Book Review | Deadly Echoes

Living in the rural town of Sanctuary, MO, Sarah Miller has found peace and contentment in Christ and teaching at the local school.  She's finally begun to put the past to rest, the tragic death of her parents which has haunted all of her life, and is delighted to have reunited with her sister, Hannah, and her niece after so many years.

But when Hannah is murdered, under circumstances so similar to her parents, all of the memories come rushing back.  The police write it off as a burglary gone wrong, as they did with her parents. Coincidence?  Maybe...but when Sarah receives a letter mailed by Hannah shortly before her death, things take a more serious turn.  They never found the person who murdered their parents...could the two tragedies be linked?  With the assistance of Deputy Sheriff Paul Gleason, Sarah begins digging deeper and uncovering facts that someone is desperate to keep hidden.  Someone who is desperate enough to come after anyone who gets in their way.

: :

This was a suspenseful read and I enjoyed every page!  I love a good mystery, and this was definitely one of them.  Very well written, clean romance, with the love of Christ shining brightly without being cliche, the plot drew me in right away.  The characters were believable, relate-able, and like-able.  I found Sarah especially so.  Always comparing herself to others, especially her sister, thinking that she's nothing special.  I think that's something a lot of us do.  I loved this part in the book, "We can't see ourselves clearly when we're standing in someone else's shadow...God created you to be Sarah."  God has made us each our own, unique person, with our own special talents.  If we're constantly comparing ourselves to others, then we won't see that.  Not only was this is fantastic mystery, but I came away from this book encouraged and uplifted.  I'd recommend it to anyone without hesitation.

: : I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. : :

It's awesome.

It's awesome...sitting around a campfire singing hymns with friends.

It's awesome...going to the contra dance with your very favorite people in the entire world.  And then going to a friend's house for ice cream.  And then going to the park to watch the oncoming storm (no, not the Doctor - a lightening storm;).  And not getting home until 1:30 AM.

It's awesome...dancing.  Dancing is wonderful.  I don't know how I did without it for so long.

It's awesome...curling up on the sofa with a cuppa tea and a good book.  I've been enjoying Julie Klassen's regency romances lately.  The Apothecary's Daughter and The Tutor's Daughter were so, so good!

It's awesome...finishing a 1.2 acre fenced area for you sheep.  You can never have too many fenced pastures.

It's awesome...having a dad, brother, and friend who are willing to help pound t-posts and put of fencing.

It's awesome...driving the tractor! :D

It's awesome...raising and lowering the post hole drill on the tractor.  Clutch in, switch on PTO, clutch out.

It's awesome...that the lambs are almost ready to be butchered.  I'm ready for them to go, and I'm can't wait to have meat in the freezer!  September 30th! :D

It's awesome...going to Home Bible Study Fellowship at the assistant pastor's house.  Excellent study (we're going through Acts) and wonderful fellowship.

It's awesome...that the assistant pastor lives only a few miles down the road from us.  Really loving the short driving time!

It's awesome...when the librarian sees you checking out Doctor Who for the 100th time, and says, "Okay, since you're a Whovian, I have to ask...what do you think of the 11th Doctor?"  Which prompts an all out fangirl conversation.  We agreed that Ten is the best, Eleven is still the Doctor (although definitely not David Tennant), and we're happy to see a more 'mature' Doctor in Twelve .  And if none of that made sense to you, I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...but not sorry enough to stop. ;)

It's awesome...when your bro says, "I should be a wedding planner..."  And he's almost serious.  He'd probably be really good at it...just sayin'. *grin*

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!

Miscellany

Right now I'm listening to Christmas music and gazing happily at the gently falling snow outside.

