Twenty Thirteen in Review // Happy New Year

This is it folks, the last day of 2013.  As I alluded to in a previous post, it's been both the most wonderful year and also one of the hardest in my life.  I decided to do the New Years tag that Ally has done for the past few years.  So, here we go...2013 in review.

: :

What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?

Went to my first contra dance, and learned to drive the tractor and the stick shift truck!

Did you keep your New Years’ resolutions, and will you make one this year?

I prefer to call them goals, and I did have several...mainly learning to operate the tractor and driving the stick shift truck.  Check those off the list!

Did anyone close to you give birth?

My friend Lauren did.  A beautiful baby boy!

Did anyone close to you die?

Not that I can think of.

What countries/states did you visit?

Aside from Washington state, which is right next door, nope. Hoping to visit my grandma in CA soon, though!

What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?

A job.

What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory?

Tuesday, October 1st.  Can't give specifics, but I will always remember that date.

Did you move anywhere?

Nope.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Singing in the church Christmas choir!

What was your biggest failure?

Um...nothing is standing out.

Did you suffer illness or injury?

Nope, praise the Lord.

What was the best thing you bought?

Jack, my Nikon D3100 camera!

Whose behavior merited celebration?

I don't know...

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

Not going to name names, but there was at least one that comes to mind.

Where did most of your money go?

Buying hay for my sheep, Christmas presents, and clothes.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?

The contra dance at our house and the Newport Bluegrass Festival...oh, and the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who!

What was the best concert you’ve been to this year?

I've only been to one, the Spokane Jazz Orchestra Christmas concert.  So, so good!

What song/album will always remind you of 2013?

Life's a Happy Song from The Muppets, Where I Belong by Building429, and Red by Taylor Swift.

Compared to this time last year, are you:

1. happier or sadder?  I'm not sure.

2. thinner or fatter? Not noticeable either way.

3. richer or poorer? Richer...although certainly not wealthy. ;)

What do you wish you’d done more of?

Traveling.  Day trips.

What do you wish you’d done less of?

Worrying.

What was your greatest musical discovery?

Les Miz!

How did you spend Christmas?

With my family.

How are you spending New Year’s?

We usually stay home, but I think we're going to a swing dance this year!

Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?

My Aunt Liz.  We talk several times a week.

What was the best book you read?

To Kill a Mockingbird.  Fantastic, amazing read!

Did you fall in love in 2013?

Wouldn't you like to know? *grin*

What was your favorite TV show?

Psych, Duck Dynasty, Road to Avonlea, and Downton Abbey.

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

No.

What did you want and get?

A goat, a new kitten, and a really nice camera!

What did you want and not get?

No complaints here...although a new laptop would be greatly appreciated.  Also, some ducks.  But I'll be getting those this coming spring.  Can't wait!

What were your favourite films of this year?

How to Steal a Million

The Decoy Bride

Leap Year

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Nanny Diaries

Bride Wars

Thoroughly Modern Millie

Kate & Leopold

The King's Speech

Just Like Heaven

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Iron Man 3

Star Trek: Into Darkness

Man of Steel 

And I'm probably forgetting quite a few.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

What did I do on my birthday??  I know I turned 24... lol!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?

Vintage, ruffles, thrift store finds.

What kept you sane?

Star Wars.  My favorite escape.  And more seriously, my heavenly Father who knows my every struggle and loves me unconditionally.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

This adorable and handsome gentleman, Tom Hiddleston...

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Well, if what happened on October 1st hadn't happened, that would have made my year completely fantastic, that's for sure!

What political issue stirred you the most?

The imprisonment of Pastor Saeed Abedini.

Who did you miss?

Many people...one more than the others.

Who was the best new person you met?

Winnie and the Delallo sisters!

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.

To let go of my own desires and will, and let God work in my life.

And, to be kind to everyone.  You never know when a smile is hiding a broken heart.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.

In Christ alone, my hope is found.

He is my light, my strength, my song.

Five personally significant events of 2013:

Lambing season, Sandpoint contra dances, the contra dance at our house, the Newport Bluegress Festival, and VBS at church.

