Unknown Tag// Miss Me Yet?

Well well well. 

LaKaysha has done a blog post! Call out the Newsies! Extry, extry read all about. "Girl ain't dead!"

Ahem. No, in all seriousness, I didn't think I'd ever be on here again. Blogging isn't a priority for me anymore, and no one seems to care about me, my life, or my thoughts these days. But I sort of missed it, so "Here I be! Ain't I pretty, it's my city..." Sorry, that gif got me going. I recently watched Newsies and rediscovered my love for musicals. Honestly, it may even top the 90's Annie. 

Anywho, to be perfectly honest, this tag has been in my drafts for so long, I don't even know who tagged me or what the tag is called! So if you'll allow me some liberties, on the grounds of...of..

Yeah, I did it again

Whoever tagged me, wherever you are, I hope you get what is due you, because I cannot thank you when I cannot remember you. 

r  u  l  e  s

thank the person who tagged you

answer the questions

nominate 5+ bloggers

1. Why did you start blogging and why have you kept blogging?

I truly don't know. A lot of my friends were blogging, back when blogging was new and cool, so I decided to give it a try. I found I loved the written language, and that helped me find a way to express myself through words; ah, I am thankful I discovered my passion. 

As for the second part do the question, I don't think I am qualified to answer considering how long a break I took. Lol  

2. What is your favorite type of blog posts to write?

Hmm... I don't really know. It's usually an assortment of things, like deep thoughts, humor, and entertainment. 

I generally enjoy all kinds, since it helps me practice on different writing styles. 

I enjoy reviewing movies or books. I think I would do those more often if people liked it. 

3. What are your top three favorite blog posts?

 

Top Ten Louis L'Amour Couples 

Top Ten Book Couples 

My favorite Singers: Parts 1,2, and 3 

4. What are your three favorite things?

Um, I have a lot, so let's just throw some things out there. 

1. Music 
2. Books
3. Mountains 

5. What are your favorite blogging moments?

Hmm... photo dumps are always wonderful to look back one. 

I love reminiscing or writing about the past. I think in a way it helps me to cope with my grief, so any moments like that are my favorite.  And example:

Goodbye

6. Describe your personality in three words:

Um... Awkward, deep, quiet 

7. What are your top three pet peeves?

1. Sending me pics of every single meal you eat, even crackers and cheese. I.don't.care
2. This new fad of disregarding punctuation, capitalization and generally every single rule in the grammar book. It doesn't look cool; it looks like you can't spell. 
3. Wrinkled sheets 

8. What is something that your followers don't know about you?

Well, there's a lot that my followers don't know about me, because they only see the side I allow them to see. Hmm.

I can be extremely goofy, or extremely quiet and calm. There is literally no in-between for me. 

I also am not tech savvy and have very little patience for cell phones and computers because I literally can't understand them. I also stink at math. 

And there you have it! My first blog post in... I don't even know how long. 

Please excuse the rushed air of this entry; it has been a long time and may take me a while to get back into this groove. 

I have no one to tag, but feel free to do this anyways! If you can figure out the name of this tag. lol 

We shall see when I come back! Until then, may the wind be at your back and bacon on your plate, and luster in your hair. 

LaKaysha, what are you talking about? 

                                                                             

song lyric Q&A || challenge

I have been absent... as usual. Work and personal things keep me from my blogging most of the time, but I am here at the moment so...enjoy it! *winks* 

 If you're following my beauty blog I'd like to apologize for the sudden silence on the fashion series. In the Northwest it's been rather wet, and busy, so you may have to wait until spring for the rest of the posts! So sorry! 

 Anywho, Daminika tagged me for this challenge she created herself (very clever, I must say. My congratulations on her stroke of genius) and I thought it sounded like a lot of fun. 

 Ya'll know I love music, breathe music, think music... so this was an exciting challenge!

R U L E S:

•  link back to the blogger who challenged you
•  answer the five questions using only song lyrics
• the entire song doesn't have to answer the question - just the line that you use
•  Make sure you say the name of the song you got the lyrics from, plus the name of the singer who sings it
• Feel free to explain why you picked that song lyric, if you feel like it doesn't explain it all
• challenge some bloggers

|| What is your dream life?

