i think it will be great just to get all caught up.

vi.     i made myself a wonderful hot chocolate this evening, after spending the whole night with my aunt and Uncle and grandparents looking at Christmas lights in Portland. It was pouring down rain and i got rather drenched, and had to wash my hair again because it was a sticky mess, but hanging out with family is always fun. :) 

vii.     CHRISTMAS IS IN ONLY FOUR/FIVE DAYS!!?!!?!!? That fact is a little mystifying. 

so tell me whats new in your life since i accidentally went away for a while. Lots of laundry and cooking? anything interesting or weird? What books have you been reading, music you've been loving... places you visited or really really really want to visit. :) how's life? 

xx,

Becca

17 Ways to Use Your Long Scarf // Guest Post

Hello there! I'm Hannah, the fashion and lifestyle blogger behind Dance A Real. I'm an eighteen-year-old weirdo who has several different personalities depending on whom I'm with, what I'm doing, and what hairstyle I'm wearing (not kidding on that one). I've known Becca (I call her Bex :)) for the majority of my life, but it wasn't until a couple years ago when we took driver's ed together that we became very good friends. She's awesome. And letting me guest post for her is just another testament to her awesomeness :)

I thought today I'd share with you a few--well, okay, seventeen--ways you can tie or use any long scarf you have in your wardrobe. (This is formatted as a single video, though I actually shot it in seventeen different sequences, which is why you see me coming forward and going backward so many times. ;))

Which was your favorite?

It's a Girl Thing // Cozy and bright {and photograph personalities}

despite the multiple warnings yesterday afternoon that i wanted to take a picture of him and  that i would be posting whatever results i got wether they were attractive or not, these pictures are the result of twenty minuets of negotiating. I rather like them, as candid and "non-posed" as they are. They capture his personality, and that's the entire purpose of photography to me. 

 that's a homemade dirty chai. you should be insanely jealous. it was delish and only a fraction of the $5.50+ that i've payed various places for them. (in case you are uncultured and haven't lived properly, :) a dirty chai is imply a Chai Latte (and a Chai Latte is spices and strong black tea mixed with a sweetener and frothed milk,) with several shots of espresso added. Talk about caffeine. Only get them when 1. you are extremely tired, and 2. you plan on being awake for a very long time.)

it's raining. it's cold. and it's very gloomy. But I got a stack of books from the library a few days ago, and am able to drink gallons of tea without anyone asking any questions, so it's all good. and i'm a happy girl because I FOUND MY CAMERA BATTERY CHARGER!!!!! it was in the "hole" (front part thing that has the cup holder and is always insanely full of junk,) in the van. Heaven knows what it was doing there, but that's unimportant because the only thing that matters is that I found it! :)

My cozy outfit from yesterday:

Skirt: Gift

Denim Leggings: Walmart (12.99)

Brown tee: Goodwill (5.99)

Tied Cardigan: Goodwill (6.95)

Obnoxious but extremely warm Orange Socks: Gift

rambles // 1

it was an overcast, drizzly and rather gloomy this morning. Mom hurried out the door around 8:30 to spend awhile in the NICU with Lydia, leaving me with the littles, guzzling coffee and willing myself awake. I'd been up for an hour but wasn't awakening very fast. :) I managed to spill almost the entire contents of my first mug of coffee all over myself and the couch in an attempt to sit down in front of the coffee. Actually, to be perfectly honest, I spill coffee on myself pretty much every single morning but not an ENTIRE mugful.

*   *   *   *

source

i  can't find my battery charger for my camera currently, and haven't been able to photograph in over a week. I've wanted to dozens of times and am hoping i'll find it soon. Especially before Lydia comes home. :)

*  *  *  *

source

Caleb (5), just lost his very fist tooth. He is growing up entirely too fast; i think i'll have to talk to him very seriously about not growing anymore. He's all kinds of adorable. (And glares at me and turns a bright pink every time i remind him of his cuteness.

