My Book: What Do You Think?

I have been working on a novel for quite a few years now, although a lot has changed since I first began, and I am very slowly nearing the end...Finally!
 It needs a lot of work still, and whenever I go back to reread the first few chapters, I cringe and just have rewrite some of it.
 So it is still a working progress.

Now just some pieces here and there:

Katherine set about to make the house a home, remembering her mother’s wise words she had heard throughout her young life:

“Remember, Katherine. A home is more than clean floors and neat beds. Even if you fill the whole house with dozens of flowers and the brightest décor you can find, it will be a cold, empty home if you do not fill it with love.

Laughter, tears, joy and sorrow must all abide in a house of love, for these are the things that make up life.

And if the love of God is in every corner and crack of your empty home, it will be filled with the strength and comfort that will enable you go get through life.

Home is where God’s heart is.”

Katie embraced these words with all her being and vowed to make her house a happy, welcoming home, where the Presence of her Savior would warm every heart that entered.

Oh, yes, she had times where her selfish nature would overcome her vow, and she would allow herself a few moments of anger and frustration, but after all, to be human is to be flawed, and Katherine Renee Hayes Tucker was the first to admit that she had quite a few flaws
 

Rain pattered on the umbrellas as the small group crowded the bus station that cold, wet Tuesday morning. Carrie held Amy’s hand in her gloved one, standing stiff and without emotion while little brother Ethan slumped beside her, his hands shoved deep inside his overall pockets. Water poured from the brim of his hat that bent into the wind.

Konner pulled his own hat down over his eyes, and his face remained expressionless, his arms hanging limply at his sides.

Nolan stood close to Cole and Mama, his big brother’s bag clutched firmly in his hands, while those deep blue eyes remained bright and proud as he gazed at the tall man in front of him. He respected Cole greatly, as a son would his father, and seeing he in uniform only added to that deep affection that he had for his big brother.

The train was waiting, its engine loudly chugging as it sat at the edge of the wooden sidewalk. People were hurrying into its dry exterior; some were in uniform, and their friends and family called out greetings and goodbyes as they stood beneath their umbrellas.

It seemed as the world had given a sudden tilt, knocking them all off of their feet, and it was hard to consider getting back up.

But get up they did, and when they did stumble to their feet, they ‘came up swinging‘, as Konner would say.

Tom West immediately began orders for the shipyard in Seattle, Carl Flynn signed a contract with the Army to train horses for government use, and the young women volunteered at the local Red Cross.

What of the young men?

All the brave young men of the Valley tossed down their plows, lariats and hammers, took up their guns, and marched away to war, leaving behind tearful mothers and sweethearts.

 

Ethan tossed the wood shaving he had been fiddling with, his expression guarded.

Looking into the swaying trees and dark gray sky, he remained silent a moment, simply listening to the sounds of the snow-covered hills.

Finally he spoke. “I reckon not.”

He nudged a clod of dirt with the toe of his boot. “But then, you aren’t Papa. We really can’t ask you to be someone you’re not.”

Ethan shrugged as if uncomfortable and added, “Guess we’d better let you go on being Nolan.”

Nolan glanced down at the silent boy, a grin suddenly brightening his features as he reached to muss Ethan’s hair.

“Here I was just thinking how young you were, and then you grow right before my eyes.”

Ethan gave him a bashful smile, looking both amused and pleased at the same time.

“Come one.” Nolan clapped him on the shoulder. “Let’s go see what Mama has got on for supper. This chopping has given me an appetite.”

It still needs a lot of work, but what so you think?
 Would you be interested in reading such a novel?

                                                                      LaKaysha
 

 







The Merry and Bright Tag

I was 'unofficially' tagged by Marissa for this tag, so I thought I'd give it a try.
 (Meaning she walked up to me and literally tagged me in person, because she forgot to online. lol)

 

 



Favorite movies to watch at Christmas time:

It's a Wonderful Life
Holiday Inn
Little Women
An Avonlea Christmas
Mrs. Miniver
Shop Around the Corner

I'm sure there are lots more, but I really can't think of any?