"Having somebody to share my life, loving my husband and being a wife..." 
That's Important to Me by Joey+Rory

|| Where in the world do you live?

"There's a full moon in the western sky and there's magic in the air." 
County Fair by Chris LeDoux 

Yeah, Daminika used one of Chris' songs for this question, but what can you do? He sings about the life I have or imagine I'd like to have. *winks* So yeah, I live in the West, even if it isn't as 'cowboy' as I'd like. 

|| What describes you?

"Some days I can't say why I'm feeling lonely, Some days I am too proud to ask for help
And I stumble through the noise, trying to find some peace. A stranger in the crowd, I lose myself."

River by Josh Groban 

|| How do you feel right now?

"Stop the world and let me off. I'm tired of going 'round and 'round."
Stop the World (And Let Me Off) by Susan Raye

|| What is something you like to do?

"Ride a hundred miles and not see one fence." 
Cowboy's Dreams by Joey+Rory

I don't have a horse, and no one where to ride one. But I used to visit my Grandpa's ranch in eastern Oregon, and nothing made me happier than hopping onto a four-wheeler and driving as fast and as far as I could. No, it wasn't a hundred miles, but you get the idea. *winks* 

Man, that was difficult! I am a walking musical encyclopedia, but the minute I sat down, I forgot any song I ever heard. lol

I tag:
Shantelle 

Felicity

And anyone else who wishes to participate, just say I tagged you, okay? *winks*

                                                                                                In a tearing hurry,
                                                                                                        LaKaysha

The Merry and Bright Tag

My lil' sis over at Walking in the Sonshine tagged me for this. I reckon you guys are getting tired of only seeing movie reviews, huh? I do apologize for boring you. 

 Anywho...let's get into it: 

favorite movies to watch at Christmas time:

It's a Wonderful Life

Holiday Inn 

An Avonlea Christmas 

Father Knows Best (TV show) 

Mrs. Miniver  


some Christmas songs that make it Christmas:

Christmas Guest by Reba McEntire

Pretty Paper by Randy Travis

Christmas Spirit by Diamond Rio 

Home for the Holidays by The Carpenters 

Santa Clause and Popcorn by Merle Haggard 

Til the Season Comes Round Again by Reba McEntire 

Let it Be Christmas by Alan Jackson 

C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S by Kitty Wells 

Old Kris Kringle by Kitty Wells 

There's a New Kid in Town by Keith Whitley 

Okay, I need to stop

some books that I love in the winter (aka give me all the feels):

The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder 

Boring? Sorry. lol. I guess I don't have many books that give me the feels for Christmas. I mean, any book worth reading is worth reading any time of year, right?

some Christmas goodies that make me smile:

Cheese fondue and french bread 

Spiced apple cider

mocha truffles 

Ham dinner (Christmas dinner) 

crescent rolls 

sparkling cider


some Christmas-y words that make me happy:

stars 

snow 

Christ 

lights 

music 

night

some things I look forward to every year:

Christmas dinner

listening to Christmas music (NEVER before Thanksgiving) 

making gingerbread cookies 

decorating the house and the tree

the large Warnke Christmas at my grandpa's house 

Tree farm <3

Christmas bazaars 

sweaters 

Christmas cards 

favorite Christmas memories:

My favorite memory of all-time is the family gatherings at Grandpa's. We kids would pull out the bottom drawer of one of the cabinets in the kitchen, dumping the piles and piles of colorful crayons on the blue and white linoleum floor. Then we'd lay on our bellies, coloring the pictures of Barbie or Santa or whatever coloring book we grabbed, while the mothers stepped over us and bustled about, making gravy and potatoes and all the other goodies to go with the ham. How they remained so patient with us right below their feet, I'll never know. 
 Then came the time to gather in the living room, where Grandpa would read the Christmas story aloud in his deep, gravelly voice and I would snuggle in his lap along with a few other cousins, playing with his scratchy beard or stroking his dark hair. 

