The Liebster Award || T A G #2

I did this tag back in February, but was tagged by Daminika this month, so I hope ya'll don't mind if I do it again. *winks* 

 I'm supposed to thank you, Daminika, so I guess I must. thank you

"It's part of the game." *Hayley Mills accent*

R U L E S 

Thank the person who nominated you 

Answer the 11 questions they gave you

Name 11 facts about you 

Nominate 11 bloggers to do this tag, and let them know

Give them 11 questions to answer 

1. What are five "little" things that always make you happy?

 Blue skies, sunshine, fruit smoothies, dark chocolate, and baby snuggles.

2. The first book that made you cry? 

 Well, I think the first book that made me tear up was 'Over the Misty Mountains' when Patrick died, but now when I read that I'm not even phased. Not really a Gilbert Morris fan anymore. 

 The first book that I can recall that really made me cry, tears rolling, heart broken, was actually 'Girl's of Lighthouse Lane: Lisbeth's Story'.

 I was probably eleven or twelve years old? And I sobbed in my bedroom for hours after her little sister died. 

 I don't really cry too often in books, but some like, 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and 'Little Women' can still make me tear up. 

3. What song describes you? 

Heh. A song that describes me? I'm told that I'm beyond description, but I will try. *wink* 

 Lookin at Country by Loretta Lynn, Call Me Old-Fashioned by Bradley Walker, or maybe Hometown Girl by Josh Turner.
 I'm sure there has been a song that makes me say, "That's totally me!" but I can't of anything right now.
 I took a quiz once, that was supposed to tell me which song fits my personality, and I got 'Stand By Your Man' by Tammy Wynette, and the quiz said basically I am loyal and loving. How cool is that? Now THAT'S cool. *sunglasses*

4. If you were to play in a movie, who would you want to be your co-star?

Oh, boy. I could have a fangirl moment and go on and on about some actor or another. 

 William Moseley, Logan Bartholomew, Chris Evans, Gregory Peck, Jimmy Stewart... *laughs* 

 But if I am being honest, and I truly was going to be cast in a movie, I guess I would like someone like Robert Young (because he strikes me as so sweet and fatherly) Dean Jones, Gary Cooper, or Fess Parker. 

 Now, if my co-star was a female, or a child, I guess I would want Julie Andrews (I love her accent), young Hayley Mills, or Kevin Corcoran. I would have so much fun with those kids. lol

 

5. As a child, which Disney prince made you wish you were his princess?

Oh, yeah. Definitely Prince Eric or Prince Philip. 

 Probably Eric mainly. He was so brave, and sweet.... *girly sigh* 

And that mullet was adorable, right? *laughs*
Then again, Philip still gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling....Guess I can't really choose between them. 

6. One funny thing that happened to you so far this month?

Honestly, guys, I don't have a dull life, but whenever I am asked this question, I draw a blank. 

 I guess.... I caused my cousin Colten to dump water all over the kitchen?

7. Favorite Disney soundtrack?

Uhhhhhh, man, I have so many Disney songs I like, but a certain soundtrack? 

 I guess Brother Bear? Tarzan? 

8. What movie have you been wanting to watch?

The Greatest Showman

9. Who is your favorite author? 

I've been picked on for this, but I am going to be honest, and if you don't like that, I'm sorry. 

 Louis L'Amour has always been, and will always be, my favorite author. 

10. What time do you usually go to bed? Get up?

Oh boy. 11:30 is usually when I actually hit the sack, and getting up? Hmm... probably 8:30, but I usually wake up before that. 

11. Do you like sweet pickles?

Absolutely not! Ick. Dill pickles, oh, yes, always. But never sweet pickles. Ew

11 Facts about Me:

1. I listen to a wide variety of music. Old rock, Old Jazz, country. Ricky Nelson, Elvis, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Hank Williams, Chris LeDoux, Charley Pride and Josh Turner are some of my favorite singers. 

2. I have a hard time to explaining how I feel, but I can almost always find a song that does. 

3. I can play piano. Some. 

4. I once played my uncle's drums, with earplugs on, and had the entire household rushing upstairs to stop the racket. I had no idea I was playing so loud, and am still teased about it, years later.  

5. I have this thing for cowboys and horses. *shrugs* Louis L'Amour's fault. 

6. National Treasure is one of my favorite movies (one of three thousand, that is)

7. I'm extremely patriotic. If you look closely in my eyes, you might see "An American flag waving back at you. I've got red, white and blue growing up my spine." 