Some Christmas songs that make me want to sing:

It's the Most Wonderful Time of Year
Silver Bells
Its Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Winter Wonderland 
Wonderful Christmas Time
This My Prayer for You

Some Books that I love in the Winter:
I really don't read any specific books in the winter, so I guess I'll just name a couple books that I adore in any season. ;)

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Nancy Drew (for old-time's sake) by Carolyn Keene
Heart of India series Linda Chaikin
Shalako by Louis L'Amour
Dark Canyon by Louis L'Amour
Bendigo Shafter by Louis L'Amour

Some Christmas goodies that make me smile:

French bread and homemade cheese dish
Mocha truffles
chestnuts, almonds and other nuts, cracked with my Grandma's old nutcracker. <3
peppermint milkshake from Burgerville
hot apple cider
candy canes
sugar cookies

Some Christmas-y words that make me happy:

snow
cocoa
Jesus
manger
Merry Christmas
angels
glory

Some things about Christmas that are awesome:

The gathering of family and loved ones
sitting on the floor and gazing up at the tree
secrets and hidden presents
The joy and peace that seems to overtake the world


Favorite Christmas memories:
 
Hmm.... well, let's see.

When we used to live in the Yellow House, my big sister and I ran outdoors in our purple robes and slippers to catch the falling snow on our tongues, and I can still feel the cold on my cheeks at the memory. <3
Listening to John Denver sing as my sister and I (Felicity, again) jumped from couch to couch, and every once in a while I would cry, 'I flit, I float. I make believe I fly!'
 (Not sure if those are the right words, but that's what I said) haha
Another special memory is lying on my stomach, on my Grandma's kitchen floor, as the women stepped around us to prepare the meal, intently coloring a picture from the old Christmas coloring books and enjoying the smells and constant murmur of voices. 
 Speaking of voices, nothing takes me back like hearing my Grandpa read the Christmas Story in his low voice, so soothing and gentle, and I can close my eyes to become a little girl again.

Some Random Things that make THIS Christmas Special:

My cousin, who I never see, coming to our Warnke Christmas, and bringing his girlfriend with him!
 It so nice to meet her, and seeing him was wonderful.
My uncle Casey playing and singing for us. <3
 Hm.... Having a bedroom to sleep in makes this Christmas awesome! lol
Now I don't have to worry about my parents hanging the stockings in the living room, which is where I used to sleep. ;)

Well, that's it!
 I hope you enjoyed it, ya'll.

I tag:
Emily at Living Through Jesus 
Michaila at Mic's Room

Don't freak out.
You don't HAVE to do it. lol

                                                              LaKaysha

Winter Photo Shoot

The other day I realized I didn't have hardly any nice pictures of myself, and I was pretty tired of the same old Facebook profile photo. ;)
 So I decided that I should get dressed up, do my makeup (I usually do that everyday, anyways) and I dragged my sister out into the freezing, crisp air to snap a few photos.
 Please excuse the frizzy hair, for it has been VERY dry out, and I'm as dry and wrinkled as a year-old raison. lol
 It snowed just days after these photos, and it would have looked even better with fluffy white snow instead of brown leaves, but that can't be helped. ;)

What do think? Did they turn out well?

 The last one isn't edited in any way, so please don't judge. ;)

                                                                      LaKaysha



2016

So it's not QUITE the new year yet...
 But I thought it'd be nice to look back on the year that's now ending, and I thought maybe you'd like to join me!

Let's see....
 Wow, I find that I really don't have much to say.

Kaysha and Roger's wedding was the highlight of the year!
 It was wonderful to help with the preparations, and Kaysha and Roger were so happy. <3

Wedding Rehearsal

There was our trip to the ranch, which was a blessed time and a trip I will always treasure in my memories.
 I enjoyed seeing all the boys run wild in the hills, their music, and their teasing and joking with each other.
 Driving fourwheelers at the ranch is always something I look forward to, the wind tugging at my hair and the dust blowing in my face. (and dirtying up my contact lenses. tsk tsk)
I mean, it's closest I can get to a horse since my aunt and uncle moved and took their horses with them!
 (Never will quite get over that one)

Just realized both pics are of my brother...

Oh, well.

He's cute, ain't he? ;)

 

I babysat a little boy a number of times this year, and I would post some photos but I'm not sure if his mother would want that.

 He's such angel, I enjoyed having him, and so did the rest of the family! :)

 

I took another trip, this time to the Memorial Day Campout our church puts on each year, and enjoyed that trip as well.