Yep. we got our first "real" snow of the year a week ago!  It starting snowing during the night and didn't stop till the next night.  It wasn't snowing very heavily though, so we only got about 6-8 inches total.  Like I said, it's currently snowing again and it doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. =)

Last Friday, my bro and I had a bunch of our friends over for a game night.  We all had way too much fun playing our special version of Pictionary for several hours.  In our version (sometimes known as The North Idaho Homeschoolers Version;) there are two teams, one list of words, and whichever team gets through the list first wins.   Plus each team is in a separate room with the list somewhere between the two, so you have to run out of the room, get your word, and run back to your team.  Yep, it's lots of fun!  After two families had to leave, the rest of us played Apples to Apples until around 11:30 PM.   And yes, we were really starting to lose it towards the end there. *grin*

Do you know what happens when you're trying to open something that requires a sharp object, there are four guys in the room, and you innocently ask, "Does anyone have a knife?"   Almost instantly, there are four assorted pocketknives being held out to you.   I only needed one! ;)

Right now, my ewes are visiting Earl the ram at a friend's house.  I'm sure they're having a grand time, but poor Maggie (aka The Nibblin' Lamb) is missing her mommy a bit.  I've been spending extra time with her to try and make up for that.  The girls will be coming home around December 8th.  I'm hoping and praying for clear weather.

Oh, and the most exciting news - my Grandma Barbara is coming up from CA for a visit!!!   She'll be here in less than a week.   I think it's been about 2 or 3 years since I last saw her, so yeah, I am super excited and cannot wait! :D

I'm set for winter reading material for a while!   I decided I needed to read The Hobbit again before the first film comes out next month.  It's no fun if you can't point a finger and say, "That wasn't in the book!"  Hehe - at least for me.   Reading Ben-Hur, Wuthering Heights and David Copperfield for the first time, although I've only started Ben-Hur so far.  I'm LOVING it!!  The other two, Angel Train and The Parting, are just what I call "filler" books - light, easy to read in one or two days.  Angel Train...well, I love westerns, but this one was rather poorly written (imo) and I found much of the plot twists and story line to be a trifle cliche...not to mention the heroine was rather irritating.  The Parting I have read before and loved, so I thought I might want to read it again.

And lastly, something to think about...

This includes both those you meet in real life and those you meet online.

Well, I'm going to make some hot chocolate and curl up by the fire with a book.
Happy Trails, y'all!

Going Through the Era's {Fun Monday} - 1940's

I'm linking up to Bramblewood Fashion's Going Through the Era's event!

This week {March 11th-17th} is the 1940s.

Today's theme is...Fun Monday!

{share games, TV shows, music, radio shows and books from the era}

....

The Andrews Sisters were in high demand during the 40s, and were the most profitable stage attraction in the nation.

I just love their songs Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Bei Mir Bist Du Shon, and Oh, Johnny, Oh Johnny, Oh!

{Fun Fact: those of you who watch the Narnia movies may recognize Oh, Johnny, etc. as it was used during the hide and seek scene in LWW.  You probably all knew that already, but you never know...}

One of the popular crooners of the day, and someone who has been one of my absolute favorite singers for as long as I can remember, is Bing Crosby.

Here's his version of Don't Fence Me In, one of my favorite songs, sung with the Andrews Sisters.

After checking out Hanne-col's post for today, I realized I'd excluded two of my favorite entertainers...
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans!
Several years ago, I fell madly in love with Roy and Dale.  All I watched were their movies.  All I listened to were their songs.   For about a year:)
And I still love them very much, but they've had to make room for others whom I have come to love.
But here are a few of my favorite songs from one their movies...

They just love giving each other a hard time and are so, so cute together! :)

I love all of their films, but I think that Lights of Old Santa Fe is my very favorite.

.....

The Patty Lou books by Basil Miller are a series of Christian adventure book for teen-age girls from the 40s.
There are only 3 book in the series from what I can tell - there isn't any information on these books online that I can find - Patty Lou of the Golden West, Patty Lou's Pot of Gold, and Patty Lou of the White Gold Ranch.

I own two of them, although I must admit that I've only read one of them, Patty Lou and the White Gold Ranch.  I received the other book as a present from a friend last year and just haven't gotten around to reading it yet.  You know how it goes - so many books, so little time. ;)

Anyway, the one I have read was both interesting and fun to read, with a good Christian message.

My books are both marked Second Edition 1943 and were published by Zondervan Publishing House.

