“Inspired by Insomnia” on Wattpad. http://w.tt/1AzVNJ6
So… I’m putting together some of my poetry from over the years.
Currently amongst a pile of loose leaf notebook paper, paper coffee cups, and cat hair.
Up all night and it ain’t no thing baby!
Bout of Books – Day 1 Challenge
Bookish Survey from Writing My Own Fairytale.
Questions:
1. How do you organize your bookshelves?
Ha! Organize? I am so bad at organization! I have so many shelves throughout my small house that are just piled with books, music, and DVD’s. (Piles on the floors and on dressers and nightstands too) Yes, I know it’s horrible! I don’t even separate my various entertainment genre’s. That being said, the one bit of organization that is present is keeping different series together and in order, that much I can be proud of!
2. What is one of your favorite books that is not in one of your favorite genre’s?
I guess I’d have to go with Gone With the Wind. I don’t typically read much historical romance but this classic is definitely among my top ten.
3. What is the last 5 star book you read?
The last one was Divergent. I’m always late to the party but my daughter informed me that I HAD to read this book!
4. What book are you most excited to read during the read-a-thon?
Most certainly Trigger Warning! I’m always with breathless with anticipation when I have a new Gaiman book to read!
5. What book do you recommend the most?
I always, always recommend Neil Gaiman and of his books I mostly recommend Stardust!
TreesofReverie Read-A-Thon Day 3
Happy Australia Day Sarah and all of Australia!
Day 3 Bookish Challenge – Australian Authors (A Wish List of Books) Treesofreverie
My favorite… Kate Morton, Kate Morton and Kate Morton! Did I mention Kate Morton?? I am absolutely in love with The Forgotten Garden, my first Kate Morton novel. The storytelling powers of this lovely lady are absolutely unparalleled and I can’t wait to read my next book!
1. The House at Riverton (on my shelf)
2. The Secret Keeper (on my shelf)
3. The Distant Hours (on my shelf)
One author who has been recommended by several friends is Liane Moriarty. I have 3 of her books on order from Thriftbooks.
5. Three Wishes
I loved The Book Thief by Markus Zusak so naturally I ordered some of this other books as well. I am starting with the Wolfe Brothers Series.
7. Underdog #1
And finally, I recently watched an interview with Belinda Alexandra and was completely intrigued with the premise for her book “Golden Earrings” so I ordered that one as well.
Belinda Alexandra Interview for Golden Earrings.
10. Golden Earrings
Treesofreverie Read-a-Thon Day 2
72 Hour Read-a-Thon Bookish Challenge and Progress Update
Pick A book you would like to see made into a film:
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice.
I have read The Witching Hour three times and every time I read it I insert actors and actresses I love into the roles. I have envisioned this movie for years. I know these characters and settings would just flourish on the silver screen. I love films that are set in the deep South, a favorite being Midnight in The Garden of good and Evil by Clint Eastwood. The possibilities for spectacular cinematography are overwhelming in the French Quarter and down in the bayou. I know that Deirdre’s house itself would become a pivotal character in a film adaptation.
As for the main characters I have always seen Nicole Kidman playing Dr. Rowan Mayfair. Nicole has a style and elegance that personifies Rowan and she definitely has the talent to pull off such a complex character. Then there is Michael, who I don’t believe could be played by anyone other than Matt Damon. The character description Miss Rice gives for Michael is completely and absolutely Matt! I’ve always seen Alex Skaarsgard in the role of Lasher. It may be a little cliche (insert Alex’s portrayal of Eric Northman), but he’s got the air and presence of a supernatural being. Some other musts would be Gary Oldman (aged of course) in the role of Aaron Lightner of the Talamasca and Frances Conroy as Mary Beth Mayfair!
72 Hour read-A-Thon Progress Update:
As of the end of Sunday 1/25 I have finished The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (approx. 100 pages) and read the first three chapters of Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira. My daughter adored this book (she’s a huge Kurt Cobain fan) and she’s been insisting that I interrupt my to-be-read list to read this one.
(Totally Tickled – Top Ten) on Tuesdays
I’ve decided start my own weekly meme to detail my favorite things over the previous 7 days. I’ve seen versions of this all over the blogosphere and love the idea of keeping all of my discoveries in a single place to come back to and peruse at my leisure. The meme is certain to provide personal inspiration and hopefully it will provide inspiration to others as well!
1. Snapseed. First on my list for this week is my newest photo app addition, Snapseed. Most photography apps says basically the same thing in their descriptions… “This is the only photo app you’ll ever need.” In truth, I normally keep two or three photo apps on my
phone… Until Now!! Snapseed is, indeed the only photo app I need on my phone! Freeing up space (Yay!) and all of my favorite options for editing photos (i.e. blur, focal and light leak) are here! Totally Tickled!
