ocean reads

So today's the day and here I am waiting at the library for my sister to get off work and then we're headed south towards the ocean. As I'm waiting I thought I'd share some of the books I'm lugging along for the way. Also sharing their first sentences as a sneak peek of what's to come. Excitement ^-^ Here we go..

The Help • "Mae Mobley was born on a early Sunday morning in August, 1960. A church baby we like to call it." 

I can't even tell you how many rave reviews I've heard of this book. For a while I wasn't allowed to read it but already had a copy patiently awaiting it's turn on my shelves. It was painful but now it's time has finally come, to be opened and read and felt and filled with memories of tears and laughter and all my heart achings. I can't wait.

The Sun Also Rises • "You are all a lost generation." - Gertrude Stein

"One generation passeth away and another generation cometh; but the earth abide the forever... The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and haste the to the place where he arose... The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.... All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again." - Ecclesiastes 

And finally the first words of Hemingway himself, "Robert Cohn was once middleweight boxing champion of Princeton." 

Those first two quotes are actually on the page before Chapter 1 but Hemingway chose them for a reason so I felt the need to list them. This is an interesting choice for me. I mostly chose it because I've been wanting for some of his writing recently. Absolutely no idea what it's about but I love the title. So I'll let you know how it goes ^-^

The Grapes of Wrath • "To the red country and part of the gray country of Olkahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth."

As some of you may know from my recent "summer to do list" post, I've just started this one rather recently. I'm only four chapters in in fact. It's pretty slow moving [slow moving as in there was an entire chapter dedicated to the efforts of a turtle trying to cross the road], but I'm intrigued. I want to know more about who this character is [not the turtle] and what his heart is made of. My interest was piqued when my lit teacher [see previous post] mentioned it and my sister started it and loved it. I also read The Pearl by Steinbeck a year or two ago and was floored by his writing style. We'll see how it goes anyway.

Well guys. I actually feel kind of close to crying because I typed out this whole post and it took me almost an hour and then I tried to define a word and it left the app and literally deleted the entire thing. After I had written it all out. On my iPod. *groans* I feel like I have a headache from being in this thing for so long. So this post is very hard won. I realize the the formatting and font may be slightly off as well since I'm not able to adjust it on my iPod but I'll be sure to fix it when I come home Saturday. Hope you guys enjoy it though and happy almost weekend to all of you ^-^

out of print

MY SHIRT FROM OUT OF PRINT CAME IN THE MAIL TODAY AHHHHH.

So, I'm assuming most of you don't know what Out of Print is. I actually can't remember how I stumbled upon it, but I've been wanting to buy something from there for a long time and FINALLY they had a great sale and I had some money and here we are. The great reveal:

Isn't it just beautiful??? They have lots of shirts like this [for example: Gone With the Wind, The Great Gatsby, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Pride & Prejudice, Call of the Wild, Fahrenheit 451, and lots more including children's books]! Here's what is written on the back of that card in the picture^...

What We Do:

We scour library stacks and dusty bookstores to find the classics and curiosities that end up on our products. Everything we make is printed and treated to feel like your favorite book (that one that you have read eleven times).

Our Mission:

Help us to share the gift of reading. Each Out of Print purchase makes possible the donation of one cook to a community in need through our partner Books for Africa.

Is that not the greatest thing you've heard all week? So, if you're interested now [and I know you are], then go visit www.outofprintclothing.com. Just do it. I decided to go for the men's t-shirt and I've decided that it's one of the best decisions of my life so far. They really meant what they said, because it actually feels like that one book that I've read eleven times. 

SEE HOW IT MATCHES THE COVER OF MY COPY? SEE?! AHH. Fangirlinf over my own tshirt.

Have any of you read The Old Man and the Sea? What did you guys think about it? Clearly, I loved it, but I want to know what you guys think. Also, I read it in my literature class with literally the best literature teacher on the face of the planet. She is my favorite. So that's part of what helped me learn to understand and appreciate it. And if you have read it or any of his other books, what do you guys think about Hemingway? I just love hearing different opinions about this stuff.

Anyway life update: my sister and I decided just yesterday that we're going to the beach tomorrow. Yay for spontaneity. The problem is that I just finished a book and I'm looking for a nice beachy read for the drive down and on the beach and on the drive back and basically the whole trip. So, please throw out some ideas for me [I'm not too picky]!!!! I'll be at the library before we leave, so I should be able to get my hands on whatever book you propose [not to mention my expansive book collection]. THANK YOU GUYS!!

summer to do list

Today was a summer-y day. We went to the pool. We played outside. We ate homemade ice cream. And we watched home videos. So, now that I'm all inspired, here's a summer to-do list.