Basil Miller also wrote a Christian adventure series for teen-age boys, about a boy named Ken.  I have the first book in that series, Ken Rides the Range, but can't find it right now.  I enjoyed reading it very much, though.

I've seen copies of these books in antique stores for about $4 each, and I'm sure you could find them on ebay, if you are so inclined.

.....

Happy Trails, y'all!

Miscellany

I haven't had much to say lately, have I?  I guess that's because there just isn't much going on right now.

Winter is a slow time of year around here.  A time for resting...in between shoveling snow, feeding animals and hauling buckets of water from the creek. ;)

Source: thelittlehermitage.tumblr.com via Natasha on Pinterest

It's a time for curling up by the fire and reading a good book.  I've been reading lots of Nancy Drew and Beverly Lewis this year, a rather odd combination to be sure.  I also read the play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.  I LOVED it!  So, so funny!!  And I'm working my way through our A encyclopedia.  Someday, I'll have read them all from A-Z.  At least that's the idea;)

Source: feelingstitchy.com via Jill on Pinterest

It's a time for crocheting or sewing like mad while watching an indecent amount of classic films. =)

This week it's been The Major and the Minor (so, so cute and funny!), Guys and Dolls (Frankie!!!), The Caine Mutiny (awesome performance by Bogie), On the Waterfront (Brando), The Guns of Navarone (Gregory Peck), and The Razor's Edge (Tyrone Power).

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I had a marvelous sleepover with Kellie in her wall tent the other day in honor of her 20th birthday.  We ate chocolate, drank chocolate mint tea, watched an awesome movie, laughed, giggled and squealed.  We may or may not have screamed a few times from sheer delight.  The little hoodlums (aka Kellie's younger sisters) were busy elsewhere, so we had the entire evening to ourselves. =)  The next day was spent driving up to Sandpoint for some window shopping and singing along to crazy songs in the car.  I might have some pics to share at a later date, but I'm not sure how many we actually got - having too much fun. :)

Speaking of Kellie...if you haven't already, then you really should go join in the fun over at her blog.

We're all having a simply marvelous time at the Literary Heroine Blog Party!

And you may be seeing some of my handy work over there sometime during the festivities...:)

I've been working on sewing a dress from the vintage pattern I bought.  I decided to make my first effort red gingham, like the one on the pattern envelope.  It's a pretty simple pattern, but I'm having some difficulty getting it to fit me correctly - thank goodness for Betty, my dress form!  I don't know what I'd do without her. :)

I'm planning a surprise for you all next month...but I can't tell you what it is.  I'll give you a hint though - it has to do with my Etsy shop's one year anniversary, my birthday and one of my hobbies.
Ok, so that was three hints.

As I was browsing through some of my old Wallpaper Wednesday posts, I decided that this wallpaper of Aragorn needed some help.  He looked rather green before...well, more green than he is now=)

Here's the updated wallpaper...

Much, much better! 

You can find this wallpaper, and over 40+ others designed by me, on the "for {You}" page.

And I believe that wraps it up - I can't think of anything else I absolutely needed to say.
Happy Trails, y'all!

Literary Heroine Blog Party {2012} - The Questions

First of all, a very Happy 20th Birthday to my dear friend Kellie! =)

~* The Questions *~

Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!
 (I'm totally stealing this from the intro I wrote for Grace's Jane Austen blog party;)
Hey there!  I'm Natasha Marie. 
If this is your first visit to this crazy world of farm life, crocheting, movie watching and randomness that I call my blog - and my life - then welcome!
I live with my family in the beautiful mountains of North Idaho, about 80 miles from the Canadian border.
In general, I'm a very quiet, shy person, but I love to laugh and be crazy. :)

  I take pleasure in many things including, but not limited to, horses, raising sheep, crocheting, sewing, reading, watching classic films, living in the country, dancing, singing, playing the piano, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

As my mother has had Lyme disease for the past 2 years and is confined to a wheelchair at present, I'm the one who takes care of the house and family by cooking, cleaning and grocery shopping.  My wonderful brother helps with the cooking - he's an excellent cook.  I also take care of my small flock of sheep, the horses and the llamas on a our little "farm".  It's not always easy but the Lord has been teaching me and helping me to grow in so many ways, for which I am thankful.