 Nothing could beat the ranch, though. ;)

 

This girl is nuts.... ;)

 

My parents and two youngest siblings took a road trip to Texas for business, and they were gone WAY too long for my liking.

 I did enjoy the sister time, but hey, I actually like having my family around. ;)

 

All set to go

 

I got contact lenses! *woo woo*

 I'm told I look fine in my glasses, but let me tell you, I never liked those things.

I was glad to save up enough money to final get some contacts.

Took a bit to learn how to put them in, but now it's second nature, and as long as my money holds out, I plan to wait a long time before going back to glasses! 

 





 

And these are just some random pictures from the year.

 Please excuse the bad lighting and all. I never bothered to edit, and some are from my cell.

Just had share. Aren't my parents just too cute for words?

They have such a spirit of youth and are the perfect picture of a wonderful marriage

One of my projects. :)

This is a picture of my parents when they were young, which I

transferred onto wood.

A vintage 1950's cotton dress I bought from a antique store.

 

My sweet little cousin. <3

 

Getting ready to head to Grandpa's for Thanksgiving.

Yeah, so we are weird. Accept it.

Love this little boy! He makes my life so much brighter

with his sweet cheeky grins and his snuggles.

My cousin came down for Thanksgiving!

Always love having her around. :)

 

I am sure there is a lot I have missed, but that's all I can think of for now.

 

 It seems like my posts have been rushed and very, let's say, 'unpoetic' these days but I always seem to be in a hurry lately.

 Please excuse the bad grammar and rather 'dull' writing. :)

 

What have you done this year?

 

                                                                       LaKaysha  

My Favorite Singers Part Three

I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving! Mine was awesome. :D

Now that we got country down (sooooo many singers) it's time for my crooners/jazz/rock list! ;)
 Don't freak, ya'll.
My 'rock' is more down-beat than modern country. lol
 

Vera Lynn

Nobody can sing a song like Vera Lynn. <3

Living in England during the dark days, with the terrifying bombings and other threats, she portrayed the courage and strength of all the people of Europe.

She sang to the soldiers fighting overseas and gave them encouragement to continue the harsh struggle against the Nazis and Japanese war machines.

Soldiers from Europe and the Americas were all thankful for this lovely little woman and her rich, soothing voice singing them back home.  

She is still living today!

I love her beautiful accent, her soothing, meaningful way of singing, and then, she's beautiful!

 Some of her songs that I enjoy are:

'Coming In On a Wing and Prayer'. 'We'll Meet Again', 'When the Lights Go On Again', 'Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye', and 'Yours'.

 My all-time favorite is:

'As Time Goes By'. <3 

The Andrews Sisters

These three also played a huge part in keeping up the morale during WWII's dark days. :)

 Their beautiful harmony was perfect and the happy rhythm of their songs kept everyone hopeful and smiling even as the world raged afire, and they entertained the homesick servicemen.

 I love their unique style and plucky attitude. :D

Some songs: 'The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy', and 'Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree'.

 A trio that still hasn't lost it's ability to charm the hearts of millions!  <3 

Frank Sinatra

 One of my personal favorites. Must. control. urge. to. squeal.... *Swoon*

 He was the picture of class and charm (just look at that smile!) with a way of making your heart just fly with his voice.
 His music either makes you snap your fingers in tempo or close your eyes and glide with the song. :)
I can't even begin to describe the way he sings a song.
 So happy and care-free you want to dance and laugh or so lonely and sad your throat hurts to hear him sing. ;)
He was the 'Justin Bieber' of the 40's (although the two don't even compare. Blech) with his soothing voice and happy grin, and many a girl dreamed of seeing 'Old Blue Eyes' in person.
Incidentally, a couple other nicknames he had were 'The Voice' and 'Swoonatra'. <3
 But I can't spend my whole time swooning over old Frank. lol :D
Some of his many, many hits include:
'I'll Never Smile Again', 'In the Wee Small Hours', 'Young at Heart', 'My Way',
 'Nancy, With the Laughing Face', 'My Kind of Town', and 'Fly Me to the Moon'.
Love this guy!