8. I recently discovered Captain America, and there's just no going back. lol

9. I wear glasses Monday-Thursday, and contact lenses Friday- Sunday. 

10. I adore kids, but they don't always adore me. I'm too quiet, I guess. Babies like me, though.

11. I love watching movies about people fighting for freedom and rights, like Amazing Grace and

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington  

I tag:

Emily

Julia 

Marita 

Marissa

Felicity 

Sophy

Jessica

Clarissa

Kylie

Mindy 

Shantelle

My questions for you: 

1. If you had a day that you could re-live, what would you do with it?
2. Do you prefer dogs or horses as companions?
3. What is your biggest fault, according to you?
4. If you could talk to a past President, who would you choose?
5. If you could witness an historical event, what would it be?
6. You find a hidden staircase in your Grandpa's house, and when you enter, you discover something amazing. What is it?
7. If you live one day as a fictional character, who would you be?
8. What is something that makes your family unique and special?
9. Which flower: Lavender or lilac?
10. Salty or Sweet?
11. What music genre do you listen to the most?

Well, there you are!
 I hope you enjoyed, and I hope you all do this tag!

                                                                                          LaKaysha

You Can Do It

I struggle with insecurities. ALL THE TIME.
 I feel stupid, slow, awkward, and sometimes, I feel like a complete loser.
There are so many dreams, stored up inside this busy head of mine, but few have I ever pursued.
 When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a dancer.
Then it was a nurse. An artist. A singer.
Once, even a lawyer. *laughs at that one*
 As I grew, while being homeschooled, I discovered I loved history; easily memorizing dates and names.
I adored reading. You rarely saw me without a book in my hand.
And I used those two things to find a new passion.
 Writing.
For school, I would read a book on whatever subject chosen, and my mom would have me write an essay or report about what I read.
 And I discovered I loved using words to describe how the book made me feel, how the author felt, and how this book could help others in the world.
 And I've clung to all three of those passions throughout my growing up days, and I still hold them close.
 I've dreamed of using those passions for something of good use; something that would benefit others, longing to reach out to people and uplifting them.
 Sometimes, I even dream of being able to speak... IN PUBLIC. TO A CROWD.
But my doubts, my insecurities, hold me back.
 I'm not good enough.
I'm not educated enough.
 I'm too stupid.
And I stumble over my words when speaking to friends, let alone strangers.

I dream of being a wife and mother.
 But what man would fall in love with me?
I am awkward and shy, vain and self-centered, along with my health problems and insecurities which would probably annoy him to no end.
 There's just too many things wrong with me.

But I want to tell all of you, right now.
 There is nothing so wrong with you, that you can't follow your dreams, your hopes and desires.
Whether it's being a good wife, a called author, or just a good friend.

No one is a failure, when they try.

Albert Einstein didn't speak until he almost four years old, and didn't read until he was seven. He was told, "He won't amount to much."
 He was also dyslexic, and yet, he's considered the smartest man on earth.

Dr. Seuss' book, "To Think I Saw It on Mullberry Street" was rejected 27 times.

Clint Eastwood was, in his own words, "Painfully shy as a child."

Ludwig Van Beethoven's music teacher said he was "hopeless", and during his career, he lost his hearing, becoming completely deaf. And yet, he composed countless songs, becoming on of the most famous composers ever known.

Temple Grandin suffers from autism, was bullied as a child, struggled to cope with people and understand others, until she learned to thrive with her disability.
 She helped the world understand better what it is like to have autism, and showed others with the same diagnosis, that they were "different. Not less."

Despite his honesty and integrity, Abraham Lincoln was considered ugly and awkward, and he was the master of failure.
 He went bankrupt in 1831, was defeated Legislator in 1832. Lost his fiance to death in 1835, was defeated in 1836, and was defeated for U.S Congress in 1843, 1846, 1848, defeated for Senate in 1855. Defeated for Vice-President in 1856.
 In 1858, he was again defeated for U.S Senate.
In 1860, he was, at last, elected for the United States President, and despite many trials, losses, and heartaches, went on to be the most beloved leader of all time.

Thomas Edison

Helen Keller

Walt Disney

Joni Erickson Tada

Nick Vujicic

The list goes on.
 There have been so many famous people who overcame their problems, who never gave up on their dreams, no matter how many times they were pushed down.
 And so, I want to show all of those out there, who are feeling like they are unqualified to pursue their dreams, or those who feel like you've been knocked down too many times, pushing against a closed door:

"If you've never failed, you've never tried anything new."

And more importantly:

"I can do all things through Christ, which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:13 

Sometimes we need to be tested, again and again, before our dreams can become a reality, but that doesn't mean that we should give up. 