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

A true heroine puts the needs of others ahead of her own.  She is gentle and kind, always up for adventure, and always a lady no matter what the circumstances.

Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to.
 ~Margaret Hale~
Margaret, I admire your strength, your gentleness, your willingness to take care of your mother and help others.

~Jo March~
Dear Jo!  Always getting into scrapes because of your tongue and hasty temper.  We are so alike - we are both learning to think before we speak.

~Kate~
Stepping Heavenward
Kate, for the same reasons as Jo March, you and I are sisters.  Thank you for inspiring me to keep moving forward one step at a time, relying on the Lord for my help and strength.

~Elinor Dashwood~
You're so quiet, calm and strong - I wish I were more like you.

Five of your favorite historical novels?  

The Scarlet Pimpernel (the entire series really, especially El Dorado), The Scottish Chiefs, Captain Blood, Little Women and Pearl Maiden.

Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why? 
 Oh dear, oh dear...favorite main character.  Well, I picked Sir Percy last year, but this year I'm going to go with Miriam from Pearl Maiden.  She doesn't compromise her faith, even though it means giving up the man she loves.

Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? 
Hmm...I really don't know. :)

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there?  Scotland and Austria - I want to do and see everything in Scotland, including a horseback ride cross country over the highlands and on the beach (you really can do that!), and, while I was across the pond, I'd visit my relatives in Austria:)

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about?
 The early American frontier - everything was so new and exciting!  

That's one of the reasons I enjoy James Fenimore Cooper and Zane Grey's books so much.

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? 
 Singing, maybe with Kellie or the North Idaho Hat Band (my bro's band).

If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 
Probably Margaret Hale or Jo March.  Or Esther from Ben-Hur.

What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate?

Delicious stuff! =D

Favorite author(s)?  

Baroness Orczy, G.A. Henty, Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, James Fenimore Cooper, Rafael Sabatini, Lousia May Alcott, L.M. Montgomery, Zane Grey, Beverly Lewis...shall I continue?

Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land?
 My journal and scrapbook.

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

19th century

In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… 

Sir Percy Blakeney, of course!!

Describe your ideal dwelling place.  

My house of dreams is...a country victorian style house in the country, surrounded by trees, with a pond and a stream gurgling nearby.  The house will be white with lilac shutters and trim, with a wrap around porch that goes all the way around the house, a bay window with a window seat, a window seat at the end of the upstairs hallway concealed from view by curtains with a "shh, I'm reading" sign, a library with shelves from floor to ceiling with those neat little rolling ladders to reach the topmost books, a kitchen with a cooking island and a big sink, an attic crammed full of old furniture and trunks full of delightful things from days gone by, lace curtains on all the windows, a laundry chute, a music room with a baby grand piano, wood flooring throughout the whole house, and a room set aside as the school room.  Also, no ideal dwelling place of mine would be complete without a barn, so a large barn with plenty of room for my horses, sheep and other livestock, a cozy place for me to sleep during lambing season, and a covered walkway from the barn to the house so I don't have to shovel a path through the snow.  And this ideal dwelling place will be located in the ideal, beautiful state of Idaho!  There - you asked for it;)

Sum up your fashion style in five words.  

vintage * simple * comfort * plaid * feminine

Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? 
 Heavens, yes! but I can't think of an example at the moment. ;)

In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is...
  Lady Mar from The Scottish Chiefs - a completely odious, traitorous woman, to be sure!  I also have to say Mr. Wickham from Pride & Prejudice because he's so deceptively pleasant at first glance.

Three favorite Non-fiction books? 
God's Word (of course:), our set of World Book Encyclopedias, and Adam's Synchronological Chart of History.

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon?
 Sitting on the glider swing reading, riding my horse, taking a nap on the glider swing (I love our glider:), exploring our forest, and drinking lemonade.

