It's awesome.

It's awesome...when you get a $25 off coupon code from eShakti just for being a new customer.  Found an adorable dress in the overstock section (40% off).  Got it for $15.90.  Ooooh yeah!

It's awesome...playing the clothespin game at a friend's house warming party.  You know, the one where everyone starts out with one clothespin, and if you see someone cross their arms or legs you get to take their clothespin...or visa versa.  So simple, but so much fun.

It's awesome...when you realize you have more time left on your free Netflix trial than you thought you had.  I am so going to get through all of Star Trek: Voyager!! =D

It's awesome...when the moonlight is so bright you can see your shadow on the snow.

It's awesome...knowing that Spring will be here before too long.  Love the snow...but I am ready for Spring.

It's awesome...playing Mafia at our last game night.  Too much fun!  Picture post coming soon...like Aslan, I call all time "soon". ;)

It's awesome...listening to my family watch Sky King in the other room.  I love old TV shows, but this one wins hands down as lamest show ever.  The plots center around an airplane pilot/cowboy (I know, really?!) with the unlikely name of Sky King.  Sky is his first name, and King is his last.  Sky King.  I only wish I were kidding you.  Sky has a super annoying niece named Penny who is always getting kidnapped or something equally dumb.  Not to mention, the actress playing Penny can't act to save her life.  But, my dad is an airplane and helicopter pilot, so he loves it in spite of, or perhaps because of, it's corniness.  I prefer to listen from the other room, doubled over in silent laughter.

It's awesome...when your friend has a grey cat named Gandalf.  Get it?  Gandalf the Grey?  Awesomeness.

It's awesome...realizing that in 18 days, I will be 24.  Where have the years gone?  In all honesty, I still feel like I'm 18.  Hard to believe that that was 6 years ago...wow.  Now I feel old.

It's awesome...being asked to sing at our church's music night next month.  Surprisingly, I'm actually looking forward to it, although I'll admit that my first thought was, "Why would anyone be so mean, asking me to get up in front of everyone and sing?!"  But my bro really wants to do it, and his enthusiasm is rubbing off on me.  We're going to sing "Glorious Day".  And it will be fun, and I will control my nerves.  After all, it's really not about me, it's about glorifying God and blessing those around me.  Yeah, try and tell that to my nerves!

It's awesome...discovering this website.  Just think of a fictional character and answer Akinator's questions honestly. I seriously spent hours this evening trying to stump him.  His knowledge of Dicken's characters and Henty heroes is lacking. ;)

Have a lovely weekend, y'all!

the Literary Heroine Blog Party | The Questions

: : The Questions : :

1| Introduce yourself! Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!  This year, I'm going with the "something completely random" option...When I was a child I called my big toe my "thumb toe".  It actually makes sense when you think about it.  At least, it does to me...;)

2| What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine?

Okay, I'm determined not to go back to last year's post and copy any of my answers.  I. am. not.

A true heroine strives to honor and glorify God by her every word and action.  She's is dedicated to seeking God's will in her life and serving Him all her days, in whatever situation she may find herself in, whether single or married.  She is strong (not necessarily physically, but mentally and spiritually), able to defend and take care of herself, yet she understands and cherishes her role as man's helper.  She is kind, gentle, feminine, but not afraid to get dirty.  All of that said, she is also human.  She isn't perfect, and because of that we can understand and relate to her.  She is real.  She has flaws and failings to overcome.   A sinner redeemed by Christ's shed blood.  Sometimes she falls, but is always moving forward, becoming more like Him with every step she takes.

3| Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.

Jo March | I've always admired Jo for being herself.  And we both have such trouble controlling our tempers and our words.  I can't remember how many times I've read Little Women, but I never get tired of it.  Marmee's words to Jo never fail to encourage me.

Margaret Hale | She's not perfect, but she cares so much for those around her.  Quick to stand up against injustices, quick to speak her mind.  And more than anything else about her, I know what it's like to care for your mother.  Day after day, it's not always easy.

Amy Dorrit | Everything that a heroine should be - loving, gentle, feminine, forgiving, selfless.  Amy encourages me to put my own wants and desires aside in favor of serving others.

Molly Gibson | So kind and gentle, but not afraid to tell you what is what!  But she always does it with such graciousness...well, most of the time. ;)  Little Molly Gibson...if it had been me rather than you, I would have strangled Cynthia, and then told Roger to go take a long walk off a short pier.  I admire her most for her selflessness and her relationship with her father.

4| Five of your favorite historical novels? 

The Scottish Chiefs, The Scarlet Pimpernel (the entire series, but especially El Dorado.  Sooo good.), Little Women, An Old-Fashioned Girl, and The Last Trail.

5| Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why?