 Yes, I believe there are times when God closes a door, and says, 'No', and that is the time to turn away from that door. 

 But that isn't giving up. It's simply following His calling, even if that sometimes means turning around and walking back down the hallway, with a peaceful heart and an adventurous spirit. 

 Just watch. Another door will open.

Because we are to never, ever give up. 

 Never give up on your dreams. Your wishes. Passions. 

And you are not a failure. 

 As a daughter, as a friend, a mother, a father, a son, a wife, a writer, a singer, an employee...

No man, is a failure, if he keeps on trying. 

 Why I wrote this? 

I don't even know. I suddenly had the need. 

 So I hope it will encourage someone today, and I pray they are reminded, 

"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work."

Never Give Up 

Have you ever felt like a failure? 
                                                             LaKaysha

March Wrap Up

It's April already...................?
 My, how time flies.
It has been a busy month for me. (Ugh, LaKaysha you say that in every update)
 Sorry, guys, if I sound like a broken record.
I have an official job now. *YAYYYYYYYYYYY*
  I clean house, fold clothes, and homeschool my boss's kids, and so far it's been once a week, but hoping for more later on. (because I NEED some income. cough)
 So besides that, I also did a lot of yard work for my Grandpa (with Chancy and Daminika), pruning the fruit trees, hauling and stacking wood, gathering branches, ect.
 It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed helping my Grandpa out.
Plus, he makes delicious lunches. *wink*

I've been writing again, which feel wonderful! <3
 My characters are becoming so real again, like good old friends, and I didn't realize how much I missed them. *hugs them all to my heart*
 My family hates it when I'm writing, but they don't understand the long process, AND they don't understand how utterly frustrating it is to be constantly interrupted during a very important moment in the story, when your really feeling the inspiration.
 "Get off the computer. I haven't seen you all day. I hate it when you're writing. You get so grumpy."
They begin to lean over my shoulder and read out loud, in dramatic voices.
I am ready to throw them all out single-handily.
 "GO AWAY!"

AHEM. 

 But I really have loved throwing myself back into Katie's world, rediscovering the power and magic of words, AND being able to shape Nolan's character more. 

 He's not the main hero, but I love him so much. He's like... a dash of awesomeness. 

I have been working out more, which has always been something I've loved doing. 

 Yes, there are nuts like me who LIKE to exercise. 

One of my goals is to be as fit and flexible as possible, because I have never been 'stretchy', unlike some people I know, who can stretch and fold like a taco. 

 I've also tried avoiding sugar, just because I feel better about myself when I do. 

BUT I have not given up an occasional milkshake. Yet. 

 I have actually skipped the fancy coffee's I love, and chose a delicious smoothie instead. 

MANGO....... *dies*

 So I think that 'mostly' wraps up what I've been doing. 

Same old hum-drum of daily life. 

 Now a rather large photo dump:

I just love small towns

me and some of the other gals 

took a hike in early March. 

It was exhilarating <3

someday we're going all the way to 

Silver Star. Think we can do it?

there was still plenty of snow up top. 

 

One of my favorite drinks of all time <3333

pruning trees works up quite an appetite.

I had two of these *covers face*

my battle wounds from the fruit trees

we took a walk another morning, but didn't take the 

hard trails this time

Emily wasn't here for my 20th birthday, so she 

wanted to take me out. 

Naturally sugar-free frozen yogurt. <33333

Mango smoothie from Arrowhead 

*cries for more*

working hard

my last three dollars of the month....

on a pretzel. What can I say?

late night character sketching

This is Nolan, who I mentioned a moment ago. 

I fell in love with this quick sketch of him *laughs*

 He's so utterly adorable

I have also been reading again, which has been nice <3

This one was pretty good :) 

yes, another mango smoothie

My double second cousin, Chrissa, born on my birthday! 

AND also my double second cousin, Leah, ALSO born 

on my birthday, just hours apart from her cousin

sister texts *laughs* 

I'm so witty sometimes, I amaze myself 

Daminika finally got around to taking my 

birthday pictures, but I hated my face, so you 

are only going to see a random photo of my new shirt. 

So sorry

Currently listening to:

Eye of the Tiger by Survivor 

A Million Dreams from 'The Greatest Showman'

Can I Trust You With My Heart by Travis Tritt 

He's Alive by Dolly Parton

Honey by Dean Martin

More Than a Name on a Wall by Jimmy Fortune

                          sorry, the sound is off

(that's quite a variety. *chuckles)

Currently read:

I really enjoyed this one <3

And of course, I read 'For Love and Honor' 

How was your March? 

Mango or Peach smoothies?

                                                                                            LaKaysha