Dean Martin

Another heartthrob of the late 40's and 50's (and another heart-thumper for me. lol), Dean Martin was one of the greatest crooners of their time. (besides Sinatra. Nobody can beat Frank)
 His unique voice is aamaaazing, and his rhythm irresistible. ;)
He was born to Italian parents, and I think that added to his unique voice. :D
 I actually haven't heard too many of his songs, but of the ones I heard, I really liked. <3
Some songs:
'Sway', 'Return to Me', 'My Rifle, Pony and Me', and 'Volare'.
 If you haven't heard him sing, you have to check it out!

Perry Como

Now this guy!

 He's got a voice like no other, and you just have to hear him sing, 'Sugartime'!

 Swoonville! ;)

He's got a rhythm like a gently rolling sea, and a voice like the summer wind. <3

 *Ahem.* *struggles to hide the dreamy look*

Anyways, he's a great entertainer with a great voice. ;)

 Some songs:

'Magic Moments', 'It Had to Be You', 'Almost Like Being in Love', 'Sugartime', 'Some Enchanted Evening' and 'Catch a Falling Star'.  

Andy Williams

I grew up hearing this guy sing the theme song for 'Where The Red Fern Grows', but I never realized it was him.

 Even then my throat always choked up and I felt like crying when I heard him sing.

A couple years ago he played on my Pandora and I thought, 'Hey, he sounds like the guy in 'Where the Red Fern Grows' but of course it isn't him.'

 Well, it was him. ;) haha

I added his station to my Pandora and loved his melodious voice!

 He has a way of making you cry, no matter what he's singing.

Or maybe it's just me? *embarrassed giggles*

 Some of his beautiful songs:

'Moon River', 'The Exodus Song', 'Can't Help Falling in Love', 'Danny Boy', 'The Impossible Dream' and 'The Hawaiian Wedding Song'.

 Wonderful artist!

Doris Day

Finally another girl on this list. ;)

 I LOVE Doris Day and her simple yet elegant way of singing, and she was so pretty, too!

Because of her simple, 'girl-next-door' look, she was called 'The Tomboy with the Voice' and it's not hard to see why!

 Her powerful but soothing tone is amazing and I could never tire of her pretty voice. <3

I enjoy watching her in the musical 'Calamity Jane' and singing the house down. :D

 Some of her songs that I love:

'Que Sera, Sera', 'It Had to Be You', 'Again', 'We'll Meet Again', 'By the Light of the Silvery Moon', and 'Moonlight Bay'.

Ed Ames

 I first discovered Ed Ames when watching 'The Daniel Boone Show' in which he played the character 'Mingo' (LOVE) and in some way or another we found out he was a singer.

 He had been part of the 'Ames Brothers' (which is another great group to look up) but later went on his own. :)

His voice is rich, deep and beautiful, with wonderful, sophisticated backing music, always perfect rhythm, and one of these days I am going to buy an album for myself. ;)

 Some of my favorite hits of his:

'There's a Kind of Hush', 'They Call the Wind Maria', 'Thing Called Love' and 'My Cup Runneth Over', 'When the Snow is On the Roses', and 'Edelweiss'.

 :D Love this singer!

The Everly Brothers



 I grew up with this duo, because they are considered both country and rock and I grew up with country music. ;)

 Although their voices are a little higher than I usually like (I prefer baritones. lol) I really like these two's style and rhythm.

 They've got great harmony and a unique style that's different than any other singer I've heard.

It is also for sentimental reasons that I love them so much. ;)

 They were one the groups that the teenagers and young people of the time listened to endlessly, and helped shape the decade into the 'rocking fifties'. :D

They have got such great 'snappy' music, but could also croon a song so beautifully you could swoon. ;)
 Some of their songs:
'Devoted', 'Crying in the Rain', ''Wake Up, Little Susie', 'All I Have to do is Dream', 'Cathy's Clown', 'Problems', 'When Will I Be Loved', 'I'm Here to Get My Baby Out of Jail', 'Love of My Life', and 'Ebony Eyes'....
 I could keep on going, but could never name all their great hits. ;)