2. Stitcher. App surfing this past week and I found 2 great ones! So, yes, admittedly I am a public radio junkie! Indeed my car radio has been tuned to my local public radio station for as long as I can remember. I am loathe to miss an episode of All Things Considered or Prairie Home Companion. And now there’s Stitcher for my phone and my tablet! On Being with Krista Tippet and Fresh Air on demand! I’m giddy! The Nerdist is fabulous too!
3. Emily Kinney. I’m a big fan of this lady! Of course, it stems from her role as Beth Green on The Walking Dead. Actually watching an actress grow from season to season is quite inspiring and she came a long way! Then there’s her music! Oh, her music! Love her voice! Love her instrumentation! Love her style. She’s like a local girl who plays in your hometown café every Friday and I’m so hoping to see her live sometime! I’ve probably seen every interview she’s ever done (cried along with her after Beth’s death in season 5). She’s got that “girl next door” appeal that just makes you wish you could be her friend and drink coffee with her for hours on end. Yep, I love this lady!
4. My Life As A Teacup/Noveltea Book Club. I absolutely adore Kristin and her blog! She just has one of those blogs that incorporate all the things you love and all the things you want to know about into one place. She has a super-sweet personality, a wonderful writing style and a seemingly endless wealth of knowledge to pass along. She’s a fellow bibliophile and I’m thrilled to have found her Noveltea book club to help me along in my 2015 reading challenges. And guess what? She’s from Pittsburgh where my beloved grandparents are from and where I spent numerous summers during my childhood and teenage years. Whether browsing her blog or her YouTube challenge you’re in for a treat!
5. An Evening With Neil and Amanda. Ok… my favorite two people ever… my favorite couple ever! Sadly, I was unable to attend “An Evening” live so I’ve had to make-do with my audio copy, and make-do I have! When I’m not listening to NPR during my travels, I’m listening to this CD. Can’t get enough of their voices and their twisted fairy-tale relationship!
A quote from Neil about his writing career: “You know, I think I was actually better when I wasn’t as good. Because when I wasn’t as good and obviously completely terrified, you get the entire 2,000 people just rooting for me.”
This is “one of my favorite things”!
6. Garments for Dogs. My little min-pin, James, is always one of my favorite things! And he is just too cute for words in his new sweaters. Everytime I see him scampering through the house or tearing across the backyard in one of them my heart smiles!
7. TheGirlsWithGlasses YouTube Channel.
Brooke White (singer/songwriter and American Idol Alum) and Summer Bellessa (model and editor of ELIZA Magazine) own this channel and they own two quirky and stylish personalities! Love the diversity of their content and I’ve done more than a little note-taking and linking with their different posts. They’re great for just about anything and always entertaining! Hit the subscribe button! Can’t recommend them enough!
8. Joan Didion for Celine. Joan is on my “top five” favorite author’s list. In my opinion, she’s a gem in the literary world. Her voice is transfixing and her words resonate on so many levels. My favorite book is Blue Nights. I’m currently working on my own review detailing the poignancy of this work. She speaks to me on every level; emotional and intellectual and feminine. I’m also a huge fan of her movie Panic in Needle Park. Celine has chosen an icon and they’ve chosen well!
Guardian Article.
9. Lectio Divina from HOMWF. My new method for scripture study. This method is truly the best I have found for my personal devotion time and I’m so blessed to have found Heart Of Mary and Legroom Divina as I begin my New Year devotional resolution.
The process as outlined at Heart of Mary:
Lectio divina means “divine reading” or “sacred reading.” It is an ancient, Christian art that consists of a slow, contemplative reading of Scripture, enabling the Word of God to become a means of uniting ourselves with God. Before diving into this form of prayer, it’s important to understand the basic foundation upon which it was built.
As humans, and especially in our current culture, we tend to be very busy and goal-driven. The noise of media, productivity, and checklists constantly demand our attention and attempt to rob us of a true and deep inner peace, often quite successfully. The practice of lectio divina is not intended to be another item that we check off our Catholic spiritual to-do list; rather, it is a means of reorienting our very selves and minds towards God, opening our hearts to a two-way communication with Him, reestablishing a sense of peace and silence, and fostering a deeper personal relationship with Him.
The four steps of lectio divina are:
Lectio
Meditatio
Oratio
Contemplatio
These steps are not designed to have specific limitations, such as using only certain scripture verses or doing each step for a certain amount of time. Before beginning, it will be more fruitful if you take a few moments to place yourself in the presence of God, to ask for the aid of the Holy Spirit, and to follow the order of these steps while still allowing yourself to move freely between them, according to any quiet inspirations.