Another fond memory is one from the Stenersen Christmas. My Grandma S sent out matching pjs to the grand kids, and Daminika and I, along with our two cousins Emily and Kirsten, wore them while bouncing around barefoot on my aunt and uncle's cold concrete porch.  Oh, we were goofy kids once. 

If you've followed me for a while, you know that I work as a cleaning day lady for a few different clients. I started last year, along with my sister Daminika. 
 Well, one of clients, Betty Sue, is an elderly woman who is a retired politician (a Democrat) and is home when we arrive to clean, which means having to hold a conversation with her.  Being a stout Conservative and a shy Scandinavian, I wasn't too keen on the idea, but a job is a job. Make the most of it. 
 That first Christmas, however, Betty Sue asked us to decorate her tree for her, since she's getting up there in years. As she watched us begin, tears came to her eyes and she quietly excused herself, saying it was difficult to prepare for the holidays "without Bill." 
 You see, her husband passed away earlier that year and that was her first Christmas alone. 
 I was thoroughly rebuked, feeling like God was reminding me that even if our views are different, this woman is His child, too. And in need of love and grace, just like me. 
 When Christmas Day came, I texted her that morning, telling her that she was on my heart that day, and that I said a prayer for her, asking that God would bless her and comfort her during this time of grief. 
 Her response was heartwarming, as she thanked me and assured me that hearing that meant so much to her. 
 I know she doesn't fully understand God's love and forgiveness, but prayerfully she will someday. And knowing that He can use me and or my sister as a small beacon of light for her fills me with awe. It's a lesson I'll carry for the rest of my life. 

some memories to be made this year: 


My niece Kate's first Christmas

Gathering with family 

Decorating Betty Sue's home! 

Filling the house with smells of bakery 


watch 'It's a Wonderful Life' like we do every Christmas Eve 

guidelines:

Take the banner and put it in your post
List as many things as you want in each category
Tag as many people as your heart desires!

I'm afraid I won't be tagging anyone for this, but feel free to do it anyway! 

                                                                                LaKaysha

All About Autumn//Tag

Hello, darlings! 

 Yes, yes, I've been absent again. I could apologize but I won't. 

Anyways, let's get to the point. 

 My sister tagged me, so I figured the least I could do was participate, right? 

 - What are your plans for this fall?

uuuummmmm.... Eat good food. Try to stay sane. Buy a car. The usual things, right?

- Which two things tell you that the Autumn season has begun?

The cold mornings, and the smell of rain *happy sigh*

- What are three things you love about the season?

The rain. Ah, lying in bed listening to the sound of raindrops on the roof. 

The cold. If anyone knows me, they know I can't stand heat. Ugh. The cool, crisp mornings of fall just warm my heart more than a hot, humid day ever could. 

The fashion! Throw on a sweater and some boots and I'm happy 

- What is the best way to enjoy the rain of Fall?

Snuggled up in a blanket, sipping hot cider and reading a good book (probably a Louis L'Amour) with slow jazz playing on the record player. Oh, and the fire crackling in the stove. *sigh*

- What is your best memory from fall?

Well, let's see. Aside from the Fall Party we've had since I was a very little girl, my favorite memory would probably be Thanksgiving. 

 Gathering together at my Grandpa's house, the smell of turkey and gravy filling the warm kitchen, while a million little kids ran free and played hard. I was one of those little kids, and have to admit, I miss it. <3

- What is your favorite scent from Autumn?

Cinnamon. Cloves. Apple cider. All the spices...mmmm

- What is your favorite Autumn color?

Well, every post I've read, people said Burnt Orange, and I had to admit, I am unsure what that is. lol 

 The color I like is a rusty brownish color, but maybe that IS burnt orange? 

- What is your favorite fall inspired drink?

Spiced Apple Cider <333

- What is your favorite food from Autumn?

That's a toughie. Probably fresh apple pie, made from home canned apples 

- Which place would you love to visit in the fall?

New Hampshire, of course. They have abundant colors during fall, and all those cute little local farms selling pumpkins and apples, and corn mazes... Besides having family there, the Autumn season is the only season where they have pretty (and bearable) weather. Sorry, New England. Humidity is NOT for me. 