Last year, I no doubt said Sir Percy Blakeney, but this year I'm going to pick a favorite girl main character...and I have to choose Jo March.  Although I'm definitely not a tomboy or a writer of stories, I've always related to Jo.  Like I already said, we both have a hard time keeping our tempers in check. *sheepish grin*  But we keep trying to improve ourselves, no matter how many times we fall flat on our faces.

6| Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?

Oh dear...okay, I'm going to go with Sir Andrew Ffoulkes.  An all-around good chap, steady and dependable.

7| If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?

Bonnie Scotland, of course!  What would I do there?!  Just...everything.  Okay, okay...visit all of the historical landmarks and museums (I LOVE reading plaques), buy something from Ness, send my extended family and friends postcards, just soak in the beauty and take lots of pictures! *bliss*

8| What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?

The early American frontier (1600s and 1700s).  Think James Fenimore Cooper and Zane Grey.

9| You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?

Probably singing, maybe with my bro's Bluegrass band.  That would be fun!  Maybe...I'm not really into getting up and performing in front of an audience...you'd probably have to drag me up there, in all honesty. ;)

10| If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent?

Lady Helen Mar from The Scottish Chiefs, or maybe Amy Dorrit.

11| What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?

With mint or caramel, please.

12| Favorite author(s)?

G.A. Henty, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis, Zane Grey, James Fenimore Cooper, Beverly Lewis, Baroness Orczy, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle...shall I continue?

13| Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?

A camera counts as an essential, right?  So does a good friend, at least in my book.  So...well, as cheesy as it may seem, I've always loved the idea of bringing along a stuffed animal of some sort and posing him/her and taking pictures.  Because those picture would be fun to look at later. :)

14| In which century were most of the books you read written?

19th and 20th

15| In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is…

Um, duh...Sir Percy Blakeney aka The Scarlet Pimpernel!  Although, in all honesty, Aragorn from LOTR is very high on my list of literary heroes.  Just sayin'...but no one will ever surpass Sir Percy.  The end.

16| Describe your ideal dwelling place.

A simple, modest house, small-ish and cozy, nothing fancy.  A good sized garden, big barn for my animals, plenty of pasture space...and I'm still hoping for a covered walkway from the house to the barn. *please please please* ;)

17| Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence.

Feminine and vintage-y, but practical.

18| Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name?

Not that I can think of right now...although all of those French and Russian names in War and Peace get rather confusing at times.

19| In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...

I think I said George Wickham last year, and I'm going to stick with that.  Especially if you watch the LBD!  Oh my word!  What a creep!
Edit: Why do I always forget Rigaud from Little Dorrit?!  He's got to be the creepiest, scariest, most detestable villian EVER!  Just sayin'.

20| Three favorite Non-fiction books?

Aside from the Bible (because that really goes without saying...um, which is why I even mentioned it...:), Adam's Synchronological Chart of History (If you've never seen this, you are totally missing out!  It's a HUGE fold-out timeline starting with Creation.  So awesome!  I could look at it for hours...), Back to Basics, and Webster's 1828 Dictionary.

21| Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?

With friends.  Playing badminton, or sitting by the lake talking.  Or by myself, taking a walk with my dog or trail riding.

22| Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.

Kellie, this question always throws me.  You're mean.  But I love you anyway. ;)  Something vintage, from the 40s, nothing too fancy, just a sweet little thing perched on my head.  Although I would LOVE to find a hat like the one worn by Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca!  LOVE that hat!!  And yes, I would totally wear it.

23| Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year.

Finding our church family, among other things.

24| Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

Psalm 91

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

{emphasis mine}

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Make sure to hop over to Kellie's and check out the other ladies answers!  And the fabulous giveaway!!

Happy Trails!

gently falling snow...

...covers the ground as I walk down our driveway.

the Bonnie dog thinks freshly fallen snow tastes good...

...she's right.

it's also fun to run in!

this is her "no eye" side - doesn't look so bad, especially once the hair grows back.

my extremely dirty {and somewhat fat} Prince Charming...

he may be dirty, but Bob is always charming...

and no, that's not blood on his face - it's just dirt and melting snow. :)

soft eyes, velvety nose...

through the orchard...

the branches are bare, but there's a promise of spring...

...the grass is always green under the snow...

and back to the house...

.....

 I hope you all had a blessed Sunday!  I certainly did.  We're going through 1 Corinthians 13 at church.  So much to think about and ponder...and extremely convicting at times.  Okay, most of the time.  Ouch.

And I do apologize for not coming through with that Saturday Matinee post I promised.  I'm not a perfect blogger, and I do not have all of my posts for the week written and scheduled ahead of time.  I usually type them up at the last minute...why does that just sound like my life in general?  There was so much fun crammed into this weekend that the last minute came and went without me even noticing.  Anyway, yes, there will be one this Saturday.  Not promising, but chances are good. ;)

Happy Trails!