• eat popsicles outside with friends
• sketch on a quilt in the grass
• build a blanket fort
• wear ball caps
• do finger paint
• read thousands of books about anything and everything in this huge tiny massive sprawling universe
• wear bright lipstick
• cook full meals lots
• chop my hair off
• do a handstand
• go exploring down the river
• jump on some hay bales
• drink iced green tea (or just about any tea)
• pick some wildflowers
• let the sun highlight my hair
• play kickball
• eat popcorn and watch disney movies
• exercise 3 days a week
• wake up early
• bake bread from scratch
• swap favorite books with a friend
• donate old clothes
• ride to handy andy's in the back of the truck
• hang fairy lights in my room
• do some yoga / stretch daily
• acquire a succulent
• have a water balloon fight
• hand write notes to people i love
• find more good music and listen to it close
• write lots and lots and lots
• grow / learn / love more deeply

"and at the end of the day, your feet should be dirty,
your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling"

Today is also memorial day, and I wouldn't have any of these things if it weren't for those who cared, really, deeply cared, enough to sacrifice their lives fro the freedom and incredible privilege of mine. So this post is also a thank you for a debt I could never repay and a sacrifice I could never forget.

for the broken ones

this is a post for the broken ones.

for the ones who feel like they've lost hope.

who feel like they're at the end of their line.

who are asking God, "why?"

who feel angry and frustrated and confused and stressed and like they can't do it anymore.

this is a post about the One who can.

the One who saves.

the One who gives lasting hope.

this is a post about the one who heals,

the One who cares,

and the One who sees at your absolute worst, yet refuses to stop loving you over and over again.

the One who gave his precious life for you.

and this is a post of the words he gave to you.

Psalm 56:3-4

Romans 8:17-18

Isaiah 41:10, 13

Hebrews 2:18

Psalm 55:22

John 14:14

1 Peter 5:7-10

Psalm 9:9-10

John 16:22, 33

Lamentations 3:31-32

Isaiah 43:1-4a

John 17:9
Hebrews 4:15-16 

Mark 13:31

now do me a favor and go listen to oceans and talk to God. 
let his peace and love and grace wash over you and let your heart be overcome.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw

FRIDAY

So I thought I'd do a rundown of my day yesterday, because I actually took pictures.

I woke up early to a sunny morning waiting outside my windows. Double chocolate muffins for breakfast and then on to devotions in my comfy chair (as always), wearing my new and incredibly comfortable shirt from Target and leggings. Since I'm mostly out of school, all I had was math, which I did on my bed while drinking hot green tea out of a Disney mug. It was so good.

I finally finished math and got ready to go on a shopping trip with mom and my 5 year old sister. Julia and I both went into our separate dressing rooms and she tried on some of the croptops from the Women's section and felt like the most grown up lady in the universe. It was adorable. And I actually bought some shorts!!! Such happiness. On the way home, I also finished The Giver. It was really, really unique. I'm trying not to get into the details and everything, so I'll just say that I liked it. That's why I have this picture with my bookshelves in the background, too. Heh. Does anyone having any suggestions about what I should read next??? I'd love to get some suggestions from some fellow writers. ^-^

So, we got home from running our errands and had some friends over for dinner. We had grilled chicken salad out on the picnic tables with a mason jar full of flowers in the middle. The weather was perfect and the sun was shining golden on the tops of the trees. It was wonderful.Then we all jumped on the trampoline like the children that we are (ages 5-18), and surprisingly didn't break any limbs or maintain any (serious) injuries.

After these shenanigans, we decided to go on a walk down our road while the rest of them attempted to get a fire started. Here's a picture that my friend and photographer took (on my ipod. hehe). In the picture below, you can barely see the outline of her and Julia as they start down our road (just so you didn't think there were some kind of mysterious phantoms appearing in my photos). In the picture above, that's what it looks like as soon as you turn left out of our driveway. I think it's pretty awesome.

It was dusk, but was a lot lighter than appears in the pictures. Anyway, we returned to the fire, which was clearly struggling, but perfect for s'mores. So we got our marshmallows golden brown over the embers and layered with some Hershey's chocolate and graham crackers. It was all melty and delicious and kind of heartwarming. Oh no am I getting sentimental over here? Sorry guys.

So then we just relaxed outside (aka choked on the smoke and ash in our faces half the time). Fairy lights were strung in the trees and around the porch. The sky was clear, dark blue as stars began peeking out, and we were all barefoot around the fire, the crickets making all the noise we needed.