And there you are, ya'll. Sorry I'm not very chatty today. It takes me a bit to get back into my blogging 'groove'. Please be patient with me!

Unique Blogger Award

So waaaaaaaaay back in November, Shantelle tagged me for this. 

 After a few months absence, I have decided to give blogging one more try, so... Better late than never. Right?

 

Anywho. Rules:

Answer all the questions asked by the blogger who nominated you
Share the link of the blogger who nominated you
Nominate 8 to 13 bloggers for the same award
Ask 3 questions

1. What are you passionate about? Tell us all about it!

 I'm an American history geek. I'm not ashamed to say it. 

Typically, I am the most passionate about the wars in America's pasts, but some peaceful times catch my interest as well. (The Lewis and Clark Expedition<33333, The Oregon Trail, Jim Bridger and other mountain men, The Great Depression; if that's considered peaceful...) 

 I used to be a huge Civil War fanatic, and I still am, mind you, but the war that grabs at my heart and mind is definitely the Second World War. 

 I mean, they were called the Greatest Generation for a reason, and they deserve to be remembered. <3

2. What is one of the best books, novel or nonfiction, that you've read in your lifetime? What is it you love about it?

That's a tough one.....I've read so many books. 

Uncle Tom's Cabin is a book that never fails to dig deep into my heart and reminds me of how strong the love of Christ can be. It gives us the strength to forgive even the most wicked enemy.

I just know I'm going to think of six more after I click the 'publish' button. *shrugs*

3. What is your favorite holiday? Why

I'd have to say either Christmas or Independence Day. 

 Christmas is kind of a given. Who doesn't love the warm feeling it brings, as the household buzzes around, preparing for the holiday? The smells, sounds, and sights are something that stays in your mind for years. 

 Independence Day has always been an exciting time for me. Maybe because I'm such a patriot? I don't know. 

 There's something about the smell of gunpowder, the sound of fireworks, the speeches and songs that make your heart swell and you sincerely pray, 'God bless America'. 

 

I tag: 

Felicity @A Grand Adventure 

1. What is one sound that will always remind you of being a kid? 

2. What is one of the best movies you've watched in your lifetime? 

3. What is your favorite country song? 

If any of you would like to do it, feel free! 

Hello September// TAG

I can't read that title without thinking of the Owl City song. 

 "Hello, Seattle, I am a manta ray...."

I know, I'm super late!

 My sweet big ol' sister over at A Grand Adventure tagged me for this one, so I suppose I'd better do it, eh? Can't say no to my eldest sibling, even if I can win in a wrestling match. 

 LaKaysha, what are you rambling about?

ANYWHO....

 R U L E S 

Answer the questions and then nominate at least three other bloggers. Write out at least ten new questions or just copy these. Include the guidelines in your post, use the tag picture, and try to avoid nominating bloggers who have already been nominated.

Q U E S T I O N S

sweaters or hoodies?

hmmm... I think sweaters. In all honesty, I think I own one hoodie that I would actually wear in public (the other one is a work one), and it's pretty boring. Maybe if I had a cute one?

 windy or rainy day?

Rain. When we have windy days around here, it gets pretty scary, as large branches fall and the wind howls at night. 

 I prefer to snuggle on the couch, reading a good book, or maybe drawing, while listening to jazz music as the rain patters outside. Am I the only one who finds rainy days perfect for some relaxing jazz piano?

 favorite fall time drink? 

Hands down, spiced apple cider is my favorite. Or fresh pressed... any kind of cider. <3333

favorite fall color? 

Maybe army green or burnt orange.

what song makes you feel cozy?

Besides jazz, like I just mentioned? lol

 Christmas songs always make me feel cozy. 

Old Time Christmas by Randy Travis 

Till the Season Comes Round Again by Reba 

 favorite part of fall in your state?