*   *   *   *

Thomas is coming in 14 days!!!!! I'm getting more excited every day. The last time we saw him was on his wedding day, December 7th, 2013.

*   *   *   *

Um, guys. Thanksgiving is only a week away. o.O and Christmas is in 34 days, and 2015 is in 41 days!!!! *please excuse me while I scream for a moment...

*   *   *   * 

source

Coffee is wonderful. amazing. brilliant. delicious. gorgeous. Coffee understands my great need for it to always be around. Coffee knows I can't handle a long distance relationship. I need the commitment, and the knowledge that Coffee will be there for me every morning, to cheer me up and make me smile and happy. ;)

*   *   *   *

source

I'm hoping to find a Nanny position in the next several months. I love kids, and I have a TON of experience in the babbysitting/nannying/cooking/cleaning department of life, so I think Nannyng would be a perfect job.

*   *   *   *

I attended my very first swing dance last Saturday. Long-story-short, I officially love swing, but desperately need/want lessons. My big brother is an amazing swing dancer, and he's gonna be here for a few days round Christmas. I think I'll have him work with me a bit. :)

*   *   *   *

how has your week been?

xx,

lists // 2

missing the most currently:

+ my big brothers

+ my one-in-a-million Hannah

+ Goldendale and the Columbia Gorge

+ piano and voice lessons every Wednesday with the best and most amazing music teacher in the world!

+ my horse

+ Mt. Adams 

+ small town life

looking forward to:

~ Thomas's arrival in exactly 20 days, (and Sarah's arrival just a few days later.)

~ Turning 18 in 20 days. :) it's a little frightening at the same time, though.

~ Christmas, and the holiday season in general

~CHRISTMAS MUSIC. actually, I've already been listening to it since last December... :) But now I can listen to it openly and my family can't complain.

~ Lydia being home in a few weeks.

~swing dancing tomorrow night in a 40's costume.

~ Hannah's visit (!!!!!!)

not excited about:

+  the cold weather that came unexpectedly, (at least by me,) this week.

+ dealing with allergies more since the dogs are in the house more because of the cold.

+ "do you hear what i hear" playing frequently on my Christmas Pandora Station. It's one of the few Christmas songs i cannot handle.

my days are filled with lately:

~ laundry

~ reading late into the nights

~ watching littles and helping with school

~ planning and making Christmas gifts

~ more laundry

~endlessly picking up the house. (how does the same stuff end up strewn all over the house twelve times a day?!)

~ pinterest. (there. honesty, like i've  been talking about a bit lately. ;)

words that have caught my fancy lately:

+ wanderlust

+ dusk 

+brilliant

+ capture

+freedom

+lovely

+ awe-struck

+ glorious

+ paris

+ stillness

link loves:

~ the piano guys cover of happy together

~ quotes that make you stop and think

~ Eeyore . :)

~fellow homeschooled peoples. they totally understand my life.

~ cheesy things that make me smile

~cheesy things i can totally see myself saying.

~ inspiration for writing.

 what's tickled your fancy lately? What do your lists look like?

xx,

L y d i a ~ J o y

whilst thinking about this post this morning my brain was spinning typically in four-million different directions. But the main thought I had was that I'm never personal on my blog. I rarely post family pictures or updates on my real life. most of my hesitancy about sharing personal thoughts and updates is that my life is so normal. I'm not an amazing writer, or photographer, I don't have my life together and picture perfect. I'm not a super fashionable person. And five-days out of seven, I'm at home doing perfectly normal things. Laundry. Cooking. Helping various littles with math. Endlessly cleaning my room and various parts of the house. My life feels (and looks) so boring when compared to the posts and pictures I see all over the blog-sphere. Okay, so I know I'm supposed to be content and not envy other people and all that jazz, and in all honesty, I'm not really sitting here in a puddle of self-pity, sobbing over the fact that my life isn't as awesome and beautiful as my favorite bloggers. 
In reality- I am lonely, and bored. But I find ways to occupy my life, and I can see beauty all around me. I've only lived here almost eight months. I don't have many friends, or activities and obligations outside of my home.  I read to occupy my time and "improve my mind.". A lot. (I've read 148 books so far this year. Only two more to complete my reading goal this year on goodreads.) I browse Pinterest and the blog-sphere. I bother my bestie with emails and phone calls. 

but you know what. I think there is a really good reason that God has chosen to keep my time free and un-engaged. (Not like getting married engaged, but obligation engaged... just so we're clear on that point. Although the other would be great. *cough* Anyway.)