Miscellany

Due to my life being incredibly full and busy right now, I didn't really watch anything besides Season 5 of Star Trek: Voyager (which I am LOVING!) last week, thus there was really nothing to share for Saturday Matinee.  There should be one this week though, so keep your eyes open!

Last week the Bonnie dog had to have eye surgery.  She is now the Nick Furry...er, Fury, of the dog world.

Yep, she's just got one eye now.  But she's cool with it, and so am I...sorta.  I'll admit that I was extremely upset when I realized her eye was not getting any better, and that the only option was to have it removed.  Extremely upset is really a bit of an understatement, to be completely honest.  My poor, patient brother can confirm that the day of the surgery I closeted myself in my room all day, and when Bonnie came home I spent the evening {trying} not to freak out.  Yeah...that didn't work so well, the trying not to freak out part...especially when there was a bit of blood seepage, which was completely normal, but it scared me just the same.  And sorry if that was TMI.  But we got through that, and I'm happy to say that Bonnie is doing very well.  And it really does not seem to bother her having just one eye.  The "cone of shame", now that's a different story. ;)

On February 13th, my baby brother turned 21.

Ouch.  That wasn't supposed to happen!  Happy Birthday, Alex!

And then three days later, my bestie also turned 21.

Happy Birthday, Kellie!

We met up with Kellie and Aubrey in Sandpoint and proceeded to have a simply splendid afternoon.  It included delicious food, "wicked" snacks, and watching The Princess Bride.  Friends, films, food - a more delightful way to spend an afternoon could not be found. 

Our "naughty" snack table...and Aubrey's foot. ;)

Here's a short film my brother just completed.  I think it's pretty awesome...

And the accent he used?  Totally awesome!  If for no other reason, like it for the accent...or the supremely cool score he wrote and recorded!  My brother...well, he's the best. ;)

Make sure to check out the HUGE giveaway going on at Accordion to Kellie during the Literary Heroine Blog Party!  It is without a doubt the giveaway and event of the year.  Just sayin'...

I'm totally looking forward to Bramblewood Fashion's... 

Judging from how life has been lately, I don't know if I'll have time to participate, but whether I do or not it's going to be a fun blog fashion event! And I think that's enough randomness for one day.  Have a lovely week, y'all!
p.s. I just finished responding to all of the comments from this past month.  If you asked me a question, it's been answered now. :)

New in the Shop | iPad Covers

Introducing the Granny Square iPad Cover!!

: : grey and purple : :

: :

: :  grey, mint green, and blue : :

: :

: : mint green, pink, and cream : :

: :

Question: I'm looking for new crochet items to make and sell in my shop.  Any ideas?

All the Single Ladies Blog Party | Dreams

Meghan asked, "Any idea what your dream wedding is?"
Yes, as a matter of fact, I do have quite few ideas for my dream wedding.  My Pinterest is proof of that. ;) You can click on the link to see my entire wedding board, but here's the general idea in three words...
outdoor, vintage, country

The 50s are my favorite era fashion and style wise.

Love the round bale photo!

Engagement photos strung from twine.

An old barn would be so lovely.

Love this idea of praying together before the wedding without spoiling the wedding dress surprise.

I really love both of these wedding dress styles - simple, yet elegant.  And very 50s.

And yes, my wedding dress will have pockets...;)

Hehe

There will definitely be a dance at the reception.

And there you have it!  My 50s style country wedding. :)

..... Meghan also asked, "What is one thing you cannot wait to do once you're married & in a home of your own?" DECORATE!!!  Seriously, I'm going to have so much fun having a whole house to decorate.  It will be fun combining each of our ideas and styles into one home.   That, and I can't wait to be in complete control of the laundry room.  Odd as it may sound, having someone else messing around in the laundry room drives me up the wall.  I think it's because my laundry "schedule" gets messed up.  Not that I'm a terribly organized person, but there I some areas I am extremely picky about.  So yes, decorating and laundry room control.  Totally looking forward to that! :) ..... Meghan further said, "If you have a hopechest, I'd love to hear about its contents & meaning, as well!"
While I don't have an actual hope chest yet, I do have three somewhat large plastic storage drawers full of things for my future home.  Books I read as a child (plus the ones on my bookshelves), crocheted items (of course;), several dish sets, miscellaneous kitchen items, items which are special to me, stuff like that.  I'm currently collecting mismatched retro/vintage style dishes.  I love the eclectic look.   Something else I have in there, is something a friend put together for me.  It's a beautiful scrapbook photo album, intended to chronicle the first year(s) of marriage.  She put so much effort and thought into it, and it means so much to me.  I'm looking forward to the day when I can begin filling it with pictures and journaling. ..... And that's all I've got for today.  Hope you enjoyed reading my ramblings. :) Have a lovely, blessed Valentines Day!