The cold, crisp, foggy mornings. Mmmm, exhilarating.

favorite pair of boots? (picture please)

 I'm going to have to break the rules and not post a picture *please don't hate me*
My cowboy boots, unfortunately, are the only boots I own that I actually like. lol 
 They are comfortable and adorable, ok?
  

favorite jacket? (picture please)

 I also have no picture. *oops*
My jean jacket I just recently got from my mom, is super cute and comfy <333

favorite fall memory?

I have a lot of those. 

 If I had to pick one, I guess it would be when we lived further North, and we had a huge tree in the front yard. The leaves that fell from it made the best jumping pile, and we would swing on a hanging branch, before dropping in the soft leaves. 

 That was the same year we made a scarecrow using my dad's old sweatshirt, jeans, and a milk jug. The jolly looking fella sat in the tree and watched our fun. <33

favorite fall pass time?

Either pressing apples from Grandpa's trees into delicious cider or sitting on the swing our front, watching the leaves fall and dreaming. (when I'm not working, that is. I do have a life. lol)

 if you could go anywhere in the USA, just for the fall scenery, where would you go?

 Maybe Maine? 

Oh, definitely Colorado. Have you seen the Rockies in the fall? *sighs* 

And seeing how this month is nearly over, I am not going to tag anyone this time. (no one ever does it anyways. cough cough)

I hope you enjoyed, and I'll see ya'll soon!

                                                                                  LaKaysha

Sunshine Blogger Award// Tag

"Hello, world. This is me..."

I'm back, did you miss me? HAH. 

 Anywho, to get straight to the point, Daminika tagged me for this little ol' Sunshine Blogger Award. 

 I am supposed to say thank you, so....Thanks, buddy. 

Onward.

T H E   R U L E S: 

Thank the blogger who nominated you and link their blog: 

Answer the questions the blogger who nominated you provided

Nominate new bloggers and make up 11 questions for them to answer 

List the rules and have the Sunshine Blogger logo present in your post 

1.  what was the last movie you watched (and enjoyed)? 

Hmm..... probably 'State Fair'

2.  favorite summer-y food?

Just one? 

maybe..... potato salad?

3. last adventure you had? 

The Benton-Franklin Fair and Rodeo

4. road trip or airplanes? 
Uhh... maybe both? I hate flying, but it gets us there faster,
I love road trips but at the same time, it takes too long. lol
So either one, depending on how badly I want to get there.

5. what is your dream wedding color(s)? 
Well, for years it was yellow and blue, but now I've been leaning towards
soft pink and a very soft lilac color

6. what song have you had on repeat?
'Love Remains' by Hilary Scott
or 'Better Part of Living' by Ned LeDoux

7.  girly-girl or tomboy?
Guess both? I have grown very girly through the years, (believe me) but I have
never lost my love for guns, fourwheelers, and other boyish activities.

8. first celebrity crush? 
Seeing as movie characters don't really count, I guess my first serious, fangirling
celebrity crush would have been either Charley Pride or Roy Rogers

9. top three favorite blogs?

 Julia Ryan

A Grand Adventure

Walking in the Sonshine, Dancing in the Rain

10. how long ago did you start your blog?
Exactly five years ago tomorrow.
Wow!

11. how do you feel you've grown since starting your blog?
I hope I have grown considerably, viewing the fact that I was
fifteen years old when I started. lol
I think I have matured in my writing quite a bit, learning the art as I plugged
along all those years.
 My character has grown as well, prayerfully,
into a stronger, better woman.

And that's it. 

My questions:

1. What was your favorite movie, five years ago?

2. Apples or pears?

3. Do you wear makeup?

4. Where would be your dream place to hold your wedding?

5. Favorite 'wintery' food?

6. Captain America or Superman?

7. Do you play in instrument?

8. If so, are you self-taught?

9. What is your favorite hymn?

10. Favorite season?

11. Go-to outfit? 

I tag:

Julia Ryan 

Anyone can answer the questions in the comments, if they'd like!

                                               LaKaysha

Baby Name Challenge// Tag

R U L E S 

Answer the questions 

Tag three friends to do the same

Hello, all! 

 Yes, I've been absent for quite a while, after I assured you updates were coming.... But it's July, ya'll, one of the busiest months of the summer!