One of the things I don't think I got around to sharing on here was the fact that my mom was pregnant with our twelfth (or rather fourteenth, if you include my parents) family member. After my littlest brother's birth mom thought she was completely done having children. It was a rather rough pregnancy and she was quite at peace about not having any more. And then we moved earlier this spring, and she gave away all her maternity and baby clothes and baby gear. And two weeks after moving into this house, whilst driving up our horrible, bumpy, major hill rutted, driveway, mom turned to dad and announced. "YOU HAD BETTER BE GRATEFUL THAT I WILL NEVER BE PREGNANT ON THIS DRIVEWAY." and God decided to prove that he does indeed have a sense of humor because two weeks later, lo and behold she found out she was expecting #12.

She had tons of complications this time around, with High-blood pressure and allergic reactions to all the drugs the tried to control it. And then, ten days ago she was hospitalized and diagnosed with preemclampsia (and I can't spell that word to save my life so please just read it out phonetically. ;) And, on October 29th, Lydia Joy was born, via C-section, at 31 weeks. She weighed 3'12. She is doing fabulous and one week later she is off everything: oxygen, IV's, the only thing she is still on is her feeding tube. She is going to have to spend five weeks in the hospital, but that is completely normal procedure and she's doing amazing. Mom came home on Saturday, and is still having really High-blood pressure problems and trying to deal with all that and stabilize it, but is otherwise feeling pretty good. Dad's been going into the hospital twice a day on his way to and from work to hold her and spend some time with her. And Mom got to hold her yesterday, because she was feeling a little better. 

So my life is suddenly crazy, and overwhelming. But I think I understand a little bit why I have't really found a lot to do around this area yet. ;) 
so, how has your life been these last few weeks? Are you starting to get into the holiday spirit? I'm getting excited about the holidays. Especially since my brother and his wife are coming the first week in December, (right after he officially get's out of the Army) and are planning to stay with us for a few weeks.) Two nights ago we picked names for Christmas Gifts. I'm slightly excited!

so, tell me about your life. :)

the joys (or struggles) of photographing

 mountains are  one of my favorite things to photograph, because 1) they're stunning, breathtaking and absolutely awe-inspiring. And after climbing one, I have come to realize how humongous they really are. 2) They hold still. You can sit there for twenty minutes changing the settings and working through lighting issues and moving to different angles and there is absolutely no hurry. I'm serious, it's beautiful. There is no complaining during the shoot, no wiggling, no awful faces, no blinking. That's why I like photographing mountains, (and trees. Although if it's windy they don't hold quite as still.)

children, on the other hand, can be the most difficult subjects to photograph on the planet. The shoot starts out with good intentions; Just a quick photograph to send to the big brothers, just put them in a line, and have the taller ones lean down and squat down so that they're faces are framed on the same level. Take a couple tester photos to check the lighting. And then suddenly everything goes south really fast. You find yourself repeating things over and over, "hold still... don't move... can I have a real smile... Stand up... squat down... look at me not the goats..." And finally you think/say something along the lines of, "just stand there and try not to look like you're killing each other.

then again, they are pretty cute. no i'm not biased. why would you ask something like that? ;)

I think we were pretending to be some sort of lion or tiger or bear here. His poor little face is all banged up from a tumble down the stairs a couple days ago. I think I'm rubbing off on him. ;)

what's your favorite subject to photograph? Any tips on bribing kiddos to hold still and smile pretty? 