Peter, Paul and Mary

This group I just recently discovered, and I haven't heard that many songs of theirs, but the ones I've heard I really enjoyed. :)
 The woman usually is the lead singer, but sometimes the men sing solos, too, and they have beautiful harmony.
 Their voices are so soft, sweet and simple, with quiet guitars and pianos as their backing music, keeping the whole song soothing and soft.
 My sisters tease me and tell me they are hippies, but I haven't heard any songs that sound like 'anti-war, peace and love' hipsters, although they may have some.
 My favorite song of theirs is by far: 'The Wedding Song (There Is Love)' which I would love to have in my own wedding someday. :D
 Others include:
'Where Have All the Flowers Gone?', 'Leaving On a Jet Plane', '500 Miles', 'Blowin In the Wind', 'If I Had a Hammer', and 'This Land Is Your Land'.
 Now I think about it, 'Blowin in the Wind' may mention something that could sound a little 'hippyish' but it's a really pretty song. ;)

Ricky Nelson

*flustered giggles* <3

 Need I say anymore?

Ricky Nelson was a teen idol of the fifties and sixties with a gorgeous voice, wonderful rhythm, and *cough* he's not bad looking either. *cough*

 He had such a way of singing that is so hard to explain.

It was always as if there was a great storm swirling around him as he stood there calmly singing in his melodious voice, with those bright blue eyes shining.

 His style also varied from slow and pretty, to jazzy or 'rockish'. :D

 He was always so quiet and humble about his talent, and I think that appealed to the fans even more.

If you haven't heard him sing, you haven't lived, my friend! ;)

Some of his songs include:

'Hello, Mary Lou', 'Everlovin', 'Fools Rush In', 'Never Be Anyone Else But You', 'Sweeter Than You', 'Young Emotions', 'You Are the Only One', 'A Wonder Like You', 'Garden Party', 'Right By My Side', 'Lonesome Town', 'Honeycomb', 'You Are My Sunshine', 'For Your Sweet Love'......

 I've got to stop!

But there are so many!

Elvis Presley

Aw, come on.

 Do I even have to say anything more?

I mean, everybody knows Elvis, right? ;)

 Although most people probably haven't heard his really good songs.

He had such a deep , deep voice that carried so well with such rhythm.... <3

 I don't listen to him near as often as Ricky, and I prefer Ricky Nelson over him, (sorry Kirsten) but I still enjoy him every now and then. :)

 My favorite of all his songs: 'Follow That Dream'.

Other great songs include:

'Blue Suede Shoes', 'Don't Be Cruel', 'Love Me Tender', and 'Always on My Mind'. 

The Carpenters

I love these two!
 A brother and sister group that really made it to the top during the 1960's, they had such a way of singing that makes your heart just dance! :D
 I haven't heard too many of their songs (my, I say that a lot) but I really love their style.
So melodious, unique and fun. :D
 You should really check them out!
They also sing, 'There's a Kind of Hush' and do it BEAUTIFULLY. *sighs*
 Others include:
'Top of the World', 'Jambalaya', and 'Yesterday Once More'. (I heard it once)
 LOVE!

The Cascades

This is another group I recently discovered because of Pandora, and I am really growing to love them!

  They have such wonderful harmony with deep, voices and a beautiful musical background like no other.

 Some songs:

'Rhythm of the Rain' (LOVE), 'The Last Leaf', 'Shy Girl', 'Dreamin', 'There Is a Reason', and 'Angel On my Shoulder'.  

The Lennon Sisters

These girls have a harmony and melody that few people can match in this day and age.

 So soft and pretty, in perfect harmony, they were big during the fifties and sixties, and three of them still sing together today!

 Some songs:

'Sugartime', 'Moon River', 'Georgey Girl', 'Zip-ah-doo-dah', and 'When I Fall in Love'.

 Beautiful!

The Seekers

 This group is from Britain, so my siblings accuse me of being a traitor to my country. (which makes no sense since Daminika loves Jim Dale, who is also English. Oh, and Davy Jones! He's English, too, sister dear).

 Anyways, I think they have great voices and a lovely style to their music.

(This group is also from sixties)

 Some songs:

'World of Our Own', 'Georgy Girl', 'Kumbaya', '500 Miles', 'Danny Boy', and  'Morningtown Ride'.

And we come to end of my favorites singers series!

 I am sure I missed many people. but if I tried to came every single singer I ever thought was nice, we'd never be off of here!

Do you know any of these people?

What's your opinion on old-time singers?

                                                                  LaKaysha