All the Single Ladies Blog Party | Silly Love Songs

Meghan asked us, "What are some of your favorite "silly love songs" that put you in a sentimental, romantic or dreamy mood? And are there any that you find inspire you for "someday soon" with your one & only?"

I am a hopeless romantic.  I get that from my Grandma Barbara.  You should hear the two of us going on and on and on about Steve McQueen.  She still squeals like a girl watching one of his films.  And you do not want to get her started on Orlando Bloom.  Oh my.  She'll go on forever!  And I love it. :)

So, that said, I love listening to romantic love songs.

And Frankie is the best.  Period. ;)

And my favorite love songs list wouldn't be complete without these...

Just for fun...

Just take a moment and savor the way David says "bees".  No, really...do it.  It's therapeutic.  Love it when his British accent "slips" and you can hear his real Scottish accent seeping through. ;)

And if you want a truly silly love song, this is it...

Well, I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did. :)

.....

Question: Do you enjoy listening to love songs?  Why or why not?  I want to know!

Saturday Matinee | no. 3

.....

Not Rated

High Noon | One hour until noon, one hour to prepare, one hour...and then they're coming for him.  Starring Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, and some of the best character actors in the business.
One of my absolute favorite westerns ever, even though Grace Kelly's character drives me nuts for about half of the film.  I mean, what's wrong with you, woman?! You should be backing your man up 100%!!  Good grief!!!  *end rant*  But she comes around in the end.  So yes, all in all one of my favorite westerns.

......

Not Rated

Harvey | What would you think if a man walked up to you and said, "Hello, I'm Elwood P. Dowd, and this is my friend, Harvey."  Only, there's no one with him.  What would you think?  Ahuh...that's just what everyone else thinks, too.  But stick around for a while, you may be in for a surprise.
Jimmy Stewart.  End of story.  Seriously, one of the funniest, screwiest, and happiest films ever.

.....

TV-PG

Star Trek: Voyager |  Space...the final frontier.  Only this time, we're not on the Enterprise.  We're on the USS Voyager, on a mission to track down a ship of rebel Maquis.  But somehow, we've been pulled far from Federation space to the far side of the galaxy, more that 70,000 light-years from Earth.  And it's going to take us 75 years of traveling through space to get back home.  
Follow Captain Kathryn Janeway, Chakotay, Tuvok, Tom Paris, B'Elanna Torres, Neelix, Kes, the Doctor (not The Doctor;), Harry Kim, Seven-of-Nine, and the rest as they encounter strange sights and civilizations on their long journey home.
This is a 7 season series, each season representing a year...and just how they managed to get home in 7 years rather than 75, you'll have to discover for yourself. ;)  I just finished Season 4, and so far I'm loving this series!  Great characters and interesting plots.  Lots of excitement, aliens, and even some romance.   I'd say the TV-PG rating is fair - there is some of what I would call mature themes throughout, as well as some mild language.
.....

Question: What did you watch this week?  I want to know!

All the Single Ladies Blog Party | Tag

Because this is a grand idea...

{1} White chocolate or milk/dark chocolate? Milk chocolate. Definitely.

{2} Tea or Coffee? Tea.

{3} Movie or book on a night-in? Depends entirely on my mood and if I have a sewing/crochet project to work on. Usually the movie wins out, although I do love to read.

{4} Rom-com or a tear-jerker? Again, depends on my mood. How about a rom-com that is also a tear-jerker? Those are definitely my favorites.  If a movie can make me both laugh out loud and cry, it's a winner.

{5} Who is the first literary couple to come to your mind?  Emma and Mr. Knightley.  Also Mr. Thornton and Margaret from North & South.

{6} Who is the first *movie* couple that comes to your mind? Okay, it doesn't help that I already read Ally's answers to these questions. ;) But in all honesty, the minute I read this question on her blog I thought, "Ten and Rose!" So, yeah...I'll go with that. ;)

I spent way too long trying to find the perfect Ten & Rose pic...finally decided on this one because Idiot's Lantern is one of my very favorite episodes.  Ever.  I mean, the 1950s, people!

{7} Roses or chocolate? Roses. You can dry them and they'll last for {almost} ever. If you've been to my house, you'll know that I love to dry flowers.  And I love chocolate, too.  Because it's yummy. ;)

{8} Fancy dinner in a 4-star restaurant or a simple picnic? Picnic. Love being outdoors.

{9} Dream wedding scenario: outdoor family affair, or a formal church wedding & reception at a 5-star hotel? Definitely an outdoor wedding with family and close friends.

{10} What was the last love song you listened to? I'll Be Seeing You sung by Frank Sinatra.

{11} Favorite real-life/celebrity couple? Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.

{12} One piece of advice about love: To wait for it.  Don't feel like you have to go out and find it.  The Lord will bring your love to you in His perfect timing.  And use your waiting time wisely.

p.s.

all images via my Pinterest