 I will be trying to get an Independence Day post up at some point. Please be patient with me. 

 Oh, and speaking of which, I hope you all had a wonderful July 4th!

Felicity tagged me for this, which I'm actually excited about, since baby names are my biggest 'daydream subject' next to my wedding and kitchen. (yes, kitchen. It's the most important part of the house) 

 I've been writing up names since I was old enough to write (anything to be like 'Sissy') but the list has changed considerably through the years. 

 Now! Onward:

1. What are your favorite boy & girl name from the top 100 of the year?

Okay, so this was really hard..... 

 I LOVE a lot of boy names, so it was difficult to pick. A lot of names trending this year are old-fashioned, Western sounding names, so I was pretty pleased by a lot of them. One I found was so cute I had to share, even if I am hesitant to say whether or not I would name by boy this: Lincoln. 

 Anybody who knows me would agree I'm a Lincoln fanatic, so.....

Boy: After a long and painful process, I chose three.

Henry, number #18 on the list , James, number #16 and I actually kinda like Harrison #26

Girl: Hah. This was a lot easier

Evelyn, #27 and Maria #81
 I've always loved the name Maria. But I've always been a romantic when it comes to Spanish names 

2. What are your least favorite boys and girls name from the top 100 of the year?

Boy: Albie #58 

Girl: Zoe #97 (I've just never liked these modern-sounding Z names)

3. If you had twins, what would you name them?

Boy-Boy: Clark and David (I dunno why, They sound nice together?)

Girl-Boy: Beulah and Benjamin 

Girl-Girl: Lana and Loretta 

4. If you could change your name to anything, what would you change it to?

I love my name, but I guess if I had to change it, I'd do something elegant and old-fashioned like Eleanor

5. If you had four children, any sex, all with the same letter, what would their names be?

Boy: Laramie  

Boy: Logan 

Girl: Lydia

Girl: Lynette

6. What is your favorite animal inspired name?

Girl: Robin 

Boy: Hawk 

Guess I like birds?

7. What is your favorite color inspired name?

Boy: Slate 

Girl: Pearl

8. What are your top three favorite boys names? 

Ok, so I have a lot of boy names that I love. And narrowing them down to three is very, very tough. I literally love them all, except the ones I hate?

 (does that even make sense?)

Tyrel 

I've always, always loved this name, ever since I read one of my first Louis L'Amours, The Daybreakers but I'll never be able to use it, since I have a very close cousin with the same name..... Ugh 

So we'll name another one: 

Flint

Ahem, also a Louis L'Amour..... hehe. 

But I've been toying with the idea of using Flynn instead? Not sure

Nolan

 AGAIN, this is a Louis L'Amour name that I love, but it is also a family name. But, I think I may actually get away with using it, since my uncle has the same name, and he may be flattered. *wink*

Rafe 

I don't even know why I like this one, but I just recently accumulated a love for it. lol 

9. What are your top three favorite girls names?

Beulah

I grew up watching So Dear to My Heart and Summer Magic. 

 The character of 'Granny' in So Dear to My Heart was played by an actress named Beulah Bondi and as a child, I thought she was amazing.

 In Summer Magic the family moves to a town called 'Beulah'. 

It just seemed like such a romantic name, and I still love it. 

Abilene

 This is Hebrew, meaning 'Land of Meadows' <3

Mary Lou

 I wish people would stop thinking of pizza when I say this name. I think it's adorable.

10. What is your favorite month inspired name?

I can't think of any boy name besides August.... 

Girl: April

11. Choose a name from a movie.

Boy: Heath from 'The Big Valley'

Girl: Olivia from 'The Waltons' 

12. Choose a name that is already in your family.

Jeremy

 Uncle

 first cousin-once-removed 

Violet 

cousin 

 13. Choose a name from a book.

Tucker from 'Tucker' by Louis L'Amour

Diana from 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery 

And there you are!

 Your thoughts?

I tag: 

Jessica 

Shantelle 

Sophy 

I hope ya'll enjoyed! 

 And now I'm off. It's too beautiful a day for computer time!

                                                               LaKaysha