it's a girl thing // of owls and heels

 

the details:

Skirt: thrifted {8.99?}
cardigan: thrifted {4.99}

black pumps: kmart {19.99}

purple cami: Fred Myers {12.99}

Owl Necklace: antique shop {8.95}

earrings: Walmart {4.99 for six pairs of studs}

aren't they simply adorable?! I've worn them so many times in the last two weeks, but I won't tire of them. they're too cute to not wear! :)

these outfit pictures aren't the classiest, (you can see the sticks on the porch and the extremely classy snoopy towel we draped on the bench in an attempt to keep my puppy's hair off it, since that is her favorites place to sleep currently. And you can't see my face because of the sun. But I was determined to take them, and so take them we did. :) I wore this outfit last Wednesday to run errands and take the girlys to their ballet lesson. It was one of those *amazing* hair days. you know, where your hair may not look as amazing as you think, but you feel like it looks wonderful, and it changes your whole mood. I felt cute,  and that's the whole point of dressing up, right? :)

\

this is the stack of books I've been working on lately. {and i'm just gonna throw this out there... the baby name book is for naming characters. :)}  I have since finished both the Anne books, watched mulan, and finished American Women and World War 2, (after working on it sporadically for the last  eight months. It was good, really interesting and informational, and WW2 has always fascinated me. But you guys, it was massive information overload at times. So i just read a little here and there as i felt like it.

     I'm reading through the Anne Shirley series again, and enjoying them so much. I would seriously recommend going back and rereading them all if you haven't anytime in the last couple of years. I always find something new and beautiful to admire in each book. :) And the characters are decidedly quirky, which is my favorite character trait in fictional characters. I get decidedly bored with normal-follow-every-rule-and-never-say-anything-clever characters. And, to be perfectly honest, the man reason I have fallen so completely in love with Anne is the fact that she gets into so much trouble, doing things I can completely seeing myself doing. :)

     Oh, and this stack of currently-reading-books has grown again since I took this picture. I'll just admit to the title of a confirmed bookaholic. :) 

how was your weekend? have you gotten any reading or whatever your particular hobby is, done? :) did you get to do anything fun, or relaxing? 

xx,

p.s if you haven't heard of these guys already, go do yourself a favor and listen to 2cellos.  and also the song "me and my cello (happy together,)" by The Piano Guys. pure fun and gorgeousness. :)

The Mysterious Benedict Society // Book Review

The Mysterious Benedict Society:

Trenton Lee Stewart

*****

{5 of 5}

"ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD LOOKING FOR SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES?"

When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending tests. (and you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end, just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. With their new found friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all?

"WELCOME TO THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY."
(from the back of the book. :)

I began this book with HIGH expectations. I read a review, more than six months ago by someone I highly admire, and she simply raved about The Mysterious Benedict Society. Under normal conditions, I don't expect much from Children's books in general. They tend to be poorly written, without much plot and full of run on sentences and extraordinarily STUPID characters, because "kids won't know the difference, so lets just focus on pumping out more and more books instead of focusing on quality." Unfortunately that plan will backfire, and produce lazy, stupid children, who don't even enjoy reading, because the contents of the books they have read are lame and full of pointless, spineless characters. (I shall stop ranting now.)

Not so with The Mysterious Benedict Society. The characters were quirky and brilliant,  and the storyline was fascinating, even though it was a bit strange and quite far-fetched. Stewart made a great point of stressing relationships and working together to accomplish huge, almost unattainable results. Every time Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance tried to work on their own, disaster befell them.  Each character had their weak points, but they all had their own particular strong points, and put together in a foursome, they were able to blend together to get things done.

The villain, Mr. Curtain was fascinating, and his identity was quite BRILLIANT. Well played, Mr. Stewart, well played. He was quite awful enough, and I didn't find myself falling for him, as I have with so many wonderful {awful} villains before. I did, however, quite love one or two of his minions. To say that they were misunderstood is a massive understatement. 