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character.
A crocheted slouchy hat/beret/tam or a newsie.
And a floppy straw hat for the summer.


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

 My mom being so ill with Lyme disease (duh;), going to the National Oldtime Fiddlers competition in Weiser (not competing, just listening:), wall tent sleepover with Kellie.

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38 & 39

I'm looking forward to reading everyone's answers! =)
And I totally give-up on trying to get the spacing to work on Blogger.  It just won't work.  The end.

Miscellany

The question is, is it "grey" or "gray"?  I've always wondered.  Finally, I looked it up on Wikipedia, and what-do-ya-know?  Both are correct.  I prefer "grey", though.  Always have.

I'm lovin' this song from the film Fireproof right now...the lyrics speak to my heart.

The 1 1/2 or more feet of snow we got last week is now melting again.  Hello, ice!  Hello, slush!  I missed you...not.

Oh, here's my updated blog button.  

There was a slight error in the blog address at the bottom previously.
Tis' fixed.

<center><a href="http://natashamarieh.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Day by Day" src="http://cedarspringsranch.org/tasha/blogbutton-daybyday.jpg"/></a></center>

Got some yummy books from the library and I can't wait to dig into them!  Historical fiction rocks. =D

Ok, so I don't know anything about her and I haven't really liked any of the movies that I've seen her in, but I think Anne Hathaway is absolutely gorgeous.

But you know something?  My best friend is even more beautiful...

Kellie is beautiful clear through - both inside and outside. 
I've said this many, many times, dear, but I so treasure our friendship. 
You are so, so special to me and I love you more than I can say.

And that's all of the little thoughts that have been bumping about in my head this week. :)

Happy Trails y'all!

Project Gutenberg

Reading a book on your computer?!  That's...that's practically sacrilegious!!!   Half the fun, no! more than half the fun of reading a good books is the feel of the book, the rustle of the pages turning, the smell.   A book on the computer?  That's ridiculous!  Unheard of!  Absurd!  And silly!  And ridiculous!  Wait.  I said that already...  Anyway, you get the picture=)

But...it would be rather handy not to have to go to the library and borrow a book (Especially after losing some for about a month.  I'm in no hurry to go back to that library!  I'm probably on a wanted poster down there, "Wanted, dead or alive, for outrageously overdue books, Natasha Marie Henkoski, $500,000,000 reward".  I might even have to leave the country!...;), or, go to a bookstore and buy it...wait?  What am I thinking?!  A book on the computer? 

Hmm, well, it can't kill me to try it...or can it?  As I saw it, I had three options:

1) I can disguise myself, and go to the library, at the risk of being discovered and facing a life sentence in debtors prison for overdue fines,

or,

2) I can get myself to the nearest bookstore as fast as I can before I die from not having a new book to read, and hope that I make it in time,

or,

3) I can download a FREE ebook without having to go through the extra hassle of even leaving the house, or my chair, for that matter.

Hmm, the choice is obvious...risk prison, and go to the library!=)  No, no, no, bad idea!  What else can I do?  I'm desperately in NEED of a book.  Right now.  Period. 

Ok, alright.  I'll download an ebook...

I first heard about Project Gutenberg on a friend's blog, and then on my cousin's blog, so I thought I'd check it out.  I liked what I saw (and I trust my friend and my cousin's good judgement:), so I decided to take the plunge, and download *drum roll please*...an ebook.   Jane Austen's, Sense & Sensibility, to be precise...as well as Emma, a Henty book (In the Heart of the Rockies), a Jules Verne (Robur the Conqueror), and a James Fenimore Cooper (The Spy).  So, yes, I downloaded not one, but five ebooks:)  The last two I got on a whim, only because I'd heard about them somewhere.

This is just a test, mind you.  I don't know if I'll like this, reading a book on a screen, instead of feeling the solid bulk of the book in my hand.  But, I was desperate...I NEEDED a book to read.  You understand, right?:)

Here's a link, in case you would also like to take the plunge and download an ebook:)

Project Gutenberg