10. Marcus Mumford – When I Get My Hands On You – New Basement Tapes. My copy was pre-ordered and mailed on it’s release date. It arrived the next day and I had a VERY HAPPY DAY!! I feel like all I have to say is Marcus Mumford and that will say it all. Yep, I’m the fan-girl extraordinaire!
SongsonSunday – Breath of Heaven – Sara Groves
Sara Groves – Breath Of Heaven: http://youtu.be/gSpCgG5lIPM
My choice for #songsonsunday with Faith, Hope and Cherrytea is “Breath of Heaven”. This version is from the lovely Sara Groves.
I have always had a special place in my heart for “Breath of Heaven.” I first fell in love with the song when I heard Amy Grant sing it. Since then I have enjoyed many different renditions. Always brings a tear to my eye.
Treesofreverie Read-a-Thon 1/24 – 1/26
Day 1 – Jan. 24
Unfortunately, but fortunately… I know contradiction right? Nonetheless, my sick day left me curled up in bed wth my kitty and a large mug of tea and Divergent by Veronica Roth. For the first time in quite awhile I finished a book in a day. I’ve been reading a lot of YA lately, finding a lot of the books I get for my daughter intriguing. I’ve also read a bit of the “futuristic” genre. Divergent is the best one I’ve read so far! As soon as I finished I ordered #2. I also did a lot of devotional reading and journaling. So…. 500+ pages read for the first day of the read-a-thon.
Trees of Reverie bookish challenge – Day 1
Book Spine Poetry
Let me be a woman
Leaving a trace
Writing down the bones.
Where I Am
Deuteronomy 6:5-7
5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
It’s 2015 and I am desperate to understand and apply the Word of God in my life. I need the Lord in my life and I need to be concious of His will rather than my own. I have muddled through years of depression and physical illness getting by on my own will to survive… just survive. Last year, I read a wonderful book entitled “Say Goodbye to Survival Mode” by Crystal Paine. Some quotes that I’ve been meditating on are: “Remind yourself that there are seasons in life” and the question “Am I spending time on my priorities?” It’s 2015 and I’m saying goodbye to survival mode and hello to living; living in the Word of God.
It’s certainly not an overnight process. It’s deliberate action, deliberate action according to God’s will. I feel the need to fill my mind with worthy things. The Bible along with other spiritual and uplifting things such as books and music and movies. Attending church and focusing on my devotional time. Constant prayer. Detailed attention to home school with my daughter; including the things of God in her lessons.
Recently, I began reading Raising A Daughter After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George. As my daughter is now 16 years old I berated myself a bit, internal chatter saying … ” It’s too late!” Almost miraculously I picked up another book by Lysa Terkheurst entitled “Made to Crave for Young Women” and read these words: “You’ve never gone too far that God can’t redeem you, restore you, forgive you and give you a second chance.” Immediately, I wrote this down on a notecard and posted it on my bulletin board. It has become my mantra.
The struggle is still real amd sometimes overwhelming, but since implementing this “lofty purpose” I find I am more able to feel as though I am living rather than simply surviving and to feel confident in the knowledge that it is not too late to pass on this “lofty purpose” to my daughter.
Bout of Books 12 Read-a-Thon Wrap Up
My first time participating in the Bout of Books Read-a-Thon and I have to say I’m really looking forward to participating again in March! I tried to (I think I did) complete all of the challenges. Lots of fun and creativity. I got a lot more reading done in a week’s time than I have in quite a while. My free time is still pretty limited due to home schooling but I spent a large portion of it reading!
My Books during the Read-a-Thon:
Raising A Daughter After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George – 102pp
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman – 99pp
Leaving a Trace by Alexandra Johnson – 152pp
SongsonSundays/This I Believe – Hillsong
This I Believe (The Creed) [Official Lyric Video]…: http://youtu.be/nNiYUPsHgls
Participating in Faith Hope and Cherry Tea #songsonsundays today. Been listening to this one on repeat since I posted it a few days ago for #projectblessed on Instagram.
This I Believe
VERSE
Our Father everlasting
The all creating One
God Almighty
Through Your Holy Spirit
Conceiving Christ the Son
Jesus our Saviour
CHORUS
I believe in God our Father
I believe in Christ the Son
I believe in the Holy Spirit
Our God is three in one
I believe in the resurrection
That we will rise again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
VERSE
Our Judge and our Defender
Suffered and crucified
Forgiveness is in You
Descended into darkness
You rose in glorious life
Forever seated high
BRIDGE
I believe in You
I believe You rose again
I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord
CHORUS
I believe in life eternal
I believe in the virgin birth
I believe in the saints’ communion
And in Your holy Church
I believe in the resurrection
When Jesus comes again
For I believe in the Name of Jesus
ThatBlondeCoffeeGirl 