Friday's Forte: Why I am a Writer.

    Afternoon, dearies! This week I’ve been introducing some new things one the blog including a facelift! What do ya think?

    I’m introducing today as something as well: Friday’s Forte! Forte: a thing at which someone excels. Fridays, I’m tooting my own horn, as it were; I by no means excel at some of the things I’ll talk about but I’ll be at least decent... Consisting of mostly writing “things” and other little talents I have, Fridays will be fun and insightful.

    Today’s forte is going to do with writing: I write. Plain and simple. I’m currently writing multiple short stories, one fantasy novel (which may turn into a series), and pieces of poetry. Nothing worth sharing with the public yet for many reasons.

    I recently discovered, as in 2 years ago, that I wanted to be a writer. Before that, I was undecided between historian, museum curator, archaeologist, chef, or interior designer. Having so many things calling my name, I was bewildered and so I sat down and began to write out my emotions in the form of characters, discussions, and scenery. It became at first an outlet for stress and confusion. Now I write because I have to.

    Don’t misunderstand what I’m trying to say. No one stands behind me with a gun and forces me to write. It’s not like that at all. Something inside compels me put my thoughts, hopes, fears, dreams onto paper. It’s scary at times, but the thrill of looking down at your notebook or computer screen and realizing that you have created a scenario, a character, and place that doesn’t exist… I love that feeling!

    That’s not what it’s always like, believe me. Many times I have sent a desperate message to a friend… “I HAVE WRITER’S BLOCK!” Worst. Feeling. Ever. And sometimes, it has lasted for days at a time. But, the joy of finishing a chapter, a page, a paragraph, sometimes a sentence, is worth it all.

    I read this quote recently and it struck me. It also convicted me of the fact that I should spend more time writing: “Quantity produces quality. If you only write a few tings, you’re doomed.” –Ray Bradbury.

    With that little quote pushing me onwards,  it’s time to get back to writing, my dears!

Blessings!

Abby

Thursday's Throwback: Dad's Birthday!

         Today's throwback wasn't going back into the mists of time. We're going back to last... week... I know, not very original but I wasn't able to share these pictures last week so I figured, hey, I'll share them today and call it a throwback!

         I made a cake and gingerbread, set out the oatmeal cookies, and decorated the tables and a goodtime was had by all! Dad, Mom, E, Opa, Oma, Aunt Linda, and myself! (There are no "people pics" because after we sang, I forgot about taking pictures... oops. But here's the cake and stuff anyway.


Gingerbread with vanilla icing and oatmeal cookies!

Cake! (It cracked & after I cut it, it fell apart. But it tasted yummy!)

My favorite kind of decorations: confetti!!!!! Glittery happiness!!!!!!!!!!

         I'm incredibly thankful for my Dad and the example that he is. Love you Dad!

Blessings,
Abby

This picture is also a throwback to Thanksgiving, 2011.

Wanderlust Wednesday: LONDON!!!

        It's time for a Wednesday of Wanderlust-ing! I yearn for travel! See new places, explore old building, meet interesting people, learn about new cultures!

        Today's destination is probably my top city in my top country... OF ALL TIME!!!! People just don't understand how much I want, no, need to travel to the United Kingdom, Great Britain, etc. But today I'm focusing on LONDON!!! Beautiful city! The buildings, the history, the museums, the River Thames, etc. The pictures will draw you in... at least they better.



A London street with autumn leaves...

Westminster Abbey

Big Ben and The River Thames

The Sherlock Holmes Museum!

Inside the Natural History Museum in London, UK

London Bridge

Palace of Westminster covered in snow and ice!

The "London Eye" Christmas time?

Maybe I can catch a glimpse of Her Royal Highness through a window at Buckingham Palace!

Care for a stroll, my dears?



Snow!

A mist falls over London...

      I think we've covered the main highlights... Of course, pictures, although wonderful, are not the same thing. The smell of bakeries and cafes with pastries and tea while walking by the Thames to visit Big Ben..... Stopping at Baker Street for a quick cup of tea with Mrs. Hudson, John, and the great man himself, Sherlock Holmes! Wandering around and perhaps finding a blue telephone box..... Aaahhhhhhh..... *entering dreamy stage* I will go one day! But until then, I will be content with pictures!

       I hope you enjoyed taking a quick peak at this beautiful, fascinating city with me... next week... it's a surprise!

Blessings!
Abby

         Disclaimer! I do not own any of the pictures! Any images with copyright stamps I did not crop out. All photos, unless stated, are not my own and can be found online.

Tuesday's Thrills!

      I came up with a name for Tuesdays! Explanation: I love using the saying "thrilled to bits!" This past Sunday, I used that particular saying when teaching children's church. The kids had never heard it so I had to explain... have you ever been so happy, so excited about something that you felt like you were going to burst into a billion tiny pieces? I have, for sure! Thrilled to bits!

      Well, now that I rambled about that for a while, onto the Tuesday Thrills! I was able to babysit our pastor's daughter this morning for a few hours before going to work. They adopted her from China last year and she is such a blessing! Princess Mia!

Watching Cinderella!

This little girl is so precious! Her two favorite songs are Jesus Loves Me and I Have the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in my Heart! And what little girl doesn't love princesses!

She was my thrill today... this adorable little darling is a gift from God.


Blessings!
Abby

PS- I didn't have a chance to upload Dad's birthday pictures yet. I will soon!

Vow Renewal Plans!

It’s been rather quiet here in my little corner of Jersey. My grandma is home from rehab and doing wonderful! God is good!

Also, plans for my parents vow renewal are in full swing! My dress arrived on Monday and my sister’s arrived Tuesday. My sister will be clad in a bridesmaid dress made of brown chiffon and I shall look rather retro in a tea-length dress of burgundy chiffon. Shoes still need to purchase and I would like a silver bag to match. It’s a silver anniversary!

I’m rather excited. With the arrival of fall, we have about three weeks until the big event! MY dad got a new suit in jet black. A crisp white shirt and shiny black shoes, of course. E and I gave him for his birthday on Wednesday a new black wallet, a black belt, and a shiny new tie clip. All he needs is a tie. We can’t find one that he likes that has all the right colors. The search continues! Mom’s dress will look amazing. My grandma is taking her original wedding gown apart, getting rid of some things, and added others. I cannot wait to see the result!

Pictures of the big day will follow and I will update again soon! I’ll also post pictures of my dad’s birthday celebration over the weekend!

My dress

Blessings!
~Abby

My sister's dress

Pray more!

A short post about prayer. Do you pray every day? What do you pray for? Who do you pray for? Is it all for yourself? Your family, friends, neighbors, church? This is wonderful and we should continue to pray for theses but there are plenty of people out there who need your prayer too! Find a site online, like this prayer wall and read through some of these people's needs. Pray for one or two if you feel like you should.

Don't take this the wrong way. I am positive that you all have so much to pray for but as part of the world-wide Body of Christ, let's not forget the other people in this world who need help and prayer too!

Blessings,
Abby

PS: I am not associated with the site I linked to. It's part of a website for Max Lucado's new book coming out entitled "You'll Get Through This." I found it and felt greatly admonished by the Lord to begin praying for these people and to share it with all of my readers. God Bless!