And then came the sleepover part of the evening. This part mainly consisted of NETFLIX. And by mainly I mean entirely. Except for like the eating part. We watched five episodes of Once Upon A Time while cuddling on my bed and eating chocolate muffins, in between crying sessions over Hook and Emma and Neal and how we don't want anyone to die and how Regina is kind of fabulous, And Henry and Pan and Tink and FAMILY TREES WHATS GOING ON. I hadn't watched Once Upon A Time in months and months. Summer break is just marvelous.

So yeah. *Deep Breath* (you guys know that's a Doctor Who episode, right? aldkfjdl) I'm letting my fangirl get a little tiny bit out of the bag. Oops. I still haven't talked about seeing Age of Ultron. Also, the Scorch Trials trailer came out. DO YOU KNOW HOW LONG I'VE BEEN WAITING.

So that was my Friday. And now I'm wasting my Saturday morning writing about it. This is fun though. But now it's time to get my life together and take a shower and clean and go to a graduation party. Then- Sunday. And church. And a nap. Praise Jesus.

questions no one ever asks | pt2

51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? I can't even remember.

52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? Maybe a little. But I love them.

53. Is Christmas stressful? To me, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but it definitely has the potential to be consumed by stress. I think it just has a lot to do with your mentality and attitude throughout.

54. Ever eat a pierogi? ... I don't even know what that is.

55. Favorite type of fruit pie? Apple or maybe blackberry.

56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? A vet, artist, trapeze artist(?!?!?), author, and nature photographer (primarily based in Africa cause I just wanted to get to hang out with some lions). Also- someone who molds little animals with clay. Not quite sure how to describe that occupation. Most importantly- Olympic gymnast.

57. Do you believe in ghosts? No. *glances over shoulder

58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? All. The. Time. It can be slightly unnerving.

59. Do you take a vitamin daily? No.

60. Do you wear slippers? No.

61. Do you wear a bath robe? Always.
62. What do you wear to bed? Tshirt or tank top- no pants.

63. What was your first concert? Some sort of gospel concert something.. I don't even

64. Walmart, Target, or Kmart? Target all the way.

65. Nike or Adidas? Nike.

66. Cheetos or Fritos? Cheetos. Ew- Fritos can just go home.

67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Sunflower seeds.

68. Ever hear of the group Tres Bien? Well I have now.

69. Ever take dance lessons? I took ballet and tap when I was younger.

70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? Not particularly.

71. Can you curl your tongue? No.

72. Ever won a spelling bee? Yes.

73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Yes. :')

74. Own any record albums? No.

75. Own a record player? I wish I was that cool.

76. Do you regularly burn incense? Uh no

77. Ever been in love? Nope.

78. Who would you like to see in concert? Lecrae for one.

79. What was the last concert you saw? Idk

80. Hot tea or cold tea? Definitely depends on my mood. I love both.

81. Tea or coffee? Tea.

82. Sugar cookies or snickerdoodles? Snickerdoodles.

83. Can you swim well? Despite intense training from my twisted swim teacher mrs Sandy who nearly drowned me every practice when I was like seven, no.

84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? Yes.

85. Are you patient? I am very patient to a certain point. Not a good point to get past.

86. DJ or band at a wedding? Hypothetically, a band sounds nice, but I think I'd go with a DJ.

87. Ever won a contest? On a small scale.

88. Have you ever had plastic surgery? lol no

89. Which are better: black or green olives? Neither.

90. Can you knit or crochet? I used to be able to crochet. 

91. Best room for a fireplace? Living room. So cozy.

92. Do you want to get married? Yes.

93. If married, how long have you been married? ...

94. Who was your high school crush? ...

95. Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way? No.

96. Do you have kids? No.

97. Do you want kids? Yes.

98. What is your favorite color? Currently gray.

99. Do you miss anyone right now? Yes.

http://4hatsandfrugal.com/2014/05/100-questions-no-one-ever-asks.html

tv & peppermint tea

Sorry everyone. I don't really have anything to say. But I'm really excited. I'm watching Agents of SHIELD and drinking peppermint tea and eating cool ranch Doritos in my robe alone at night in a quiet house. Yes. I mean actually quiet. I know- I didn't know it was actually a thing either (till tonight). I should be studying for a semester biology exam but I'm giving myself an out by copying my notes in colored pens while I absorb zero information and instead focus on the episode. 

But that's okay. Because this is the first time I've watched an episode of a TV series in I have no idea how long and tomorrow is the first day of summer break. I'm happy.