Five things I want to do in 2014:

Get a job, continue to build my sheep business, dance more, travel more, and live more.

Five people I’d like to know better in 2014:

Gosh, I don't know!  I'd like to know all of my friends better and meet more of my bloggy friends.

: :

And there it is, my year in review.  

I am looking forward to discovering what 2014 holds for me and those I love.  It's going to be a great year...

Have a Happy and Blessed New Year, everyone!!

What was your year like?  Happy?  Sad?  I want to know!

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}

.....

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

Happy Trails!

Christmas Miscellany & 2013

Happy New Year,everyone!

Um, wow.  I feel like I haven't been on here in ages.  Internet connection problems are to blame for my absence.   But now that my daddy has chopped down a few trees which had grown taller and were in the path of the signal, and the "internet guy" came out and fiddled with the dish, I think we've got this problem licked.

Anyway, moving on...

I had a marvelous Christmas. It was just me and my family this year, and we spent the day lounging around in our PJs and watching Ever After, The Princess Bride and It's a Wonderful Life.  Pretty much the perfect day...especially since I didn't have to get ready for company. Hehe. 

And, my completely awesome bro gave me a Captain America t-shirt! I wore it all day. And I'll definitely be doing some outfit posts in the future. :)

Umm, yes...this is me on Christmas Eve.  I was feeling a bit punchy by this point.  Christmas excitement and all that.   And no, I'm not sorry. ;)

 The most fun was the day after Christmas, though.  I finally, finally saw The Hobbit!!!  And that marvelous film and most excellent day deserve their own post.  But I will say this - I really, really enjoyed it!

It wouldn't be right to let the New Year come without taking a look at all that happened this past year...

: : January : :
lots of shop updates and movie reviews...
I haven't done nearly enough of the later in recent months.

: : February : :
the Literary Heroine Blog Party, the Jane Austen Literary Blog Party, quite a literary month!

: : March : :
the Going Through the Eras Blog Event, the Silver Screen Blog Party - lots of film and vintage love!
also my birth month, lambing season, and the month I discovered and reviewed BBC's Robin Hood, which continues to be my most popular post.

: : April : :
spring, lots of walks, more sheep pictures, and fun with friends
most importantly, the month I discovered Doctor Who!  my first ever DW post, which is my second most popular post.  if I'd known how attached I'd get to that show, the many tears I'd shed, the many laughs I'd have...I can't imagine life without DW now.  there is no going back.

: : May : :
farm projects, hikes, trail rides, sheep shearing, wool washing, desktop wallpapers
and our first every Spring Tea Party at Rebekah's house!

: : June : :
gardening, The Avengers, epic photoshoots, fun with friends, oodles of DW desktop wallpapers. I asked you why you read my blog, shared my Sherlock obsession, and we started attending Grace Bible Church.

: : July : :
Independence Day, cherry picking, more DW wallpapers, Sherlock wallpapers, life on the farm.

: : August : :
huckleberry picking, an epic Doctor Who sleepover in the orchard, Pickin' on the Prairie.

: : September : :
canoeing & badminton with some of my bloggy friends, Lauren's wedding, the North Idaho Fair.

: : October : :
 my first vlog, the Doctor Who Blog Party.

: : November : :
Thanksgiving, my 1st big shop sale, Merlin.

: : December : :
shop updates, game nights, Christmas.

Looking back like this, I can't believe it all went by so quickly.  What an absolutely brilliant year it was!  I know the best part of the year was finding a church to go to.  Grace Bible Church was and is exactly what we needed and I thank the Lord for leading us there.   2012 was quite possibly the happiest and best year of my life and I'm sorry to see it go.

Good-bye 2012.  You were fantastic.

Hello 2013!  I am certainly looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for me and those I love in this new year.  I know it's going to be an awesome one. :)

I hope and pray that all of you, my dear readers, will have a wonderful year full of the Lord's blessings.
For myself, I pray that I would glorify God in all that I do and say, including every word I type on this blog.

Happy Trails, everyone!

p.s.
Check out Kellie's wonderful Twenty Twelve| in review film that she put together!