Mr. Stewart's book is about good triumphing over evil, teamwork, and genius. I found his chapter titles to be quite amusing. The Trouble With Children, or Why They Are Necessary. People and Places to Avoid. Bad News and Bad News. Of Families lost and found. Etc.  And the artwork sprinkled throughout the book is wonderfully quirky. 

To say that I enjoyed this book (and it's sequels) would be an understatement. In my humble opinion, these books by Mr. Stewart are superb.  Do use caution when giving them to children, however, because they are a little thrilling, and those whose imaginations are quite vivid would be advised to await a time when they are better able to handle the suspense. They have my high regard, however, and are quite lovely.

pretend it's cold // it's a girl thing

Skirt: Gift  altered by me. {0}

Sweater: Kmart {17.99}

Belt: Walmart {4.99}

Boots: thrifted {9.99}

Scarf: Walmart {5.99 for two. :)}

Earrings: County Fair {3.98}

Spoon ring: Farmers market {10.00}

These pictures are proof that I do, in fact, occasionally wear shoes. :) I don't think I've remembered to put them on for ANY of my outfit posts before. :) 

I'm not gonna lie. This outfit made me feel incredibly cute, even though I nearly died of heatstroke whilst running errands. o.O maybe it's not quite cold enough for warm sweaters. I love the look of these boots, although they annoy me to an excessive degree because they squeak when I walk. :) 

have you started wearing scarves, boots and sweaters yet? What is your favorite go-to fall wardorb item?

xx,

r e a l

I realized, whilst thinking lately, that I portray myself very differently online than I do in the every day. I use massive words, (as opposed to smaller expressions which plausibly would be more effortless to comprehend,) in an attempt to sound more educated. :) The pictures I post are the ones in which I look as close to perfect as possible. (i.e. nice smile? check. clothing all laying right? check. make-up? check.) But that's not who I am. 

If you were to follow me around for the day, you would discover several things. 

1) I'm weird. As in, really really weird. I have strange pet peeves, I have strange habits, (and the first time I typed that I typed habbits, because of rabbits... :) 

2) you would discover that i'm really insanely klutzy and dorky. I trip over things that aren't there, and regularly fall down the stairs. just because.

3) most days if we aren't going out, my hair looks awful and I won't have make-up on. 

4) I'm not the sweetest person on earth. in fact, I'm super sarcastic, and my temper runs away with me more times than i'd like to admit. 

5) I'm more of a country girl redneck (I'm being honest, see?) then you would EVER guess, especially if you've only seen me in group settings, or when I'm not entirely comfortable. (Mostly group settings. people can be SCARY. :) loud mufflers? of course. you wanna take me mudding? absolutely. Shooting guns? take me with you! i admire trucks, and everything, at least in theory, can be fixed with duct-tape and super glue

So, this post is random, and has some blooper photos, (I was scared to death to post them, but inspired by this sweet girl.). some of these pictures are WEIRD but for some strange, unknown reason, they captured my fancy. 

i don't know why i liked this, except that it makes me think of Peter Pan, and losing his shadow. Yes, that is a movie I regularly watch with my little siblings, along with Bambi, Robin Hood, the Aristocats and Jungle Book. 

the leaves are starting to die and fall to the ground, in a last tribute to the beauty they once were. 

 this is posted because I threatened him that if he didn't make a nice face, I'd just go ahead and post one of the awful ones. He didn't make a nice face... :)

in case you have never tried this, I suggest you do in the next moment of absolute boredom: Take your camera, and set the shutter speed for 1.5 to 2 seconds and then spin in a circle, whilst taking pictures continuously. You should get one or two that look like this, (And a whole bunch that are awful and should be thereby deleted forever. Because if anybody saw them, they would question your abilities as a photographer.

and a preview of an outfit post that should be up in the next couple days. :)

happy october!

(I'm so glad i live in a world that has Octobers.)

xx,