And k. That's all I've got. Bye.

questions no one ever asks | pt1

1. Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? Closed. Always closed. I actually have a curtain to my closet. But whenever I got to bed I make sure it is fully covering the doorway.
2. Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotels? It depends on how much is left in the containers. If they're full then, yes. If half full or less, then, no.
3. Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? Tucked in. Much more secure.
4. Have you stolen a street sign before? No.
5. Do you like to use post-it notes? Meh. I prefer more room to write out longer lists/reminders on.
6. Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? If I ever tried couponing, then this is what would probably happen.
7. Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of bees? Probably a swarm of bees, especially if there was a body of water nearby. Not exactly sure how I could escape from a bear attack in any realistic way.
8. Do you have freckles? No. I've wished I did before though.
9. Do you always smile for pictures? Yup. Excluding the occasional selfies or snapchats that are meant to be hideous. 
10. What is your biggest pet peeve? Unfortunately, I have so many I'm not sure I could pick a "biggest" pet peeve. For one I can't stand having the blinds closed during the day. It just makes me feel gross. Also, the sound of people chewing their food. *shudders* And stepping in a puddle of water with socks on. Or like when one of those stray pieces of ice melts on the kitchen floor? Worst thing ever.

11. Do you ever count your steps when you walk? Nah.
12. Have you peed in the woods? Um.. yes.
13. Have you ever pooped in the woods? ....... yes. We were on a hike and in the middle of nowhere and so I had to. The shame.
14. Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing? Not really. Music calls out my inner dancer that I prefer not to show otherwise. It can be embarrassing.

15. Do you chew your pens and pencils? No. I used to though. The whole pen-chewing thing came to and end after my sister got ink all in her mouth in the middle of church after sucking on the top of a pen. Yeah, not happening again.
16. How many people have you slept with this week? Um. One- myself.
17. What size is your bed? Full size. Bless it.
18. What is your song of the week? That's hard. I think I'm putting a bit too much thought into this. Seeing as my older sister graduated this weekend, pomp and ceremony seems most fitting. Our entire weekend has been consumed with graduation prep.
19. Is it OK for guys to wear pink? Ugh, no. Just don't please.
20. Do you still watch cartoons? Just in passing through the room. You know- younger siblings. They're on constantly.

21. What is your least favorite movie? Psh. No idea. Sorry.
22. Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? I've always said (or at least thought. I may or may not have been too embarrassed to actually voice my thoughts) that there was treasure buried in the field right near our house. So, I guess I'd have to bury it there.
23. What do you drink with dinner? Usually water. Occasionally milk.
24. What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Oh my. Favorite question ever. Usually Ranch sauce. So good. Chickfila sauce if I'm feeling particularly indulgent.
25. What is your favorite food? Bagels. Pizza. Anything healthy as you can see from the foods listed.

26. What movies could you watch over and over again and still love? Eh-hem. Lord of the Rings. Just gonna leave that there.

27. Last person you kissed/kissed you? *nervous laughter* May or may not be forever alone.

28. Were you ever a boy/girl scout? Psh. No. I did my own outdoor training in my own outdoors and on my own. It's a bit of a trial-and-error process, but guess what? I'm still alive. And I buy my own girl scout cookies. Those have also helped keep me alive.

29. Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine? Is this even a question

30. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? Actually in the past month. 

31. Can you change the oil on a car? No.

32. Ever gotten a speeding ticket? No.

33. Ever ran out of gas? And no.

34. What’s your favorite kind of sandwich? That's hard. I like turkey and stuff so. Like any good sub with turkey cheese lettuce cucumbers (is that a thing? it's a thing at our house anyway) mayonnaise, etc.

35. Best thing to eat for breakfast? Bagels. Muffins. Waffles.

36. What is your usual bedtime? Probably about 11:30. It's consistently sporadic.

37. Are you lazy? I like to think not, but I do have my times.

38. When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? Um. A dog, a soccer player, a ladybug (i have no idea), and an Indian. I can't remember what else. We weren't huge Halloween people.

39. What is your Chinese astrological sign? A rabbit.

40. How many languages can you speak? Two- American and English. (I tried okay?)

41. Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Not at this point, but I would like to in the future.

42. Which are better: legos or lincoln logs? LEGOS. Although we did construct some masterpiece villages and colonies out of lincoln logs. 
43. Are you stubborn? Not really.

44. Who is better: Leno or Letterman? Letterman.

45. Ever watch soap operas? One while waiting to enter an ice skating rink. hahahah.

46. Are you afraid of heights? Yes.

47. Do you sing in the car? What else are you even supposed to do in the car?

48. Do you sing in the shower? Rarely. I like to utilize that time for more important things like contemplating the many hidden mysteries of the universe and figuring out what I'm gonna wear when I get out.

49. Do you dance in the car? If you can call it dancing, then yes.

50. Ever used a gun? Sadly, no.

http://4hatsandfrugal.com/2014/05/100-questions-no-one-ever-asks.html